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 .
Visit the Chamber's website www.allenchamber.com to view the latest member buy member participating membership listing.
Executive Committee
Patti McKee
Chair of the Board
Community Credit Union
Sheila McKinney
Immediate Past Chair
Presbyterian Hospital of Allen
Maxine Sweet
Chair-Elect
Experian
Bruce Heller
Treasurer
JaRyCo Development
Christi Jefferson
At Large
Christi Taylor Jefferson, CPA
Frank O'Reilly
At Large
Sanmina-SCI
Sharon Mayer
President/CEO
Allen Chamber of Commerce
Board of Directors
Tom Apligian
REMAX - Apligian
Charisse Canfield
Ex-Officio
Allen Economic Development Corporation
Dr. Toni Jenkins
Ex-Officio
Collin County Community College
Lisa Johnson
State Farm Insurance
Sonia Malone
Allen Premium Outlets
Griff Moore
Atrium Financial
Dr. Jenny Preston
Ex-Officio
Allen Independent School District
Bob Rothe
Fortune Financial Services
T. Randall (Randy) Sandifer
Attorney at Law
Worley Stein
American National Bank
Peter Vargas
Ex-Officio
City of Allen
Jim Waldbauer
BW2 Engineers
Patricia Watson, CPA
Staff
Julie Hynes
Director of Member Services
Carol Rodgers
Vice President, Operations
Josie Zendejas
Information Specialist
The Chamber would like to acknowledge and thank the following major investors
Platinum Investors
Atmos Energy
Comerica Bank
Experian
HIT Entetainment
Presbyterian Hospital of Allen
RCL Enterprises
Sunbelt Telecommunications, Inc.
Twin Creeks Master Planned Community
Gold Investors
The Belmont Restaurant
Carter & Burgess
David Harvey & Associates
Regions Bank
Remedies Wellness Spa
Sage Telecom, Inc.
Sanmina SCI
Strasburger & Price, LLP
TXU Electric Delivery
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W.I.S.E. Luncheon
The Key to Happiness is Stuck in Your Lock
Tuesday, October 18, 11:30 - 1:00 p.m.
Rumored to be the lost love child of Mark Twain and Lucille Ball, Anne speaks to organizations about realizing the art of life is Balancing Attitude, Reality And Behavior. As Chief Operating Officer, Anne was charged with saving a $1.4 billion mortgage bank from bankruptcy. As an elected official Anne has led her school district from troubled waters to one of the top 100 school districts in the nation. Her fast-paced seminars teach practical tips and useful strategies for improving their performance mindset. Location: Hilton Garden Inn, 705 Central Expressway South Sponsor:  Cost: $20 for Chamber members and their guests; $25 for prospective members Reservations: Required. Please RSVP to reservations@allenchamber.com or call 972-727-5585.
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Curves Hosts Business Wrap-Up
October 20, 2005
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.
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Nothing But Networking
Interested in meeting prospective clients and making new friends? Then plan on attending the quarterly Nothing But Networking luncheon in November. This luncheon is strictly networking - providing those attending an opportunity to talk about their business, products and services. The date and time will be announced in the November issue and on the Connecting Weekly. Cost: $17 Chamber Members; $20 Non & Prospective Members. Sponsored by:  Reservations: Required (reservations@allenchamber.com.) or call 972-727-5585
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New Directories are Coming!
2005-06 Business Referral Guide
Be watching for your copy of the 2005-06 Business Referral Guide which will be distributed, along with the Direct Mail Newsletter, the first week of November. If you would like to include an insert in the newsletter, there's still time. Call Josie at 972-727-5585 for more information.
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Chairman's Coffee
New Member Orientation
Friday, October 28, 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.
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Golf Tournament a Success!
The 18th Annual Golf Tournament sponsored by Community Credit Union and chaired by Richard Bush, Mind Over Matter Counseling, was a great success! Golfers enjoyed fantastic weather, fun activities at different holes, outstanding door prizes and live auction items. We especially want to thank those who volunteered to serve on the golf committee and during the tournament and it goes without saying that those who chose to sponsor, play or make donations were the keys to the tournament’s success. A complete list of sponsors, donors and volunteers follows.
Please mark your calendars NOW for next year’s tournament: Monday, June 12, 2006 – Chase Oaks Golf Club.
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Do You Know the Source of Your Customer Base?
Business Builders: Tips for tracking your clientele
Thursday, November 3 - 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 November 3rd Business Builders and learn from Gene Rife of Stacy Furniture 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
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Texas Hold 'Em or Go Fish!
Last Chance at this unique opportunity to promote your business
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
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Member Anniversaries
The Chamber would like to recognize and thank these members who have recently renewed their investment in the Chamber. With the support of our members, we can continue to offer programs and services to help your business.
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New Members
The following members recently joined the Chamber. Please print this list and add it to your membership directory. Remember to support your fellow Chamber members!
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Capitol Steps
by State Rep. Ken Paxton
Texas Voters have approved 432 amendments to the State Constitution since its adoption in 1876. Nine more amendments will be submitted for voter approval in the General Election on Tuesday, November 8, 2005. In order to vote in this election, voters must be registered to vote by October 11.
The proposed constitutional amendments are outlined using information provided by the House Research Organization (HRO). The order that the amendments appear on the ballot has been randomly selected by the Secretary of State. I will discuss the proposals in the order in which they will appear on the ballot. You can view a document which explains the amendments along with arguments for and against each amendment at http://www.sos.state.tx.us/elections/voter/2005novconsamend.shtml.
Representative Paxton appreciates your comments and encourages members to contact him at ken.paxton@house.state.tx.us or by calling (972) 562-4543 or (512)463-0356.
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The County Line
by County Commissioner Joe Jaynes
In 2003 Collin County Cleanup Day increased in frequency from once a year to once a month. It is held on the first Saturday of every month from 8am to 2pm at the 121 Landfill in Melissa. During these one-day events Collin County picks up the cost for disposal of citizens' debris, but proof of residency, such as a driver's license or utility bill is required.
We are currently working with the city of Lucas to set up a recycling operation in their area as well. Not to brag, but our Public Works Department has gone above and beyond the call of duty in trying to keep our county a cleaner place to live. I also appreciate the support of my colleagues on the commissioners court for this program. We are light years ahead of many counties on this issue and look to build upon our success in the future. (Collin County Commissioner Joe Jaynes email address is jjaynes@collincountytx.gov.)
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Tuesday Morning Live
EVERY TUESDAY, 7:30 – 8:30 a.m.
Location: Bennigan’s, 305 N. Central Expressway
Cost: $1 for members; $3 for prospective members*
Reservations: Not required.
*Prospective members may attend a total of 3 meetings.
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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 Hosts Job Bank
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.
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Committee Meetings
The following committee meetings are scheduled:
October
Emergency Preparedness - Tuesday, October 25 - 11:30 a.m.
Board of Directors - Thursday, October 27 - 8:00 a.m. - Chamber Office
November
Leadership Steering Committee - Friday, November 4 - 8:00 a.m. - Chamber office
Ambassador Club - Monday, November 14 - 8:00 a.m. - Elke's Market Cafe
Board of Directors Annual Planning Retreat - Friday, November 18 - date and time TBA
Chamber Office Closed November 24 - 27, 2005
December
No committee meetings scheduled.
Chamber Office Closed December 23 - 26, 2005
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