Board of Director’s Meeting
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
8:00 a.m.
MISSION STATEMENT: The Plano Chamber of Commerce provides resources to maximize
business performance through advocacy, education and networking.
MINUTES
PRESENT: Jeff Canose, Joe Dwyer, Mary Jo Hoch, Olin Jaye, Tom Keys, Tammy
McSwain, Kim Moore, Kelly Palmer, Michael Rhee, Jamie Schell, Scott
Shanes, Shelley Strickland, Camille Ussery, Terry Woods
ABSENT: Chris Darling, Gray Mayes, Joel Mussat, Curtis Wade
GUESTS: Peter Krause
STAFF: Lindsey Kleinhans, Buzz Kolbe, Sue Rackers, Gina Reno, Brad Shanklin,
Adrienne Simmons, Joe Skibbie
CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order at 8:00 a.m. by Jamie Schell
MINUTES
A motion was made by Olin Jaye, seconded by Mary Jo Hoch, and passed to accept the
minutes of the December 17, 2008 Board of Directors meeting.
Jamie thanked Scott Shanes for his leadership this past year for serving as the Chairman of the
Board for the Plano Chamber of Commerce.
ADVOCACY
Public Policy –Olin reported that plans are going very well for the Collin County Days event to
be held in Austin on February 9th and 10th. He reported that online registration is available for
those wanting to attend. He encouraged all Board members to attend this event. Jamie also
stated the legislative brochure was mailed out to all members regarding Collin County Days, and
he reminded everyone that there is still time to sign up for the event.
The Public Policy committee is planning to have a post Legislative wrap-up in July with our four
representatives and senator to give an overview of the current legislative session.
YPP – The focus this year will be on membership. The committee will be doing membership
recruitment, forming and developing a Professional Development committee, and planning a Get
On Board event. Also, on January 22 from 6 – 8 pm the YPP joint event with the Plano, Dallas,
Richardson, McKinney and Garland Chamber‟s Young Professionals will be kicking off the new
year Mardi Gras style at the Brookhaven Country Club.
BUGPAC – The Political Action Committee fundraiser is being planned this first quarter and
continual discussions are ongoing concerning Shop Plano First.
Jamie reminded the Board that in February we will discuss the BUGPAC financials.
EDUCATION
Leadership Plano - Shelley Strickland reported that last month‟s event was on education, and
she gave an overview of the day‟s activities for the Leadership Plano participants. The
evaluation for this event was 4.47. The LP committee is focusing on obtaining four additional
sponsors for graduation. She reported the DLA (Distinguished Leadership Award) reception will
be held at the Courtyard Theatre on April 22nd from 5:30 – 7:00 pm. The Class 26 evening
graduation will be held at Reflections on Spring Creek on May 28th.
Buzz reported the North Texas Leadership Conference will be held on February 12th at Garland
ISD Special Events Center. The name of the conference will be “Celebrating What‟s Right with
the World”. Buzz reported this would be an outstanding event and encouraged all Board
members to attend, advocate and promote this worthwhile, inspirational event.
Buzz reported the North Texas Commission is in the process of establishing a North Texas
Leadership Program. It is for graduates of the Leadership Program within the Dallas/Ft. Worth
area. Buzz is meeting with them to develop their curriculum program which will kickoff in
September, 2009.
The Community Leadership Association annual conference for all Leadership Programs in Texas
is being held in Fort Worth for a one day event on April 23, 2010. Buzz reported the LP Board
is looking into ten curriculum sessions for Class 27.
Women’s Division – Kim Moore reported she is very excited about the attendance at the
Women‟s Division Luncheons. Last month we had over 90 people in attendance. She explained
some of the changes and concerns for Women‟s Division this year such as increasing attendance,
assigning tables for the participants, giving more time for networking and spending five to six
minutes before the program networking with the people that are gathered together at each table at
the Luncheon. The theme this year is “Make A Difference”. For the next meeting they have
encouraged all participants to bring a handbag with the donations going to Attitudes and Attire.
In April there is an event planned at the Legacy Book Store with a cooking demonstration and
cookbook signing. Next month‟s program will be Make Yourself Matter – Become Your Own
Best Asset with Carl Youngberg as the speaker.
Business Development – Buzz stated the focus of the Business Development committee is to
host the Success In Business workshops on a monthly basis. These brown bag luncheons are
held on the fourth Wednesday of every month. They have nine topics that are ready to be put in
place for this year‟s workshops. The committee will be offering a free three minute member
spotlight whereby a name will be drawn at the previous month‟s workshop. The first of these
sessions will be held January 25th from 11:30 – 1:00 at the Plano Chamber.
NETWORKING
Jamie recognized Mary Jo Hoch as the new Board chair for Networking for this year and she
reported the Business After Hours (BAH) attendance has been consistent with approximately 140
people attending the last event. Business Interchange (BI) has 80-100 attendees every Friday
morning. She encouraged all the Board members to show support, be more visible, and get more
involved in some of these activities of the Chamber. She passed around a Networking schedule
suggesting every Board member sign up to commit to attend one or more of these networking
events.
Gina reported we are booked through the end of June for the five minute commercials at BI.
BAH sponsorships are booked through May. The next BAH will be held at Heritage Manor
Healthcare Center on February 19th. Plans are underway for the 63rd annual State of the
Chamber and Member Showcase being held on Friday, January 23rd at the Plano Centre. We
currently have 350 reservations for the luncheon and 68 booths secured.
The Citizen of the Year committee is working on obtaining a speaker for this event.
Plans are underway for the Golf Tournament.
Plans are also underway for the Texas Hold „Em Tournament. Gina reported she is hoping to
secure Cavender‟s as a sponsor for this event.
MEMBERSHIP
Jamie recognized Camille Ussery as the new Board chair for Membership for this year and stated
the committee is in the planning stages of forming their committee and will report at the next
meeting.
Brad pointed out that in the packet was a 60 and 90 day report for past due members that are
beyond their renewal date. He passed around a master sheet for Board members to commit to
and asked them to contact several members as an opportunity to touch base with some of our
members. Brad also distributed a list of new members and encouraged the Board to contact any
of these new members welcoming them to the Chamber. Our intention is to reach out to our
members and let them know we care. Brad presented a month by month progression of the
process of sending our members letters and invoices to join or renew their membership.
He explained that with the economy the way it is, joining the Plano Chamber of Commerce is a
great investment. Brad will send Board members “talking points” so when a Board member
contacts a Plano Chamber member they will be familiar with what to say to our Chamber
members.
Jamie reported he will detail our insurance coverage for Board members at the February 25th
Board meeting.
After a break the Board broke into an Executive Session.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:50 a.m.
Recorded by: Submitted by:
Sue Rackers Brad Shanklin