Create economic development

• Job creation in the area for past twelve months has been 54,400.
• We directly contributed to 1,750 new jobs in the third quarter, including Iris Ohyama, Fossil, Wal-Mart, and Kinko’s, which is relocating its corporate headquarters from Los Angeles.
• The Chamber made a special request of its larger members to conduct business with the smaller business owners who are Chamber members.
• The Chamber’s target industry economic development study was completed. It identified four industries and three corporate facility types that the Chamber will pro-actively market to for new corporate relocations and expansions over the next five years.
• Secured the nation’s #2 ranking for "Most Wired City" electronically in Business Facilities Magazine
• We were instrumental in bringing Kinko’s corporate headquarters from California to the area.
• A new CD-Rom based Directory of Corporate Services that highlights the investors in the Chamber’s Economic Development program has been produced and will be given to each relocation prospect.

Define the Metroplex as the global capital for future businesses in the technological and biomedical fields

• In conjunction with the Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce, we began working on a brand development project for the region, and more than 60 business owners and corporate leaders in the area are providing leadership to that effort.
• The Chamber presented its Annual Trade Finance Conference and luncheon.
• We participated in a trade mission to Mexico and a direct investment mission to Toronto generating over 30 leads for trade and investment.
• Received Small Business Administration grant to assist small businesses in exporting enhanced agricultural products.

 

Generate functional partnerships with other business organizations in the region and foster a common point of view on regional issues

• The Chamber completed the second annual networking event with the For Worth Chamber of Commerce.
• Two trade finance workshops were completed.
• The Chamber worked with the US Department of Commerce on their Export Assistance Center’s annual conference.
• Co-presented with the Dallas Bio-Technology Coalition a briefing on the North Carolina Bio-Tech Park’s development and success.

Assist in recreating the Dallas Public Schools into a world-class education system

• The Chamber distributed over 10,000 books to public school students.
• Business leadership is working behind the scenes on a new bond election to provide improved classrooms and facilities for Dallas public schools.
• Total Quality Training for Educators was provided to 100 public school executives.

In addition to our 2001 priorities, we continue to implement our long-range goals and provide services of value to our members. Some examples follow below.

• The Chairman’s Circle was instituted to recognize companies for their contribution to the prosperity of the region.
• Reorganized the CEO Roundtable Program and recruited 60 CEOs and business owners.
• A ToolKit educational series for business owners was implemented.
• The annual Economic Forum, "Business Issues and the Economy," was held.
• The annual Dallas Women’s Covenant Report was completed.
• We continued a series of CEO Breakfasts with Dr. Mike Moses, Dallas Public Schools superintendent.
• We also continued the Career Connection - hosting three programs for members only to present employee opportunities and the skills needed to education and training providers.
• The Chamber hosted its 2001 Congressional Forum, featuring U.S. House Majority Leader Dick Armey, as well as Dallas Congressional members Martin Frost, Ralph Hall, Eddie Bernice Johnson, and Pete Sessions.
• The Chamber hosted 50 Chamber members at a City Council Luncheon focusing on southern Dallas.
• Coordinated the passage of a board resolution offering support to New York and Washington D.C., as a result of the September 11^th terrorist attacks, and communicated the resolution to the appropriate chambers of commerce and the local officials.
• Worked to raise awareness and support for two important items on the November 6^th ballot: the Dallas 2012 Olympics referendum and Proposition 15 to create the Texas Mobility Fund.
• Lobbied for U.S. Congress passage of trade promotion authority legislation.
• 55 business leaders were selected to participate in the 2002 Leadership Dallas Class.

We believe all these efforts are even more relevant today. If you have any questions or would like to become more involved with the Chamber, please contact either one of us.

Best regards,

Henry C. Beck III,
Chairman

&

Jan Hart Black,
President