annual report - plano chamber of commerce€¦ · plano chamber of commerce letter from the...

ANNUAL REPORTfiscal year 2013 - 2014

2013-2014 Annual Report | Page 1

Letter from the Chairman of the BoardYour Plano Chamber of Commerce is proud of its accomplishments and progress in support of a growing membership. Here are some of the significant accomplishments achieved, thanks to a vibrant and thriving business community, strong partnerships with key stakeholders in our community, and a growing and engaged membership that keeps our Chamber strong:

• Expanded collaboration with our community partners including the City of Plano, Plano Independent School District, Collin College, Plano Economic Development, and many others.• Steady growth and engagement of our membership as we approach 1,000 members strong.• Strong and effective public policy efforts to support a healthy business climate.• Excitement at the growth in our local economy and corporate partnerships spurred by the recent announcement of Toyota USA and FedEx Office relocating their headquarters to Plano.• A strong focus on the future growth and vitality of our city, region and our state!

Our members, staff and leadership are the foundation for our success. We strive to provide world-class customer service to help our members take full advantage of the many opportunities available here. Your ongoing support and partnership with the Plano Chamber will help us continue to be a strong leader in the business community as we continue to help our businesses thrive during this exciting time of growth and development in the City of Plano and the region.

Olin Jaye2014 Chairman of the BoardPlano Chamber of Commerce

Letter from the PresidentPlano businesses are focused on achieving meaningful growth, finding ways to do more with less, and delivering excellent personalized service to their customers; and the Plano Chamber of Commerce is no different. Your Plano Chamber of Commerce has continued to exceed expectations in 2013-2014. With continued growth in membership from all business segments, we strive to enhance the member experience and create the best environment for businesses to thrive. This past year we added new programs, such as the Plano First Executive Breakfast Series and BI Boot Camp, to provide new opportunities for businesses to engage. Our staff is focused on delivering first-class customer service and works hard to be a valuable resource in your business development efforts. I must extend a special thank you to our amazing Ambassadors. With 70+ Ambassadors helping to welcome new businesses to our community, the Chamber has been able to extend its

reach and be more impactful in our community. Women’s Division, Young Professionals of Plano, and the Business Development and Public Policy committees were all highly effective in delivering on the mission of the Chamber. Leadership Plano Class 31 exceeded all expectations when they launched TEDx Plano as their 2014 class project. I hope that your Plano Chamber membership this past year allowed you to benefit from the programs offered by the Chamber and introduced you to new contacts to help you grow your business. You can look forward to more exciting progress in the future from you Chamber.

Jamee JollyPresident/CEOPlano Chamber of Commerce

Leadership and Staff

2014 executive committeeOlin JayeOlin Jaye & AssociatesChairman Al ValenteBell & Valente, LLCChair-Elect Kim Moore Strasburger & Price, LLPFirst Vice-ChairJoe DwyerCommunity MemberImmediate Past ChairmanJeff BeckleyBeckley CPA, PCTreasurerMichael Baldwin OncorExecutive Comm. Director DesigneeVice-Chair, NetworkingDawn WolvertonRent-A-Center, Inc.SecretaryJamee JollyPlano Chamber of CommercePresident & CEO

2014 board of directorsBrad AyersCommunity MemberMike BarskyTexasStar Pharmacy

Joan CalhounFrost BankDirector, Women’s Division

Nick Goellner LegacyTexas BankSandy HaireThe Medical Center of PlanoGary HirschHirsch’s Specialty MeatsScott JohnsonCommunity MemberJon LinebergerPrestonwood Christian AcademyKate LivingstonSMU-in-PlanoVice-Chair, EducationBill MossHuffines Auto DealershipsPete PatelKrypton SolutionsCraig Perry AmREITVice-Chair, Advocacy Amanda RockowUniversity of Texas at DallasMichael ThomasMy PossibilitiesChair, Leadership PlanoCamille Ussery ViewPoint BankTerry Woods Terry Woods, PCVice-Chair, Membership


chamber staffJamee JollyPresident/CEO

Kathy BlankDirector of Membership Development

André DavidsonProgram Director,Leadership Plano

Catherine DicksonProgram Coordinator

Katie GimenezDirector of Networking and Communications

Sue RackersCustomer Service Specialist

Jennifer RuhmanFinance Director

Megan SielingMember Services Coordinator

Membership Update & A Financial Snapshot


The Plano Chamber of Commerce membership statistics reflect the diverse and vibrant business community of Plano and our North Texas region. Over half of our members are companies with 50 employees or less; however, we have a significant portion of our membership that includes corporations that have their headquarters in Plano or a large presence here. Through strategic economic development, Plano’s business demographics encompass a substantial variety of industries.

Membership Statistics for 2013-2014 Membership Count 993 Growth in Membership 9% Net New Members 84 Membership Retention Rate 83%

membership at-a-glance

*“Other” includes: Automotive & Marine, Advertising/Media, Arts/Culture & Entertainment, Computers/Telecommunications, Home & Garden, Legal, Lodging & Travel, Personal Services & Care, Public Utilities & Environment, Real Estate, and Sports & Recreation

a financial snapshotWith strong membership growth and new opportunities to increase non-due revenue, the financial outlook is robust. Financial stability has allowed the Plano Chamber to focus on providing the best programs and services to fit the needs of our membership.

*General Business reflects the number of full-time employees.

*As of June 30, 2014.

Chairman’s Council

2013 - 2014 chairman’s council breakfast meetingsCity of Plano and DART: New Services for EmployersCentennial Medical Center: Affordable Care ActMerrill Lynch: The Changing Fiduciary EnvironmentWinzer: Facility Tour and PresentationPlano Star Courier: Presentation and RoundtableThe Medical Center of Plano: Trauma and Stroke CareCIGNA: Private Exchanges


DART joined the Chairman’s Council in 2013 and hosted a breakfast to highlight opportunities for corporations to

provide their employees with access to shuttle service to and from the DART Stations.

At CIGNA’s Chairman’s Council Breakfast in June 2014, attendees learned about private exchanges and how changes

to health care law affect companies and their bottom line.

August 2013September 2013

October 2013November 2013

February 2014April 2014June 2014

Our Chairman’s Council partners are very active and involved in the Plano Chamber. These members enjoy access to exclusive networking events, which provide excellent opportunities for business leaders to connect and build relationships with our community leadership and local elected officials.

Chairman’s Council members enjoy numerous benefits that help their companies further their reach in our community.

*As of June 31, 2014

AdvocacyEfforts to better serve the business community through the Plano Chamber’s advocacy initiatives were stepped up this past year. Offering programs such as candidate forums, Public Policy Committee meetings, and Collin County Days, the Plano Chamber understands the needs of the business community and works hard to help serve as the unified voice for our members at the local, state, and federal level.

one voice

public policy committee forums and issues briefings

collin county days

During the 2013-2014 fiscal year, the Plano Chamber of Commerce, with direction from the Board of Directors, took part in or offered resolutions related to several issues.

• Resolution in support of funding for the Statewide Water Plan;• Resolution in support of the Plano Independent School District’s November 5, 2013 Tax Ratification Election; • Resolution in support of Congressional action on Marketplace Equity Act;• Resolution in support of Proposition 6: Water Funding;• Resolution in opposition of EPA Greenhouse Gas regulations that could threaten electricity supplies and increase power costs. • Provided testimony at the Dallas EPA Public Hearings, attended the U.S. Chamber Regional Government Affairs Conference,

and signed on to urge support from Congress for reauthorization of the U.S. Export-Import Bank (Ex-Im).

Each month, members of the business community come together with local community leaders to discuss issues and receive updates on key topics. These meetings are held on the second Tuesday of each month. Our presenters included:

• Sharon Rowe, CERA - Elections Administrator, Collin County• Representative Jeff Leach - District 67, State of Texas• Bruce Glasscock - City Manager, City of Plano• Andy Rittler - Corporate Affairs Director, LBJ Express• County Commissioner Duncan Webb - Collin County

Commissioners Court

• City of Plano Comprehensive Plan Update Workshop• Meet & Greet with Plano City Council, Plano Mayor Harry

LaRosiliere, and Plano ISD Trustees, sponsored by Frost Bank• Post-Session Reception and Program, spon-

sored by Atmos Energy, Texas Instruments, and ViewPoint Bank

• Candidate Forums for May Primaries and Primary Run-Off Elections, held in partnership with Plano Rotary and Plano Metro Rotary Clubs

• Co-hosted Transportation Forum with Representative Jeff Leach, Representative Scott Sanford, Move Texas Forward, and other Collin County chambers

With election season in full swing, the Collin County Day Reception on March 20, 2014 featured Dallas Morning News Senior Political Writer Wayne Slater and Columnist Gromer Jeffers Jr., who provided highlights from the March 4th Primary Election.

Sponsored by Texas Instruments, the 2014 program was held in the district and allowed Chamber members from across the county to network.


Right: Members from the Collin County chambers of commerce join community leaders at the Capitol in Austin.


Ambassador Club

2013 ambassador awardsAmbassador of the Year John Tanner, AFLAC

Ambassador Goodwill Spirit AwardGene Champagne, Jersey Mike’s

Top Sales AwardCrystal Hahn, Merrill Lynch - Karrh & Pierce Wealth Management Group

Ambassador Chair AwardBrian Padden, HxP Telecom Solutions

The Plano Chamber has a strong and active Ambassador Club, whose vision is to strengthen overall relationships with members and increase exposure of member businesses by assisting with Chamber events and creating awareness of Chamber benefits.

The Ambassador Club is a membership outreach and retention program designed to involve and inform all Plano Chamber members and prospective members about ways to utilize Chamber resources to grow their business. In 2013-2014, over 70 Ambassadors helped generate excitement and enthusiasm through their participation in ribbon cuttings, grand openings, and other Chamber networking events and functions.

2013 - 2014 ambassador club highlights• 76 Ribbon Cuttings at member businesses

• Monthly Ambassador Club Focus Forum meetings

• December 2013 Holiday Party at Nicola’s Italian Ristorante

• January 2014 Ambassador Social Event at Plano Super Bowl

• June 2014 Ambassador Happy Hour at Henry’s Tavern

Building Business: One Connection at a Timebusiness after hours

business interchange

Held monthly at various Plano Chamber members’ locations, Business After Hours events allow Plano Chamber members and guests to connect in a relaxed atmosphere while learning more about the sponsoring business. On average, 95 Plano Chamber members and guests took advantage of these engaging networking oppportunities each month in 2013-2014.

Thanks to our 2013-2014 Business After Hours sponsors, including Abuelo’s Mexican Food Embassy, The Conservatory at Plano, The Heart Hospital Baylor Plano, Hirsch’s Specialty Meats, Independent Bank, McDermott Crossing, The Shops at Willow Bend, Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Plano. There were also progressive events held at Preston Towne Crossing (Global Peace Factory, Nothing Bundt Cakes, Uno Due Go) and Lakeside Market (The Boardroom Salon for Men, Crave Popcorn Co., Taverna Rossa).

Each Friday morning, close to 100 business owners and professionals gather at the Plano Chamber for Business Interchange, our weekly networking event worth getting up early for! Members and prospective members enjoy a fun, energetic networking meeting complete with a light breakfast and coffee. Attendees give 30-second commercials, exchange business cards, and have the opportunity to follow-up on new contacts after the meeting!


thanks to our 2013 - 2014 business interchange breakfast sponsors!

business interchange boot campBusiness Interchange Boot Camp is a new program launched by the Business Interchange Committee in July 2013. Held quarterly, this program featured 30-minute workshops focused on improving attendees’ networking skills. Open to both members and prospective members, the program attracted over 80 attendees over the four sessions. Led by Debra Austin of Chaos2Results, session topics included “Making Your 30-Second Commercial Work For You!” and “Five Minutes to Pay Day – Creating a Five-Minute Talk That Gets Results!”

Year in Reviewbest of plano 2013The Plano Chamber is proud to recognize Plano’s best and brightest at our annual Best of Plano awards dinner. Held on Thursday, September 5, our 2013 event recognized Plano’s “Agents of Excellence” with an evening of James Bond excitement and intrigue, complete with vesper martinis, a photo booth, and more.

special thanks to our signature sponsor!


Congratulations to our 2013 Best of Plano honorees!Citizen of the YearDr. Myrtle Hightower

ATHENA Award Andre’ Davidson, Leadership PlanoBusiness Executive of the Year

Don McClure, EncanaCommunity Partner of the Year

Junior League of Collin CountyFred Moses Minority Business Development Award

Pankaj “Pete” Patel, Krypton SolutionsOutstanding Corporate Citizen of the Year

Huffines Auto DealershipsRookie of the Year

Angela’s at the CrosswalkSmall Business Person of the Year

Jim McDevitt, Corner Wines

24th annual plano chamber & the medical center of plano golf tournamentThe 24th Annual Plano Chamber and The Medical Center of Plano Golf Tournament was held on Monday, June 2, 2014 at Pecan Hollow Golf Course. The tournament featured hole-in-one and closest-to-the-pin contests, a professional long driver, a fantastic raffle, and goody bags packed with gifts from sponsors, including PGA Tour Superstore.

We would like to thank The Medical Center of Plano for their partnership as our Signature Sponsor for Best of Plano 2013 and the Title Sponsor of the 24th Annual Plano Chamber & The Medical Center of Plano Golf Tournament. Thank you for your support!

Golf Tournament By the Numbers120 ...... Number of Golfers

38 ....... Number of Sponsors/Partners

35 ....... Number of Volunteers

92 ....... Number of Volunteer Hours

100 ..... Number of Mulligans Sold

46.8 ....... Final Score for the First Place Team

505 ....... Average Raffle Package Value In Dollars

3,033 ....... Total Value of Raffle Prizes in Dollars

Year in Review


The Plano First Quarterly Luncheon Series was created to provide Plano Chamber members with exceptional speakers and topics focused on issues vital to Plano-area businesses. These meetings are targeted toward business executives, small business owners, enterprising entrepreneurs, and civic leaders from North Texas.

Special thanks to our Signature Sponsor:

plano first quarterly luncheon series

A Dynamic Look at the Economic Climate August 2013

Keynote SpeakerDr. Mark Dotzour - Chief Economist, Real Estate Center at Texas A&M

Pictured: Joe Dwyer, 2013 Chairman of the Board; Olin Jaye, 2014 Chairman of the Board; Dr. Mark Dotzour; and Bruce Glasscock, Plano City Manager

Growth. Water. Transportation. Meeting the Changing Demands.November 2013

Honored Panelists & ModeratorDr. Robert Mace - Deputy Executive Administrator, Texas Water Development Board

State Representative Larry Phillips - Chair, House Transportation CommitteeModerator: Mabrie Jackson - President & CEO, North Texas Commission

Pictured: Representative Larry Phillips, Mabrie Jackson, and Dr. Robert Mace

Plano Chamber Annual Meeting - Building a Stronger Community January 2014

Program HighlightsYear in Review presented by Joe Dwyer, 2013 Chairman of the BoardSwearing in of 2014 Chairman of the Board, Olin Jaye with Olin Jaye & Associates Building a Stronger Community program, featuring Plano Chamber members

Pictured: Olin Jaye, 2014 Chairman, and Joe Dwyer, 2013 Chairman

ROI: Return On InclusionApril 2014

Honored Panelists Kelley Johnson - District VP of Diversity & Emerging Talent, JCPenney

Meghan Welch - Managing VP of Human Resources, Capital One Financial Services

Pictured: Jamee Jolly, Plano Chamber President/CEO; Mary Jo Dean, Texas Health Plano; Meghan Welch; Olin Jaye, 2014 Chairman; Kelley Johnson; and Kelly Martin, Texas Health Plano


Year in Review

Due to the popularity of the Plano First Quarterly Luncheon Series, the Plano First Executive Breakfast Series was created with the inaugural session in October 2013. Breakfast events are held twice annually at Gleneagles Country Club. Below is a snapshot from last year’s topics and speakers.

Special thanks to our Signature Sponsor:

plano first executive breakfast series

Keeping Plano First: State of the City October 2013

Honored PanelistsBruce Glasscock - City Manager, City of Plano Chief Greg Rushin - Plano Police Department Chief Brian Crawford - Plano Fire RescueMayor Harry LaRosiliere - City of Plano

Pictured: Joe Dwyer, 2013 Chairman; Plano Mayor Harry LaRosiliere; Plano Police Chief Greg Rushin; Kelly Palmer, Frost Bank; Jamee Jolly, Plano Chamber President/CEO; Plano Fire Chief Brian Crawford; and Bruce Glasscock, Plano City Manager

Education + Business Leaders = A Smart PartnershipFebruary 2014

Honored PanelistsRichard Matkin - Plano ISD Superintendent of SchoolsKarla Oliver - Plano ISD Assistant Superintendent for Government, Community & Planning Initiatives Raymond Weaver - Plano ISD Purchasing Director Dr. Jim Wussow - Plano ISD Executive Director for Secondary Academic Services

Pictured: Plano ISD Superintendent of Schools Richard Matkin; Dr. Jim Wussow; Karla Oliver; Kelly Palmer, Frost Bank; Jamee Jolly, Plano Chamber President/CEO; and Olin Jaye, 2014 Chairman


Year in Review

Leadership Plano graduated its 31st class in 2014. Once a month, the 35 class members participated in full-day educational sessions covering important aspects of life in Plano, including healthcare, city services, education, community service, and more.

leadership plano

class project Leadership Plano Class 31 selected TEDxPlano as their official class project. The class members collaborated via committees to plan and execute all aspects of the event, including speakers, marketing, logistics, and more. The event’s theme of On the Verge was represented by paper airplanes, which were incorporated throughout the event. The sold-out event was hosted by event1013 in Downtown Plano and featured 10 live speakers, whose topics ranged from “How Social Consumerism Can Change the World” to “Why the World Needs More Liz Lemons”.

Pictured: TEDxPlano Steering Committee members (L-R) Amanda Bloom, Tammy Hooker, Elizabeth Tsai, Jim McDevitt, Jan Rugg, Katie Gimenez, and Yoram Solomon (center). The six-foot paper airplane

was signed by attendees and presented to Plano ISD’s Academy High School after the event.

distinguished leadership awardSince 1993, Leadership Plano alumni have selected an exceptional graduate to receive the Distinguished Leadership Award (DLA) in recognition of significant contributions towards the betterment of the community.Rebecca Egelston Caso (Class 24) was awarded the 2014 Distinguished Leadership Award on Tuesday, March 25 at the Courtyard Theatre. The ceremony was preceded by a special performance from Men of Note and the Leadership Plano Program Revue. Rebecca was introduced by Mary Jo Dean, 2001 DLA recipient and Class 6 participant. Pictured: Mary Jo Dean, Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Plano; Steve Lavine, 2014 Leadership Plano Chair; Rebecca Egelston Caso, 2014 DLA Recipient.


Year in Review

Founded in 1972, the Plano Chamber Women’s Division aims to empower women through advocacy, education and networking. Women’s Division provides networking opportunities for women in business and aims to provide a voice for women within the local business community. The Women’s Division program features monthly luncheons, held at Gleneagles Country Club, as well as after hours networking events.

women’s division

board of directors

DirectorJoan Calhoun, Frost BankDirector-ElectJanelle Twyford-Silvis, AlleeOops PhotographyImmediate Past DirectorMischell Erickson, Baylor Regional Medical Center at PlanoTreasurerEmily Zoog, Green Bank

RegistrarMaria Mott, Signs by TomorrowProgramsCandace Rooney, Frost BankConnectionsShirley Moon, Gratitude from the Heart

Publicity/PRMonica Weagel, Hilton Garden Inn Frisco

Member-at-LargeSally Roberts, InTouch Credit UnionSecretaryGina Branch, RE/MAX

luncheons and after hours eventsWomen’s Division luncheons are held the second Wednesday of each month and focus on topics ranging from sales to building a better business. Nothing But Networking - a speed-networking event - is held quarterly and offers fun, fast-paced networking to an average of 80+ attendees.

After hours events are held quarterly providing attendees the opportunity to network in a relaxed setting. In 2013 - 2014, Women’s Division hosted after hours events at Brobst Facial Plastic Surgery and eatZi’s. They also partnered with the Plano Chamber for two Business After Hours events, held at The Shops at Willow Bend and The Heart Hospital Baylor Plano.

The 2014 Women’s Division Board of Directors was composed of a diverse group of women representing small businesses, banks, hospitals, and more. Together, the Board schedules speakers for the monthly luncheons, helps set-up and run the registration tables, and plans additional after hours events at local member businesses. Additionally, the Women’s Division sponsors the ATHENA Award®, presented at the annual Best of Plano award ceremony, and provides tuition assistance to one Leadership Plano scholarship recipient each year.

Pictured: 2014 Women’s Division Board of Directors (L-R) Monica Weagel, Sally Roberts, Candace Rooney, Joan Calhoun, Janelle Twyford-Silvis, Maria Mott, Emily Zoog (front left), and Shirley Moon (front right).

thanks to our 2014 board of directors!


Year in Review

Young Professionals of Plano (YPP) is a division of the Plano Chamber of Commerce focused on young professionals between the ages of 25-40. Our goal is to identify and grow emerging leaders, to attract and retain diverse young talent, and to engage that talent in civic, social and educational opportunities within Collin County.

In 2013-2014, YPP hosted nine Live @ 5 Happy Hours at locations across Plano including TITLE Boxing Club, Angela’s at the Crosswalk, Quaker Steak and Lube, and Blue Martini, as well as their first Meet the Executives Breakfast at Gleneagles Country Club. The group also partnered with other local young professionals groups to host joint events, including the first YP Uncorked and Untapped event in May 2014 with participating Chambers including Allen, Frisco, McKinney, and Dallas Regional.

young professionals of plano (ypp)

The Business Development Committee meets once a month to organize the Plano Chamber’s monthly Success in Business seminars. These events are typically held on the fourth Wednesday of the month and feature a curriculum focused on helping local professionals to become more successful in their business. Previously held at the Plano Chamber office, these events were recently transfered to Dallas Baptist University North.

business development

In 2013-2014, Success in Business topics included:• Social Media• Technology • Human Resources Best Practices• Customer Loyalty• Sales & Marketing• Panel Discussion with Business Owners• Funding for Your Business


Thanks for a Great Year!

annual report - plano chamber of commerce€¦ · plano chamber of commerce letter from the...

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