Rockwall Chamber, Author at Rockwall Area Chamber of Commerce https://www.rockwallchamber.org/author/communicationsrockwallchamber-org/ Connecting Businesses, Driving Growth, and Strengthening the Rockwall Area Tue, 09 Apr 2024 18:36:04 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9.1 https://www.rockwallchamber.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Favicon-Rockwall-150x150.png Rockwall Chamber, Author at Rockwall Area Chamber of Commerce https://www.rockwallchamber.org/author/communicationsrockwallchamber-org/ 32 32 Q1 2024 Recap https://www.rockwallchamber.org/q1-2024-recap/ Tue, 09 Apr 2024 14:35:17 +0000 https://www.rockwallchamber.org/?p=1558 Rockwall County Days We are thrilled to share the highlights from our recent Rockwall County Days at the Texas Capitol in Austin, held from January 28 to January 30, 2024. This eventful trip was a fantastic opportunity for our members to engage with state leaders, explore key state departments, and strengthen our ties with the […]

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Rockwall County Days
We are thrilled to share the highlights from our recent Rockwall County Days at the Texas Capitol in Austin, held from January 28 to January 30, 2024. This eventful trip was a fantastic opportunity for our members to engage with state leaders, explore key state departments, and strengthen our ties with the broader Texas community.
We kicked off our trip with a delightful dinner at Iron Cactus, sponsored by Linebarger Goggan Blair & Sampson, LLP, where we were joined by State Senator Bob Hall and State Representative Justin Holland.
Monday, we captured memorable moments with Representative Justin Holland and Senator Bob Hall on the House and Senate floors, respectively.
Informative Sessions: Our day was packed with enlightening presentations from leaders such as Bryan Collier, Executive Director of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice, and Brooke Paup, Chairwoman of the Texas Water Development Board.
 In an effort to maximize our time in Austin, we had a Networking Lunch in the Legislative Conference Center, followed by engaging discussions with Texas Land Commissioner Dawn Buckingham and other notable figures.
 Our final day began with an insightful breakfast session featuring Dr. David Yoskowitz of the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department, Eric Beverly of the Sunset Advisory Commission, and Amanda Crawford of the Department of Information Resources.
This trip provided us with invaluable insights into the workings of our state government and the opportunity to discuss issues critical to our community’s growth and prosperity. The connections and knowledge gained will undoubtedly contribute to our ongoing efforts to advocate for and support our local businesses and community.
We are committed to building upon the relationships and knowledge acquired during this trip to continue advocating for the best interests of Rockwall County. Stay tuned for more updates and opportunities to engage in our government affairs initiatives.
Thank you to all our members who participated and made this trip a success. Your involvement is key to our community’s continued growth and prosperity.

Kicking Off our 95th Winning Season

The Rockwall Area Chamber of Commerce hosted a dazzling and momentous 95th Annual Meeting and Awards Banquet on February 29th, 2024 at the AmeriSports Rockwall. The event, themed “Leaders and Legends” marked a milestone year for the Chamber and brought together community leaders, legends, and dedicated partners for an unforgettable celebration.

Creating a unique blend of elegance and sporty spirit, AmeriSports was transformed into a vibrant hub of sequins and sneakers. Attendees embraced the theme with enthusiasm, showcasing their finest sequins and stylish sneakers as they gathered to honor outstanding Chamber community leaders.

The evening featured a dynamic program that highlighted the Chamber’s 95-year legacy of fostering business growth, community engagement, and collaboration. From recognizing milestone achievements to unveiling this year’s award recipients, the event showcased the remarkable contributions of businesses and individuals to the Rockwall community.

And the Winners are:

  • Best Practices in Community Involvement and Impact: All Care Comfort Solutions
  • Excellence in Customer Focus: Providence Place Bridal
  • Emerging Business of the Year: Rockhopper Apparel and Designs
  • Small Business Partner of the Year: Avidea Social
  • Medium Size Business Partner of the Year: Hanks Handyman Services
  • Large Partner Organization of the Year: Orthopedic Specialists of Dallas
  • Destination Partner of the Year: The Downing Bottles and Bites
  • Chairman’s Award: Jason Linscott, Texas Health Hospital – Rockwall
  • Chamber Partner of the Year: Chef Zach and Occasions at Stone River
 

Key sponsors, including Presenting Sponsor Frost Bank, played a pivotal role in making the event a resounding success. Their unwavering support underscores the strong partnerships that drive the Chamber’s initiatives and community impact.

The awards ceremony, led by an engaging emcee and vibrant walk-up music, added an extra layer of excitement. Winners were celebrated with flair, and the audience experienced the thrill of a sports-themed celebration right in the heart of Rockwall.

As the event concluded, Rockwall Chamber Board of Director Chairman, Shane Hollas, expressed their gratitude, saying, “What a great night! It was wonderful to see so many hard working business Leaders come together to celebrate 2023 successes. Congratulations to all the award winners. Thank you to all our sponsors for making the night happen. Our theme for 2024 is Attend, Engage, and Contribute. I look forward to seeing our partners attend events, engage with their peers, and contribute to helping each other achieve record success in 2024.”

Ribbon Cuttings

We celebrated 22 ribbon cuttings and welcomed 40 new Chamber partners in the first quarter of 2024. We can’t wait to see what the rest of the year will bring the business community! Congratulations to the following businesses on their ribbon cutting:

Agua De Vida Alkaline Water
Atrium Legal Group
Avilacare Senior Living
Awestruck Design Co

Coldwell Banker Realty – Jerry A. Cook
Cross Country Mortgage – William Branch
Harbor Town Title
Heart to Heart Hospice
Home Shine Professional Cleaning Services
Ideal Dental
Nexus Pain Care
Pillar to Post Home Inspectors
Pokey O’s
Republican Party of Rockwall
Rockwall Elite Healthcare
Rockwall Sports Center
Roofs by Peterson
Sugar Llamas Sweet

The Snack Fridge
Truly Title
Wade’s Landing
Ziglar Realty Mary Ann Juarez

Partnership Luncheons: Stay in the Know!

We had fantastic attendance at our Q1 Partnership Luncheons.

January- Policy Perspectives: Navigating Advocacy in North Texas with Christopher Lee, the Director of State Relations at the North Texas Commission

February – State of the Workforce & Talent Development. Special guests, Alison Belliveau of Dr. Gene Burton College & Career Academy, Bryan Daniel of the Texas Workforce Commission, Dr. Brent Donham of Texas A&M University-Commerce, and Doug Willis, Collin College Wylie & Farmersville Campuses.
March – Community Champions, a Non-Profit Showcase. Joined by representatives from Boys and Girls Club of Northeast Texas, East Trinity Masonic Lodge, Grace Clinic, Kiwanis, Lonestar Casa, Texas Valor Project, Soroptimist, and the JER Chilton YMCA.
These topics are designed for everyone doing business in the Rockwall Area. Monthly topics range from the State of Education in our local ISDs, AI in Business, to current events. This is where you need to be each month to not only remain up to date on what’s going on in your community and how it affects your business, but to also network with other professionals. We’d like to thank all of our speakers and volunteers for their time to bring updates to our community each month.

Affiliate Groups

Professional Women's Alliance

February – Rendezvous in Red Mixer

March – Living Life with Zest Luncheon

Young Professionals of Rockwall

February – Valentine’s Day Card Making and Giveback

Senior Services Alliance

January – New Year Mixer

February – Valentine’s Day Card Giveback

March – Spring Cleaning Drive

Rockwall Veterans Business Alliance

February – Meet up at El Dorado Cigars

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]]> Leaders and Legends Annual Banquet https://www.rockwallchamber.org/leaders-and-legends-annual-banquet/ Mon, 04 Mar 2024 15:09:43 +0000 https://www.rockwallchamber.org/?p=1509 Kicking Off our 95th Winning Season The Rockwall Area Chamber of Commerce hosted a dazzling and momentous 95th Annual Meeting and Awards Banquet on February 29th, 2024 at the AmeriSports Rockwall. The event, themed “Leaders and Legends” marked a milestone year for the Chamber and brought together community leaders, legends, and dedicated partners for an […]

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Kicking Off our 95th Winning Season

The Rockwall Area Chamber of Commerce hosted a dazzling and momentous 95th Annual Meeting and Awards Banquet on February 29th, 2024 at the AmeriSports Rockwall. The event, themed “Leaders and Legends” marked a milestone year for the Chamber and brought together community leaders, legends, and dedicated partners for an unforgettable celebration.

Creating a unique blend of elegance and sporty spirit, AmeriSports was transformed into a vibrant hub of sequins and sneakers. Attendees embraced the theme with enthusiasm, showcasing their finest sequins and stylish sneakers as they gathered to honor outstanding Chamber community leaders.

The evening featured a dynamic program that highlighted the Chamber’s 95-year legacy of fostering business growth, community engagement, and collaboration. From recognizing milestone achievements to unveiling this year’s award recipients, the event showcased the remarkable contributions of businesses and individuals to the Rockwall community.

And the Winners are:

  • Best Practices in Community Involvement and Impact: All Care Comfort Solutions
  • Excellence in Customer Focus: Providence Place Bridal
  • Emerging Business of the Year: Rockhopper Apparel and Designs
  • Small Business Partner of the Year: Avidea Social
  • Medium Size Business Partner of the Year: Hanks Handyman Services
  • Large Partner Organization of the Year: Orthopedic Specialists of Dallas
  • Destination Partner of the Year: The Downing Bottles and Bites
  • Chairman’s Award: Jason Linscott, Texas Health Hospital – Rockwall
  • Chamber Partner of the Year: Chef Zach and Occasions at Stone River
 

Key sponsors, including Presenting Sponsor Frost Bank, played a pivotal role in making the event a resounding success. Their unwavering support underscores the strong partnerships that drive the Chamber’s initiatives and community impact.

The awards ceremony, led by an engaging emcee and vibrant walk-up music, added an extra layer of excitement. Winners were celebrated with flair, and the audience experienced the thrill of a sports-themed celebration right in the heart of Rockwall.

As the event concluded, Rockwall Chamber Board of Director Chairman, Shane Hollas, expressed their gratitude, saying, “What a great night! It was wonderful to see so many hard working business Leaders come together to celebrate 2023 successes. Congratulations to all the award winners. Thank you to all our sponsors for making the night happen. Our theme for 2024 is Attend, Engage, and Contribute. I look forward to seeing our partners attend events, engage with their peers, and contribute to helping each other achieve record success in 2024.”

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]]> Introducing the 2024 Board of Directors https://www.rockwallchamber.org/2024-board-of-directors/ Fri, 08 Dec 2023 16:13:23 +0000 https://www.rockwallchamber.org/?p=1387 The Rockwall Area Chamber of Commerce is pleased to introduce six new board members beginning January 1, 2024. These dedicated professionals will be serving a three-year term and will play a crucial role in advancing the Chamber’s mission to promote economic growth and community development in the Rockwall area. The Chamber is delighted to welcome […]

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The Rockwall Area Chamber of Commerce is pleased to introduce six new board members beginning January 1, 2024. These dedicated professionals will be serving a three-year term and will play a crucial role in advancing the Chamber’s mission to promote economic growth and community development in the Rockwall area. The Chamber is delighted to welcome the following individuals to its 2024 Board of Directors:

Incoming Board of Directors:
– Alison Belliveau, Rockwall ISD
– Donas Cole, Baylor, Scott & White – Lake Pointe
– Kevin Hadawi, Wells Fargo Advisors
– Frank McLeod, Minuteman Press
– Kayne Pierce, b1 Bank
– Justin Weiss, City of Fate

2024 Executive Committee:
Chairman: Shane Hollas, Maaco of Rockwall
Chairman Elect: Lesli Y. Johnson, Rest Haven Funeral Home
Past Chairman: Brady Z. Hill, Farmers Insurance
Treasurer: Jason Linscott, Texas Health Hospital Rockwall
Secretary: Jeremy Niell, American National Bank of Texas
President & CEO: Darby Burkey, Rockwall Area Chamber of Commerce and
Visitor’s Center

One Year Appointments:
Jason Linscott, Texas Health Hospital Rockwall
David Sweet, City of Rockwall
Eva Hummel, Atmos Energy

Returning Board of Directors:
Rick Bernas, Republic Services
Kelli Delozier, HomeBank Texas
Gerald Hendrik, CDFA Rockwall Wealth Advisors
Melaney Loar, Regal Realtors
Ben Northcutt, All Care Comfort Solutions, LLC
Trevor Reed, Volkert Inc.
Barry Street, Pegasus Foods
David Sweet, City of Rockwall
Kim Timpa, The Timpa Law Office
Jerry Welch, Ebby Halliday Realtors
Roger Williamson, Williamson Foundation Repair

Each of these esteemed individuals brings a wealth of experience, knowledge, and passion to the Chamber board. Not only do they most equally represent the Rockwall business community, but they also represent 12,000 local employees and our 765 valued partners that make up the Chamber’s membership. Their diverse backgrounds and commitment to Rockwall make them valuable additions to our leadership team.

The Rockwall Area Chamber of Commerce would also like to sincerely thank the outgoing members of the Board of Directors for outstanding service and dedication throughout their tenure. A heartfelt thanks to:

Outgoing Board of Directors:
– Christopher Lynch, Rockwall County Elections
– Ashlei Neill, Rockwall ISD Educational Foundation
– Dr. John Villarreal, Rockwall ISD
– Amy Wilkins, Baylor Scott and White – Lake Pointe

Ex-Officio Directors:
– Aretha Adams, City of Heath
– David Billings, City of Fate
– Christopher Lynch, Rockwall County Elections
– Dana Macalik, Rockwall County Commissioner
– Dr. John “JJ” Villarreal, Rockwall ISD
– Phil Wagner, Rockwall Economic Development Corporation

Their contributions and leadership have greatly added to the Chamber’s success, and we are grateful for their valuable insights and tireless efforts on behalf of our local economy.

As we look ahead to 2024, the Rockwall Area Chamber of Commerce is excited to take on new opportunities and challenges. The Chamber is confident that the newly appointed Board of Directors will continue to drive growth, innovation, and legacy for its valued Chamber partners and the entire Rockwall area.

Lately:

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]]> Small Business Season https://www.rockwallchamber.org/small-business-season/ Fri, 17 Nov 2023 16:18:51 +0000 https://www.rockwallchamber.org/?p=1311 Celebrate Small Business Season The Rockwall Area Chamber of Commerce is thrilled to announce the launch of Small Business Season! Small businesses are the heart

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Celebrate Small Business Season

The Rockwall Area Chamber of Commerce is thrilled to announce the launch of Small Business Season! Small businesses are the heart and soul of our community and make our city unique and vibrant. This exciting event is set to run from November 1st through December 31st, and it promises to be a memorable experience for both residents and visitors alike.

Small Business Season is not just a shopping event; it’s a celebration of the entrepreneurs and small business owners who contribute significantly to our local economy and create jobs, opportunities, and a sense of community. This initiative is designed to spotlight the dedication, resilience, and innovation of our small business community, providing them with a platform to thrive and grow.

Here are some of our favorite ways to support our community this Small Business Season:

  1. Gift Local: Consider purchasing gift cards or certificates from local businesses to give as presents to family and friends. This not only supports small businesses but also introduces others to the local gems in your area. Did you know the Rockwall Area Chamber of Commerce hosts an e-gift gift card program called ROCO Dollars? Choose your recipient (family, friends, team members) and send them a gift card via email or text message. The recipient can use it to make purchases at participating local merchants. Check out more info here.
  2. Shop Local: Whenever possible, choose to shop at local small businesses during Small Business Season. Whether you’re purchasing gifts, dining out, or shopping for everyday essentials, patronize local establishments to boost their revenue and sustain local jobs.
  3. Spread the Word: Utilize social media platforms to share your positive experiences with local businesses. Write reviews, post pictures of your purchases, and use event-specific hashtags to create buzz. Your online endorsements can go a long way in attracting new customers.

 

The Rockwall Area Chamber of Commerce encourages everyone to be a part of this community-focused season by showing their support for the small businesses that have been the backbone of our city. Small Business Season is a time to celebrate local entrepreneurs and artisans, and it’s an opportunity for us all to contribute to the prosperity of our community.

Your Chamber is dedicated to supporting and promoting local businesses, fostering economic growth, and building a strong community. We provide resources, business building opportunities, and advocacy for businesses of all sizes, from startups to established companies.

ROCO Dollars Details

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]]> 2023 First Responders Appreciation Luncheon https://www.rockwallchamber.org/2023-first-responders-appreciation-luncheon/ Thu, 02 Nov 2023 13:26:41 +0000 https://www.rockwallchamber.org/?p=1273 2023 First Responders Appreciation Luncheon We were so honored to have been able to bring our community together in a heartwarming celebration of our local

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2023 First Responders Appreciation Luncheon

We were so honored to have been able to bring our community together in a heartwarming celebration of our local heroes at the 2023 First Responders Appreciation Luncheon! We were proud to share this wonderful day with over 150 First Responders from Rockwall, Heath, Fate, McClendon Chisolm, and Royse City. The event was a tremendous success, filled with gratitude, camaraderie, and heartfelt appreciation for the dedicated men and women who risk their lives every day to keep us safe.
 
A sincere thank you goes to Brigadier General Joe E. Ramirez Jr, USA (Ret.) for being our keynote speaker and leaving a lasting impression on all attendees. We extend our thanks to all who attended, sponsored, and participated, making this year’s First Responders Appreciation Luncheon an event to remember.
Presenting Sponsor: Legends Fit
Food Sponsor: Atmos Energy
Special thank you to our volunteers, we couldn’t do this without you!
Emily Mumma, Legends Fit
Steve Torres, TORO Hospitality

Recently:

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]]> Q3-Recap https://www.rockwallchamber.org/q3-recap/ Wed, 01 Nov 2023 16:02:57 +0000 https://www.rockwallchamber.org/?p=1257 Looking back on a fantastic 2023 Q3 at the Rockwall Area Chamber of Commerce 2023 RISD New Teacher and Employee Welcome Expo We were thrilled

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Looking back on a fantastic 2023 Q3 at the Rockwall Area Chamber of Commerce

2023 RISD New Teacher and Employee Welcome Expo

We were thrilled to be able to present and host our annual long-standing event at the Dr. Gene Burton College and Career Academy that allows us to welcome the new teachers and employees of Rockwall ISD last week! This tradition brings business leaders together to welcome them to not only the District, but our community as well. Thank you to these 400 SUPERHEROES who are educating our future leaders and shaping our community!
We extend our heartfelt gratitude and appreciation to our sponsors, donors, and special contributors. Your unwavering support has made a significant impact, enabling us to warmly welcome 400 talented teachers, dedicated staff members, and enthusiastic residents into our exceptional Rockwall community. Your belief in our mission and your dedication to empowering educators have truly set this event apart as something extraordinary.
As we move forward, we eagerly anticipate the positive influence these new educators and staff members will bring to our schools and community. Together, we are shaping the future of education and creating an environment where excellence and growth flourish.

2023 Annual Classic Clay Shoot

We had an absolutely incredible time at the 2023 Annual Chamber Classic Clay Shoot held at the impressive Texas Gun Ranch. Our heartfelt gratitude goes out to our presenting sponsor, Rockwall Ford, whose support was instrumental in making this day unforgettable. A warm thank you also goes to our esteemed sponsors, whose contributions ensured the resounding success of the event.

Congratulations to our winners!
Red Course: 1st Place- K & S Insurance, 2nd Place- Suddath Workplace Solutions, 3rd Place- b1 Bank. Blue Course:1st Place- Alliance Bank, 2nd Place- Dixon Erosion, 3rd Place-Chubs Towing. Top Shots: Richard Triplett – Chubs Towing, Brady Wilson – K & S Insurance.

Following the Clay Shoot, we continued the festivities at the Cigar & Cards After Party, where guests enjoyed casino games and    live music. 

The countdown to next year’s event has already begun, mark your calendars for September 12th, 2024!

Ribbon Cuttings

We celebrated 17 ribbon cuttings and welcomed 20 new Chamber partners in the second quarter of 2023 and can’t wait to see what the rest of the year will bring the business community!
Congratulations to the following businesses on their ribbon cutting:
A Affordable Storage
Alpine Dental
Armonia Chiropractic
Chakra Inner Peace
Edward Jones – Kenny McKelroy
Fate Dental Village
Gem MD
IC Surface Studio
Los Marquez Tacos
Meadow Lane Equestrian Center
Morning Star Storage
Northwestern Mutual Rockwall
Podleski Landscape and Construction, LLC
Rockwall Capital Group
The Royalton at Discovery
Venice Nail Bar
Bare Dermatology

Partnership Luncheons: Stay in the Know!

We had fantastic attendance at our Q3 Partnership Luncheons.

August- Lift Off to Success: Harnessing Leadership and Delegation for Business Growth. Special guest, Jake Brown, Certified Productivity and Business Coach.

September – Charting Our Course: Rockwall County Update. Special guests, Dana Macalik, Rockwall County Commissioner, and Frank New, Rockwall County Judge.
These topics are designed for everyone doing business in the Rockwall Area. Monthly topics range from the State of Education in our local ISDs, AI in Business, to current events. This is where you need to be each month to not only remain up to date on what’s going on in your community and how it affects your business, but to also network with other professionals. We’d like to thank all of our speakers and volunteers for their time to bring updates to our community each month!

Leadership Rockwall Class of 2024

Introducing the Leadership Rockwall Class of 2024! Join us in celebrating this exceptional group as they embark on a 9 month program that will sharpen the skills that leaders need to excel. It was so wonderful to see so many Leadership Rockwall Alumni at September’s mixer ready to welcome the Class of 2024. We are excited to see what this tremendous group accomplishes this year!

Interested in getting even more involved?
Find the perfect Affiliate group for you:

Your Chamber Team

View Upcoming Programming

Recently:

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]]> 2023 Chamber Classic Clay Shoot https://www.rockwallchamber.org/2023-chamber-classic-clay-shoot/ Tue, 10 Oct 2023 21:12:13 +0000 https://www.rockwallchamber.org/?p=1237 We had an absolutely incredible time at the 2023 Annual Chamber Classic Clay Shoot held at the impressive Texas Gun Ranch. Our heartfelt gratitude goes out to our presenting sponsor, Rockwall Ford, whose support was instrumental in making this day unforgettable. A warm thank you also goes to our esteemed

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We had an absolutely incredible time at the 2023 Annual Chamber Classic Clay Shoot held at the impressive Texas Gun Ranch. Our heartfelt gratitude goes out to our presenting sponsor, Rockwall Ford, whose support was instrumental in making this day unforgettable. A warm thank you also goes to our esteemed sponsors, whose contributions ensured the resounding success of the event.

Our team of dedicated volunteers deserves special recognition for their invaluable assistance in ensuring the seamless execution of the day’s activities. Without their unwavering commitment and hard work, this event would not have been possible.

Congratulations to our winners!
Red Course:
1st Place- K & S Insurance
2nd Place- Suddath Workplace Solutions
3rd Place- b1 Bank
Blue Course:
1st Place- Alliance Bank
2nd Place- Dixon Erosion
3rd Place-Chubs Towing
Top Shots:
Richard Triplett – Chubs Towing
Brady Wilson – K & S Insurance

Following the Clay Shoot, we continued the festivities at the Cigar & Cards After Party, where guests enjoyed casino games and live music.

Be sure to check out the entire album of photos from this remarkable day on our Facebook page. The countdown to next year’s event has already begun!

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]]> Rockwall ISD Welcomes Over 400 New Teachers and Staff https://www.rockwallchamber.org/rockwall-isd-welcomes-over-400-new-teachers-and-staff/ Wed, 04 Oct 2023 20:07:57 +0000 https://www.rockwallchamber.org/?p=1198 2023 Rockwall ISD New Teacher Welcome Expo We were thrilled to be able to present and host our annual long-standing event that allows us to welcome the new teachers and employees of Rockwall ISD last week! This tradition brings business leaders together to welcome them to not only the District,

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2023 Rockwall ISD New Teacher Welcome Expo

We were thrilled to be able to present and host our annual long-standing event that allows us to welcome the new teachers and employees of Rockwall ISD last week! This tradition brings business leaders together to welcome them to not only the District, but our community as well.

Thank you to these 400 SUPERHEROES who are educating our future leaders and shaping our community!  

Frank Conselman - Rockwall ISD Vice-President, Brady Z. Hill - Farmers Insurance and Financial Services Agent, Darby Burkey - Rockwall Area Chamber of Commerce President/CEO IOM, Dr. John "JJ" Villarreal - Rockwall ISD Superintendent, Amy Hilton - Rockwall ISD Board President, Linda Mitchell Duran - Rockwall ISD Board of Trustees, Dr. Sherry Packer - Rockwall ISD Secretary and Board of Trustees.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude and appreciation to our esteemed sponsors, donors, and special contributors. Your unwavering support has made a significant impact, enabling us to warmly welcome 400 talented teachers, dedicated staff members, and enthusiastic residents into our exceptional Rockwall community. Your belief in our mission and your dedication to empowering educators have truly set this event apart as something extraordinary.

As we move forward, we eagerly anticipate the positive influence these new educators and staff members will bring to our schools and community. Together, we are shaping the future of education and creating an environment where excellence and growth flourish.

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]]> Q2 – Recap https://www.rockwallchamber.org/q2-recap/ Thu, 10 Aug 2023 22:04:26 +0000 https://www.rockwallchamber.org/?p=1139 Reflecting on a Phenomenal 2023 Q2 at the Rockwall Area Chamber of Commerce Par-Tee & CaddyShack The Rockwall Area Chamber of Commerce’s Annual CaddyShack Golf Tournament was held on Thursday April 27th. It was a day full of fun and a little sun, with 37 teams from our amazing partners

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Reflecting on a Phenomenal 2023 Q2 at the Rockwall Area Chamber of Commerce

Par-Tee & CaddyShack

The Rockwall Area Chamber of Commerce’s Annual CaddyShack Golf Tournament was held on Thursday April 27th. It was a day full of fun and a little sun, with 37 teams from our amazing partners competing for the top prize. Thank you to X-Golf Rockwall for hosting our Par-Tee the night before. What a way to kick off the tournament!
The Caddyshack Tournament was held at Buffalo Creek Golf Club in Rockwall, featuring 18 holes of golf, raffle prizes, and awards. The course was challenging, with a bit of rain the day before to make things interesting.
We had an amazing time celebrating our winners; 1st place: Brady Z Hill Farmers Insurance, 2nd place: American National Bank, 3rd place: Rockwall Ford, Dead Last: Rest Haven Funeral Home, Longest Drive: Ryan Merrell with Advantage Roofing, Closest to the Pin: Landon Lowrey with HomeBank Texas. Overall, the Golf Tournament was a great success, with some memorable moments and impressive performances from our Partners.

Lemonade Day

Celebrating the inaugural year of the Rockwall Area Lemonade Day! A fun, experiential program designed to teach youth how to start, own, and operate their very own business- a lemonade stand. This national program give youth the opportunity to experience entrepreneurship by setting up their business during their city’s community-wide Lemonade Day.

This year, we were proud to bring over 80 new entrepreneurs to our area, including our

  • Entrepreneur of the Year- Zackary Clark, Lemonology
  • Best Stand- Little Lady Lemonade
  • Best Tasting – Briee Hubbard, Sunny Lemonade Stand

We can’t wait to bring this program back next year!

Partnership Luncheons: Stay in the Know

We had fantastic attendance at our Q2 Partnership Luncheons.

  • April- State of Education & Talent Development. Dr. John “JJ” Villarreal, RISD. Kevin Worthy, Royse City ISD.
  • May- Special guest, Dan Henry from FOX4. “Building Community Leaders” – Leadership Rockwall Class of 2024 Graduation.
  • June- Unlocking the Future: Introduction to AI in Business. Special guest, Vamsi Nellutla from the Dallas Data Science Academy.

These topics are designed for everyone doing business in the Rockwall Area. We’d like to thank all of your speakers and volunteers for their time to bring updates to our community each month.

Ribbon Cuttings

We celebrated 25 ribbon cuttings and welcomed 36 new Chamber partners in the second quarter of 2023 and can’t wait to see what the rest of the year will bring the business community!

Congratulations to the following businesses on their ribbon cutting:

  • A+ Athletics
  • A/C Parts Warehouse
  • AmeriSports
  • Capital Title
  • Cavender Nissan
  • Community BBQ & Grill
  • COXCO Construction
  • The Dog House
  • Ellie Mental Health
  • Erinakes Law
  • Fable & Fire
  • Frost Bank
  • Greater Rockwall Youth Symphony
  • Hollywood Feed
  • Hotworx Rockwall
  • Iron Ranch Business Park
  • Mills Mercantile
  • Nicholson Premier Realty
  • Orthopaedic Specialists of Dallas
  • Restoration Marketplace
  • Sarah Wandrey Mosaics
  • Sear Steakhouse & Lounge
  • Starbucks, Fate
  • Texas Waterboys Sprinkler & Drainage
  • Wickland’s Candies and Confections

New Team Members at the Chamber

  • Jodi Willard – Director of Tourism
  • Lonny Schonfeld – Partnership Development Manager
  • Andrea Carr – Marketing & Communications Coordinator
  • Amy Busch – Administrative Coordinator

Leadership Rockwall Class of 2023
Community Project

Fate’s historic community center was built in the 1950s from the lumber of Fate’s former school. Used now as a venue for Fate’s Senior Program, birthday parties, baby showers, group meetings, and more, the community center was in dire need of renovations. The Leadership Rockwall class of 2023 stepped in with the help of 33 generous sponsors throughout Rockwall County to make these renovations happen. The class worked diligently over the past year to organize and complete the project. Citizens and organizations throughout Rockwall County can reserve the Community Center at Fate’s website here.

Mayor Billings stated “Leadership Rockwall did an amazing job with this Community Center project and we are extremely grateful for their efforts. The renovation will make a big difference for all who want to use the facility, including Fate’s Senior Program. We are excited for families to enjoy this facility and for all the meaningful memories that will be created here in Fate.”

Leadership Rockwall Student Allen Robbins was excited to work on this amazing project stating “As a member of the Leadership Rockwall class of 2023, I am so happy to have been a part of this project and humbled to see what we were able to accomplish with the help of the many wonderful sponsors and donors throughout Rockwall County. Citizens will be able to enjoy this Community Center in Fate and make memories there for generations to come.” They are so thankful for the countless hours and donations put into this community building.

Congratulations Leadership Rockwall Class of 2023!

  • Linda Bonin – Baylor Scott & White
  • Susan Burt – American National Bank
  • Desiree Dominguez – Rest Haven Funeral Home
  • Andrew Hawkes – Town of Sunnyvale
  • Beth Johnson – Frost Bank
  • Clarence Jorif – The Compound Royse City
  • Dominique Komarek-Hall – Brady Z Hill Insurance
  • Henry Lee – City of Rockwall
  • Amy Mitchell – Rockwall ISD
  • Christy Lynn Myers – Rockwall County Elections
  • Leigh Northcutt – All Care Comfort Solutions
  • Mike Rannigan – Doc’s Roofing
  • Allen Robbins – City of Fate
  • Ann-Marie Samford – Jungle Trek
  • Rachael Schmidt – Avidea Social
  • Shawn Yerks – City of Rockwall
  • Harold Young – YMCA Metropolitan Dallas

Texas Chambers of Commerce Executives Conference

We recently had the incredible opportunity to attend the prestigious Texas Chamber of Commerce Executives (TCCE) Conference, hosted by the Odessa Chamber of Commerce and TCCE. This annual conference and meeting draws chamber executives and industry leaders across Texas and beyond to share in collaboration, learning, and engagement.

The TCCE conference prides itself on hosting renowned keynote speakers who share their expertise and inspire attendees. These notable figures offer fresh perspectives on economic trends, leadership strategies, and innovative approaches to addressing the challenges faced by Chambers of Commerce.

Additionally, the conference program comprised a diverse range of educational sessions covering a wide array of topics. From economic development and tourism to membership engagement and digital marketing, the sessions addressed the critical issues faced by chamber executives in today’s ever-evolving business landscape. Participants had the opportunity to gain experience from subject matter experts, acquire new skills, and gather valuable insights to implement in our organizations. Our President and CEO Darby Burkey was welcomed to the stage to speak about our Event in a Box: Lemonade Day 2023. What a success story about supporting our young entrepreneurs in the Rockwall Area. 

The Chamber is grateful for all of the support and participation in these events and programs, and we look forward to engaging with our partners and the community even more in the coming months.

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The post Q2 – Recap appeared first on Rockwall Area Chamber of Commerce.

]]> Investing in Professional Growth: TCCE Conference 2023 https://www.rockwallchamber.org/investing-in-professional-growth-tcce-conference-2023/ Fri, 30 Jun 2023 21:44:20 +0000 https://www.rockwallchamber.org/?p=1032 Exploring the Highlights of the Texas Chamber of Commerce Executives Conference We recently had the incredible opportunity to attend the prestigious Texas Chamber of Commerce Executives (TCCE) Conference, hosted by the Odessa Chamber of Commerce and TCCE. This annual conference and meeting draws chamber executives and industry leaders across Texas and beyond to share in collaboration, […]

The post Investing in Professional Growth: TCCE Conference 2023 appeared first on Rockwall Area Chamber of Commerce.

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Exploring the Highlights of the Texas Chamber of Commerce Executives Conference

We recently had the incredible opportunity to attend the prestigious Texas Chamber of Commerce Executives (TCCE) Conference, hosted by the Odessa Chamber of Commerce and TCCE. This annual conference and meeting draws chamber executives and industry leaders across Texas and beyond to share in collaboration, learning, and engagement.

The TCCE conference prides itself on hosting renowned keynote speakers who share their expertise and inspire attendees. These notable figures offer fresh perspectives on economic trends, leadership strategies, and innovative approaches to addressing the challenges faced by Chambers of Commerce.

Additionally, the conference program comprised a diverse range of educational sessions covering a wide array of topics. From economic development and tourism to membership engagement and digital marketing, the sessions addressed the critical issues faced by chamber executives in today’s ever-evolving business landscape. Participants had the opportunity to gain experience from subject matter experts, acquire new skills, and gather valuable insights to implement in our organizations. Our President and CEO Darby Burkey was welcomed to the stage to speak about our Event in a Box: Lemonade Day 2023. What a success story about supporting our young entrepreneurs in the Rockwall Area. 

Attending the TCCE Conference is a transformative experience that enriches our understanding of the chamber ecosystem and its vital role in economic development. The networking opportunities, insightful educational sessions, and exposure to industry-leading innovations provided immense value and equipped us with the knowledge and inspiration needed to contribute to our organization’s growth. As our vision states: the Rockwall Area Chamber of Commerce strives to be recognized as the destination for partner services, community collaboration, business growth, tourism, and quality living.

As we reflect on our time at the conference, we are grateful for the TCCE Team and all those involved in organizing this exceptional event. We eagerly look forward to future editions of the conference, where we can continue to develop our skills and expertise, and collaborate with fellow chamber professionals, fostering economic success and creating lasting impact.

Darby Presenting Lemonade Day at TCCE 2023

Working to make every day extraordinary for business while maintaining the ideal hometown feel.

The post Investing in Professional Growth: TCCE Conference 2023 appeared first on Rockwall Area Chamber of Commerce.

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