Global Chamber San Antonio Marks 10 Years of Impact with USTDA’s “Making Global Local” Campaign

Celebrating a Decade of Driving Global Growth for Local Companies

As Global Chamber San Antonio proudly marks its 10-year anniversary, and as part of the U.S. Trade and Development Agency’s Making Global Local campaign, we pause to celebrate a decade of building bridges between San Antonio and the world. This milestone is not just about looking back — it’s a powerful invitation to local companies and leaders who want to do more: more international business, more global partnerships, and more opportunities to scale.

Founded under the visionary leadership of Doug Bruhnke, Global Chamber® has become a force multiplier for regional chambers, businesses, and government entities seeking cross-border success. Bruhnke, reflecting on this milestone, shares:

“Global Chamber was founded on the belief that every business can and should grow globally. We’re thrilled to see San Antonio’s chapter helping local companies amplify their impact on the world stage. The next ten years will be even more exciting.”

San Antonio, long known as Military City USA, has emerged over the past decade as a global city — one that harnesses the strength of its water resources, energy innovations, educational institutions, and diverse economy to connect beyond borders.

Among our standout members:
✅ Edwards Aquifer Authority — safeguarding one of the world’s most precious water sources and sharing its expertise on water sustainability.
✅ CPS Energy — America’s largest municipally owned electric and gas utility, working on global energy innovations.
✅ City of San Antonio Economic Development Department — shaping international trade relationships that create local jobs and investment.
✅ Alamo Colleges — preparing the next generation of globally competent talent through workforce training and education partnerships.

These institutions — along with dozens of private businesses, startups, nonprofits, and individual entrepreneurs — represent the backbone of San Antonio’s international footprint.

Why Now? Why Join?
As we look ahead, the global economy presents both challenges and massive opportunities. Supply chain shifts, emerging markets, clean energy transitions, and the digital economy are reshaping the rules of global business. Global Chamber San Antonio is the local partner that helps businesses navigate these changes — confidently and profitably.

We call on companies across sectors — from healthcare to cybersecurity, construction to culture, manufacturing to media — to become part of this thriving network. Together, we can:

• Expand San Antonio’s trade presence in Latin America, Europe, and Asia.
• Position local innovations for global scale.
• Leverage federal tools like USTDA’s support for project preparation, feasibility studies, and business matchmaking.
• Share best practices with companies in over 525 metro areas worldwide through the Global Chamber network.

Celebrating the Impact — and the Future
Global Chamber San Antonio has helped members access millions in new business, forge powerful international partnerships, and strengthen San Antonio’s reputation as a competitive, diverse, and future-ready city. But our biggest successes are the ones we haven’t achieved yet — and we invite you to be part of them.

As Doug Bruhnke reminds us:

“Making global local isn’t just a slogan — it’s a mission. And San Antonio is one of the cities proving every day that local businesses can win globally.”

We thank our members, partners, and supporters for ten extraordinary years — and we invite new members to join us as we build the next decade of impact.

Christopher Herring states, “As we celebrate 10 years of "Making Global Local", we invite you to join a network of leaders advancing San Antonio’s global competitiveness while working to "end generational poverty" at home. Together, we can harness international innovation, investment, and trade to create a stronger, more equitable city.”

For more information on membership, upcoming events, and international opportunities, visit Global Chamber San Antonio or contact Executive Director Christopher Herring.

Let’s make global local — and make the next ten years our most successful yet.