How local businesses benefit from Chamber membership

(Rockwall – November 20, 2012) Ask anyone who lives, works, or plays here what makes Rockwall such a unique place, and you’re sure to hear about its small town charm and big sense of community.

Despite being one of the fastest growing communities in the country, Rockwall hasn’t lost its hometown feel or outgrown its ability to stay connected.

“More and more people are starting their businesses here, and raising their families here. Companies are relocating here. We’re not really a bedroom community anymore,” said Dana Cullins Macalik, President of the Rockwall Area Chamber of Commerce. “People come for our big city amenities, and stay for our small town appeal. Being part of the Chamber is a great way for business professionals to stay connected as we grow.”

The Rockwall area comprises Fate, McLendon Chisholm, Royse City and Heath – each with its own character and history. But as Dana points out, “Rockwall may be the smallest county in Texas, but there’s a feeling of belonging to something much bigger. Giving back is a way of life. Just go to a football game or any community event, and you’ll see how engaged people are. People want to participate. Businesses want to get involved.”

Dana pointed to Rockwall’s recent Rubber Duck Regatta, a charity event benefiting Meals on Wheels and the Boys & Girls Club of Rockwall County. “Thousands flocked to the inaugural Duck Fest in support of our local organizations. Look at how many corporations decorated a duck – nearly 200! Wow, they got into it,” she said. “That’s what hometown is all about.”

A fourth-generation Rockwallite, Dana has seen her hometown grow from a few hundred people to 38,000 in the city of Rockwall, and more than 81,000 in Rockwall County. The Rockwall High Class of 1980 graduate was here even before Lake Ray Hubbard was created.

“My great grandfather was a cotton farmer in Heath,” she said. “My grandfather was a policeman with the City Rockwall and later the Sheriff’s Department. In the 70s he became Heath’s first Chief of Police. My father served as Constable in Rockwall for 18 years. My uncle, now deceased, took over as Constable when my father passed away.”

With the Cullins family so keyed into the community, coming on board as Chamber president in 2011 seemed the perfect fit for Dana. Her professional career included sales and marketing in corporate America, and working as a realtor in Rockwall.

“There are a lot of misconceptions about the Chamber,” she said. “Some believe we exist to gather statistics, print directories and maps, host ribbon cuttings, and talk about how wonderful Rockwall is. While all that’s true, those are only fringe benefits.”

“The Chamber promotes the area’s economy and encourages business investment, broadening the tax base and providing employment, influencing public policy through access to community leaders,” she explained. “It’s a catalyst through which business professionals work together for the common good of the community. To business prospects and newcomers, the Chamber represents the community’s pride and self image.”

The Rockwall Chamber also serves as a visitor information center for tourists or anyone moving to the area.

“We receive thousands of inquires about where to find a good dryer cleaner, restaurant or auto repair shop. We’re a resource center of reputable businesses,” Dana said.

Members enjoy networking at Business After Hours events, luncheons, breakfasts, and the annual Business Expo. They promote their products and services; attend educational seminars, and stay up-to-date on legislative issues.

A recent study commissioned by the American Chamber of Commerce shows that Chamber membership is an effective way to convey that a company is reputable and cares about its customers – regardless of what consumers may already think about the business.

These statistics confirm how valuable Chamber membership is as business strategy:

• When consumers know that a small business is a Chamber member, they are 44% more likely to think favorably of it; 63% more likely to purchase goods or services from it.
• When consumers know that a restaurant is a Chamber member, they are 40% more likely to eat at the franchise in the next few months.
• When consumers know that an insurance company is a Chamber member, they are 43% more likely to consider buying insurance from it.
• When a consumer believes a company’s products stack up better against the competition because the company is involved in the Chamber, it’s because the consumer infers the company is trustworthy, involved in the community, and is an industry leader.

“Our events are listed on our calendar at rockwallchamber.org,” Dana said. “If you’re not a member but want to come to a lunch to see what we’re about, we welcome you. We know if you come as a guest, you’ll see the value and want to join us!”

Written by Dawn Redig, Blue Ribbon News. All rights reserved. Special thanks to FEC Electric and the Timpa Law Office for their support of the Rockwall Chamber. 

To share your good news and events, email editor@BlueRibbonNews.com.

Proud supporters of the Chamber of Commerce

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