Published on September 29th, 2022
Dear TCCE Members,
Many of you knew Art Roberts, a legend of the Chamber cause and the long-time Executive Director of TCCE. Art passed away this past Saturday after a long illness and we wanted to share this sad news. Art dedicated his life to serving, mentoring and supporting others. He served at the Texas Association of Business for 19 years, including as the long-time Executive Director of TCCE. Previous to that, Art served as the President/CEO of the El Paso Chamber of Commerce. We are still determining plans for remembrances for Art, and will share them as they are available, but know his remains will be placed in Cook-Walden Cemetery in Pflugerville. I knew Art to be a kind and funny man when I was at the Austin Chamber and before. Chamber executives help one another grow and develop and Art helped make that part of the TCCE DNA. May he rest in peace.
Many Chamber network members and TAB leaders have already passed along their memories of Art. If you have memories you would like to share, please do so in the comments section. Here are a few:
“Just got a call this morning from a Family Elder Care service here in Austin that our great friend Sir Arthur Roberts passed away this past Saturday morning. As many of you know he had been in an assisted living facility in Georgetown for the past several years due to his inability to care for himself due to dementia. Charlie Dromgoole and I visited him a few times (all too few) and we were retold many of the same stories we heard from Art over the years. He always seemed to recognize us and was always proud to introduce us to his neighbors as former Chamber colleagues. As we all know, Art was always good with a story! He was a champion for the Chamber world and always gave of himself to assist any Chamber in need. He was an icon to the profession and will be deeply missed by many. I am sure by today he has already scheduled several heavenly Chamber retreats among the angels. Rest easy, my friend.” /Tracey Wheeler, CEO, Baytown Chamber of Commerce
“As we all know, Art was always good with a story! He was a champion for the Chamber world and always gave of himself to assist any Chamber in need. He was an icon to the profession and will be deeply missed by many. I am sure by today he has already scheduled several heavenly Chamber retreats among the angels. Rest easy, my friend.”
/Jerry Huffman, CCE via Tony Moline, Cedar Park Chamber
“Art Roberts was a friend to every Chamber Exec in the state and was a great guy. He was a great example of leadership for all Chamber Execs. He personally trained and nurtured hundreds of Chambers execs throughout the state and exemplified how a great Chamber should be led.” /Bill Hammond, former CEO, Texas Association of Business
“Art Roberts will be remembered by all the wonderful stories he told. He made every meal seem like the greatest time of his day. He loved sharing experiences he had as a chamber executive moving up through the ranks. Ultimately, one of his greatest accomplishments was running the organization that trains chamber executives throughout Texas. I’m so thankful for all of the wonderful meals we shared, operas we enjoyed, and many more beautiful life experiences that I was fortunate enough to share with the uniquely, wonderful Art Roberts. I’m so thankful for the memorable time I had with him on this earth. He will truly be missed.” /Josie Calderon, all around all-star, Texas Association of Business
“There are few names more synonymous with Texas Chambers of Commerce than Art Roberts. There is not a chamber professional in Texas in the last 30 years who has either been directly or indirectly influenced by his mentorship, leadership or instruction. Moreover, Mr. Arthur A. Roberts was a beautiful person who will be sorely missed but his legacy will live on daily through the work of the chamber industry in this great state.” /Aaron Cox, previous President, Texas Chamber of Commerce Executives
“Art was a mentor and a dear friend. He was one of the first people I met as I was entering the Chamber profession. He was always generous with his support. He was always there to pick up the phone when you had a question. He will be missed greatly.” /Phyllis Snodgrass, previous President, Texas Chamber of Commerce Executives
“Art Roberts WAS the Chamber of Commerce consummate professional and role model. He was always available to provide counsel to fellow executives not only here in Texas but across the nation. It was no surprise that ACCE honored him with a Lifetime Achievement Award in Los Angeles in 2011. I was honored to present him for that award, directly following then Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger addressing the over 1,000 chamber professionals in attendance. He literally wrote the book on how to be a successful chamber executive. Heaven is benefiting from “Robert’s Rules” now.” /Michael Meek, New Braunfels Chamber President 1988-2021.
