May 4, 2021
NEWS & UPDATES
Plano Pulse: Meet Jason Sojka (Marriott Dallas/Plano at Legacy Town Center)
Join us on a deep dive into the hotel industry with Jason Sojka, Area Sales Leader for Marriott. Our hosts Kelle Marsalis (President & CEO) and Steve McSwain (2021 Chair of the Board) chatted with Jason about all things hotel from the impact of the pandemic on sales, the hotel's different business segments, and trends to look out for in the future.

Now there are THREE ways to listen! CLICK HERE to subscribe on Apple Podcasts, CLICK HERE to listen on SoundCloud, or CLICK HERE to listen on Spotify.
Scheduling for In-Person Ribbon Cuttings is Now Open
The Plano Chamber of Commerce offers a ribbon cutting ceremony for each new member at the EXCEL, INVEST, or INNOVATE tiers. Whether you are a new or established business, a ribbon cutting is a great way to introduce yourself, your brand, and your business to the Plano Chamber community. Please contact Kathy Marcum for more information.
Now Accepting Applications for Leadership Plano Class 38
Are you interested in expanding your knowledge about our community, sharpening your leadership skills, and making valuable connections? Click HERE to apply to join Leadership Plano Class 38! Applications are due on June 15, 2021 at 6 p.m. and tuition for the program is $1,350 for Chamber members (or sponsored employees of Chamber member businesses) and $1,500 for non-members.

Attend our next information session, scheduled for May 19 from 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. on Zoom, to learn more about the program. All of your questions about the Leadership Plano program and about applying for Class 38 will be answered. Click HERE to register.

Contact us for further information.
Restaurants, Bars, Caterers, and More: Apply for the SBA's Restaurant Revitalization Fund
The American Rescue Plan Act established the Restaurant Revitalization Fund (RRF) to provide funding to help restaurants and other eligible businesses keep their doors open. This program will provide restaurants with funding equal to their pandemic-related revenue loss up to $10 million per business and no more than $5 million per physical location. Recipients are not required to repay the funding as long as funds are used for eligible uses no later than March 11, 2023. Learn more HERE.
Your Next Customer is Listening! Promote Your Business on Plano Pulse
Plano Pulse is the Plano Chamber podcast keeping our members and the community in touch with the heartbeat of local business. New episodes highlighting local business leaders and vital business issues are released twice monthly on SoundCloud, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts. Sponsorships are available now for 2021-2022 at the Presenting and Episode levels. Don't wait! Secure your sponsorship today! CLICK HERE for information and contact Katie Gimenez to reserve your sponsorship. 
Happy National Small Business Week!
For more than 50 years, the U.S. Small Business Administration has celebrated National Small Business Week, which recognizes the critical contributions of America’s entrepreneurs and small business owners. The Plano Chamber is proud to serve our local small businesses. Stay tuned for new programming to support this critical segment of our business community. In the meantime, remember to shop small and shop Plano first!
CHAMBER EVENTS & PROGRAMS
Power Networking

Thursday, May 6 | 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Zoom | Members: $5 | Prospective Members: $10 

Expand your network and build new business relationships at Virtual Power Networking. This twist on networking, with structured breakout rooms on Zoom, will virtually put you face-to-face with dozens of local business professionals. Make connections and make them count!
Virtual Business Interchange

Friday Mornings | 7:30 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.
Zoom | FREE to attend

We may be social distancing, but we won't stop networking... virtually! Local professionals and small business owners are invited to join us for our weekly Business Interchange meetings, hosted on Zoom each Friday morning!
Plano Legislative Days Virtual Summit
Session Three

Friday, May 7 | 2:00 p.m. - 2:45 p.m.
Zoom | Members: $30 | Prospective Members: $40 

Join us to hear from the Chairman of Public Education Committee, Harold Dutton, Jr. As one of the longest-serving members of the Texas House of Representatives, Chairman Dutton will provide the Chamber with an update on the state of public education during the 87th Legislative Session. 
Young Professionals of Plano
Live Before 5 - Morning Edition

Tuesday, May 11 | 9:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.
Zoom | Members: $5 | Prospective Members: $10 

Whether you’re buying a home now or later, there’s a lot to take in. This month’s YPP will feature a panel of local specialists who will share their tips to help you with all your home-buying needs.
Women's Division Virtually Speaking
Marketing Without Money

Wednesday, May 12 | 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Zoom | Members: $15 | Prospective Members: $20 Registration is Required. 

Media insider and Emmy Award winning TV reporter Jeff Crilley will share the secrets of the stories the media loves. This fun, interactive, information-packed talk will teach you how to keep your press releases from getting thrown away and keep reporters coming back for more.
Public Policy Committee

Wednesday, May 19 | 8:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.
Zoom | FREE to attend. Registration is Required. 

Join our Public Policy Committee in their tireless work to identify the issues of highest priority to our business community and to act on their behalf. As the voice of the Plano business community, legislation that affects regional business is our top concern. Chamber advocacy programs and events provide unique opportunities to network with local, state, and national elected officials.
Maximize Your Membership

Wednesday, May 19 | 3:30 p.m. - 4:15 p.m.
Zoom | FREE to attend. Registration is Required. 

Are you ready to get THE MOST out of your Chamber membership? Are you interested in finding out more about what happens at the Plano Chamber? Register today for this interactive and FREE program that will bring together new and prospective members. Meet your Chamber staff and dive deeper into the benefits of membership.
COVID-19 RESOURCES & UPDATES
Prosperity Bank Business Center Hours
The health and safety of our members, staff and visitors is the most important thing to the Plano Chamber of Commerce. The Prosperity Bank Business Center is open by appointment only. Appointments with staff are also available by appointment and must be made in advance.

Business Center hours are currently Mondays through Thursdays from 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM. COVID protocols will remain in place until further notice, however we are pleased to announce that the Large Conference Room can accommodate up to 26 attendees plus two speakers with three-foot social distancing in a classroom setting.

Members may request an appointment by filling out the forms on our website. We ask that you do not arrive prior to your scheduled appointment to allow for sanitizing.

For additional questions, please reach out to the Chamber staff.
COVID-19 Business Resources
As our business community responds to the spread of COVID-19, the Plano Chamber of Commerce has pulled together a list of resources to provide support to organizational leaders and small business owners. CLICK HERE to read more.
Plano Business Hub
The Plano Business Hub is a public Facebook group designed to bring together the community in support of local businesses. In addition to sharing pertinent business resources, group members can plug in to the local business community and be the first to hear about special deals, community events, and offers from local restaurants, retailers, and other businesses. CLICK HERE to join and be sure to invite your friends!
PLANO CHAMBER OF COMMERCE www.planochamber.org