Our 12th interview in our 2020 ACCE Chamber of the Year Finalist Series is with Beth Bowman from the Irving Las-Colinas Chamber of Commerce in Texas. In the interview the main areas that we covered were the highlights of their synopsis that were submitted with their Chamber of the Year application, what makes the Irving Las-Colinas Chamber stand out, their plans on how to lead through the recovery from COVID-19, and words of advice for other Chamber Champions to improve their own Chamber. The Irving Las-Colinas Chamber was also a 2019 Chamber of the Year Finalist and you can hear Beth’s interview last year in episode 35.
Beth covered two highlights from their Chamber of the Year synopsis. The first program she addressed is their Small Business Blitz that focuses on member retention. The goal is to visit 1,000 businesses in 1 day with 55 member investors. As they visit these members, the are thanking them, they are getting feedback on what the members needs are, and they work to find solutions to challenges. The other program that Beth highlighted is their Share Tank Initiative. This is a 4-day educational seminar for non-profits where they are given the opportunity to “pitch” their organization to receive private funding from the corporate businesses who participate.
When Beth talked about what makes the Irving Las-Colinas Chamber stand out, she talked about the Chambers commitment to obtaining professional certifications, benchmarking & competitive collaboration, and advocacy for favorable public policies.
The Irving Las-Colinas Chamber plans to lead through the recovery from the economic impact of COVID-19 by being a trusted advisor. They are also working with local banks for PPP funds for businesses. They are posting restaurant updates, and educational webinars. They are helping to provide and distribute PPE gear for area hospitals, nursing homes, and small businesses. They will continue to survey the needs of their members through the recovery.
As Beth shared her piece of advice for the Chamber Champions listening, she invites Chambers to be more than a membership organization and to be catalytic leaders.
If you would like to connect with Beth, she can be reached below:
Email: bbowman@irvingchamber.com
Phone: 214-217-8484
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