Open For Business-Denton Chamber of Commerce 2015-2016

★ Open For

BUSINESS Denton Record-Chronicle March 31, 2015

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Denton Chamber of Commerce

March 31, 2015

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Welcome to the 2015-16 chamber year

INSIDE A PUBLICATION OF THE DENTON RECORD-CHRONICLE Outgoing chair Larry Parker .................................................................................................... Page 9 We The People Award Angelica Del Rosal........................................................................................ Page 10 Incoming Chair Jeff King ........................................................................................................ Page 12 Small Business of the Year Chuck Carpenter .......................................................................................... Page 14 Past Generation of Chamber Leadership Honored ............................... Page 21 Chamber Media Lio DeJesus .................................................................................................. Page 23 Career Planning Fair Angelica Del Rosal........................................................................................ Page 27 Chamber, NCTC Partnership Pam Livingston ............................................................................................. Page 29 Major Program Initiatives Chuck Carpenter .......................................................................................... Page 33 Leadership Denton Chuck Carpenter .......................................................................................... Page 36 Membership Benefits Norm McCaskill ............................................................................................ Page 38 Women In Commerce Angelica Del Rosal........................................................................................ Page 42 Welcome Center Kim Phillips ................................................................................................... Page 44 Come Create Kim Phillips ................................................................................................... Page 47 Accreditation Approved Chuck Carpenter .......................................................................................... Page 50

BY-LAWS: 1.2 Purposes: The Denton Chamber of Commerce is organized to advance the general welfare and prosperity of the Denton Area so that its citizens and all areas of its business community shall prosper. All necessary means of promotion shall be provided and particular attention and emphasis shall be given to the economic, civic, commercial, cultural, industrial and educational interests of the area.

MISSION STATEMENT: The Denton Chamber of Commerce shall represent and serve its members by providing leadership on key issues that impact economic growth, educational excellence, quality of life and diversity of the Denton Community.

CREDITS Editor: Scott Parks Editorial Section Coordinator: Larry McBride Layout Design: Kaycee Key Writer: Bj Lewis, Jenna Duncan Marketing Director: Amanda Crocker Advertising Director: Sandra Hammond Retail Advertising Manager: Shawn Rennea Retail Sales Representatives: Becci Hendrix, Linda Horne, Tami Phillips, Rennea Howard and Joanne Horst.

Contributing Writers: Angelica Del Rosal, Director, Membership & Programs, Denton Chamber of Commerce; Jeff King, 2015-2016 Board Chair, Ramey King Insurance; Pam Livingston, Small Business Development Specialist; Lio DeJesus, Social Media & Blogging Intern, Denton Chamber of Commerce; Adam Gawarecki, Vice Preisdent, Denton Economic Development Partnership; Chuck Carpenter, President, Denton Chamber of Comemrce; Norm McCaskill, Sales & Retention Specialist, Denton Chamber of Commerce; Kim Phillips, Vice President, Convention & Visitors Bureau; Larry Parker, 2014-2015 Board Chair, Denton Depot; Travis Vesekla, Membership & Program Specialist Cover Design: Kay Daniel, Alphagraphics

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March 31, 2015

Denton Chamber of Commerce

Past presidents/board chairs of the Denton Chamber of Commerce A.C. Owsley - 1909-1913 F.F. Hill - 1914 J.N. Rayzor - 1915 O.M. Curtis - 1917-1918 F.M. Frailey - 1919 John Speer - 1920 J.W. Gray - 1921 W.S. Long - 1922 Bala Williams - 1923 W.C. Edwards - 1924 Fred H. Minor - 1925 R.L. Marquis - 1926 R.M. Barns - 1927 L.A. McDonald - 1928 R.J. Edwards - 1929 O.D. Bell - 1930 Charles H. Smoot - 1931 J. Holford Russell - 1932 W. Floyd Brooks - 1933 Abney B. Ivey - 1934 W.R. Hicks - 1935 Ben C. Ivey - 1936 E.J. Headlee - 1937 M.D. Penry - 1938 Will Williams - 1939 James L. Baldwin - 1940

W.D. Barrow - 1941 W.C. Orr - 1942 G. Emery Taylor - 1943 W.W. King - 1944 C.E. Hastings - 1945 E.D. Miller - 1946 Riley Cross - 1947 J.P. Harrison - 1948 R.W. Bass - 1949 E.J. Williams - 1950 Hal L. Dyer - 1951 J. Harold Farmer - 1952 Tom Harpool, Jr. - 1953 Joe Skiles - 1954 E.W. Morrison - 1955 J. Stanley Monroe - 1956 Marvin Ramey - 1957 R.L. Selby, Jr. - 1958 Bill E. Utter, Sr. - 1959 Welcome Wilson - 1960 Roy Appleton, Jr. - 1961-62* Wyn Murrell - 1962-63 W.C. Orr, Jr. - 1963-64 Raymond Pitts - 1964-65 W.E. (Bill) Drenner - 1965-66 John Thomas - 1966-67

L.L. Armstrong - 1967-68 Rowe W. Meador - 1968-69 Byron Smith - 1969-70 Ken Shaw - 1970-71 Homer Bly - 1971-72 A.E. Wyatt - 1972-73 L.A. Nelson - 1973-74 John Moellinger - 1974-75 Harold H. Reed, Jr. - 1975-76 Millard Heath - 1976-77 Frank Martino - 1977-78 Tom Fouts - 1978-79 Fred W. Patterson - 1979-80 E.W. Morrison, Jr. - 1980-81 Ed Moorehead - 1981-82 Dave Krause - 1982-83 Bill Brady - 1983-84 Bob Crouch - 1984-85 Milton M. Hill - 1985-86 Derrell W. Bulls - 1986-87** Mary Anne McKenzie - 1987-88 Jack D. Miller- 1988-89 Harry G. Hall - 1989-90 Fred R. Pole - 1990-91 Barbara Russell - 1991-92 Carl R. Anderson - 1992-93

Russell L. Bates - 1993-94 Richard D. Hayes - 1994-95 Priscilla Sanders - 1995-96 Fred Gossett - 1996-97 Bill Patterson - 1997-98 George E. Highfill – 1998-99 Tony R. Clark – 1999-2000 Connie A. Pelphrey – 2000-01 Ellen M. Painter – 2001-02 Perry R. McNeill – 2002-03 Randy Robinson – 2003-04 Jerry Mohelnitzky – 2004-05 Lee Ann Nutt – 2005-06 Marty Rivers – 2006-07 Phyllis Pittman – 2007-08 Michele Barber – 2008-09 Stan Morton – 2009-2010 Hank Dickenson – 2010-2011 Paul R. Chandler – 2011-12 E.C. “Chuck” Fremaux – 2012-13 Mark A. Burroughs – 2013-14 Larry L. Parker – 2014-15 * Program Year changed from January 1 to April 1 ** Top Volunteer’s title changed from President to Chairman of the Board

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Dent on Chamber of Commerce

March 31,2015

Past recipients of the Otis L. Fowler Award The Otis L Fowler Award is the highest and most prestigious honor present-

ed annually by the Denton Chamber of Commerce.Mr. Fowler was the first paid executive to serve the Denton Chamber, a position he held for almost 30 years.

By design, the Otis L. Fowler Award is given to a deserving individual "for distinguishing accomplishment in their business, profession or calling ... thus contributing to the progress and welfare of the community?'

2015 Charles W. Carpenter 2014 Hank Dickenson 2013 Bettye B. Myers 2012 Carl R Anderson 2011 Dr. Perry R McNeill 2010 Dr. Gretchen Bataille 2009 Mike Tiimble 2008 Ken Burdick 2007 Carol Short 2006 Pat Gobble 2005 Brave Combo 2004 Rick Villareal 2003 Euline & Horace Brock 2002 Priscilla Sanders 2001 Fred Pole 2000 George Hopkins 1999 Jack D. Miller 1998 Bill Thomas 19971h>y H. LaGrone 1996 B. Lamar Ball, Jr. 1995 Bennie G. Snider 1994 Dr. Shirley S. Chater

1993 Dr. Derrell W. Bulls 1992 H. S. Osborne 1991 Donna Trammell 1990 Maureen & J.B. Floyd 1989 Dr. Imogene Dickey Mohat 1988 Milton M. Hill 1987 Bill Brady 1986 Dr. Alfred F. Hurley 1985 Mabel & Jake Craven 1984 Frank N. Martino 1983 Ben C. Ivey 1982 Fred Patterson 1981 Leon Breeden 1980 Dr. Mary Evelyn Blagg Huey 1979 Bill E. Utter, Sr. 1978 Ed W. Morrison, Jr. 1977 Mary Claude Gay 1976 Fred Minor 1975 Homer Bly 1974 Hayden Fry 1973 Dr. L L. Armstrong 1972 Marvin Ramey 1971 Roy Appleton, Jr. 1970 Riley Cross 1969 Chester 0. Strickland 1968 Rowe B. Newman 1967 J. Holford Russell 1966 Ben C. Ivey, Sr. 1965 W. C. Orr, Jr. 1964 Dr. Pauline Berry Mack 1963 Tom HarpooL Jr. 1962 J. Newton Rayzor 1961 John A Guinn 1960 Hugh D. Clark 1959 Joe Skiles

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March 31, 2015

Denton Chamber of Commerce

Denton Chamber of Commerce

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March 31, 2015

Outgoing chair reflects on past year

By Larry Parker Denton Chamber of Commerce

My theme this year has been “We the People of the Chamber”. The focus has been to be all-inclusive as we addressed our ultimate goals and challenges. Membership should be reflective of “all”the members. Hopefully this theme inspired a culture of unity and family.

We were able to achieve our number-one goal this year – Reaccreditation with supplemental ratings for nationally recognized excellence. We assembled nearly 40 volunteers, representing involvement in all areas of the chamber’s program, administration and past leadership, supported by staff, to carry out the section assessments.

We were informed in November by the U.S. Chamber that we had not only earned our Reaccreditation, but we had increased our supplemental distinction rating from three stars to four stars. The highest ranking a local chamber can earn is five stars.

We pursued a public Convention Center, which was established as a standing initiative of the 2007 chamber board. Our Convention & Visitor Bureau staff actively supplemented the Denton city council and staff through a feasibility phase that concluded this past December. We are disappointed to report the specific project our board recommended is no longer active.

Our third major initiative in conjunction with the convention center project was to leverage the resources between our allied organizations to pursue an Off-Site Visitor facility. This concept was originally proposed in the 2012 Leadership Denton class project.

We as a board approved a special task force in December to identify potential

options and lease arrangements. We have some very innovative possibilities and hopefully will be making some announcements on this exciting project in the next few months.

We are charged as a Chamber of Commerce with the mission of promoting economic prosperity of the Denton area. This charge takes many forms. We at all times attempt to balance pure economic interests with general interest of the community.

Our community became divided over the hydraulic fracturing method of producing natural gas. We as a board voted unanimously to take a position against the arbitrary nature of the ballot proposition. The chamber did not endorse hydraulic fracturing or any other method of producing natural gas. We specifically endorsed “reasonable regulation” of gas production within the city and that is up to the city, state and federal authorities.

We recognize the crucial importance of protecting property rights of citizens. We want to be clear that we are advocating protection of property rights for both mineral interest owners and also surface rights owners. We did not participate in any form of advertising at any time on this subject.

This year was a fruitful year on many fronts. We saw growth in the number of participants for both our Leadership Denton class and the LEAD programs. This is where the culture is nurtured for “We the People of the Chamber” I want to thank the Denton Chamber of Commerce for the privilege to humbly serve as chairman of the board for 2014-2015. My appreciation goes out to all the staff who on a daily basis keep this big wheel turning. Many thanks to my fellow board members I had the opportunity to get to know and work alongside these past five years.

MATT PORTZ, Agent 940-591-6644

800 S. Interstate 35E • Denton, TX

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March 31, 2015

Denton Chamber of Commerce

‘We the People’ Award presented to two individuals The Denton Chamber of Commerce has traditionally given a Volunteer of the Year Award to recognize the dedicated efforts of one individual who has gone above and beyond the call of duty for the benefit of the organization.

In 2015, this recognition took on a different look by being awarded to more than one individual and donning a new name of “We the People” Award to coincide with the 2014-2015 program year theme.

The individuals who received this special recognition for their outstanding volunteer efforts are Carolyn Corporon with Sally Beauty Holdings and Dr. Perry McNiell, UNT retiree.

Carolyn Corporon has been the foundation and driving force behind the chamber’s Women in Commerce initiative since its inception in June 2010.Her individual efforts and connections have produced $15,000 in direct supplement to WINC events.

Carolyn has brokered and coordinated resources through her own company to provide valuable in-kind promotional support.In the spring of 2014, she even

made her own home available for the Women in Commerce Red, White & Jazz event.In the previous program year, she arranged to host the Annual Elected Officials Reception at the Sally Beauty corporate headquarters.

In cooperation with the Chamber staff, Perry McNiell assembled a select group of nearly 40 volunteers, representing involvement in all areas of the chamber’s program, administration and past leadership to carry out the Chamber’s reaccreditation process. This is a challenging, extensive, and purely discretionary review process that is completed every five years.

The Chamber received notice in November from the U.S. Chamber that it had not only earned Reaccreditation, but, had increased its supplemental distinction rating from three to four stars.

Both individuals have demonstrated true leadership and unwavering support for the mission of the Denton Chamber of Commerce. Their efforts were recognized with an award presentation at the Chamber’s Annual Banquet & Gala on March 6th at Robson Ranch.

Carolyn Corporon receives her award from Board Chair Larry Parker. The other recipient, Dr. Perry McNeill, was not in attendance at the ceremony.

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Denton Chamber of Commerce

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Rick Wick, General Sales Manager Of Classic is a Chamber Board Director

Two Locations: 4984 & 4991 I-35E in Denton • 940-498-9800 • www.classicofdenton C5

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Denton Chamber of Commerce

March 31, 2015

A welcome from the new board chair

By Jeff P. King

Chair of the Board

My father Terrell, my brother James, and I are proud to be associated with a locally owned business.The fact that the roots of the Ramey King agency go back to the original formation of the Denton Chamber makes it even more special.

We understand the importance of developing personal relationships with current and potential clients.

After all, we’re probably going to run into them in the check-out line at the grocery store, or, standing at the coffee urn at church.

The basic concept of the Chamber program format is to create on-going opportunities for each of us to “run into” our clients.

We must not lose sight, however, of the big picture.

The economic foundation of our community as a whole has got to be conducive to profit and productivity.

During the board’s program-planning retreat at the end of January, the consensus was to carry forward two of the major initiatives originally endorsed for the 2014-15 chamber year.

With the expert guidance of Kim Phillips and our Convention & Visitor Bureau staff, we will continue to pursue a public convention center/hotel project.

In conjunction with this, we will remain vigilant in our efforts to establish an off-site visitor center. Our first preference is to have something on the immediate downtown square.

The third key priority our board checked off on was to help recognize and support the vision of the North Texas State Fair Association as they pursue a new location. With this relocation, their ability to help bring in and expand major events is limitless.

The Board has approved Glenn Carlton, executive director of the North Texas State Fair Association, to follow me as Chair next April, so the planets appear to be aligning naturally. Stand by for lots of promising updates.

Considering the profile of our average member, I’m pleased that the Board authorized us to bring back the annual Business Expo. We’ll return to the newly remodeled Golden Triangle Mall on April 30. We’re anticipating nearly 75 exhibitors this year.

All of these efforts require a dedicated leadership team. I’m blessed that Larry Parker will remain on the Executive Committee as Immediate Past Board Chair.

I’ve asked Erik Clark, Jim Fykes and Carrell Ann Simmons to remain in their respective program divisions on the Executive Committee.

Erik took on the unenviable task this past year of trying to replace Larry as head of our Membership Development Division. He has risen to the occasion.The face and spirit of the chamber, the LEAD Delegates, are also part of Erik’s division.

Jim will remain in charge of our Economic Development Division. This is crucial because of our on-going external marketing partnership with the City of Den-

ton and Denton Municipal Electric. This division also oversees most of our small business initiatives.

Carrell Ann will continue to do double duty.She serves as treasurer; plus, she is over our Special Initiatives Division.

This division is the connection to our highly successful Women-In-Commerce initiative, as well as our career planning fair and Denton ISD new employee events.

The Board authorized a one-year appointment to allow me to keep Mark Burroughs on the Executive Committee.

Having just gone through the reaccreditation process, we were continuously reminded that we need to maintain a better Government Relations initiative.

Unfortunately, most people cannot really differentiate between “Government Affairs” and “Political Affairs.” We owe it to our members to at least be at the table on key public policy issues.

Our by-laws do not allow us to be involved in partisan politics. Balancing these two trains of thought can be awkward. For now, nobody understands this better than Mark.Although he has more than served his terms in the fish bowl, Mark has graciously agreed to serve one more year.

We have some admirable goals, a veteran leadership team and an energetic and motivated group of volunteers all committed to help make Denton a great place to do business, call home and live the good life.

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Denton Chamber of Commerce

March 31, 2015

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Ramey King Insurance

Salutes The Chamber Board Chairs

Larry Parker

Jeff King

Board Chair 2015-2016

Board Chair 2014-2015

Glenn Carlton Board Chair 2016-2017

member

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March 31, 2015

Denton Chamber of Commerce The Small Business of the Year Award has been a standing initiative of the Denton Chamber for the past 29 years. Nominees are typically considered on business-related accomplishments as of December 31, and may include a combination of comparable growth indices, innovation and the ability to overcome adverse circumstances.

Mellow Mushroom named Small Business of the Year By: Lio DeJesus Denton Chamber of Commerce

As soon as you walk through the front door and are greeted by a large, cowboy boot-shaped chandelier, you know the experience is going to be something you’ll never forget. Disney may have copyrighted the phrase “the happiest place on Earth”, but owners Monte and Martha Jensen promise that their independently owned pizzeria is the “happiest place in Denton.”

The Mellow Mushroom, located at 217 E. Hickory Street, is the definition of, as Martha puts it, “Far East meets West meets Far Out.” The décor, from the aforementioned chandelier, to the Moroccan stringed lights, to the art on the walls contributed by selected local artists each year, creates a truly unique atmosphere that goes unrivaled even in Denton’s downtown art district. The restaurant is open for anyone, from toddlers to septuagenarians, to enjoy a slice of high-quality pizza cooked to perfection in Mellow’s open-faced stone oven.

The ambitious couple brought the concept of Mellow Mushroom originally to Ft. Worth from Atlanta, Georgia, but quickly moved to Denton in 2011 after seeing a great opportunity. “[Denton] is the perfect location,” Martha said with plenty of enthusiasm.

“It is the perfect microcosm of arts and people.”

The Jensens fell in love with the community and decided to move closer to the Denton area, particularly the downtown sector where their restaurant currently resides.

“We wanted to have a relationship with our customers and to become part of the fabric of downtown,” Jensen said.

In actuality, Monte has taken this mission to heart, serving as the president of the Denton Main Street Board, being a board chair for the Selwyn College Pre-

paratory School, as well as serving on a myriad of other local committees.

“We need to be the stewards of what we want to be,” Jensen said.

The Mellow Mushroom has even worked in unison with Beth Marie’s CEO Bob Moses, to sell two flavors of the old-fashioned ice cream exclusively in their store: “Mellow Moon Over Denton” and “Strawberry Fields Whenever”.

However, the Mellow Mushroom has had its fair share of adversity. Hickory Street underwent a large reconstruction, closing the street and causing difficult access to the entrance of the restaurant.

According to Jensen, the most difficult part of the entire rebuild was convincing the public to overlook the perception of getting there.

“It’s hard to get people to come, especially when it’s cold and rainy because most consider it inconvenient to walk the extra two blocks to get here,” Monte said.

After dealing with constant construction and fluctuating customer interest, the Jensens thrived and are looking forward to the new opportunities the rebuild will provide, such as more parking, new landscaping, outdoor tables, and the inclusion of the Denton Main Street Hall of Fame.

The Mellow Mushroom is looking at having an even stronger 2015, with goals of potential expansion to the heart of Dallas, and maintaining their top-notch customer service and individuality.

The Mellow Mushroom: Eclectic food and drink in a “make your day” atmosphere.

Check out their website at http://mellowmushroom.com/store/denton and explore the depth of their menu, including gluten free and vegan options.

The Mellow Mushroom has been a member of the Chamber of Commerce since 2011.

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Denton Chamber of Commerce

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Denton Chamber of Commerce

March 31 ,2015

Cupboard Natural Foods is Small Business of the Year finalist In the past couple of years, the vegan and paleo craze has swept the nation, inspiring people to eat healthier and to look for more "natural" and organic options. But what does that even mean?

Paul Thnis knows.

For the past 30 years, Cupboard Natural Foods has provided Dentonites with unique organic and natural food options you won't find in your average chain store.

"Most of the time, chain stores have natural options that are watered down versions of good food. We make sure nothing has artificial colors - no preservatives-- and is minimally processed;' Thnissaid.

The Cupboard is working diligently as an independent store, making sure as many of their products as possible are locally sourced and grown. They have worked with a large network of local small farmers, ranging between Pilot Point, Decatur, Sanger and Forestburg.

Thnis feels strongly that using these small farmers has been the deciding factor in the success of their business.

"We want those relationships;' Thnis said. "Many of the small farmers can't

afford certification (that large-scale farmers can), but they always provide us with the best choice of grass-fed meats and free-range eggs:' It also allowed Cupboard to become the largest natural bulk food provider, as well as having all USDA-approved organic products.

"We listen to what our customers want individually. We learn what they want and take special orders. It's what gives us such a large variety and keeps our customers coming back," Thnis said.

It's their attention to detail and passion for the industry that keeps the Cupboard alive and welL Thnis himself is achefbytrade and always had the desire to prepare food at a higher quality.

While working at a natural foods restaurant, he decided that he wanted to give everyone the opportunity to enjoy and experience the quality of the ingredients he enjoyed so much. Joining Cupboard over 19 years ago, Thnis not only made sure that the customer got fresh and unique products, but that they could experience the only natural foods restaurant in Denton.

The Cupboard Cafe, connected di-

rectly to the store, makes delicious allnatural dishes that are prepared completely from scratch. However, even the cafe has had its fair share of challenges as a pioneer in its industry.

"Even though we are the largest natural bulk food provider, it's not always easy to find restaurant-sized bulk food," Thnis said. "We sometimes have to use multiple regularly-sized packages to make the food, but it's worth it:' On top of running the cafe, being an independent natural grocer has had its fair share of challenges. Cupboard has to provide its own facility maintenance, keeping an adequate sized staff to provide top-notch customer service and to research food, competing against the chain stores and other large grocers, all while trying to keep fair prices for their customers.

Despite all the potential pitfalls, Cupboard Natural Foods has continued to be the standard for natural food in the Denton community.

In 2015, Thnis said he is looking at potential expansion opportunities and upgrading the menu for the cafe, including 100 percent grass-fed burgers.

"I hope Cupboard is viewed as a place where people feel blessed," Thnis said with a smile. And it seems that way, considering many customers have been shopping with Cupboard for more than 20 years. As they continue to enhance service and provide unique products, the Cupboard looks poised to remain the little grocer that could.

Cupboard Natural Foods: A Denton legend in a "natural" way.

Find out more about Cupboard Natural Foods on its website - http://bit ly/1CVyDKi The Cupboard has been a member of the Denton Chamber of Commerce since1990.

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March 31, 2015

Denton Chamber of Commerce

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March 31, 2015

Denton Chamber of Commerce

VERUS is Small Business of the Year finalist Mistakenly referred to as ‘VERSUS’ on plenty of occasions, these guys aren’t opposed to anything besides poor service. The boutique real estate service, VERUS (meaning “honest and truthful” in Latin), makes sure to live up to its name.

The family-oriented company is a full service commercial real estate team completely dedicated to delivering outstanding brokerage, asset and property management without sacrificing a relationship.

“Every piece of property is a potential client,” said Greg Johnson, CEO of VERUS. “But we don’t want clients for another sign.”

Known as Elk River Real Estate since 2007, the company adopted a cultural change when they became VERUS in 2010. Taking a unique approach to the real estate business, Johnson stressed the importance of their team.

“In traditional real estate, it’s every man for himself. It’s all about claiming ‘my client.’ At VERUS, we make sure everyone has an expertise so that we are all involved in the projects.”

With a team mentality in place, the staff at VERUS stakes its success on not taking the traditional route and avoiding pre-packaged plans to real estate. As Johnson said, “It’s like a rifle compared to a shotgun.”

Team members ensure that they sit with the client to understand their goals, risk profile and desired opportunities to get them the properties they actually want.

“Sometimes it may take more than two weeks to find one property, but we work our tail off and we have fun doing it,” Johnson said.

After the recession of 2008-09, VERUS worked hard to overcome the down-

turn and have been a major player in revitalizing much of Downtown Denton.

They have taken the challenge of placing quality tenants into older buildings and have made sure that these investments are durable. Some of their key successes include West Oak Coffee Bar and completely overhauling the Texas Building, as well as moving Hoochie’s over to Hickory Street. All in all, VERUS was able to complete roughly 170 transactions in 2014, despite working in Downtown Denton and through the construction on Hickory Street.

They were also able to build and lease an entire shopping center off Teasley in a calendar year.

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“We started from dirt, through working with the architect and building, to leasing all the properties and moving them in. It was amazing to see it all happen so rapidly,” Johnson said.

In 2015, VERUS looks forward to seeing its four new team members flourish and gain their own clients, “the VERUS way”.

“Money always comes last,” Johnson said. “Our people need to have fun because you can always teach real estate.

The fee will come if you do what you’re supposed to do.”

Johnson stressed that he is thankful to be part of the Denton community, and he looks forward to being a part of the growth and expansion of the city he calls home.

VERUS Real Estate Advisors: Where the client’s needs are always above their own.

If you are interested in commercial real estate, or have a referral, go to www.v-re.com for more information.

VERUS has been a member of the Denton Chamber of Commerce since 2004.

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WE ARE PROUD TO ANNOUNCE THE MAY 5TH GROUNDBREAKING OF OUR $2.2 MILLION COMMUNITY LIFE ENRICHMENT AND WELLNESS CENTER

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March 31, 2015

Denton Chamber of Commerce

Hotel is an environmental steward

By Veronica Maldonado Denton Chamber of Commerce

The City of Denton’s numerous initiatives and programs that promote environmental awareness and protection are the catalysts to encouraging its citizens and businesses to eagerly participate and go green. While Best Western Premier Crown Chase Inn & Suites in Denton was already recycling, they recently became the first Denton hotel to offer free Electronic Vehicle (EV) charging to guests.

At the beginning of February, while celebrating the hotel’s five-year anniversary, Vice President of Helm Hotels Group Zach Glenn shared how the opportunity gained momentum and what it means for this upscale property.

“A few years ago, we discovered how easy it was to recycle with the City of Denton. We were very excited, because it not only offset the cost of additional trash pickup, but we realized we were contributing to environmental stewardship,” Glenn said.

The hotel property was on a very green path adding energy-efficient light bulbs and minimizing electricity and water usage.

It seemed like a natural step when the property was approached by Sun Country Highway, a Canadian company seeking to create a more sustainable future by accelerating the adoption of electric vehicles. With Sun Country Highway’s guidance Best Western Premier Crown Chase Inn & Suites determined which chargers would be used, where to place them and how to get electricity to the parking lot.

The chargers were installed last fall and are accessible via a regular and handicapped parking space.

But what does this mean for the property, its guests and our local community?

For starters, the distance an electronic vehicle can drive is determined by how you drive. In most cases compact electric vehicles can travel anywhere from 40 to 100 miles before needing to charge.

And a charge can take anywhere from 3-8 hours. So if I own an electric vehicle, how do I know where I can charge?

Most EV owners, when taking a trip, determine their route based on where they can plug. According to Glenn, most users rely on apps such as Plug Share to help them navigate and discover their electric highway. The app allows the us-

ers to plan according to charger options and availability.

Denton is in good shape when it comes to charging availability. North Branch Library, North Lakes Park, South Lakes Park, UNT’s EESAT and RTFP buildings, as well as Bill Utter Ford all are listed as places where travelers can plug.

But Best Western Premier Crown Chase Inn & Suites is the only location that has a dedicated Tesla Charger and an EV plug. With this new amenity, the hotel hopes to attract 4-6 new customers that would not have come otherwise. And that is huge as we put Denton’s name out in today’s Eco-tourism world.

However, Best Western’s drive to become an eco-friendly hotel will not stop with just following the 14 minimum guidelines from the American Hotel & Lodging Association. Looking at everything from exterior lighting, recycle bins in all rooms, to recycling batteries, Best Western Premier Crown Chase Inn & Suites has only started to scratch the surface in decreasing its carbon footprint. The hotel has also launched its Ecostay initiative, which is designed to measure its carbon footprint, fund onsite environmental initiatives and offset unavoidable carbon emissions, while making a guest’s stay completely carbon neutral.

During its Green Initiative Launch, the hotel partnered with the Denton Chamber of Commerce and the City of Denton to introduce its plan and future projects.

The group in attendance had opportunities to ask questions about the projects the hotel was taking on to be more environmentally friendly. The group also tossed around a few ideas while Glenn gladly took notes.

“We can’t get complacent, and we can never feel like we’re doing enough.

We must always be looking to improve.

Guest expectations get higher and higher every day, so we have to put ourselves in the position to meet and exceed those expectations,” Glenn said.

Driving or overnighting without a carbon footprint. Is it possible? Absolutely.

Best Western Premier Crown Chase Inn & Suites in Denton declares it is here and encourages us all to help ‘Green’ all of America’s Highways!

- Veronica Maldonado is the communications director for the Denton Convention & Visitors Bureau.

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March 31, 2015

Denton Chamber of Commerce

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Past generation of Chamber leadership honored

A joint initiative originally proposed by the board of directors and Past Board Chairs Council of the Denton Chamber finally came to fruition in 2014 when the City of Denton formally renamed the Denton Center for the Visual Arts in honor of Fred & Patsy Patterson and Roy Appleton, Jr. Roy served as board chair in 1961-62, and Fred headed the chamber during the 1979-80 program year. Between them all, they were instrumental in fulfilling multiple visions for the local arts, and a significant economic development campaign that was well ahead of its time. Fred’s son, Bill Patterson, is also a Past Chair of the Denton Chamber Board, serving during the 1997-98 Program Year.

The Patterson-Appleton team ran the Denton Record-Chronicle for many years. Equally important, however, they represented an era in which the leadership of the chamber stepped up to implement some major initiatives which clearly justify the “Denton Original” brand currently used by the chamber’s Convention & Visitor Bureau.

They played significant roles individ-

Roy Appleton, Jr. speaks at the dedication, while Fred and Patsy Patterson, far right, listen. ually and collectively in helping launch what is today the Annual Arts & Jazz Festival, Denton’s connection to the North Texas Public Broadcasting Corp., local cable service, the Denton Supported Living Center (formerly Denton State School), FEMA regional underground center, Peterbilt Motors - all enterprises originally initiated through the Denton Chamber.

While the building is now named after Fred & Patsy Patterson and Roy Apple-

ton, Jr., the intent of this as a chamber initiative was to make sure that the ’60s – ’70s era leadership was recognized and acknowledged. The aforementioned list of community-wide achievements was also touched by several other key players, such as L.L. Armstrong, Homer Bly, Tom Harpool, Jr., L.A. Nelson, W.C. Orr, Jr., Marvin Ramey and Bill Utter, Sr. According to Denton Chamber President Chuck Carpenter: “Today’s era is obviously exciting and vibrant in its

own right. Those individuals who came to the Denton Chamber table 50-plus years ago, however, in my opinion, laid the foundation for keeping our city from ever being thought of as just another suburb.

“They managed to put Denton on a whole lot of different radar screens,” said Carpenter, “without the help of social media. Most of their efforts involved pure human resources, creativity and ingenuity.”

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March 31, 2015

Denton Chamber of Commerce

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Chamber media making strides By: Lio DeJesus Denton Chamber of Commerce

"The Denton Chamber of Commerce serves its members by providing leadership on key issues that impact economic growth, educational excellence, quality of life and diversity of the Denton Community." This mission is the guiding light that the Denton Chamber has used since 1909 to represent and serve its members in any way possible. Over the years, the opportunities and resources the Chamber could use to serve its members have grown considerably, and the Chamber has taken full advantage of these tools to great effect.

By far, the majority of the Chamber's current membership is made up of small businesses - those who have five full-time employees or less. The need for one-on-one, direct contact with potential customers is crucial.

In the past few years, the diffusion of technology has had a large impact on how we live and how we do business.

This wave oftechnology has given rise to many successful small businesses, since they can now operate in digital spaces and still compete with larger "brick and mortar'' retailers. The Chamber has recognized this need, and is working hard to stay ahead of this innovation to serve its members and help them remain successful. Social media in particular has catapulted to the forefront of how many businesses operate and market themselves, becoming the primary way to release information to mass markets and target demographics.

Social media sites are powerful communication tools. They are a platform where stories are told, awareness is created and new ideas are presented. The Denton Chamber continues to build its social media presence in order to use all these tools to their greatest advantage.

The Chamber has its largest presence on Facebook and 1\vit:ter, with a reach of

over 2,000 people in Denton and surrounding areas on any given day. The Chamber uses Facebook and 1\vit:ter, along with Linkedln and Wordpress to improve search optimization and provide the best quality online service to the business communicy.

In the past year alone, the Chamber has improved its Facebook following by more than 50 percent, and improved total post reach by 25 percent. The 1\vitter page has over 1,500 followers and allows the Chamber to interact in a more lighthearted tone from time to time. They both continue to be used primarily for event promotion and information, but also to celebrate businesses and share photos.

The largest growth in media outlets, however, has come from the Wordpress blog. Over 66 percent of its activity has come in the last year, including personal bests in views and reach. Through the blog, the Chamber has been able to assist and operate multiple campaigns to improve awareness and visibility for member businesses, including profiles for award finalists and a new segment called Feature Friday, where any member business has the opportunity to be featured for the week.

The Linkedln profile has been revamped as a business profile and now operates as the medium that the Chamber uses to connect with professionals in the community and as a space for Chamber businesses to network with one another.

The Denton Chamber of Commerce has had success this year in its social media efforts, and looks to improve and garner an even greater reach in the near

future.

The Chamber truly represents a unique and VIbrant cross-section of businesses, and will be sure to do whatever it takes to reflect the great community that it serves.

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March 31, 2015

Denton Chamber of Commerce

Ribbon-cutting ceremonies showcase businesses The Denton Chamber of Commerce offers its members an opportunity to showcase their business to the community via a number of ribbon-cutting ceremonies throughout the year.

Ribbon-cutting ceremonies are intended for new members and members who have moved to a new location or are under new ownership.

The following businesses celebrated with ribbon-cutting ceremonies in 2014-2015: Serve Denton Queenie’s Steakhouse Salons by JC Gentiva Hospice Honda of Denton CrossFit 940 The Egg and I Brain-Body Connection Chiropractic LLC Boot Barn The Heart Hospital Baylor Denton Painting with a Twist Denton County MHMR Center Paul Davis Emergency Services

Hirschbach Alan Cole Financial Salon Fringe Meridian Bank Texas Your New Neighborhood BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse Denton County Republican Party Bookkeeper Girl Zera Coffee Co. Cookies by Design Brookdale Denton South Brookdale Denton North Big Fatty’s Spanking Shack Pollo Tropical Panda Express Corner Bakery Café Children’s Advocacy Center Denton Hearts for Homes Geek on Wheels, LLC PJ’s Party Supply Leigh Hilton, Attorney Nothing Bundt Cakes Rising Sun Café Snelling Staffing Services Clean Sleep Denton Modern Dentistry Sweetwater Grill & Tavern

A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held at Corner Bakery Cafe.

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Denton Chamber of Commerce

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Denton Economic Development Partnership

By Adam Gawarecki Vice President of Economic Development Denton Chamber of Commerce

Our office is charged with the marketing of the City of Denton for new business recruitment. The chamber Economic Development department’s role is to serves as the principal point of contact to prospective businesses and recruit prospective businesses.

Our ED office’s main focus is being the principal point of contact for prospective businesses locating to Denton.

Our office receives leads from state and regional offices along with consultants and brokers seeking new locations. After narrow the search of locations to meet their requirements, a site proposal is submitted. These prospects may visit with our and the City’s ED team and tour our beautiful Denton searching for their “home”.We have several successes such as Target Distribution Center, Peerless Manufacturing and Aldi Distribution Center in the last few years.

Another direct role of our office is attending and participating in target market tradeshows, consultant’s forums, targeted business meetings and conventions and other special events. Locally,

we exhibit at the North Texas Commercial Association of Realtors’s (NTCAR) Commercial Real Estate Expo in the fall. This Expo is a half-day event for us to meet with commercial real estate professionals, gather new market information and network with some of the industry’s top brokers. Nationally, we also attend several economic development and industry specific events such as the Southern Economic Development’s Consultants Forum, National Business Aviation Association’s Convention and Exhibition and SAE International’s World Congress and Exhibition.

Some notable initiatives that are funded from our Private ED investments are targeted marketing and recruitment mission trips:TexasOne/Team Texas, Dallas/Ft. Worth Marketing Team, the Industrial Asset Management Council, and consultants forums across the country.We also currently hold memberships with the Texas Economic Development Council (TEDC), the Dallas Regional Chamber, Team Texas and Texas One, International Economic Development Council, Industrial Asset Management Council, and the Southern Economic Development Council.

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Denton Chamber of Commerce

2015-2016 programs and events April Quarterly Luncheon & Leadership Denton Graduation April 24 at Texas Woman’s University Denton Business Expo April 30 at Golden Triangle Mall May Red, White & Jazz May 14 at Best Western Premier Crown Chase Inn & Suites Membership Mixer May 28 C5

June Quarterly Luncheon June 5 at UNT Gateway Elected Officials Reception June 10 July Membership Mixer July 23 August Membership Mixer August 20 September Post-Session Briefing from Denton County Legislative Delegation & Luncheon September 23 October Women in Commerce Fall Luncheon October 16 at Texas Woman’s University Planner’s Zone October 22 Membership Mixer October 29 November Career Planning Fair November 10 at Advanced Technology Complex December Membership Mixer December 3 March 2016 Annual Banquet & Gala March 24 at UNT Gateway

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March 31, 2015

Denton Chamber of Commerce

Olympian inspires youth at career planning fair The second annual Career Planning Fair took place on Wednesday, Nov. 5. The Chamber of Commerce invited Olympic medalist Jordan Malone to talk about what it takes to be successful as well as discuss the need for parent involvement.

“When you’re in university, you just sort of expect that, ‘Oh, I will just figure it out once I get there,’” Malone said. “No, you need to have an understanding beforehand. Planning ahead is the first step towards any form of success, in my opinion.”

The Denton Chamber recognizes that a well-trained and motivated workforce is a critical element for retaining and attracting businesses for our area and that starting this awareness early is of the essence.

The key partner in this collaboration was the Denton Independent School District. Of equal importance, the other major players included Texas Woman’s University, the University of North Texas and North Central Texas College.

This program also involved many of our major employers, including the City of Denton, Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital, Sally Beauty, Denton Regional Medical Center, Labinal and The Heart Hospital Baylor Denton.

All of these sponsors and participants from both the private and public sector provided panelists to meet with approximately 275 Denton ISD students.

These students received educational and profession-

Olympic medalist Jordan Malone poses with a student at the DISD career planning fair. al career advice. They heard about local occupational needs, including health care, creative arts and humanities, education, law enforcement, engineering and science via a series of panel discussions.

The parents of these students also had an opportu-

nity to participate this year during an evening parent program. This program, which hosted more than 150 attendees, featured a discussion about how the parents may best support their student in making this decision and preparing for college.

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Denton Chamber of Commerce

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Chamber and NCTC partnership unique in Texas AMERICA ' S

The North Central Texas Small Business Development Center (NCT SBDC) is a government enticy that provides assistance and advice for small business owners in Denton, Cooke and Montague counties.

There is no charge to those small business owners who use this service, because it is a grant-supported program, funded by North Central Texas College, the U.S. Small Business Administration, the State of Texas, and Denton's Economic Development offices.

In 1988, North Central Texas College representatives from Gainesville met with Denton Chamber of Commerce President Chuck Carpenter and cicy representatives to initiate a partnership that would be housed at the Chamber and serve the local small business communicy in Denton.

Forging this new path was Carolyn Birkhead, the first SBDC Business Advisor who worked with small business owners in this area for 11 years.

The current advisor, Pam Livingston, has been advising small business clients in this communicy for 16 years. As of 2015, this outstanding partnership of

NORTH TEXAS NORTH CENTRAL TEXAS SBDC the college and the chamber has enjoyed 27 years of successful service delivery in Denton.

Between Birkhead and Livingston, more than 3,582 individual small business clients in the Denton area have been served.

However, the most intriguing aspect is the partnership between the Chamber and the NCT SBDC. In the entire 16-councy region including the D/FW metroplex, Denton was the only Chamber that housed an SBDC for many

years. Garland and a few others have since followed suit after recognizing the symbiotic potential between the two organizations, but it was Denton that had the foresight to establish this partnership when the cicy boasted a population of only 65,000 residents.

The SBDC offers personalized, confidential, one-on-one advising, individualized to meet the needs of each and every small business owner. In addition to serving this communicy for 16 years, Livingston earned her MBA from the

University of North Texas. All the advisors in the SBDC system are skilled professionals with excellent credentials.

To ensure advisors remain current with new business issues and developments, they are required to have at least 32 hours of professional development annually.

Some areas the SBDC advisor will explore with clients include business planning, sources of financing, government regulations, recordkeeping, creative marketing ideas, HUB certification assistance, and a myriad ofother business development and management strategies. Online courses offer an even more robust assortment ofassistance.

The SBDC's national network provides a wealth of resources and information vital in today's intensely competitive business environment The SBDC staff subscribes to the highest standards of professional conduct Clients can be assured that all information shared will be kept strictly confidential. For more information, please contact Pam Livingston at 940-380-1849, email nctcsbdc@denton-chamber.org, or check the website at www.nctc.edu/sbdc.

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Denton Chamber of Commerce

LEAD Delegates Program Throughout the year, the Chamber looks for dedicated and reliable individuals to represent the organization in various capacities.

This is a year-long initiative designed to strengthen the member base through involvement, innovative thinking and mentoring.

The LEAD program evolved from the former ambassador program to a more selective process in which the Chamber seeks approximately 20 of the most qualified member representatives. The initial eligibility requirements include being employed by a Denton Chamber of Commerce business member in good standing that has been active for a minimum of 6 months. In addition, we expect candidates to represent our organization in a professional manner and balance the program with the demands of their business.

The LEAD program is comprised of a program chair, directors and delegates that are divided among four coalitions – Outreach, Welcome, Host, and Recruitment. Each coalition serves a unique purpose with different responsibilities.

• The Welcome Coalition delegates

build relationships with potential members, provide assistance to new Chamber members and represent the Chamber at ribbon cuttings.

• Outreach Coalition delegates provide assistance to and representation of the Chamber through relationship building.

• Host Coalition delegates provide assistance and representation at Chamber events.

• Recruitment Coalition delegates provide the Chamber with leads on potential new members and raise awareness within the community about how the Denton Chamber of Commerce serves businesses.

The 2014-2015 program was chaired

by Jacee Kiefer with Bill Utter Ford; The Welcome Coalition was directed

by Ryan Mayer (Texas Woman’s University); the Outreach Coalition, by Kathy Glasschroeder (The Glasschroeder Agency) and the Host Coalition, by Monica Glenn (Best Western Premier).

The LEAD program can be an ideal place to start in a member’s development as a leader within the Chamber as well as the Denton community.

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Denton Chamber of Commerce

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Program develops leaders

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These 2014-2015 LEAD Delegates participated in the Chamber-sponsored program and mentored new members. The group also worked closely with the Chamber staff to support initiatives and provide professional, value-added impact. This unique program allowed these Delegates the opportunity to represent the Chamber as well as their own businesses.

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Denton Chamber of Commerce

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Denton Chamber of Commerce

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Board has six major program initiatives for 2015-2016 During its program planning retreat in January, the Board confirmed six major initiatives to pursue over and above standing, annual projects during the 2015-16 Chamber Year.

Two of these initiatives, the convention center and off-site visitor center, are being carried over from the 2015-15 Chamber Year. The Business Expo and economic development funding have been the chamber’s focus intermittently several different times.

Convention Center project Originally established by the chamber board in 2007 as a standing major initiative, our Convention & Visitor Bureau staff actively supplemented the Denton city council and staff through a feasibility phase that concluded December 2014.

The specific project proposal that was in the feasibility study, and endorsed by the Denton Chamber board during the 2014-15 Program Year, is no longer active.

The original concept, and the key private vendor, however, remain dynamic, with promising alternate locations currently being evaluated.

Kim Phillips and the Convention & Visitor Bureau staff continue to complement the process, as needed.

Off-Site Visitor Center In conjunction with the convention center project, the chamber Board authorized an active, continued quest to leverage the resources between local allied organizations to pursue an Off-Site Visitor facility.

This concept was originally proposed in the 2012 Leadership Denton class project. Both the convention center and off-site visitor projects will provide an opportunity to retrofit the existing chamber office. Over time, the model has evolved into more of an “experience center.”

The Board approved a special task force in December 2014 to identify potential options and lease arrangements.

Again, this effort is primarily being directed Kim Phillips with the chamber’s Convention & Visitor Bureau.

North Texas State Fairgrounds The third key priority the Denton Chamber board checked off on was to help recognize and support the vision of the North Texas State Fair Association

as they pursue a new location. With this relocation, their ability to help bring in and expand major events is limitless.

Targeted visitor groups are a natural and standing component of the chamber’s Convention & Visitor Bureau. Initial plans for the new property will primarily focus on agrarian and livestock competition and exhibitions.

Based on North Texas State Fair Association President Glenn Carlton’s presentation to the chamber Board in January, expanded options remain open for hotels and a traditional conference facility.

Business Expo The majority of the chamber’s current membership is made up of minimum investment accounts.

Based on the membership schedule, this translates into five full-time employees or less. Thus, the need for oneon-one, direct contact with potential customers is crucial.

Considering the profile of the average member, the board agreed to bring back the annual Business Expo. The event will return to the newly-remodeled Golden Triangle Mall on Thursday

evening, April 30. Based on historical participation, as many as 75 exhibitors are expected.

The Business Expo has been sponsored by the Denton Chamber off and on since 1993, it is promoted as the ultimate exhibition of some of the finest product and service providers in the Denton area. There is no admission cost; the event is open to the public.

Economic Development The Denton Chamber has had a partnership in some form or another with the City of Denton and Denton Municipal Electric (DME) since 1986 to serve as the lead external marketing source and point of contact for traditional economic development efforts.

While the basic operations of the chamber’s economic development department are funded by the City of Denton and DME, supplemental marketing and program backing has always come from a small group of chamber members that make financial pledges over and above their original membership investments.

See PROGRAM on Page 37

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34 March 31, 2015 DENTON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE Program Year beginning April 1, 2015 Standing Committees/Task Forces Investor Relations Marty Rivers Small Business Initiatives Layne Brewer

Denton Chamber of Commerce JEFF P. KING Chair of the Board ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DIVISION

Mission/Specific initiatives

JIM FYKES Vice Chair of the Board

• Help promote the importance of expanding the tax base, and the creation and retention of area career opportunities.

• Help secure private investment dollars to supplement the marketing efforts of the Economic Development Partnership.

• Communicate value of ED Investment to chamber membership.

Cultivate and offer an on-going resource program which will provide small business members valuable return on their investment through education, training and mentorship.

• Review criteria and coordinate the process for recognizing the Small Business of the Year Award.

• Provide resources, support and relationship building opportunities to area professionals who are researching and working toward starting their own businesses.

• Advocate the services and presence of the Small Business Development Center.

GOVERNMENT RELATIONS DIVISION MARK BURROUGHS Vice Chair of the Board

Local Relations Jill Jester

Develop and maintain open communications with Denton County, City of Denton and Denton Independent School District officials. Pro-actively identify and address needs and issues important to the local business community.

• Identify pertinent issues in May 2015 Local elections. Develop a questionnaire for all contested, announced City Council candidates, distribute responses to the membership.

• Coordinate the Elected Officials Reception.

• Encourage continued personal representation of the chamber during joint meetings of the City Council and DISD Board of Trustees.

State & Federal Relations Rich Reynolds

Develop and maintain open communications with state and federal government officials. Keep the general membership informed of pertinent issues.

• Evaluate the 2015 Denton County Days in Austin, make recommendations regarding continuation and/or improvements. Broaden the format and legislative agenda to include more direct business-related positions.

• Evaluate the 2014 Washington Fly-In. Promote more participation from individuals representing the Denton Chamber and local public officials in 2016.

MEMBERSHIP DEVELOPMENT DIVISION ERIK CLARK Vice Chair of the Board

LEAD Jacee Kiefer

Membership & Program (Events) Russ Ellis Business Networking Brad Steiger

Increase knowledge and awareness of the Chamber and its many benefits via goodwill representatives who assist other Chamber members, enhancing the business experience with the Chamber, through contact, support and engagement.

• Host Coalition, Courtney Kennedy, Director:........................................................................................................................................................................................... Provide logistical support for major membership events.

• Outreach Coalition, Kathy Glasschroeder, Director:...........................................................................................................................................................................................................Provide membership retention efforts.

• Welcome Coalition, Ryan Mayer, Director:.................................................................................................Provide logistical support and serve as the “face of the chamber” during New Member Orientations and ceremonial events.

• Recruitment Coalition, Tim Weicht, Director:...................................................................................................................................Seek out opportunities to speak to promote the benefits of Chamber of Commerce membership.

Create an environment that promotes a commitment to the organization and growth of the business community. Review standing and potential major membership events.

Assist with coordination of a balanced implementation of events and initiatives, taking into consideration the actual benefits to individual membership categories, convenient and relevant chronology, logistics and compatible venues, sponsor needs and expenses.

Promote relationships and communications between chamber members. Maintain a formal system for members to network and share promotional materials, products & service information and leads on a regular basis.

• Continue to conduct regularly-scheduled networking meetings.

• Help coordinate and schedule pertinent featured speaker and panels.

SPECIAL INITIATIVES DIVISION CARRELL ANN SIMMONS Treasurer

Education & Workforce Development Carla Ruge Women In Commerce Carolyn Corporon Marketing - Pushkala Raman & Amanda Croker

Identify, evaluate and clarify existing opportunities for partnering with local businesses and organizations, public and private (i.e., Denton ISD, North Central Texas College, University of North Texas and Texas Woman’s University).

• Present the Denton Career Planning Fair, focusing on high school sophomores and their parents. Partner with the area higher education institutions and businesses.

• Continue to provide logistical support to the Denton ISD New Employee Event.

• Consider joint projects and initiatives with sister chambers.

Promote the growth and development of Denton area business women through initiatives that increase access to resources, professional and personal development and networking.

• Present annual keynote luncheon or Women’s Business Conference.

• Present annual networking event for area business women creating valuable networking opportunities.

Establish and implement marketing strategies to unify the message and enhance the brand of the Chamber. Package and promote the chamber and all its affiliates as ultimately the foremost local one-stop-shop economic development organization and front door to the community.

DENTON CHAMBER of COMMERCE AFFILIATE ORGANIZATIONS

Convention & Visitor Bureau Bob Moses

Leadership Denton Sean Kilgore

Economic Development Partnership Marty Rivers

Work with the staff and allied organizations to promote events and attractions, provide hospitality education, and ensure a positive experience to Denton visitors.

Pursue more direct involvement of area hospitality partners.

Assure that policies do not conflict with the mission of the Denton Chamber of Commerce and funding is adequate to support the program independently.

• Blend and process the findings and recommendations of the Graduation Project of the 2011-2012 Leadership Denton Class to pursue a Denton Store/Visitor Center.

• Continue to advocate and explore all possible options for pursuing a convention center and upper-tier, full-service hotel complex, with adequate meeting space to accommodate the needs of the Denton market.

• Support and help advocate the vision for the North Texas State Fair property.

Implement a program and curriculum designed to identify and prepare individuals who are interested in potential leadership roles in local community service organizations, as well as all levels of public office.

• Consider and pursue various demographics that need to be exposed to the opportunities presented by LD (i.e., Sister Chambers, Young Professionals, the “creative community”).

• Engage in meaningful dialogue with appropriate representatives at all levels of government, as well as social and service organizations, to explore how Leadership Denton can be improved and expanded.

• Pursue funding resources to secure dedicated administrative support.

• Assure that policies do not conflict with the mission of the Denton Chamber of Commerce and that funding is adequate to support the program independently.

Work with representatives from the City Council, Municipal Utilities Board and staff, as well as the private investors to oversee the general activities, projects and marketing strategy for the Economic Development Partnership.

Work in cooperation with all appropriate allied organizations to implement the strategic plan for economic development and improve efficiency of available financial and human resources.

Assure that policies do not conflict with the mission of the Denton Chamber of Commerce and funding is adequate to support the program independently.

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DENTON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Jeff King Chair

APRIL 1, 2015 – MARCH 31, 2016 Larry Parker Immediate Past Board Chair

Jim Fykes Economic Development Division

Carrell Ann Simmons

Mark Burroughs

Erik Clark

Glenn Carlton

Special Initiatives Division

Government Relations Division

Membership Development Division

Chair-Elect of the Board

Chuck Carpenter

Pam Thomas

Angelica Del Rosal

Travis Vesleka

Norman McCaskill

President

Director of Finance

Director of Membership

Membership Specialist

Sales & Retention

Small Business Development Center Pam Livingston, CBDS

Economic Development Virgil Strange, Chair

Adam Gawarecki, Vice President

Convention & Visitor Bureau Bob Moses, Chair

Kim Phillips, Vice President

Leadership Denton Sean Kilgore, Chair

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Denton Chamber of Commerce

Leadership Denton class convenes in August The 30th class of Leadership Denton will graduate April 24.With the 17 members of this class, a total of 524 individuals will have completed the program since it began in 1985.

An affiliate of the chamber, Leadership Denton offers a series of eight comprehensive sessions designed to help make interested Denton area citizens better aware of opportunities for community service, as well as all levels of public office. The curriculum includes municipal and county government sessions, and an overnight trip to Austin featuring state government.

Other program areas address the cultural arts, economic development, education and regional issues. To graduate, the class is assigned a special project topic, on which they must reach consensus on pertinent data as well as propose specific findings and recommendations.

The graduation project for this class is parking needs and options in the Denton central business district.The class will present its finding and recommendations on April 9.

Graduates of the program include two current members of the Denton City Council, Greg Johnson and John Ryan, and two former mayors, Mark Burroughs and Perry McNeill.Dr. Glenna Harris and Mia Price from the Denton ISD Board of Trustees are both Leadership Denton alumni.

Jeff King, the current Denton Chamber board chair

This Leadership Denton class traveled to Austin to observe a state government session. is a graduate of the first Leadership Denton class. In addition to Burroughs and McNeill, previous chamber board chairs who completed Leadership Denton include:Carl Anderson, Michele Barber, Richard Hayes, George Highfill, Lee Ann Nutt, Ellen Painter, Larry Parker, Connie Pelphrey, Marty Rivers and Randy Robinson.

Seven members of the current Denton Chamber board are Leadership Denton graduates, including the

current General Chair of the program, Amy O’Keefe.

Interested candidates must be a U.S. Citizen, of voting age and a resident or employed within the boundaries of the Denton Independent School District for at least one year as of September 1, 2015. Qualified applicants will be subject to a personal interview.

More details and applications for the 31st class of Leadership Denton will be available on the chamber’s web site, www.denton-chamber.org.

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From Page 33

Program

Recruitment travel, site visit support, expanded advertising and involvement in key national trade shows are vital and dependent on the funding from private investors.

The public operational funding has not been increased in several years, so the chamber Board has established an increase in the number of private investors as a high priority for the 2015-16 Program Year.

Membership, market penetration During its most recent Reaccreditation process, the U.S. Chamber’s environmental scan of the Denton trade area and population concluded that the Denton Chamber’s total membership should have a minimum 17 percent market penetration rate.

At the high end, membership rolls should account for 40 percent of the for-profit entities operating within the city limits.

The chamber begins the program year with just over 800 membership accounts. Erik Clark, the chamber’s Membership Development Division officer and Norman McCaskill, the staff membership sales specialist presented a fiveyear plan to address the rate.

To reach an 18 percent point, the goal for the 2015-16 Chamber Year is to have a total of 900 accounts on the rolls by March 2015. Full implementation of the plan call for a total 1,800 membership accounts by 2019 when the chamber goes through the Reaccreditation process again.

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Denton Chamber of Commerce

The many benefits of membership

By Norm McCaskill Denton Chamber of Commerce

When a business owner or manager first begins to consider the value associated with a Chamber of Commerce membership, their initial interests center around the “standard” benefit package and how those benefits might help them grow and prosper.

Activities and exposure are expected and often are considered to be the “measurable return on investment,” including: • Listing on the Chamber web site • A Chamber organized Ribbon-Cutting/Grand Opening and associated recognition in the local Business Journal • The ability to post business “Hot Deals” and “Job Postings” on the Chamber web site • Social Media Exposure • A listing in the Chamber’s Business Directory • A “Mini web site” for the business that is managed by the member Experienced, professional Chamber organizations deliver these benefits with

the high level of quality and efficiency required to ensure that their new members are seldom disappointed.

The Denton Chamber of Commerce is no exception and continues to demonstrate, as it has for many years, that standard benefits can not only be managed effectively, but that these benefits can be enhanced and improved upon as time goes by.

So what are the factors that separate one Chamber organization from another?

What makes a Chamber membership in one area more valuable than in another?

Why would a business owner or manager decide to join the Denton Chamber of Commerce over the other excellent Chamber organizations in and around Denton County?

Experience Established in 1909, the Denton Chamber has been a consistent and credible representative of local business, and is one of only 250 Chambers in the entire nation to have achieved

and maintained accreditation through the U.S. Chamber of Commerce for over 35 straight years. Recently, the National Chamber of Commerce approved our accreditation as a “Four-Star Chamber”.

Of the 25 Accredited Chambers in the State of Texas, only 13 carry the fourStar rating.

Credibility You can increase positive perception among consumers and business owners when you’re identified as a member of a chamber of commerce.

According to a 2012 research survey, “Chamber Membership is Effective Business Strategy,” by The Shapiro Group, Inc. and Market Street Services, when consumers know that a small business is a member of their local chamber of commerce, they are 44 percent more likely to think favorably of it and 63 percent more likely to purchase goods or services from the company.

• Most consumers (59 percent) think that being active in the local chamber of commerce is an effective business strategy overall. It’s 29 percent more ef-

fective, however, for communicating to consumers that a company uses good business practices and 26 percent more effective for communicating that a business is reputable • If a company shows that it’s highly involved in its local chamber (e.g., sits on the chamber board or participates in chamber committee activities), consumers are 12 percent more likely to think that its products stack up better against its competition • When a consumer thinks that a company’s products stack up better against the competition because the company is highly involved in its local chamber of commerce, it is because he or she infers that the company is trustworthy, involved in the community and is an industry leader • When consumers know that a restaurant franchise is a member of the chamber of commerce, they are 40 percent more likely to eat at the franchise in the next few months See MEMBERSHIP on Page 39

In over 30 years, we haven’t missed a beat.

1992:

Dr. Acuff helps launch open heart surgery program at Denton Regional

1980:

Heart Center Opens

1985:

First cardiac catheterization lab opens in Denton County

1999:

Named Top 100 Hospital in US for Open Heart Program

2005: 2005

Denton Regional becomes first Accredited Chest Pain Center in Denton County

2009:

2011:

Dr. Cai performs first minimally invasive robot-assisted heart surgery in the region

Denton Regional provides technology to area EMS providers to allow transmission of EKGs from the field to the hospital, decreasing “door-toballoon” time

2012:

2013:

Received American Heart Association’s Mission: Lifeline Bronze Quality Achievement Award for heart attack care

New electrophysiology lab opens to diagnose and treat patients with abnormal heart rhythms

2014:

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March 31, 2015

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From Page 38

Membership • When consumers know that an insurance company is a member of the chamber of commerce, they are 43 percent more likely to consider buying insurance from it.

Research indicates that chamber membership stimulates business-to-business commerce in the local community. Other businesses in town are more likely to do business with you and your company if you are a member of the local chamber.

Because a major part of a small business typically comes from business-to-business services, it is essential to maintain a positive standing within the local business community.

Partnership The Denton Chamber of Commerce, under the direction of a consolidated board of directors, is made up of a diverse, cross-section of business and professional categories, in an alliance designed to help promote local products and services, and support the collective needs and interests of its members.

The organization also provides the structural foundation for administering key affiliate services such as the Convention & Visitor Bureau, Economic Development Partnership, Leadership Denton and the Small Business Development Center.

The chamber office is the acknowledged “front door” to Denton, with staff responding to inquiries from potential new residents, visitors and prospective new business units.

Literally hundreds of information requests are processed annually, with first priority given to chamber member products and services.

Support The Denton Chamber of Commerce maintains a volunteer program called the LEAD delegates which includes four volunteer coalitions made up of Chamber Members who work with our local business members:

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March 31, 2015

Denton Chamber of Commerce

From Page 39

Membership • The “Host” coalition helps new members through the startup process providing information and assistance • The “Welcome” coalition helps organize “Ribbon Cutting” and other events that promote your business milestones and successes • The “Outreach” coalition works with members to help ensure that your business is receiving a good return on your chamber membership investment and help you through the renewal process each year • The “Recruitment” coalition supports the chamber by arranging opportunities to speak to Denton area business and social organizations about the value of the chamber’s contributions to the business community and the benefits of chamber membership.

Network Building According to Reference USA, 81% of the Denton business community is made up of small businesses who operate with fewer than 10 full-time employees, so it’s natural that the Denton Chamber of Commerce membership is a reflection of that demographic with 85% of our members coming from the small business community.

This helps provide a platform that allows our members to build friendships and relationships with business owners and managers who have similar interests and goals.

The Denton chamber staff organizes and promotes over 50 “networking” events each year to help create opportunities for our members to reinforce these friendships and relationships.

Professional Development The Denton Chamber of Commerce offers numerous seminars, roundtables and educational activities geared specifically to the business community and the continuing education of you and your employees. By way of a Denton chamber partnership with the North Central Texas College Small Business Development Center, chamber members are given access to additional seminars and counseling designed to take their business to the next level.

Denton chamber supported programs such as Leadership Denton offer a series of comprehensive training sessions designed to help make interested Denton area citizens better aware of opportunities for community service.

Community Involvement Denton Chamber of Commerce members have many opportunities to contribute to the growth and welfare of the Denton business community.

Chamber initiatives including Women in Commerce, the Denton Chamber Career Planning Fair and the Denton Area Elected Officials Reception help to promote and maintain a Denton business culture of success and prosperity.

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March 31, 2015

Denton Chamber of Commerce

Women in Commerce means business

By: Angelica Del Rosal

Denton Chamber of Commerce

The mission of Women in Commerce is to promote the growth and development of Denton-area business women through initiatives that increase access to resources, professional and personal development and networking.

Since 2010, the Denton Chamber has offered such opportunities to a number of women in Denton County via this initiative and has realized a positive impact.

Chaired by Carolyn Corporon with Sally Beauty Holdings since its inception, this initiative has received a significant amount of support from Sally as well as a number of Denton businesses.

Women in Commerce currently offers an annual networking event featuring a wine tasting called Red, White & Jazz.

This exclusive event is hosted at an alternate venue each year and features food, wine samplings and entertainment which creates an upbeat environment

ees along with a business showcase that offers businesses the opportunity to promote themselves before a select audience.

The fall lunch in 2014 focused on the theme of “Mind the Confidence Gap” and featured a powerhouse panel of women who have excelled in their respective fields, including: Texas Woman’s University Chancellor Dr. Carine Feyten, Rocket Red CEO Gayden Day, Dallas County Sheriff Lupe Valdez and GSATi CEO Cindy Tysinger. The panel was moderated by Chalese Connors, athletic director at TWU. Along with occasional meetings throughout the year, these events have created a unique platform for women at The 2014 Fall Luncheon & Business Showcase’s distinguished panel included different stages in their careers to devel(left to right): Dr. Carine Feyten, TWU Chancellor; Gayden Day, CEO Rocket Red; op professionally and as leaders in their Dallas County Sheriff Lupe Valdez; Cindy Tysinger, CEO GSATi and moderator community. The Denton chamber is Chalese Connors, TWU athletic director. proud to be at the forefront of this endeavor and continues to propel women conducive to positive interaction. case features distinguished speakers business leaders to their fullest potenThe Fall Luncheon & Business Show- and leadership development for attend- tial.

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March 31, 2015

Denton Chamber of Commerce

Welcome center planned for downtown area

By Kim Phillips Denton Chamber of Commerce

In today’s world of customized technology, there is no collective go-to for information. Gone are the days where we all heard the same thing on our small selection of local television channels. We don’t all read the same newspaper. We don’t all listen to the same local radio station. Every one of us has hundreds of channels, access to every news source in the world, and personally designed music stations with no commercial interruptions. Plus, social media has evolved into the word-of-mouth vehicle among peer groups. Tapping into every individual’s unique information source with a “my piece of news” has become a monumental task.

Along that line of reasoning is one of the most exciting CVB projects of 2015.

And it is closer than ever to becoming a reality in Denton. I am talking about a uniquely Dentonesque, experiential welcome center. This concept was born from the Leadership Denton class of 2012. For their project, these future leaders benchmarked Denton against

cities of similar size and proximity to major metropolitan areas specifically relative to their visitor interaction points. Their research resulted in the development of an impressive business

plan for a welcome/visitor center and Denton store in the downtown district.

And it is a plan many across Denton have pursued ever since.

The CVB team seized Leadership

Denton’s project with enthusiasm. An effect of being an original independent destination often lost on Dentonites is the fact that visitors seeking the Denton experience are not always astute at finding it. Our brand promises this cool, customizable vibe. So, how do people find it? A truly experiential welcome center is the perfect solution.

For the past three years, CVB leadership has been on a quest to identify a location in the downtown area with adequate space and visibility to accomplish this mission. Our plan encompasses much more than brochure racks on a wall. Imagine a seven-day-a-weektwelve-hour-a-day Denton store selling found-nowhere-else Denton-centric souvenir items, local artists’ wares, and tickets to local events. Daily showcases featuring Denton talent and characters.

And friendly, well-versed staff trained to guide guests into fun and complete Denton adventures shaped to their interests.

See WELCOME on Page 45

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Denton Chamber of Commerce

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From Page 44

Welcome

The welcome center applies just as importantly to the citizens of Denton.

It is a sad reality that there are those among us who are missing the whole Denton most of us take for granted as part of our lifestyle here. Anecdotally, CVB staff has encountered more than a few students, new residents and even occasional life-long Dentonites who have never even visited the square or heard of many of our festivals and events that have practically become signatures of Denton culture. The welcome center will engage locals every bit as much as visitors, injecting knowledge and pride about Denton, thereby enhancing local engagement and developing ambassadors for Denton at every level in the community.

The Denton Visitor Center project has evolved to be inclusive of other Denton organizations with similar missions:DentonRadio.com, the Denton Main Street Association, the Denton Police Department and Denton Economic Development for starters. And the project has feet.

Already, the world is naming us the Texas destination to watch. Denton has an original independent sense of place that our brand promises and our city delivers. The CVB’s goal is to provide the best possible access to and management of the Denton experience for every guest. The visitor center project is the optimum vehicle for growing tourism in Denton and plugging all visitors into their own Denton adventure.

Now here is the awesome news. This dream is literally on the cusp of reality.

We are working out details now, and the welcome center may quite possibly exist as early as the end of this year.

The Denton experience is not to be missed! It is tragic that anyone can be in our city, walk away and say, “I just don’t get it.”With a physical go-to location, people will have a place where they can discover the Denton they are looking for, even expecting. The CVB will finally fill the information gap and be able to insure delivery of the promise we promote in the marketplace: We are Denton.Original.Independent.

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March 31, 2015

Denton Chamber of Commerce

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47

The time is right for ‘Come Create’

By Kim Phillips Denton Chamber of Commerce

Brand development is a major endeavor. Putting a brand to work is an even greater challenge. The CVB team has learned that working the brand is the best part of the process.It is this finishing phase when branding gets fun. Before we can finish, however, we must start at the beginning.

A brand is not a logo or a tag line or a moniker.

Rather, a brand is designed to “capture the essence” of a product. The idea of branding is certainly nothing new. Ranchers have used brands to mark their livestock for centuries. No two are the same, each rancher having created his unique brand, many of which have remained solid and unchanged through generations.

The brand is more than a mark on an animal, though.

It makes a statement about the rancher, the size and scope of his herds, the quality and integrity of his product.

A city’s brand should be just like the rancher’s. It should convey in a single image the essence of the city’s product, its sense of place. In the marketplace, the brand is a promise.

Interestingly, 2015 seems to be the year of the perfect storm. Many organizations, including the Chamber of Commerce, have determined this as the year for unifying the multiple brands that live under the same roof. Using the Chamber as an example, the Chamber,

CVB, Economic Development Marketing, and Small Business Development are four distinct logos with independent missions and audiences. We are exploring internally how to visibly unify under the Chamber umbrella without losing our individual identities and purposes. The same discussion is underway within City Hall, within the arts community, and even at both universities.

Realizing we are all talking about unified branding at the same time, representatives from all of these entities along with some business community members determined that a discussion among all of us would be a valid investment before any one of us moves forward. But the question we are considering is whether there may be a way that we can collectively brand the essence of Denton, promote a singular message about our sense of place through our individual branding enhancements.

Imagine a tree. In this analogy, the trunk is Denton.

Its branches are our individual organizations. The smaller branches are the unique identities within each organization. The trunk is the base from which we all grow and exist. We are all part of one tree, and that tree is Denton. Our ideology is that all of us branches want to identify with the tree, and thus each other, in our messaging. We believe this approach will strengthen and streamline how Denton is perceived among all of

our audiences while bolstering our individual messaging at the same time as being part of the same tree, one that we all embrace.

Brand development is not a quick and easy process.

However, our collaboration has us well on our way.

Many communities do not enjoy the cooperative environment we have here in Denton. For the majority, a unified branding project could take years, and may still never materialize. The fact that we are of one mind and vision has Denton moving swiftly.

The CVB’s “Denton Original Independent” brand was our unified discussion starting point.Without exception, every organization feels this brand has best captured Denton’s essence in recent years. Let’s examine its evolution.

Our first step was a community invitation to define our city in a word. CVB staff facilitated focus groups tasked with identifying and agreeing on two words that define Denton. Group demographics were varied by design to best represent our diverse population.

Repeatedly, the words “original” and “independent” emerged at the top of the list. These winning words and our city name were then professionally massaged into a graphic that conveys the “feeling” of Denton.

See CREATE on Page 48

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Denton Chamber of Commerce

From Page 47

Create

Our destination marketing strategies, every campaign, message and outreach is designed to encompass that feeling: “Denton. Original. Independent.”

The word “original” is a broad application in this brand. It’s more a description of spirit than physical attribute though the spirit is manifested in the physical fabric of Denton. Denton’s more than 150 year-old downtown isn’t faux.

The city holds fast to its history while progressively moving ahead. The creative energy fueled by two major universities, a culture thriving with arts and music, a healthy small business community, an equine concentration unlike any other region, Texas’ eighth-busiest airport and most active of all general aviation airports - these drive originality that collectively combine into an original whole.

Dentonites genuinely value originality within our place and among one another.

“Independent” is more of the same spirit and springs from the same attri-

butes as original. Consider our music scene, for example. Denton is known around the world for its music movement that’s been evolving for many years.

Interestingly, though, there is not a specific “Denton sound” that anyone can identify in a word. That is the result of original and independent. The sound is a blend of individual sounds where writers, musicians, poets and venues have their own messages, rhythms, tunes and atmospheres.

Listeners get the entire breadth, as varied or not as they choose. The surrounding horse country is home to the most diverse concentration of equine population and disciplines in the world.

That’s independent.

We each do what we do, and we all do it here beside and almost in tandem with one another creating a vibrant and lively culture.

The weathered appearance of the brand is also a statement. Think about your favorite pair of jeans. They’re probably a bit worn-looking, because they

are your favorite, and you wear them often. They fit you perfectly, comfortably.

So do mine. And they wouldn’t fit anyone else in just the same way. Our brand says that’s how Denton fits, too.

Everyone gets this. It works. But where do we go from here with a brand that unifies the entire city, including Denton Original Independent?

This March, the City and CVB developed a co-op strategy to exhibit at SXSW in Austin. SXSW has many rules and requirements, one of which is that exhibitor’s must represent a single brand.

We faced the unified branding dilemma here for the first time. Our SXSW team includes members from the City, CVB, creative community, tech community and universities. After much brainstorming, we determined to use the Denton Original Independent brand image with an all new tag line: “Come Create.”

It is an invitation, a call to action. It takes the statement that Denton values and celebrates originality and indepen-

dence and adds the proposition that if you seek to create, Denton is the place to do it. And creation applies to anything:create business, create dreams, create art, create music, create careers and so on. Our exhibit design, collateral and all assets for our work at SXSW reflected this message.

Let’s think back again to the important role of brands for centuries within the ranching industry. How valuable is the rancher’s brand if he never shapes it into an iron, heats it in a fire, and applies it? Take the thought a step further: imagine the livestock out of pasture and in the marketplace. This is where the rancher’s brand really starts working.

When our SXSW strategy was shared with the unified branding discussion group, “Come Create” immediately resonated with them. It is a phrase that can be easily and affordably incorporated into all of our identities and unique messaging tying us all to the tree trunk of this creative environment called Denton, Texas.

The time is right for Come Create.

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Atrium Medical Center offers a wide variety of outpatient services in a location that is easily accessed from Interstate 35-E with ample convenient parking. Once inside our hospital, it is just a few short steps from the front door to our outpatient area.

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Accelerating Innovation We’re working together to define what technological innovation can mean to a growing city. From fostering ideas and creativity in new businesses and startups, to connecting as a community to solve serious planning and public health issues, CoDenton looks forward to advancing the impact a modern city like Denton can have on the way the world thinks.

CODENTON.COM For information: Aimee Bissett, City of Denton Economic Development Director | 940-349-7774 | Aimee.Bissett@CityofDenton.com C5

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March 31, 2015

Denton Chamber of Commerce

Accreditation approved with distinguished rating Every five years, since 1975, the Denton Chamber board has agreed to conduct an extensive internal organizational review and evaluation in order to retain its accreditation through the U.S. Chamber.

In accepting the accreditation plaque, Board Chair Larry Parker proudly noted that the Denton Chamber had increased its supplemental distinction rating from three to four stars.

The highest ranking a local chamber can earn is five stars.

The supplemental distinction ratings recognize specific practices and services offered by the chamber that meet or exceed nationally recognized standards.

The accreditation process is purely discretionary, and, additional distinction ratings help give credibility to the basic high standards that the chamber maintains.

According to the U.S. Chamber, accreditation is ”the only program of its kind that defines excellence in chamber planning and recognition for outstanding contributions toward positive change in their communities.”

Headed by Past Chamber Board Chair Dr. Perry McNeill, the five-month process involved nearly 40 officers, directors, key volunteers and staff. They conducted a detailed assessment of the organization through nine different segments.

The board approved the application package last August, which ultimately

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Dr. Perry McNeill (far right) presents the Reaccreditation certificate from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce to Past Board Chair Larry Parker during the November 2104 Board meeting. included 12 new policy items adding updates to the chamber’s existing financial procedures, employee handbook and crisis plan, as well as usage standards for the recently trademarked logo.

There are currently 25 accredited chambers of commerce in the state of Texas, and just over 200 out of nearly 7,000 local chambers across the country have achieved and continuously retained this prestigious certification.

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Denton Chamber of Commerce

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March 31, 2015

Denton Chamber of Commerce

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE In 2014, 7 of 8 City Council Candidates responded to Chamber Questionnaire, participated in Chamber Board “Issues Forum” Held Annual Elected Officials Reception, County Judge Mary Horn, 3 of 4 County Commissioners, Mayor Chris Watts, 5 of 6 City Council Members, 5 of 7 Denton ISD Board Trustees Achieved U.S. Chamber Accreditation of four out of five stars, meeting or exceeding nationally recognized standards

CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU Counseled 277 clients: 165 new, 103 follow-up 416.5 hours meeting face-to-face

Year-end 2013 economic impact of travel in Texas:

9 clients report capital funding of $309,000 as a direct result of assistance from Denton SBDC

529,000 jobs in Texas

Monthly breakfast meetings averaging 20.6 persons

$67.5 billion travel spending in Texas

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1,590 jobs in Denton $176 million travel spending in Denton 465,800+ Denton visitors in 2014 #2 destination in Texas Top 40 Travel Destinations in Texas Highways Magazine

2 companies, with over 1M sf of development, are close to announcing their move to Denton

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Funds raised for DISD New Employee Event; provided $2,500 in gift cards for new employee giveaways; donated $4,600 to Denton Public Schools Foundation for New Teacher Scholarships

Peterbilt Motors: expanding by 17,500 sf; 56% increase in receiving materials; invested $75M in capital improvements in past 6 years; purchase of add’l 140 adjacent acres Business Air: new 24,000 sf hangar and 4,000 sf office space; additional 10 corporate aircrafts based at DTO; purchase of a corporate aircraft used for air taxi service

30th class of Leadership Denton convened.

Hosted 2nd Annual Career Planning Fair for DISD; 275 sophomores and juniors

Rayzor Ranch Town Center planning 600.000 sf pedestrian destination for shopping, dining, and entertainment

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March 31,2015

54

Denton Chamber of Commerce

Spotlight on new Chamber member: East Side After more than a year in business, East Side bar in Denton joined the local Chamber of Commerce this January.

Owners John Williams and Patrick Blancas saw a "for lease" sign at 117 Oak St., and the potential in the one-story structure that sat vacant east of the Square.

Williams, owner of Oak Street Drafthouse & Cocktail Parlor- just over 500 feet down the road- and his roommate, Blancas, had talked about opening a bar together, a sort of sister to Oak Street Drafthouse. This was their opportunity.

"The way that Denton is expanding and growing right now, this particular area has a lot of potential;' said Blancas.

"Fortunately, John was able to find this building and sign a lease before someone else did:' With the help of friends, the pair transformed the old office space into East Side - knocking down walls to create an open room and adding a large patio area for a beer garden.

By offering 89 beers on tap - only a handful of which overlap with Oak Street Drafthouse - and more than 50 whiskeys, the owners want everyone to feel welcome.

"It's a place where no matter how old you are, what you look like, your preference oflifestyles, you won't feel unwant-

ed or uncomfortable, or like you're too young or too old," Williams said.

The establishment reflects the growing interest in craft beer happening in Texas and nationwide. The craft brewing industry in 2012 grew 15 percent by volume and 17 percent by retail dollars, according to the Brewers Association.

MostofEastSide's beers and whiskeys are craft - made in small batches and by independent brewers and distillers.

In addition to the craft offerings, most are also local - 60 of the 89 beers are made in Texas.

Local brewer YanniArentis, co-founder of Armadillo Ale Works in Denton, said that since East Side opened, his brewery has been busy, as has the bar.

This is now one ofArmadillo Ale Works' biggest accounts, in addition to Oak Street Drafthouse.

The local focus is emphasized in several aspects of the business - for instance, employees are allowed to wear merchandise promoting other Denton businesses. One of the owners' visions for the business is to make Denton a destination where people can come enjoy craft beer instead of going to Dallas or Fort Worth, thus boosting the local economy.

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Denton Chamber of Commerce From Page 54

East Side

“I would say in six months, hopefully we’ll have an area down here between Oak Street and East Side where people can come from Corinth or Keller, and they don’t have to drive to Dallas or Fort Worth — they can come to Denton and have a good craft beer,” Williams said.

Inside the bar, there are distinctive features hand-crafted by the owners and their friends. With a carpenter onsite, Williams, Blancas and their friends did much of the construction themselves.

“We didn’t really know what we were getting into — or what was going to happen when we started tearing down this wall,” Williams said.

Even though the building had previously housed offices with several small rooms, Williams was able to see the building’s potential.

With the adjoining lot for sale, allowing space to build a large outdoor patio, he and Blancas could envision the finished product.

“It’s kind of hard to explain, but you can kind of feel how it should be laid out and set up and how things would work,” Williams said. “Then, hopefully, you get lucky enough to where your vision worked out on paper becomes what you want it to be.”

Once they cleared out all of the walls, they added larger bathrooms — which they said will always stay clean.

With friends, they built the bar, the deck outside and even the booths indoors.

Inside the bar there are other features that help to further distinguish East Side from Oak Street. There are large TVs for sports, two flat screens displaying the beer list, and darts in the back corner.

“We want this to be somewhere that locals and the community really enjoy,” Blancas said.

“We just want to be a desirable place to come in and have a good time,” he added.

Point A to Point B

55

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Technology resources ■ Powerful computers – The library has more than 120 desktop and laptop computers for public use.

■ State-of-the-art software – Access to a variety of professional creative software to design for print, edit music and film, build web pages, and much more.

■ Conventional black-and-white and color printers at all locations and 3D printers in The Forge at North Branch Library.

■ Fax and scanning capability at all library locations.

Training resources ■ Live software classes – Library staff will help you get started with your computer and a variety of applications like Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint and Word.

■ Gale courses – Online, interactive classes taught by experts in the field, on topics such as grant writing, starting your own business, and project management.

■ Reference USA – A powerful database of 24 million businesses and 262 million consumers, to help you with marketing plans, competitive analysis, fundraising and customer identification.

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Denton Chamber of Commerce

March 31, 2015

Spotlight on new Chamber member: Hypnotic Donuts Canadian Healthcare, Evil Elvis and Vampire Weekend began their residencies in Denton last September, and they make regular appearances at the new Hypnotic Donuts shop just off the Square.

The creatively named doughnuts are some of the unusual concoctions that the shop features. The Canadian Healthcare doughnut is a long john topped with maple icing and a strip of bacon, while the Evil Elvis features peanut butter, bacon, banana and honey toppings.

James St. Peter, who owns the shop with his wife, Amy, said they weren’t sure at first about coming to Denton, after some of their regular customers kept suggesting they open a store in the area.

After they visited the town and talked with other businesses on the Square, they decided it would be a good home for a non-traditional doughnut shop.

The month after they opened shop, they joined the Denton Chamber.

“All the business owners I’ve talked to in Denton have been so welcoming to new business, and in some places they don’t want to share information because of competition,” he said.

“Anywhere we go, we want to be

somewhere we can be a part of the community. We don’t want to go in somewhere and try to beat out other stores — we were looking for somewhere we could be ingrained in the community, and we found that here.”

The doughnut varieties aren’t the only things that will set the shop apart, St. Peter said.

The Denton location will even be a spin-off from the Dallas shop, offering longer hours and sharing space with Cultivar Coffee.

There will be an outdoor patio with a grassy area for dogs and additional menu items like beer, salads and poutine.

The shared space will also function as a venue for artists to display their work, St. Peter said.

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March 31, 2015

Denton Chamber of Commerce

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35Express Project continues to roll

By Bj Lewis

Denton Record-Chronicle

It’s long, difficult and sometimes stressful work, but the expansion of Interstate 35E is in full swing and the end of phase one will be here soon enough.

The multi-billion dollar expansion project will bring relief to the often congested highway widening bridges and adding both toll and general purpose lanes between I-635 in Dallas County on up to U.S. Highway 380 in Denton County.

The existing lanes of the highway will remain free. Phase 1 of the project will add an additional free lane each way from State Highway 121 to U.S. 380, as well as two reversible managed lanes from I-635 to an area around Swisher and Turbeville roads. Phase 1 also includes the expansion of the Lewisville Lake Bridge.

Funding for the project is a joint effort between the Texas Department of Transportation, the Regional Transportation Council and multiple regional partners. AGL Constructors, a group comprised of three area engineering

Rob Graves

Leadership Denton, Class of 2013

groups is handling construction duties on the expansion.

This year, work has also progressed on the much anticipated reconstruction of FM 407 and the Corinth Parkway and the new southbound bridge over Lewisville Lake, according to Kimberly Sims, spokeswoman for the expansion project. The new Lewisville Lake bridge will have pedestrian walkways, two northbound and two southbound frontage road lanes, four traffic lanes in each direction and two reversible managed toll lane. Crews have also began working on the widening of the Garden Ridge Boulevard.

Sims said work also began on one of four ramps, the westbound Sam Rayburn Tollway to northbound I-35E. This summer, AGL crews will continue work on the Mayhill Road, Loop 288, U.S. 77 and McCormick Street bridges.

Each of these bridges is being widened to accommodate an additional lane of traffic.

Bridges in North and South Denton will be renovated or rebuilt this summer as well, Sims said.

The North Denton bridge will be replaced by an at-grade roadway that connect Turbeville road to the northbound frontage road and will serve as an east-west connection for motorists.

This bridge is expected to be demolished mid-to-late 2015.

The South Denton Drive bridge will be replaced by the extension of Oak Drive underneath I-35E. The South Denton bridge is expected to be demolished spring 2016. Prior to the demolition of the South Denton bridge, the new Turbeville/Hundley at-grade road-

Paul Chandler

Chairman of the Board, 2011-2012

way will be open to traffic.

Also as a part of the 35Express Project, Highland Village Road will be reconstructed and crews will close the intersection of Highland Village Road and the southbound frontage road for eight months.

Highland Village Road traffic will detoured using the newly constructed Copperas Branch Park Road located near the northwest corner of Highland Village Road and the park.

See 35EXPRESS on Page 58

Richard Reynolds Local Relations Chair

THE DENTON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE FOR 106 YEARS OF VISION AND LEADERSHIP IN OUR COMMUNITY Debby Grigsby

Marketing Co-Chair, 2013 Leadership Denton, Class of 1993 and Co-Chair, 1999 C5

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March 31, 2015

Denton Chamber of Commerce

From Page 57

35Express “The new southbound Lewisville Lake bridge is beginning to take shape.

Crews have placed all of the drill shafts needed, continue to pour columns, place caps and set the 887 columns needed to support the bridge,” seem said.

The expansion faced its share of challenges during the bouts of weather storm weather seen in the area.

“Safety is always an issue on any road project—safety of the traveling public as well as that of our workers,” Sims said. “ Traffic lanes are shifted and narrowed down in some areas as construction progresses. We encourage the traveling public to slow down when driving in construction zones and to visit our website, www.35Express.org.”

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Dent on Chamber of Commerce

March 31, 2015

Spotlight on new Chamber member: Sweetwater After months of renovations, Sweetwater Grill & Thvem reopened under new ownership last year.

Ryann and Rick Reid bought the downtown staple from longtime owners Jimmy and Karen Meredith in late March and opened the doors to the public in August. The couple decided to join the Chamber of Commerce that October.

With an updated interior and menu, they think old-time regulars and new patrons will be happy with the changes, Ryann Reid said.

"All of the reactions have been really positive;' she said. "Everybody kind of felt that we did a nice job with the renovations and repurposing some of the old elements that were in Sweetwater, and

since 1886.

giving it a fresh new look."

The new interior features homages to the old Sweetwater, like illuminating old stained-glass panels and hanging up mirrors the Reids found in the back of the building. The things that needed to be updated, Ryann Reid said, were items such as the plumbing and restrooms.

The couple also added a bar in the back room, which they've nicknamed the Walnut Street Annex.

This is where they think the former regulars will go to hang out, since it's separate from the restaurant portion of the building and has a stage area for music.

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Denton Chamber of Commerce

March 31, 2015

Business Expo returns to mall

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They were: The Cupboard Natural Foods and Cafe, Mellow Mushroom Pizza Bakers and Verus Real Estate Advisors. Mellow Mushroom was named the 2014 Small Business of the Year.

Presentation of the award has been a standing initiative of the Denton Chamber of Commerce since 1986.

Applications for the 31st class of Leadership Denton will be available soon. The current class will present the findings of its graduation project — parking issues in downtown Denton, specifically on the Square — on April 9.

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By far, the majority of the current Denton Chamber of Commerce membership is made up of minimum-investment accounts. Based on our membership schedule, this translates into five full-time employees or less. The need for one-on-one, direct contact with potential customers is crucial.

Considering the profile of our average member, we’re pleased that our board authorized us to bring back our annual Business Expo. We’ll return to the newly remodeled Golden Triangle Mall on the evening of Thursday, April 30. We’re anticipating nearly 75 exhibitors this year.

We like to think of this as the ultimate exhibition of some of the finest product and service providers in the Denton area. There is no admission cost; the event is open to the public.

Although we’re well past 2014, we recognized the Small Business of the Year during our rescheduled membership luncheon on Friday, March 27 at Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites, 1434 Centre Place Drive.

There were three finalists for the 2014 Small Business of the Year Award.

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From Page 59

Sweetwater Also, along the back wall behind the main bar are shelves with trinkets found during construction, such as a sealed bottle of whiskey from the 1920s and stacks of horseshoes. As more stuff came up, Ryann Reid met with the Denton County Historical Commission to learn more about the building, such as learning how it was a horse stable in the late 1800s.

"It was kind of fun because the guys working would run across things every day, whether it was an old nail head, a piece of tack or the multitude of horseshoes that we found;' she said. "I think the whiskey bottle was the neatest find.

We did some research on it and found it was a Paul Jones Whiskey, and found the bottle patent from 1927, which was funny because it was during Prohibition."

The menu is another point of pride, Ryann Reid said. The only product that's frozen is french fries, and the syrups and mixes for new specialty cocktails are made from scratch.

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"With doing things like that, it does increase the ticket time a little bit, but you're getting a better, fresher product every time," she said.

The staff also is starting to adjust to the business being open to the public after they had some soft openings last week, Rick Reid said.

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Denton Chamber of Commerce

Spotlight on new Chamber member: Bet the House BBQ For most of the first month it was open, Bet the House BBQ sold out before getting to dinner service.

Opened in June 2014, and Denton Chamber member since early 2015, owners Cody Smithers and Shawn Eagle are still getting into the swing of things. The two friends have cooked together for years, branched into catering in 2012, and toyed with the idea of a restaurant since.

“It was here and there catering, but business started to build this past year and really took off,” Eagle said. “Every time we posted on Facebook that we were cooking, two briskets would turn into five, five racks of ribs would turn into 10. Then the next thing you know, you turn around and everyone is saying we needed to open a barbecue joint.”

What happened next came quickly, Eagle says. They started looking at places to rent and the next thing they knew had secured a storefront at 508 S. Elm St. Without professional equipment, they started a KickStarter campaign to buy pots and pans and other basic supplies. They raised more than $5,000 in

21 days, and opened less than a month after they met the funding goal.

The meats are Bet the House’s focal point — brisket from a ranch in McKinney, specialty sausage, pork ribs, turkey and pulled pork.

Closing the restaurant’s doors when they sell out of meat is a new concept for diners in Denton, Smithers said. The operating hours say they’re open until 9 p.m., but they keep selling out at lunch.

“I don’t know if it’s going to be a learning curve for us or if it will take a bit for the city to realize I’m not closing because I don’t want business — we’re closing because we don’t have anything to sell

to you,” he said. “When you’re out, you’re out.”

Another curve is settling into running the business. Both owners have fulltime jobs, but Eagle is able to work at the restaurant during summers, since he has that time off from teaching at Ryan High School. Smithers is still commuting to and from downtown Dallas, where he’s a senior business analyst for The Dallas Morning News, and making it to the restaurant in the late afternoon.

They both also have young kids and wives — Eagle’s two boys are 4 and 6, while Smithers has two daughters, a 2-year-old and a 2-month-old.

“It’s a balancing act,” Smithers said.

“The biggest part right now, other than sleep, is the family side for both of us.”

Their wives have been supportive of the venture, and Eagle’s boys are excited about the business, from what he can tell. On the restaurant’s opening day, June 14, one proclaimed to everyone in line that they needed to try some of his daddy’s fatty brisket.

Smithers stops by at 4:30 a.m. to put the ribs on the smoker, while Eagle puts his specialty brisket on the night before service. Desserts come from Davis Purity Bakery, and the sides are made by hand in the morning.

Most of their goals are common of restaurateurs — have happy customers, maybe expand. But their dream is to make it to the Texas Monthly list of top 50 barbecue joints in the state.

“All we really want to do is make good barbecue, and that’s it,” Eagle said. “We just want to make good barbecue and put Denton on the map a little bit.”

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2412 S I-35E 940-488-4779

115 Industrial

940-380-TACO Enough Said.

Eat Me! www.fuzzystacoshop.com

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March 31, 2015

Denton Chamber of Commerce

Denton Chamber of CommerCe aDvertiser inDex ADVERTISER

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380 Guide Magazine ..................... 33 A Style Limousine Service ............ 26 AccessBank Texas........................ 25 Affordable Pest Control ................ 61 Alphagraphics................................ 54 Arthur Surveying Company........... 31 Atrium Medical Center .................. 48 Baylor Healthcare System ............ 51 BCI Mechanical, Inc ........................ 4 Beau’s Bath House ....................... 60 Beazer Homes ............................... 46 Best Western Premier ................... 31 Bet The House BBQ...................... 60 Beth Marie’s Old Fashioned Ice Cream Shoppe ..................... 31 Bethlehem of Denton County ....... 61 Bill Utter Ford ................................ 45 BioLife Plasma Services ............... 36 C & G Electric .................................. 7 Carriage House Assisted Living ........................... 26 CBS Mechanical Services, Inc ..... 15 The Chestnut Tree Teahouse & Bistro ...................... 26 Classic Chrysler Jeep Dodge Mazda.................... 11 Crystal’s Essentials ....................... 59 D & L Farm & Home ...................... 62 Davanti Salon ................................ 54 DeBerry Funeral Directors ............ 67 Debits and Credits ........................ 31 Denton Arts & Jazz Festival.......... 42 Denton Chamber of Commerce ... 53 Denton City Economic Development ............................... 49 Denton City Public Information ...................... 14

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Denton Depot ................................ 58 Denton Funeral Home ................... 50 Denton Hearing Health Care......... 17 Denton Land Surveyor .................... 6 Denton Public Library ................... 55 Denton Record-Chronicle ............. 52 Denton Regional Medical Center ............................ 38 Drug Emporium ............................. 60 Eagle Press.................................... 25 Eckert Hyundai .............................. 47 Express Employment Professionals .............................. 27 Family Allergy & Asthma Care ...... 10 Farmers Insurance Darrin Dykes ............................... 50 First State Bank............................. 68 First United Bank........................... 66 Flowers Foods LLC. ...................... 43 Food Allergy Institute of North Texas ............................ 10 Fuzzy’s Taco Shop........................ 63 Gary G. Taylor, DDS........................ 7 GEICO (Local Office) ..................... 41 Global Impressions ....................... 12 Golden Triangle Mall ..................... 32 Good Samaritan Denton Village ............................ 19 Hammerle Finley Law Firm ..................................... 40 Huffines Kia Subaru Denton ......... 58 James Wood AutoPark ................. 65 Keep Denton Beautiful.................. 37 KoonsFuller...................................... 8 Labinal, Inc .................................... 39 Landstar JRG Agency ................... 22

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Mayberry Gardens Assisted Living & Memory Care Homes.............. 18 McKissack Realty Group .............. 23 Meador Nursery............................. 20 Meridian Bank Texas .................... 57 Mike Thompson Nationwide Insurance................. 54 Morrison Milling, Inc...................... 59 Mulkey Mason Funeral Home....... 28 North Central Texas College ........ 56 North Texas Fair & Rodeo ............ 29 Northstar Bank ................................ 2 Peterbilt Motors Company............ 21 Quality Industries .......................... 45 Ramey & King Insurance............... 13 Rancho De La Roca Retreat Ranch............................. 16 Rivera Law Firm............................. 24 Sante Center for Healing .............. 61 Select Medical Corp...................... 37 Seniors in Motion .......................... 14 Smitty’s Floor Covering ................ 39 Sonic .............................................. 30 Matt Portz State Farm Insurance................... 9 Tantrum Tan .................................. 37 Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Denton ..... 3 Thompson Family Medicine.......... 55 Tom Atkins Agency ....................... 50 Toyota of Denton........................... 44 Trailer Storage ............................... 37 Twice As Nice Resale ................... 30 Visiting Angels Living Assistance........................ 56 Weldon’s Saddle Shop ................. 14 Work Environmental...................... 20

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Working Behind The Scenes Or Leading The Parade,

Your Chamber of Commerce Meets The Challenge of Making Denton Best TRYING TO DO OUR PART Our own Russ Ellis is a member of the Chamber’s Board of Directors. He is our Cadillac & Chevrolet Executive Manager.

JAMES

WOOD

AUTOPARK

Serving Denton on Interstate 35E South Since 1991 • 940-591-9663 • www.jameswood.com

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Banking • Mort gage • Insurance • Wealth Management

Personal and Professional Services with Dignity

We at DeBerry Funeral Directors have been caring for the families of Denton for over 40 years and we’re always here to help in your time of need.

We offer pre-arranged funeral plans.

DeBerry Funeral Directors 2025 West University • 3 8 3 - 4 2 0 0 www.d e be r r yf une r a l di r e c t or s . c om

"Thank you, Denton Chamber of Commerce,

FOR YOUR COMMITMENT TO LOCAL ECONOMIC GROWTH'' MARTY RIVERS Executive Vice President/Chief Lending Officer

First State Bank Visit one of our four convenient Denton locations: Downtown Branch 400 W. Oak St. (940) 349-5444

Denton South Branch 3190 Teasley Lane (940) 349-5465

Rayzor Ranch Branch 2430 W. University Dr. (940) 349-5432

Loop 288 Branch 1696 S. Loop 288 (940) 349-5555