Lancaster Chamber Newsletter March 2012
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Transcript of Lancaster Chamber Newsletter March 2012
March 2012 Volume 14, No. 3A monthly publication of the Lancaster Chamber of Commerce.
March 1 5:00—7:00 p.m.C4 Networking … see page 6.
March 6 8:30 a.m.Texas Scholars Presentation at Lancaster Middle School.
March 7 _ 7:30 a.m.Board meeting at Chamber office.
March 8 11:30 a.m.—1:00 p.m.Lancaster Chamber luncheon at Recreation Center.
March 13 2:30 p.m.Tourism & Visitors Committee at Lancaster Chamber Office.
March 14 11:30 a.m.Brown Bag Lunch—Learn how to use Constant Contact. Chamber Office—See Page 7.
March 16 12 NoonAmbassadors FunGroup meeting at Bienvenidos Restaurant.
March 22 11:30 a.m.Grand Opening—Classic Cup Café—133 Historic Town Square
March 23 7:30 a.m.Small Business Roundtable (BBB) Bienvenidos Rest. Program about Microsoft 7.
March 27 2:30 p.m.Tourism & Visitors Committee at Lancaster Chamber Office.
March 28 11:45 a.m.Education Committee meeting at Bienvenidos Restaurant.
*************************************
PUT ON CALENDAR
April 28, 2012Chamber Annual Gala/Auction at
MCM Grandé Hotel
LANCASTER CHAMBER MONTHLY LUNCHEON
“Vision for Lancaster”By Dr. Jennifer Wimbish
Thursday, March 8, 201211:30 a.m.—1:00 p.m.
Lancaster Recreation Center—Grand Hall1700 Veterans Memorial Parkway
Please call 972-227-2579 for reservations. Tickets are $18 per person or a sponsor table of 8 for $160.
Food will be provided by A La Carte Catering.
Follow the Red Carpet to MCM Grandé Hotel for the Lancaster Chamber of Commerce Annual Awards Gala and Auction
Saturday, April 28, 20126:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.
6:00 – 6:30 p.m. Chairman’s VIP Reception in Hotel Suite—for Major Sponsors.
See page 5 for more details and sponsorship opportunities.
INFORMER PAGE 2March 2012
March 2012 – On February 23rd the Best Southwest Part-nership enjoyed an outstanding Seminar and Luncheon with Bob Goshen, arranged by Amanda Skinner and the Cedar Hill Chamber, with sponsor help and participation from Northwood University and Methodist Charlton Medical Center. … Around 400 attended this out-standing event which was held at Trinity Church with boxed lunches provided by Chick-fil-A. … The next day on February 24th, the Lancaster Chamber held its monthly Small Business Roundtablebreakfast at Bienvenidos featuring Microsoft’s 365 “Cloud” system presented by Tim Davis and Tim Loney with Solutions IS. … And the next Thursday on March 1, 2012, the first ever C-4 Networking night was celebrated at Bienvenidos from 5 to 7 p.m. … This networking event will be held quarterly with the 4 Chambers of Cedar Hill, Desoto, Duncanville and Lancaster each hosting one C-4 in each quarter. … The March 1st C-4 Networker featured Karaoke, food from various eateries, a cash bar, fun, and –more Networking! …
Vision for Lancaster by Cedar Valley College
On March 8, 2012, at the Lancaster Chamber’s 56th An-nual Meeting and Luncheon in Grand Hall, Dr. Wim-bish from Cedar Valley College will present the findings
from a Visioning process for Lancaster begun in November 2011. …Chamber Chairman Doug Hunt will conduct the meeting which will be ca-tered by Michelle McDonald with A La Carte Catering. … New members will be introduced, but the four awards presentations which have been nor-mally presented at this luncheon will be presented at the April 28, 2012 Red Carpet Awards and Auction Gala.
Red Carpet Awards & Auction Gala
On April 28, 2012 The MCM Grande’ will present a Red Carpet Awards & Auction Gala for the Lancaster
(See AROUND … Continued on page 3)
AROUND AND ABOUT …by Joe Johnson
The Ides of March are bearing down on us quickly and 2012 is looking to be a great year. Sales tax revenue in Lancaster is up; property values have stopped declining, and are beginning to rise again. Both of these facts are signs the recovery is on its way back up and that Lancaster
has stemmed the economic tide.
To help our members, the Chamber held its first class in the Lancaster Chamber Small Business University (LCSBU). Jerry Frazier, CPA, addressed the group with “Common Deductions Missed by Small Businesses”. Those that attended learned how to be smarter on their business deductions for taxes. I am sure they will all save 10 times more than the cost of the $10 lunch.
Our next LCSBU Brown Bag class will be on Wednesday March 14. The class will be “Email Marketing: Getting the Most from Blast Emails with Constant Contact.” Eve-ryone I know is looking for economical ways to market their business. Well it just doesn’t get any cheaper than Constant Contact. Email is the medium of the future. Using it constantly to pinpoint marketing is a way to stay in touch with your customers and grow the business.
The Lancaster Chamber's Goal is Helping Your Business Do Better Business!
Doug Hunt, Chairman 2012Access Self Storage
CHAIRMAN’S CORNER …by Doug Hunt
Hello to all! As we enter into the latter part of the 1st
Quarter of 2012, I am encouraged about the outlook for this year. Commercial interest continues to increase for Lancaster. We are expecting a significant announcement mid-month regarding another significant business venture calling Lancaster home (stay tuned). Sales tax revenues are nearly $600,000 ahead of last year’s pace. As we visit with business operators around town, there are continued signs of improved productivity and profitability. In fact, several local employers are seeking qualified individuals
for employment. I encourage you all to visit the Chamber’s website for job openings or post your job openings on the Chamber site.
Your city council has approved an agreement to offer our residents water and sewer line insurance. This program will cover the cost of repair/replacement for a nominal premium fee, and the City of Lancaster has passed along the premium savings to our residents. Details will be mailed soon. Enjoy your month!
Marcus Knight, Mayor
City of Lancaster
INFORMERMarch 2012 PAGE 3
2012 Board of Directors
* Doug Hunt, ChairmanAccess Self Storage
*Stephanie Williamson, Chair-Elect, DART
* Karen McClary, Past–chairEdward Jones Co.
* Melody Stillings, TreasurerRegions Bank
* Joe JohnsonPresident
Sharon BrooksTraditional Health Care Services
* Vivian ChastainBienvenidos Restaurant
A. Z. Drones Atmos Energy
Evelina Echols-SuttonMethodist Charlton Medical Center
Kenneth GovanOncor Electric Delivery
Ronnie LoweLancaster Outreach Center
Sonali MajmudarHampton Inn & Suites
Stacey McDonaldCorner Stone Credit Union
Michelle McDonaldRunway Café
Lindsay OwensHoliday Inn Express DeSoto
* Katina PottsIn The Door Advertising
* Randy RostadRetired
* Dr. John WongUNT Dallas
Sarah ZafaranoMote & Associates
Ex-Officio Members
Marcus Knight, Mayor
Opal Robertson, City Manager
Dr. Michael McFarlandLancaster ISD
John Polewski, Polewski & Assocs.
Charles Hatfield, County Press
* Denotes Members of Executive Committee
Mayor’s Comments – Lancaster Connection
Mayor Marcus Knight
Chamber featuring; a Silent Auction Preview with Champagne and Hors d’oeu-vres, White Glove Service, Seated Candlelight Gourmet Dinner, Live Entertain-ment, Cash Bar, Texas Shoot-Out, Silent and Live Auctions – and of course The Awards. … Awards presented this year will be Large Business of the Year, Small Business of the Year, Volunteer of the Year, Rocky Strickland Community Award, and optionally, The Golden Gaither Award. … Come enjoy this festive and elegant evening with your friends! … After Five Attire is requested. … The proceeds from this fabulous evening go to support the Chamber’s Program of Work.
The Chamber’s Mission
Your Chamber is a non-profit business helping businesses do better business – always mindful of its Mission Statement: "To Actively Support, Promote and Attract Busi-ness to Better Serve the Greater Lancaster Area". Come join us in making this hap-pen!
And we’ll …
… See You Around And About
AROUND … (Continued from page 2)
INFORMERMarch 2012 PAGE 4
SMALL BUSINESS ROUNDTABLE
March 23, 20127:30—9:00 a.m.
Sponsored by MicrosoftHosted by Bienvenidos Rest.
Anyone interested in hosting a Better Business Breakfast in 2012, please call the
Chamber at 972-227-2579.
*******************
Brown Bag Lunch on March 14, 2012See Page 7 for information.
NETWORK @ NOON“Network … and eat”
Thursday, April 5, 201211:30 a.m.—1:00 p.m.
There is no N@N for March Come to the C4 Networking March
1st at Bienvenidos from 5-7 p.m.
Bring your business cards and a door prize if you wish. Everyone will get a chance to tell
us about their business.
From the Super … by Dr. Michael McFarland
This is an open invitation to be a part of a transformative moment for Lancaster. I’m not just talking about a moment for Lancaster ISD, but for Lancaster as a whole.
On Wednesday, March 21 at 10:30 a.m. in the auditorium of Lancaster High School, we are going to break some news that many have been waiting for since last semester. The changes that are on the horizon are going to sySTEMically renovate the teaching and learning that is currently occurring on our campuses. The benefits to the teachers and students are obvious. However, this community benefits from our transformation by partnering with us to provide students with
authentic learning experiences through internships and externships which will result in a better-prepared pool of potential employees.
I am genuinely excited about the great things that we are currently doing and the great things that are to come. The result of the announcement that we are sharing later this month is just another step in ensuring that Lancaster students leave us with more than a diploma.
So, we look forward to seeing you at the high school on March 21 to help us celebrate. To RSVP, please e-mail our Public Information Officer Sonya Cole-Hamilton at [email protected] by March 16.
Michael D. McFarlandLancaster Superintendent of Schools
INFORMERMarch 2012 PAGE 5
Saturday,April 28, 20126:30—10:30 p.m.
MCMMCMMCM
Grande´ Hotel
Presents ...
REDREDCARPETCARPET
AWARDSAWARDSGALAGALA
The Lancaster Chamber of Commerce
Red CarpetReserved table of 8, signage at event, name in press releases, full page ad in program, table top sign, recognition during event. Invitation to Chairman’s VIP Reception, 6—6:30 p.m. in Hotel Suite.
$3,500
Executive ProducerReserved Table of 8, signage at event, full page ad in program, table top sign, recognition during event. Invitation to Chairman’s VIP Recep-tion, 6—6:30 p.m. in Hotel Suite.
$2,500
ProducerReserved Table of 8, 1/2 page ad in program and table top sign, recogni-tion during event. Invitation to Chair-man’s VIP Reception, 6—6:30 p.m. in Hotel Suite.
$1,500
DirectorReserved Table of 8, 1/2 page ad in program, table top sign, recognition during event.
$1,000
HeadlinerReserved Table of 8, table top sign and recognition during event.
$750
Cast MemberIndividual ticket to event.
$50
Donate an item for the live or silent auction. Call the Chamber and we will pick it up.
We cannot attend, but here is a donation to support the work of the chamber $_____
Call the Chamber at 972-227-2579 or Email at
[email protected] to be a sponsor.
COME JOIN THE FUN—NETWORK WITH BUSINESS LEADERS FROM
LANCASTER, DESOTO, DUNCANVILLE, CEDAR HILL!!
DATE: Thursday, March 1, 2012 TIME: 5-7 p.m. WHERE: Bienvenidos Too Hot Cantina
ADDRESS: 920 N. I-35E, Lancaster, TX 75146
FREE EVENT APPETIZERS FROM LOCAL RESTAURANTS
CASH BAR KAROAKE
NETWORKING
NETWORKING
FREE FOOD
R S V P
972-22
7-257
9 R S V PChamber@
LancasterTX.org
INFORMERMarch 2012 PAGE 6
INFORMERMarch 2012 PAGE 7
“Second in a series of educational seminars offered by the Lancaster Chamber Small Business University.”
Helping Small Business Grow the Lancaster Area One Job at a Time
COME TO THE BROWN BAG LUNCH AND FIND OUT ABOUT …
CONSTANT CONTACT— Social Media Marketing Made SimplePresented by Nicci O’Boyle, Constant Contact Consultant
Email Marketing: Getting the Most from Blast Emails with Constant Contact.” Every-one is looking for economical ways to market their business. Well it just doesn’t get any cheaper than Constant Contact. Email is the medium of the future. Using it constantly to pinpoint marketing as a way to stay in touch with your customers and grow your busi-ness.
This class is free to Chamber members and prospective members are $25. If you join the Lancaster Chamber within 30 days of meeting, we will credit the $25 toward your membership investment.
Bring your own lunch … or … if you want the Chamber to have a box lunch ready for your, we will do that for $10 paid in advance by Tuesday, March 13th at 4 p.m.
Call Mary at the Chamber—972-227-2579—to reserve your spot. Let her know if you want the Chamber to bring you a box lunch.
BROWN BAGBROWN BAGLUNCHLUNCH
INFORMERMarch 2012 PAGE 8
38 YearsHargrove Real EstateMr. Clyde Hargrove101 Valley Ridge Dr.Red Oak, TX 75154
972-617-1100Real Estate Developer
30 YearsLancaster ISD
Dr. Michael McFarland422 S. Centre Street
Lancaster, TX 75146972-218-1400
Education
24 YearsMCM Grande Hotel/FUNDome
Mr. Lamarr Vines1515 N. I-35E
DeSoto, TX 75115972-224-9100
Hotel
19 YearsG.A.S. Air Conditioning Service
Mr. Sanford Jech777 South Zang
Dallas, TX 75208214-946-8039
Heating & Air Conditioning
15 YearsJoe McKay , Attorney
1316 Hall StreetLancaster, TX 75134
972-227-3342Attorney
10 YearsThe Schwarz Company
Mr. Bill Henry2450 N. I-35E
Lancaster, TX 75134972-224-5748
Construction/Reconstruction
10 YearsRex Kirkland
100 Royal Crest Ct.Red Oak, TX 75154
214-415-6627Individual
10 YearsAmerican Trophy & Awards
Mrs. Cherry Gray221 N. Hampton
DeSoto, TX 75115972-223-4490
Trophies/Plaques
10 YearsMote & Associates, Inc.
Ms. Sarah Zafarano515 N. Cedar Ridge, Ste. 9
Duncanville, TX 75116972-296-2856
Real Estate-Commercial
9 YearsMcDonalds
Mr. Alberto Romero1463 W. Pleasant Run Rd.
Lancaster, TX 75146972-218-0200
Restaurant
8 YearsAurora health & Chiropractic
Dr. Scott Moulton3250 W. Pleasant Run #130
Lancaster, TX 75146972-223-2233Chiropractors
7 YearsDr. Will Stark
923 Nokomis CircleLancaster, TX 75146
972-227-3288Individual
6 YearsKnight Waste Services
Mr. Marcus Knight4901 Parker Henderson Rd.
Ft. Worth, TX 76119817-332-8333Trash Hauling
4 YearsHampton Inn & Suites—Desoto
Ms. Sonali Majmudar1311 E. Centre Park Blvd.
DeSoto, TX 75115972-228-0200
Hotel
2 YearsMr. Randy Rostad
326 S. Houston School Rd.Lancaster, TX 75146
972-977-8379Individual
MEMBER RENEWALS
NEW MEMBERS
Jerry Frazier, CPAMr. Jerry Frazier
550 N. Mail Street, Ste. 205Duncanville, TX 75116
972-298-9989CPA
Solutions Information SystemsMr. Tim Davis
9597 Jones Road, Suite 204Houston, TX 77065
817-992-0246IT Specialist
Chavez RemodelingMr. Pedro Chavez
531 W. Eighth StreetLancaster, TX 75146
469-877-8080Construction—Remodeling
NETWORKING Change in networking
for 2012
Network @ Noon
First Thursday of Each Month
11:30 a.m.—1:00 p.m.
TOWN SQUARE REALTY
ELLEN CLARK108 N. Dallas Avenue Lancaster, TX 75146
Office: (972) 227-7010 Fax: (972) 227-6468 Email: [email protected]
Historic Homes, Horse Property, Country LifePATRICIA HAVARD, P.C.CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANT
PATTY HAVARD, CPA
211 W. Pleasant Run, #115 (972) 227-6900 Lancaster, TX 75146 Fax (972) 227-6945
(972) 227-3342 Fax: (972) 227-6350
Joe McKayAttorney At Law
Mail Address: 211 W. Pleasant Run P. O. Box 985 Suite 111 Lancaster, TX 75146-0985 Lancaster, TX
Profile Commercial Properties, Inc.
Commercial Real Estate Services“Serving The Metroplex”
Sales * Leasing * Tenant/Buyer RepresentationReal Estate Management
Margie WaldropPresident/Broker110 E. First StreetLancaster, TX 75146
972-227-3333fax 972-227-7177cell 469-644-2513
e-mail: [email protected]
Our NETWORK @ NOON at Bienvenidos on February 2 was well attended. We enjoy when new businesses hear about us and come to see what a great organization we are.
Each month on the first Thurs-day we will meet at different restaurants. Lunch will be Dutch treat. Everyone will get an opportunity to tell us about your business, pass out business cards, brochures, etc.
So mark your calendars—1st Thursday of each month at lunch time.
Richard Zafarano 972-228-1144
3102 N. Houston School Rd., Lancaster, Tx 75134
and Lube
INFORMERMarch 2012 PAGE 9
INFORMER PAGE 10March 2012
Good Things are Happening in Lancaster!December 2011
Restaurants Opened- (you asked for this)
Logan’s Roadhouse opened in late September, 2011 In-N-Out Burger has broken ground and will open in early 2012 Runway Café opened in Lancaster Regional Airport – LNC A Restaurant Row is “Happening” along I-35E northbound from Belt Line to Pleasant Run Rd.
Grocery Stores Opened – (you asked for this)
Sav-A-Lot Grocery Store is open on Pleasant Run Rd. Azteca Meat Market is open on I-35E (old Pep Boys)
Lancaster Schools are on a roll! (we all need this)
DATE Grant allowed LISD “Prize Patrols” to award teachers a minimum of $1,300 each in 6 or 7 elementary schools for improving student growth by 2 years in just 1 year—a total of $435,000. LISD Fund Balance is now at $7.5 million; TEA rates LISD in top category Students’ TAK’s scores much improved; 6 recognized elementary schools;
LISD now 1% away from “Recognized” status. STEM Program going strong in Middle School International Baccalaureate (IB) is working, Pre IB now in Pleasant Run
Elementary Of all the 2010 LISD graduating seniors, 93% had received acceptance in
university, college, or other higher education institution, or armed service or received job offers. Lancaster schools are on a roll – and that’s good for all of us!
P. O. Box 1100 103 N. Dallas Avenue, Lancaster, TX 75146972-227-2579 FAX 972-227-9555 E-Mail: [email protected]
The Lancaster Chamber is a 501(c) (6) not-for-profit corporation.
INFORMER PAGE 11March 2012
Restaurant RowLancaster, TX
December, 2011
Lancaster’s Restaurant Row - On I-35E, going north from Belt Line Rd to Pleasant Run Rd, on the Lancaster side (East) there are the following existing or platted and approved restaurants – making this Lancaster I-35E corridor truly a destination for
restaurants and eateries- a Restaurant Row:
Indicates restaurant is a supporting community member of the Lancaster Chamber
This Restaurant Row is a positive asset for Lancaster! Tell your friends about it, and stop by for a bite!
GOOD THINGS ARE HAPPENINGIN LANCASTER!
… Stay Tuned. …P. O. Box 1100 103 N. Dallas Avenue, Lancaster, TX 75146
972-227-2579 FAX 972-227-9555 E-Mail: [email protected]
The Lancaster Chamber is a 501(c) (6) not-for-profit corporation.
Whataburger* McDonald’s (Walmart) Taco Bell Chili’s* In-N-Out Burger (in 2012) Logan’s Roadhouse Taco Cabana IHOP*
Bienvenidos* Evergreen Buffet* Ton’s Chinese* Subway Cici’s Pizza* Grandy’s* Chubby’s* Waffle House
Linda & Ronnie Harris set sail on February 12 thru the 19th. They visited Key West, Florida; Freeport and Nassau Bahamas on their trip.
The Lancaster Chamber had a drawing at our luncheon on November 10th, 2011—Mayor Marcus Knight drew the ticket—and Linda was the big winner.
Congratulations to Linda and Ronnie—looks like they had a great time.
The cruise was donated by Donna Johnson at Red Bird Travel.
INFORMER PAGE 12March 2012
Here are the new 2012 dates. We hope you will be able to join us for these “networking” events. Put these dates on your calendar.
START YOUR 2012 CALENDAR
MonthlyLuncheons
11:30 a.m.—1:00 p.m.
January 12—MayorFebruary 23—BSW
March 8—Cedar Valley CollegeApril 12—AirHogs BaseballMay 10—Police Memorial
June —BSW* July —No Luncheon
August 9September—BSW*October 11—LISD
November 8December—BSW*
Network @ Noon
11:30 a.m.—1:00 p.m.
January 5—Roma’s RestaurantFebruary 2—Bienvenidos Rest.* March 1—C-4 Networker *
April 5—IHOPMay 3—Café Raaz
June 7July 5
August 2September 6
October 4November 1December 6
Better Business Breakfast
7:30 a.m.—9:00 a.m.
January 27—Millbrook HealthcareFeb.24—Microsoft @ Bienvenidos Rest.
March 23—Microsoft @ BienvenidosApril 27May 25June 22July 27
August 26—TGIF/BSWSeptember 28
October 26November—NONEDecember—NONE
CRUISE WINNER …
… LINDA & RONNIE HARRIS
INFORMERMarch 2012 Page 13
GOLD PARTNERS
CHAMBERCHAMBERPARTNERSPARTNERS
SILVER PARTNERSMCM Grandé HotelBrenntag SouthwestStinson Plumbing
Atmos EnergyTown Square RealtyBrasscraft-Lancaster
BRONZE PARTNERSProfile Commercial Properties
Bentwood CompanyRegions Bank
Kwik Kopy DigiprintHealthspace
ServPro NW & SE