Week of October 23, 2026
By Christi Davidson | Christi Davidson Real Estate Group
Raised Here. Christi Knows Taylor.
www.callchristi.com

There is a lot happening in Taylor right now.

Fall is in full swing, our local event calendar is busy, new businesses are becoming part of the community, and some particularly important conversations are coming up about manufacturing, workforce development, housing, infrastructure and the policies that will help shape Taylor's next chapter.

That combination is part of what makes Taylor such an interesting place to call home.

I was raised here, and one of the reasons I enjoy sharing these weekly updates is that knowing Taylor has always meant more than knowing houses and property values. It means understanding the people, businesses, organizations and decisions that shape the community around those properties.

This week's roundup comes from the Greater Taylor Chamber of Commerce Weekly Newsletter dated October 23, 2026.

A sincere thank-you to the entire Greater Taylor Chamber team for putting this information together each week and making it easier for all of us to stay connected.

Chamber President & CEO Tia Rae Stone describes Taylor as a community defined by energy, growth and community spirit, with our local businesses at the heart of that progress. That is a pretty good description of what we're seeing throughout Taylor today.

What's Coming Up Around Taylor

Construction Collaboration Luncheon — November 3

The Taylor Chamber Construction Collaboration Luncheon is scheduled for Tuesday, November 3 from 11:30 AM to 1:00 PM.

Featured speaker Bob Bedrich, Director of Business Development at EBCO, will discuss EBCO's approach to building for the future, developing long-term client and business relationships, and the types of projects the company builds.

With the pace of growth throughout Taylor and Williamson County, construction and development are becoming increasingly important parts of the local economic picture.

Register for the Construction Collaboration Luncheon

METT Community Conversation: Manufacturing, Education & Workforce — November 4

One of the most interesting events on this month's calendar is the 2026 Manor-Elgin-Taylor Community Conversation, or METT.

The event takes place Wednesday, November 4 from 10:30 AM to 1:00 PM at Railroad Ranch, 412 Depot Street in Elgin.

Its focus is especially relevant to Taylor:

The Future of Manufacturing and Education in Manor, Elgin & Taylor

The goal is to bring business, education and community leaders together to build stronger regional partnerships and support continued success across this rapidly growing part of Central Texas.

The manufacturing panel includes Michele Glaze, Head of Public Affairs at Samsung; Molly Young-Merritt, Executive Director of the Austin Regional Manufacturers Association; and Rick Brey, Production Manager at Carr Lane Manufacturing.

The workforce panel includes Brandon Powell, CTE Director for Manor ISD; Dr. Laura Marmolejo, Dean of Advanced Manufacturing & Engineering Technology at Austin Community College; Dr. Kelly Coke, Associate Provost at Texas State Technical College; and Paul Fletcher, Executive Director of Workforce Solutions RCA.

Individual admission is listed at $50, with exhibitor tables and sponsorship opportunities also available.

This is an important conversation.

Manufacturing growth doesn't stop at the factory gate. It affects workforce demand, education, housing, transportation, retail, land use and eventually real estate values throughout the region.

Register for the METT Community Conversation

Taylor Chamber Pre-Legislative Summit — November 10

Taylor's growth increasingly means that decisions made at the state level matter locally.

The Greater Taylor Chamber of Commerce Pre-Legislative 2026 Summit will be held Tuesday, November 10 from 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM at the Williamson County Expo Center, 5350 Bill Pickett Trail in Taylor.

The Chamber is framing the summit around several areas that deserve attention: business and economic development, legislative priorities, infrastructure and workforce, community perspective, and opportunities to connect and engage.

Those issues touch almost every part of Taylor's future.

Infrastructure affects development. Workforce availability affects employers. Economic-development policy influences investment. And all of those things eventually influence housing, land and quality of life.

Pre-Legislative Summit Information

Chamber Business Luncheon: Texas Legislative Update — November 16

The Chamber's November Monthly Business Luncheon will feature Jesse Ancira, Visionary Founder of Ancira Wilco, discussing key highlights from the 90th Texas Legislative Session.

The luncheon is Monday, November 16 from 11:30 AM to 1:00 PM and is sponsored by Tierra Grande Realty.

For anyone doing business, owning property or investing in this region, understanding what happens in the Legislature is increasingly valuable.

Register for the November Chamber Luncheon

Power Breakfast: Building a Stronger Workforce — November 18

Workforce development continues to be one of the recurring themes in Taylor's growth story.

The Chamber's CEO Power Breakfast on Wednesday, November 18 will feature Jayne Frasure, HR Manager with SWBC Payroll + HR, an HR subject-matter expert with more than 30 years of experience.

Topics include employee relations and workplace challenges, ADA compliance and leaves of absence, job descriptions and compensation, and employee engagement, retention and development.

The event runs from 7:30–9:00 AM at the Holiday Inn Express & Suites, 180 NW Carlos G. Parker Blvd. in Taylor.

Member tickets are listed at $35, non-member tickets at $45, with sponsorship opportunities available.

Register for the CEO Power Breakfast

Taylor Chamber Awards: Who Deserves Recognition?

One of the biggest additions to this week's newsletter is the launch of nominations for the Taylor Chamber Annual Awards Banquet, scheduled for February 16, 2027.

The theme is “A Night Among the Stars.”

The Chamber describes the annual celebration as an opportunity to recognize the entrepreneurs, community leaders, established businesses and everyday people helping make Taylor a better place to live, work and thrive.

Nominations are due November 23, 2026.

Anyone can submit a nomination — Chamber members, community members or even the business or individual themselves. Award winners must be current Chamber members, and the Chamber emphasizes that the quality and detail of the nomination matters more than the number of nominations received.

Award categories highlighted in this year's guide include recognition for Civic Pride, Spirit of the Chamber, Emerging Business of the Year, Business of the Year and Employer of the Year, among other Chamber honors. The categories recognize everything from beautification and entrepreneurship to workplace culture, leadership and meaningful contributions to Taylor's economy and quality of life.

Submit a Taylor Chamber Award Nomination

If someone or some business comes immediately to mind when you read those descriptions, nominate them.

Community recognition matters.

A Few Familiar Taylor Faces Among Recent Winners

The newsletter also looks back at recent Chamber honorees, including Accurate Pavement Striping, Taylor Sporting Goods, Jesse Ancira III of Ancira Salsa, Guzman Automotive, Paige Morris, Tia Rae Stone and Marco Ortiz, along with outgoing Board Chair Ryan Stiba of Citizens National Bank.

Recognition like this isn't just a trophy.

The Chamber encourages nominees and winners to share their stories, celebrate their teams and use the recognition to highlight the impact local businesses and organizations have on Taylor.

Taylor Community Events & Activities

Night of the Living Deadlift — October 25

Halloween meets fitness on October 25 from 3:00–5:00 PM with Night of the Living Deadlift.

The event features a trunk-or-treat and costume workout, with involvement from Fitness Culture, What's the Tea Nutrition and AAction Overhead Door.

It is exactly the sort of fun, slightly unconventional community event that makes the Taylor calendar interesting.

Central Texas Rural Housing Summit — October 29

This event continues to be one I think deserves attention from property owners, buyers, investors and anyone interested in Taylor's future.

The Greater Taylor Community Foundation's 2nd Annual Central Texas Rural Housing Summit takes place Thursday, October 29 from 9:00–11:00 AM at the Taylor ISD Event Center, 3101 N. Main Street.

The theme is:

“Making Housing Happen — Removing Barriers. Building Communities.”

The summit focuses on solutions for creating stronger Central Texas communities.

Featured participants include Sheila Lowe of Bastrop County Long Term Recovery, Reagan Moffitt of St. David's Foundation, Brita Wallace of Texans for Reasonable Solutions, Felicity Maxwell of Texans for Housing and Greg Anderson of Habitat for Humanity.

The advertised fee is $25.

Housing availability and affordability are inseparable from economic development. Employers need workers, workers need places to live, and communities need infrastructure capable of supporting both.

That's why this discussion matters well beyond the real estate industry.

Bright Steps Community Car Meet — October 31

For a fun family event heading into Halloween weekend, Bright Steps Daycare is hosting a Community Car Meet on Saturday, October 31 from 3:30–6:30 PM at:

589 Carlos G. Parker Blvd NW
Taylor, TX 76574

The event is free and includes cars, photo opportunities, a photo backdrop, kids' arts and crafts, games, snacks and drinks, along with a People's Choice car award at 5:00 PM.

Cars, kids and community — pretty simple formula.

Honoring Those Who Served

American Legion Military Ball — November 6

Graham D. Luhn American Legion Post 39 will host its Military Ball Friday, November 6 from 6:00–10:00 PM at the Knights of Columbus in Taylor.

All military branches, past and present, are invited, and attendees do not have to be members of the Taylor American Legion.

Formal attire is requested, including military uniforms, suits or long dresses.

Salute to the Troops — November 8

The Dan Moody Museum will host Salute to the Troops on Sunday, November 8 at 2:00 PM.

The program includes military and ceremonial elements, and veterans are encouraged to share shadow boxes or other memorabilia.

For additional information, the newsletter directs interested residents to the Dan Moody Museum.

Veterans Day Breakfast — November 11

Graham D. Luhn American Legion Post 39 will also hold its annual Veterans Day Breakfast on November 11 from 7:00–9:00 AM.

Because the Legion Hall is being renovated, this year's temporary location is:

Knights of Columbus Hall
2201 E. 4th Street
Taylor, TX

The breakfast honors everyone who served and is sponsored by the Taylor Chamber of Commerce.

TSTC Car Show & Canned Food Drive — November 21

The Texas State Technical College Car Show & Canned Food Drive is scheduled for Saturday, November 21 from 10:00 AM–1:00 PM at:

Texas State Technical College
1600 Innovation Blvd.
Hutto, TX 78634

The food drive benefits the Advocacy and Resource Center food pantry.

The event also includes a car show, campus tours, local food trucks and vendors, and is listed as free to attend.

It's another good example of an event combining community involvement with education and workforce development.

Helping Taylor Neighbors Through Shepherd's Heart

Community growth is important, but so is making sure the people already here have support when they need it.

Shepherd's Heart Food Community Ministry continues to provide emergency assistance to families in Taylor and is looking for both donations and volunteers.

Grocery pickup is available Tuesday and Thursday from 12:30–3:00 PM, Saturday from 8:30–10:30 AM, with vegetable pickup on the second Monday of each month from 9:00–11:00 AM.

Support or Volunteer with Shepherd's Heart

Staying Active: Track Time & Walk 2 Run

Residents looking to get active can also participate in Track Time & Walk 2 Run, held every Tuesday and Thursday at 6:30 PM.

The newsletter lists drop-in classes at $12, a four-class pack for $36 and unlimited monthly participation for $64. The program is designed to help beginners and returning runners build endurance in a supportive group environment.

Explore Taylor Parks & Recreation Programs

Local Business Growth Continues

This week's newsletter again highlights the diversity of businesses becoming part of the Chamber community, from data-center infrastructure and financial services to commercial real estate, professional services, retail and entertainment.

And I remain grateful that the Christi Davidson Real Estate Group is among the Chamber's recently welcomed members.

The Chamber describes me as a top-producing Broker Associate and trusted real estate advisor serving Greater Austin and Taylor for nearly three decades.

That involvement matters to me because Taylor isn't simply a market where we sell homes.

Taylor is home.

I was raised here.

I've watched the community evolve, and today we're seeing changes happening at a pace that would have been hard to imagine years ago.

Sweet Claw Celebrates Its Taylor Opening

The Chamber also shared photos from the recent ribbon cutting for Sweet Claw Ice Cream & Claw Machines at 417 N. Main Street, Suite A.

The Chamber thanked the community for coming out to welcome the business and encouraged residents to stop by for Blue Bell ice cream, milkshakes and claw-machine fun.

Small businesses like these add personality and activity to Taylor's commercial districts, and they're worth supporting.

5:12 in the 512 at Tequila Ranch

The newsletter also recaps the Chamber's latest “It's 5:12 in the 512” Networking After Hours at Tequila Ranch Events.

The Chamber thanked the venue and everyone who attended for an evening of conversation and community connections at 3320 County Road 405 in Taylor.

Visit Tequila Ranch Events

These gatherings are a good reminder that business development doesn't always happen behind a desk. Sometimes it starts by simply getting people into the same room.

Raised Here. Christi Knows Taylor.

Taylor's growth story is becoming increasingly complex.

We're talking about manufacturing and workforce development.

We're talking about housing.

We're talking about infrastructure and legislation.

We're talking about new businesses, community organizations, education and an expanding regional economy.

And all of those things eventually intersect with real estate.

A home isn't just a structure.

Land isn't just acreage.

The value of a property is influenced by what surrounds it today — and what is likely to surround it tomorrow.

That's why local perspective matters.

Maybe you're thinking about selling a longtime Taylor property.

Maybe you're evaluating land.

Maybe you're considering moving here because of a new job.

Maybe you want to invest.

Or maybe you simply keep hearing about everything happening around Taylor and want someone to help put it into context.

Sometimes the best conversation doesn't begin with:

“I want to buy or sell.”

It begins with:

“Christi, what are you seeing?”

And I'm always happy to have that conversation.

Christi Davidson
Broker Associate
Christi Davidson Real Estate Group
eXp Realty | Luxury | Land & Ranch
512-426-7399
www.callchristi.com

Raised Here. Christi Knows Taylor.

Thank You, Greater Taylor Chamber of Commerce

A special thank-you to Tia Rae Stone, CCE, IOM, President & CEO; Rachael Westerman, Membership Director; and Shaiza Chaudhry, Marketing Manager, along with the Chamber Board of Directors, investors, members and community organizations that provide the information appearing in these weekly updates.

The Greater Taylor Chamber of Commerce is a 5-Star Accredited Chamber by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, a distinction the Chamber notes is held by fewer than 2% of chambers nationwide.

We hope these weekly roundups make it a little easier for you to stay connected, discover something new and support the people and organizations that make Taylor special.

Stay Connected

Greater Taylor Chamber Events
Taylor Chamber Membership Information
Taylor Chamber Membership Playbook
Taylor Chamber Member Spotlight Videos
City of Taylor Community Connections Newsletter
Williamson County Expo Center
Old Taylor High
Taylor Parks & Recreation
Coupland Dance Hall
Subscribe to the Greater Taylor Chamber Newsletter

The Chamber itself recommends these community calendars as useful resources for keeping up with local news and entertainment.

Event and community information in this article is based on the Greater Taylor Chamber of Commerce Weekly Newsletter dated October 23, 2026. Dates, times, prices and availability may change, so please confirm final details with the individual organization before attending.