Fall semester brings opportunities for local businesses to market to Texas State students

Posted by Jayme Blaschke
University News Service
July 30, 2013

With the start of the fall semester just around the corner, Texas State University and the San Marcos Area Chamber of Commerce are again teaming up to provide free “Welcome Back Bobcats!” kits for local businesses. Local businesses are also invited to provide coupons for incoming freshmen and transfer students as part of the PAWS Preview program.

The kits contain valuable information about marketing to Texas State students, including a poster, calendar of fall events and marketing tips.

The PAWS Preview Committee is also currently requesting donations from local businesses for the goodie bags that will be distributed to the expected 5,000 new students coming for Fall 2013. PAWS Preview is designed to transition entering freshmen to the programs, services, activities, people and traditions at Texas State.

"We hope that the number of businesses in San Marcos that welcome back our Bobcat students continues to grow as the impact from their presence is an important part of the local economy," said San Marcos Area Chamber of Commerce Chair Amy Stanfield.

“Texas State University enhances the quality of life in San Marcos in many ways. The campus contributes to the natural beauty of the city, and its presence as an academic center attracts students, visitors and industrial clients,” said San Marcos Area Chamber of Commerce President Brian Bondy. “The university helps the local economy to grow and insulates it from severe economic impacts.”

According to the latest economic impact study, Texas State students spend $166.8 million every year in Hays County, which equates to approximately $5,000 per student.

“The San Marcos Area Chamber of Commerce is proud to partner with the Texas State Office of Community Relations to make students feel more welcome and a part of the San Marcos community,” he added. “Although they may not be permanent residents, students make significant contributions while they are here, through spending, volunteerism and as employees.”

The chamber believes that if students are made to feel more welcome in the community, they will take greater pride and responsibility as citizens during their tenure as residents.

Included in the free packet are an 11x17 color poster, calendar of major fall Texas State events to help with marketing planning, and other tips on showing “Bobcat Pride.” The deadline to deliver PAWS Preview coupons to the Office of Community Relations, 304 N. C.M. Allen Parkway is noon on Friday, August 16, 2013.

The packets are sponsored through an annual collaboration between the San Marcos Area Chamber of Commerce and the Texas State University Office of Community Relations.

A limited number of packets are available at the chamber office. Kits are also available at the Office of Community Relations, River House, or by emailing communityrelations@txstate.edu or calling (512) 245-9645.