DART agrees to shuttle agreement with Richardson
A three-year agreement with the City of Richardson for a Galatyn Park Station shuttle was approved on Tues., Oct. 8, by Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART). Providing a last-mile connection, the agreement calls for a shuttle from DART’s Galatyn Park Station to the Crescent Palisades Employment District that serves the surrounding industrial park areas, corporate offices, entertainment and residential housing, 6:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Service currently supports 118 weekday
Richardson Creates a Land for Future Giants
From D Magazine In June, the city ofRichardsonjoined the Better Block Foundation to throw a party in a burgeoning neighborhood. Inside what’s for now being called the Collins/Arapaho Transit-Oriented Development and Innovation District—a place filled with generally uninviting, aging, one-story manufacturing buildings—workers trotted out food trucks, brought in live music, and invited anyone who works in, lives in, or visits the area. More than anything, the block party served as a preview of what the
Tech Titans Live! Expo and Trade Show
Companies will showcase leading-edge equipment, software and solutions for technology companies at a trade show and networking event Tuesday, Oct. 22, from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., at Richardson Civic Center, 411 W. Arapaho Road, Richardson. Throughout the Live! Expo, each specific Tech Titans®’ special interest forum will host a technical presentation featuring subject matter experts and panels sharing valuable insights about technology topics including perspectives about future impacts, innovative use cases
Ambassadors of the month
A special thank you to our hard-working ambassadors. Our summer ambassadors of the month are Mark Kobilka, Vivan Plumlee and Amy Taylor.Mark is owner of Make Your Mark Printing and Design. Family owned and operated since 1985, MYM offers high quality printing at an affordable, competitive price…from simple black and white business forms to full-color catalogs.Vivian Plumlee of Dallas Coffee News. Dallas Coffee News is a free, weekly publication for business customers who have a few minutes to read good
Congressmen Taylor and Allred meet with chamber delegation
Freshmen Congressmen Collin Allred (D-TX 32nd District) and Van Taylor (R-TX 3rd District) met with Richardson business people and Chamber members last month to discuss their introduction to Washington and federal policies that directly impact the North Texas region. Both congressmen agreed that major priorities include passing additional infrastructure funding for the North Texas region. Texas is projected to double in population by 2050. New highways, bridges and investments in infrastructure will be
UT Dallas ranks high on NYT mobility index
Not a day that goes by that we do not hear about the cost of higher education. But is the cost of a college degree worth it? In other words, does it pay to invest in yourself (or have someone invest in you)? We believe the answer to that question is yes, and especially so at The University of Texas at Dallas which is both highly selective and capable of economic transformation of its students. But don’t take my word for it, let’s turn to the data. Among the many measures by which a university can be
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Podcast: Women in Leadership, preparing for the next stage
At the September Women in Leadership event, a panel spoke to women from millennial to pre-retirement, including legal and financial experts, to find out how you can be prepared for your future. Examples include Kathy Tran who runs a business at 25 years, Amanda who had cancer by 25, and Kristen whose husband in the military. On the healthcare side, think of HIPPA authorization, medical power of attorney (get 3-4 people), DNR, advanced directive. If you have children—college age=medical release, how to
Member news September
Blue Cross is celebrating 90 years and opening 10 new clinics, including one coming in the new year to Richardson. The clinic is only available to Blue Cross Blue Shield members. Digital Realty is the largest data center company in the world. UT Dallas is celebrating its 50th anniversary with the largest freshman class in their history. Next year Lennox will be celebrating their 125th anniversary, ARGO will be celebrating 40 years, and Einstein’s Eyes is celebrating 20 years. YMCA Cornhole Tournament,
Barbara Tunstall joins member services team
Barbara Tunstall has joined the Richardson Chamber full time supporting our member services effort. Barbara has been a long-time volunteer with the Richardson Chamber and Tech Titans. She has a long history of working in client-centric industries such as academia (Brookhaven College), restaurant, retail & wholesale apparel (Jones New York), real estate (new home sales and properties manager), technology (Impiger Technologies), transportation (Bubbl) and healthcare (Assisting Hands). She has worked with
Richardson in the news September
Richardson in the news Groundbreaking held for Main Street Revitalization ProjectRichardson named a top 10 U.S. recession-proof housing market Richardson ranked 10th best small real estate market in U.S.Cottonwood Art Festival announces musical actsDART Silver Line Q&A available RISD Superintendent Dr. Jeannie Stone wins Texas PTA of the Year City information from the mayorCorporate Challenge is underway with title sponsor GEICO. During the course of the program, Special Olympics has received $2.6
Mayor’s intern program almost doubles in second year
Mayor’s intern program almost doubles in second year In just its second year, 41 teens have completed the Richardson Mayor’s Summer Internship Program. They were honored by Mayor Paul Voelker at a celebratory luncheon at the Eisemann Center for Performing Arts. The program has grown from 24 internships and 24 employers/sponsors in its first year to 41 internships and 45 employers/sponsors today. “The students were given an invaluable opportunity to experience a professional workplace, something that
Architecture and Construction Careers academies kick off first school year
Architecture and Construction Careers academies kick off first school year The inaugural freshman class of the Architecture and Construction Careers Academies at Richardson and Lake Highlands High Schools is under way. This group of students will be the first to graduate four years from now with the new curriculum that includes 60 hours of dual credit. They will exit high school with an associate’s degree and be ready to join the workforce. Compensation for these new hires is expected to be in the
Nominations accepted for Education/Workforce Hero Award
Nominations are being accepted for the second annual Education & Workforce Hero Award The award recognizes an organization or individual that has provided significant support for education initiatives and projects that advance the Richardson Chamber of Commerce's education and workforce goals. Ken Hutchenrider, city councilman, president of Methodist Richardson Medical Center and former chairman of the Richardson Chamber, was the first recipient of the award. This recognition can be awarded to any
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Mayor Paul Voelker in Rich Talk podcast
Mayor Voelker sits down and talks about his background in Richardson, and his approach to business relationships with the city. Part of the conversation is how Richardson develops interest from international companies, and why bringing in international companies is important. Mayor Voelker also talks about the planning that is being done for the city as a whole to develop areas of interest that can best serve various groups of citizenry and businesses. It's an exciting and cohesive look at the future of
Member news August 2019
Chamber members on Dallas Business Journal's list of best places to workTexas Instruments to delay $3.2 billion expansion of its Richardson plantWhat will be the impact of new school finance legislation? Panel event Sept. 11Richland College student accepted into NASA community college aerospace program What will be the impact of new school finance legislation? Hear from local public school leaders at the State of the District Luncheon on Sept. 11. The Education & Workforce and Public Policy Committees
Richardson in the news: August 2019
Council elects mayor pro temMain Street renewal project kicks off in downtown RichardsonRevamp of Sears building, surrounding area approvedSummer interns spend day of service at networkGoFundMe set up to pay for highway signs honoring Richardson's slain police Officer David SherrardDiscovering 10 things to do in Richardson Council elects mayor pro temFrom City of Richardson Newly elected City Council Member Janet DePuy was chosen by her peers on the Richardson City Council to become Mayor Pro Tem at a
Blog, Leadership in the workplace: David Aaker says we can be better people in business
Leadership in the workplace: David Aaker says we can be better people in businessby Kory Aoyama, 2019 chairman of the board and account exec with BlueCross BlueShieldDavid Aaker is well-known for his expertise in marketing and his ability to help businesses thrive and exceed their goals. His branding concepts, including identifying customer's interests and creating a community or story around those interests, has made him an icon in the business world. In a constantly evolving marketplace, David Aaker's
Leadership Richardson XXXV class list
Leadership Richardson Class XXXV kicks off milestone year for program Back when parachute pants, big hair and shoulder pads were a thing, and we all sang along to “We Are the World,” 35 future leaders were in the inaugural class of Leadership Richardson. Today, Class XXXV, 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
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Member profile: Alicia Makaye, Ph.D, GXA
Alicia is the co-founder of GXA (along with her husband and business partner, George). Currently, she is the vice president and a key decision maker that serves as a strategic business planner and advocate for the organization. With a background in human resources, she serves as the tri-chair on the HR committee as well as on the advisory board. One of her most recent accomplishments -- Dallas Business Journal’s Minority Business Leader honoree – acknowledge her work helping young African American women
Tech Titans announces finalists of 2019 awards
July 08, 2019Tech Titans, the largest technology trade association in Texas, has announced its 2019 finalists for the Tech Titans Awards.Representing a quarter million employees through its 300 member companies, Tech Titans includes a diverse group of technology leaders from start-ups to Fortune 500 companies who collaborate to help innovation thrive in the region. The Tech Titans Awards recognize the elite in North Texas technology – individuals currently transforming the high-tech industry and giving
High school interns on the job in area businesses
High school interns on the job in area businesses The Richardson Mayor’s Summer Internship Program is under way and experiencing tremendous success. In just its second year, the program has grown rapidly from 25 internships last year to 43 this year thanks to the 40 participating businesses. The program provides eight-week, paid internships to high school students who attend Richardson ISD or live in the City of Richardson. Rivaling a college-level internship, this invaluable experience gives
Member news June 2019
More beds to address regional growth around Methodist Richardson Medical Center From Community Impact Newspaper In December, the hospital will open the first 50 beds associated with its $85 million, two-story expansion, a project that kicked off in 2017.Hospital President Kenneth Hutchenrider has said the expansion was prompted by “explosive growth” in and around Richardson.“We see a tremendous amount of economic boom all around us, so we want to position ourselves to be able to care for that continued
Richland College and grant funding provide free training for your employees
Recruiting, training and maintaining a highly-skilled workforce continues to be a top priority among Richardson area companies. Richland College provides high quality, customized training without cost to you, the employer. In fact, Richland can offer companies state grant-funded training for new and existing employees through the Skills Development Fund (SDF), a program of the Texas Workforce Commission. SDF enhances your employee training program and stretches your departmental budget. Several Richardson
Blog post: Teams play follow the leader
Teams play follow the leaderby Stan Bradshaw, 1st vice chairman of the Chamber's economic division and president and CEO of US Freedom Capital LLC Teamwork is critical for businesses in just about every industry, so it is likely that you will work as part of a team at some point in your career. Depending on your position within your organization, you may be called upon as a team leader as well. Here's what you need to know to keep your team members focused and ensure they follow your lead for exceptional
International news June
June has been hot as chamber leaders continue to nurture the business relationship with Japan CEO Bill Sproull and Mike Skelton, director of Mayor's Office of International Business, returned to Japan for numerous face-to-face meetings with Japanese business officials in June. The return trip included a stop in Washington, D.C., to attend the SelectUSA Investment Summit. In Japan, Bill and Mike worked with the Texas Japan Office to continue foreign direct investment (FDI) recruitment. Agenda
Richardson in the news: June
Richardson in the NewsIndependence Day celebrationsFrom City of Richardson Sparks will fly at the City of Richardson’s annual Family 4th Celebration on Thursday at Breckinridge Park. This traditional, patriotic salute is free and open to the entire community. Attendees are encouraged to bring picnics, blankets and/or lawn chairs and enjoy the evening under the stars!Mapping, crowd-sourced data key elements in City of Richardson’s Smart City Game PlanBy Dallas Innovates From bobcat sightings to blocked
President’s Club profile: GEICO
The little green lizard with an English accent represents thousands of Richardson employees who love to give back to their community. Almost four years ago, GEICO claimed Richardson as home to the regional office handling sales, service and claims for Texas and nine other states. “We chose Richardson because it had a facility we were looking for,” said Dan Beacom, regional vice president. “A pleasant surprise is the city of Richardson has been terrific. The support has been very strong. It’s been a very
Tech Titans meeting technology workforce needs in RISD
The Tech Titans STEM workforce initiative is bringing career inspiration to Richardson students. During the past year, they have planned and executed events for RISD students in three high schools, seven middle schools and for sixth- and rising-fifth graders at four elementary schools. These events educate kids about STEM careers and encourage them to pursue a STEM educational track in high school and beyond. Tech Titans partners with ISDs, companies, universities and individual members to plan and execute
Richardson lays tracks for transit-oriented innovation district
by Dallas Innovates Not every office park can be a monument to 21st Century amenities and transit, but the City of Richardson knows that a few small changes have the power to reinvigorate an underserved area, bringing everything from happier workers to tech startups to the city. That’s why a team from the Richardson Chamber of Commerce, the City of Richardson, nonprofit Better Block Foundation, and others have been working for more than a year to launch an innovation district in the Collins-Arapaho area,
RCC board opens call for nominations for 2020 board of directors
RCC board opens call for nominations for 2020 board of directorsNominations accepted through June 28, 2019 The Richardson Chamber of Commerce Nominating Committee chaired by Amanda Rockow, 2018 chairman of the board, is accepting nominations to the board of directors for terms beginning Jan. 1, 2020. The RCC board of directors is responsible for setting the Chamber’s strategic direction, both now and in the future. Members of the board meet 6 times per year and actively participate in the Chamber’s
Richardson in the news: May 2019
UT Dallas named No. 1 best-value public university in Texas Mayor’s Internship Program hosts job fair Richardson more bike-friendly than most Texas cities, national organization says US 75 through Richardson officially named for fallen officer Ann Eisemann Inclusive Playground opensUT Dallas named No. 1 best-value public university in Texasfrom Community Impact Newspaper Students are getting a better bang for their buck at UT Dallas than at any other public university in the state, according to
President’s Club profile: NOAH'S Event Venue
From a picture-perfect wedding to a motivational corporate seminar, all successful, stress-free events start with the right place. President’s Club member, NOAH’S Event Venue of Richardson, offers all the flexibility necessary to make any event a success. The local in Richardson hosts the chamber’s Women In Leadership quarterly luncheons, among other events. “NOAH’S is here to change the way that people come together to work and play,” said Kate Jensen, vice president of sales. “Our goal is to create the
City council elections
City council election results 1 race in run-off; former Chamber board member gains seatfrom Community Impact Newspaper Richardson City Council will gain three new members as a result of this year’s election, but the question of who will fill one of those seats will not be answered until next month. One race will go to another round as none of its three candidates polled more than 50 percent of the vote. Dan Barrios and Janet DePuy were the top two vote-getters over Franklin Byrd in the race for Place 3
Chamber receives unmodified opinion on financial audit 2019
Every year, the Richardson Chamber undergoes a financial audit to ensure the fiscal stability and financial responsibility of the organization. For the fifth year, Judd, Thomas, Smith & Company conducted the audit and issued an unmodified opinion. This indicates a clean audit in which financial statements are presented in accordance with applicable financial reporting framework. This was a good report with no management letter on control matters and no audit adjustments. Andrew Moore from Judd/Thomas and
2020 U.S. Census seeks census takers
While the official Census Day is a year away, the 2020 Census has kicked off. An accurate count is essential to driving the future of Richardson. The once-a-decade population count affects local representation in government, determines how much funding a community receives and provides data to help businesses plan. Current initiatives include recruiting a local base of census takers.Everyone counts. The census counts every person living in the U.S. once, only once, and in the right place.It’s about fair
Historical downtown Main Street area to be called the Core
Developers and investors have revealed a new name for the Main Street area. Richardson’s Core District, an historic place on Main Street between Central Expressway and Greenville Avenue, will include construction of more than 20,000 square feet of retail and commercial space, 300 multi-family and 100 single-family homes and the addition of new parks. THE “core” (The Richardson Core District) was selected after several months of research and evaluation by design firm Dodd Creative Group, who worked with
Richardson will be home to TI’s new 300mm wafer manufacturing site
Richardson will be home to TI’s new 300mm wafer manufacturing site Texas Instruments will expand its presence in Richardson with its new wafer manufacturing facility. The new facility is expected to create more than 488 jobs and represent more than $3.1 billion in capital investment. “The Lone Star State continues to be a leader in the development of innovative technologies because of companies like Texas Instruments,” said Gov. Greg Abbott. “Made in Texas is a powerful label, and this expansion will
Richardson mayor meets with Canadian representatives
Mayor Paul Voelker met recently with Canadian officials to discuss Richardson’s high-tech roots and technology sector focus. Facilitated by the chamber, Voelker met with the new Canadian Acting Consul General Douglas George and Canadian consul for Foreign Policy and Diplomacy Service Vasken Khabayab. Other topics included impacts of the new US-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) on trade between the two countries and educational partnerships. Ongoing conversations will likely include an educational
President's Club Profile: Anthony Pampillonia
Even after six generations, it’s still great when you get a little help from your friends, and your community. “When we opened our store in Richardson, we wanted to open it here,” said Anthony Pampillonia, “It’s our community.” “We enjoy serving our community, and our local employees and clients are just great,” he said. The business community is supported by the City and its residents. The supportive atmosphere makes Richardson a special place, he said. The Pampillonia family began designing,
Chamber brings Robbins speaker for strategy workshop
Chamber brings Robbins’ speaker for strategy workshop Chamber members can learn personal and professional strategy from a Robbins Institute veteran at a special luncheon workshop in April. Dragan Trajkovski, a 14-year veteran with Robbins Research International, brings sales, sales management, business consulting, leadership development and entrepreneurial expertise to ignite results-driven training, workshops and success seminars aligned with Robbins Research International. The lunch and
Chamber signs letter of support about diversity & inclusion
Chamber signs letter of support with other Texas employers and business organizations about diversity & inclusion The chamber has taken a stand with other employers and chambers that would oppose any legislation that would oppose diversity and inclusion, particularly with the LGBTQ population, resulting in damage to the Texas economy. Read more about which bills could be of concern in The Dallas Morning News and the original letter below.Statement of Texas employers and business organizations on diversity
President’s Club profile: DorianBahr
Richardson is more than a business address for DorianBahr.It’s more than a city with a strong, loyal customer base.It’s more than a strategic geographical area with the perfect niche clientele. Richardson is home. “We are Richardson. We are Richardson,” said Curtis Dorian. “We are a local, home-grown company.” Curtis and his business partner and husband, Michael Bahr, own DorianBahr Inc., an all-encompassing architecture, interior design practice and full design remodel and design build firm. The
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Podcast Rich Talk: featuring Chair Kory Aoyama
Learn on the go! New chamber podcast highlights Richardson business success tips The chamber has launched a new podcast program. And the first offers insights from Chairman of the Board Kory Aoyama. Kory Aoyama, 2019 chairman of the board and account exec with BlueCross BlueShield, talks about the chamber goals that excite him for the coming year, which include working with students at the iDream event and the continued work on the Collins/East Arapaho Innovation District. Kory is a long-time Boy Scout
Richardson in the news: March 2019
Richardson in the news: City Council updated on Richardson Economic Development PartnershipMain Street revitalization project should begin this summerCity receives “Triple A” bond ratingsDART Galatyn Station platform extension project begins Richardson a best city for retirementRichardson named to “Top 100 Places to Live” list; highest ranked in TexasUT Dallas’ updated campus master plan addresses unprecedented enrollment growth in recent yearsWildflower! Festival to feature performances by Fitz and the
UTD students help attract international companies, receive overseas internships
UTD students help attract international companies and receive overseas internships After a successful inauguration year, an international program 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 Dallas (UTD) is kicking off year 2. This semester, students are researching four Japanese companies and one Finnish company by assisting with market research aimed at establishing those companies’
Increase your visibility with Richardson consumers with new chamber tool
Discover Richardson https://www.richardsonchamber.com/shop-dine-richardson/ The Richardson Chamber has contracted to build a website focused on local news, events and businesses. It's meant to benefit the entire community with information while providing an opportunity for businesses to showcase their offerings. The website offers robust business profiles, intuitive directory search and local news, events and deals. While every Richardson business will have a profile, chamber members at our new
Chamber delegates visit Austin to learn and advocate
Forty Richardson business and community leaders went to Austin March 5 – 6 for Richardson and Tech Titans Legislative Days to visit our state elected officials. On Tuesday, meetings were held at the new Texas Association of Business (TAB) office. Speakers included Lisa Craven, deputy comptroller from the Texas Comptroller’s office; Dale Craymer, president of the Texas Taxpayers & Research Association; and Jessica Boston, manager governmental affairs, TAB. Most of the elected officials attended a reception
Survey identifying future workforce in North Texas
The Richardson Chamber has participated in the following survey for many years. Please consider giving your perspective. It helps many groups plan for a better working future. Welcome to the 32nd Annual, InterLink 2019 Employment Demand Survey for North Central Texas. 2018 InterLink Occupation Survey By participating with this survey, you are providing Career and Technical educators who train the future workforce with employer driven data to determine the programs of study that will best prepare
Strong results in 2018, annual report available
Through the hard-working efforts of the board, committees and countless volunteers, the chamber made a significant impact on our community this past year. Click here to view a PDF of the annual report. For instance, the chamber set a goal this year to accelerate the leasing of at least one million square feet of office space in Richardson. That goal was exceeded by leasing 1.3. million square feet of office space and the chamber contributed to creating or retaining more than 6,300 jobs in our
Member profile: David Ebenezer, The Drawing Board
Member profile: David Ebenezer, The Drawing Board Calling Starbucks your office away from home is so 2000. Now, when you want to truly have an office and get real work done, you need a coworking space, such as The Drawing Board. David Ebenezer is the property manager for the coworking and event space and is the chamber's 2018 Rookie of the Year. “The Drawing Board started with the idea that we want to bring people ‘back to the drawing board,’” where startups and small businesses can come together and
Member news: PLAN Clubhouse
Member news: PLAN Clubhouse @ 1121 Rockfrom WFAAA place for purpose: Acceptance is hard to find with mental illness – but not here PLAN Clubhouse focuses on wellness rather than illness by creating structure, reinforcing routine and teaching people how to advocate for themselves. The Richardson Chamber member focuses not on therapy, but teaching individuals how to prepare healthy meals, find jobs, interact, and keep each other in check. See the complete report here.
Cotton Belt update
Cotton Belt update DART board approves dual-track design, city funds adjacent trail From Community Impact Newspaper and the City of Richardson Pre-design work has begun on the Cotton Belt rail line through Richardson. That design now includes two tracks. The dual track design was approved by Dallas Area Rapid Transit and will allow two-way traffic and enable trains to run more efficiently while reducing wait times for passengers. In addition, funding is almost complete for the 3.5-mile section of the
Governor discusses education and property taxes at Annual Meeting
Annual meetingGov. Abbott focuses on education and property taxes In one of the most successful and high profile annual meetings in recent memory, Gov. Greg Abbott addressed upcoming legislative and economic issues before more than 400 attendees at the Feb. 11 event. Watch the governor's speech. “An honor to be here in mighty Richardson, Texas, which is truly the epicenter of the most dynamic economic region in the entire United States of America,” Abbott told the crowd. “Richardson is driving the
2018 Citizen of the Year Bob Macy
2018 Citizen of the Year Bob Macy Those who’ve got it, don’t necessarily flaunt it. That’s certainly true of Bob Macy, Richardson’s 2018 Citizen of the Year. “Our Citizen of the Year, to my mind, is the epitome of a public servant,” said Bill Keffler, former Richardson city manager, who announced the award of this year’s Annual Meeting. “He provides quality commitment to everything he is associated with.” Bob is known throughout Richardson for his long service to the community and support for City
Video: 2019 goals
As the chamber leadership began working on priorities for 2019, they looked at the progress the chamber made during 2018 and how we continue to improve the business ecosystem in Richardson.“I am confident that we will continue working towards completion of those goals started in previous years - like the East Arapaho Development Innovation District – while achieving exciting new goals that will help our community and our chamber grow in the years to come,” said 2019 Chairman Kory Aoyama from Blue Cross Blue
Richardson in the News: February
Richardson in the news Richardson theater program uses art to build bridge between cultures and people Food and music combined with henna and calligraphy. Add a little Puttin’ on the Ritz with fashion representing different cultures. Bridges Multicultural Festival, presented by the Repertory Company Theatre, includes cultural fashion, dancers, artists, musicians and food. The March 23 festival will feature the Texas Muslim Women's Foundation, Islamic Art Revival, Dallas Chinese Community Center,
Mayor kicks off Summer Internship Program
Richardson Mayor Paul Voelker kicks off Richardson Mayor’s Summer Internship Program and recruits businesses to provide internships Calling it an educational initiative “to help build our future workforce,” Richardson Mayor Paul Voelker kicked off the Richardson Mayor’s Summer Internship Program, which provides eight-week, paid internships to high school students who attend Richardson ISD or live in the City of Richardson. Mayor Voelker is now recruiting area businesses through April 1 to sponsor interns
Legislature update
Legislative updates Texas legislators have settled in for the 86th Texas legislative session, where they will be making serious decisions on issues impacting local businesses, public schools and the community at large. Let us keep you up-to-date so you know what decisions are on the table and can contact your legislators before it's too late. Register your e-mail address on our public policy site. Legislative alerts go out on Friday each week during the Texas Legislative Session. Read all the past
Volunteers of the year 2018
Volunteers of the year The volunteer efforts of our members both past and present have made the Richardson Chamber of Commerce one of the largest and most active chambers of commerce in the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex. When business professionals lend their time and expertise to lead the Chamber, it enables us to offer enhanced programs and more opportunities for you to grow professionally. Thank you to these members who have made significant contributions to the chamber in 2018.Rookie of the
State of the City 2019
“Richardson’s Value Proposition” Richardson is strong and successful: 2019 State of the City At his annual State of the City Address, Mayor Paul Voelker focused on the City’s most significant achievements in 2018, wrapped in a theme of “Richardson’s Value Proposition.” Videos featuring the Mayor and City Council members enhanced the address, and special guests/community leaders who have helped in the City’s success were recognized. “We are very aware that we are competing with the region, the nation and
iDream '19 identifies future career opportunities for 7th-graders
Year 2 of the iDream program was a clear success for Richardson 7th-graders and local professional mentors. More than 300 students from Forest Meadow, Lake Highlands, Apollo and Liberty schools attended iDream 2019 at Richland College to learn about careers and the different paths to success. The program is an initiative between the Richardson Chamber’s Education and Workforce Committee and the Richardson Independent School District. "We want students to learn more about in-demand careers and take
Eyes on North Texas congressmen in 2019
All eyes are on Congress at the start of 2019. The Richardson area has welcomed back area incumbents, and said hello to a few new ones. One particular North Texas freshman has drawn the attention of GQ magazine to document his transition. Colin Allred is one of those people whose résumé prompts parents everywhere to remind their children—no matter their children's actual ages—that they really need to get their lives together. The newly elected representative for Texas’s 32nd congressional district, which
Education the focus of 2019 Texas Legislature
School funding and property taxes top the list of priorities for ‘19 Texas Legislature. The 86th Legislature is off to an exciting start. More than 1,000 bills have been filed since November of last year. Gov. Abbott, Lt. Gov. Patrick and the newly-elected Speaker Dennis Bonnen committed to collaborate on key issues during the upcoming session. Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar announced an additional 8.1 percent will be available to lawmakers for the next budget. Read the Chamber's first legislative alert
Member news January
Repertory Company Theatre: Bridges, a new cultural outreach program Repertory Company Theatre, through a special grant from Ann and Charles Eisemann Arts Innovation Initiative, will host a new multicultural outreach program, BRIDGES, designed to bring cultural groups, arts organizations, artists and communities together through the arts. The two-part event is scheduled for February and March at RCT’s new theatre on Coit Road. For more information, click here.Humble beginnings: the story of Richardson Bike
How better schools can make us a better place to live and visit
by Celina Cardenas FleitesManager of Public Affairs, Atmos Energy CorporationVice Chair, Community Division (Public Policy and Education & Workforce Committees), Richardson Chamber of Commerce The logic is sound: if our community is better educated, it's better for everyone. Although it makes sense, the national tide of funding is actually flowing away from education in favor of other things. Programs are being cut, and students are receiving less academic and personal support than they have for years.
