CALL IT A COMEBACK

HOW THE LAKE HIGHLANDS CHAMBER IS IMPROVING OUR SMALL BIZ SCENE

HEALTHY LIVING AIN’T CHEAP

THE LAKE HIGHLANDS CHAMBER OF COMMERCE is still young compared to other well-established neighborhood groups like the Exchange Club and Lake Highlands Women’s League. Five neighbors — Ted Hill, William Davenport, Chris Fifer, David Tyson and Chris Bone — launched the organization in 2014.

The chamber’s inception stems from Hill’s observations of events in eastern and southern Dallas as much as Lake Highlands. Hill was a member of Leadership Dallas when the GrowSouth initiative was created to spur development in our city’s southern sector. He applauded the initiative but wondered what was being done to improve Lake Highlands. The neighborhood was stagnant, with only a few local restaurants and little development otherwise.

Then the Northeast Dallas Chamber of Commerce changed its name to the East Dallas chamber, and the Lake Highlands Public Improvement District mentioned starting a chamber.

The timing seemed perfect, Hill says. As a small business owner, he thought the chamber was essential to improving Lake Highlands’ economic slump. The past four years, the group has dedicated its efforts to supporting small businesses through networking events, ribbon cuttings and special events such as “We Love LH” Awards.

“Based on us, getting the town center done and the economy, Lake Highlands has turned the corner,” Hill says.

Events To Watch Byob

Since there’s no how-to manual for running a business, this program focuses on helping business people grow, Hill says. The topics run the gamut, from sessions on leadership and successful entrepreneurs to sales strategy and new tax laws. The meetings are held monthly during lunch at the Lake Highlands chamber offices, at 9101 Lyndon B Johnson Freeway, suite 670.

WE LOVE LH AWARDS BANQUET

Community members nominate businesses that have made an impact in the community and given selflessly throughout the year. Winners are announced at a banquet that has sold out the past two years. This year the Lake Highlands Chamber is considering a new event venue to host more people.

TALKO TACO TUESDAY

Learn about current events in Lake Highlands while casually munching on tacos from Resident Taqueria, 9661 Audelia Road. The event is open to the public, and no RSVP is required. The event is slated the first Tuesday of every month and features a different news organization each time.

WE SPENT $5.3 million ON FRESH FRUIT IN ONE YEAR

VEGETABLES COST US $4.6 million

WE SPENT $3.2 million

ON SPORTS, RECREATION AND EXERCISE EQUIPMENT OF THAT, RENTING AND REPAIRING SPORTS EQUIPMENT COST US $45,000 BICYCLES?

$478,000

CAMPING EQUIPMENT IS $294,000

Source: U.S. Census and Bureau of Labor Statistics based on zip codes 75231, 75238 and 75243. Numbers are derived from 2010 U.S. Census data with projections to be accurate as of Jan. 1, 2017.

Story by ELISSA CHUDWIN