The cities of Dayton and Liberty took part in a “monumental day” on Friday, October 4, as they signed a resolution for the Dayton Chamber of Commerce to represent both communities.
The ceremonial signing event, held at the Dayton Community Center, was led by Chamber CEO Sean Stockard, who outlined the Chamber’s plan to expand its scope and eventually rebrand. This move follows the dissolution of the Liberty-Dayton Area Chamber of Commerce, which ceased operations in 2022.
Stockard explained that while the organization will continue to operate as the Dayton Chamber of Commerce for the remainder of the year, a new name will be chosen through community input by early next year.
“We’ll ask the community what they want the new name to be, but Dayton and Liberty won’t be in the name,” said Stockard.
After the name change, the Chamber will also launch a contest to design a new logo, with submissions welcome from local artists, students, and residents.
Liberty Mayor John Hebert expressed his excitement about the partnership, saying, “I think it’s not only good for Liberty, Texas, I think it’s good for the whole Trinity River Valley region. I think there’s strength in numbers… if we continue to organize our efforts, we can help each other and help this whole region.”
Hebert added that the economic boost from this partnership could positively impact local schools, churches, and businesses.
Liberty City Manager Tom Warner praised Stockard’s leadership and the positive collaboration between Dayton and Liberty.
“Sean’s positive attitude and willingness to bridge the gap between our chambers has been invaluable. This partnership will benefit both cities, and I look forward to seeing the growth that will follow,” Warner said.
Alisha Dale, a Chamber board member, emphasized the growth potential for both cities, saying, “”With the development of housing projects and the influx of local businesses, this is the perfect time for us to come together. Dayton’s growth will naturally extend into Liberty, and working together will help us build stronger communities.”
Stockard acknowledged the historical rivalry between Dayton and Liberty but emphasized the Trinity River as a unifying force.
“I come from an area divided by the Columbia River, but we always saw the river as something that connected communities, not divided them. That’s how I see the Trinity River—as a joining point between Liberty and Dayton,” Stockard said.
Dayton Mayor Martin Mudd also spoke about the potential benefits of the partnership, noting the shared vision for structured growth.
“We are the last Wild West frontier out of Houston. They’re all coming this way, and it’s in our best interest to work together. That’s why we believe this is going to be a great thing for both of our cities,” Mudd said.
I hope one of the first things they will do is create an informative, professional brochure highlighting all historical, fun and business sites in the entire area. Many weekends we get out of town visitors in our shop who want to know “what is there to see and do in the area”.
Nothing
Dayton can’t even repair their streets.
Bye bye Dayton!
When you travel to another place to tour it, you go to see certain things. Things neither Liberty nor Dayton have.