Connecting the Best of the Past With the Brightest of Futures!

Chamber staff members, Rhonda Taulbee, Mike Agnew and Tina Stelnicki.

Written by Deonna Osborn

Photo by Ethan Good

Since its inception in 1976, Wylie Chamber of Commerce has been a valuable source of information and services to Wylie and surrounding communities, assisting businesses and their patrons.

The Chamber’s stated mission is “to promote and support Wylie Chamber members while contributing to the growth and quality of life in our community.” Wylie Chamber President Mike Agnew calls the organization the “gateway to the city of Wylie.” Member businesses are connected to other local businesses and city officials, creating an instant and beneficial network of contacts.

Originally begun as the Wylie Area Chamber of Commerce, the organization started with a ninemember board of directors and a handful of members. In 1987, the name was changed to the Wylie Chamber of Commerce, and today, the Chamber boasts a 15-member board of directors and over 450 business members from Wylie and surrounding cities including Sachse, Richardson, and Garland. Surrounding city membership has grown as Wylie continues to become an ever-progressing center of commerce.

From marketing to mentoring to helping businesses connect with a tax or legal consultant to help navigate the business landscape, the Wylie Chamber is there to serve its members and the community, bringing not only peace of mind but also an invaluable network of fellow business owners and contacts.

“One unique feature of the Wylie Chamber of Commerce,” reflected Vice President Tina Stelnicki, “is the great networking and mentoring program. Each member wants the other to succeed. We are a tight-knit team.”

Member businesses have the opportunity to meet once a week and share ideas through the virtual business card exchange. Originally an in-person morning coffee gathering, the now-virtual meet-andgreet offers each participant an opportunity to share insights and experience from their own perspective. In any given week, the group might include a restaurant owner, insurance expert, CPA, or florist – all providing business tips and ideas to the others in the group.

The Chamber hosts several community events each year, the largest of which is the Wylie Championship Rodeo. This popular event represents the spirit of Wylie: its small-town feel and sense of community as families gather to enjoy an evening watching roping and riding. When planning an event of this magnitude, volunteer capital is key. As a non-profit, the Chamber must rely on its membership and volunteer base for a positive outcome. Various student, church, business, and other organizations rally volunteers to ensure the rodeo runs smoothly and a great time is had by all. Chamber officials are keeping their fingers crossed that the rodeo can return as a live event in September, once again providing the traditional community-building activity.

Other events include Wreaths on the Runway, Wylie ISD New Teacher Luncheon, and the Annual Golf Tournament. Mike Agnew, who has been president of the Chamber since 2004, stated in his 2021 Strategic Plan that he was optimistic many of these events would take place this year. “The community may even look forward to some new traditions,” he said.

Perhaps less known (but no less valuable) are the Chamber’s educational programs. Reacting to the challenges facing businesses during this time, the Chamber has ramped up efforts to provide in-depth, timely information to its members and local businesses. Chamber staff continues to disseminate crucial information via methods such as Zoom, social media outlets and the Chamber website blog. Members are kept abreast of constantly changing guidelines, business restrictions, and opportunities available to them through resources such as the Small Business Administration. Regular guests at member forums include city and state leaders, as well as professionals presenting information to aid in restoring productivity during these unprecedented times.

Rhonda Taulbee, Chamber Membership Coordinator/ Ad Consultant, has been working hard since March 2020 to ensure businesses remain highlighted in new and unique ways. As The Connection Magazine celebrates its 15-year anniversary with a makeover, the facelift will include virtual links to local establishments, providing sneak peeks into member businesses and many other ways to merge social media and print media. Mike Agnew has also announced a new and exciting partnership between Wylie Chamber of Commerce and Collin Corporate College: a Customer Service course, which will be open to owners and employees of member businesses and eventually to high school students as part of a certification course. The class will provide instruction in how to enhance levels of customer service, with a goal of creating even more successful and productive businesses. Wylie Chamber of Commerce is an unsung hero of businesses in Wylie and surrounding areas. As a tightknit, diverse, and welcoming group with a family feel, all member businesses are committed to helping each other succeed.

The organization also provides valuable resources for community members. Visit the Chamber website, www.wyliechamber.org, for service recommendations and other valuable information. There’s even a onestop-shop reference to many local business websites. Wylie is home to a number of unique businesses, some of which may be undiscovered by members of the community. Citizens are invited to call the Chamber at 972-442-2804 or email info@ wyliechamber.org with questions about local businesses or services. Indeed, Wylie Chamber of Commerce holds the single largest vault of information about local services and businesses, and its members are ready to answer questions and provide ways to get involved. Why not reach out to the Chamber today? •