Mission Statement “It is the mission of the Rowlett Chamber of Commerce to represent the business community, promote economic well-being and quality of life.”

Chamber Board of Directors

Mark Garcia, Chairman BB&T

Nancy DeVelde Coldwell Banker Apex

Becky Encinia Chick-fil-A of Rowlett

James Fowler, DC First Step Chiropractic

Larry Glick Individual

Sheila Hair My Computer Guy

Kevin Lawson, CPA Lawson & Company CPAs, LLC

Staci Mauldin, EA Lakeside Tax & Bookkeeping

Greg Mitchell The Mitchell Law Firm. LP

Mat Morris Capital One Bank

Kevin Parker Parker Family Chiropractic, PA

Jeff Patterson Lake Pointe Medical Center

Sherri Perkins Garland ISD / Herfurthy Elementary

Robbie Ryan The Ryan Insurance Agency

Craig Schill Lake Cities Community Church

Lori McKelroy, DVM Four Paws Animal Hospital Carol Wallace Individual

Barry Young Oncor

Scott A. Airitam - Past Chair Scott Airitam’s Leadership Systems, LLC

Vernon Schrade - Chairman Emeritus Schrade Properties

The Correspondent Rowlett Chamber of Commerce

Monthly Newsletter ~ November 2010

Chamber Staff

Lisa Ferrell, IOM President Carol Prano Membership Services

Louise Brown Program Coordinator

Rowlett Chamber of Commerce

Office Address 3910 Main Street Rowlett, TX 75088

Mailing Address P.O. Box 610 Rowlett , TX 75030-0610 Ph. 972/ 475-3200 FAX 972/ 463-1699

email: rowlett_chamber@ rowlettchamber.com

Web Site: www.rowlettchamber.com

MONTHLY MEMBERSHIP LUNCHEON “LEGISLATIVE PREVIEW”

Speaker: State Senator Bob Deuell, State Representative Jodie Laubenberg, & State Representative Joe Driver Host: Verizon

Join us on November 10th at the Rowlett Community Centre - 5300 Main Street

Food Service begins at 11:30am P Come early and network P Guests are always welcome Bring brochures & promotional items for the Information Table.

Reservations should be made before Friday, November 5th

Please be aware that if you make a reservation and do not attend, you will still be invoiced for the lunch.

You must cancel by Noon on the Tuesday before the luncheon in order not to be invoiced. Note Change: Program cost to attend which includes meal is $15.00 for Chamber Members and $20.00 for Non-Members Remember when you make a reservation food is purchased. When you don’t show up, it costs the Chamber.

Call 972-475-3200 or email Carol Prano at carolprano@rowlettchamber.com to RSVP or go online at www.rowlettchamber.com & click on monthly events calendar.

Host Company:

To the membership ... Does this scenario sound familiar? You get to a networking event with a full stack of business cards and a huge smile on your face. You’re ready to meet new people and find potential new clients. You walk up to the first person you see, introduce yourself and give a firm handshake. Then all of sudden you realize the other person said their name and company and you were so busy thinking of the next thing you were going to say that you didn’t catch it. Your mind is racing with how to transition to your sales pitch so you can hand over your business card and hopefully get a new customer or referral. Most people who attend networking events don’t know how to use them effectively to bolster their business. Over the years of attending numerous networking events and observing successful business people, I have a few suggestions for building a large network and cultivating key contacts. Expectation: Instead of focusing on new clients and expecting that you will receive business from each networking event you attend, consider making new connections (rather than customers) and building relationships with people. Not everyone you meet will need your product or service right away, but at some point they might or they may know a potential customer. Learn more about the person you are speaking with – ask more questions and find out what their needs are rather than trying to sell yourself. The saying “you get what you give” is very true. Practice being valuable to other people and you will begin seeing how much you will receive in return. Be Prepared: Before entering a networking event, think through what you want to say about yourself. Remember that less is actually more. It’s beneficial to answer these questions before walking into the event. What does your ideal client look like? What are you looking for in a strategic partner? Can you explain your business in 30 seconds or less? Follow-up: Don’t just leave your acquired stack of business cards in your brief case or desk. Periodically touch base and see how your contacts are doing. If at all possible, send referrals their way. There are so many ways to stay in communication so use them! Phone, email, social networking sites like LinkedIn or Facebook are all great ways to stay in touch with new people you have met. Building your network is like gardening. You plants seeds and then work to water them and cultivate them so they will grow and bloom. Then you will be able to reap the benefits of what you have sown. Sincerely, Lisa Ferrell Rowlett Chamber President.

Welcome

New Members 09/23/10 - 10/22/10

Add these new members to your Business Directory.

Thank You for your investment in Rowlett & the Chamber of Commerce.

At Home Healthcare 7600 Lakeview Pkwy., Ste. 100 Rowlett, TX 75088 972-412-2361 Contacts: Tricia Harty, PR Coordinator Home Health Care

Best Western Plus Rockwall Inn & Suites 996 East I-30 Rockwall, TX 75087 972-722-3265 Contacts: Himmat Chauhan, General Manager Hotels / Motels

Black-Eyed Pea Restaurant 2861 Ridge Rd. 101 Rockwall, TX 75087 972-772-9388 Contacts: Vicky Scott, Store Manager Restaurants & Eateries

Christian Companion Senior Care 7113 Lakeview Pkwy. Rowlett, TX 75088 972-572-5700 Contacts: Ronnie Howell, Managing Partner Senior Assistance

Fuzzy’s Taco Shop 3801 Lakeview Pkwy., Ste. 700 Rowlett, TX 75088 972-412-8226 Contacts: Damon Benedetto, General Manager Restaurants & Eateries

Sign Guy DFW, Inc. 2814 Main St., Ste. 300 Rowlett, TX 75088 972-463-5500 Contacts: Herman Lockart, Owner Signs

Renewals 09/23/10 - 10/22/10

Happy Anniversary to these members. Their investment in the Rowlett Chamber has recently been renewed. Thank you for your vote of confidence.

28 Years Kneggs Electric

27 Years Cunningham Insurance Agency, Inc. Main Street Dental Care

26 Years Gleco Plating, Inc.

19 Years Baylor Medical Center at Garland

17 Years Lone Star Self Storage

11 Years Itani Dental Laboratory, Inc.

10 Years & Under ADT Security Services (7 yrs) Chick-fil-A (4 yrs) Culligan (4 yrs)

Renewals Continue

10 Years & Under Dermatology Center of Rockwall (4 yrs) Gordon Properties (5 yrs) John E. Mitchell, CPA, PC (6 yrs) L & J Fast Lube, Inc. (9 yrs) Lakestone Termite and Pest Control (9 yrs) Lakeview Power Equipment (1 yr) Leonard & Son (5 yrs) Open Imaging of Rockwall (3 Yrs) Sail with Scott, LLC (2 yrs) Scott Airitam’s Leadership Systems, LLC (6 yrs) The Costlow Insurance Group, Inc. (9 yrs)

Thank you to everyone who made this year’s Taste & Trade

of Rowlett a success!!

To All our Vendors & All our Volunteers!

Special thanks to the event Trade Sponsor:

The Chamber of Commerce Golf Classic - Overwhelming Success!

The Chamber would like to thank all the Sponsors, Golfers, and Volunteers!

Your support made this year's tournament an overwhelming success! This annual event contributes greatly to the Chamber’s efforts on projects and programs of importance to area businesses and this community. As we work together, Rowlett’s business community continues to grow.

Butler Plumbing Co. Oncor Community Bank - Rowlett Rowlett Dental Associates Covington's Nursery & Landscape Co. Scott Airitam's Leadership Systems, LLC H & S Manufacturing Co. Sprint / Nextstar Communications Joe Driver, State Representative Sunrise Home Health Mike Oliver, CPA The Mitchell Law Firm, L.P. My Computer Guy Rest Haven Funeral Home - Rowlett Rest Haven Memorial Park DDS Heritage Dental Group of Rockwall, Dr. Cheryl Nicoli

Pamela K. Bell Coldwell Banker Apex Realtors

Staci A. Mauldin Lakeside Tax & Bookkeeping

Scott J. Brittell Computer Network Services, Inc.

Ray Merrill Garland ISD

Jackie M. Cox Lake Pointe Medical Center

Mark A. Miller Allied Computer Services

Tammy S. Dana-Bashian

Carol A. Prano Rowlett Chamber of Commerce

Jan Davis First Rowlett United Methodist Church

Chris E. Sutton BB&T / Branch Banking & Trust

Dick Demien IESI

Cyndi S. Underwood Rowlett Smiles

Patrick R. Jackson Emrick Services, Inc.

Craig D. Watson Rowlett Police Department

Tony R. Martinez Rowlett Fire Rescue

Amy L. Wiggins My Computer Guy

Leadership Class XX Announced ~ Congratulations to the Class of 2011

Lisa Ferrell Rowlett Chamber of

Commerce Advisor

Pam Liston Liston Law Firm

Advisor

Donna Huerta City of Rowlett

Advisor

Dr. Kevin Parker Parker Family

Chiropractic, PA Advisor

Drew Howard H & S Manufacturing

Company Advisor

Robbie Ryan Ryan Insurance

Advisor

Leadership Rowlett Development Team

David Watlington Legacy Partners, US

Team Leader & Facilitator

BIRDIE SPONSORS: Baylor Medical Center at Garland

Jordan's Car Care Center Lawn & Landscape Management

Milestone Electric, LLC Netera Network Integrations, LLC

INTERACTIVE HOLE SPONSORS:

Austin Bridge & Road Lawson & Co CPAs

ACE SPONSOR:

HOLE SPONSORS:

1st Place Team Tim Karlen Greg Paschall Rod Kraft TK Lawless

2nd Place Team Michael Smith Todd Walker Joey Mactal

3rd Place Team Jimmy Smith Tim Fiene Keith McDonald Dennis Hermes

Congratulations to the Winning Teams!

Please Mark Your Calendar For The Following

November

Wed. Nov. 3 8:00 am Ambassadors Meet at the Chamber Office Scheduled Ribbon Cuttings: Christian Companion Senior Care Thurs. Nov. 4 8:00 am - 9:00 am “Make A Connection” Networking Event ~ Next events: 11th & 18th Tues. Nov. 9 11:30 am Ribbon Cutting - At Home Healthcare @ 7600 Lakeview Pkwy., Ste. 100 Wed. Nov. 10 11:30 am Monthly Membership Luncheon @ Community Centre - 5300 Main St. Fri. Nov. 12 NOON Small Business Network Luncheon at Kyoto’s Tues. Nov. 16 8:00 am Board of Directors Meeting Tues. Nov. 16 11:30 am Business of the Month - Wing Aero Products, Inc. @ 5009 Martin Dr. Fri. Nov. 19 5:30 pm - 7:00 pm Friday Night Live @ Chambrel at Club Hill - 1245 Colonel Dr. in Garland Thurs. Nov. 25 - Nov. 26 Happy Holidays ~ Chamber Office Closed Nov. 25th & Nov. 26

December

Wed. Dec. 1 8:00 am Ambassadors Meet at the Chamber Office Thurs. Dec. 2 8:00 am - 9:00 am “Make A Connection” Networking Event ~ Next events: 9th &16th

Thurs. Dec. 2 5:30 pm - 7:00 pm Business After Hours @ Community Bank @ 5900 Rowlett Road Fri. Dec. 3 NOON Business Bites @ Chamber Conference Room Wed. Dec. 8 11:30 am Monthly Membership Luncheon @ Community Centre - 5300 Main St. Fri. Dec. 10 NOON Small Business Network Luncheon at Kyoto’s Fri. Dec. 10 5:30 pm - 7:00 pm Friday Night Live @ My Computer Guy - @ 2310 Ridge Rd., Ste. C Fri. Dec. 24 - Dec. 31 Happy Holidays ~ Chamber Office Closed Dec. 24th thru Dec. 31st

Credit report errors?  What is your credit score costing you?  Who’s inquiring on your report?  Disputes vs. Auditing  How does the Credit Restoration Process work?

BUSINESS BITES Educational Opportunity!

When: Friday, December 3rd at 12:00 noon Where: 3910 Main Street (Chamber Conference Room) Cost: $10.00 Program cost to attend includes a boxed lunch for Chamber Members & $15.00 for Non-Members

Speaker: Kim Danna with RMCN Credit Services, Inc.

Topic: Your Credit is Your Future - Don’t Let Bad Credit Affect Your Business

Space is Limited so Make Your Reservation ~ RSVP Required (972) 475-3200 or email: carolprano@rowlettchamber.com

YOU MUST BE PRESENT TO WIN Ready for a vacation? You increase your chances of winning a $2,500 vacation by attending Rowlett Chamber of Commerce events. Milestone Electric is sponsoring a "You Must be Present to Win" contest throughout the year. At each Chamber event a drawing from the Chamber Members present will take place. Whoever wins is entered into a large drawing for a vacation valued at $2,500 at the Annual Chamber Awards and Gala. This month's winners include:

Sponsored By:

Mary Grace Community Bank - Rowlett

Pam Minatrea Texas Family Insurance Agency

Kim Nguyen Dry Clean USA

Robert van Bloemendaal Travel Leaders

Sheila Hair My Computer Guy

Greg Mitchell The Mitchell Law Firm, LP

Diane Porter Weight Off for Life

James Williams Edward Jones Investments

Wing Aero Products, Inc.

John Wing, President

5009 Martin Drive Rowlett, TX 75088

972-463-6080 http://www.wingaero.com

Presentation of the plaque will be at 11:30 am on

Tuesday, November 16th

Business of the Month November 2010

Open House & Business After Hours

Thursday, December 2nd 5:30 - 7:00 p.m.

Hosted by:

Community Bank - Rowlett 5900 Rowlett Rd.

See FLYER Inside for DETAILS!

Friday Night Live

Friday, November 19th 5:30 - 7:00 p.m.

Hosted by:

Chambrell at Club Hill 1245 Colonel Dr.

Garland, TX 75043

Friday Night Live

Friday, December 10th 5:30 - 7:00 p.m.

Hosted by:

My Computer Guy, Business Directories of

Texas, & Weight Off For Life

November ~ The Month For Giving!

Help The Chamber Help Those In Need!

The Chamber will be collecting canned goods thru the Month of November to benefit the Rowlett Needy Children’s Fund and Rowlett’s very own food bank at First Christian Church. Please bring your canned goods to the Chamber office or bring your items to the November 10th Membership Luncheon.

Happy Thanksgiving! The Chamber Office will be Closed

November 25th & 26th

City Council meetings are held on the 1st & 3rd Tuesday - 7:30 pm

P & Z meetings are held on the 2nd & 4th Tuesday - 7:00 pm

City of Rowlett Television Network RTN 16 Video on Demand

Work Sessions are telecast at 7:00 pm on Wed. & Fri./ Sat. 12:30 pm

Ambassador of the Month

September

Bari Woolley

First Step Chiropractic

Rowlett Chamber of Commerce

P.O. Box 610, Rowlett, TX 75030-0610 PRSRT STD US POSTAGE

PAID PERMIT 242

ROWLETT TX

Chamber Ambassadors

Rowlettchamberchatter's Blog

Connecting the Rowlett Business Community

The strength of a Chamber of Commerce has always been in its members. The amount of expertise, knowledge, and experience spanning a diverse group of businesses creates a powerful organization. With our new blog, members can easily post comments and communicate with one another sharing information, knowledge, tips and resources.

Please visit the Rowlett Chamber Chatter and let’s start chatting!

http://rowlettchamberchatter.wordpress.com

Chair Cliff Hand - Marketing Specific, Inc.

Shaun Acker - State Farm Ins. / Kathy Robinson Mike Adams - Automated Interiors Pam Bell - Coldwell Banker Apex Eric Boon - Lake Pointe Medical Center Kim Danna - RMCN Credit Service, Inc. Nancy DeVelde - Coldwell Banker Apex Debbie Dooley - Business Directories of Texas Suzan Fulton - ACTOR Michael Gallops - Individual Mary Grace - Community Bank - Rowlett Fernando Gutierrez - State Farm Insurance Mindy Harris - American National Bank Grace Haupert - New York Life Insurance Kevin Lawson - Lawson & Co. CPA’s Tracey Lively - Lively Printing Staci Mauldin - Lakeside Tax & Bookkeeping Jan May - Marketing Specific, Inc. Kenneth McKelroy - Edward Jones Investments Pam Minatrea - Texas Family Insurance Agency Mat Morris - Capital One Bank Kim Nguyen - Dry Clean USA Felipe Resendiz - Williams Funeral Directors Kathy Robinson - State Farm Insurance Robbie Ryan - The Ryan Insurance Agency Becky Sebastian - Rep. Senator Bob Deuell’s Office Robbert van Bloemendaal - Travel Leaders Teresa Wallack - BIS - Health Insurance Amy Wiggins - My Computer Guy James Williams - Edward Jones Investments Bari Woolley - First Step Chiropractic

972-772-3269 www.flower-box.com

3701 Rowlett Road

Rowlett, TX 75088 972-412-5195

www.resthavenfuneral.com

“Service That Exceeds Expectation” TFSC Lic. #2169

Your Business Ad Needs to be here!

DO NOT MISS OUT!

Phone: 972-475-3200 Fax: 972-463-1699

Business Ad runs for 3 months or longer.

Call or go online to see Ad Agreements. www.rowlettchamber.com - Under Membership Info

3 Month Rate $120.00 (Subject to change without notice)