Antioquia Business Leaders Drive Economic Growth and Call for State Support to Strengthen Enterprises and Democracy in 2026 Encuentro de Afiliados Event

Walking through downtown Austin this morning, I couldn’t help but notice the familiar hum of construction on Sixth Street, the steady stream of food trucks lining up near the Capitol and the animated conversations spilling out from coworking spaces on East Cesar Chavez. It’s a rhythm that feels uniquely Texan—optimistic, restless, always building. Yet beneath that surface energy, there’s a current of concern running through conversations I’ve had with local business owners lately: a shared worry about whether the foundational conditions for growth are truly being met. That unease resonated deeply when I came across remarks from Lina Vélez, president of the Medellín Chamber of Commerce, during her recent address at the Encuentro de Afiliados 2026. Speaking to nearly 600 business leaders gathered at the Centro Empresarial El Poblado, she didn’t just celebrate past achievements—she issued a clear, urgent call: “Se necesita un Estado que genere condiciones para las empresas.” Her words, translated as “We need a State that creates conditions for businesses,” struck me not as a critique of Colombia’s specific challenges, but as a universal truth echoing in boardrooms and cafes from Medellín to Austin.

What made her message particularly compelling was how she framed the relationship between business vitality and societal health. It wasn’t merely about tax breaks or deregulation; she positioned successful enterprises as essential pillars of democracy itself—drivers of job creation, contributors to social well-being, and active participants in funding public goods like healthcare, education, and infrastructure through their tax contributions. This perspective aligns closely with what we see here in Central Texas, where the Austin Chamber of Commerce regularly reports that minor and medium-sized enterprises form the backbone of our local economy, employing nearly half of the private workforce and contributing significantly to community resilience. When Vélez highlighted that her chamber now represents 169,050 companies and 7,050 nonprofit entities across 69 municipalities in Antioquia, it reminded me of the sheer scale of organized business advocacy we strive for here—though our Travis County business registry shows approximately 45,000 active firms, a number that speaks to both our region’s entrepreneurial density and the ongoing need for cohesive representation.

Her emphasis on trust as the foundation for development—“Cuando la confianza es la raíz, el desarrollo florece”—felt especially pertinent given recent local debates here about permitting processes for new developments along the Guadalupe River or workforce housing initiatives near the Mueller district. Business leaders I’ve spoken with consistently cite predictable, transparent governance as their top non-financial need, often ranking it above access to capital. This isn’t about seeking special favors; it’s about establishing a reliable framework where long-term planning becomes possible. When Vélez noted that the Chamber’s current membership contributes significantly to public resources earmarked for social programs, it mirrored data from the Texas Comptroller showing that Austin-area businesses collectively contribute billions annually in state and local taxes—funds that directly support our schools, roads, and public safety services. The connection she drew between private success and public prosperity isn’t theoretical; it’s visible every time a local tech firm expands its workforce, a family-owned restaurant hires its tenth employee, or a manufacturing plant invests in new equipment that creates ancillary jobs in logistics and services.

Looking beyond immediate policy reactions, Vélez’s address points to deeper, enduring trends shaping how businesses interact with governance—a dynamic particularly relevant in our era of rapid technological change and shifting economic models. The growing expectation that companies should actively participate in societal problem-solving, rather than merely comply with regulations, reflects an evolution in corporate citizenship we’re witnessing firsthand with initiatives like the Austin Regional Manufacturers Association’s workforce training pipelines or the Greater Austin Hispanic Chamber of Commerce’s small business accelerators. These efforts embody what she described: businesses not just benefiting from stable conditions, but actively helping to create them through collaboration with public institutions. It’s a symbiotic relationship that requires constant nurturing—something the Medellín Chamber’s decades-long function exemplifies, and something our own local chambers and economic development corporations strive to emulate through programs like the Austin Chamber’s Leadership Austin program or the Central Texas Allied Health Institute’s industry partnerships.

Given my background in urban economics and regional development, if this renewed focus on the foundational role of government-business collaboration impacts you as a business leader, policymaker, or community advocate in the Austin area, here are three types of local professionals you’ll desire to engage with thoughtfully:

Public Policy Strategists Specializing in Municipal-Business Liaison: Look for individuals or firms with proven experience facilitating dialogue between city departments (like Austin’s Development Services or Economic Development divisions) and business associations. The best practitioners don’t just translate needs—they help design ongoing consultation mechanisms, such as regular industry roundtables or joint task forces on specific issues like mobility or workforce readiness, ensuring feedback loops are institutionalized rather than ad hoc. Verify their track record through client testimonials from entities like the Austin Chamber of Commerce or specific industry groups.
Workforce Development Consultants with Industry-Specific Experience: Seek professionals who understand both the operational realities of your sector (whether it’s tech, healthcare, hospitality, or advanced manufacturing) and the intricacies of local training ecosystems, including partnerships with Austin Community College, Workforce Solutions Capital Area, or specialized apprenticeship programs. Effective consultants help businesses design upskilling pathways that address immediate talent gaps while aligning with long-term regional economic strategies, often leveraging state programs like the Skills Development Fund. Inquire for case studies showing measurable outcomes in retention or productivity.
Community Impact Advisors Focused on Shared Value Creation: Prioritize advisors who help businesses move beyond traditional philanthropy to integrate social impact directly into their core operations and strategy—what Michael Porter termed “shared value.” This could involve designing local hiring initiatives targeting underserved neighborhoods, creating supply chain opportunities for small local vendors, or structuring environmental sustainability projects that as well reduce operational costs. Look for credentials from organizations like B Lab or Shift, and evidence of collaboration with local intermediaries such as the City of Austin’s Office of Equity or organizations like Endeavor Austin.

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