Texas Business Leader Alliance expands team and partnerships to deepen statewide engagement

April 3, 2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE


Media Contact
Becker Kaufman
Becker@emccommunications.com
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Texas Business Leader Alliance expands team and partnerships  to deepen statewide engagement

Cyronica Upshaw joins as Head of Growth and Partnerships; Sharon Jones appointed to Houston Black Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors 


HOUSTON, April 3, 2026 — The Texas Business Leader Alliance (TBLA) today announced the expansion of its leadership team as the organization continues to grow its reach across the Lone Star State. Cyronica Upshaw has been hired as Head of Growth and Partnerships, and Sharon Jones has also been named to the Board of Directors of the Greater Houston Black Chamber of Commerce.


"We're thrilled to welcome Cyronica to the TBLA team," Jones said. "Her experience in strategic partnerships and community engagement is a tremendous addition as we continue to grow our work on behalf of Texas business leaders."


Cyronica brings valuable experience, a strong network, and a deep commitment to expanding partnerships and opportunities that will help advance our work in Texas. In her role, she will own TBLA’s growth strategy while helping shape the organization’s future operating model and leadership structure.


As TBLA continues to drive meaningful impact at the intersection of the public and private sectors, Cyronica’s leadership and expertise will be important to the organization's efforts.


"I’m excited to work alongside the extraordinary leaders of the Texas Business Leaders Alliance to harness the unmatched economic power of Texas,” Said Upshaw. “Our state has long been a driver of innovation, growth, and opportunity, and I’m honored to help build partnerships that ensure Texas businesses are not just participating in the conversation about our future but leading it."


TBLA also celebrates Jones's appointment to the Board of Directors of the Greater Houston Black Chamber of Commerce, a move that further strengthens the ties between the organization and Houston's business community.


"We are pleased to welcome Sharon Jones to the Greater Houston Black Chamber's Board of Directors," said Dr. Asheli S. Atkins, President and CEO of the Greater Houston Black Chamber of Commerce. "Sharon has been a consistent champion for business leaders in Texas, and her commitment to civic engagement and economic opportunity aligns with the Chamber's mission. We look forward to her contributions as we continue working to strengthen Houston's business community."


"I'm honored to take on this expanded role with TBLA and to join the Board of the Greater Houston Black Chamber of Commerce," said Jones. "Both reflect a commitment I hold deeply — making sure Texas business leaders have a seat at the table when it comes to the policies shaping our communities."


TBLA launched in December 2024 in response to a survey of 500 Texas business leaders that revealed a striking consensus: 97% recognized the importance of civic engagement, and nearly two-thirds believed businesses should participate more actively. Since then, the organization has convened roundtables, conducted research, and built a statewide network of business leaders focused on bipartisan policy areas ranging from workforce development and healthcare costs to civic participation. 


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About the Texas Business Leader Alliance
The Texas Business Leader Alliance is a collaborative that provides a platform for business leaders to actively shape our state's economic future through civic engagement. Recognizing that business success and community well-being are intrinsically linked, the Texas Business Leader Alliance connects private sector, government, and community stakeholders to work on solutions to our state’s challenges. For more information, visit txbizleaderalliance.org

Record-Breaking Texas Primary Turnout is a Positive Sign for the Texas Business Community

March 12, 2026
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Media Contact Becker Kaufman Becker@emccommunications.com Record-Breaking Texas Primary Turnout is a Positive Sign for the Texas Business Community Statement by Texas Business Leader Alliance Senior Advisor Sharon Jones on record primary election turnout in Texas, and why it's a positive sign for for the Texas business community March 9, 2026 – "Last Tuesday's record-breaking primary turnout in Texas is exactly the kind of civic participation business leaders should encourage. When more Texans show up at the ballot box, it strengthens the system that underpins everything our businesses rely on: stable governance, representative outcomes, and public trust in institutions. "More than 4.29 million voters cast ballots in last Tuesday's primary, the highest primary turnout in the state's history. For a state that has long ranked near the bottom nationally in voter participation, this is a moment worth recognizing. "Texas has a voter participation problem . In the 2024 primary, only 18% of registered voters showed up, and five out of six eligible Texans stayed home. For a state that leads the nation in job creation, business formation, and economic growth, that kind of civic disengagement is unacceptable. "Tuesday's results suggest Texans are beginning to close the gap. Roughly 24% of registered voters participated, up from 18% in the last primary cycle. Turnout surged in counties across the state, from major metro areas to rural communities. This type of civic engagement and commitment undoubtedly strengthens our democracy and our business ecosystem. "A 2024 survey of Texas business leaders conducted by the Texas Business Leader Alliance found that 91% agree a strong democracy where everyone can participate is crucial to a vibrant economy. Nearly 97% say it is important for business leaders to be involved in public policy discussions. Tuesday showed that when Texans engage, Texas leads. And when the business community encourages participation, it strengthens the civic infrastructure our economy depends on. “Recognizing this, the Texas Business Leader Alliance actively participated in efforts to boost civic engagement and voter turnout statewide. In the weeks leading up to the primary, we provided chambers of commerce and business networks across the state with nonpartisan toolkits, organized roundtables discussing the importance of primaries for the business community, and mobilized business leaders to encourage voting among their employees and peers. "This is not about any one party, candidate, or race. Higher participation produces better outcomes for everyone. "We applaud every Texan who showed up on Tuesday. And we encourage the business community to keep this momentum going, through the May runoffs, through November, and beyond. Texas has always kept score. Now we're finally competing where it counts." To request an interview with Texas Business Leader Alliance’s Senior Advisor Sharon Jones, contact Becker Kaufman at Becker@emccommunications.com ### About the Texas Business Leader Alliance  The Texas Business Leader Alliance is a collaborative that provides a platform for business leaders to actively shape our state's economic future through civic engagement. Recognizing that business success and community well-being are intrinsically linked, the Texas Business Leader Alliance connects private sector, government, and community stakeholders to work on solutions to our state’s challenges. For more information, visit txbizleaderalliance.org

Texas business leaders launch organization to strengthen civic engagement and economic growth

December 3, 2024
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Media Contact Janel Knight Trulear janel@emccommunications.com (617) 875-6581 Texas business leaders launch organization to strengthen civic engagement and economic growth Survey reveals 97% of Texas business leaders view civic participation as crucial; majority see need for increased engagement on issues that can lead to strong businesses and thriving communities HOUSTON, TX, Dec. 3, 2024 — A survey of 500 Texas business leaders has unveiled a striking consensus in the Lone Star state: while 97% recognize the critical importance of civic engagement, nearly two-thirds (64%) believe Texas businesses should participate more actively. In response to this clear mandate, the Texas Business Leader Alliance (TBLA) launched today as a collaborative for business leaders to actively shape our state’s economic future through civic engagement. “The survey results make it clear that Texas business leaders understand that our economic prosperity and civic health are two sides of the same coin,” said Sharon Jones, advisor of the Texas Business Leader Alliance. “The Texas Business Leader Alliance offers them a way to engage in policy discussions and drive positive change for our businesses, employees, customers and communities.” The survey, conducted by Strategic Research Associates for the Texas Business Leader Alliance, also highlighted pressing concerns about the state of democracy in Texas. An overwhelming 90% of business leaders expressed alarm about the spread of misinformation. This is of concern to Texas business leaders because 91% of them agree that a strong democracy where everyone can participate is crucial to a vibrant economy. “Civic engagement from mature business owners and emerging small business entrepreneurs is essential to building and sustaining our Texas economy,” said John Hernandez, Senior Vice President of Amegy Bank and a member of the TBLA Advisory Council . “When business owners and leaders actively participate in civic activities, we all benefit from their diverse perspectives and the innovative solutions they generate. Collaborating with individuals from different backgrounds and experiences fosters a richer exchange of ideas, leading to more comprehensive and effective strategies. The Alliance provides a productive platform for leaders to engage in meaningful dialogue and collaboration, ultimately driving progress and positive change in our communities.” The Texas Business Leader Alliance will elevate business perspectives on a wide range of policy areas, from workforce development and high healthcare costs to civic participation. The organization will conduct research, convene roundtables, and coordinate efforts to promote policies that align business voiceswith community priorities. “The business community holds unique insights into the challenges and opportunities shaping Texas,” said Justin Yancy, President of the Texas Business Leadership Council and TBLA Advisory Council member . “However, these insights lose their impact if we remain isolated and fail to collaborate. TBLA fosters connection and dialogue, ensuring that the business community plays an integral role in building a stronger, more resilient, and prosperous Texas.” The inaugural TBLA Advisory Council includes: Christina Cabral - Executive Director, Transportation Advocacy Group (TAG) Houston John Hernandez - Senior Vice President at Amegy Bank Barbara Joe - Director of Operations of the Asian Chamber of Commerce Houston Sam Kelner - Business Performance Advisor, Insperity Taylor Landin - Executive Vice President and Chief Policy Officer, Greater Houston Partnership Drew Scheberle - Senior Advisor, Texas Association of Business Keri Curtis Schmidt - President & CEO, Fort Bend Chamber Kelley Taylor - CEO/co-founder of Taylor Construction Management Tammi Wallace - President & CEO of the Greater Houston LGBT Chamber of Commerce Josh Wallenstein - Managing Member of The Wallenstein Law Group Dr. Anjanette Wyatt -Immediate Past President of APhA Foundation and CEO of Clinical Care Pharmacies, LLC Justin Yancy - President, Texas Business Leadership Council “A thriving business climate and a civic engagement are interdependent," said Kelley Taylor CEO/co-founder of Taylor Construction Management and TBLA Advisory Council member. “By investing in both, we can create a more prosperous, inclusive, and resilient Texas for all. We invite business leaders from every industry and every corner of the state to join us in this vital work. Together, we can shape a brighter future for the Lone Star State.” "We eagerly embrace the survey's results, underlining the imperative for businesses to actively participate in shaping public policy. It's crucial to bolster Texas' economic competitiveness. Businesses seek steadfastness and predictability, craving a stable and politically certain environment to thrive and invest.” said Chris Wallace, president and CEO of North Texas Commission . ### About the Texas Business Leader Alliance The Texas Business Leader Alliance is a collaborative that provides a platform for business leaders to actively shape our state's economic future through civic engagement. Recognizing that business success and community well-being are intrinsically linked, the Texas Business Leader Alliance connects private sector, government, and community stakeholders to work on solutions to our state’s challenges. For more information, visit txbizleaderalliance.org