PLANO CHAMBER: 70 Years of Excellence
Plano Chamber Commemorates 70 Years of Service to Members and the Community.
PLANO, TX – January 19, 2016 – The Plano Chamber of Commerce will commemorate another year of service to its members and the Plano community during its annual meeting on Tuesday, January 26, 2016 at 11:30 a.m. This meeting is part of the Plano First Quarterly Luncheon Series, sponsored by Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Plano. It will be held at the Plano Centre, 2000 E. Spring Creek Parkway, Plano, TX 75074.
Since its founding in 1946, the Plano Chamber of Commerce has collaborated with the city, county, and surrounding business community to provide services that positively affect Plano residents. From forming the Plano Art Association and Plano Balloon Festival to organizing the 1970 Clean Sweep campaign and annual 4th of July parades, the Plano Chamber found ways to benefit all members of the local community.
Many committees and programs were formed throughout the years to reflect Plano’s changing business community and their needs. The Women’s Division was founded in 1972 to foster community involvement (dues were only $1 per month!) and will celebrate their 45th anniversary in 2017. In 1979, Randy Wright and Markita Thompson launched the Plano Balloon Festival as a project of the Women’s Division.
The Chamber has always depended on the efforts of the Ambassadors, and now values the time and energy eagerly provided by members of the Business Interchange, Business Development, Events, and Young Professionals of Plano committees. These programs have contributed to the continued success of the Plano Chamber and its 5-Star Accreditation by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce in 2015.
The luncheon will also mark the passing of the gavel from 2015 Board Chair Al Valente to the 2016 Board Chair Kim Moore. Moore is a partner at Strasburger & Price, LLP and will provide a new perspective to the Plano Chamber’s development.
“Under Kim Moore’s leadership, the directors of the board and the Chamber staff will launch several new initiatives to address the business community’s ever-changing needs,” Jamee Jolly, Plano Chamber President/CEO announced.
After Al Valente highlights the Chamber’s accomplishments in 2015, Kim will introduce the 2016 leadership, including the six new Board of Directors members and 16 returning members. Chamber leadership will also discuss the organization’s efforts to positively impact the local community, connect with business and civic leaders, and recognize significant member anniversaries.
“Just 70 years ago, Plano’s business community came together to start an organization that would be the voice of business and provide support to a growing community,” Jolly said. “We are happy to say that we continue the mission of maximizing business development and economic growth in 2016 with a robust program of work.”
The Plano Chamber is accepting individual and table registrations for this monumental event with the opportunity to purchase the brand-new Premium Ticket, which includes a “backstage pass” into the pre-event Meet & Greet. For more information on registering, please visit planochamber.org.
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About the Plano Chamber of Commerce: Established in 1946, the Plano Chamber represents over 1,100 businesses and community organizations in Plano and the surrounding area. The Plano Chamber of Commerce is committed to maximizing business development and economic growth of the community through advocacy, education, innovation, and collaboration.