Strength in Numbers
HEB Chamber Collaborates with District and Community
By Jeff Rodriguez , HEB Chamber of Commerce
Advancing Business , Strengthening Community : This is the mission of the HEB Chamber of Commerce , and it is one we have been pursuing for 61 years . These words also reflect a mindset ; in fact , everything we do is targeted toward collaborating with our community partners to benefit both our members and our three cities .
For example , the Chamber supports workforce development through the Challenge by Choice program , which is operated in close cooperation with the Hurst-Euless-Bedford Independent School District . In this program , trained Chamber members make presentations to HEB ISD 7th grade students , encouraging them to choose the challenging classes that will better prepare them for either higher education or career training .
Our Leadership HEB program provides training for professionals . Each year , approximately 20 individuals participate in a nine-month program designed to help them develop leadership skills and learn how to better serve our community . There ’ s also a new program called WILD : Women Inspiring Leadership Development , which meets regularly to hear from a speaker and develop leadership skills .
Community service is another priority for us . This year , several staff and members participated in the Community Powered Revitalization ( CPR ) work day coordinated by 6 Stones Mission Network , a Chamber member .
The Business After Hours events allow members to network in a fun and casual setting . Twice a year , “ joint mixers ” are held ; in October , members of 10 local chambers gathered at The Gaylord Texan Resort for an evening of outstanding networking . On a smaller scale , Leads Groups offer members the chance to get business referrals from a select group of diverse Chamber members .
A highlight of most months is the membership luncheon , which features a notable guest speaker . Two of these meetings have become staples : Each June , the HEB ISD superintendent delivers The State of the District Address , and each September , the State of the Cities Breakfast features the city managers of Hurst , Euless , and Bedford .
Each March , dozens of members gather to showcase their product and services at our EXPO . In January , we recognize our outstanding members at the Annual Awards Luncheon . Still more opportunities for networking and business promotion occur at our annual golf tournament and chili challenge .
Ribbon-cutting ceremonies are held throughout the year , helping new members introduce their business or organization to the community . Our Ambassadors stay busy making sure members feel welcome , engaged , and supported by the Chamber .
Last but far from least , the HEB Chamber is 4-Star accredited by the United States Chamber of Commerce . Accreditation is given in recognition of organizational excellence and is not easily achieved : In fact , the HEB Chamber now ranks in the top three percent of chambers in the country .
The HEB Chamber has changed significantly since its inception , greatly expanding both its membership and services . But for all we have accomplished , there is still much more to do , and we will continue collaborating with others to advance business and strengthen the community . And we are committed to ensuring that these words are not just a slogan – they ’ re also an outcome .
The Chamber has something to offer businesses and organizations of every size . To learn more , please call 817-283-1521 or visit heb . org .
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