Committees and Program
of Work for 2009

The Terrell Chamber of Commerce mission is to improve the prosperity of the businesses, industries and citizens of Terrell through economic development of the area.

• Community Development Division
• Economic Development Division
• Internal Operations Division
• Tourism Division

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DIVISION
Kelly Rodgers, Vice Chairman

GOAL: Improve the quality of life through increased communication and enhance educational, recreational, safety and cultural programs.

Public Relations

• Continue the “Adopt a Business” program by passing out new member cards at monthly board meetings. This will allow board and President’s club members to become a mentor that will encourage them to participate in Chamber functions.
• Collaborate with TISD and other non-profits to update the Community Resource Guide, including a Spanish translation, and distribute the guide through the library, police station, chamber and schools. Include Community Resource Guide on the website.
• Create a sub-committee to develop a written public relations plan to promote Terrell in conjunction with TISD, City and County.

Community Education

• Continue to support schools through:
  Host New Teacher Luncheon for public school, private school and college teachers
  Support Meet the Teacher night
  Co-sponsor Mid-Year and End of Year Staff Appreciation Luncheon
• Continue to support the creation of a Technical Education Center for the City of Terrell and Kaufman County.
• Continue to fund four (4) scholarships to Terrell Seniors.
• Continue to support the Southwestern Christian College Lectureship Series and summer programs.
• Work in conjunction with TVCC Small Business Development Center to offer workshops tailored to small businesses.
• Support the Kaufman County Livestock Show.
• Utilize TISD Administration staff to recognize students who have been publicized in the Terrell Tribune receiving special awards and accomplishments with a congratulatory letter and copy of the article sent to them.
• Support the TISD Excellence Foundation through publications, email, fundraising, etc.

Government Affairs

• Participate in Kaufman County Day events in Austin, Texas and encourage participation in the TABC breakfast.
• Continue to cooperate with and support the Kaufman County Leadership Council and its interests.
• Continue to communicate through the Board of Directors, with elected and appointed officials, the Chamber’s position on issues of immediate and future concern.
• Take an active role and encourage the city to make progress in areas of code enforcement, road improvements and crime prevention programs, i.e. Neighborhood watch, including Target Vitality as an avenue.

Community Affairs

• Continue to support the Kaufman County YMCA.
• Support the Convention/Conference and Civic Center committee.
• Continue to support community beautification efforts including working with the City of Terrell to develop plans for entrance signs and landscaping into the city.
• Continue to support after hours mixers and encourage more support by Chamber members.
• Continue to support the efforts of the Downtown Association. Invite representatives to luncheons for presentations pertaining to their business
  

Members wishing to participate with the committee directing the Community Development Division should contact:

Kelly Rodgers
Terrell Independent School District
700 N. Catherine
Terrell, TX 75160
972-563-7504 Fax 972-563-1406
email

Community Development Division Committee

• Torry Edwards, City of Terrell
• Rick Carroll, American National Bank
• Jennifer George-Smith, Wealth Management
• Mary Clemons, Healing Hearts Ministry
• Sue Humphreys, Terrell Chamber of Commerce/CVB

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DIVISION
Carlton Tidwell, Vice-Chairman

GOAL: Enhance and improve the economic environment in Terrell by assisting and promoting the development of new business, industry, and housing while remaining responsive to the needs of existing retail, commercial, industrial, and housing-related entities.

Comprehensive Economic Development Plan

• Work closely with the Terrell Economic Development Corporation and local officials to communicate and implement the strategic plan for economic development.

New Industrial Development

• Maintain an accurate and up-to-date inventory of all construction sites, potential development tracts, land available for expansion and existing business through an aerial map.
• Continue to enhance www.terrelltexas.com web-site to include Terrell Promotional Video, TAEA Series, YMCA, site plans, maps, links to basic information about all Chamber Members, links to web-sites of all Chamber Member Businesses (if applicable) and information about the Terrell Economic Development Corporation.
• Have groundbreakings for new industrial or retail business that will add to local tax rolls.
• Emphasize the availability of the “Triple Freeport” tax exemption in Terrell.
• Continue to coordinate the economic development program for the Terrell Economic Development Corporation.
• Focus on a target market that “raise the bar” for quality job opportunities.

Existing Industry

• Take an active role in supporting and facilitating the Terrell/Kaufman Business and HR Association and the Terrell Area Workforce Council to promote sharing of information and resources.
• Implement a comprehensive existing industry program for the monthly selection and recognition/promotion of existing local businesses through news stories, facility tours, 5 year anniversary ribbon cuttings, member sponsored mixers, introduction of new product lines, and other acknowledgements.
• Continue to support community and hospital based healthcare providers to provide for the current and future health and well-being of Terrell citizens and to sustain Terrell’s future as a viable and desirable business locale.
• Support the Terrell Economic Development Corporation’s on-going advertising plan.
• Support the continuing lobby effort to insure that Terrell State Hospital remains a vital element in the local economy of Terrell.

Government Relations

• Invite government officials and school officials to board meetings to open communication pathways, and institute meetings with officials on a smaller scale to present them with the ideas and concerns of our members.
• Support the implementation of the long range master plan for the City of Terrell. Effectively represent the business community and Chamber members to the City’s committee implementing the plan.
• Emphasize infrastructure development as the city’s long range plan is developed.
• Support the TIF Board in their development efforts.

Retail Development

• Participate in ribbon cuttings, new groundbreakings and grand openings.
• Assist retailers in staying informed on the benefits of economic development, and provide information about the benefits of economic expansion.
• Support the downtown association in their efforts to promote the needs of downtown businesses.
• Continue to work with major developers for construction of regional retail facilities.
• Work with the City of Terrell and TXDoT to acquire and install directional signage for the T.I.S.D. Performing Arts Center.

Housing Development

• Facilitate and encourage proactive and open communications among the Terrell Economic Development Corporation, City of Terrell officials, potential housing developers and assist in locating available tracts of land to support a wide range of housing options.
• Support and encourage the communication of positive information about the community and availability of housing to the employees of local firms by developing a website link showing available housing in the T.I.S.D.
• Promote availability of relocation packets containing printed promotional material provided by member businesses to employers relocating to or beginning operations in the Terrell area.
• Maintain open communications with the City of Terrell regarding impact fees.

Labor Force

• Advocate the expansion of the School to Work Program and the implementation of technical programs in Middle School and High School.
• Continue the annual survey of local businesses and industry regarding labor rates, benefits, employment codes to provide needed data and trends for industrial development prospecting and ideas for ways to better serve the members of the Terrell business community.
• Promote utilization of the North Central Texas Workforce Center.
• Continue to coordinate the Work in Terrell program for business and industry, and explore expanded job search using national search engines.
• Support and promote Vocational and Technical training programs in the T.I.S.D.
  

Members wishing to participate with the committee directing the Economic Development Division should contact:

Carlton Tidwell
Carlisle Coatings and Waterproofing
500 Apache Trail
Terrell, TX 75160
972-551-1990 Fax 972-524-7201
email

Economic Development Division Committee

• Chuck Carpenter, Texas Bank and Trust
• Matt Oakley, Sewell
• Don Smothers, Natural Technology Inc.
• Vivian Van Dyke, Ranger Title Company
• Jon Dyess, Nucor Building Systems
• Frank Roberts, Re-Max/Landmark
• J. C. Jackson, TEDC
• Danny Booth, Terrell Chamber of Commerce/TEDC

INTERNAL OPERATIONS DIVISION
Michelle Conrad, Vice-Chairman

GOAL: Promote an affirmative and interactive membership program. Develop and maintain programs that generate sources of funding. Achieve effective and efficient internal Chamber operations.

Financial Development

• Organize and host the 28th Annual Terrell Civic Auction.
  • Explore new ideas for sponsorships
  • Secure Mesquite Convention Center but explore local options for site

Membership

• Publish bimonthly newsletter with paid advertisement. The advertisement is limited only to business card ads to be sold for $25.00 each. Promote at Chamber luncheons; drop cards in fishbowl and Chamber will bill. Draw one card to receive free ad for next newsletter.
• Co-host semi-annual after hour membership mixers in conjunction with the Heritage Jubilee and Civic Auction. Work on membership retention, focusing on small business.
• Organize and host the 101st annual Chamber of Commerce Membership Banquet for 2009. Also form a banquet steering committee to determine the format of banquets in the future.
• Promote existing members with recognition on the website, newsletter meeting spotlight and the electronic sign.
  

President's Club

• Promote President’s Club to assist with membership recruitment and encourage participation in various Chamber activities such as ribbon cuttings, groundbreakings and special events.
• Reward members for participation in all the activities. Continue quarterly awards for best attendance of ribbon cuttings and Chamber sponsored activities.
• Utilize the newsletter, board meetings and the website to support the efforts of staff and volunteers to increase participation in the Leadership Kaufman County program.
• Host a mid-year spirit booster meeting for President’s Club members.
• Utilize the President’s Club for membership growth.
  

Marketing

• Utilize the website and newsletter to tout accomplishments of the Chamber.
• Promote the benefits of being a Chamber member and becoming involved in the volunteer projects.
• Announce current accomplishments of the Chamber with email, newsletters and the electronic sign. Also use to welcome new members, advertise ribbon cuttings, etc.) [Strongly suggest sign always have black background, scroll down, and keep messages to minimum length to effect greater readability]
• Utilize the sign to advertise ribbon cuttings.
• Review and update the website and newsletter on a semi-annual basis.
• Add a link on Chamber website for non-profit resource list.
• Explore possibilities for revenue generation using electronic sign (e.g. sell ad space/time)

Internal Chamber Operations

• Facilitate the Accreditation process/application under the direction of Past Chairman Wayne Babovec.
• Review the Chamber disaster plan and update if needed.
• Address the Chamber’s physical plant needs in regards to repair and maintenance and office equipment.
• Have signage installed for doors of Chamber office; suggest vinyl lettering.
  

Members wishing to participate with the committee directing the Internal Operations Division should contact:

Michelle Conrad
American Red Cross
109 Tejas Drive, Suite 700
Terrell, TX 75160
972-563-1030
Fax 972-563-2030
email

Internal Operations Division Committee

• Amy Sanders, American National Bank
• Kathy Russell, Powerlab
• Virginia Minter, Service First Mortgage
• Bill Glasscock, American Home Care
• Barbara Myers, American Home Care
• Sarah Dyess, American National Bank
• Linda Peavy-Norton, Terrell Chamber of Commerce/CVB
• Dawn Steil, Terrell Chamber of Commerce/CVB

TOURISM DIVISION
Laura Collins, Vice Chairman

GOAL: Organize and implement activities encouraging community participation, increase awareness and promotion of tourism in the Terrell Area.

Host/Coordinate Tourism-Related Activities

• Host the 27th Annual Heritage Jubilee on April 17-19, 2009. Increase the children/family activities offered at the event. Assist with promotion of the two day rodeo event. Carlton Tidwell and Christina Hinojosa to co-chair.
• Assist the North Texas Antique Tractor and Engine Club with their tractor show on June 13 & 14, 2009.
• Coordinate the 4th of July fireworks and patriotic concert. Sponsor bicycle/tricycle decorating contest and coloring contest.
• Continue to support “Push America” and house the riders the night they are in Terrell.
• Coordinate plans with the City for a Christmas parade on the 2nd Saturday of December. Market the video tape of the parade.
• Host the annual Lighted Christmas Drive. Involve more businesses, service clubs and churches in the display creation and manpower. Award cash prizes and plaques to the winners.
• Continue coordinating with the city and downtown businesses to decorate the Moore Ave. area.
• Sponsor a Christmas decorating contest for commercial and residential contestants.
• Assist with community activities that attract visitors to Terrell and market Terrell as a weekend vacation destination.

Tourism Promotion

• Participate in seminars and conferences in order to develop a network for tourism and to achieve high visibility for our community.
• Maintain membership in tourism related organizations and market Terrell as a weekend vacation destination.
• Continue the Visitors Center operation at Tanager Outlet Mall.
• Utilize the Terrell Chamber of Commerce/CVB website to promote and advertise tourism-related activities.
• Develop and print a brochure promoting downtown business.
• Work to increase awareness of Museums, Antique stores and downtown shopping in Terrell, encouraging history-related tourism in Terrell with the Texas Heritage Trails Program.
• Continue the City Partner program through the State of Texas, allowing the Visitor Centers to distribute State tourism information. The program will also provide an avenue of distribution for tourism information which includes lodging, dining and shopping opportunities in Terrell through all of the Visitors Centers located on the borders of Texas.
  

Community Image Enhancement

• Assist the City and CITE in the construction of entrance/welcome signs at the city limit boundaries on US 80 and SH 34.

Members wishing to participate with the committee directing the Tourism Division should contact:

Laura Collins
Terrell State Hospital
1200 East Brin St.
Terrell, Texas 75160
972-551-8446 Fax 972-551-8058
email

Tourism Division Committee

• Susan White, Healing Hearts Ministry
• Morgan Miller, Farmers Insurance Agency
• Denny Rohe, Madix, Inc.
• Joe Finch, Terrell State Hospital
• Christina Hinojosa, Oldcastle Glass Engineered Products
• Sarah Kegerreis. Terrell Chamber of Commerce/CVB
  

[Home]

[Location]  [Visitor Information]  [Economic Development]  [History]  [Relocation Guide]
 [Chamber]  [Membership List]  [Links]  [Events Calendar]
[Information Request]

This page designed and maintained 
by Word Works
Please report any problems to Webmaster