It’s easy to say you want a good public education system. But why should you actually invest time and dollars into our public school system as a business owner, and how?

It's a real estate truism that home prices rise along with the quality of neighborhood public schools. Great schools support real estate values. Quality public schools stabilize neighborhoods and communities and lead to increased housing prices. This holds true in urban areas and suburbia, and for homebuyers with or without children in their households.

Another reason is the development of a well-trained workforce. Richardson’s business community and high-tech corridor have long relied on educated entrepreneurs and employees. With IT jobs on the rebound and biosciences projected as the cornerstone of the future, this becomes even more important.

Need more incentives? Invest now, save public funds later. As education levels rise, the costs of social programs go down, which means less public spending on welfare, unemployment, health care and criminal justice. One study shows that every $4 spent on high-quality early childhood care and education saves $7 later in "remedial" social costs.

Finally, good schools help bring new jobs to Richardson. The condition of local school systems is a major quality-of-life consideration for businesses and employees moving to Richardson. It makes good economic development sense.

How can you get involved? The Chamber’s Education & Workforce Committee has several options for you to get involved, whether you’re interested in committing time, talent or dollars.

·       Committee involvement – Join the Education & Workforce Committee for its monthly meetings to have an inside track on becoming more involved in education in Richardson. You can bring your business or educational acumen to initiatives that impact Richardson’s students and emerging workforce. Meetings are the third Tuesday, from 8:30-9:30 am, at the Chamber offices.

·       RISD FAFSA Super Saturday – Volunteer at this one-day event that helps high-school seniors with a crucial step towards college - completing their financial aid forms.

Click here for more information on volunteering at Berkner HS.

Click here for more information on volunteering at Richardson HS.

·       Education web presence – The E&W Committee will be launching a web presence on the Chamber website this year, which will provide information on ways businesses can get involved with K-12 and postsecondary education in our community.

·       Speaker forums – Be on the lookout for information about speaker forums that will increase your awareness of important education topics/issues in Richardson.

·       New Teachers’ Luncheon – The E&W Committee will continue to host the annual RISD New Teachers’ Luncheon, an opportunity to welcome new educators to our community.

Have questions? Contact one of the 2013 Education & Workforce Committee Tri-Chairs:

Ginger Tonne, gtonne1@verizon.net

Heather Lozano, hlozano@dcccd.edu

Katie Patterson, cookiekatie@gmail.com

 

Thanks to Karen Springs, Kilgore Agency of Farmers Insurance and Education & Workforce Committee member and past tri-chair, for writing this article.

 

Accreditation means a lot to us here at the Chamber. To be honest, we’re rather proud of the five-star accreditation we received from the U.S. Chamber in 2011, the highest ranking a chamber can earn. Only 1 percent of the chambers in the U.S. receive this accreditation and it’s a sign that we’ve been recognized for high quality, expertise and strong leadership.

Because we’ve seen the positive effects of an accreditation on the Chamber side, this past summer we committed the time to apply for accreditation for our sister organization, the Richardson Economic Development Partnership (REDP), from the International Economic Development Council (IEDC). Last week, the REDP became one of only 32 economic development organizations worldwide to be accredited by this premier organization as an accredited economic development organization (AEDO). This most recent designation makes the Richardson Chamber of Commerce only the second chamber of commerce in the nation to be dually accredited with a five-star Chamber rating and AEDO.

The accreditation process from both organizations is lengthy and required significant attention to detail. We did it, not only for the recognition for the good work we’re already doing, but to take our performance to the next level and become the best Chamber we could be. For me, it was about making sure we were operating under best practices and getting external validation that we can report back to those we serve.

Beyond that, going through this process resulted in a deeper well of Richardson leaders who understand and are committed to the Chamber and our mission. Both our board and our staff feel deep ownership in what we do, and a great sense of alignment exists throughout our organization and through the committees who make a difference in the Richardson business community.

We’ve already seen how the Chamber’s 2011 accreditation helped us perfect our strategic plan. It forced us to make choices about what to focus on and which processes to refine. As a result, we dramatically overhauled our vision, mission and goals. We started taking a market-based approach to membership. We also changed our governance process and restructured our board of directors. We continue to make changes that provide tangible value to our members and meet their needs.

The accreditation process doesn’t really end, and that may be the most significant benefit of having them. Both accreditations come with time frames and an end date. When that date comes, we either give up our accreditation or we reapply. What I like is the constant reminder and incentive to continue listening to our customers. Hearing what our member companies want and need helps us be open to making improvements that make us a better organization and offer greater value.

 

 

 

 Mark Armentrout was board chairman of ERCOT from 2005 through 2008. He recently spoke to our public policy committee on the need for greater energy supply, generation and innovation in Texas.

 Any economist will tell you that a competitive market will, over time, evolve and industries need to adapt or ultimately go the way of the rotary phone. Texas currently leads the nation’s economic growth engine, but to maintain that status, it is imperative that we have a growing electric supply and an incentive for new generation. Demand is growing in Texas, but electric supply is not. When that happens, the lights can go out.

The Texas electric market is managed by the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT). In its first decade, ERCOT's market has become extremely efficient, seen incredible innovation and provided consumers with a wide array of choices not found in many other states and regions.

ERCOT is remarkably reliable and inviting to competitors nationwide. That is good for Texas consumers. But for all its intricacies, the Texas electric market is, at its heart, a pretty simple supply-and-demand model. About 550 generating units supply the power to meet the daily demands of the market and its 23 million consumers.

The market set a new winter peak demand record in February, three new all-time peak demand records in just four days last August, and a weekend peak demand in late August. Notably, the market also set a new wind generation record in October. And Texas continues to grow. A recent SMU Cox School of Business report says Dallas-Fort Worth alone is on pace to add almost one million residents every six years. What's not growing is electricity supply, which means demand could eventually outstrips supply in the electric market.

ERCOT President and CEO Trip Doggett briefed the Texas House of Representatives’ State Affairs committee last month about this "resource adequacy" issue. ERCOT seeks to maintain what's known as a "reserve margin" for generation. This margin, which provides a cushion should demand unexpectedly jump or a power unit go offline, is targeted for 13.75 percent. Doggett said as soon as the summer of 2013, that reserve margin will fall below the target.

Wholesale power prices in the ERCOT market follow natural gas prices. This is because natural gas is the swing fuel for our electric grid. In other words, we turn gas generating plants on or off to meet demand.Shale gas, as in the Barnett and Eagle Ford fields, has driven prices to historic lows and will last for generations. A recent MIT study states that we have a known 80-year supply of natural gas. Therefore, electricity prices have also fallen dramatically in both retail and wholesale markets.

Markets rely on price signals for companies and investors to plan, design and build new supply. In ERCOT, as in other electric markets, new generating plants are expensive and can run well into the hundreds of millions of dollars, paid for by investors and power companies. The cost to build is not passed on to the consumer, as it is in most other parts of the country in what are called capacity markets.

What I see in ERCOT's data is that investors have become very leery of making further investments in power plants here. Something has to change. ERCOT recently contracted with the Brattle Group to broadly study how to create investment to ensure electricity supply for our growing state's needs. That report is available on the ERCOT website.

Time is of the essence. Faced with chronically low natural gas prices complicated by additional risks of the state's drought and increasing EPA regulations, to stay open for business we need a growing supply of electricity to fuel Texas' future.

 Richardson is rightly regarded as one of the most successful cities in North Texas when it comes to economic development. MCI, Cisco Systems, Texas Instruments, Fujitsu, Samsung, MetroPCS, Fossil, Blue Cross are just some of the great companies that have relocated or expanded here. Year in and year out for decades, Richardson has attracted corporate clients, well-paying jobs and millions in taxable value to the community. In addition to that, the city has also brought in scores of small- and medium-sized companies, some of which have become giants, like Cyrix Semiconductor, Monterey Networks (Cisco), Convex Computer ( Hewlett-Packard).

So what’s going on here? How has a city of limited size (30 square miles) and no airport, no major league sports stadium and located 15 miles from the urban core been able to compete so effectively? As I was telling some commercial real estate friends recently, I think in part it is because Richardson has a soul. And that soul lives in the hearts and minds of a caring and involved citizenry and business community. As the focal point of the business community, the Richardson Chamber and its individual members have made a decisive difference.

So many times, I have seen those members contribute to our economic development successes: members help spread the good news about all the positives Richardson has to offer for business. Our Growth & Mobility Committee that meets bi-monthly is a great place for members to hear about and understand all the attributes of a Richardson location. Groups like the Chamber Ambassadors embody the city’s qualities of friendliness and openness when they welcome newcomer businesses. Members encourage corporate participation in the array of community festivals, events and competitions that bring life to the city.

Through Leadership Richardson, Chamber members develop the knowledge and leadership skills to carry forward the city’s legacy of economic development success. Chamber members even pass along leads from their network of customers and suppliers who might also benefit from a Richardson location. And when those prospects come to town, members volunteer their time to provide testimonials as to why the Richardson business climate is unsurpassed in North Texas. The loyalty that Chamber members exhibit towards Richardson is really quite contagious!

Selling a city to a business cannot be done in a vacuum. It takes a united front of true believers to consistently and emphatically convince a prospect company that Richardson should be their new home. It’s a team sport, and with the outstanding individuals who represent the Richardson Chamber on your team, it’s difficult to lose.

The Holiday Inn Dallas Richardson Hotel has been a hot corporate destination since it was built in 1981.  It’s proximity to Central Expressway and the Telecom Corridor puts it minutes away from many of the area’s leading corporate offices.
 
With six corporate meeting rooms and an upscale pre-function area, the Holiday Inn can accommodate events of up to 300 people. The hotel offers top of the line amenities, custom catering options and full A/V equipment. It is the perfect location for conferences, board meetings and conventions.
 
Sales & catering staff members Charles Harlos and Leah Turner want to make guests feel like home.
 
 “Tell us your needs and we’ll make it happen,” said Harlos.  “We want to be THE place to meet.”
 
The corporate meeting rooms aren’t the only reason to visit the Holiday Inn - Dallas Richardson Hotel.  The hotel boasts beautiful room and suite accommodations. Standard amenities include free Wi-Fi and voicemail access, a fully functional business center, indoor/outdoor swimming pool, full health & fitness center and sauna facilities.
 
Harlos loves the community feel and support of the city of Richardson and would love for the Holiday Inn Dallas Richardson to become a destination of choice for local corporate events and conventions. We encourage you to give the Holiday Inn - Dallas Richardson hotel a try for your special event needs.
 
 
Holiday Inn – Dallas Richardson Hotel
1655 N. Central Expwy.
Richardson, TX  75080
(972) 238-1900
http://www.holidayinn.com/hotels/us/en/richardson/dalrs/hoteldetail

Gunter’s Greenhouse & Florist shop has been a fixture in Richardson for almost 40 years.  They specialize in orchids and unique, high style European flowers and floral designs.  Gunter and Ute Schnetzinger, emigrated from Frankfurt, Germany over 45 years ago and built their business from the ground up.
 
Their commitment to provide the friendliest and most professional service and the finest flowers and products from around the globe highlights their commitment to the Richardson community.
 
“We take our business seriously,” says Gunter.  “Nothing leaves this shop unless it’s perfect.  We are small enough to care and large enough to serve.”
 
Gunter’s offers a wide variety of the finest flowers from Holland, Central and South America, California and Hawaii.  They have the largest selection of orchid plants in north Texas.  Seen as experts in their field, Gunter and Ute have even designed floral arrangements for the Reagan and Bush Inaugurations!
 
The Schnetzingers travel extensively and are always quick to share a story or a tour of their magnificent shop to anyone who inquires.  So next time you’re near the intersection of Campbell and Custer, stop by Gunter’s Greenhouse and visit their hidden oasis!
 
 
Gunter’s Greenhouse & Florist
513 W. Campbell Rd.
Richardson, TX 75080
(972) 234-6017
www.gunters.com

Chiropractic Pathways is a general practice chiropractic office owned and run by Dr. Lisa Ellis. The practice focuses on treating the whole body, not only through the use of chiropractic methods, but also through eating habits and massage.  Anybody in the family can be treated at Chiropractic Pathways. Dr. Ellis opened her doors at Greenville and Main in Richardson in September. She hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony with the Richardson Chamber just days later.  You can learn more about Dr. Ellis and Chiropractic Pathways by visiting the website.
 
 
Chiropractic Pathways
210 S Greenville Ave, Ste 200
Richardson, TX 75081
www.chiropracticpathways.com
972-744-9652    

Everyone is looking to save a dollar here and a dollar there. That that search for a few extra dollars led long time Richardson resident Greg Broom to start REACHbarrier in 2009.  Greg was looking to save money on his electricity bill and discovered the drastic role radiant barriers have in lowering that bill.  Through a process of trial and error, Greg learned what steps and processes where necessary to maximize the efforts of the barrier in heating and cooling to save homeowners the most amount money.  Reach Barrier’s goal is to save homeowners the most amount of money and to provide long term energy saving solution instead of a quick fix. Learn more about REACHbarrier here.
 
REACHbarrier
525 N International Parkway, Ste 605
Richardson, TC 75081
972-331-3933
www.reachbarrier.com

Welcome to the Richardson Chamber's new website. We have upgraded our online home to make it easier for you to find the information you need. 

Our new website has robust capabilities including easy site navigation, integration with social media sites, a clean look and feel and easy to use event registration.  These improvements will increase our search engine optimization and provide us the opportunity to better feature our members, volunteers and sponsors. 

Featured events are in the left margin of the home page, along with the most recent news headlines. To view all events scheduled, use the link to the calendar on the home page, or use the programs and events menu at the top. Click an event title on the calendar to find more information or to register online. 

Please take a look around the new site and  making the Richardson Chamber of Commerce the PLACE to empower your business!  

Welcome to the Richardson Chamber of Commerce's blog.  We have created this blog to provide a place for our members and the community to share their thought leadership, help promote our member companies through spotlights and stories, feature upcoming special events, learn about our local businesses and help maximize the value in your Chamber membership.

We will be using the blog in conjunction with our newsletter, as well as providing you information and resources that benefit businesses of all sizes. We encourage you to comment on our posts, learn from our materials and from each other and even suggest ideas for how can make the blog more valuable to you. There is also a member spotlight section of the blog. If you are interested in having your company highlighted here, send us an e-mail. The referal section of the blog is for our members to network with each other. Use this section as a venue to provide member testimonials for each other or to seek input on which members may have the products or services your business needs. 

Please read and/or contribute to our blog.  We look forward to making this a the PLACE to empower your business!