Coppell Chamber Update
WINTER 2017
IN THIS ISSUE Message from the President.. ................Page 1 Dr. Mike Waldrip, Bennett Ratliff to speak at Forum..........................Page 1 Community Health & Wellness Expo...........Page 1 Mega Market.............Page 1 Ribbon Cuttings...........Page 2 Upcoming Chamber Events.....................Page 2 Coppell Gala................Page 4 Leadership Executive Advancement Program.......................Page 4 New Chamber Members.....................Page 4 The Coppell Chamber of Commerce is a 501(c) 6 non-profit organization, and its mission is to promote and enhance the business environment and quality of life in our community.
708 Main Street P.O. Box 452 Coppell, TX 75019 972-393-2829 ph VISIT US ONLINE AT COPPELLCHAMBER.ORG • Business Directory • Chamber Events • Community Calendar • Hot Deals • and More! FOLLOW THE CHAMBER ON:
New Year, New Changes at the Coppell Chamber
Tara Storch to speak at Chamber Monthly Luncheon
By Gayle Westapher President The new year has started off with a bang at the Coppell Chamber of Commerce, with new staff, new events, and a new focus on our members. December 2016 saw the retirement of CEO/ President, Kristi Valentine, a move that touched the hearts of many Chamber staff and members as Kristi left to assist with her family’s business. New Staff In a bold move, the Chamber board voted to divide the CEO/ President position between two current Chamber employees, Christine Douglass and Gayle Westapher. Christine, our former events and sponsorship director assumed the role of CEO, and as the former membership director, I assumed the role of President. “The roles are divided perfectly to fit our inherent strengths,” notes Christine, who is responsible for the vision and strategy of the Chamber. I, on the other hand, am responsible for membership services, including acquisition and retention, and representation of the Chamber at a majority of our events. Ponce Duran, as the vice president, maintains the public image of our Chamber and assists with events. Karen Cook, our director of operations, oversees the daily activities and financial aspects of our Chamber and also assists with events. The board, while very happy See CHANGES, page 3
Tara Storch
Tara Storch is first and foremost a wife and mom. Including Taylor, she is mother to son Ryan and daughter Peyton. As co-founder of Taylor’s Gift Foundation, award-winning author, and community leader she strives to share her story at every possible opportunity to help make an impact in the world around her. Opening up about her
journey of finding hope and purpose after the loss of her daughter Taylor, she and her husband Todd speak publicly about the importance of organ donation across the nation. She has been featured on Good Morning America, The Today Show, The Ellen Show, People Magazine and other national and international media, bringing a message of inspiration that is touch-
ing lives around the world. She will speak at the Coppell Chamber Monthly Luncheon on February 24th from 11:30 am – 1:00 pm at the Coppell Senior & Community Center (345 Bethel Road, Coppell, Texas 75019). Tickets are $25 for early bird and $30 at the door. Please visit www.coppellchamber.com or call the Chamber office at 972-3932829 to purchase tickets.
Waldrip, Ratliff to Speak at Government Forum By Ponce Duran
The Coppell Chamber’s Governmental Affairs Committee will host the Coppell ISD Superintendent Dr. Mike Waldrip and former State Rep.
Bennett Ratliff. All are welcome to join us at 12 pm on Tuesday, Feb 28, 2017 at the Chamber office in Old Town Coppell. The office is located at 708 Main St, Coppell, TX 75019.
Dr. Waldrip and Bennett Ratliff will be speaking about CISD’s legislative agenda, their opposition to school choice vouchers, the flawed A-F Dr. Mike Waldrip school grading system, and our School Bus arrangement with Dallas Co. Schools. The Coppell Chamber’s Governmental Affairs Committee exists to educate local Bennett Ratliff businesses and residents in the area of politics by providing free monthly speakers & roundtable discussions on issues of importance to the business community. In addition to the monthly gatherings, the Committee also hosts the Chamber’s Annual State of the City Address in October, local Candidate Forums, an organized trip to our state Capitol in Austin to meet with state legislators, etc. For more information on this event and the Coppell Chamber’s Governmental Affairs Committee, please go to www.coppellchamber.org or call the Chamber office at 972-393-2829.