2002: The Year in Review

 
The Allen Chamber of Commerce, its Board, volunteers and staff members have worked throughout the year to provide important and relevant programs and benefits to our members.  Many of these efforts go unnoticed, while others provide direct benefit.  The following is a compilation of activities, projects and programs of 2002.  The Chamber is working for you!
 
Committee Activities
 
AIBC
 

• The Allen International Business Coalition met quarterly during 2002 with representatives from the county, city, Economic Development Corporation and service providers.  The Chamber continued working with Allen’s major corporations through the AIBC, Human Resources and Facility Managers groups.
• Established the Emergency Preparedness sub-committee to address issues and develop plans in the event of a major disaster.  The EPN includes representatives from the major corporations, the City of Allen fire and police departments and the Allen ISD.

 
 
Small Business Task Force
 

• Developed, with the assistance of the Small Business Development Center, seminar series entitled “Business For Breakfast” that presented small business workshops on Strategies for Survival, Business Finance, Sales and Marketing.
• Researched Chamber-sponsored, member-only health insurance plan for chamber members.  The Chamber hopes to offer the plan during the first quarter of 2003.
• Hosted first Collin County Chambers Business After Hours
• Hosted First Business Finance Luncheon featuring Jason Savings with the Federal Reserve Bank, Dallas.
• Co-hosted 4^th Annual Millennium Awards Luncheon with Allen Economic Development Corporation and Inside Collin County Business
• Sponsored Business Expo in conjunction with Business Appreciation Week

 
Governmental Affairs
 

• Hosted four Eggs & Issues Breakfast meetings featuring presentations by the Allen & Lovejoy school superintendents regarding Allen/Lovejoy ISD consolidation; Texas Association of Businesses Legislative Agenda presented by Bill Hammond, TAB president; Collin County updates provided by County Commissioner Joe Jaynes and an update on the growth in Allen by Charisse Reaume, executive director, Allen Economic Development Corporation
• Proposed for Board adoption the following resolutions: Resolution #01-02 In Support of Legislative Action on School Finance; Resolution #02-02 In Opposition to the Imposition of the Civil Service Act; Resolution #03-02 In Support of the Texas “Click It or Ticket” Initiative; Resolution #04-02 In Support of the September 14, 2002 Allen ISD Bond Election; and Resolution #05-02 In Support of Proposition 1 on the November 5, 2002 Ballot (Allen’s participation in the visual & performing arts district proposed by the Arts of Collin County).
• Reviewed and recommended revisions to the Chamber By-laws
• Hosted the annual Candidates Forum in partnership with the Rotary Club of Allen.

 
Membership
 

• Hosted 45 ribbon cuttings and ground breaking ceremonies
• Recruited 103 new members
• Implemented Retail and Service Member of the Week Awards recognizing 45 chamber members throughout the year.
• Held four Very Important Prospect (VIP) coffees to introduce the Chamber’s services to prospective members
• Held three New Member Orientation meetings to ensure new Chamber members receive the most benefit from their membership
• Created an opportunity for new Chamber members to network and meet the leadership of the Chamber through three Generating Business Receptions
• Maintained an average membership retention rate of 87%
• Worked through the Ambassador Club to maintain contact with the membership throughout the year to make certain they are aware of opportunities to promote their business, network with other members and to determine Chamber effectiveness within the community.

 
NETWORKING
 

• Provided weekly networking opportunities for members through the fast-growing Tuesday Morning Live! networking meetings,
• Initiated and held four quarterly Nothing But Networking luncheons,
• Sponsored quarterly membership luncheons featuring speakers such as Clarice Tinsley, Karen Borta, and Mayor Steve Terrell.
• Held monthly Business After Hours events at sponsor locations
• Created the new and highly successful SOHO Café monthly networking group for home based business owners

 
SPECIAL PROJECTS
 

• Cosponsored and hosted the 2^nd annual Celebrate Allen gala benefiting the Allen Chamber, the Allen Philharmonic Symphony and the Foundation for Allen Schools. 
• Held the 14^th annual Chamber golf tournament with approximately 200 golfers participating.

• Sponsored annual Home for the Holidays offering opportunities for inexpensive retail/service advertising and promoting the “Shop Home for the Holidays” initiative. 

 
 
 
OTHER ACTIVITIES
 

• Provided faster communication options with Chamber members through e-mail and broadcast FAX weekly reminders. 
• Created and published the Chamber’s monthly online newsletter – Chamber Connections.
• Contracted with web expert to update Chamber’s website and usability for members and visitors.
• Worked with the Allen Parks & Recreation Department and the Heritage Guild to provide resources for the new Allen Heritage Center.
• Sponsored and coordinated the programs for the 14^th annual Leadership Allen class.
• Sponsored the first Youth Leadership Allen class in 2001-2002.
• Hosted second Presidents & Chairs luncheon for the Allen, Frisco, McKinney and Plano Chambers of Commerce.
• Participated with the City of Allen and Allen ISD in three TRIAD meetings addressing issues relevant to the community.
• Contracted for new city of Allen map to be published in February 2003.
• Published new membership directory for distribution prior to end of year.
• Increased member visibility and Chamber image through bi-weekly Chamber page in the Allen American
• Refurbished the Chamber offices adding much needed additional display space for member brochures, flyers and business cards and a new coat of paint to refresh the lobby and offices.
• Chamber staff members participated in many community activities and organizations including the Allen Rotary Club, Allen Citizens Police Academy, Rotary Clubs of Allen Christmas parade, Collin County Community College District’s Committee of 100, Allen Community Outreach Advisory Board and Collin County Legislative Day planning committee.  In addition, Chamber president Sharon Mayer serves on the Executive Committee of the Texas Chamber of Commerce Executives and is the coordinating member of the North Texas Executive Exchange.