Our vision: To be the indispensable resource for Allen and Collin County businesses.
Our mission: To support our members through programs that promote business development and encourage economic growth, educational excellence and legislative advocacy.
The Chamber would like to thank the following members for their generosity in sponsoring an event or by donating items or services: Bennigan's - Tuesday Morning Live Sponsor; Coffee Dreams - SOHO Cafe and VIP Coffee; and Presbyterian Hospital of Allen - Business After Hours.
Click here to view the latest Member Buy Member participant list.
Executive Committee
Sheila McKinney, Chair
Presbyterian Hospital of Allen
Patti McKee, Chair-Elect
Community Credit Union
Bob Rothe, Immediate Past-Chair
Fortune Financial Services
Maxine Sweet, Treasurer
Experian
Sonia Malone, At-Large
Allen Premium Outlets
Worley Stein, At-Large
American National Bank
Sharon Mayer, President/CEO
Allen Chamber of Commerce
Board of Directors
Bruce Heller
JaRyCo Development
Al Holmes
Optymize
Christi Jefferson
Christi Taylor Jefferson, CPA
Dr. Toni Jenkins
Collin County Community College
Rudy Mann
Sunbelt Telecommunications
James Montgomery
Hilton Garden Inn
Griff Moore
Atrium Financial
Dr. Jenny Preston
Allen Independent School District
Charisse Reaume
Allen Economic Development Corporation
Chris Ryan
Xtera Communications
T. Randall (Randy) Sandifer
Attorney at Law
Andy Stewart
Compliments, LLC
Peter Vargas
City of Allen
Jim Waldbauer
BW2 Engineers
Staff
Pam Fechter
Membership
Carol Rodgers
Operations
The Chamber would like to acknowledge and thank the following major investors
Platinum Investors
Experian
HIT Entetainment
Presbyterian Hospital of Allen
RCL Enterprises
Strasburger & Price, LLP
Sunbelt Telecommunications, Inc.
Gold Investors
Carter & Burgess
Community Credit Union
Frullati Cafe and Bakery
FSI International
Lowe's Home Improvement Warehouse
Oncor Group
Regions Bank
Sage Telecom, Inc.
Sam's Club #4743 Plano/East
Sanmina SCI
Twin Creeks Master Planned Community
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Chairman's Message
by Sheila McKinney, Presbyterian Hospital of Allen
School Funding
Pay Me Now or Pay Me Later
Perhaps the most significant issue that will impact the business future of tomorrow is that of school finance. The current method of funding education in Texas was established in 1993 and had, at best, a 10 year lifespan.
Education leaders see first hand the constraints of state financing. Ten years ago the state paid 60% of education costs and the localities contributed 40%. Today, the equation has flipped – the state only pays 38% of the tab. There are no easy solutions for more money. In the upcoming 2004-05 school year, 700 of the 1100 school districts in Texas will reach the tax cap. This is the fourth year that the Allen Independent School District has operated at the tax cap and been forced to choose how to creatively continue programs while cutting budgets. Our school officials deserve a lot of credit for their efforts to provide an excellent education for students and competitive salaries for teachers without diminishing the level of programming too drastically. This, however, will not always be the case. The issue is becoming critical right here in our own backyard.
School financing is a complex issue. As a business person and Chamber member, I urge you to get informed and take a stand.
To learn more, access www.investintexasschools.org, then contact your State Representative and Senator with a call for action.
[PRINTER FRIENDLY VERSION]
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