State constitutional amendments on November ballot
Be sure to make your voice heard during the Nov. 2 elections. Expect several state constitutional amendments are up for your vote. Here is a recap from the Texas Secretary of State: Proposition 1 (HJR 143) "The constitutional amendment authorizing the professional sports team charitable foundations of organizations sanctioned by the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association or the Women's Professional Rodeo Association to conduct charitable raffles at rodeo venues."Proposition 2 (HJR 99) "The
IQ Innovation District update
Construction begins on new innovation district hub Construction on the 27,500-square-foot IQ-HQ at 1302 E. Collins has begun with an estimated completion date (weather permitting) of March 2022. When complete, the UT Dallas Venture Development Center and Center for Emergent Novel Technology, including five research centers, will occupy 10,000 square feet of the building. Approximately 3,000 square feet will be dedicated for programs, networking and event space that will attract entrepreneurial and startup
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Chamber hosts hybrid Health and Wellness Expo
The Richardson Chamber of Commerce is holding its annual Health and Wellness Expo Friday, Nov. 5, 10 am-1 pm. The emcee will be the popular host Zoe Frost from Celebration Magazine. The free hybrid event informs consumers about products and services available from Chamber members that encourage good health and fitness, increase mobility, address special needs care, nutritional insight, and insurance options. Booths will be set up both inside and outside of new location Hexa Coworking at 2100 N. Greenville
Workforce Champion award to recognize education efforts
Nominate a business or business leader who has provided significant support for education or workforce initiatives that advance the chamber's workforce goals. The project can be involved in Richardson ISD, Plano ISD, Dallas College-Richland, Collin College, UT Dallas, though other institutions will be considered. Nominations should articulate the project's impact in students gaining training and jobs, particularly innovative solutions. The nominate doesn't have to be a member of the chamber, though extra
Government should work with the private sector to close Dallas' digital divide
from Dallas Business Journalby Bill Sproull, CEO of the Richardson Chamber of Commerce The city of Dallas and Dallas Independent School District (DISD) are considering a set of recommendations to bridge the digital divide made even more apparent and urgent by the COVID-19 pandemic. I applaud the city and school district’s focus on increasing access to affordable internet connections and expanding the adoption of high-speed service through education. I have concerns, however, with the recommendation to
Mayor's Summer Intern Program wraps up successful summer
Richardson Mayor Paul Voelker and RISD Superintendent Dr. Jeannie Stone celebrated the Richardson Mayor’s Summer Internship Program at an end-of-summer celebration at the Eisemann Center for the Performing Arts. They were joined by dozens of interns, employers, elected officials and sponsors along with five interns who shared their testimonials -- Zoe Walker, Hilal Salahudeen, Allegria Manganiello, Jaelin Booker and Tasmuna Omar. During the event, Mayor Voelker and Dr. Stone reported the following
Como Motel: chamber's oldest member
Anyone in the lodging industry knows there are a million stories to tell, says Judy Cash, long-time owner of the Como Hotel, the chamber’s oldest continuous member.To Judy, the stories focus on fond memories of some of the original owners and watching them help residents and travelers alike.“The motel has been in the family since Bob and Margaret Cheatham bought it in 1956. It was originally owned by a man named Cole who built the Como. Bob took the 12-room motel and expanded it to 35 rooms,” she said. “In
Golf Classic sold out on golfer spots
The Richardson Chamber Golf Classic is here! One of the chamber’s largest events, this year’s tournament, will include an outdoor networking happy hour and awards ceremony along with tournament and skill contest prizes. Golfers will connect with current and potential clients, suppliers and business and community leaders Sept. 28 at Canyon Creek Country Club. President Club member Ryan LLC is the signature sponsor. Other sponsors are: Fobare, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas, Digital Realty, Methodist
Member profile: Ryan LLC
Ryan, an award-winning global tax services and software provider, is the largest firm in the world dedicated exclusively to business taxes. Ryan is this year's signature sponsor.With global headquarters in Dallas, the firm provides an integrated suite of federal, state, local and international tax services on a multi-jurisdictional basis, including tax recovery, consulting, advocacy, compliance and technology services. Ryan is a five-time recipient of the International Service Excellence Award from the
Network of Community Ministries is moving to larger space
Network of Community Ministries is moving to larger space After serving Richardson families for more than 20 years at its current location, the Network of Community Ministries is moving to a much larger space and expects to be fully operational on Sept. 7. Until the move is complete, the Network has new changes to its food and clothing distribution and donation drop-offs. Check the website for the latest information. all food and clothing donations are now accepted at our new location at 1500
Global Development Initiative begins new class
The Global Development Initiative, organized by the Mayor's Office of International Business and through at the University of Texas at Dallas, continues to grow. About 30 UTD undergrad students this fall will help several international companies learn more about doing business in Richardson. This is double the previous enrollment. The program is sponsored by the Mayor’s Office of International Business and the Jindal School of Management's Global Development Initiative at the University of Texas at
Leadership Richardson Class 36 graduates; Class 37 begins
Class 37, destined to be the best class ever, kicks off with 42 members eager to enhance their personal and organizational leadership skills, learn what makes a successful community and figure out how they can make a difference.Programs like Leadership Richardson are conducted throughout the country, in large cities and small towns. It has become a proving ground for developing the next generation of community leaders. More than 1,200 participants have graduated from Richardson’s program. Alumni include
Staff profile: Keshav Vasanth
Staff profile: Keshav Vasanth – Plano East Senior High We wish a fond farewell to Keshav Vasanth, who interned at the chamber through the Richardson Mayor’s Summer Internship Program.Keshav created the video for the Tech Titans golf sponsors(where he got a head start on car driving by playing chauffeur in a golf cart). Can we say over-achiever? Keshav is a senior at the IB World School at the Plano East Senior High School. He has participated in the global non-profit Destination Imagination program
Accountability Index of the 87th Texas Legislature
As a member of the North Texas Regional Chamber Coalition, the Richardson Chamber shares the Accountability Index of the 87th Regular Legislative Session. As a coalition dedicated to advancing the vibrancy of the North Texas region, it is essential to communicate with members and other regional stakeholders as to how this critical legislative session concluded. The Accountability Index is comprised of 17 recorded votes taken in one or both chambers. Records are based on the last recorded vote in the House
In a rough year for many businesses, there was good economic news in Richardson
From the Dallas Morning News The Richardson Chamber of Commerce is touting some of 2020′s biggest economic developments following the recognition of a city partnership dedicated to promoting business growth. The Richardson Economic Development Partnership was accredited for another four years by the International Economic Development Council, a nonprofit that describes itself as the largest of its kind dedicated to economic developers promoting their respective communities. The recognition came in a
Richardson’s Innovation Quarter—aka The IQ—Is Making Big Moves as a Living Lab and Nerve Center
With five new UT Dallas research centers, an extension of the university's Venture Development Center, and new attractions like TheLab makerspace, The IQ may just realize Richardson's vision to be "the premier tech hub in Texas." It takes brains to win big with innovation. But the city of Richardson is doing just that—by growing its IQ to all new heights. Last week, stakeholders in the city’s Innovation Quarter gathered to hear about major moves in the district “where big ideas and groundbreaking
How North Texas Can Become a Top-Ranked National Technology Innovation Hub
The U.S. Innovation and Competition Act, which passed in May, has the power to develop 20 tech hubs throughout the United States. According to Tech Titans' CEO Bill Sproull, Dallas-Fort Worth could be a strong contender for one of those spots. With North Texas’ rapidly developing landscape of innovation ecosystems and the global connectivity we already have in place, we have become one of the nation’s leading technology hubs, joining the ranks of long-established and globally recognized urban innovation
Legislative update: 6/15/21
Can’t get enough of Texas politics? If you want a thorough recap of what happened in Austin during the 87th Texas Legislative Session, watch this recap. Bill Sproull, CEO of the Richardson Chamber and Tech Titans, leads a lively discussion on what happened – and what didn’t – during one of the strangest sessions in memory with Drew Campbell, president of Capitol Insights and Chris Wallace, president and CEO of the North Texas Commission. The Texas Tribune keeps a list of bills passed, failed and/or sent
Legislative update: 6/1/21
87th Texas Legislature wrap-up Oh, where to begin…. The session ended with lots of drama as promised. Not only were there partisan politics, but there was lots of bickering between the three State leaders, all Republican. As several top priorities of the Governor, Lt. Governor and Speaker of the House were not approved, expect at least one special session in the coming months. Oh yea, and they still have to tackle redistricting. SB 7: House Democrats effectively killed the “election integrity” bill
Legislative update:
87th Texas Legislature5/21/21 Ten days to go. Remember there were more than 7,000 bills filed in this session? In the “why didn’t I find this page 130 days ago? category”, the Texas Tribune lists the statuses of all the key bills still active in the 87th Legislature. Yes, there are adults in the room. The Texas House will break for two days in an apparent effort to force the Senate to vote on several bipartisan criminal justice and health care bills, reported the Dallas Morning News. With tensions rising
Legislative Update: 5/7/2021
87th Texas Legislature Austin It’s a very busy work week in Austin as the clock ticks down to sine die on May 31. Texas civics lesson: The legislature has entered the final month of the regular session. This marks the last week House committees will hear House bills although several committees have already shifted their focus to taking up Senate bills. Through last Friday, a total of five House and Senate bills had been sent to Governor Greg Abbott for consideration although multiple resolutions have also
Legislative update: 4/23/21
The biggest action to come out of Austin this week was the marathon debate in the House of SB 1, the Senate’s proposed two-year budget as amended by the House Appropriations Committee.More than 240 amendments to the bill were proposed, some adopted, and many put in a holding place for unfunded by desired expenditures. In the end, the $246.8 billion budget as amended was approved unanimously and sent back to the Senate.Despite strong support from the business community, an amendment focused on expanding
Legislative update: 4/16/21
4/16/21 AustinOnly seven weeks remain in the 87th Texas Legislature. Lawmakers are working Fridays and even some weekends to pass legislation before the clock runs out May 31. By law, the legislators must pass the state budget for 2022-23 before adjourning.Last week, SB 1, the upper chamber’s $250 billion budget, was approved, sent to the House, which referred it to the House Appropriations Committee. After a hearing, it was voted out and has been placed on the House calendar for debate on Thursday April
4/9/21 Legislative Update
4/9/21 Austin On behalf of the Richardson Chamber, CEO Bill Sproull submitted written testimony opposing HB 4378, which would create high-priced electric generation capacity markets in Texas. This bill would require the Public Utility Commission to overlay a capacity market on top of the current energy only market construct. If enacted this would result in paying market clearing prices (highest bid price for that day paid to all generators) as well as a new administratively required energy tax payment to
4/2/21 Legislative update
Austin SB7 was passed by the Texas Senate late this week. The “election integrity” bill would limit early voting hours, restrict the amount of voting machines available at countywide polling places and take power over election administration away from local officials. The bill moves to the Texas House. In that chamber, public testimony regarding HB6 was postponed due to parliamentary errors by committee chair Rep. Briscoe Cain of Deer Park. HB 3781 has been referred to the House Human Services Committee.
Legislative update: 3/26/2021
3/26/21 Austin Spring has arrived and we’re half-way through the 87th session of the Texas Legislature. But legislators are not forgetting the weather-related power outages last month. The House will debate a series of PUC/ERCOT bills next Tuesday. The House State Affairs Committee last week approved a slate of bills: One bill would order the Public Utility Commission to adopt rules requiring power generators “to prepare generation facilities to provide adequate electric generation service during an
Chairman profile: Eric Peltier, Prosperity Bank
The chamber’s new chairman, Eric Peltier, is a textbook example of how to succeed in business through the chamber. He started out by participating and then leading in Richardson Young Professionals, migrated to Leadership Richardson (Class 26), then joined the chamber’s advisory board, became involved in more committees, joined the official board and now is chairman. As a banker, Eric knows all about the benefits of investing. “The more that I put time into the chamber and have actually a meaningful
Annual meeting shines light on 75th anniversary and community development
More than 250 people tuned in to hear Chamber CEO Bill Sproull interview Mark Cuban during the 2021 Annual Meeting, sponsored by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas. Attendees used the Chamber’s new on-line presentation and networking tool, Remo, to chat with virtual table-mates.Bill and Mark chatted on the virtual Shark Tank set about Mark’s business successes from a kid selling garbage bags to billionaire Dallas Mavericks owner….and dozens of large and small businesses in between. Chair Stan Bradshaw said,
Ecodev: mayor's lunches and economic gardening
Retention and expansion of local companies is one of the most important objectives in economic development.Statistically, about 75% of all the new jobs in a community are created by local businesses. In Richardson, REDP uses a three‐legged approach to retention: an annual online survey, 1‐on‐1 visitations (replaced in recent times by Zoom calls) and monthly mayor’s lunches (also replaced temporarily by Zoom calls). The later program is an effort to acquaint the local company not only with local resources
Chamber updates March
The chamber has formed a committee to evaluate the strategic priorities and mission of the chamber. The results of their work will be incorporated into the chamber’s application for reaccreditation. Every five years the health and leadership of the chamber is evaluated by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. The goal is to submit by the August 31 deadline. Another committee has been formed by Chairman Eric Peltier targeting a strategic and foundational effort by the chamber for diversity, equity and inclusion
RISD update and bond information
Richardson ISD: Teachers have received their first vaccine. Students could remove masks according to TEA, but the RISD board ruled to still have masks for rest of year. They are valuating distance needed according to CDC guidelines. Students are 68% face to face (the rest virtual). Texas is unusual in the amount who have remained in-person instruction. RISD $750 million bond proposal--supported by the Richardson Chamber board in vote Based on the recommendations of a community bond steering committee,
Richardson's first woman president in 1976
1976Apple Computer was formed by Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak. The Eagles release Hotel California. The median household income was $16K and gallon of gas was $.59.Jimmy Carter was elected president of the US, and Frances Powell was chosen president of the Richardson Chamber. The first woman.Mrs. Powell, a realtor owning Frances Powell’s Gallery of Homes with offices in Richardson, in Dallas on Coit and in Plano on 15th street, had long been a leader in the chamber. She was a member of local, state, and
Member profile: Go Gourmet Catering
Is there no better greeting to a meeting than the aroma of award-winning lasagna bolognaise? Executive Chef Stephen Martin and his wife, Amy, serve that and just about anything else you could imagine through their full-service company, Go Gourmet Catering. For more than 20 years, the pair has served weddings, training breakfasts, Fortune 500 events and intimate parties. They’ve adapted to COVID-19 precautions with individually packed meals, social distancing and masked servers. "The cuisine we create
Public policy and legislative updates
Public policy and legislative updatesLegislative decisions being made today in Austin and Washington, D.C., that will affect your business tomorrow. One of the major responsibilities of the chamber is representing members to work within the policy process for pro-business results.There’s a long list of public policy activities this spring:Washington D.C. Fly-in April 27-28Austin Fly-in (completed)Legislative updatesLocal electionsCity Council Candidate Forum -- April 14RISD $750 million bond proposalCity
Federal stimulus includes business tax breaks
Federal stimulus includes business tax breaksMany of us have received our personal stimulus checks from the $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan Act.In addition, the ARPA includes several tax breaks and financial benefits for businesses.Here are some of the tax highlights of the ARPAoffered by chamber member Bland Garvey Accountants and Consultants:The Employee Retention Credit (ERC). This valuable tax credit is extended from June 30 until Dec. 31, 2021. The ARPA continues the ERC rate of credit at 70% for
Governor launches Small Business Resource Portal
TheSmall Business Resource Portal offers a customized list of useful business resources to assist in starting or growing a business in Texas. National resources are available at the Small Business Administration.The portal is easy to access and use—simply answer five short questions to generate a tailored resource list.Types of information included in the portal:Federal, state and local resourcesBusiness advice and growth assistanceFunding sourcesAdditional specific resources Access the Small Business
Richardson business leaders support local high schoolers with internships
Richardson business leaders have stepped up time and again to support local students.One of the most successful programs around is the Richardson Mayor’s Summer Internship Program.The program, presented by the Richardson Chamber of Commerce, the City of Richardson and Richardson Independent School District, is now in its fourth year.The program runs from June 3-Aug. 6. The deadline for businesses to sign up is April 15.Chamber CEO Bill Sproull is urging business members to get involved by hosting or
Legislative update: 3/22/2021
3/19/21 It’s fast and furious time in Austin: more than 10,000 bills were filed by last Friday’s deadline. While there’s been a lot of press focus on “What are we going to do about ERCOT?”, committees are holding meetings and hearings on other items on our Legislative Agenda.Broadband: About 25 bills have been filed focusing on expanding broadband access. The major focus is on House Bill 5 and Senate Bill 5, which will create a state broadband office. State Sen. Robert Nichols, who represents the
Legislative update: 3/12/21
87th Texas Legislature More than 6,000 bills have been filed by today’s deadline for the 87th Legislature. Process check: after a bill is filed in its respective chamber, it typically is assigned to a committee. But with 6,000 to consider before the May 31 end-of-session deadline, the majority of bills will die in committee. Gov. Greg Abbott, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick and House Speaker Dade Phelan have all placed addressing the power outages at the top of the priority list. But they still have to address the
Citizen of the Year: Richard Ramey
“When I think of Richardson, I think of Richard. And the two of them go hand in hand,” said Bill Keffler, former Richardson city manager. Richard Ramey, former chairman of the board, is the Richardson Chamber’s 2021 Citizen of the Year. While Richard’s “day” job is managing director for commercial lending at Prosperity Bank, his involvement in groups and activities benefitting Richardson and its citizens is a long list. “When you think of things going on in our community, Richard always seems to be a
2020 volunteers of the year
The chamber could not succeed without the work of its volunteers. At the 2021 annual meeting, the chamber recognized several categories of awards who stayed ‘on-the-ball’ even during the pandemic to keep the chamber ‘in the game’ for the success of fellow members. Volunteer of the Year is Michelle Firpi. Michelle has been a driver with Richardson Young Professionals, is an active ambassador, helped with and was a sponsor of the Golf tournament, participates in Richardson Chamber Business Network, and
Innovators and entrepreneurs network at IQ Brew
Richardson’s new Innovation Quarter, aka Richardson IQ, is quickly gathering a following of entrepreneurs, small business owners and innovators. You don't have to be located in the Richardson IQ to participate in the group. One way to stay in the know is an informative networking program called the IQ Brew. The education and networking event featuring presentations from entrepreneurs, small businesses, and subject-matter experts meets at 9 a.m. every other Thursday. Monica Scott, co-founder and president
Legislative update: 2/26/21
Legislative update 2/26/21 What a difference a week makes. Freezing temperatures thawed while Austin hearing rooms heated up as legislators demanded answers to last week’s “snow-pocalypse.” The energy grid failure is now a top-of-agenda item for the 87th Texas Legislature. Gov. Greg Abbott made it an emergency item and Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick put it at the top of his priority list. Patrick announced a total of 31 priority bills for 2021, focusing on three themes: “A safe and secure Texas future,” “Life,
Legislative alert: 3/5/21
Legislative update 3/5/21 Of note this week in the Texas House, Rep. Trent Ashby (R-Lufkin) filed House Bill 5. This bill will focus on broadband: creation of a state office and creation of a long-term statewide plan. It will also require a grant program for broadband infrastructure investment, especially in rural areas. Our own Bill Sproull will be involved as he was appointed last year by Gov. Abbot as chair of the Governor’s Broadband Development Council. More than 4,500 bills have been filed in
Member profile: Marvin Jackson, Archer Western Herzog
Richardson residents are eagerly awaiting the completion of DART’s Cotton Belt Corridor in 2023. Also called the Silver Line, the 26-mile service will connect DFW Airport and Shiloh Road in Plano and traverse seven cities: Grapevine, Coppell, Carrollton, Addison, Dallas, Richardson and Plano. Archer Western Herzog (AWH) is the design-build contractor and representing the company at the chamber is Marvin Jackson, AWH Silver Line regional rail public involvement/community relations manager and diversity and
Member profile: Tracy Ruckel, Community Impact Newspaper
Member profile: Tracy Ruckel, Community Impact Newspaper When you want to find out the latest news about Richardson, Community Impact Newspaper is where to look. It’s also the best place to get the word out about your business. Ambassador Tracy Ruckel is an account executive with CI News who helps local businesses with advertising campaigns. Owners John and Jennifer Garrett launched the first edition of Community Impact Newspaper in 2005 with three full-time employees covering Round Rock and
Member profile: HEXA Coworking
Member profile: HEXA Coworking Coworking and flexible offices after COVID-19 “Real estate professionals and the media have been waiting for an economic downturn to test the coworking and flexible offices business model for years,” Avison Young’s Michael Kloppenburg said in a recent NAIOP Advantage Series webinar. And it looks like coworking has passed the test, according to Kloppenburg. Kloppenburg says this isn’t a new trend, but he predicts the crisis will accelerate it, stifling desire for long-term
Member profile: Paramount Chiropractic and Wellness
When traditional medicine failed his father and then himself, Jonathan Pearlman began his search for alternatives. Now he hopes to help others find their optimal health. Jonathan is a chiropractor and owner of Paramount Chiropractic and Wellness in Richardson. Originally from Rhode Island, he and his wife moved to Texas so he could attend Parker University to learn the Gonstead System, which he describes as the “gold standard” of chiropractic care. “It is a specific approach that really analyzes where
Member profile: Joe Cavanaugh, Action Lock Doc
For more than 40 years, Action Lock Doc has been cutting car keys and opening locked doors in Richardson. At first glance the second-generation family business may appear to be a standard locksmith, but “we’re really an all-encompassing physical security and systems integration business,” said co-owner Joe Cavanaugh. “It’s an old industry that’s seeing a technological revolution," he said. We are in a period of major disruption.” Joe’s background is in the IT world, and he and his wife’s focus is on
New Marketplace members
New Chamber Marketplace membersBackyard Workroom LLC -- From the steel foundation and integrated ceiling and roof system to unique wallpanels, our factory-built modular sheds are one-of-a-kind. The patent-pending design and assembly process is faster to assemble than any shed on the market. One fixed price includes delivery and installation. Backyard Workroom makes a quality backyard shed at an affordable price.Bagel Cafe 21 -- As a leading bagel shop in the Dallas/Ft. Worth area, Bagel Cafe 21 is proud to
Top goals 2021
It’s time for putting into play organization goals. Our processes are similar to those of our member businesses. Our focus is making decisions that best engage and benefit our members.Promote Business SuccessEstablish new connections with at least 10 large tenants and 25 small and medium businesses in the Richardson IQ and CORE districts to enhance their business, make them aware of resources, events and opportunities with an eventual goal of establishing business organizations in both districts. Foster
Economic development/relocation opportunities in Richardson
with the Dallas Business JournalMost recently, the Business Journal spoke with Bill Sproull, president and CEO of the Richardson Economic Development Partnership. During the interview, Sproull discussed what companies already call Richardson home, the history of the city's telecom corridor and how he would sell the area to a perspective company.What kinds of companies already call Richardson home? Fossil and Lennox International are both headquartered here in Richardson. State Farm has an 8,000 employee
Legislative update: 1/18/21
The 87th Texas Legislature regular session is going to be fast and furious. It kicked off Jan. 12 with rules approvals and other formalities. It is now adjourned until Jan. 26. To refresh: the Texas Legislature meets every odd-numbered year for 140 days, as dictated by the Texas Constitution. While the governor can call special sessions to focus on specific issues, this session is the big one.At the top of the agenda will be approving the state budget, while navigating coronavirus health restrictions in the
2021 Legislative Agenda
The Richardson Chamber’s legislative agenda for 2021 has been created by the Public Policy Committee and approved by the Board of Directors. These priorities address issues that are vital to Richardson businesses and citizens, especially in the areas of economic development, workforce development, education, transportation, water and local government. Richardson Chamber of Commerce 2021 Legislative AgendaBusiness competitivenessRecommendations:Support the continuation of funding for economic development
North Texas lawmakers outline priorities ahead of 87th legislative session
from Community Impact By Olivia Lueckemeyer | 1:48 PM Dec 17, 2020 CST | Updated 1:48 PM Dec 17, 2020 CSTFour North Texas lawmakers appeared at a virtual Richardson Chamber of Commerce event Dec. 14 to discuss their priorities ahead of the state’s 87th legislative session. The biennial gathering of legislators will look differently this year due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. The session could have a virtual component, and members of the public may or may not be allowed to provide in-person
TWC Partners with Dallas College and REDP for IT Skills
Dallas College in collaboration with the Richardson Economic Development Partnership (REDP) has been awarded an $801,993 IT Consortium Skills Development Fund Grant by the Texas Workforce Commission. The grant will provide training to employees of three Richardson-based information technology businesses: RealPage, GXA and The Wilkins Group. RealPage is a leading global provider of software and data analytics to the real estate industry. Founded in 1998 and headquartered in Richardson, Texas, RealPage
REDP achieves prestigious reaccreditation
The REDP has again been recognized by the International Economic Development Council (IEDC) as one of only 68 economic development organizations to have earned the prestigious Accredited Economic Development Organization (AEDO) status. The AEDO status positions the REDP among the top 1% of economic development organizations overall and makes the REDP one of only 10 Texas economic development agencies to have achieved such recognition. The REDP first received the coveted status in 2012, and successfully
Ambassador Profile: Roni Carrasco
Ambassador profile: Roni Carrasco They say the best job is doing something you are passionate about. Roni Carrasco is fortunate to have such a job: marketing and development assistant manager at the Charles W. Eisemann Center. “I help promote Eisemann Center Presents performances, while developing and organizing cross-community relationships between local business owners, the Eisemann Center, and other City of Richardson entities,” she said. The Eisemann Center was completed in 2002. Its mission is
Ambassador profile: Vicki Ratliff
Hands up! How many of you have “make a will” on your to do list? How many years has it been on your annual to do list? Chamber Ambassador Vicki Ratliff makes it easy to check off. Vicki is an estate planning and probate attorney. “I am a mobile attorney who goes to my clients rather than the other way around. I offer wills on wheels.” Vicki joined the chamber in 2018 after attending the initial Senior Service Networking group. She has since been a speaker as well. “I get to hang out with cool people,”
Ambassador of the month: Amy W. Taylor
Helping build Richardson into a thriving, successful business community is more than a mission statement to Amy Taylor. “This is the city I grew up in and helped mold me into the person I am today,” she said. “I volunteer with the Chamber because I want to give back so that when my children grow up, they will be as proud to say they are from Richardson as I am.” Amy was named a recent Ambassador of the Month. But promoting Richardson isn’t all she does. She currently is the director of volunteer services
Ambassador of the Month - Bill Schaid
Bill Schaid has definite priorities in life. He believes it is important to get involved in church, family, business and the community. It’s his dedication to the community that makes him the Chamber’s Ambassador of the Month. Bill is a mortgage banker by trade, but he represents the Kiwanis Club of Richardson with his Chamber membership. “I chose to be an ambassador to get additional exposure for the Kiwanis Club within the Chamber and Richardson,” said Bill. “I was also looking for a different way to
