Supporters show up for Mansfield Business Alliance launch

By Amanda Rogers

Mansfield Record

The Mansfield Business Alliance launched with a packed crowd of enthusiastic members and supporters.

“There were so many more people here than we were expecting,” said organizer Joe Jenkins as he and members of the Mansfield City Council and Tarrant County Commissioner Alisa Simmons prepared to cut the ceremonial ribbon Wednesday evening.

More than 100 people packed The Grand View Mansfield for the launch of the new Chamber of Commerce.

“As Mansfield continues to grow, there’s a place for everybody in our city,” said Mayor Michael Evans. “Mansfield is a business-friendly city. There’s room at the table for everybody.”

Jenkins, a Mansfield native and insurance agent, said he became of the need for a business alliance about a year ago.

“I ran into the mayor at a ribbon cutting for Pei Wei,” Jenkins said. “I asked why he was there and he said ‘We want to show businesses that we’re happy they’re here.’ That’s when this came to mind.”

The new business group started Wednesday with 25 founding members, but was up to 35 members before the ribbon cutting, Jenkins said.

The group will do after-hour events, ribbon cuttings, coffees and host speakers, he said.

“(Mayor Pro Tem) Todd Tonore said when a business has a ribbon cutting, it gives them a sense of validation,” Jenkins said. “When other business owners show up and show support, you’re making them feel welcome.”

The Mansfield Business Alliance plans to welcome new businesses to the city, and support the businesses that are already here, Jenkins said.

For more information, go to www.mansfieldbusinessalliance.org.