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Plano First Executive Breakfast Series Thursday, February 25 - Plano Chamber of Commerce

LOCAL SUCCESS ON A GLOBAL STAGE
Learn How to Become More Globally-Connected at the Plano First Executive Breakfast Series

 

PLANO, TX – February 18, 2016 – In the high-stakes battle for corporate relocations, cities compete on a global playing field. Join the Plano Chamber of Commerce at the upcoming Plano First Executive Breakfast Series, featuring keynote speaker Jim Falk, President & CEO of the World Affairs Council of Dallas/Fort Worth, who will explore how Plano and North Texas can take advantage of its increased presence on the global stage. Sponsored by Baylor Scott & White Medical Center – Plano, this intimate breakfast event will be held on Thursday, February 25 at 7:30 a.m. at Gleneagles Country Club.

Within just a few short years, Plano has seen an influx of major corporations relocating their headquarters to our city. There are many factors – transportation, education, quality of life, for example – that contributed to this decision and will only further Plano’s ranking within the global business community.

As the President & CEO of the World Affairs Council of Dallas/Fort Worth since August 2001, Jim Falk has a vast array of knowledge on how to connect local businesses to the global market. Jim’s previous positions include the Institute of International Education in Houston, Director of Education and Media Outreach at the Middle East Institute in Washington, D.C., and an energy banker at First City in Houston.

In addition to serving as a national board member of the World Affairs Councils of America, Jim is currently on the board of the North Texas Commission and the Asia Society of Texas. He is also an adjunct professor of international relations at the University of North Texas and was appointed Honorary Consul of Morocco for Texas in April 2013. 

Jim’s commentary on current affairs can be found on the editorial page of The Dallas Morning News and the Fort Worth Star-Telegram as well as on KERA 90.1 FM. Concurrently, Jim is the moderator of the World Affairs Council’s webcast “Global I.Q. Minute with Jim Falk.”

“With technology, competing on a global stage is now feasible, and necessary, for most industries and businesses,” Plano Chamber President/CEO Jamee Jolly said. “If your business does not have a plan to have a global presence, it will become more difficult to compete in the future.”

Limited seating is available and registrations can be submitted online at 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.

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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. 

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Texas’ population continues to grow as jobs are created in the local marketplace. Moving people and product throughout our state with an aging infrastructure that is not equipped to meet the growing demand has caused some challenges. Whether it is the increased congestion and longer commute times for employees or the lack of funds to maintain roadways that exist today, we must find ways to properly fund the transportation needs of our state.

The 84th Texas Legislature has proposed a constitutional amendment on the state ballot affecting the state’s roads, highways, and bridges. Proposition 7 will provide a steady, stable source of transportation funding in Texas without raising or adding taxes. 

The Plano Chamber urges you to support Proposition 7 in the election on November 3. The general highway fund will be used to maintain current infrastructure and fund new projects. Furthermore, no money from Proposition 7 can be acquired through new or increased taxes nor used towards toll roads.  A portion of two types of existing taxes - the general sales and use tax and motor vehicle sales tax - will be dedicated to the general highway fund.

If Proposition 7 passes, the state highway fund will receive $2.5 billion from state sales tax revenues in 2018 and 2019 and close to $3 billion in 2020 without taxing residents or charging vehicle owners additional user fees.  Most importantly, it will improve Texas’ quality of life and economic vitality, attract new businesses, and support a strong job market without any new or increased taxes.

The Plano Chamber of Commerce and Board of Directors encourage support of Proposition 7 and encourage all residents to vote in the Constitutional Amendment Election on Tuesday, November 3. Early voting is taking place through Friday, October 30.

 

Mr. Alfonso Valente
Chairman of the Board
Plano Chamber of Commerce

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Plano First - November 2015

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Jamee Jolly
Phone: 972-424-7547, ext. 222
Email: jjolly@planochamber.org

 

REGIONAL PERSPECTIVE ON LOCAL SUCCESS

Discover the Power of Collaboration at Plano First Quarterly Luncheon


October 16, 2015 – The Plano Chamber of Commerce brings together leaders in the North Texas business community to discuss how a win for Plano is a win for the region in the next session of the Plano First Quarterly Luncheon Series.

Jamee Jolly, President/CEO of the Plano Chamber of Commerce, and Dale Petroskey, President & CEO of the Dallas Regional Chamber, join together in a panel discussion on the value of working together to benefit the entire region. Mabrie Jackson, President and CEO of the North Texas Commission, will moderate the discussion.

From a sleepy suburb in the 1980s to a bustling city today, Plano’s growth is significant. The city is now home to six Fortune 500 headquarters, as well as almost 40 companies with more than 500 employees. The expansive employment opportunities extend to small- and medium-sized businesses, when one takes into consideration the families of the corporate employees. They are not limited to living and working in Plano, allowing the surrounding towns and cities to benefit from Plano’s development.

“We are so fortunate to live in a vibrant region,” Plano Chamber President/CEO Jamee Jolly said. “It takes the work of organizations, agencies, and individuals throughout the region to achieve the type of success that we have today. Alternately, it takes the same collaborative spirit to address the challenges we face as a region.”

The Dallas Regional Chamber was founded over 100 years ago and has been a vital resource for many companies originating or relocating to the North Texas area. Mabrie’s leadership position in the North Texas Commission – a nonprofit consortium dedicated to enhancing the economic vitality and quality of life in DFW – brings a unique perspective to the rapid economic development in the area.

Tables and individual tickets are now available at planochamber.org. Additionally, the Plano Chamber is offering their first-ever Premium Ticket option! The $75 ticket includes a “backstage pass” to the pre-event Meet & Greet with speakers, sponsors, and elected officials, in addition to the luncheon.


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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. 

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Photo Credit: Photography by Misty

Plano, TX – October 13, 2015 – The Plano Chamber of Commerce honored its Best of Plano award recipients during a gala dinner on Thursday, October 1, 2015 at the Hilton Dallas/Plano Granite Park Hotel. Nearly 400 local business and community leaders gathered to celebrate this year’s honorees at the elegant and inspirational event.

The highlight of the evening was the recognition of Olin Jaye as Citizen of the Year. A longtime business and community leader in Plano, Olin has served on numerous boards and committees, including the Collin County Association of REALTORS®, Rotary International, The Medical Center of Plano, and the Plano Chamber of Commerce, among others. He also served on Plano City Council, the Regional Transportation Council, and the Collin County Planning Board.

The Plano Chamber also presented the first-ever Outstanding Philanthropist Award to the Haggard Family. The Haggard Family has a long history of community service, which has helped to shape Plano. From building a small structure that served as Plano’s first church and school in the mid-1850s to directly contributing to Plano’s business and transportation expansion, the Haggards’ dedication to service is in their blood.

The ATHENA Leadership Award was presented to Tammy McSwain of ARTA Travel. A founding member of the Collin County Business Alliance and a devoted Plano resident, Tammy has been involved with Plano ISD’s Destination Graduation committee, the Collin College Foundation Board, Library Advisory Board for the City of Plano, Junior League of Collin County, and is a former Chairman of the Board for the Plano Chamber of Commerce.

My Possibilities, a full-day continuing education program for adults with disabilities, received the Community Partner of the Year award. Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Plano was recognized as the Outstanding Corporate Citizen of the Year and Community Impact Newspaper received the Rookie of the Year award, an exciting culmination of their first year in Plano.

Three business leaders were honored for their contributions: Holly Reed with AT&T as Business Executive of the Year, Pete Hutchinson of Hutch-N-Son Painting & Drywall Services as Small Business Person of the Year, and Tom Cao of Flowerama as the Fred Moses Minority Business Development Award recipient.

The Medical Center of Plano, this year’s Best of Plano Signature Sponsor, provided individual boxes of chocolate to each attendee. Adding to the evening’s excitement, attendees won prizes from Plano Chamber members at the Best of Plano Balloon Pop, sponsored by Texas Instruments; sipped drinks courtesy of The Shops at Willow Bend; and entered to win a weekend rental of a luxury vehicle from Mercedes-Benz of Plano.

This celebratory event honored the business and community leaders who not only serve Plano, but inspire others to achieve their goals.

As Citizen of the Year Olin Jaye said in his closing speech, “I encourage you all to make volunteerism and community service an integral part of your life and your contributions will be returned tenfold.”

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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.

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Plano Chamber to Recognize Jaye’s Accomplishments & Community Involvement at Best of Plano

 

Plano, TX – September 8, 2015 – At this year’s Best of Plano awards ceremony, the Plano Chamber of Commerce will recognize Olin Jaye, President of Olin Jaye & Associates, LLC, as the 2015 Citizen of the Year. Jaye and his fellow honorees will be celebrated at dinner on Thursday, October 1, 2015, from 6:30 to 10 p.m. at the Hilton Dallas/Plano Granite Park Hotel at 5805 Granite Parkway in Plano, Texas. 

 

A Texas native, Olin Jaye graduated from the University of Arizona with a Bachelor of Science in Public Administration. He later earned a Master’s in Public Administration from North Texas State University (now known as University of North Texas). Jaye served in the U.S. Air Force from 1967-1971 before working with the U.S. Department of Labor for 12 years.

 

After running the Harrington Development Corp. in Plano as CEO, he founded Olin Jaye & Associates, LLC in 1989, a commercial real estate brokerage firm. While working in commercial real estate, Jaye collaborates with small and large businesses, connecting with the North Texas region’s decision-makers and business leaders.

 

 “I first met Mr. Jaye when I was working for the Collin County Association of Realtors® and he was on the Board of Directors,” Plano Chamber President/CEO Jamee Jolly said. “What I remember most was his knowledge of the issues and his passion for the industry. He is the first person to provide an introduction and help connect people that are new to our community or have an interest in running for office.”

 

His several decades of service to the Plano community include a wide range of nonprofit associations, trade organizations, elected positions, and more.

 

He has served on the Plano City Council, Regional Transportation Council, Collin County Planning Board, and held numerous leadership roles in the Texas Association of Realtors®. He received the Distinguished Service Award from the Collin County Association of Realtors® and, in 2006, was honored as the Realtor® of the Year.

 

Even with the amount of time dedicated to his professional organizations, Jaye has made time to give back to the community by holding leadership roles in many community organizations, including City House, Heritage Farmstead Museum, Rotary International, Past Chair of the Plano Chamber Board of Directors, and is an incoming Chairman of The Medical Center of Plano Board of Directors, among others.

 

Rebecca Egelston Caso, 2014 Citizen of the Year, will present the award on Thursday, October 1, 2015 at the Best of Plano awards ceremony. Other awards such as the ATHENA Award, Business Executive of the Year, Outstanding Philanthropist Award, Community Partner of the Year, Outstanding Corporate Citizen of the Year, Small Business Person of the Year, Fred Moses Minority Business Development Award, and Rookie of the Year will also be presented at the ceremony.

 

Tickets and reserved tables are available at www.planochamber.org.  

 

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. 

 

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT: Jamee Jolly

Phone: 972-424-7547, ext. 222

Email: jjolly@planochamber.org

  

BEST OF PLANO AWARDS 2015

Tammy McSwain of ARTA Travel to Receive ATHENA Leadership Award

 

Plano, TX - August 26, 2015 - The Plano Chamber of Commerce is proud to present the 2015 ATHENA Leadership Award to Tammy McSwain, Chief Executive Officer of ARTA Travel. Tammy will receive the award at this year’s Best of Plano Awards Ceremony on Thursday, October 1 from 6:30 to 10 p.m. at the Hilton Dallas/Plano Granite Park Hotel at 5805 Granite Parkway in Plano, Texas. 

 

The ATHENA Award Program was founded in 1982 by ATHENA International, a non-profit organization that seeks to support, develop, and honor women leaders. The program inspires women to reach their full potential and create balance in leadership worldwide. More than 6,700 exemplary leaders in over 500 communities have received this prestigious award since its inception.

 

Since 1986, the Plano Chamber annually honors one of Plano’s most accomplished businesswomen for professional excellence, community service, and inspiring others to achieve their full potential. Tammy will join 29 other remarkable women as the 30th recipient of the ATHENA Award, presented by the Plano Chamber of Commerce. 

 

“The news of Tammy McSwain winning the ATHENA Award is no surprise,” Al Valente, 2015 Chairman of the Board, said. “She demonstrates the highest level of professional excellence and is devoted to giving back to our community. I believe that Tammy is an authentic example of the values that the ATHENA Award embodies.”

 

Tammy contributes a great deal of time and energy to improve the quality of life for others in the community. She began working in the family business in 1989 and purchased ARTA Travel with her husband, Steve, in November 2002.

 

Since the acquisition, ARTA Travel has tripled its size and received recognition by the Dallas Business Journal as both a Top 20 Women-Owned Business in Dallas/Fort Worth and a Top 10 Travel Agency in DFW. It was honored by the Plano Star Courier as the Travel Agency Reader’s Choice and is certified by the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC). Tammy and Steve were also awarded the Small Business Persons of the Year in 2010 by the Plano Chamber.

 

Under Tammy’s leadership, ARTA Travel remains active in the community through the Plano, McKinney, and Richardson chambers of commerce, Junior League of Collin County, a sponsor of Plano Independent School District, and the Plano and Plano West Rotary Clubs.

 

In addition to her professional accomplishments, Tammy is a founding member of the Collin County Business Alliance, served on the Plano Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors from 2005-2013, and was the 2012 Chairman of the Plano Chamber Board. She currently serves on the Chairman’s Council for Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Plano, is a Collin College Foundation Board Member, and 2015 Chairman of the City of Plano Library Advisory Board.

 

Tammy and her family are active at Prince of Peace Catholic Church, as well as John Paul II Catholic High School and Young Men’s Service League. Tammy was a member of the Destination Graduation Committee for Plano ISD and United Way from 2007-2015 and is a Plano Symphony Orchestra Virtuoso Member.

 

Shelley Strickland, 2014 ATHENA Leadership Award recipient, will present the accolade on Thursday, October 1st at Best of Plano.

 

Tickets and reserved tables are available at www.planochamber.org.  

 

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. 

 

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT: Jamee Jolly
Phone: 972-424-7547, ext. 222
Email: jjolly@planochamber.org  

BEST OF PLANO AWARDS 2015
Plano Chamber Announces Award Recipients

 

Plano, TX - August 11, 2015 - The Plano Chamber of Commerce announced the 2015 Best of Plano Award recipients. The honorees will be celebrated at a gala dinner on Thursday, October 1, 2015, from 6:30 to 10 p.m. at the Hilton Dallas/Plano Granite Park Hotel at 5805 Granite Parkway in Plano, Texas. 

“Best of Plano honors those individuals and companies that make Plano such a great place to build a business, start a family, and serve a mission,” said Plano Chamber President/CEO Jamee Jolly. “This year’s recipients are true servant leaders and corporate citizens, including a family whose name is synonymous with Plano and philanthropy. We invite the Plano business community to join us in celebrating the achievements of these award recipients.”

The Plano Chamber is honoring Olin Jaye as the 2015 Citizen of the Year. As President of Olin Jaye & Associates, LLC, he works with small and large businesses in commercial real estate. Jaye has served on the Plano City Council, Regional Transportation Council, Collin County Planning Board, and held numerous leadership roles in the Texas Association of Realtors®. He received the Distinguish Service Award from the Collin County Association of Realtors® and, in 2006, was honored as the Realtor® of the Year.

Even with the amount of time dedicated to his professional organizations, Jaye has made time to give back to the community by holding leadership roles in many community organizations, including City House, Heritage Farmstead Museum, Rotary International, Chairman of the Plano Chamber Board of Directors, and is an incoming Chairman of The Medical Center of Plano Board of Directors, among others.

The Plano Chamber will also present the first ever Outstanding Philanthropist Award. This award recognizes an individual or family with a proven record of exceptional generosity who has demonstrated outstanding civic and charitable responsibility, and whose example encourages others to take philanthropic leadership roles.

Created in 2011, the Haggard Family is the first recipient. Donating land for public projects, serving on boards and commissions, and financially supporting many of the nonprofits that serve the needs of our community, the Haggard Family continuously steps up to enhance our great city. They will be honored for the generations of service that has helped to lay the foundation for our community.

Also being recognized is Tammy McSwain, who will receive the ATHENA Leadership Award®. Since 1986, the Plano Chamber annually honors one of Plano’s most accomplished businesswomen for professional excellence, community service, and inspiring others to achieve their full potential. McSwain will join 29 other remarkable women as the 30th recipient of the ATHENA Award. 

Chief Executive Officer of ARTA Travel and Past Chair of the Plano Chamber Board of Directors, McSwain contributes a great deal of time and energy to improve the quality of life for others in the community. She and her husband, Steve, were also honored as Small Business Persons of the Year in 2010.

The Plano Chamber named Holly Reed with AT&T as Business Executive of the Year. My Possibilities was selected for Community Partner of the Year.

Tom Cao of Flowerama will be honored with the Fred Moses Minority Business Development Award. Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Plano will be recognized as the Outstanding Corporate Citizen of the Year.

The Plano Chamber will honor Community Impact Newspapers as the Rookie of the Year. Pete Hutchinson of Hutch-N-Son Painting & Drywall will be recognized as the Small Business Person of the Year.

Tickets and reserved tables are available at www.planochamber.org.  

 

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. 

 

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PLANO, TX – June 25, 2015 – The Plano Chamber of Commerce was recently recognized with a 2015 Award for Communication Excellence in the Publications category by the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives and a first place award for Directories/Community Profiles ($800,000+ category) from the Texas Chamber of Commerce Executives.

 

The 2015 Relocation and Community Guide was selected in recognition of the publication’s evolution, as well as the wealth of information it provides potential newcomers and current residents.

 

“I think the biggest value that we can add to a company that has made the decision to come to Plano is to provide information,” Jamee Jolly, Plano Chamber President/CEO, said. “Companies bring employees here, but those employees bring spouses, significant others, parents, and children, so our job is to make sure they’re aware of all of the different resources that exist in our community. We strive to drive business to our Chamber members through this publication and the online version.”

 

With a rapidly growing community and the addition of large companies to the list of corporate headquarters based in Plano, it was necessary for the Plano Chamber of Commerce’s guide to evolve. “This Relocation Guide provides us the opportunity to share that information, but it also provides us the opportunity to connect our local businesses with those individuals and companies,” explained Jolly.

 

Besides being a directory of Plano Chamber member businesses, the publication now includes more detailed information regarding relocation, educational resources, important contact information, and community demographics. The Plano Chamber added the following components to the publication:

 

  • Editorial content focused on what makes Plano a great place to live and work.
  • More detailed content development between the city, the Chamber, and the school district.
  • Visually-appealing display of community demographics.
  • Call-outs that featured accolades achieved by the city (best place to live, safest city, etc.).
  • Community calendar that features community-wide events, separate from Plano Chamber events.

 

The guide is published in partnership with Chamber Marketing Partners and local vendors that provide editorial, photography, and printing services.

 

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The Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE) uniquely serves individuals who manage chambers of commerce. ACCE’s mission is to support and develop chamber professionals to lead businesses and their communities.

 

The Texas Chamber of Commerce Executives (TCCE) is an organization of chamber executives from across the state, working together to improve the business climate in Texas, while developing ways to enhance the quality of life in the communities that they represent.

 

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.