Chairman's Message
by Sheila McKinney, Presbyterian Hospital of Allen
Summer is a welcomed break from the routines of the school year for students and parents, but it’s also the time of year when school officials are busy planning for the upcoming school year. One thing we should keep in mind, education is everyone’s business, and the Chamber’s mission statement identifies educational excellence as a priority. We hope, as local businesses, you too will take the opportunity to get involved. The Chamber is currently sponsoring two programs to allow businesses to participate in helping teachers and students alike.
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New Teacher Reception
Wow, summer is almost over which means it's time once again for the annual New Teacher Reception. Approximately 200 new teachers are expected to join the Allen ISD for the 2004-05 school year. Each teacher will receive a gift bag filled with coupons or giveaways from our business community. The Chamber invites you to show your support for these educators by sponsoring a teacher or providing door prizes or items for the gift bags.
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Nothing But Networking
Not sure how to make the most of your networking experience? You'll find out how if you attend the Nothing but Networking luncheon on Tuesday, July 20, 2004. Alice Dykeman will lead a networking workshop beginning at 11:30 a.m. at the Brazos Cattle Company. Reservations can be made by calling 972-727-5585 or email reservations@allenchamber.com.
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Senator Florence Sharpiro to Address Chamber
Eggs and Issues Breakfast
Senator Florence Shapiro will be the guest speaker at the Eggs and Issues Breakfast on Friday, July 23, 2004 at 8:00 a.m. at the Hilton Garden Inn. She will address the school finance issue and other special-called legislative sessions.
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Fill the Bus
School Supplies Needed
The Chamber, along with the Allen Community Outreach Center, hopes to fill a school bus with school supplies for children in Allen. The Fill the Bus campaign will run from July 6 through July 29. Major businesses, their employees and the community will be encouraged to purchase school supplies for under-privileged children in Allen.
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Business After Hours
Regions Bank, located at 1337 W. McDermott Drive, will be the host of the Business After Hours on Thursday, July 15, 2004 from 5:00 to 6:30 p.m. Please bring lots of business cards and come ready to network!
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W.I.S.E. Luncheon
The next W.I.S.E. quarterly luncheon will be held on Thursday, July 29, 2004 at the Hilton Garden Inn in Allen. Andrea (Andy) Stewart will make a presentation on Professional Polish, Etiquette Survival Tips for Today’s Business Environment.
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Business Builders
Interested in doing business with Allen ISD but not sure how? Then attend Business Builders, an interactive forum for new and established businesses to share their ideas, experience and knowledge. The next meeting on August 5, 2004 at 8:00 a.m. at the Allen Heritage Center (Train Depot) will feature a presentation by AISD officials on How to Do Business with the Allen Independent School District. The cost is $2 for Chamber Members and $5 for prospective members. Reservations are requested.
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Chamber Offers New Direct Mail Program
In an effort to better service our members, the Chamber began a new direct mail program in June. The program allows members to place a one-page flyer promoting their business in the quarterly mailer that will highlight upcoming Chamber events. The next mailer will be distributed to every Chamber member in September. The deadline for placing a flyer in the publication is August 15th.
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Leadership Allen Class XV Graduates
Approximately 30 graduates and guests attended the Leadership Allen Class XV Graduation Ceremonies at the Hilton Garden Inn on June 3, 2004. Collin County Judge Ron Harris was the master of ceremonies and keynote speaker. He challenged the group to stay involved and remain an active part of the community.
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Operation Thank You!
Volunteers Deliver Directories
Volunteers helped deliver the Chamber's new Referral Guide to member businesses in Allen and the surrounding area on Thursday, June 17, 2004 as part of Operation Thank You. Approximately 20 volunteers participated in the annual event, designed for all Allen-based member businesses to receive a personal visit from a Chamber representative in appreciation of their investment in the Chamber.
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Leadership Allen Accepting Applications
Applications are now being accepted for Leadership Allen Class XVI. Leadership Allen is a nine-month human development program designed to train and encourage Allen business people and residents to take an active role in determining the future of Allen. The objective of the program is to develop a heightened sense of community awareness, involvement and leadership. If you are interested in being a part of the program, please submit your application by July 30, 2004. For information about Leadership Allen or to obtain an application, log on to http://www.allenchamber.com/default.asp?display=lidership .
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Inside Collin County Business Offers Special Rates
Another value-added member benefit.
The Allen Chamber of Commerce has teamed up with Inside Collin County Business to offer free advertising for new Chamber members. For every new membership to the Allen Chamber that is sold, Inside Collin County Business will issue a certificate good for advertising in the amount of the new member's investment in the Chamber, up to $1,000. Also, in exchange for selling discounted subscriptions to existing Chamber members, the Chamber will receive a commission and advertising benefits. For more information, contact the Chamber at 972-727-5585 or John Bick at Inside Collin County Business at 972-612-2425.
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Congressman Sam Johnson Invites Chamber Members
Small Business Roundtable
Congressman Sam Johnson and representatives of the Small Business Administration will host a small business roundtable discussion on Thursday, July 29, 2004 at SMU's Legacy Park Campus in Plano. The program will begin at 9:00 and conclude by 10:30 a.m. The presentation and discussion will focus on Health Savings Accounts (HSA's) and other options being reviewed by Congress to enhance health benefits available to small businesses.
All Chamber members are invited to take advantage of this informative, FREE program. If you have an interest in attending, please respond directly to Jerry Durham at 972-470-0892.
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SCORE Counseling at Chamber
Appointments available each Thursday afternoon!
Need help with your existing small business or thinking of starting a new one? SCORE (Service Corps of Retired Executives) can provide you valuable business counseling, mentoring and ideas, and it's...FREE.
Mel Biggs, a SCORE representative, will be in the Chamber office each Thursday from 12:00 noon to 3:00 p.m. to meet with clients. To schedule an appointment, please contact the Chamber office at 972-727-5585.
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Chamber Warns Against False Solicitation
Recently one of our Chamber members received the following email from MR. C. Xan which states that the members name was found on the internet and “confirmed by local chamber of commerce.” This is an erroneous statement, at best. Please be assured that we do not provide information about your business to “spammers or scammers.” That does not mean that they do not find information on various websites but, unless you have asked us to publish it, your email address is not included in any information we distribute.
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Capitol Steps
by State Rep. Ken Paxton
State Representative Ken Paxton discusses the Texas Yes! program which is designed to promote the growth and prosperity of rural Texas towns, cities and counties as well as to educate the public about all that rural Texas has to offer. In addition, Rep. Paxton explains the new laws that were implemented this year and discusses sights to see in Austin.
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Allen Chosen for New Developments
The Allen Economic Development Corporation recently announced that BMR-W2, PRG Capital Investment, LP, and JaRyCo Development will begin construction on new developments in Allen. In addition, Contemporary Title Solutions has leased space in the Allen Tech Center and Creme de la Creme, a childcare/preschool center will build a facility at McDermott and Alma. For more information, contact the AEDC at 972-727-0250 or visit their website at www.allentx.com.
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Foundation Announces Fundraiser
Hibernia Bank's Quarter Swap
The Foundation for Allen Schools' current fundraiser won't cost you a dime (or a quarter), but you have to hurry! Through July 15, bring in your old U.S. quarters to Hibernia Bank (southeast corner of McDermott & Alma Dr.) and they'll replace them with the newly minted Texas quarter. All of your old quarters will be donated to the Foundation, which funds classroom grants and student and teacher scholarships in Allen schools.
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Foundation Meets El Dorado Challenge
El Dorado Motors owner Stan Graff challenged the Foundation of Allen Schools to raise $110,000 last August with the promise that his dealership would match the funds.
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Symphony Announces Concert Series
The Allen Philharmonic Symphony Orchestra is tuning up for its 2004-2005 season: Cultivating Traditions. This year’s theme acknowledges the APSO’s proud past and promising future as it enters its seventh year in our community. What began as a seed planted by a group of Allen citizens dedicated to enhancing the quality of life in our community through music has grown into a vibrant and varied cultural experience that continues to entertain and inspire.
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Vote! It's Your Business
www.VoteForBusiness.com
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is working with small businesses and lcoal chambers of commerce in hopes of electing a strong pro-business majority in Congress with their VoteForBusiness campaign.
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Sustaining Members
The Chamber's Board of Directors and Staff would like to thank these businesses for their continued support of the Allen Chamber of Commerce.
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New Members
The Chamber would like to welcome these new members into the Chamber. Please print this list and insert it into your Chamber directory. Keep this directory handy and remember to use your fellow Chamber members when in need of a product or service.
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Membership Happenings
There were many opportunities to promote business and network at the luncheons, business after hours events and ribbon cuttings during June.
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