Committees and Program
of Work for 2008

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
Jerry Flowers, Vice Chairman

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

Public Relations

• Develop a plan for “Adopt a Business” program that includes a mentor who will encourage them to participate in Chamber functions.
• Increase attendance of Board members and President's Club members at our ribbon cuttings.
• Update 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.
• Develop a public relations plan to promote Terrell in conjunction with TISD, City, and County
• Develop a community-wide partnership to promote local business.
  

Community Education

• Create a task force to study and make recommendations concerning the creation of a Technical Education Center for the City of Terrell and Kaufman County.
• Continue to fund four (4) scholarships in addition to helping students find additional funding through other sources. Promote assistance through TISD, TVCC, SWCC on FASA and other scholarship/financial needs paperwork.
• Continue to support the Southwestern Christian College Lectureship Series and summer programs.
• Work closely with TISD, City, and local businesses to develop career and technical programs that lead to a post secondary education.
• Work in conjunction with TVCC Small Business Development Center to offer workshops tailored to small businesses.
• Support the Kaufman County Livestock Show.
• 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.
  

Government Affairs

• Participate in Kaufman County Day events in Austin, Texas.
• 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.

Community Affairs

• Continue to support the Kaufman County YMCA.
• Form a committee to explore the feasibility for a Civic Center.
• Support the City of Terrell to provide quality, controlled growth and sustainable development in Terrell and Kaufman County.
• Continue to support schools through:
  • Host New Teacher Luncheon for public school, private school and college teachers
  • Support Meet the Teacher night
  • Co-sponsor End of Year Teacher Appreciation Luncheon
• Continue to support community beautification effort 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.
• Support and encourage the city to make progress in areas of code enforcement, road improvements and crime prevention.
• Continue to support the efforts of the Downtown Association. Invite representatives to luncheons for presentations pertaining to their business. Work with the city and look at ways to help with seasonal decorations downtown.
• Increase involvement with “Christmas in the Park”.
• The Community Development vice chairman and Chamber representatives will meet with the Downtown Association quarterly.

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

Jerry Flowers
Madix
500 Airport Road
Terrell, TX 75160
972-563-5744 Fax 972-563-0792
email

Community Development Division Committee

• Torry Edwards, City of Terrell
• Rick Carroll, American National Bank
• Dana Skelton, Terrell ISD
• Jennifer George-Smith, Wealth Management
• Kelly Rodgers, Terrell ISD
• Sue Humphreys, Terrell Chamber of Commerce/CVB
• Noreen Walker, Terrell Chamber of Commerce/CVB

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DIVISION
Bill Sweazea, 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.
• Select a vendor for 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 websites 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 the "raises 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.
• Develop systems 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 supports 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, including effective promotion of industry tours and the provision of information about the benefits of economic expansion to retailers.
• 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.

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.
• Promote availability of relocation packets containing printed promotional material provided by member businesses to employers relocating to or beginning operations in the Terrell area.

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 corrdinate the Work in Terrell program for business and industry, and explore expanded job search using national search engines.

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

Bill Sweazea
Texas Bank and Trust
P.O. Box 39
Terrell, TX 75160
(972) 524-7416
Fax (972) 563-6814
email

Economic Development Division Committee

• Chuck Carpenter, Texas Bank and Trust
• Matt Oakley, Re-Max Landmark
• Don Smothers, Natural Technology Inc.
• Vivian Van Dyke, American Title Company
• Fred Hale, Terrell State Hospital
• Mike Cronin, American National Bank
• Kenneth Schoen, TEDC3
• Jack Jones, Terrell City Council
• Rick Carmona, Terrell Economic Development Council
• Danny Booth, Terrell Chamber of Commerce/CVB

INTERNAL OPERATIONS DIVISION
Chris Falcon, 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 27th Annual Terrell Civic Auction.
  • Explore new ideas for sponsorships

Membership

• Publish bimonthly newsletter with paid advertisement. The advertisement is limited only to business card ads to be sold for $25 each.
• Co-host semi-annual after hours membership mixers in conjunction with the Heritage Jubilee and Civic Auction.
• Work on membership retention, focusing on small business using quarterly meetings witha speaker that would be of benefit to small business utilizing TVCC Small Business Development Center.
• Organize and host the 100th annual Chamber of Commerce Membership Banquet for 2008. 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 award for best attendance of ribbon cuttings and Chamber sponsored activities.
• Utilize the newsletter, board meetings and the wesite to support the ifforts of staff and volunteers to inclrease participation in the Leadership Kauman 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 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.
• Utilize the sign to advertise ribbon cuttings.
• Review and update the websiter and newsletter on a semi-annual basis.

Internal Chamber Operations

• Review the Chamber disaster plan and update if needed.
• Address the Chamber’s physical plant needs in regards to repair and maintenance, including roof replacement and exterior appointments..

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

Chris Falcon
AutoZone Distribution Center
2350 Airport Road
Terrell, TX 75160
972-524-2226 Fax 972-5524-0411
email

Internal Operations Division Committee

• David Desmond, G&S Sales
• Bill Glasscock, American Home Care
• Virginia Minter, Service First Mortgage
• Jim Range, First State Bank
• Kathy Russell, Power Lab
• Amy Sanders, American National Bank
• Linda Peavy-Norton, Terrell Chamber of Commerce/CVB
• Dawn Steil, Terrell Chamber of Commerce/CVB

TOURISM DIVISION
Christina Hinojosa, 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 18-20, 2008. 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.
• Encourage additional involvement in “Run for the Wall” on May 17, 2008 and promote community awareness and support the riders.
• Assist the North Texas Antique Tractor and Engine Club with their tractor show on June 14-15, 2008.
• Coordinate the 4th of July fireworks and patriotic concert. Sponsor bicycle/tricycle decorating 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 videotape of the parade.
• Expand the 6th 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.
  

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.
• Continue the Visitors Center operation at Tanger Outlet Mall.
• Utilize the Terrell Chamber of Commerce/CVB website to promote and advertise tourism-related activities.
• Develop and print a brochure promoting downtown businesses.
• Work to place directional signs for the Performing Arts Center.
• 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:

Christina Hinojosa
Vistawall Group, Oldcastle Windows, Inc.
803 Airport Road
Terrell, TX 75160
972-551-6100 Fax 972-551-6320
email

Tourism Division Committee

• Laura Collins, Terrell State Hospital
• Michael Conrad, American Red Cross
• Morgan Miller, Farmers Insurance
• Carlton Tidwell, Carlisle Coatings
• Susan White, Healing Hearts Ministry, Inc.
• Sarah Kegerreis, Terrell Chamber of Commerce/CVB
  

 

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