The Business EXPO has undergone some small changes this year but will continue to feature booth space for 50 chamber member exhibitors and the popular Collin County Chambers Business After Hours. The EXPO will be held on Thursday, September 15, 2005, from 3:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. with the After Hours Networking from 5:00 - 6:30 p.m. For more information on the EXPO and to reserve your booth space contact the Chamber staff at 972-727-5585 or visit http://www.allenchamber.com/pdfFiles/ExpoRegForm.pdf for online registration & information.

There are several efforts underway in Collin County, including those by our Allen Community Outreach, to assist the victims of Hurricane Katrina. A list of the organizations offering assistance will soon be posted on the Chamber's website at www.allenchamber.com. We will try to keep the list updated on various needs as they arise. If your business or organization is participating in relief efforts, please let us know so we can post the information. Visit ACO's website at www.acocares.org.

Tuesday, September 13, 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.

The Millennium Awards luncheon, presented by the Allen Economic Development Corporation and co-sponsored by the Allen Chamber of Commerce and Inside Collin County Business, will recognize businesses and individuals who have contributed greatly to Allen's continuing economic growth. Deadline to register for the luncheon is Friday, September 9, 2005. 

We think we've found a really unique way to help our Chamber members promote their business through sponsorship of one or more cards in 3,000 decks featuring Allen amenities, landmarks, city facilities, recreational areas and families. The cards will end up in the hands of new residents, new teachers and visitors to our community through the Chamber's distribution efforts. Interested in learning more about this great opportunity? Sponsor and registration information is available on the Chamber's website at www.allenchamber.com. Questions or need additional information? Contact chamber staff at 972-727-5585 or go directly to the source - Tim Alder, RM Communications Group, 817-488-1669. Click here to see a sample card and registration form.  http://www.allenchamber.com/pdffiles/AceDRegistrationform.pdf

Leadership Allen, now in its 17th year, is currently recruiting members for the upcoming class. A nine-month community awareness and leadership development program, will kick-off with an overnight retreat and ropes course on September 30 - October 1, 2005. The remaining sessions will include information, tours and speakers addressing city and county government, education, health and human services, quality of life, economic development and a full day of leadership training with the Metroplex's most dymanic instructors. For further information about tuition costs, class schedules and other requirements, visit http://www.allenchamber.com/default.asp?display=lidership

Thursday, October 6 - 8:00 a.m. - Allen Heritage Center

Have you ever wondered what type of promotional methods will work best for advertising your business? Come to the October 6th Business Builders and learn from area businesses the methods they use and what does and doesn't work. This session is #9 in the series "Ten Big Ideas for Your Small Business".

Cost:  $10 for Chamber members; $15 for prospective members

Reservations:  Requested.  Call 972-727-5585 or email reservations@allenchamber.com

Sponsor:  Comerica Bank

October's Business Wrap-Up, the Chamber's monthly business after hours event, will be held on Thursday, October 20th from 5:00 - 6:30 p.m. at Curves for Women, located at 1212 W. McDermott, Suite 200. We hope you will take advantage of this "strictly social" networking opportunity. Bring plenty of business cards for exchanging and to enter the drawing for door prizes. Reservations are not required and there is no charge to attend.

Friday, October 21, 8:00 a.m.

Please be our guest for an informative New Member Orientation to learn more about the chamber and its services and meet the Chamber chair and staff.  Members attending are encouraged to give a 30-second summary of their business and bring promotional items for prize giveaways. 

Sponsor and Location:  Jason's Deli, 906 W. McDermott Dr., Suite 100

Cost:  None.  Contintental breakfast provided by Jason's Deli.

Reservations:  Requested.  Please RSVP to reservations@allenchamber.com or call Julie Hynes at 972-727-5585.

Does your company have a job opening or do you know of someone looking for a job? Then, refer to the Chamber's new job bank.  Simply go to the chamber's website at www.allenchamber.com and click on "job bank".  You can submit a job opening online or browse the job listings. 

Saturday, October 8 - 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

"Be in Business For Yourself, Not By Yourself" 
Three breakout sessions covering a wide range of topics by dynamic speakers as well as financial roundtable will address the needs and concerns of women business owners.  The luncheon will feature Jeff Crilley from FOX 4 News as the Keynote Speaker.  The conference will also recognize "Breast Cancer Awareness Month".

Location:  Collin County Community College - Spring Creek Campus Conference Center

Information:  Contact the Small Business Development Center at 972-985-3770

The following committee meetings are scheduled:

September
Leadership Steering Committee - Friday, September 9 - 8:00 a.m. - Chamber office
Ambassador Club - Monday, September 12 - 8:00 a.m. - Elke's Market Cafe
Board of Directors - Thursday, September 22 - 8:00 a.m. - Chamber Office

October
Leadership Steering Committee - Friday, October 7 - 8:00 a.m. - Chamber office
Ambassador Club - Monday, October 10 - 8:00 a.m. - Location TBA
Emergency Preparedness - Tuesday, October 25 - 11:30 a.m.
Board of Directors - Thursday, October 27 - 8:00 a.m. - Chamber Office