Glenn Hamer
Background
- Current position at Texas Chamber of Commerce
- Former President & CEO of Arizona Chamber of Commerce for 14 years
- Moved to Texas 4 years ago
- Wife and parents still live in Arizona
- Known for extensive policy testimony (over 40 times this year)
Professional Philosophy
- Strong believer in "policy matters" approach
- Views global competition as U.S. vs China (U.S. must win)
- Views domestic competition as Texas vs California (Texas must win)
- Emphasizes importance of Tennessee, Texas, and Arizona collaboration
- Champions innovation and tech-friendly policies
Key Achievements
- Built Arizona Chamber's manufacturing council through acquisition
- Established strong foundation that Danny Seiden built upon
- Now helping Texas with innovation initiatives
- Created "Tech Meets Business" policy center at Texas Chamber
- Run by Megan Morrow (James Herron's sister)
- Leading policy center for tech-friendly policy in Texas
Texas Chamber Focus
- Represents Fortune 500 to small businesses
- Key members include Tesla, SpaceX, Texas Instruments
- Emphasizes Texas's economic diversity (no sector over 10%)
- Highlights Texas achievements:
- #1 in oil and natural gas
- #1 in solar and photovoltaics employment
- More financial jobs than New York City
- Home of integrated circuit
Technology & Innovation
- Personal user of Grok 3 ("my new best friend")
- Uses U.S. LEGE platform extensively for testimony work
- Testified 40+ times using their platform
- Advocates for chambers to focus on innovation
Key Relationships
- Danny Seiden (successor at Arizona Chamber)
- CS Freeland and Texas Venture Alliance
- Megan Morrow (runs Tech Meets Business)
- Laura Carr (recognizes his testimony work)
- Senator Cruz (regarding Advanced Mobility Center at A&M)
Notable Quotes
- "Policy matters"
- "Within the world there's two systems, the U.S. and China. And the U.S. has to win"
- "Big, big upgrade" (jokingly about Danny replacing him)
- "Dollar values double or triple where it helps create an ecosystem"
Working Style
- Extensive legislative testimony (40+ times per year)
- Focus on policies benefiting all industries and sectors
- Emphasis on creating ecosystems, not just individual wins
- Values collaboration with local chambers and EDCs
Interactions
- 2025-05-29: Participated in Texas Venture Forum panel. Discussed Texas's economic diversity, innovation initiatives, and friendly competition with Arizona. Emphasized importance of policy in driving growth and need for states to collaborate while competing. Praised Danny Seiden's work in Arizona while highlighting Texas achievements.
Transcripts
| Transcript ID | Date | Summary |
|---|---|---|
| 2025-05-29-glenn-hamer-ted-cruz-gala-fireside-chat | 2025-05-29 | Fireside chat with Senator Ted Cruz covering legislative achievements, Texas economy, and policy priorities |
| 2025-05-29-texas-venture-forum-regional-innovation-panel | 2025-05-29 | Participated in panel discussion on Texas economic diversity, innovation initiatives, and state competition |