Hello friends:

Can you believe that 2022 is on the horizon and quickly arriving? 2021 has been a year of transformation for many businesses and families. We have explored how we choose to spend our time and resources in the most powerful and meaningful ways. I am thankful for so many of you that continue to put Chamber sanctioned programs on your calendar and support our mission. A community’s well being hinges upon a vibrant local economy and we are thrilled to be the leading business association in the area focused on driving this local success.

The Chamber has continued to welcome several great Partners throughout the 3rd quarter and thank many others for their loyal commitment to our organization. I hope you have had the chance to welcome and connect with them. It still rings true that meeting your next best client or referral partner could come when you least expect it.

Recently, we have offered numerous opportunities for you to meet other business and community leaders. We hosted our Monthly Partnership Luncheon meetings, executed our 6th annual The Iron Clay Shoot, facilitated several ribbon cuttings, offered professional development seminars, and kicked off our Leadership Rockwall Class of 2022. Our Pipeline leads group is continuing to grow and a 2nd group has just launched. Each of our affiliate groups have continued to offer complete programs as well. Have you been able to find your place in the business community? Whether you are a new business or a seasoned partner, we can help you achieve your goals.

This week I had the opportunity to testify before the Texas House Committee on Appropriations in support of legislation that will positively impact the business community now and in the future. It was an honor to represent the Rockwall Area Chamber of Commerce, our members and our community in Austin on issues that affect their everyday business operations.

Our team is busy preparing for next year at the Chamber. As you look ahead to doing business in 2022, are there programs or services that would benefit your organization?

Can you please take a moment to give us some feedback so we may continue to deliver a program of work truly built on excellence for the business community?


As the weather cools off and the season changes, I hope you all can take time to reflect and be thankful for the people that matter most to you in your life. One of my favorite quotes is “Chase the relationship- not the money”.

Today and every day, we are grateful for our Partners and Friends! Thank you for being an important part of the business community in the Rockwall area.

Darby Burkey
President/CEO
Rockwall Area Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Center
The nominating committee of the Rockwall Area Chamber of Commerce is accepting nominations for upcoming board positions. The Board Nomination Forms are available on our website and can be accessed using this link.

The Rockwall Area Chamber of Commerce is a diverse organization with approximately 720 members. Each year a nominating committee is appointed by the Chairman of the Board to select candidates to serve on the Board of Directors for a three-year term.

Chamber Partners who have an interest in being considered for the Board of Directors are encouraged to do so by submitting a candidate resume form. Please return to the Chamber of Commerce President or Nomination Committee Chair, Eva Hummel, no later than 5:00 pm on Tuesday, October 19th.

If you would like to nominate yourself or someone for consideration to the Board of Directors please email myself or Eva Hummel directly by close of business, Tuesday, October 19th.
Ribbon Cuttings are a celebration of business & the entrepreneurial spirit. Each time we host a ribbon cutting, we get the chance to hear unique stories and officially welcome them to the Rockwall Chamber. See below for all the businesses we held ribbon cuttings for this quarter.
Area Growth Summit
Your Chamber hosted leaders from Fate, Heath, McLendon-Chisholm & Royse City for the Area Growth Summit: Economic Prosperity In The Cities Around Rockwall. A lot of information was presented in a short time frame. So if you missed it or were there and want to hear it again, click below to watch the entire presentation.
We brought together the best shooters in Rockwall for the 6th Annual The Iron Chamber Classic Clay Shoot in October.

36 teams representing a diverse range of businesses participated in the clay shoot and after tournament Cigars & Cards casino mixer.

Thank you to Docs Roofing (pictured below) & MJ Pipeline Service for once again sponsoring this great event that brings businesses together!
First Place Winner:
Galyean Insurance
Second Place Winner:
Chub's Towing
Third Place Winner:
Hill & Wilkinson
Best Shot:
Mike Hubbard, Chub's Towing
Our Professional Women's Alliance held their inaugural La Tee Da: Christmas In July. Local business women took an afternoon to explore and shop downtown Rockwall, ending the day with live music and good eats & drinks.
PWA also started monthly Ladies Lunch Mobs where members gather for lunch and community building. Join their next one hosted at Standard Service.
With another first, the Rockwall Senior Services Alliance hosted a luncheon on how to handle, resolve and prevent customer complaints.
Members also participated in the Rockwall Health Fair, a half day informative expo for local seniors on options available for them from senior communities to financial planning to in home care. Thank you to the City of Rockwall Parks & Recreation Department for allowing us to partner with you on this great event for Rockwall Area seniors!
The Senior Services Alliance meets the second Thursday of each month, currently at Divine Peace Church. Check out their programming calendar for their next meeting.
The Young Professionals of Rockwall continue to meet, most recently at the brand new Rosini Vineyards in McLendon-Chisholm.

The Rockwall Veterans Business Alliance continues to grow their network of business leaders, meeting every third Wednesday from 5:30 pm - 6:30 pm. Join them next on October 20th at the brand new Siren Rock Brewing Co.
Congratulations to the the following for being selected as part of the Leadership Rockwall Class of 2022. We wish you the best of luck as you begin your journey!
Leadership Rockwall Class of 2022:
Leadership Chair | Shane Hollas, Maaco of Rockwall
Class Co-Advisor | Lacy Deckard, Ebby Halliday Realtors
Class Co-Advisor | Jared Schweers, Key Element Media
Cesar Bugarin, JCK Corporate
Max Geron, Rockwall Police Department
Kevin Hadawi, Wells Fargo Advisors
Saralyn Hanford, Hanford Planning & Consulting
Shelbi Hemphill, Rockwall ISD
Gerald Hendrik, Rockwall Wealth Advisors
Savannah Hill, The Savvy Travel Agency
Johnny Kirkpatrick, Raptor IT Solutions
Casey Lott, Baylor Scott & White Medical Center Lake Pointe
Rob McAngus, Verner Brumley Mueller Parker
Terry McBay, Juvanew Medspa
Marcel Naujok, AugenTek, LLC
Jessica Nelson, Alliance Bank
Mitch Ownby, Rockwall County EMS
Kayne Pierce, B1 Bank
Trevor Reed, Volkert, Inc
Rob Shalvey, Rest Haven Funeral Home
Jeremy White, City of Rockwall
 
Leadership Rockwall Class of 2022 Sponsors: Baylor Scott & White Medical Center Lake Pointe | All Care Comfort Solutions | Oncor | Republic Services | Southwest Kia Rockwall
Chamber Team
President/CEO
Partnership Development Manager
Senior Program & Experience Manager
Program & Communications Manager
Partner Services Manager
Partner & Tourism Specialist
Operations Manager
Marketing & Communications Manager