___Legislative Affairs – Brian Bessner                     bbessner1@chisholmtrailfinancial.com
___Membership/Ambassadors – Steve Moore         smoore@totalreporting.com
___Education – Cheryl Barnes                                 cheryl.barnes@mutualofomahabank.com
___Economic Growth & Development – Mike Nurre   mike@mikenurre.com
___Marketing & Communications – Gretchen Darby  gretchendarby@gmail.com
___Young Professionals – Ben Lauer                          benjaminrlauer@gmail.com
___Rise & Shine Networking Breakfast– Jesse Simmons    jessesac@sbcglobal.net
___Economic Summit - Michael Alcantar                     michael.alcantar@sbcglobal.net


Committee Descriptions

Membership/Ambassadors
Steve Moore    972-765-6600
smoore@totalreporting.com
 
The New Members committee will focus on attracting new businesses to the chamber that will support our Vision for the Greater East Dallas area.  This committee will work closely with the Marketing & Communications committee to ensure we are reaching all areas of east Dallas for a diverse chamber that is representative of our community.  The committee may set goals or other measurable tools that will help track our success and increase our current membership.
 
The Ambassadors Committee assists the chamber in retaining members by contacting and encouraging their active participation on committees and at events. The Ambassadors serve as “Greeters” at Membership Luncheons and attend ribbon cuttings and special events, including Business After Hours.  Ambassadors serve as the primary point of contact for new chamber members and will make certain all new members are getting the FULL benefit of Chamber membership.  If their needs aren’t being met, the Ambassadors serve as problem-solvers utilizing our own expertise that of other chamber members, and the staff.  Meetings are the second Tuesday of each month.
 
Economic Summit
Michael Alcantar  214-395-6899
michael.alcantar@sbcglobal.net
 
The Economic Summit is one of the Greater East Dallas Chamber’s signature events. Each year we display key individuals and topics relevant to East Dallas and to the metroplex. Subjects have ranged from residential real estate to the North Texas Super Bowl. The summit is held in October each year, is very well attended and offers multiple sponsorship and participation opportunities. Meetings are scheduled on Friday mornings at 8:00 a.m.
 
Education
Cheryl Barnes    214-257-7559   C 214-728-4087
cheryl.barnes@mutualofomahabank.com

The purpose of the Education committee is to recognize exemplary school efforts in both public and private schools in the area, specifically through an annual teacher award ceremony where individual teachers receive encouragement and appreciation from the business community. The committee also serves as a clearinghouse of information from schools on volunteer opportunities that would enhance the experiences of children who attend schools in East Dallas. Meetings are the second Wednesday of the month from 3:30-4:30 p.m. No meetings in June, July, November or December.

Legislative Affairs
Brian Bessner    214-320-3040  C 214-454-7557
bbessner1@chisholmtrailfinancial.com
 
Part of the mission of the Chamber is to represent the members with issues involving federal, state, and local legislation and to assist with quality of life questions. To accomplish this mission, the Governmental Affairs Committee monitors business legislation and recommends positions to the Chamber's Board of Directors. This committee also hosts political forums to disseminate information to the members regarding political candidates and initiatives. Meetings are the last Friday of the month at 8:30 a.m.
 
Marketing & Communications
Gretchen Darby     214-707-8217
gretchendarby@gmail.com     
 
The Marketing & Communications committee works closely with other committee Chairs to ensure successful special events, luncheons, networking events, summits, and forums. This committee strives to effectively communicate information to the Board, Membership, Public, and Media, and provide all of the necessary marketing materials for Chamber activities. This committee works closely with all other committees and the Chamber Board to effectively and resourcefully support the needs of our membership.
 
Marketing & Communications serves to oversee the Chamber’s brand consistency, messaging, awareness, and overall image.
 
Members interested in or experienced in the following areas are urged to join the Marketing & PR committee: Communications, Marketing, Public Relations, Event Promotion, Social Media, Graphic & Web Design, Journalism, and Advertising. Meeting dates to be determined.
 
 
 
Economic Growth & Development
Mike Nurre   214-536-8398
mike@mikenurre.com

The purpose of this special committee is to research, identify and serve as Chamber liaisons to Greater East Dallas communities in the various stages of development and beautification plans to renew, enhance and progress those areas of East Dallas.  The committee also keeps the Chamber Board informed of economic development/enhancement issues that are non-political in nature.  The Chair of the Economic Development Committee is also a member of the Governmental Affairs Committee so that, should an issue involving legislation arise, the Governmental Affairs Committee/Chair can make a recommendation to the Chamber Board for action. Meetings are the fourth Tuesday of the month at 3:00 p.m.
 
East Dallas Young Professionals
Ben Lauer   469-463-8010
benjaminrlauer@gmail.com    
 
The East Dallas Young Professionals is geared to the under 40 group with monthly happy hours every fourth Tuesday of the month at Bar Louis at 5:30 p.m.
 
 
Rise & Shine Networking Breakfast
Jesse Simmons 214-660-8898
jessesac@sbcglobal.net
 
The Rise & Shine Networking Breakfast is dedicated to the fostering of goodwill, the sharing of information and the promotion of business among participants. Meets every second Tuesday from 7:30 – 8:30 a.m.