Southeast Texas Chambers Form Regional Alliance

New coalition aims to boost economic development, advocate for shared interests across the region

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A newly formed association of local chambers of commerce in Southeast Texas, called the Southeast Texas Regional Chambers Association (SETRCA), is aiming to use their collaboration and shared interests to better economic development, advocate at the legislative level, and coordinate regional initiatives. The coalition is led by Joe Tant, president and CEO of the Greater Port Arthur Chamber of Commerce.

Why it matters

By uniting local chambers across the region, SETRCA hopes to amplify the voice of Southeast Texas businesses and communities in state and federal policymaking. The coalition will focus on shared priorities like transportation infrastructure, workforce development, and creating a more competitive business climate across the region.

The details

SETRCA is a coalition of 13 chambers of commerce from communities across Southeast Texas, including Port Arthur, Groves, Nederland, Port Neches, Bridge City, Orange, Vidor, Lumberton, Silsbee, Winnie, Jasper, Bolivar Peninsula, and Kountze. The group will meet monthly to discuss regional initiatives and advocate for shared interests. One key focus area is transportation, as many of the member chambers have concerns about highways 69, 73, 96 and Interstate 10.

  • SETRCA was formed in early 2026.
  • The coalition will hold its first monthly meeting in March 2026.

The players

Joe Tant

The president and CEO of the Greater Port Arthur Chamber of Commerce, Tant was appointed as the inaugural chairman of SETRCA.

Letha Knaus

The executive director of the Groves Chamber of Commerce, Knaus is excited about the new regional alliance and the opportunity for Southeast Texas chambers to have a stronger voice.

Mandy Lyda

The director of the Bridge City Chamber of Commerce, Lyda believes the chamber association will provide strength and unity to the area.

Southeast Texas Regional Chambers Association (SETRCA)

A newly formed coalition of 13 chambers of commerce across Southeast Texas, with the mission of promoting shared economic interests, coordinating regional initiatives, strengthening business climates, and advocating for policies that benefit the region.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Our area represents some of the largest and most robust growth in the state of Texas and having all of our local chambers together under one association helps us stay on top of local issues as it relates to Southeast Texas.”

— Joe Tant, President and CEO, Greater Port Arthur Chamber of Commerce (panews.com)

“It is our time to put Southeast Texas in the seat and drive our initiatives, concerns and ideas all the way to Austin. We have great leadership among all of our chambers, and our needs, and our communities' needs have a platform now to begin to let our voices be heard.”

— Letha Knaus, Executive Director, Groves Chamber of Commerce (panews.com)

“Coming together with all the other Chambers in Southeast Texas will show State and local government that we are standing together for the needs of our area. We are stronger in number and that rings true for just about anything you do.”

— Mandy Lyda, Director, Bridge City Chamber of Commerce (panews.com)

What’s next

SETRCA will hold its first monthly meeting in March 2026 to begin coordinating regional initiatives and advocacy efforts.

The takeaway

By uniting local chambers across Southeast Texas, the new SETRCA coalition aims to amplify the voice of the region's businesses and communities in state and federal policymaking, focusing on shared priorities like infrastructure, workforce development, and creating a more competitive business environment.