Business growth today doesn’t happen in isolation. It’s increasingly shaped by the strength of the ecosystem around it — workforce pipelines, partnerships, education, and community engagement. From her vantage point at the Chamber of Commerce, Berkley McKnight sees that shift playing out in real time across Texarkana.
Over the last several months, she’s noticed a renewed sense of momentum — one tied closely to education and workforce development.
“In the last six months, we’ve found relevance,” McKnight said.
Growth at Texas A&M–Texarkana and Texarkana College, through new athletic programs and other initiatives, has increased enrollment and brought new people into the region. That influx doesn’t just affect campus life. It strengthens the local workforce, which in turn supports business expansion.
Rethinking Partnerships and Collaboration
One of the most common misconceptions McKnight encounters among business owners is the idea that partnerships — particularly with organizations like the Chamber — are transactional.
In reality, she views partnerships as relationship infrastructure: ongoing communication, advocacy, and connection. Much of her role centers on staying engaged with business partners, facilitating introductions, and helping organizations stay visible and connected within the community.
That mindset is shaping new initiatives as well. In 2026, the Chamber plans to launch Breakfast & Benefits, an educational series designed to help both members and non-members better understand Chamber resources, initiatives, and how they support local businesses.
Where Growth Stalls
Despite optimism, McKnight is candid about where many local businesses struggle when it comes to scaling.
Texarkana, she notes, is largely made up of small businesses — and their biggest challenge isn’t ambition, but visibility.
“Most of their needs involve brand visibility and awareness,” she said.
For many, getting people through the door requires marketing investment that feels difficult to prioritize or budget for. The result is often stalled growth, even when demand exists.
Industries Positioned to Thrive
Looking ahead, McKnight sees manufacturing as one of Texarkana’s strongest growth opportunities. Expansion in local industrial parks signals momentum, but workforce readiness remains the critical factor.
The Chamber’s focus on workforce development aims to make the region fully work-ready, aligning talent with opportunity and creating conditions for long-term growth.
“Hillary has made great progress with chamber workforce initiatives,” McKnight said.
A Community-Level Advantage
Beyond industry and infrastructure, McKnight points to a less tangible — but equally important — trend that gives her optimism: rising community engagement.
“We see more and more nonprofit organizations getting engagement and volunteers,” she said.
For her, that involvement signals a community invested in its own improvement — a key ingredient for sustained success.
The Human Side of Leadership
McKnight’s professional journey has shaped how she approaches her role. Building confidence, trusting her perspective, and stepping into leadership have been part of that evolution.
“I’ve learned not to hide in the shadows of those around me,” she said.
That self-awareness carries into her work, where she encourages others to engage more deeply.
“Community engagement and involvement,” she said, when asked what would make Texarkana better. “I would like to see more people utilize the available resources and act on the things they see need improvement.”
Chase Livingston, Chloe Wardlaw, Dr. Robin Hickerson, and Berkley McKnight