ALLEN FAIRVIEW CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
BUILDING RELATIONSHIPS NOTE FROM 2022 CHAIRMAN Dear Friends and Fellow Chamber Members, It is with great pleasure that I accepted the chairmanship of the Allen Fairview Chamber for 2022. It is a pleasure and honor to work beside such an amazing group of volunteer leaders who serve on our board. We are privileged to have dedicated and hardworking staff members, who have our members’ and Chamber’s best interests at heart. I look forward to working with the Board and the staff, utilizing the foundation that has been built to develop a quality program for 2022. These individuals all met in January at a Board Planning Session to develop a Business Plan and to set priorities for 2022. At this session, the 2022 Program of Work was developed. This Program of Work defines our Plan for 2022 and beyond. The intent of this plan is to provide additional services and benefits to our members while making adjustments where necessary to allow our Chamber
to grow and prosper. At this session, our staff provided detailed information on where we’ve been, where we are, and where we want to go, along with recommendations on how to get there. Our engaged board members listened and provided thoughtful feedback and ideas to our staff. The following is the finalized and board approved Program of Work for 2022. We look forward to providing information on the success of each program in our 2022 Annual Report which will be developed and shared with members the first part of 2023. Best Regards, Donna Neal My Community Credit Union 2022 Chamber Board Chair
2022 ANNUAL PLAN Growth Strategy & Priorities
1. Connect with the membership on their level: Know their needs! 2. Increase Retention Rate to 85% (EOY) 3. Increase New Member Revenue by 5% 4. Increase Non-Dues Revenue by a minimum of 3% 5. Develop C-Suite Programming 6. Complete Reaccreditation Materials by July 15th, submission deadline August 31, 2022
Stated Goals & Plans to Accomplish:
1. Focus on Value of and for membership at all levels (Put the focus on them & their needs, not the Chamber) 2. Build Key Relationships (Communities, School Districts, Elected Officials, Key Business Leaders) 3. Provide Benefits for Large/Medium Business (C-Suite Network) 4. Enhance value of sponsorships 5. Enlist help of volunteer retention/ recruitment committees and Board of Directors 6. Each board member is tasked with recruiting one new member annually.
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As it applies to our mission:
3. Work with Collin Corporate College to develop series of training opportunities for members and ADVOCACY: On behalf of Members & their staff Business Community and for those who 4. Continue relationships with SCORE are not currently members (free consultations) and the Small 1. Legislative Updates & Breakfast Business Development Center (DEI) meeting 5. Develop C-Suite programming for 2. Meet the Candidates major employers 3. Revitalize the Business Advocacy 6. Enhance Leadership Allen Fairview Committee leadership skills component of 4. Continue and enhance program (major employers) programming of the DEI Task Force 5. Utilize partnership/contract with Collin County Business Alliance in RELATIONSHIPS: People do business providing information and live with those they know, like and trust: streaming events. Member to Member personal connections
EDUCATE: Utilize focus groups to
determine the business training needs, work with Collin College in providing 1. Business Webinars/In-person workshops with professional speakers 2. Make use of Chamber 411 to educate membership on “how to” utilize Chamber website and value of educational programming.
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1. Provide opportunities for members to meet their peers and ideal clients 2. Use breakfast or luncheons to introduce them to elected officials and community leaders 3. 5:05 Networking (smaller businesses enjoy the social aspect) 4. After Hours specifically for C-Suite leaders from major employers and city/county/state officials
Your Chamber is Always Working for YOU! Regardless the unprecedented local and national circumstances of 2022, your Allen Fairview Chamber of Commerce has continued to focus on our residents and visitors; our businesses and economy; on our families and neighbors. Here are some examples of your Chamber of Commerce working for you:
HIGHLIGHTS OF 2021
ANNUAL GOLF CLASSICS
Membership
Both the Spring (Watters Creek) Fall (Heritage Ranch) Golf Classics exceeded budget and provided great outings for members and guests.
• Total New Members – 110 • Retention Rate – 83% Program Highlights • Held 50 Ribbon cuttings • Initiated START Breakfasts & BOLD Luncheons hosting a total of eight (8) events • Hosted four (4) Eggs & Issues Virtual Events: (three Meet the Candidates & one AISD Bond presentation) • Presented three (3) DEI Speaker Series programs • Two (2) Golf Tournaments • Five (5) 5:05 Networking After Hours • Seven (7) 411: Maximize Your Membership programs • One (1) amazing Annual Volunteer Recognition Gala • One (1) WISE Gift Expo and one (1) Spring Fling Business Expo & After Hours • Two (2) Virtual Webinars: COVID Vaccines Explained & Cybersecurity & Your Business
ANNUAL VOLUNTEER RECOGNITION GALA Our annual gala, Gratitude: Take 2 honoring our Hometown Heroes, was a tremendous success with over 180 in attendance.
PROGRAMS Eggs & Issues
Eggs & Issues is an initiative of the Chamber’s Business Advocacy Committee that is tasked with presenting programs featuring local elected officials, updates on issues affecting the business community and quality of life in Allen and Fairview and in presenting annual Meet the Candidate events allowing business leaders the opportunity to know before you go to vote.
Leadership Allen Fairview
Leadership Allen Fairview is a 9-month community orientation and leadership skills development course and is open to any individual who either lives or works in Allen or Fairview. Class 33 is currently underway and applications for Class 34 will be available in June.
The Allen and Fairview communities are flourishing with new businesses and a highly-skilled workforce. Much of the success and growth is influenced by the Allen Fairview Chamber of Commerce and its amazing members. I have had the opportunity to meet dozens of like-minded entrepreneurs and community leaders sharing their passion to make our community the best. Being a member of the Allen Fairview Chamber has proven to be one of the best decisions I have ever made. Through my involvement, I formed countless great friendships and business relationships! I am honored to be a part of such a great organization. - Demetris Adekamnbi, Chair-Elect
Coffee & Connections
Weekly business building opportunities where members and guests can introduce themselves and their business services/products through30-second commercials.
BOLD Speakers Series START – Smart Topics and Relevant Themes
BOLD & START provide programs that enhance business skills as well as professional and personal development
5:05 Networking
Hosted by Chamber members at their locations, this is a great program for those who want to showcase their store, restaurant, hotel or office in a social networking atmosphere.
SOCIAL MEDIA REPORT 2021
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PROGRAMS (C0NT)
events, participating in the annual Operation Thank You, and attending ribbon cuttings for new members as well as other celebrations for the existing membership. Business Success Advocates are the retention arm of the Chamber’s volunteer committees. Utilizing their expertise and providing testimonials when visiting with members helps the Chamber to retain the current membership and grow the Chamber.
Chamber 411: Maximize your membership
Chamber 411 shifted from a breakfast meeting to an afternoon event incorporating a happy hour option for those attending. This event is hosted by board members and staff for new and prospective members who wish to learn more about Chamber programs, networking, promotion and other benefits of membership.
Business Advocacy
In 2021 the Chamber’s advocacy efforts were most often virtual. Three Meet the Candidates events were held for local elections including one for Allen City Council and AISD Board of Trustees and a second for Fairview Town Council, Lovejoy ISD and Collin College Board of Trustees. The third focused on Congressional District 3, Texas State Senate District 8, Texas State Representatives Districts 67 & 89, Collin County Judge, Commissioners Court and District Attorney.
WISE Holiday Gift Expo, Luncheon & Fashion Show
Another success event hosted at Heritage Ranch Golf & Country Club provided a much-needed opportunity for the ladies of our Chamber and those living in Heritage Ranch an opportunity to shop, network, lunch and enjoy a fabulous fashion show by Chico’s in Watters Creek. Fabulous vendors with amazing products had the opportunity to enjoy lunch and network along with selling their items prior to and after the luncheon and fashion show.
DEI
A new initiative of the Chamber, the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Task Force hit the ground running with their virtual DEI Speaker Series. Presentations included Becoming a Better Leader: The ROI of DEI; What is Allyship?; and Leading from Within. The Task Force also focused on identifying programs and being a resource for small, minority, veteran and women-owned business certifications.
COMMITTEES Ambassador Club/ Business Success Advocates
The Ambassador Club members are official hosts for the Chamber. They are active with members through their work in welcoming new and prospective members to networking
Senior Service Alliance
The Senior Services Alliance is made up of member businesses that offer support services, senior discounts, transportation and living accommodations. The purpose is to showcase services and goods available to seniors and their families in hopes of making their lives easier to navigate and finding trustworthy resources when needed. The SSA met a total of 11 times in 2021 with a variety of topics discussed. Your Chamber family is grateful for the opportunity to serve and support our shared community. Visit our website to learn more about our programs. Join us at any of our events to celebrate Allen Fairview’s mutual pursuit of progress!
2021 FINANCIAL OVERVIEW
61%
INCOME Member Investments Fundraising Member Services Other
73%
EXPENSES Administrative Member Services Fundraising Other
4% 11
%
23%
% 8 8 11%
%
THANK YOU TO OUR INVESTORS Investors in the Allen Fairview Chamber of Commerce join close to 600 businesses that are contributing to the future of the greater Allen area.
PLATINUM MEMBERS INVESTORS
ADVISORY BOARD MEMBERS & SPECIAL APPOINTMENTS Julie Couch...............................Town of Fairview Dr. Amy Gainer..............................Collin College David Hicks.............................................Allen ISD
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Dave Quinn......................................Fairview EDC Kimberly Steiner..............................Lovejoy ISD Rebecca Vice....................................City of Allen
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"I’ve attended many different chambers throughout my mortgage career. The first time I attended the Allen/Fairview Chamber I knew it was like none other. Through the years as a member, I’ve not only made some valuable contacts that I could refer my clients to but have also established many extremely valuable friendships. I have never been part of another chamber that was so beneficial to my business and my personal life. In case I don’t say it enough, Thank you guys" – Joe Boggs, Supreme Lending
CHAMBER STAFF
2022 EXECUTIVE BOARD BOARD OF DIRECTORS Donna Neal Chair-Elect My Community Credit Union
Frank Poradish Treasurer Brass Roots Technologies
Paul Hernandez Immediate Past Chair Oncor
Demetris Abekanmbi Chair-Elect Credit Union of Texas
Desmond Bibbs............. Credit Union of Texas Jacqueline Dodd......Dodd Law Offices, PLLC Mark Friedman.......FriedoNation Productions Cesar Garza......................Andrews Distributing Dean Hansen......................The Hansen Agency Susan Ross.............................................. Experian Jared Shelton....................... Texas Health Allen Steve Terrell.....................Terrell’s Dry Cleaning
David Ellis Joe Boggs At-Large At-Large Allen Economic Supreme Lending Development Corporation
Sharon Mayer CEO
Karen Simpson Finance Director
Saundra Midkiff Membership Services
Pennie Beauchamp Programming & Special Events
FUNDRAISERS Membership investments are the lifeblood of the Chamber but additional revenue sources are essential to the financial well-being of the organization. Special events such as the Members Choice Awards Gala and the Golf Classic are our two major fundraisers annually. Both are designed to be a fun experience and member-focused.
Jordan Stahl Communications
ALLEN FAIRVIEW CHAMBER OF COMMERCE 210 West McDermott Drive Allen, TX 75013 • (972) 727-5585 info@allenfairviewchamber.com www.allenfairviewchamber.com
GREAT WAYS TO CONNECT!
Technology has changed the way we communicate, and the Allen Fairview Chamber of Commerce is taking note and reaching out to our members and the community in exciting and innovative ways. To stay up to date with the latest Chamber news and information, or to get details on upcoming events, the Allen Fairview Chamber Podcast is a must! From small business roundups and Chamber connections, to discussions on Allen ISD Bonds and events, this podcast needs top billing on your playlist. Subscribe today! www.alleninaction.libsyn.com Our Facebook page is the perfect way for us to keep in touch with our members and the greater Allen and Fairview communities. From event pages, to activity snapshots, to community and business news, the Allen Fairview Chamber Facebook page has the details you need and can help us stay connected! www.facebook.com/allenfairviewchamber Our Instagram feed allows us to share photos of our latest activities and highlight the ways we connect with one another. There’s always something happening, and Instagram helps us keep you in the loop! www.instagram.com/allenfairviewchamber Video is king, and our YouTube channel is THE place to catch local ribbon cuttings and more. Be sure to subscribe! www.youtube.com/channel/UCK6T1WQRAhO_N09oWQTmQ4g There is no better place outside of the Chamber for business leaders to connect than on LinkedIn. The Allen Fairview Chamber page is filled with the latest tips and tools you need to connect and grow your business. Be sure to +Follow! www.linkedin.com/company/allen-fairview-chamber-of-commerce
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