‘May The Chamber Be With You’

Membership Drive achieves record-setting results

(ROCKWALL, TX – April 11, 2016) The Rockwall Area Chamber of Commerce recently embarked on a Star Wars-themed membership event, sending shock waves through the universe by welcoming a record 194 new partners and generating $98,357 in revenue in less than three days.

One hundred twenty three volunteers joined forces at the Texas A&M Commerce Rockwall campus to participate in the “May Your Chamber Be With You” event, hosted by Your Chamber Connection and celebrity enter”trainer” Jimmy Cusano. Chamber partners shared the benefits of membership with local businesses, forming teams to see which group could bring in the most new partners.

“The Force was definitely with us. Memberships are still coming in. Nationwide, only 31 Chambers have reached the $100,000 revenue mark at a membership event, and now the Rockwall Chamber has done so – twice!” said Chamber President, Dana K. Macalik, IOM, referring to the success of a similar membership event in 2013.

After two and a half days of fierce competition, the teams celebrated at the Hilton Dallas/Rockwall Lakefront, where the winners were announced. The “Top Chair Group” was the Purple and Green Team, led by Mike and Robin Chouteau of Honda Cars of Rockwall, and Cindy Paris of Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Rockwall. Mike and Robin, the first husband and wife duo to earn the honor of reigning Godfather and Godmother, led their team to victory with 51 new partners and $36,369.75.

They also spawned the “Top Team,” led by Captain Karen Parks with Inwood National Bank, who achieved 12 sales totaling $13,262.50. But Robin was the Jedi, achieving Top Individual Sales at the event. She single-handedly welcomed 14 new partners, with sales over $16,000! She was named among the “Top Dogs” who brought in six or more sales. Other “Top Dogs” included Larry Parks, American National Bank; Brady Hill, Brady Z. Hill Agency-Farmers Insurance; Nancy Parkes, Coldwell Banker Apex; and Tyler Wimpee, Joe Wimpee Agency. They were honored with a little “barking” at the celebration, and recognized as Goodfellas, along with Cindy Paris.

The Fo’ O’ Mo’ Award (that’s “four or more, to those of us who are not from New York) went to Lindsay Mitchell, Ebby Halliday Realtors; Randy Hudson, Hudson Financial Group; Mary Johnson, Housewarmers; Brady Wilson, Mesquite Pro Rodeo; Cherie Jones, U.S. Health Advisors; and Bobby Gladu, A&A Granite and Limestone, who each welcomed four or more new partners.

“Runners” were also recognized for delivering welcome packets to each of the new partners.

Respects were paid to former Godfather Larry Parks, whose Gold Team came in second place with 56 new partners and over $26,000 in revenue. Individuals who brought in new partners were eligible to enter a prize drawing, and Larry won a Tag Heuer watch, generously donated by Willis Fine Jewelry.

But the real winners of the membership event are local businesses – large and small – and the local business economy. Increasing membership size enables the Chamber to better address the needs of the Rockwall area business community through business development and economic growth. The additional revenue will help the Chamber impact retention, keeping business in Rockwall and thereby creating jobs; and provide momentum in the Chamber’s continued efforts toward education, legislation and lobbying for infrastructure.

“In Star Wars, Yoda said, ‘Do. Or do not. There is no try.’ The volunteers who rallied together on behalf of the Chamber demonstrated their ability to do what it takes to achieve a common goal. It is evident from the outcome of this event that business leaders in Rockwall can reach great heights when they work together,” said Macalik. “They are paving the path for future generations to follow, and the Rockwall Chamber is here to help them along the way by supporting their efforts, and helping make every day extraordinary for business in Rockwall. May the Chamber be with you!”

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