Can I Get A Yee Haw? - Rockwall Area Chamber of Commerce
Transcription
Can I Get A Yee Haw? - Rockwall Area Chamber of Commerce
JANUARY 2015 VOLUME 71 - ISSUE 1 Can I Get A Yee Haw? 2015 Annual Awards Banquet Inside This Issue Enhanced Web Marketing Package Maximize Your Online Presence Rockwall County Days Austin | February 22-24, 2015 2015 Board of Directors Rockwall Area Chamber of Commerce ROCKWALL AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE John Ratcliffe Sworn In Selects Regional Representative FOLLOW US @rockwallchamber.org facebook.com/RockwallChamber twitter.com/rockwallchamber Visit our websites at www.rockwallchamber.org and www.visitrockwall.com CHAIRMAN’S CIRCLE A Monthly Publication of the: Executive Committee Dana K. Macalik Mike Mishler David Mallard Lou Johnson Stewart Storms Cindy Tayem President Rockwall Chamber of Commerce Chair Mishler Builders, Inc. Chair-Elect Law Offices of David Mallard Past Chair ANB Wealth Management Group Treasurer American National Bank Secretary Oncor Electric Delivery Jon Bailey Liz Beauchamp Jay Bedford Adolfo Benavides Robin Chouteau Mike Conway Rob Grand-Lienard Rod Holland Lance Holmes Brenda Kennedy Brett Lee Shane Lewis Mark Moeller Tim Nichols Richard Redig Kim Timpa Rockwall County Helpin Hands Atmos Energy Corporation AJ Bedford Group Texas A&M University – Commerce Honda Cars of Rockwall Conway Company CPAs, PC Special Products & Mfg., Inc. Rod Holland Real Estate Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Ebby Halliday Realtors Lake Pointe Medical Center FourSquare Healthcare Rockwall Police Department Nichols Wealth Management Blue Ribbon News The Timpa Law Office Board of Directors KIM & CALVIN WALLEN, Tauren Exploration, Inc. PRESIDENT’S CLUB Ex-Officio Directors David Sweet Dennis Bailey Lee Gilbert David Magness Cliff Sevier Jim Pruitt Sheri Franza Bethany Browning Jeff Bailey Chamber Staff Dana K. Macalik Brad Bischof Darby Burkey Stacy Maynard Rockwall County Judge Rockwall County Commissioner Rockwall County Commissioner Rockwall County Commissioner Rockwall County Commissioner Mayor, City of Rockwall President, Rockwall EDC Main Street Manager, City of Rockwall Superintendent of Rockwall ISD President Director of Membership Development Director, Marketing & Communication Admin. Communications Specialist My Computer Guy FEATURE STORY President’s Pen IN THIS ISSUE by dana macalik Businesses...Get Out There Feeling the spirit of this time of year and the excitement of new plans and advancements as we look forward, I was wondering what YOU will be doing differently this year to better your organization? This is a great time of year because the holidays are behind us, many folks took some well-deserved time off, and are now ready to take on 2015. Just Questions to Ponder What worked? What didn’t? What can we do more of? What should we stay away from? Here at the Chamber we are getting out there… We are working and planning on some really exciting projects this year. It looks like it’s going to be an incredible year for our community and businesses and we intend to add even more value and resources to support you and your successes. Yet no matter how many great ideas and programs we might present your way, there’s one we should always keep in our Chamber bag of tools; and that it is to be customer centered. Over the next several months, the Chamber will be sharing with you our Strategic Plan approved by the Board of Directors. Our Vision, Mission and Core Values were developed and supported with the strategic framework to ensure what’s being planned and done will deliver. To help make this tangible, below are some proposed connections of the strategies and tactics. • • • • • • Achieve new levels of thinking and creativity. Guide discussions that build trust and commitment. Manage programs that are focused and productive. Create opportunities for everyone to participate. Foster environments of collaboration and cooperation. Focus on the outcomes. Our strategic outcome is a long-term and enduring benefit to our Chamber partners and stems from our mission and vision. It represents the difference this Staff, Board of Directors and interested partners intend to make for Rockwall businesses. I’m looking forward to making every day extraordinary for business. Your Friend, Dana K. Macalik, President Rockwall Area Chamber of Commerce LEADERSHIP PG 3 PRESIDENT’S PEN by Dana Macalik PG 4 BOARD OF DIRECTORS 2015 Board Announced PG15 LEADERSHIP ROCKWALL COMMUNITY PG 6-7 RIBBON CUTTINGS PG 8 EVENTS CALENDAR PG 9 FEATURED EVENT Can I Get a Yee Haw? PG 10 EVENTS HOT SPOT PG 11 EVENT HIGHLIGHTS INTEGRITY PG 5 LEGISLATIVE NEWS John Radcliffe BALANCE PG 12 PARTNERSHIP New Partners Renewals 110% Club SERVICE PG 13 AMBASSADORS CORNER PG 14 MARKETING PG 15 MAGIC OF MARGO DON’T MISS EVENT! $700 Sponsor a Table of 8 Includes pre-event premier sponsorship publicity, recognition at the event, dinner and seating for 8, a bucket of beer and a bottle of wine at your table. $375 Sponsor Half-Table of 4 Includes pre-event sponsorship publicity, recognition at the event, dinner and seating for 8, and a bottle of wine at your table. Tickets Only: (no sponsor recognition) $80 per Couple $45 Individual Ticket REGISTER ONLINE www.rockwallchamber.org/events BOARD OF DIRECTORS THE ROCKWALL AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE ANNOUNCES 2015 BOARD OF DIRECTORS It is with great honor that the Chamber presents our 2015 Board of Directors. These professionals representing diverse organizations have been elected to the Chamber’s Board of Directors for one, two or three-year terms, 2015-2017. Executive Committee Dana Macalik, President, Rockwall Area Chamber of Commerce Mike Mishler, Chair, Mishler Builders, Inc. David Mallard, Chair-Elect, Law Offices of David S. Mallard Lou Johnson, Past Chair, ANB Wealth Mgmt Group/Trust Services Stewart Storms, Treasurer, American National Bank Cindy Tayem, Secretary, Oncor Electric Delivery Board of Directors Jon Bailey, Rockwall County Helping Hands Liz Beauchamp, Atmos Energy Corporation Jay Bedford, AJ Bedford Group Adolfo Benavides, Texas A&M University-Commerce Robin Chouteau, Honda Cars of Rockwall Mike Conway, Conway Company CPAs, PC Rob Grand-Lienard, Special Products & Mfg., Inc. Rod Holland, Rod Holland Real Estate – Keller Williams Lance Holmes, Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Rockwall Brenda Kennedy, Ebby Halliday Realtors Brett Lee, Lake Pointe Medical Center/Lake Pointe Health Network Shane Lewis, FourSquare Healthcare Mark Moeller, Rockwall Police Department Timothy Nichols, Nichols Wealth Management Richard Redig, Blue Ribbon News Kim Timpa, The Timpa Law Office Ex-Officio Directors David Sweet, Rockwall County Judge Dennis Bailey, Rockwall County Commissioner Cliff Sevier, Rockwall County Commissioner Lee Gilbert, Rockwall County Commissioner David Magness, Rockwall County Commissioner Jim Pruitt, Mayor, City of Rockwall Bethany Browning, Main Street Manager, City of Rockwall Sheri Franza, President, Rockwall Economic Development Corporation Jeff Bailey, Superintendent of Schools, Rockwall ISD Rockwall Chamber of Commerce - “ To make every day extraordinary for business while maintaining the ideal hometown feel.” LEGISLATIVE NEWS JOHN RATCLIFFE SELECTS LORIE GRINNAN AS REGIONAL REPRESENTATIVE ROCKWALL COUNTY’S OWN JOHN RATCLIFFE SWORN IN AS MEMBER OF 114th US CONGRESS HEATH, TX – Rockwall County resident and former Mayor of Heath was sworn in as the next Congressman from Texas’s 4th District in the 114th US Congress. Ratcliffe previously served as the four term Mayor of Heath from 2004 to 2012. He also served Rockwall County and the surrounding areas as the United States Attorney from 2007 to 2008. “I am humbled and grateful for the support that all of Rockwall County has provided over the years,” Ratcliffe said. HEATH, TX – Congressman-elect John Ratcliffe has added Lorie Grinnan to his district team in the role of Regional Representative. Grinnan’s role will be outreach focused as she engages with constituents, community and civic organizations, and local governments to ensure they are wellrepresented by their Congressman. Grinnan brings impressive credentials, which include almost two decades of experience as an elected official in the 4th Congressional District, most recently as a Rockwall County Commissioner. “Through my public service, I have come to know Congressman-elect Ratcliffe as an intelligent, committed, and gifted leader,” Grinnan said. “I have also developed tremendous respect for Congressman Hall and his legacy in our district. Given this, I am both humbled and honored to have the opportunity to serve as a Regional Representative for the 4th Congressional District. I have served our communities for 17 years - working closely with independent school districts, cities, counties, multiple state and federal agencies, as well as many service organizations. I believe my experience in these diverse areas can create an important link to best serve all our constituents as Congressman-elect Ratcliffe leads us into a new era.” Ratcliffe expressed gratitude in Grinnan’s desire to continue her public service as a key member of his Congressional staff. “Lorie possesses a deep and abiding appreciation for what it means to effectively serve constituents,” Ratcliffe said. “I am thrilled to welcome to her to the team, and confident that her considerable talents will be of great value to people of the 4th Congressional District.” Jason Ross, Ratcliffe’s District Director, specifically sought out Lorie Grinnan for the first Regional Representative position within the 4th District. “I have known Lorie and worked closely with her on several projects throughout her service as a Rockwall County Commissioner,” Ross said. “Not only is she a principled woman of great integrity, Lorie brings a unique combination of incredible work ethic, compassion for our constituents, and genuine and humble servant leadership. When we began assembling our district team, Lorie was immediately the number one person on my list to talk with about leading Congressman-elect Ratcliffe’s service to the counties in the western region of our District.” “I was graced with the company of friends, family, and neighbors that made the trip to Washington to attend my swearingin ceremony for the 114th Congress. I look forward to bringing a good dose of Texas common sense to Washington as I work to tackle the challenges our country faces,” added Ratcliffe. Congressman John Ratcliffe will serve on both the Judiciary and Homeland Security Committees in the 114th Congress. Both committees are vital to the protection and security of the American people. “I’m grateful to have the opportunity to serve on two committees with jurisdiction over areas of critical importance to the American people,” Ratcliffe said. “These committees allows me to continue to fight illegal immigration, oppose any form of amnesty, and work to secure our border. My previous experiences as a U.S. Attorney and terrorism prosecutor will give me valuable subject matter expertise in the policy areas these committees oversee.” Ratcliffe has also been selected as the Chairman of the Subcommittee on Cybersecurity, Infrastructure Protection, and Security Technologies. “The protection of our American values, business, and way of life is in jeopardy unless we, as a country, take a strong stance against cybersecurity threats. Allowing foreign countries and terrorist to threaten our infrastructure and freedom of speech will not be tolerated,” said Ratcliffe. “I look forward to working with my colleagues to advance the conservative agenda so desperately needed to put our country on a better path. It is clear that our country needs a conservative voice in congress that is not a “go along to get along” politician. I am a limited-government conservative with a proven record of defending the Constitution and balancing budgets. I will build on this record and work to preserve a strong national defense, protect our homeland, grow our economy, and create goodpaying American jobs by reducing the size of the federal government. I look forward to bringing a good dose of Texas common sense to Washington. With more freedom and less government, I’m confident our country’s best days are indeed ahead of us.” Congressman Ratcliffe has opened up district offices in Rockwall, Sherman, and Texarkana. Jason Ross, a Rockwall County native, will manage Ratcliffe’s district operation across the 18 counties of the 4th Congressional District. He will be joined in the Rockwall office by Lorie Grinnan who most recently served as a Rockwall County Commissioner. Prior to joining Ratcliffe’s team, Grinnan served as a Rockwall County Commissioner from 2007-2014 where she represented over 20,000 constituents and helped oversee a $30 million county budget. From 1996-2005 Grinnan served on the Rockwall ISD Board of Trustees, including two terms as President. Her community involvement also includes leading the successful effort to construct a Rockwall County Veterans Memorial. Grinnan is a Texas native and graduate of Texas A&M University with a B.S. in Psychology. Lou and Kerry Johnson, pictured with Congessman John Ratcliffe, and wife, Michele at the swearing in ceremonies. RIBBON CUTTINGS PAINTING WITH A TWIST Painting with a Twist is Rockwall’s newest entertainment venue. Looking for a fun night out? Unleash your creative side with Painting with a Twist! We are a great place to have fun with your friends, or meet new friends; relax - just let your hair down and be you; or simply discover your inner artist. Bring your favorite bottle of wine or beverage, and paint along with our artist to create your own work of art that you will take home at the end of the evening. We provide all painting supplies and artist instructions. No art experience is needed. With a brush in one hand, your wine in the other, and surrounded by friends - come enjoy a rare opportunity to unplug and unwind. Simply be ready to have a good time! Follow us on Facebook to hear about studio events, get sneak previews of new art and our monthly calendar. 513 East Interstate 30 Rockwall, TX 75087 (469) 314-8110 Painting With A Twist KROGER The Kroger Rockwall store (2935 Ridge Road) completed an extensive expansion and celebrated their Re-Grand Expansion Opening Ceremony. the new addition to the store is an additional 16,000 square feet that will offer customers a food-centric shopping experience with chef-prepared items and pastries, Texas grown fruits and vegetables, an increased fine wine section (the best and lowest price in Rockwall!), the largest floral department in North Texas, premium-cut meats, fresh open air seafood, and bulk nutrition items, gourmet coffee and peanut butter. Don’t forget about the new salad bar, soup bar, olive bar, speciality cheese shop, kitchen shop, sushi, juice bar, and a drive-through Pharmacy! The remodel of this store has created 50 new jobs! Kroger 2935 Ridge Road Rockwall, TX 75032 (972) 882-1255 DALLAS HARLEY-DAVIDSON Dallas Harley-Davidson has been serving the metroplex of motorcycle enthusiasts for many years with new and pre-owned Harley-Davidson motorcycle sales, service, accessories, and a huge selection of clothing and home goods. With the growth in Rockwall and a large customer base located there, this year we wanted to join the Rockwall Chamber for expanded community involvement and to support our local market. Dallas Harley-Davidson is committed to the brand, the community, and most importantly, our customers. 1334 W. Centerville Rd Garland, TX 75041 (972) 200-1664 Dallas Harley-Davidson MEDPOST URGENT CARE In today’s fast-paced world, people expect immediate access to quality care at a reasonable price. MedPost Urgent Care is a great choice for people who need care for non-life threatening illnesses and injuries but don’t want to wait for an appointment or go to an emergency room. We are proud to serve Rockwall, and invite you to connect with us on Facebook! MedPost is open extended hours during the week and on weekends, and now has two locations in Rockwall (visit us at www.medpost.com for more information): 2951 Ridge Road, Suite 107 Rockwall, Texas 75032 (in the Kroger Shopping Center) (972) 722-4001 MedPost Urgent Care 3090 N. Goliad Street, Suite 110 Rockwall, TX 75087 (in the Tom Thumb Shopping Center) (972) 882-1255 RIBBON CUTTINGS HOLIDAY INN EXPRESS AND SUITES GARLAND LAKE RAY HUBBARD The hotel is conveniently located off Interstate 30 and the George Bush Turnpike. Enjoy exclusive water front lodging on Lake Ray Hubbard. Quick and easy access to Downtown Dallas, Texas to experience more of what Texas has to offer. Upgrade your hotel stay to indulge in an exclusive sunset in one of our balcony executive suites overlooking the lake. You won’t forget the amazing view. Make sure to pack your swimsuit whether you’re taking a boat ride from the dock or relaxing in our heated outdoor pool. Keep your friends informed with the lake view photos while connected at the pool side with our complimentary high-speed Internet. Holiday Inn Express & Suites 4412 Bass Pro Drive Garland, TX 75043 (972) 203-5700 ROCKWALL SEWING SCHOOL Rockwall Sewing School is the fun place to sew! It started in 2009 by Kathlene Backer. It has beautiful classrooms, fully equipped with computerized sewing machines, sergers, cutting tables, and all the tools you will need for sewing. Classes are year round. You may start at anytime during the year. Everyone works at their own pace. They also have quilting classes, summer camps, birthday parties, and private lessons. Ages 5 to adult, all sewing levels. For more information: rockwallsewingschool.com Rockwall Sewing School is located at: 500 Turtle Cove Dr., Suite 107 Rockwall, TX 75087 (972) 322-7727 Rockwall Sewing School JANUARY RIBBON CUTTINGS ENGLISH INSURANCE GROUP Thursday, January 8, 2015 Ribbon Cutting: 1:20 PM 2231 Ridge Road, Suite 200 Rockwall, TX 75087 LAKE POINT ADVISORY GROUP MORE Photos and Stories will be shared in the NEXT EDITION of our Monthly Newsletter! Thursday, January 13, 2015 Ribbon Cutting: 1:20 PM 1 Horizon Court A Rockwall, TX 75032 Read more at: www.rockwallchamber.org on Facebook and in The Blue Ribbon News GLEN OAKS HOSPITAL Don’t Forget to “Like” our Partners on Facebook! Tuesday, January 15, 2015 Ribbon Cutting: 12:30 PM A light lunch will be served. Facility Tours. 301 E. Division St. Greenville, TX 75401 Rockwall Chamber of Commerce - “ To make every day extraordinary for business while maintaining the ideal hometown feel.” Rockwall Area Chamber Events January 2015 S M T W 4 11 18 25 5 6 12 13 19 20 26 27 7 14 21 28 T 1 8 15 22 29 F 2 9 16 23 30 S 3 10 17 24 31 New Year’s Day Thursday, January 1, 2015 Offices Closed AM & PM Networking Groups 1st & 3rd Wednesday of the Month Wednesday, January 7, 2015 7:30AMand4:00PM ChamberCommunityRoom 697E.Interstate30,Rockwall,TX Bring $1 and lots of business cards Ambassador’s Luncheon 1st Wednesday of each month Wednesday, January 7, 2015 12:00PM– 1:00PM Dodie’sCajunRestaurant 697E.Interstate30,Rockwall,TX Monthly Meeting for Ambassadors Young Professionals of Rockwall Networking 1st Thursday of the Month Thursday, January 8, 2015 6:00PM– 8:00PM OscarDeltaTexasKitchen 108S.GoliadSt.,Rockwall,TX Become a YPR Member to Participate Professional Development Wed Topic: Enhance Your Online Presence Wednesday, January 14, 2015 12:00PM– 1:00PM ChamberCommunityRoom 697E.Interstate30,Rockwall,TX Bring Your Own Lunch Martin Luther King Day Monday, January 19, 2015 Offices Closed AM & PM Networking Groups 1st & 3rd Wednesday of the Month Wednesday, January 21, 2015 7:30AMand4:00PM ChamberCommunityRoom 697E.Interstate30,Rockwall,TX Bring $1 and lots of business cards S 1 8 15 22 January - February 2015 February 2015 M T 3 2 9 10 16 17 23 24 W 4 11 18 25 T 5 12 19 26 F 6 13 20 27 S 7 14 21 28 Partnership Luncheon Sponsored by Bimbo Bakeries USA State of the City: Economic Forecast Presentedby: - Mayor Jim Pruitt - City Manager Rick Crowley & - EDC CEO Sheri Franza Wednesday, January 21, 2015 12:00– 1:00PM(Check-In11:45) Lake Pointe Church - Warehouse 45 701 E.Interstate30|Rockwall Register Online - $18.00 Chamber Basics Maximize Your Membership! Wednesday, January 28, 2015 4:00PMto5:00PM ChamberCommunityRoom 697E.Interstate30,Rockwall,TX Free Presentation – Register Online Can I Get A Yee Haw? 2015 Annual Chamber Banquet Tuesday, February 3, 2015 6:30PMto10:00PM Southern Junction Steakhouse 5574Hwy276(atFM551),RoyseCity Table Reservations & Tickets Online AM & PM Networking Groups 1st & 3rd Wednesday of the Month Wednesday, February 4, 2015 7:30AMand4:00PM ChamberCommunityRoom 697E.Interstate30,Rockwall,TX Bring $1 and lots of business cards 2015 Sponsorship Opportunities Available: Partnership Luncheon Partnership Breakfast Business After Hours Get Noticed! Promote Your Business! [email protected] Ambassador’s Luncheon 1st Wednesday of each month Wednesday, February 4, 2015 12:00PM– 1:00PM Zanata Restaurant 202EastRuskStreet,Rockwall,TX Monthly Meeting for Ambassadors Young Professionals of Rockwall Networking 1st Thursday of the Month Thursday, February 5, 2015 6:00PM– 8:00PM CheckFacebookforNextLocation Become a YPR Member to Participate Professional Development Wed 2nd Wednesday of the Month Wednesday, February 11, 2015 12:00PM– 1:00PM Chamber CommunityRoom 697E.Interstate30,Rockwall,TX Bring Your Own Lunch AM & PM Networking Groups 1st & 3rd Wednesday of the Month Wednesday, February 18, 2015 7:30AMand4:00PM ChamberCommunityRoom 697E.Interstate30,Rockwall,TX Bring $1 and lots of business cards Partnership Luncheon 2015 SPONSORSHIPS AVAILABLE Wednesday, February 18, 2015 12:00– 1:00PM(Check-In11:45) Lake Pointe Church - Warehouse 45 701 E.Interstate30|Rockwall Rockwall County Days – Austin, TX February 22 to February 24, 2015 Register Online by February 2nd! Business After Hours 2nd or 4th Thursday of the Month Thursday, February 26, 2015 5:00PM– 7:00PM Hormonal Health and Wellness 1207AristaDrive,Suite103, Rockwall REGISTER ONLINE All events are subject to change. For more information or to register visit www.rockwallchamber.org/Events or call 972.771.5733 GET A FRONT ROW SEAT AT THE CHAMBER’S ANNUAL BANQUET! SPONSOR A TABLE TODAY! JOIN OUR CORRAL OF SPONSORS: AND THE NOMINEES ARE.... EVENTS HOT SPOT! Support Your Community at the 84th Legislative Session REGISTER ONLINE: www.rockwallchamber.org/events Registration Deadline: February 2, 2015 ALL RESERVATIONS must be made by this time. Please use the attached link to our website and make your reservations. THE CHAMBER will not be taking any reservations over the phone or BILLING accounts separately. NEW All-Inclusive Package - $675 per person (Best Value!) • Registration with Access to All Organized Events (Sun – Tues). Includes Welcome Reception, Breakfast Monday and Tuesday and Dinner on Monday evening. Lunch Monday and Tuesday will be on your own. • 2 Nights Lodging at DoubleTree Hotel and Suites by Hilton- Austin, 303 West 15th Street, Austin, TX 78701 • Round Trip Motor Coach Transportation – Snacks will be available on the bus. o Credit card needed for incidentals. o Departure from Rockwall at 12:00 Noon (from the Chamber Office) o Return from Austin, Departing at 10:00 AM (returning to the Chamber Office) May leave vehicles at the Chamber - The Chamber will not be responsible for any loss/damages. A later option is available at 1:00 p.m. with the Leadership Rockwall 2015 class if desired. Registration ONLY: • • • $100 per person - Includes Access to all Organized Events (Sun-Tue) Transportation - $100 per person *Registration Required (see details above) Attendees registering without the All-Inclusive Package will be responsible for their own hotel reservations. Hotel and Room Block Reservation Information: DoubleTree Hotel and Suites by Hilton-Austin, 303 West 15th Street, Austin, TX 78701, Phone: (866) 460-7456 or (512) 478-7000. These rooms have been reserved at the rate of $189 +tax single/double occupancy per night for the nights of Sunday, February 22nd and Monday, February 23rd. Deadline for Block Room Reservations is Monday, February 2, 2015. Mention Rockwall Area Chamber of Commerce when making reservations. ALL Attendees to Rockwall County Days MUST be registered to attend. Itinerary: Participants will receive the events itinerary and legislative report prior to February 22nd. ROCKWALL CHAMBER HOSTS PREMIER LADIES’NIGHT OUT Excerpt from Living Magazine, Lakeside Edition EVENT HIGHLIGHTS The Rockwall Area Chamber of Commerce hosted a community-wide ladies’ night out in December presented by Alliance Bank, Honda Cars of Rockwall, Trend HR and Willis Fine Jewelry. The premier La Tee Da - Fa La La event was open to all area women and even included motor coach transportation to the Springs Event Center in Poetry. Upon arrival, the ladies were treated to food, spirits, music, shopping with local vendors and pampering passes from some of Rockwall’s elite salons. Rockwall Mayor David Sweet and other special gentlemen were decked out in tuxedos to serve the ladies and to present prizes throughout the evening. A portion of the event’s proceeds went to benefit annual holiday meals served to the homebound elderly and disabled in the community by Meals on Wheels Senior Services of Rockall County. Robin Choteau and a friend show off their La Tee Da Swag Bags. Bill Houser, Kevin Fowler, Mayor David Sweet and Darby Burkey pose with Lynette Coughlin - Winner of the Diamond Giveaway (Courtesey of WIllis Fine Jewlery) Shelli Miller, Melissa Huffaker-Smith, Dorothy Spradlin and Mary Johnson having a great time. Margie Verhagen, Meals on Wheels with Kevin Fowler, MidSouth Bank. Meals on Wheels wrote: “Thanks to the Rockwall Chamber of Commerce for sponsoring the Meals on Wheels Christmas meal with the proceeds from the La Tee Da event and thank you Zanata for preparing such a fantastic meal for the senior homebound.” Pictured (Left): Meals on Wheels Volunteers. Pictured (Right): Delicious meals ready for dellivery! Rockwall Chamber of Commerce - “ To make every day extraordinary for business while maintaining the ideal hometown feel.” PARTNERS WELCOME NEW PARTNERS Family Medicine at Rockwall Active Wealth Management 7902 Traders Circle Greenville, TX 75402 (903) 455-6956 www.activewealthmgmt.com Origami Owl by Amy 5544 Melinda Circle Sachse, TX 75048 (214) 810-0671 http://amyscharms.origamiowl.com Ladybug Scrubs 2823 Market Center Drive Rockwall, TX 75032 (972) 772-8228 www.ladybugscrubs.net Primetime Petz 505 E. Boydstun Ave #8 Rockwall, TX 75087 (214) 257-8068 www.primetimepetz.com Lake Pointe Medical Partners Family Medicine at Rockwall 1215 Arista Drive, Suite 102 Rockwall, TX 75032 www.rockwallfamilyhealth.com THANK YOU RENEWALS Aerobic Enterprises, Inc. Best Western Plus Rockwall Inn & Suites Beyond Faith Homecare & Rehab Checkmate Casuals Custom T-Shirts City Of Fate Classic Rock Inc. Comet Cleaners Craft Customs-Carter Craft Custom Outdoor Trends, Inc. El Chico Elite Suites Pet Resort Firestone Frances Egan-Ebby Halliday Great Plains National Bank-Mortgage Division Green Electronics Solutions Hampton Inn Dallas/Rockwall Hanby Ramey King Insurance Hunt Regional Open Imaging Jack Palmer Photography Law Office of John F. Gussio Michael Fisher, DDS, PA Mission Rockwall Northstar Bank of Texas Occasions at Stone River Packer Brick Pecan Tree Pediatrics QC7 Development Services, Ltd. Resourcing Edge Rockwall Auto Direct Rockwall Nursing Care Center Scott Turner, State Representative Soroptimist International Of Rockwall Texas Cardiac Associates Williamson Foundation Repair Willis Keepsake and Collectibles Introducing the 110% CLUB The Chamber proudly recognizes Mathnasium as our inaugral 110% Club Member! Join the 110% Club! By contributing an extra 10% when you renew your partnership dues, you will promote your business, and help the Chamber promote Rockwall’s economic vitality. Club members will be recognized by the Chamber. AMBASSADORS AMBASSADOR OF THE MONTH Diane Porter Weight Off For Life Diane Porter, co-owner of Weight Off for Life, in its 8th year of service with an office in Rockwall, Texas serves an Independent Certified Health Coach and Regional Director, with Take Shape for Life. She and her husband, Dr. Jim Porter’s business, Weight off for Life incorporates the Take Shape for Life program, the FREE and professional coaching division of Medifast, a publically held company in business for over 35 years. She is certified through COPE, a partnership with Take Shape for Life, the MacDonald Center for Obesity Prevention and Education and the College of Nursing at Villanova University. She coaches individuals to optimal health on a local, statewide and national level and offers her services at no charge to the clients she serves. She sponsors and mentors health coaches nationwide who also have the passion to help others with their health. She has a super strong passion to make a difference in the health of America, one person at a time and has helped thousands of people including teens and children transform their lives, with great enthusiasm. She is one of over 12,000 independent health coaches nationwide and serves her clients and other health coaches on a nationwide basis. Diane graduated from Barry University in Miami Shores, Florida with her Bachelor of Science in Nursing and Texas Woman’s University in Dallas, Texas with a Master of Science in Nursing. She and her husband, Dr. Jim Porter, a natural consultant pharmacist, have lived in Rockwall for the last 10 years and love this community. She enjoys spending time with their 2 daughters, son-in-laws and 4 grandchildren. She loves travel internationally as well as a round of golf every so often. Contact Diane at 972-722-8200 and visit the website at www.weightoffforlife.tsfl.com/explore or join her team of health coaches and check out www.weightoffforlife.tsfl.com/biz MEET OUR Ambassador of the Month RUNNERS-UP: Jeannie Swanson, Minuteman Press Jerry Welch, Ebby Halliday Realtors - The Welch Team AMBASSADORS Mary Bell Chad Caudill Maureen Cook Brenda Cross Tim Cypert Kay Dutta Robin Fowler Sheila Hair Susan Holt Bob Lewis Tammy Mancuso Katy Miller Daniel Nichols Israel Norton Diane Porter Ginger Scott Josh Sparks Dorothy Spradlin Jeanie Swanson Crystal Tatum Toni Waldrop Brittany Whisman Jerry Welch Leigh Wilcoxson Northstar Bank Paychex Amy Joyce Designs Highland Meadows Health & Rehab Cypert Insurance Services Rockwall County Helping Hands MidSouth Bank My Computer Guy North American Title Planet Rockwall CertaPro Painting Lake Pointe Medical Partners BB&T US Health Advisors Weight Off for Life Shear Passion Salon American National Bank ScanSee Minuteman Press Guild Mortgage Company Rockwall Gold & Silver Texas Title/Vice & Henley Law Ebby Halliday Realtors Ranger Title AMBASSADOR’S LUNCHEON 1st Wednesday of the Month Monthly Meeting for Ambassadors Only JOIN US Wednesday, February 4, 2015 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM Zanata Restaurant 202 E. Rusk Street, Rockwall, TX RSVP to [email protected] SAVE THE DATE Locations TBD Wednesday, March 4, 2015 Wednesday, April 1, 2015 MARKETING Maximize Your Online Presence Compare Basic and Enhanced Web Marketing Package Features As a member of the Rockwall Area Chamber of Commerce we invite you to use your Partner Login information to manage how others view your business on our Chamber website. Our online Business Directory gets over 7,500 Hits per Month! You have the opportunity to market your business to consumers visiting www.rockwallchamber.org and enhancing your informational Home Page with pictures and text. You can also post Hot Deals, Job Openings and Events; and add Keywords to help consumers find you when they run searches, and run reports to see Hit Statistics for your home page and other advertised items. Whether at work, at home, or traveling, anywhere that you have access to the internet you will be able to edit your information by logging into the ChamberMaster website. If you have any questions regarding this site please contact your Chamber Representative. Basic Web Marketing Package Free at the Entrepreneur investment level ($375) • • • • • • • • 200 character business description Hours of operation Driving directions (without map) Personalized keywords Free online job postings Free online promotions (Hot Deals) Ability to post & register for Events Update the Chamber’s database yourself Available Upgrades to the Basic Web Account: • Add a Web & Map Link for $75 • Upgrade to the Enhanced Package for $150 Enhanced Web Marketing Package Included with the Business Investment Levels & Above ($750 +) Add’l Branding Features Increase your Website Hits! On the e-Brochure/Member page: • • • • • Logo/Image next to company info Expanded description of 1600 characters (standard 200) 5 Bulleted highlights Additional website and map links 8 Photo Slideshow (max 150 x 150 Pixels) and 1 video (for SEO integrated Chamber sites) In the Search Results Listing: About Painting with a Twist is an awesome BYOB entertainment option - come unplug and unwind with us. We provide everything you need to leave with a finished painting, our instructors will walk you through your painting step by step and you’ll leave with your own masterpiece. It’s FUN art, not FINE art - come have a great time with us!! Rep Info Christine Pilling, Owner Phone: (469) 314-8110 Send an Email Map Link: • • • • • Priority Placement over Basic listings 12 More Searchable Keywords available Logo/Image next to listing 200 character Search Results “Visit Website” link above phone number on Search Results In the Enhanced Map features, when clicked on: • • • • • • • • Picture/Logo Name Phone Number Address Description Web Link Contact Email Directions Link A FOND FAREWELL THE MAGIC OF MARGO NIELSEN - 25 YEARS OF SERVICE By Melody Hail, Rockwall County Helping Hands Rockwall County Helping Hands liken the legacy of Margo Nielsen to a quote from Winston Churchill: “We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.” Clearly, the spirit of Helping Hands today is a reflection of Nielsen’s giving of herself. Past and present Boards of Directors, volunteers and staff invite the community to join them in honoring the retiring Executive Director during a “Magic of Margo” event Jan. 24 at the Hilton Dallas/Rockwall Lakefront. The retirement party will reflect on the evolution of the agency under Margo’s direction, recalling the challenges and joys of leading RCHH since the early 1990s. Longtime friends of RCHH will share remembrances of Nielsen and her impact on the community. The celebration will not only mark Margo’s 25th anniversary with Helping Hands, but also her 70th birthday. “It will be an opportunity to recognize Margo’s many accomplishments in Rockwall County as well everything she’s accomplished as Executive Director of Helping Hands. As a community, this is our chance to honor her, applaud her work, and show her our gratitude,” said Heath Mayor Lorne Liechty, Chairman of the Board of Helping Hands. Tickets are available at rockwallhelpinghands.com. CLASS PROJECT ANNOUNCED by Katy Miller, Lake Pointe Medical Partners LEADERSHIP The Leadership Rockwall Class of 2015 has chosen Meals on Wheels Senior Services of Rockwall County for their class project. Our class goal is to raise $30,000 to refurbish the MOWSS offices which will save MOW an estimated $90,000 over the next few years. This will allow the money to be used for mobile meals for senior citizens in the community instead of on overhead expenses. The condition of the Meals on Wheels building made it an obvious choice for our class. Meals on Wheels currently resides on the Helping Hands property (the Williams Street campus). The building has reached such a high level of deterioration that soon Helping Hands will have no choice but to tear it down. As a result, MOWSS would then have to find a new location and pay a much higher rent and utilities. Our class is so thankful to all of the contractors who have come forward donating both labor and materials to help curb the cost of our renovation project. Our class is still fundraising through February and would gladly accept any donations. Please contact the Meals on Wheels office and ask for our leadership classmate Margie Verhagen if you are interested in donating to “Meals on Wheel, Building for the Future” project. (Read more about this story in the Blue Ribbon News - Coming Soon). Rockwall Chamber of Commerce - “ To make every day extraordinary for business while maintaining the ideal hometown feel.” Rockwall Area Chamber of Commerce 3021 Ridge Road #63 Rockwall, TX 75032 www.rockwallchamber.org Located at: 697 East Interstate 30, Rockwall, TX 75087 Your Ad Here More Info Contact: [email protected] Rockwall Area Chamber of Commerce - To make every day extraordinary for business while maintaining the ideal hometown feel.