Robbin Bass
TEXARKANA — Robbin Bass is joining the Texarkana Chamber of Commerce as the new director of business retention and expansion effective next month.
"Our existing industries are the backbone of our community and bring the majority of the job growth. The Chamber wants to be the 'go-to-source' for any issues our industries may face, and Robbin's expertise will be a huge plus to this great program," said Joey Martin, chamber board chairman.
Bass served as district director in former U.S. Rep. John Ratcliffe's Texarkana office until he became the nation's director of national intelligence in May.
Bob Bruggeman, Texarkana, Texas mayor, has worked with Bass when she was on Ratcliffe's staff and believes that experience will serve her well in her new role.
"I feel she will do a great job promoting business retention and expansion in our community, which is very important both now and in the future," Bruggeman said.
A self-described servant leader, Bass has also served on the board of directors of the Junior League of Texarkana and Keep Texarkana Beautiful. She is also a member of Kiwanis Club and Women for Texas A&M-Texarkana. She is also a 2016 Leadership Texarkana graduate and currently serves on its board.
She will also work with the chamber's Economic Development Council.
"Through her previous work in the region, Robbin has a proven track record of building relationships while helping people and businesses with challenges that need to be addressed through entities that are beyond their control," said Scott Norton, 2021 EDC chairman and TexAmericas Center CEO. "Those skills sets, and her willingness to address any issue, are a great match for the new BR&E position at the Texarkana Chamber."
Jennifer Harland, incoming chamber board chairman, said Bass will focus her attention on the needs of existing businesses by helping them create more jobs, invest in infrastructure and quickly respond to the needs of local businesses.
Bass is an honors graduate of Northeast Louisiana University (ULA-Monroe) with undergraduate psychology and graduate communications degrees. Bass has also served as the human resources coordinator and benefits counselor with the Ark-Tex Council of Governments.