lancaster chamber newsletter march 2012

March 2012 Volume 14, No. 3A monthly publication of the Lancaster Chamber of Commerce.

March 1 5:00—7:00 p.m.C4 Networking … see page 6.

March 6 8:30 a.m.Texas Scholars Presentation at Lancaster Middle School.

March 7 _ 7:30 a.m.Board meeting at Chamber office.

March 8 11:30 a.m.—1:00 p.m.Lancaster Chamber luncheon at Recreation Center.

March 13 2:30 p.m.Tourism & Visitors Committee at Lancaster Chamber Office.

March 14 11:30 a.m.Brown Bag Lunch—Learn how to use Constant Contact. Chamber Office—See Page 7.

March 16 12 NoonAmbassadors FunGroup meeting at Bienvenidos Restaurant.

March 22 11:30 a.m.Grand Opening—Classic Cup Café—133 Historic Town Square

March 23 7:30 a.m.Small Business Roundtable (BBB) Bienvenidos Rest. Program about Microsoft 7.

March 27 2:30 p.m.Tourism & Visitors Committee at Lancaster Chamber Office.

March 28 11:45 a.m.Education Committee meeting at Bienvenidos Restaurant.

*************************************

PUT ON CALENDAR

April 28, 2012Chamber Annual Gala/Auction at

MCM Grandé Hotel

LANCASTER CHAMBER MONTHLY LUNCHEON

“Vision for Lancaster”By Dr. Jennifer Wimbish

Thursday, March 8, 201211:30 a.m.—1:00 p.m.

Lancaster Recreation Center—Grand Hall1700 Veterans Memorial Parkway

Please call 972-227-2579 for reservations. Tickets are $18 per person or a sponsor table of 8 for $160.

Food will be provided by A La Carte Catering.

Follow the Red Carpet to MCM Grandé Hotel for the Lancaster Chamber of Commerce Annual Awards Gala and Auction

Saturday, April 28, 20126:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.

6:00 – 6:30 p.m. Chairman’s VIP Reception in Hotel Suite—for Major Sponsors.

See page 5 for more details and sponsorship opportunities.

INFORMER PAGE 2March 2012

March 2012 – On February 23rd the Best Southwest Part-nership enjoyed an outstanding Seminar and Luncheon with Bob Goshen, arranged by Amanda Skinner and the Cedar Hill Chamber, with sponsor help and participation from Northwood University and Methodist Charlton Medical Center. … Around 400 attended this out-standing event which was held at Trinity Church with boxed lunches provided by Chick-fil-A. … The next day on February 24th, the Lancaster Chamber held its monthly Small Business Roundtablebreakfast at Bienvenidos featuring Microsoft’s 365 “Cloud” system presented by Tim Davis and Tim Loney with Solutions IS. … And the next Thursday on March 1, 2012, the first ever C-4 Networking night was celebrated at Bienvenidos from 5 to 7 p.m. … This networking event will be held quarterly with the 4 Chambers of Cedar Hill, Desoto, Duncanville and Lancaster each hosting one C-4 in each quarter. … The March 1st C-4 Networker featured Karaoke, food from various eateries, a cash bar, fun, and –more Networking! …

Vision for Lancaster by Cedar Valley College

On March 8, 2012, at the Lancaster Chamber’s 56th An-nual Meeting and Luncheon in Grand Hall, Dr. Wim-bish from Cedar Valley College will present the findings

from a Visioning process for Lancaster begun in November 2011. …Chamber Chairman Doug Hunt will conduct the meeting which will be ca-tered by Michelle McDonald with A La Carte Catering. … New members will be introduced, but the four awards presentations which have been nor-mally presented at this luncheon will be presented at the April 28, 2012 Red Carpet Awards and Auction Gala.

Red Carpet Awards & Auction Gala

On April 28, 2012 The MCM Grande’ will present a Red Carpet Awards & Auction Gala for the Lancaster

(See AROUND … Continued on page 3)

AROUND AND ABOUT …by Joe Johnson

The Ides of March are bearing down on us quickly and 2012 is looking to be a great year. Sales tax revenue in Lancaster is up; property values have stopped declining, and are beginning to rise again. Both of these facts are signs the recovery is on its way back up and that Lancaster

has stemmed the economic tide.

To help our members, the Chamber held its first class in the Lancaster Chamber Small Business University (LCSBU). Jerry Frazier, CPA, addressed the group with “Common Deductions Missed by Small Businesses”. Those that attended learned how to be smarter on their business deductions for taxes. I am sure they will all save 10 times more than the cost of the $10 lunch.

Our next LCSBU Brown Bag class will be on Wednesday March 14. The class will be “Email Marketing: Getting the Most from Blast Emails with Constant Contact.” Eve-ryone I know is looking for economical ways to market their business. Well it just doesn’t get any cheaper than Constant Contact. Email is the medium of the future. Using it constantly to pinpoint marketing is a way to stay in touch with your customers and grow the business.

The Lancaster Chamber's Goal is Helping Your Business Do Better Business!

Doug Hunt, Chairman 2012Access Self Storage

CHAIRMAN’S CORNER …by Doug Hunt

Hello to all! As we enter into the latter part of the 1st

Quarter of 2012, I am encouraged about the outlook for this year. Commercial interest continues to increase for Lancaster. We are expecting a significant announcement mid-month regarding another significant business venture calling Lancaster home (stay tuned). Sales tax revenues are nearly $600,000 ahead of last year’s pace. As we visit with business operators around town, there are continued signs of improved productivity and profitability. In fact, several local employers are seeking qualified individuals

for employment. I encourage you all to visit the Chamber’s website for job openings or post your job openings on the Chamber site.

Your city council has approved an agreement to offer our residents water and sewer line insurance. This program will cover the cost of repair/replacement for a nominal premium fee, and the City of Lancaster has passed along the premium savings to our residents. Details will be mailed soon. Enjoy your month!

Marcus Knight, Mayor

City of Lancaster

INFORMERMarch 2012 PAGE 3

2012 Board of Directors

* Doug Hunt, ChairmanAccess Self Storage

*Stephanie Williamson, Chair-Elect, DART

* Karen McClary, Past–chairEdward Jones Co.

* Melody Stillings, TreasurerRegions Bank

* Joe JohnsonPresident

Sharon BrooksTraditional Health Care Services

* Vivian ChastainBienvenidos Restaurant

A. Z. Drones Atmos Energy

Evelina Echols-SuttonMethodist Charlton Medical Center

Kenneth GovanOncor Electric Delivery

Ronnie LoweLancaster Outreach Center

Sonali MajmudarHampton Inn & Suites

Stacey McDonaldCorner Stone Credit Union

Michelle McDonaldRunway Café

Lindsay OwensHoliday Inn Express DeSoto

* Katina PottsIn The Door Advertising

* Randy RostadRetired

* Dr. John WongUNT Dallas

Sarah ZafaranoMote & Associates

Ex-Officio Members

Marcus Knight, Mayor

Opal Robertson, City Manager

Dr. Michael McFarlandLancaster ISD

John Polewski, Polewski & Assocs.

Charles Hatfield, County Press

* Denotes Members of Executive Committee

Mayor’s Comments – Lancaster Connection

Mayor Marcus Knight

Chamber featuring; a Silent Auction Preview with Champagne and Hors d’oeu-vres, White Glove Service, Seated Candlelight Gourmet Dinner, Live Entertain-ment, Cash Bar, Texas Shoot-Out, Silent and Live Auctions – and of course The Awards. … Awards presented this year will be Large Business of the Year, Small Business of the Year, Volunteer of the Year, Rocky Strickland Community Award, and optionally, The Golden Gaither Award. … Come enjoy this festive and elegant evening with your friends! … After Five Attire is requested. … The proceeds from this fabulous evening go to support the Chamber’s Program of Work.

The Chamber’s Mission

Your Chamber is a non-profit business helping businesses do better business – always mindful of its Mission Statement: "To Actively Support, Promote and Attract Busi-ness to Better Serve the Greater Lancaster Area". Come join us in making this hap-pen!

And we’ll …

… See You Around And About

AROUND … (Continued from page 2)


SMALL BUSINESS ROUNDTABLE

March 23, 20127:30—9:00 a.m.

Sponsored by MicrosoftHosted by Bienvenidos Rest.

Anyone interested in hosting a Better Business Breakfast in 2012, please call the

Chamber at 972-227-2579.

*******************

Brown Bag Lunch on March 14, 2012See Page 7 for information.

NETWORK @ NOON“Network … and eat”

Thursday, April 5, 201211:30 a.m.—1:00 p.m.

There is no N@N for March Come to the C4 Networking March

1st at Bienvenidos from 5-7 p.m.

Bring your business cards and a door prize if you wish. Everyone will get a chance to tell

us about their business.

From the Super … by Dr. Michael McFarland

This is an open invitation to be a part of a transformative moment for Lancaster. I’m not just talking about a moment for Lancaster ISD, but for Lancaster as a whole.

On Wednesday, March 21 at 10:30 a.m. in the auditorium of Lancaster High School, we are going to break some news that many have been waiting for since last semester. The changes that are on the horizon are going to sySTEMically renovate the teaching and learning that is currently occurring on our campuses. The benefits to the teachers and students are obvious. However, this community benefits from our transformation by partnering with us to provide students with

authentic learning experiences through internships and externships which will result in a better-prepared pool of potential employees.

I am genuinely excited about the great things that we are currently doing and the great things that are to come. The result of the announcement that we are sharing later this month is just another step in ensuring that Lancaster students leave us with more than a diploma.

So, we look forward to seeing you at the high school on March 21 to help us celebrate. To RSVP, please e-mail our Public Information Officer Sonya Cole-Hamilton at [email protected] by March 16.

Michael D. McFarlandLancaster Superintendent of Schools


Saturday,April 28, 20126:30—10:30 p.m.

MCMMCMMCM

Grande´ Hotel

Presents ...

REDREDCARPETCARPET

AWARDSAWARDSGALAGALA

The Lancaster Chamber of Commerce

Red CarpetReserved table of 8, signage at event, name in press releases, full page ad in program, table top sign, recognition during event. Invitation to Chairman’s VIP Reception, 6—6:30 p.m. in Hotel Suite.

$3,500

Executive ProducerReserved Table of 8, signage at event, full page ad in program, table top sign, recognition during event. Invitation to Chairman’s VIP Recep-tion, 6—6:30 p.m. in Hotel Suite.

$2,500

ProducerReserved Table of 8, 1/2 page ad in program and table top sign, recogni-tion during event. Invitation to Chair-man’s VIP Reception, 6—6:30 p.m. in Hotel Suite.

$1,500

DirectorReserved Table of 8, 1/2 page ad in program, table top sign, recognition during event.

$1,000

HeadlinerReserved Table of 8, table top sign and recognition during event.

$750

Cast MemberIndividual ticket to event.

$50

Donate an item for the live or silent auction. Call the Chamber and we will pick it up.

We cannot attend, but here is a donation to support the work of the chamber $_____

Call the Chamber at 972-227-2579 or Email at

[email protected] to be a sponsor.

COME JOIN THE FUN—NETWORK WITH BUSINESS LEADERS FROM

LANCASTER, DESOTO, DUNCANVILLE, CEDAR HILL!!

DATE: Thursday, March 1, 2012 TIME: 5-7 p.m. WHERE: Bienvenidos Too Hot Cantina

ADDRESS: 920 N. I-35E, Lancaster, TX 75146

FREE EVENT APPETIZERS FROM LOCAL RESTAURANTS

CASH BAR KAROAKE

NETWORKING

NETWORKING

FREE FOOD

R S V P

972-22

7-257

9 R S V PChamber@

LancasterTX.org



“Second in a series of educational seminars offered by the Lancaster Chamber Small Business University.”

Helping Small Business Grow the Lancaster Area One Job at a Time

COME TO THE BROWN BAG LUNCH AND FIND OUT ABOUT …

CONSTANT CONTACT— Social Media Marketing Made SimplePresented by Nicci O’Boyle, Constant Contact Consultant

Email Marketing: Getting the Most from Blast Emails with Constant Contact.” Every-one is looking for economical ways to market their business. Well it just doesn’t get any cheaper than Constant Contact. Email is the medium of the future. Using it constantly to pinpoint marketing as a way to stay in touch with your customers and grow your busi-ness.

This class is free to Chamber members and prospective members are $25. If you join the Lancaster Chamber within 30 days of meeting, we will credit the $25 toward your membership investment.

Bring your own lunch … or … if you want the Chamber to have a box lunch ready for your, we will do that for $10 paid in advance by Tuesday, March 13th at 4 p.m.

Call Mary at the Chamber—972-227-2579—to reserve your spot. Let her know if you want the Chamber to bring you a box lunch.

BROWN BAGBROWN BAGLUNCHLUNCH


38 YearsHargrove Real EstateMr. Clyde Hargrove101 Valley Ridge Dr.Red Oak, TX 75154

972-617-1100Real Estate Developer

30 YearsLancaster ISD

Dr. Michael McFarland422 S. Centre Street

Lancaster, TX 75146972-218-1400

Education

24 YearsMCM Grande Hotel/FUNDome

Mr. Lamarr Vines1515 N. I-35E

DeSoto, TX 75115972-224-9100

Hotel

19 YearsG.A.S. Air Conditioning Service

Mr. Sanford Jech777 South Zang

Dallas, TX 75208214-946-8039

Heating & Air Conditioning

15 YearsJoe McKay , Attorney

1316 Hall StreetLancaster, TX 75134

972-227-3342Attorney

10 YearsThe Schwarz Company

Mr. Bill Henry2450 N. I-35E

Lancaster, TX 75134972-224-5748

Construction/Reconstruction

10 YearsRex Kirkland

100 Royal Crest Ct.Red Oak, TX 75154

214-415-6627Individual

10 YearsAmerican Trophy & Awards

Mrs. Cherry Gray221 N. Hampton

DeSoto, TX 75115972-223-4490

Trophies/Plaques

10 YearsMote & Associates, Inc.

Ms. Sarah Zafarano515 N. Cedar Ridge, Ste. 9

Duncanville, TX 75116972-296-2856

Real Estate-Commercial

9 YearsMcDonalds

Mr. Alberto Romero1463 W. Pleasant Run Rd.

Lancaster, TX 75146972-218-0200

Restaurant

8 YearsAurora health & Chiropractic

Dr. Scott Moulton3250 W. Pleasant Run #130

Lancaster, TX 75146972-223-2233Chiropractors

7 YearsDr. Will Stark

923 Nokomis CircleLancaster, TX 75146


6 YearsKnight Waste Services

Mr. Marcus Knight4901 Parker Henderson Rd.

Ft. Worth, TX 76119817-332-8333Trash Hauling

4 YearsHampton Inn & Suites—Desoto

Ms. Sonali Majmudar1311 E. Centre Park Blvd.

DeSoto, TX 75115972-228-0200

Hotel

2 YearsMr. Randy Rostad

326 S. Houston School Rd.Lancaster, TX 75146


MEMBER RENEWALS

NEW MEMBERS

Jerry Frazier, CPAMr. Jerry Frazier

550 N. Mail Street, Ste. 205Duncanville, TX 75116

972-298-9989CPA

Solutions Information SystemsMr. Tim Davis

9597 Jones Road, Suite 204Houston, TX 77065

817-992-0246IT Specialist

Chavez RemodelingMr. Pedro Chavez

531 W. Eighth StreetLancaster, TX 75146

469-877-8080Construction—Remodeling

NETWORKING Change in networking

for 2012

Network @ Noon

First Thursday of Each Month

11:30 a.m.—1:00 p.m.

TOWN SQUARE REALTY

ELLEN CLARK108 N. Dallas Avenue Lancaster, TX 75146

Office: (972) 227-7010 Fax: (972) 227-6468 Email: [email protected]

Historic Homes, Horse Property, Country LifePATRICIA HAVARD, P.C.CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANT

PATTY HAVARD, CPA

211 W. Pleasant Run, #115 (972) 227-6900 Lancaster, TX 75146 Fax (972) 227-6945

(972) 227-3342 Fax: (972) 227-6350

Joe McKayAttorney At Law

Mail Address: 211 W. Pleasant Run P. O. Box 985 Suite 111 Lancaster, TX 75146-0985 Lancaster, TX

Profile Commercial Properties, Inc.

Commercial Real Estate Services“Serving The Metroplex”

Sales * Leasing * Tenant/Buyer RepresentationReal Estate Management

Margie WaldropPresident/Broker110 E. First StreetLancaster, TX 75146

972-227-3333fax 972-227-7177cell 469-644-2513

e-mail: [email protected]

Our NETWORK @ NOON at Bienvenidos on February 2 was well attended. We enjoy when new businesses hear about us and come to see what a great organization we are.

Each month on the first Thurs-day we will meet at different restaurants. Lunch will be Dutch treat. Everyone will get an opportunity to tell us about your business, pass out business cards, brochures, etc.

So mark your calendars—1st Thursday of each month at lunch time.

Richard Zafarano 972-228-1144

3102 N. Houston School Rd., Lancaster, Tx 75134

and Lube



Good Things are Happening in Lancaster!December 2011

Restaurants Opened- (you asked for this)

Logan’s Roadhouse opened in late September, 2011 In-N-Out Burger has broken ground and will open in early 2012 Runway Café opened in Lancaster Regional Airport – LNC A Restaurant Row is “Happening” along I-35E northbound from Belt Line to Pleasant Run Rd.

Grocery Stores Opened – (you asked for this)

Sav-A-Lot Grocery Store is open on Pleasant Run Rd. Azteca Meat Market is open on I-35E (old Pep Boys)

Lancaster Schools are on a roll! (we all need this)

DATE Grant allowed LISD “Prize Patrols” to award teachers a minimum of $1,300 each in 6 or 7 elementary schools for improving student growth by 2 years in just 1 year—a total of $435,000. LISD Fund Balance is now at $7.5 million; TEA rates LISD in top category Students’ TAK’s scores much improved; 6 recognized elementary schools;

LISD now 1% away from “Recognized” status. STEM Program going strong in Middle School International Baccalaureate (IB) is working, Pre IB now in Pleasant Run

Elementary Of all the 2010 LISD graduating seniors, 93% had received acceptance in

university, college, or other higher education institution, or armed service or received job offers. Lancaster schools are on a roll – and that’s good for all of us!

P. O. Box 1100 103 N. Dallas Avenue, Lancaster, TX 75146972-227-2579 FAX 972-227-9555 E-Mail: [email protected]

The Lancaster Chamber is a 501(c) (6) not-for-profit corporation.


Restaurant RowLancaster, TX

December, 2011

Lancaster’s Restaurant Row - On I-35E, going north from Belt Line Rd to Pleasant Run Rd, on the Lancaster side (East) there are the following existing or platted and approved restaurants – making this Lancaster I-35E corridor truly a destination for

restaurants and eateries- a Restaurant Row:

Indicates restaurant is a supporting community member of the Lancaster Chamber

This Restaurant Row is a positive asset for Lancaster! Tell your friends about it, and stop by for a bite!

GOOD THINGS ARE HAPPENINGIN LANCASTER!

… Stay Tuned. …P. O. Box 1100 103 N. Dallas Avenue, Lancaster, TX 75146

972-227-2579 FAX 972-227-9555 E-Mail: [email protected]

The Lancaster Chamber is a 501(c) (6) not-for-profit corporation.

Whataburger* McDonald’s (Walmart) Taco Bell Chili’s* In-N-Out Burger (in 2012) Logan’s Roadhouse Taco Cabana IHOP*

Bienvenidos* Evergreen Buffet* Ton’s Chinese* Subway Cici’s Pizza* Grandy’s* Chubby’s* Waffle House

Linda & Ronnie Harris set sail on February 12 thru the 19th. They visited Key West, Florida; Freeport and Nassau Bahamas on their trip.

The Lancaster Chamber had a drawing at our luncheon on November 10th, 2011—Mayor Marcus Knight drew the ticket—and Linda was the big winner.

Congratulations to Linda and Ronnie—looks like they had a great time.

The cruise was donated by Donna Johnson at Red Bird Travel.


Here are the new 2012 dates. We hope you will be able to join us for these “networking” events. Put these dates on your calendar.

START YOUR 2012 CALENDAR

MonthlyLuncheons

11:30 a.m.—1:00 p.m.

January 12—MayorFebruary 23—BSW

March 8—Cedar Valley CollegeApril 12—AirHogs BaseballMay 10—Police Memorial

June —BSW* July —No Luncheon

August 9September—BSW*October 11—LISD

November 8December—BSW*

Network @ Noon

11:30 a.m.—1:00 p.m.

January 5—Roma’s RestaurantFebruary 2—Bienvenidos Rest.* March 1—C-4 Networker *

April 5—IHOPMay 3—Café Raaz

June 7July 5

August 2September 6

October 4November 1December 6

Better Business Breakfast

7:30 a.m.—9:00 a.m.

January 27—Millbrook HealthcareFeb.24—Microsoft @ Bienvenidos Rest.

March 23—Microsoft @ BienvenidosApril 27May 25June 22July 27

August 26—TGIF/BSWSeptember 28

October 26November—NONEDecember—NONE

CRUISE WINNER …

… LINDA & RONNIE HARRIS

INFORMERMarch 2012

GOLD PARTNERS

CHAMBERCHAMBERPARTNERSPARTNERS

SILVER PARTNERSMCM Grandé HotelBrenntag SouthwestStinson Plumbing

Atmos EnergyTown Square RealtyBrasscraft-Lancaster

BRONZE PARTNERSProfile Commercial Properties

Bentwood CompanyRegions Bank

Kwik Kopy DigiprintHealthspace

ServPro NW & SE

lancaster chamber newsletter march 2012

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