Fiesta de Mayo has been changed to the second Saturday of May, and the Iron Horse Heritage Festival has been moved to the third Saturday of September. The city also opened a gift shop in the Chamber of Commerce.

These are just three of the many innovations, expansions, and experiments that the Mineola Chamber of Commerce announced in their annual membership meeting Jan. 29.

The chamber has plans for exponential growth in 2026.

“2026 will be about momentum, growth, and opportunity,” said outgoing Chamber President Deborah Mushock, who owns the Reel Inn and Lodge.

“The board and I have huge plans, not only for the year, but for years to come,” agreed incoming Chamber President Kirk Henson, who co-owns Endless Summer Tan and Glam. “We are planning more board mixers and events this year than ever before.” 

Mushock said that 2025 was a “year of transition” for the chamber, as they started with a mostly-new board, experimented with new events, and experienced growth in their membership. This transitional period, said Mushock, required “learning on the fly,” but “ultimately strengthened us as an organization.”

In 2025, the chamber hosted 21 ribbon cuttings, 9 networking events, 3 Lunch and Learn programs, and at least 3 big events such as the Scramble in the Pines Golf Tournament. Over the course of the year, 2,500 people called the chamber, and more than 1,000 people came in-person. Between just two of their annual events – their annual banquet and the Fiesta de Mayo – they had almost 4,000 attendees. The chamber ended the year with 242 members.

Alongside their other event expansions and new board, the chamber also expanded the board to be 11 seats instead of 9.

 “We believe strength comes in numbers,” said Henson. “Eleven minds are better than nine minds!”

To vote in the three members, plus to induct the two new seats, about 40% of chamber members voted. Mushock said that is a “huge improvement” from the last election.

New board members include Kynell Grimes of Bird’s Restoration, Ryan James of City National Bank, and Salvador Medina of Softwaretainment. Justin Coleman of CW Seamless Gutters and Roofs, and Mandy Horn of The Barnyard, were also appointed by the board.

Mushock also honored the “frontline” people of the chamber during their meeting, including Chamber Manager Danielle Vance and Administrative Assistant Crystal Herman.

Mushock took a moment to give CHRISTUS Trinity Clinic the Community Supporter of the Year award, and local restaurant owner Logan Belcher with the Wayne Collins Entrepreneur of the Year award.

Even with their many events and connections, the Mineola Chamber of Commerce wants to be involved in, and host, more.

“We want you guys to know; this is… a driven and excited chamber board,” said Henson. “With a strong staff, a strong board, and our membership growing, we are looking forward to the future.”