Issuu

Letter from the President/CEO

Welcome to the ever-growing and evolving City of Anna. I am so proud of my city and will shout it from the rooftops. Actually, most who know me know I do that regularly – no megaphone required.

2025 brought another year of growth with new housing developments and businesses choosing Anna as their home. With new businesses come jobs, keeping residents living, working, and playing at home in Anna. I personally love all the growth because if we don’t grow, we become stagnant, and no one wants that. The growth is exciting, and while I love “old Anna,” the “new Anna” is pretty darn impressive. Therefore, I have chosen to grow and embrace every single change that comes our way.

I am in my 5th year at the Greater Anna Chamber of Commerce and have enjoyed every single minute, even the cold and wet events. However, the best day during my tenure was October 21st, when we moved our chamber office to the W.L. Roper Professional Building. This may be the building’s name now, and it was previously Anna ISD Administration, but in Angie Rollins Toles's mind, it will forever be Anna High School. The building where I attended high school for 4 years, and where my dad graduated in 1956.

For those who are new to Anna, the Anna I grew up in and attended school in was very small. In 1978, we had a population of 736 (and I think I was related to half of them). I had more extended family than you can imagine, and we all grew up together. Many of them still live in Anna or close by today. I wouldn’t have grown up any other way. Now, back to my Anna High School. My new office is in part of what used to be our Break Room. The hallways look a little different without all the lockers and classrooms, now divided into offices. But the floors are exactly the same, and I absolutely love it! I have so much pride for this old building and the decades of memories it holds. I have a picture of one of my lifelong friends, Wayne Scribner, and me, on the south steps of this building, proudly representing our school as Mr. & Miss Anna High School. We had only 30 students in our senior class, and the count was about the same in the other 3 grades, which is why many of us are still close friends to this day.

I would have never believed, back in 1978, that I would come full circle, back in the building I love as the President/CEO of the Greater Anna Chamber of Commerce. I am proud to represent the city I love so much. Life is so funny, isn’t it? You just never know. The saying “you can’t go home” never entered my mind. Anna is, and will always be my home!

This brings me to Anna’s history. It is rich and full of stories that we can share with today’s new residents, especially our kids. I hope they have the same sense of love and pride for this town that I have. I encourage everyone to visit the Anna Area Historical & Preservation Society, go to the Train Depot to pick up old yearbooks, and learn about what makes Anna so special.

Along with the chamber supporting the Anna Area Historical & Preservation Society, we have strong relationships with the City of Anna, the EDC/ CDC, and Anna ISD. I like to say that we all work together to make Anna the best city it can be. We work together to create what is and what will be the future for our residents and businesses. Working together is what works best for Anna!

Our school district is led by a talented, caring, and intelligent group of school board trustees. They hired one of the best men I have ever met, Superintendent Toby Tucker. The staff and, especially, the kids absolutely love him, and you can tell the feeling is mutual. Our schools are growing with a diverse population of creative and smart individuals. Just think: one day, a student of AISD may run the Chamber of Commerce, the City of Anna, or the School District. There are no boundaries for today’s students, and our district is providing every opportunity for their success.

The City of Anna, the Economic Development Corporation, and the Community Development Corporation continue to work hard to bring the right businesses to Anna. The Greater Anna Chamber of Commerce continues to push boundaries to help our members make connections and grow their businesses! New businesses are joining every day. We invite every current and new business, regardless of size, brick-and-mortar or homebased, to attend one of our networking opportunities. You are all vital to our chamber’s success, and we appreciate each and every one of you!

Angie Toles President/CEO

Greater Anna Chamber of Commerce

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Mike Swafford, a Certified Financial Planner™ and proud Anna resident, combines years of experience with a personal, compassionate approach to financial guidance.

As a local business owner, husband, and father, Mike understands the goals and challenges families face right here in our community. Whether helping you plan for college, retirement, or your next big dream, he’s here to help your family and business build a confident future — right here at home.

Mike is locally based and a partner of Freedom Financial Partners, in alliance with Equitable Advisors, LLC, a nationally respected firm

2025

ANNUAL AWARDS BANQUET

EVENT

HIGHLIGHTS EVENT HIGHLIGHTS

RIBBON CUTTINGCEREMONY

CHRISTMAS PARADE

Calendar of Events

ANNUAL AWARDS BANQUET – February 28

Each year, members of the Greater Anna Chamber of Commerce come together to honor citizens and community leaders at a fun and festive banquet. This year’s theme is Black & White!

SPRING GOLF TOURNAMENT – May 4

The Spring Golf Tournament is a fundraiser that supports the growth of the Anna Chamber & the community charities we support, while increasing scholarship funding. Group and individual registration is accepted. Golf attire is required.

BOO BASH – OCTOBER 17

A FREE fun filled day for the entire family. The day includes lots of vendors with games and goodies for the kids as well as a children’s costume contest. Trick or Treating is encouraged!

FALL GOLF TOURNAMENT – NOVEMBER 9

The Fall Golf Tournament is a fundraiser that supports the growth of the Anna Chamber & the community charities we support, while increasing scholarship funding. Group and individual registration is accepted. Golf attire is required.