LSBA, in infancy, wields strong voice
2/1/2007
By Mike Taylor, reprinted from Leon Springs Times, Prime Time Newspapers
Business is bustling in Leon Springs. Just ten short months ago a handful of area businesses in Leon Springs hit on the idea that this “town” was in need of a collective voice. That voice has grown stronger in the past year as area business leaders have joined together to form the Leon Springs Business Association.
The town of Leon Spring, Texas, has a long history. However, no local government exists today, nor has one in the area’s long history. Leon Springs’ first recorded settlement was in 1852, that’s a doughty 155 years ago. The first general store was opened around 1856.
Leon Springs once had a railroad station in 1887; it is no longer there. Leon Springs once had a U.S. Post Office, but it is no longer. Leon Springs formerly had a business association that was dismantled long years ago. Despite its history, Leon Springs has anything but become long in the tooth. It isn’t hard to see that today’s Leon Springs is bustling with new development.
Take for example the intersection of Boerne Stage Road and IH-10. Recent commercial developments that have sprung up in the past few years include a prominent lineup of new businesses adjacent to long established Longhorn Café and Las Palapas. The landmark Leon Springs Dance hall has new ownership and is presently being managed by Black Tie Affairs. Meanwhile, new eateries are popping up all around. Possibly the areas’ most famous landmark, business at Rudy’s BBQ is as strong as ever.
Travel one exit north along IH-10. Here you’ll see the local branch of Texas Heritage Bank and a welcomed assortment of new neighbors including modernized service stations and retail/office buildings. To the south, the Rim marketplace is an anchor for new retail, entertainment and dining in the expansive former quarry. Established area businesses like Preferred Landscape and Lighting have benefited from the area’s growth as the company’s talents have served to beautify the outdoor environment at many area developments.
Keep in mind that development in the Leon Springs area started to explode just in the past few years. It wasn’t until last year that someone took notice and decided something must be done to grapple with the growth.
In 2006, the Leon Springs Times community newspaper reported the formation of the Leon Springs Business Association (LSBA).
What exactly is the purpose of the Leon Springs Business Association? That question usually elicits additional questions. However, the short answer is that LSBA exists to provide a networking forum for area businesses. It’s all about sharing information to gain an understanding of the impact of growth on area businesses. This information comes in the form of development issues, transportation issues, municipal and county services, utilities, etc. It also includes professional advice and services intended to help with operating a business.
There’s also a long answer to the question of “What is LSBA?” As said, this answer comes in the form of more questions. Isn’t LSBA essentially a chamber of commerce? What jurisdiction does the city of San Antonio have? Where can I find assistance with ___?
For the sake of brevity, let’s just say that LSBA is accomplishing many of the goals that its volunteers and its members have set. First, the organization has established a website to disseminate information on its activities—see www.LeonSpringsTX.com. The website serves as the definitive source for information that is collected and share by its membership. A revision to this website is currently underway which will address issues that have been voiced by its members. Second, LSBA understands the value of area chambers of commerce. They are long established organizations, and their function is a model for LSBA in many ways. What LSBA does differently is to provide a focal point on the Leon Springs area. The third goal of LSBA has been to connect with the city of San Antonio. Presently in the extraterritorial jurisdiction (ETJ) of the city limits, Leon Springs is having an impact on the greater San Antonio area. Through LSBA, the Leon Springs community will have a voice as San Antonio continues its northward growth along IH-10.
San Antonio’s growth affects the surrounding communities in many ways. The implications of this growth can be beneficial; they can also be perceived as having negative influence on long established rural areas. Take for example traffic in the area. At peak times, the traffic bottleneck at Boerne Stage Road and IH-10 is best described as horrific. In the past 155 years this has never been so pronounced. LSBA represents a collective voice that reaches out to planners and managers who can tackle such problems.
By being informed, Leon Springs area business leaders can influence changes associated with growth. The unified effort of LSBA strives to make living and working in Leon Springs an exciting and prosperous place for all. Business is bustling in Leon Springs. Leon Springs Business Association is poised to grow in support of its community. Involvement among area business leaders is essential to the strength of the organization. All area business leaders are encouraged to participate. For more information visit www.LeonSpringsTX.com, or call 210-698-8100.
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