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Mathew David is the new president of the Katy Business Association. His two-year term began on January 22 on the seven-member board of directors.
The non-profit association incorporated in 1984. Its mission is “To unify all companies to work towards a common goal, that of an economic revitalization of the business district, to create a strong and unified voice which represents the commercial interests during communication with municipal authorities and government agencies. “
The association meets monthly in restaurants in the region, organizes inauguration ceremonies and supports an annual campaign for the benefit of non-profit organizations. In 2019, it had around 85 members.
Mathew is a second generation farmer insurance agent with over 15 years of insurance experience. He studied business administration at Sam Houston State University.
Married with two daughters, he and his family enjoy camping, fishing and boating.
How long have you been a member of the Katy Business Association? How long have you been a member of the association’s board of directors?
I have been a member since 2015. I was elected to the KBA Board of Directors in 2016.
Having attended lunch meetings, it looks like a tight-knit group where everyone knows each other. Why is membership important to you?
It’s a great way to help promote small business. Sometimes, as small business owners, we can feel lonely. The KBA is a great way to connect with other business owners.
What are the objectives of your association for the next term?
To help promote small business. Increase our involvement in the community, Provide updates on the changes happening around Katy, Provide ways to volunteer to give back to the community. Give back to local charities.
What challenges do you see for the Town of Katy? How can KBA help meet these challenges?
The Greater Katy region grows larger every year and it’s easy for businesses to feel overwhelmed and lost in the chaos. KBA makes it easy to connect and find out what is going on in the community, develop a support system and opportunities to connect and give back to strengthen our community.
Is the Katy Business Association different from a chamber of commerce? How? ‘Or’ What?
We are very much like a chamber of commerce in our desire to see the business flourish, and all of the board members are volunteers. However, we have no paid staff and our annual dues are the lowest of any chamber, making the Katy Business Association a great first step on the road to community involvement.
Our smaller, low-cost meetings provide a comfortable setting for those looking to connect with business owners of all sizes. We have board members who try to attend as many other organizational meetings in town as possible to keep in touch with everyone, as each brings a unique asset to our growing region, and we want to support each other.
The KBA has members from as far away as Sealy, Magnolia and southeast Houston. Why is Katy so attractive to these distant businesses?
I believe there are many things that attract these companies to Katy. I believe one of the reasons is the small town feel that Katy offers.
Membership in KBA is mainly made up of small businesses. What types of benefits does the organization offer?
Katy Business Association, Inc. (KBA) networking opportunities to allow you to meet new potential clients and expand your business contacts
Online directory including categorical and alphabetical listings of all KBA members, and a link to their websites and social networks where applicable
Participation in KBA sponsored events
Discounted monthly lunches / general meetings that provide an informal opportunity to meet, talk, learn and exchange business leads
Membership sticker to let others know you are part of KBA
ribbon cuttings
One free e-blast per year (value of $ 75)
Spotlight on new members
Publication on social networks of your events, specials and news
As Houston continues to encroach on Katy’s east end and growth continues to the west, do you see this growth as a good thing for the city and its small business community?
I believe the growth is good and brings us more opportunities
Are you a member of Pêcheurs Anonyme? What is that?
Anglers Anonymous is a family owned and veteran business in Katy, Texas that provides specialty fishing tackle and repair services to saltwater fishermen in Texas. They believe in supporting other family and Texas-based businesses. Much of the fishing gear they have is made by other Texan fishermen. This is a great place to find lures and tackle that you won’t find in your big box stores. It’s a local business that supports Texas entrepreneurs,
Your wife says you are a good fisherman. What do you like to catch?
I love to fish along the Texas coast. It’s a hobby that my dad and I have loved to do together all my life. It’s a great way to spend time with the whole family.
karen.zurawski@chron.com
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