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February 2005 • Volume 2, Issue 2 This issue home | Action home | Chamber home New Chamber Chair Predicts An Exciting Year Eisemann, Leadership Set Goals For "The Premier Local Chamber In North Texas"
Charles Eisemann has started his one-year term as Chairman of the Board for the Richardson Chamber of Commerce. As a long-time and dedicated community volunteer who has his own Richardson-based company (Eisemann Investments), Eisemann relishes the opportunity to lead the team that supports Richardson's business community. The first Board meeting was held January 19 at the Chamber and afterward Eisemann reflected on what's ahead for 2005. “The entire Board has a strong shared vision of what we want the organization to be and how we will accomplish this,” he said. “We all feel that the Richardson Chamber of Commerce is the premier local chamber of commerce in North Texas, one that enhances the business environment for its members, the community and the region.” “We understand that the strength of the Richardson Chamber has always been our core of dedicated volunteers, who plan and, with the assistance of professional staff, execute the programs and activities. In 2005, through the involvement of its leaders and members, the Chamber will reinvigorate and seek continuous improvement in its programs and services in a way that will constantly deliver tangible value to its member businesses.” Eisemann noted: “The Board fully supports the vision and leadership of our outstanding new President and CEO, Bill Sproull, as he rebuilds the Chamber after several years of economic stress. We have a fine staff which has been reorganized to provide maximum value to our members and continues to contribute its expertise to the business community. The new Chamber Chairman pointed out that a specific action plan has already been defined by the leadership team, intended to realize a fistful of goals during the year. “First, as a business association, we depend on our members' participation for resources and for revenues to implement programs,” he said. “So we continually look to provide real benefits to these member businesses. “Attracting, retaining and involving businesses in the Chamber is vital for success so the Membership Division will actively initiate programs to add new members, with high goals and retention targets. This division's chair and committee, working with membership sales director Ellie Jackson, will hold a spring membership event during May. “Secondly, based on some very insightful value propositions developed last year, we'll be placing an increased emphasis on communication. The ongoing communications methods, such as the monthly Action enewsletter, event notice e-mails and the Web site, will continue. In addition, for the first time, the Chamber will issue an annual report plus quarterly performance updates to all members. “Third, through the Richardson Economic Development Partnership, the Chamber will continue working closely with the City of Richardson, as well as other strategic economic development partners and allies, to develop and execute our overall community economic development strategy. Eisemann pointed to the Nov. 18 groundbreaking for the new Texas Instruments fab and the UTD research building, plus the Dec. 14 announcement that Countrywide will occupy three buildings in Galatyn Park and add up to 5,000 jobs, as very positive achievements in 2004. “We hope to build on that success by recruiting more new businesses to Richardson as well as welcoming relocations and expansions by existing companies. And we support the concept of a diversified economy while still retaining as a major focus our widely-recognized high-tech concentration and reputation. “The target is to fill more than a half-million square feet of the available commercial real estate and add at least 1,000 new jobs in 2005 (on top of those announced last year). Adding some name brand retailers and upscale restaurants to the area will be an integral part of that economic development effort,” he added. Financial stewardship, operating a dynamic Chamber program with full fiscal responsibility is a fourth goal that is an integral part of running a respected nonprofit association. Finally, the fifth goal is enhanced advocacy. “Through our Public Affairs and Legislative Issues committee in the Community Division, we will direct the Chamber's state legislative efforts to more proactively focus the membership and leadership on one or two issues of importance to the Richardson business community. “Education will continue to be one of our most important thrusts. Hopefully, the legislature will come up with a new way to finance public education that will enhance our local district and school systems. The Education Committee will coordinate several annual events, including Career Day visits by junior high students to businesses, and the annual New Teachers Luncheon (which will be held early in August). The Chamber will organize and provide many networking events, such as EarlyNet on Wednesday mornings at Canyon Creek Country Club, and PM Connections, an evening mixer hosted by a variety of businesses. “These popular events are effective in creating awareness, initiating relationships, and building business connections for Chamber members,” said Eisemann. “Plans are already underway for the Chamber's Annual Banquet, which will take place in March with an outstanding business leader as the featured speaker. Similarly, the First Thursday Headliner Luncheon will feature high-caliber speakers on important business topics and issues. Recognizing the contribution of business to Richardson will once again be the purpose of the 23rd annual Business & Industry Appreciation Luncheon, to be held Thursday, Nov. 3. As usual, the year will wind up the first weekend in December with the annual Holiday Parade. “This outlines just some of the Chamber's planned 2005 events and activities but I know there will be many more during this calendar year. “Looking beyond 2005, another mandate of the Board is to develop a long-term (five year) strategic plan for the Chamber,” said Eisemann. “This plan will identify best practices and benchmark other organizations to see where and how we can improve. “Throughout the year, we will emphasize win-win partnerships with other organizations that can advance the Richardson business community's interests in economic development, transportation, legislation, education and workforce development, as well as innovation and entrepreneurship. “For instance, we support the Metroplex Technology Business Council's efforts as the leading regional technology association. “We expect that over the year there will be many challenges,” concluded Eisemann. “However, as a team working for the common good, the Board and Chamber members will overcome such difficulties and contribute to helping make Richardson a better place to live and work.” |
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