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PLANO CHAMBER ANNOUNCED AS CHAMBER OF THE YEAR FINALIST

PLANO, TX – June 22, 2017 – The Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE) has announced the Plano Chamber of Commerce as a 2017 Chamber of the Year finalist, sponsored by WebLink International.

As a finalist, the Plano Chamber of Commerce will compete among other chambers of commerce within its category. In the final phase of the competition, a judging committee conducts in-person interviews with leaders representing each finalist chamber.

“I am thrilled to be named as one of the four finalists in our category,” Plano Chamber President/CEO Jamee Jolly said. “The Plano Chamber, through our members, staff, and leadership, works hard to constantly evolve as an organization and remain focused on our mission of maximizing business development and economic growth in our community.”

Since 2007, ACCE has annually recognized chambers of commerce for their work leading businesses and communities with the Chamber of the Year award. The award recognizes excellence in operations, member services, and community leadership.  Plano is the only Texas chamber to reach the finalist stage in 2017. The last Texas chamber to win Chamber of the Year was the Lubbock Chamber of Commerce in 2012.

“To be recognized for those efforts and the milestones we have achieved in the recent past brings me great pride,” Jolly continued. “We now begin preparing for the interview process in order to bring home the designation as ‘Chamber of the Year.’”

To complete the Chamber of the Year application process, chambers of commerce must:

  • Participate in ACCE’s Dynamic Chamber Benchmarking;
  • Provide a comprehensive overview of the chamber’s success via an application;
  • Undergo a review from a panel of experienced chamber professionals and past Chamber of the Year award winners; and
  • Complete the finalist in-person interviews during the ACCE annual conference.

The Plano Chamber looks forward to reporting our successful initiatives throughout 70 years of representing the business community in Plano and the surrounding area. One winner from each category will be named at the ACCE annual conference in Nashville, Tennessee.

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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.

About the Plano Chamber of Commerce: Established in 1946, the Plano Chamber represents over 1,200 businesses and community organizations in Plano and the surrounding area. Accredited as a 5-Star Chamber by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the Plano Chamber of Commerce is committed to maximizing business development and economic growth of the community through advocacy, education, innovation, and collaboration.

 

MEDIA CONTACT: Jamee Jolly
PHONE: 972.424.7547
EMAIL: jjolly@planochamber.org

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Plano First Exec Breakfast Series

UBER’S IMPACT: DISRUPTIVE INNOVATION AT THE PLANO FIRST EXECUTIVE BREAKFAST SERIES

PLANO, TX, February 6, 2017 – Creating a new marketplace can yield great rewards, but is not without challenges. Leandre Johns, one of the early leaders of the fast-paced global expansion of Uber, will share his experiences from introducing Texas to the ride-share service in 2012 to expanding Uber’s presence across the state. Join the Plano Chamber for this intimate breakfast program, sponsored by Baylor Scott & White Medical Center – Plano.

WHO: Business and community leaders across Plano
WHAT: Plano First Executive Breakfast Series, featuring Leandre Johns, Texas External Affairs, Uber
WHEN: Tuesday, February 28, 7:30 AM – 9:00 AM
WHERE: Gleneagles Country Club – 5401 W. Park Blvd., Plano, TX 75093
WHY: Learn how Uber impacted the nation through an innovative service to solve common problems.


For more information on this event and to register, visit www.planochamber.org.

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About the Plano Chamber of Commerce: Established in 1946, the Plano Chamber represents over 1,200 businesses and community organizations in Plano and the surrounding area. Accredited as a 5-Star Chamber by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, 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 First Teaser Plano First Annual Meeting will be held on Monday, January 23.

#WhyPlano: Relocations, Expansions, & Beyond At The 2017 Plano Chamber Annual Meeting

PLANO, TX, January 13, 2017 - Join the Plano Chamber in commemorating another year of outstanding service to our members and the community. Learn about the Chamber's efforts to positively impact the local business community, connect with business and community leaders, and meet our 2017 Chamber leadership.

  • WHO: Business and community leaders across Plano
  • WHAT: 2017 Plano Chamber Annual Meeting
  • WHEN: Monday, January 23, 2017 from 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM
  • WHERE: Plano Centre - 2000 E. Spring Creek Pkwy, Plano, TX 75074
  • WHY: Hear from leading local companies on why they choose to call Plano home. Don't miss the ceremonial passing of the gavel from our 2016 Board Chair Kim Moore to the 2017 Board Chair Craig Perry, as well as the introduction of the 2017 Board of Directors and Chamber leadership.

For more information on this event and to register, visit www.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. Accredited as a 5-Star Chamber by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, 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 of Commerce to Host Hospitality & Restaurant Job Fair

SEPTEMBER 26, 2016 - The Plano Chamber of Commerce is hosting a job fair to assist with the growing need to fill positions in the hospitality field within our community. Potential employees from the DFW Metroplex are invited to attend the Job Fair on Monday, October 17, from 2:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. at the Collin College Spring Creek Campus, Living Legends Conference Center.                                                                                                                          

Hotels, restaurants, and entertainment venues will be on hand to meet with potential employees. Participating companies are hiring for all positions, including back of the house, front of the house, and management.

For more information on this free event, visit www.planochamber.org/jobfair.

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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.

 

MEDIA CONTACT: Jamee Jolly
Phone: 972.424.7547, ext. 222
Email: jjolly@planochamber.org

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Lawsuit Filed Challenging Department of Labor’s Overtime Rule

Plano, TX - September 22, 2016 - The Plano Chamber of Commerce joined the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the Texas Association of Business, more than 40 other chambers of commerce throughout the state of Texas, and other business organizations and sector-specific business groups in filing a lawsuit against the new Department of Labor overtime rule, which goes into effect December 1.

The lawsuit was filed in the Eastern District. Although the coalition includes local chambers of commerce across the state of Texas, there are 11 Texas chambers headquartered within the Eastern district.

The lawsuit advances three kinds of legal arguments against the Department of Labor’s overtime rule: 1) the excessively high salary threshold contradicts the intent of Congress to have executive, administrative, and professional employees exempt from overtime; 2) the new automatic update provision, which would impose new salary thresholds every three years without going through rulemakings, is not authorized by the FLSA, and in fact the FLSA directs the secretary to make changes to these exemptions through the notice and comment regulatory process; and 3) the Department acted arbitrarily and capriciously in promulgating its new overtime rule, in violation of the federal Administrative Procedure Act.

“The U.S. Chamber and its federation of state and local partners have been highly active in this rulemaking from the outset,” Plano Chamber President/CEO Jamee Jolly said. “We surveyed our membership when the changes were first proposed and collected feedback regarding the potential impact to local businesses. It was clear that our local business community would be adversely impacted by the new regulations,” Jolly said.

The U.S. Chamber and its representatives with the Secretary of Labor before the regulation was proposed, submitted extensive and comprehensive comments describing in detail the problems this regulation will cause, and have explained at every step how the Department has gone too far.”

The Department of Labor’s new overtime rule will limit workplace flexibility, impede career and promotion opportunities, and will make it harder for businesses and nonprofits to expand to meet the needs of their customers and constituents, in addition to imposing significant new economic costs.  The new overtime rule will be particularly damaging to nonprofit organization, including trade associations and chambers of commerce that will be subject to the rule.

In addition to the suit, a coalition of 21 states filed a challenge reinforcing the range of entities that will have severe problems complying with this regulation.

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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. Accredited as a 5-Star Chamber of Commerce in 2015 by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the Plano Chamber of Commerce is committed to maximizing business development and economic growth of the community through advocacy, education, innovation, and collaboration. 

 

MEDIA CONTACT: Jamee Jolly
Phone: 972.424.7547, ext. 222
Email: jjolly@planochamber.org

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Best of Plano 2016

BEST OF PLANO 2016: Plano Chamber Announces Award Recipients

Plano, TX - September 14, 2016 - The Plano Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce the 2016 Best of Plano Award recipients. The honorees will be celebrated at a gala on Thursday, October 6, 2016, from 6:30 to 10 p.m. at the Marriott Dallas-Plano at Legacy Town Center. The awards ceremony will also honor the Plano Chamber of Commerce’s platinum anniversary and 70 years of excellence.

“Each year we bring the community together to celebrate the best and brightest in Plano,” Plano Chamber President/CEO Jamee Jolly said. “We are fortunate to have some amazing corporate citizens and business professionals that serve our community. Best of Plano helps to highlight and honor the work of these individuals and companies.”

The Plano Chamber will honor Harvey Fishero as the 2016 Citizen of the Year. As former CEO with Hospital Corporation of America (HCA), Fishero oversaw five HCA-owned facilities, including The Medical Center of Plano. He is a former board member and Plano Chamber of Commerce Chairman of the Board.

In addition to dedicating extensive time to professional organizations, Fishero gives back to the community by holding leadership roles in many community organizations, including United Way and Collin County Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA), among others. Most recently, Fishero served as President of the Plano ISD Education Foundation and assumed the role of interim Executive Director when needed.

He has also served on many committees including the Plano Economic Development Board, Collin College Committee of 100, and City of Plano International Relations Committee. He was Chair of the Dallas Fort Worth Hospital Council Foundation and was named a Life Fellow in American College of Healthcare Executives. He is a Leadership Plano Class XIV graduate, Plano Father of the Year finalist, and he was recognized in “21 for the 21st Century” by the Collin County Business Journal.

Also being recognized is Sara Akers, 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. Akers will join 30 other remarkable women as the 31st recipient of the ATHENA Award.

Founder and Executive Director of Plano Children’s Theatre, Akers contributes a great deal of time and energy to improve the quality of life for youth in the community. Founded in 1991, the Plano Children’s Theatre created the North Texas Performing Arts umbrella in 2014 to oversee all branches across North Texas, including McKinney and Frisco. The organization’s first production in Dallas will be held this year as well as celebrating their 25th anniversary. Plano Children’s Theatre was also honored as Community Partner of the Year in 2012 under Akers’ leadership.

The Plano Chamber will also present the first ever Rising Star Award in recognition of Plano’s up-and-coming business and community leaders. This award recognizes a young professional (25-40 years old) whose professional success is matched by their commitment to serving the Plano community. Monica Shortino of Capital One is the first recipient.

The Plano Chamber named Rusty Gentry with Toyota of Plano as Business Executive of the Year in recognition of his leadership, strategic thinking, and a pursuit for excellence within the Plano business community.

To recognize their involvement in and support of critical community issues as well as enhancing the Plano economy through the successful operation of their business, Cigna will be awarded the Outstanding Corporate Citizen of the Year.

In addition to commemorating 30 years of serving those affected by domestic violence in Collin County, Hope’s Door has been named as the Community Partner of the Year.

Janelle Twyford-Silvis of AlleeOops Photography will be honored with the Fred Moses Minority Business Development Award, which honors a business leader who has illustrated exceptional business achievement, contributions to the community, and dedication to integrity.

The Plano Chamber will honor Taco Diner as the Rookie of the Year. The Small Business Person of the Year is Doug Trumbull of Doug’s Mighty Clean and Magnum Flooring in recognition of his exemplary entrepreneurship and success as a small business owner. 

Celebrate in style on Thursday, October 6, 2016. Tickets and reserved tables are available at www.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 First Executive Breakfast Teaser

PLANO FIRST: STATE OF THE CITY
Plano City Leaders Discuss Growth, Development, and the Future of Plano

PLANO, TX – August 10, 2016 – Join the Plano Chamber of Commerce at the upcoming Plano First Executive Breakfast Series, featuring a panel discussion between Plano city leaders, including Mayor Harry LaRosiliere, Plano City Manager Bruce Glasscock, Plano Police Chief Greg Rushin, and Plano Fire Chief Sam Greif.

Sponsored by Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Plano, this intimate breakfast will be held on Thursday, September 1 from 7:30 a.m. - 9:00 a.m. at the Gleneagles Country Club.

“Plano is the City of Excellence due to strong leadership, small planning, and a focus on innovation,” Plano Chamber President and CEO Jamee Jolly said. “As citizens, we benefit from an improved quality of life, a safe place to live, and first-class amenities. This program will highlight what to expect from our city as we develop into a mature city. This is an exciting time to be in Plano and there are so many reasons why.”

Learn more about Plano 3.0 and how it will impact your business at the Plano First Executive Breakfast Series. A limited number of individual tickets are available for purchase 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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2015 Philanthropist of the Year 2015 Philanthropist of the Year, Rodney Haggard of the Haggard Family, with Al Valente and Kate Livingston.

Best of Plano 2016 Award Nominations Now Open

The Plano Chamber of Commerce is now accepting nominations for the 2016 Best of Plano awards ceremony. Best of Plano awards recognize Community Partners, Small Business Persons, Corporate Citizens, Business Executives, and more! 2016 will also welcome the very first Rising Star Award to recognize an outstanding young professional under 40.

The deadline to submit Best of Plano nominations for consideration is Friday, July 8. Brief, online applications can be found on planochamber.org.

Best of Plano recognizes our city’s best and brightest during an annual awards dinner. This evening event celebrates the achievements of local businesses and community leaders with the presentation of awards including Citizen of the Year, Fred Moses Minority Business Development Award, ATHENA Award, and more. Mark your calendars now for Best of Plano 2016, which is scheduled for Thursday, October 6, 2016.

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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.

MEDIA CONTACT: Jamee Jolly
Phone: 972.424.7547, ext. 222
Email: jjolly@planochamber.org

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2015 Citizen of the Year 2015 Citizen of the Year Olin Jaye with 2014 Citizen of the Year Rebecca Egelston Caso.

Nominations Open for the 2016 Citizen of the Year

Is there someone in the Plano community who comes to mind when you think of an “outstanding citizen?” If so, then consider nominating them for the Plano Chamber’s most prestigious award, Citizen of the Year.

Every year, this award is presented to a Plano citizen in recognition of his or her personal contributions over a period of years (outside of regular work duties) that have contributed to the welfare and advancement of Plano. This personal sacrifice is typically rendered through civic or community work as well as their achievements in their chosen field of business. 

The 2016 Citizen of the Year will join past honorees, including Olin Jaye, Rebecca Egelston Caso, Dr. Myrtle Hightower, Duncan and Beth Webb, Andre’ Davidson, Florence Shapiro, and many more. All previous Best of Plano award winners, including Citizen of the Year recipients, can be found in our Hall of Fame.

The deadline to nominate a Citizen of the Year and all other awards is Friday, July 8. The nomination form can be found on planochamber.org. Mark your calendars now for Best of Plano 2016, which is scheduled for Thursday, October 6, 2016.

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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.

 

MEDIA CONTACT: Jamee Jolly
Phone: 972.424.7547, ext. 222
Email: jjolly@planochamber.org

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Plano First Teaser.jpg Plano First Quarterly Luncheon Series - April 5, 2016

PLANO, TX – March 23, 2016 – Join the Plano Chamber of Commerce at the upcoming Plano First Quarterly Luncheon Series, featuring keynote speaker Marvin R. Ellison, Chief Executive Officer at JCPenney. Sponsored by Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Plano, this luncheon will be held on Tuesday, April 5 from 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. at the Marriott Dallas/Plano at Legacy Town Center. Ellison will discuss the company’s strategic priorities for growth and build a foundation for customer loyalty that will differentiate JCPenney from the competition.

With approximately 30 years of experience in the retail industry, Ellison assumed the position of JCPenney CEO in August 2015 following a nine-month leadership transition under former CEO Mike Ullman. Prior to JCPenney, Ellison held a number of leadership roles at Home Depot and began his retail career with Target Corporation.

Ellison currently serves as a member of the compensation committee for FedEx and is on the Board of Directors for the National Retail Federation. He earned a Business Administration degree in marketing from the University of Memphis and his MBA from Emory University.

JCPenney joined the Plano community in 1984 and opened its Home Office in 1992 as one of the first companies located on Legacy Drive. This helped spur the development in west Plano to become one of the fastest-growing work, residential, and retail areas in North Texas. JCPenney joined the Plano Chamber in 1989 and continues to be a valuable community partner.

Tables of eight, individual tickets, and a limited quantity of premium tickets, which include access to a pre-event Meet & Greet reception with Mr. Ellison, are available for purchase 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.