2020 Annual Report THE YEAR IN REVIEW
FRISCOCHAMBER.COM
In marriage, the 50th year is called a “golden anniversary,” and 2020 was the golden milestone for the Frisco Chamber. This Chamber has certainly evolved since it was founded in 1970, still providing the opportunity for connections and resources, but the Chamber of today is equally focused on advocacy at the local, state, and national levels as well as workforce development programs like the Young Entrepreneurs Academy and Leadership Frisco. People often ask for an explanation of what the Frisco Chamber does. The Chamber is committed to meeting the needs and providing value to companies of all sizes, which means the answer to that question is a little different for everyone and evolves as a company grows and as our city matures. In 2020, the Frisco Chamber stepped up in a big way to help the entire business community navigate the events of 2020 and begin the recovery process.
Christal Howard 2020 Chair of the Board Community Impact Newspaper
Our community proved how strong they were during 2020, and while It is impossible to say what the next 50 years will look like for the city or this Chamber, I have the utmost confidence that through continued strategic partnerships and a dedication to never settling for ‘good enough’ or even ‘#1 Place to Live’ the possibilities are limitless.
Christal
OUR
MISSION The mission of the Frisco Chamber of Commerce is to protect and promote commerce through advocacy, resources, and connections.
WHO WE
ARE
The Frisco Chamber of Commerce is the “Voice of Business” and a leader in the business community, partnering with approximately 1,100 member businesses and representing over 75,000 employees across the community.
In 2020, we learned how resilient we can be as individuals and also as a community as a whole. Chambers of commerce are typically known as vital organizations run by individuals who are passionate about their communities, and the Frisco Chamber of Commerce is no exception. Our entire team has a heart for helping our business community succeed and this year, with all of its challenges, has allowed us the opportunity to provide resources to help every organization during these unique times. This is what chambers of commerce were created to do…to help business! Frisco is well-known for its partnerships, working together in ways not seen in many communities and it was quickly realized that economic recovery would require everyone working together from city leaders to elected officials to the private sector. Because these partnerships were already in place, we were able to come together quickly and effectively. Please know that it has been an honor to play a role in helping you, and our entire business community re-open, rebound, and recover!
Tony Felker, CCE, IOM President/CEO Frisco Chamber of Commerce
WHAT WE
DO
STRENGTHEN THE LOCAL ECONOMY
STRENGTHEN AND PROMOTE COMMUNITY
SERVE AS PROBLEM SOLVERS
EDUCATE AND INFORM BUSINESSES
COLLABORATE REGIONALLY
DRIVE PUBLIC POLICY
MAKE VALUABLE CONNECTIONS
LEADERSHIP AND WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT
PROVIDE VALUABLE RESOURCES TO BUSINESSES
EDUCATE AND INFORM VOTERS
OUR BRAND-NEW
BRAND
As we begin to look at the next 50 years, we ask ourselves and others how we can best benefit all of our members, regardless of business size, and each with different needs. Four words kept coming up as areas that could be utilized by any-sized business. An interesting thing to note is that we found these four words also parallel the progression of many business cycles.
connect Connections made at the Frisco Chamber tend to evolve with the growth of a business. Smaller, newer businesses are usually looking to connect with customers, while larger businesses may be looking for opportunities to collaborate. Connections are a big part of what we do, whether making a $50 sale or a $5 million deal.
FEBRUARY
2020
Over 650 business and community leaders gathered at the Embassy Suites Frisco Conference Center to celebrate not only the accomplishments over the last 50 years but also to celebrate the 2019 Citizen and Business award winners.
grow Most businesses are looking to grow in some way…to increase market share, add additional staff, or even an additional location. Our hope is that a business’ growth is either a direct or indirect result of something valuable the Frisco Chamber has offered (from meeting with SCORE counselors, having a vendor table at the New Teacher Welcome, or attending educational events such as the HR Summit). Larger businesses grow by investing in education for and engaging their staff with one or more of our programs.
lead “Leaders aren’t born, they are made,” Vince Lombardi once said. Through programs such as Leadership Frisco, committee leadership, and/or serving on the Board of Directors, our businesses can take advantage of the many leadership opportunities we offer. Larger businesses are able to achieve brand recognition as a sponsor, affect change by attending our Leadership Exchange trip or D.C. Fly-in, or simply show support of the Frisco Chamber of Commerce efforts.
give back Businesses of all sizes desire to give back for many reasons and in many ways, whether donating time, resources, or both. From mentoring a student to connecting with nonprofits for volunteer opportunities, the Frisco Chamber plays a role in philanthropy. Some businesses want to give back to the Frisco Chamber to allow us to continue to serve the needs of the community.
ACCREDITATION
5-STAR And while we are helping businesses and employees connect, grow, lead, and give back, all of this would not be possible without our mission, “to protect and promote commerce.” Regardless of where an organization is in the business cycle, one area that in fact, applies to EVERY business, really EVERY citizen, is being the one voice for the business community – this will never change. While you are busy running your business (connecting, growing, leading and giving back), we are working, often behind the scenes, with legislators, elected officials, and community partners to keep Frisco a strong, healthy, and vibrant community one in which we can all be proud of. Here’s to the next 50 years!
Watch our 50-Year video on the Frisco Chamber YouTube Channel
In November 2019, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce awarded the Frisco Chamber of Commerce with 5-Star Accreditation for its sound policies, effective organizational procedures, and positive impact on the community. Accreditation recognizes a chamber’s work to foster a healthy business climate that enhances the quality of life for its members and its community and is the only national program that recognizes chambers for their effective organizational procedures and community involvement. Being a 5-star accredited chamber puts the Frisco Chamber of Commerce in the top two percent of all chambers The Frisco Chamber earned a perfect score in four of the nine areas reviewed.
FIFTY
YEARS
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HOW CAN WE
HELP?
Being problem-solvers by nature, at the onset of the pandemic, the Frisco Chamber membership team sent out a survey to better learn the needs of the business community. The team then proceeded to reach out to every single member individually by phone and email to discuss their most current needs. These findings were shared with the entire staff to allow each department to better assist our business community.
COVID-19
WEB PAGES When the pandemic first struck, our Frisco Chamber of Commerce communications team made the commitment to work tirelessly to vet the barrage of information regarding the coronavirus, relief for business, and recovery efforts. Information changed by hour! Latest News
On March 12, 2020, just one day after the NBA paused their season, the Frisco Chamber had resource pages on our website.
Coronavirus Resources Local Dashboards HR and Employment Law Financial Resources
ZOOM
WEBINARS Via Zoom, we brought together industry experts to answer questions being asked by the business community. Our “Conversation with the Chamber” series featured subjects such as: Loans and Grants HR and Employment Law Commercial Real Estate Current Executive Orders PPP Loan Forgiveness Watch on our YouTube Channel
Information is certainly key and we appreciated all of the "Zoom" calls from the Chamber to keep us informed of the ever changing landscape of PPE & EIDL in the beginning months. We have friends in business in other cities not receiving the same kind of support. Thank you, Frisco Chamber. The Chamber is just a good network of businesses...we always try to go to a Chamber member first or refer where we can. We love our Frisco Chamber. Peggy Naas Frisco Printing & Graphics
FINANCIAL
RESOURCES We helped businesses navigate EIDL Loans PPP Loans Denton County OPEN Grants Collin County CARES Grants IRS Laws
FRISCO RECOVERY
TASK FORCE
STATE OF THE
CITY
Watch on our YouTube Channel
We just received our Collin County CARES grant. Our first $375 is going to be for Countdown2Escape’s membership for the Frisco Chamber. You all have taken so much fear and complexity of today’s very uncertain times. I can’t thank you enough. Fred and Shannon Hammond Countdown2Escape
An early vision of Mayor Jeff Cheney and City Manager George Purefoy led to the creation of the Frisco Recovery Task Force, comprised of city leaders and team members from the Frisco Economic Development Corporation (EDC), Visit Frisco, Frisco Fire Chief Mark Piland, Emergency Operations staff and also included Tony Felker, President/CEO of the Frisco Chamber of Commerce.
When it became evident that in-person events were not an option, Grace Church Frisco hosted our first live-streamed event in July 2020 and for the first time ever, the event was free to virtual attendees, thanks to the generosity of our sponsors, including our presenting sponsor, Texas Health Hospital Frisco. Photos courtesy of Suad Bejtovic‘ Photography
ADVOCACY
In order to fulfill the Chamber’s mission statement “to protect and promote commerce,” the Frisco Chamber of Commerce Governmental Affairs division, along with the Board of Directors, takes a strong and proactive stance on governmental issues. Governmental Affairs at the Frisco Chamber of Commerce is at the forefront of issues not only FriscoChamber.com/advocacy-efforts involving Frisco but the entire North Texas Region. We are often working behind the scenes with legislators, elected officials, and community partners, to keep Frisco a strong, healthy, and vibrant community.
EFFORTS
GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS MISSION EDUCATE AND INFORM
VOTERS
The mission of the Governmental Affairs team is to inform, educate, engage, and advocate for the business community regarding relevant public policy.
CENSUS
The Advocacy Team served on 2020 Census committees and communicated the importance of a complete count. This communication was important as an undercount could cost Texas $300 and seats in Congress.
2020
VOTER
INFORMATION FriscoChamber.com/vote
Every business is impacted by the actions our elected leaders take, highlighted more than ever as we move through the COVID-19 pandemic and into a phase of recovery. The Frisco Chamber plays an active role in encouraging those in the community to go vote as well as providing election information.
VOTER INFORMATION WEB PAGE
CANDIDATE FORUMS PRIOR TO ELECTIONS
EMAIL AND SOCIAL MEDIA CAMPAIGNS
ELECTION RECAP
Voter Registration Information Election Information Candidate Biographies
March Primary Election State and County Election City Council /School Board City Council Run-off Election
Reminding to “Go Vote” Candidate Forums Election Information
Recap of November Election Results Local, State, Federal
LEGISLATIVE
PRIMER
The Legislative Primer in November 2020 brought together elected officials to discuss the 2021 Legislative Session and what the 87th Session has in store for Frisco. Our panel included Senator Angela Paxton, Representative Jared Patterson, and Mayor Jeff Cheney. Moderated by Chris Wallace, President and CEO of the North Texas Commission. This live-streamed event was free to watch thanks to our generous sponsors, including our presenting sponsor, Garver, LLC. Watch on our YouTube Channel
CANDIDATE
4 FORUMS
The Frisco Chamber of Commerce held four candidate forums in 2020. The Primary Candidate Forum was held in person in February 2020. The three other forums (State and County, Frisco City Council and Mayoral combined with Frisco ISD Board of Trustees, and Frisco City Council Runoff Election) were live-streamed to the Frisco Chamber’s YouTube Channel and other social media platforms.
2021 LEGISLATIVE
AGENDA
FriscoChamber.com/advocacy-efforts
Adopted October 2020 | Effective January 1, 2021
Watch on our YouTube Channel
BUSINESS
INFRASTRUCTURE
GOVERNANCE
Business Regulation Economic Development Public Education Higher Education and Workforce Development Healthcare
Transportation Water Energy Telecommunications
Local Control Redistricting COVID-19
2020
NUMBERS FACEBOOK
8,636
8,891
2,174
2,486 followers
followers
+4.0%
+3.0%
+15.5%
+15.2%
+62.1%
@friscochamber
@friscochamber
followers
followers
followers
CANDIDATE
4 FORUMS
YOUTUBE
140
@frisco_chamber
CONVERSATION WITH THE CHAMBER
18
UPDATE 24 ADVOCACY NEWSLETTERS
WEBINARS
3%
2%
INCOME
18%
EXPENSE
27%
61%
12%
9%
68%
Membership Dues
Non-Dues
Events
Committees
Admin
Programs
Operating
Reserves
BUILDING NOTE PAYABLE 000's
$400
4
$375
$350
LIVE-STREAMED SIGNATURE
EVENTS
$325
103 BLOG POSTS
$300
$275
$250
$225 Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
2017
2018
2019
2020
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
(THERMOMETERS) 90 NCIT DISTRIBUTED
PROGRAMS AND
Thank you for the continued efforts of keeping businesses connected during these difficult and changing times.
COMMITTEES
FriscoChamber.com/chamber-committees
Carol Tatom Autism Response Team Texas
Ambassadors
Frisco Young Professionals (FYP)
HOA/POA
Leadership Frisco
2020 SIGNATURE
Veterans Council
EVENTS
Women Enhancing Business (WEB)
Young Entrepreneurs Academy (YEA)
FriscoChamber.com/events
Gala
Gala
Gala
Annual Awards Celebra on Presented by Texas Health Hospital Frisco
HR Summit in Partnership with Dallas HR
State of the City Presented by Texas Health Hospital Frisco
Gala
Gala
Gala
New Teacher Welcome Presented by CoServ
Annual Golf Tournament Presented by Town & Country Roofing and Peak Roofing & Construction
Legisla ve Primer Presented by Garver, LLC
Many of our businesses desire to grow their network or use our weekly Chamber Works as personal development for their employees. Chamber Works met every Thursday morning, in 2020 with an exception of a few weeks. First in-person, then virtually, and finally hybrid when conditions allowed. FriscoChamber.com/networking-meetings
2020
TIMELINE
List not all-inclusive
JANUARY ! WHO Announces a Mysterious
Coronavirus-Related Pneumonia in Wuhan
FEBRUARY
I Frisco Welcomes 15,000 Visitors
Conversa on - Glenn Hager I Proclama on by Mayor - 50th Anniversary I Annual Awards and 50-Year Celebra on I
APRIL Chamber Drive-By Parade to Thank Essen al Workers Weekly Chamber Works Goes Virtual
H
Z Weekly Chamber Works at the Frisco Rail Yard H I Conversa on - Collin/Denton County Grants
!
S Conversa on - PPP Loan Forgiveness S Golf Tournament I
Candidate Forum - City Council/School Board
DECEMBER
! Breaking News
H Hybrid
First "Presump ve Posi ve" in Frisco/NTX NBA Pauses/No In-Person Chamber Events Frisco Chamber Launches Resource Website Curb-Side/To-Go/Delivery Only Municipal Elec ons Move to November
MAY Z Z Z Z Z
Conversa on - Unintended Consequences Conversa on -Reopening Business Part II Conversa on - Denton County OPEN Grant Industry Round-Tables I and II HR Summit
!
JULY
Z
OCTOBER
COVID-19 Vaccines Approved
! ! ! ! !
S State of the City Z Conversa on - Open for Business S New Teacher Welcome
AUGUST Frisco Chamber Disperses Non-Contact Infrared Thermometers
MARCH
Z
JUNE
YEA! Goes Virtual - Info Session
(FCS Championship Game)
!
I In-Person Event
SEPTEMBER S Candidate Forum - State and County S Legisla ve Primer I Leadership Frisco Class 23 Gradua on I Leadership Frisco Class 24 Kick-off
NOVEMBER S S S Z
Elec on Recap Candidate Forum - City Council Run-off Legisla ve Primer Mee ng with Governor Greg Abbo
S Live-Streamed Event
Z Virtual Via Zoom
Christal Howard Chair
Community Impact Newspaper
C. John Scheef, III Immediate Past-Chair Scheef & Stone, LLP
Ex-Officio Members
2020 Executive Committee
Ma hew Reiter Chair-Elect
Whitley Penn, LLP
Tony Felker, CCE, IOM Frisco Chamber of Commerce President/CEO
Dr. Todd Fouche Frisco ISD Deputy Superintendent
Mike Barber Treasurer
BKM Sowan Horan, LLP
Karen Cunningham Secretary
Cunningham HR Solutions
Ann Anderson At-Large
Anderson Agency, Farmers Insurance
Peter Burns At-Large
The Bridge Delivery Service
2020
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Henry Hill City of Frisco Deputy City Manager
Craig Levere e Collin College Campus Provost
Suad Bejtovic‘
Suad Bejtovic‘ Photography
Kris n Grammar
NewGate Development Company,City Central
Jeremy Howell
Scottish Rite for Children
Vik Jain
Stonebriar Financial Services
Ron Pa erson Frisco EDC President
Bre Lee
Ashley Miller
Texas Health Hospital Frisco
National Breast Cancer Foundation
Randy Nichols
Terri Paterson-McElhaney
Mossakowski & Nichols Wealth Management, LLC
Legacy ER & Urgent Care
Donnie Nelson Texas Legends
Wesley Randall
University of North Texas at Frisco
Megan Nguyen-Trinh Bank of America
Chad Sterling Altair Global
Marla Roe Visit Frisco Executive Director
Steve Wa en Clark Hill PLC Legal Counsel
MEET THE
TEAM
Tony Felker, CCE, IOM President/CEO tony@friscochamber.com
Brian Davis Director of Membership brian@friscochamber.com
Shelby Fawver Director of Events shelby@friscochamber.com
Karen Kim Vice President Marketing & Communications karen@friscochamber.com
Christopher Lee Director of Government Affairs chris@friscochamber.com
Roz Righetti Office Manager roz@friscochamber.com
Jenn Van Dahm Member Services Manager jenn@friscochamber.com
Kevin Westerfield New Membership Manager kevin@friscochamber.com
6843 Main Street, Frisco, Texas 75034 | 972.335.9522 FriscoChamber.com | info@friscochamber.com