ROCKWALL – Sixteen-term US Congressman Ralph Hall will receive the U.S. Chamber of Commerce “Spirit of Enterprise” award on his 89th birthday, May 3, at the Rockwall Chamber of Commerce breakfast, 7:30 am, at Saltgrass Steakhouse, 1649 Laguna Dr.  in Rockwall.

The award is given to members of Congress for their pro-business positions and commitment to economic growth, according to Paula Kerr, the Rockwall Chamber’s public relations manager.

Rep. Hall, representing the Fourth Congressional District in Texas, was born May 3, 1923 in Fate. He was first elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1980 and has been re-elected to each succeeding Congress.  He was selected as Chairman of the Committee on Science and Technology for the 112th Congress.

“Over the many years of Congressman Hall’s service he has worked to protect and advance the interests of America’s job creators, supporting pro-growth policies,” she wrote in a news release.  “Congressman Hall is helping unleash the power of free enterprise to put our economy back on track and put Americans back to work.”

“The Rockwall Area Chamber of Commerce encourages its members and Rockwall area businesses to attend and support the advancements and interests of America’s job creators,” wrote Kerr.

The cost of the breakfast is $12.  Those planning to attend should RSVP to the Chamber at 972-771-5733.

Rep. Hall is the oldest member of the US Congress. Prior to being elected in 1980, he served in the Texas Senate, from 1962 to 1972, including as President Pro Tempore from 1968-1969. Between 1950 and 1962, Mr. Hall served as the Rockwall County Judge.

After attending public schools in Rockwall and graduating from Rockwall High School, he joined the U.S. Navy on December 10, 1942, serving as a lieutenant (senior grade) aircraft carrier pilot from 1942 to 1945.

He attended Texas Christian University, the University of Texas – Austin and received his LL.B. from Southern Methodist University in 1951.  He was admitted to the Texas Bar that same year and maintained a private law practice in Rockwall for many years.

By J.J. Smith, Publisher

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ROCKWALL -The owner of local entertainment website PlanetRockwall.com says that the Facebook page she set up two years ago, that has attracted over 2,800 “Likes” while promoting the Harbor district in Rockwall, has essentially been hijacked by The Shops at The Harbor’s management company, United Commercial Realty (UCR).

As a result, Rockwall business owner Sharon Lewis says she is now angry and investigating legal remedies which may soon land both businesses in court.

The Facebook page is named “The Harbor Rockwall.”

The Shops at the Harbor use the domain address www.TheHarborAtRockwall.com.

According to Lewis, she has maintained two Facebook pages since 2010 with similar names to help promote The Harbor district and serve as marketing platforms for PlanetRockwall.com.

The first, named “The Harbor at Rockwall,” was set up to promote Harbor businesses, activities and City events held there. Merchants were invited to use the Page to promote their businesses. As of a week ago, it had attracted over 1,000 Likes but is currently not online.

Then a second page, called “The Harbor Rockwall,” was also created to promote Harbor businesses, activities and City events. Merchants were also invited to use the Page to promote their businesses. In addition, information was provided regarding the public areas owned by the City of Rockwall, including the amphitheater, boardwalk, lighthouse, lake access and boat ramps.

On the second Facebook Page – taken over recently by UCR – PlanetRockwall.com promoted the City’s highly-popular “Concerts By The Lake” series and other events. As of today, this Facebook page has attracted over 2,900 followers.

“This is the page that was taken from Planet Rockwall without consent,” said Lewis.

Across the top of the page in two places, UCR has added “The Harbor at Rockwall.”

UCR is also operating a third Facebook page, established Feb. 20, called “The Harbor Rockwall,” using the same graphics that have been used in the past on signage at The Harbor district. The management company last updated it Easter Sunday.

Lewis said she was contacted a month ago by UCR Project Manager Silvana Garcia, demanding that Planet Rockwall turn over ownership of the page to UCR “within the hour.” When Lewis objected and requested a meeting to discuss the page, she said Garcia denied her a meeting unless the wall was turned over immediately.

“I thought this was a poor way for someone to conduct business.” said Lewis. “I told Ms. Garcia I would contact her by the end of the day.  I then contacted an attorney who made contact with Ms. Garcia.”

Just days later, UCR successfully persuaded Facebook to switch ownership of the second page to UCR and away from PlanetRockwall.com without notice from Facebook or UCR’s legal counsel. It was just suddenly changed and Lewis could no longer access “The Harbor Rockwall” page as the administrator.

“They just took it,” she said.

After all the time she has invested in the Facebook page to help The Harbor, Lewis said she feels that UCR could have at least worked with her about changing ownership of the Page or Pages.

Lewis added that she did meet with UCR Asset Management and UCR’s marketing agency after a phone call she placed to UCR regarding the ownership switch of the wall. Proposals were discussed and Lewis was asked to submit a proposal in writing, based on their meeting.

“Via an email message our proposal was deemed ‘Unacceptable’ and allegedly passed on to their legal counsel,” she explained.

Lewis has now consulted with an attorney and they are examining legal remedies. They are also attempting to contact Facebook.

“It’s unfortunate we’re put into this situation after promoting The Harbor district since it first opened. No one else was promoting The Harbor district in Rockwall. For the longest time we were the destination site for things happening there.”

“The new management group has a new web site and started advertising promotions last summer, but excluded Planet Rockwall and other local media from their marketing programs.”

Upon a request for comments, UCR Senior Property Manager Silvana Garcia told TheRockwallNews.com that she would pass our request on to someone at UCR if they wanted to respond but she did not know if or when they would.

By J.J. Smith, Publisher

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ROCKWALL – The grand opening of Autumn Leaves Alzheimer’s and Memory Care Assisted Living Communities in Rockwall is scheduled today from 4-7 pm at 225 East Ralph Hall Pkwy, behind Home Depot.

Their Rockwall location is the 10^th community opened in the DFW area since the Irving-based company broke ground on its first development more than 10 years ago in North Texas.

There are also three communities in Chicago, four in Houston and one in Tulsa. Additional development plans include expansion in those markets.

Family-owned and operated, Autumn Leaves communities are designed to combine a warm, home-like environment with the highest quality memory care available, according to Community Relations Director Gina Lozano.

“Specialized in every aspect, Autumn Leaves memory care residences are focused on meeting their residents’ emotional, physical, social and nutritional needs in a home-like environment.”

“All Autumn Leaves’ professional staff, nursing personnel, and caregivers are specially trained in Alzheimer’s and dementia-related care.  Our on-going education and training allows us to provide the latest and highest quality of care to meet the unique needs of our residents.”

According to Mitchell Warren, president of The LaSalle Group, which designed and constructed the facility, the new community in Rockwall should make an immediate impact.

“Our home-like approach to care-giving for those living with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia is unique to the industry, and I am confident it will become valuable to the Rockwall community,” said Warren. “Not only do we intend to be a resource to the community, but we want to invest in Rockwall, as well, through job creation and ongoing education. We’ve already created more than 200 jobs.”

Warren said each Autumn Leaves community is approximately 26,000 square feet and supported by an expert, dedicated team of approximately 40 staff members.

“Unlike most independent and assisted living centers, every Autumn Leaves staff member is rigorously and exclusively trained and certified to serve its residents’ unique needs,” he added.

“Our business model of smart growth and family focus is setting the standard in caring for those living with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia,” said Chad Anderson, president of Constant Care Family Management. “Our community in Rockwall will sustain the momentum we are currently experiencing and help us maintain our position of servant leadership and passionate care-giving for those in need of memory care and their families. With Gina helping us in Rockwall, I look forward to serving the community immediately.”

For more information, visit AutumnLeavesLiving.com or call (214) 845-4500.

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By Sheila Hair, co-owner of My Computer Guy in Rockwall.

A new variant of the notorious Zeus identity-theft Trojan is making the rounds and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) says it is capable of defeating common methods of user authentication employed by financial institutions.

The latest strain of the ID-theft malware, called Gameover, begins as a phishing scheme with spam e-mails — purportedly from the National Automated Clearing House Association (NACHA), the Federal Reserve Bank, or the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) — that leads to malware infection and eventual access to the victim’s bank account.

From the FBI warning:

The malware is appropriately called “Gameover” because once it’s on your computer, it can steal usernames and passwords and defeat common methods of user authentication employed by financial institutions. And once the crooks get into your bank account, it’s definitely “game over.”

Gameover is a newer variant of the Zeus malware, which was created several years ago and specifically targeted banking information.

The FBI said the phishing lures typically includes a link in the e-mail that goes to a phony website.  “Once you’re there, you inadvertently download the Gameover malware, which promptly infects your computer and steals your banking information,” it warned.

The FBI said recent investigations have shown that some of the funds stolen from bank accounts go towards the purchase of precious stones and expensive watches from high-end jewelry stores.

“The criminals contact these jewelry stores, tell them what they’d like to buy, and promise they will wire the money the next day. So the next day, a person involved in the money laundering aspect of the crime—called a “money mule”—comes into the store to pick up the merchandise. After verifying that the money is in the store’s account, the jewelry is turned over to the mule, who then gives the items to the organizers of the scheme or converts them for cash and uses money transfer services to launder the funds.”

For more info, contact My Computer Guy, (866) 537-1279. It’s located at 2310 Ridge Rd. Suite C, Rockwall 75087. It’s open weekdays, 8 am-6 pm, and closed on weekends, although they do have 24-hour emergency service available.

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ROCKWALL -  The Rockwall Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors recently announced its new officers for 2012, plus the names of six new Board members.

They were elected at the Board’s Dec. 15 meeting. 

Cindy Tayem, Area Manager – Customer Operations, Oncor, will serve as the 2012 Board Chair, succeeding past-chair Cheryl Dunlop, Human Resources Director, City of Rockwall.

Cindy Paris, Chief Operating Officer of Texas Health Presbyterian-Rockwall was selected as Chair-Elect.

Lou Johnson, Vice President and Trust Manager, ANB Wealth Management Group/Trust Services, will serve as treasurer, and attorney Bryan Pope, The Pope Law Firm, will be secretary.

Dana Macalik was recently named the new President of the Chamber, succeeding Margie Hooper, who has retired.

The Board also ratified the election of six new board members to serve three-year terms:

• Lesli Johnson, Controller, Rest Haven Funeral Homes
• Stewart Storms, Vice President of Commercial Lending, American National Bank
• Stephen A. Straughan, Owner & Broker, Straughan Properties LLC and RockwallNow.com
• Darby Burkey, Owner, Rockwall Flower & Design Studio
• Nancy Runge, Marketing Specialist, Farmers Electric Cooperative
• James Nelson, Vice President of Business Development, Alliance Bank

The Board ratified the appointments of two Honorary Directors to serve a one year term:

• Troy Reimer, Principal, Reimer Legal Services
• Lou Johnson, ANB Wealth Management Group/Trust Services, Vice President and Trust Manager

Additional Directors on the Board include:

• Bill Hair, Owner, My Computer Guy
• Cheryl Dunlop, Past Chair (2011), Human Resources Director, City of Rockwall
• Eric Evans, Chief Executive Officer, Lake Point Health Network
• Judy Harris, Manager, Ebby Halliday Realtors
• Karen Coughlin, Manager, Hilton Bella Harbor
• Kevin Fowler, President, Rockwall Bancshares, Inc.
• Liz Beauchamp, Manager of Public Affairs, Atmos Energy Corporation
• Mike Mishler, President, Mishler Builders, Inc.
• Randall Noe, Principal, Randall Noe Auto Group
• Rick Filip, President, Filip Insurance Services
• Stan Lowrance, Stan Lowrance, DDS
• Ex-Officio Directors are:
• Sheri Franza, President, Rockwall Economic Development Corporation
• Jerry Hogan, County Judge, Rockwall County
• Dennis Bailey, County Commissioner, Rockwall County
• Lorie Grinnan, County Commissioner, Rockwall County
• David Sweet, Mayor, City of Rockwall
• Bethany Golden, Main Street Manager, City of Rockwall
• Jeff Bailey, Superintendent of Schools, Rockwall ISD

Full bios can be found at www.rockwallchamber.org/board.

The Board of Directors meets on the fourth Thursday of each month in the Rockwall Area Chamber of Commerce Community Room.

Founded in 1929, the Rockwall Area Chamber is comprised of over 800 companies and offers a vast array of educational and networking programs to help its members to gain the skills and resources necessary to prosper in today’s economy.

For more information, call (972) 771-5733 or visit www.rockwallchamber.org.

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ROCKWALL – Over 180 members and guests gathered at the Allure Restaurant at Chandler’s Landing for the Rockwall Area Chamber of Commerce 2011 Awards and Member Appreciation Banquet Jan. 12.

(See photo captions below)

Outgoing Board Chair Cheryl Dunlop, Director of Administrative Services for the City of Rockwall, presented awards to Ebby Halliday Realtors and the Hilton Bella Harbor Hotel for Small and Large Business Partners for the year, respectively.

Rockwall Boys & Girls Club President & Straughan Properties business owner Stephen Straughan received the “Spirit of Rockwall” and “Ambassador of the Year” awards.

Incoming Board Chair Oncor Electric Area Manager Cindy Tayem was named “Director of the Year.”

A special Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to American National Bank board member and senior vice president Larry Parks for his outstanding long-time commitment and support to the Rockwall Area Chamber of Commerce and the Rockwall community as a whole.

The City of Rockwall also received a “Partner Appreciation Award.”

During the program portion of the event, Dunlop provided an overview of 2011 highlights. Tayem presented the audience with key points from the Chamber’s business plan.

She said that the overall focus for 2012 would be member retention, and explained the key objective for the campaign will be to strengthen branding and endorse the benefits that a partnership with the Chamber will bring to any business, small or large.

Chamber Ambassadors Straughan and Sheila Hair, co-owner of My Computer  Guy, gave an overview of the new Chamber Ambassador Program and spoke of the importance the Ambassadors play in its success.

New Chamber President Dana Macalik recognized the outgoing Board Members and introduced the new 2012 Board of Directors:

• Lesli Johnson, Controller, Rest Haven Funeral Homes
• Stewart Storms, Vice President of Commercial Lending, American National Bank
• Stephen A. Straughan, Owner & Broker, Straughan Properties LLC and RockwallNow.com
• Darby Burkey, Owner, Rockwall Flower & Design Studio
• Nancy Runge, Marketing Specialist, Farmers Electric Cooperative
• James Nelson, Vice President of Business Development, Alliance Bank
• Troy Reimer, Principal, Reimer Legal Services (Honorary)
• Lou Johnson, ANB Wealth Management Group/Trust Services, Vice President and Trust Manager (Honorary)

The event was sponsored by:

• American National Bank Texas
• ANB Trust Department
• Business Directories of Texas
• the City of Rockwall
• Ebby  Halliday Realtors
• Endodontic Specialists of Rockwall
• Farmers Electric Cooperative
• Hilton Bella Harbor
• Lake Pointe Medical Center
• My Computer Guy
• Rockwall Economic Development Corporation
• Rockwall Flower & Design Studio
• Texans for Bob Deuell
• Timpa Law Firm
• TX Health Presbyterian Hospital – Rockwall

Photos (Click to enlarge):

Top Left (from left):

• Margie Hooper, former Chamber President
• Larry Parks
• Cheryl Dunlop

Top Center:

• Dana Macalik
• Judy Harris, Branch Manager, Ebby Halliday Realtors-Rockwall
• Cheryl Dunlop

Top Right:

• Dana Macalik
• Cindy Tayem
• Cheryl Dunlop

Bottom left:

• Dana Macalik
• Stephen Straughan
• Cheryl Dunlop

Bottom right:

City of Rockwall Council Members & Staff

By J.J. Smith, Publisher

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ROCKWALL – To celebrate the opening of its second branch in Rockwall, Credit Union of Texas is partnering with Rockwall County Helping Hands to offer its two branches as collection sites for the annual Helping Hands Christmas Toy Drive.

The new branch which opened Dec. 1 is located at 2914 Ridge Rd. The original location is at 882 W. Rusk St, in the Walmart Neighborhood Store shopping center.

Area residents can donate unwrapped toys valued between $15-25 through Tuesday, Dec. 13 at both locations. The drive-thru at the new location will also be open for toy donations weekdays, 10 am – 6 pm,  or Saturday, 10 am – 1 pm.

For more than 25 years Helping Hands has conducted Christmas Toy Drives, distributing gifts annually to at least 400 local families. Last year 1,265 children found presents under the tree.

According to Credit Union of Texas, they plan to increase that number this year by donating 20 new bicycles to the program.

“Charitable giving is always top-of-mind at Credit Union of Texas, especially during this time of year,” said Chief Operating Officer John Sutton. “Many of our own employees live in the Rockwall area, including myself, so partnering with Rockwall County Helping Hands to make this holiday a happy one for families in need was a natural decision.”

“All toy drives are nice, but with many of them, you drop the toys off and never see the joy the gifts bring to children and families,” said Margo Nielson, Executive Director at Helping Hands. “At Helping Hands, we really care about taking care of our local families in Rockwall, and we’re happy to partner with an organization that demonstrates the same commitment like Credit Union of Texas.”

By J.J. Smith, Publisher

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By J.J. Smith. ROCKWALL – This local food critic can’t wait to return to eat at El Cayote Rojo Cantina & Grill, Rockwall’s only Austin-style Tex-Mex restaurant, located on Hwy. 66, just before leaving Old Downtown Rockwall to the east towards Fate.

There are two simple reasons why.

First, on two of the four times that my wife & I have eaten there, the food, atmosphere and service have been absolutely perfect! Exceeded expectations! Delicious food; friendly & attentive waitstaff; beautifully-designed, spacious & well-lit interior & exterior; plus even a talented singing owner – Norma Valles Rocha!

On those four occasions, my wife said she’s thoroughly enjoyed the Chile Relleno, Tacos Al Carbon, Chicken & Beef Flautas, plus Shrimp Cozumel.

I always order Carne Asada (marinated, charbroiled skirt steak) with ranchero sauce.

The second reason, and the same reason I always order Carne Asada? Because the only problem I’ve had with El Cayote Rojo is they have been a little inconsistent, a challenge which most restaurants seem to have. But the first, second and third times that I ordered my favorite, the Carne Asada was so delicious that I just had to have it again!

For Mexican food in Rockwall, El Cayote Rojo has definitely become our favorite. Now, if they can just get that Carne Asada perfect each time I order it!

Each time we’ve visited, we’ve been greeted by a pleasant, smiling hostess who’s shown us to our spacious booth or comfortable table quickly – once on the back patio, when the weather was warm – plus provided us with the menus. The Cantina has been full twice but we only had to wait a few minutes to be seated.

Next, either a friendly waitress or waiter greeted us immediately to ask what we would like to drink. After ordering, we never had to wait more than 10 minutes or so to be served. Each time, the food was hot and displayed in a very appetizing manner.

On the first occasion, my wife said her Chile Relleno was most tasty. For those who don’t know, it’s a big roasted poblano pepper (not spicy) stuffed with your choice of beef, chicken, or cheese, topped with their special ranchero sauce & cheese, plus served with rice, refried beans, guacamole & pico de gallo.

On ensuing occasions, she said she’s also thoroughly enjoyed Tacos Al Carbon, which are either two flour or three corn charbroiled fajita steak tacos, served with pico de gallo, guacamole, refried beans, rice & sour cream.

She liked the Flautas, which are tightly rolled fried corn tortillas, filled with your choice of beef or chicken, served with refried beans, guacamole, and sour cream.

She said her favorite was the Shrimp Cozumel, large shrimp marinated & charbroiled in shrimp sauce with one chicken sour cream enchilada, served with guacamole & pico de gallo.

So the inconsistency has only really occurred with my food and some service on the fourth visit, when the waiter mysteriously disappeared for the night after he served us. On every other visit, our waitstaff has double-checked each time to be sure we were pleased.

On my first visit, the Carne Asada was very tasty but too rare when they first served it. After they took it back one time, it was much better. That happens at times when ordering steak, I’ve learned. It’s generally topped with onions and served with tender rice, refried beans, guacamole and pico de gallo. But since I don’t like the beans or other, I asked to substitute what was a delightful melted cheese enchilda, plus some shredded lettuce and tomato. “No problem,” the waitress said. So they do accept substitutions without difficulty, we learned.

By the way, the tomato-based ranchero sauce is the best! Not too spicy and smooth, it tops off the charbroiled steak perfectly. They also offer other sauces.

On the second visit, I couldn’t have asked for a better steak dinner. Delicioso!

On the third, it was duplicated, except they decided to charge me a bit extra for the cheese enchilda for the first time. Oh well, it was worth $2 or so.

On the fourth visit, well…this was the most inconsistent one, as far as the steak was concerned. Instead of another properly-prepared steak, they served me what my wife and I swear was a portion of overcooked beef roast. Even the waiter admitted that’s what it looked and felt with a fork like slightly burned beef roast. It didn’t taste very good so I didn’t finish it. I left feeling very disappointed. That’s when I decided the place is great, just somewhat inconsistent. But so are most restaurants, from my experience.

Now the management was very nice and very concerned when I told them about my steak. They offered to bring me another, but by that point I just wasn’t in the mood. I know that I shouldn’t have waited to complain. I certainly don’t usualy mind speaking up when my food’s not right, as my sweet wife has too often experienced! But on this occasion, management did provide us with a coupon for a discounted meal upon return. They said they would have provided me with a free meal, but since we were paying for this meal with a Restaurant.com certificate, we only had to pay a few dollars anyway ($2 for a $25 meal certificate).

Now before I end my critique, let me repeat that the first three times our meals were quite superb, with only a minimum of imperfection. So we highly recommend El Cayote Rojo Cantina & Grill. It doesn’t get any better in Rockwall or surrounding areas!

Lunches and dinners range from $7.95 to $15.95, with plenty of appetizers and desserts to choose from. They serve lunch specials weekdays, 11 am – 2 pm, for $7.97 & $8.95. They even serve breakfasts, from $2.95 – $7.95.

I should also mention that, every Friday night, Norma sings some tunes and singing, guitar-strumming Mariachis will serenade your table (hoping for some tips!). On Saturday nights, live blues & country music bands play.

A full-service bar with all your favorite adult beverages is located on the side of the Cantina, but it’s basically separated from most of the tables. Happy Hour is from 3-7 pm weekdays. They also can accommodate groups upstairs.

So if you like Mexican food ( and who doesn’t in Texas?), in a most pleasant atmostphere with friendly staff and customers, do yourself a favor and visit El Cayote Rojo Cantina & Grill, 308 N. Fannin St! You’ll be very glad you did!

For info & reservations, call 214-771-4062 or visit http://ElCayoteRojo.com/aboutus.html.

When in Dallas, visit their second restaurant, Nueva Casita Restaurant, located at 5807 Blackwell St., phone: 214-750-5441.

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ROCKWALL – “Stella the Silly Scarecrow” made a guest appearance at the Rockwall School of Music, Oct. 25 and 26, making balloon animals, hats and games for students to enjoy on their way home from music lessons. Stella volunteers her time to bring lots of smiles to students of all ages, said Music School Director Russ Porter.

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ROCKWALL – A new President of the Rockwall Chamber of Commerce has been named by the Chamber’s Board of Directors to replace Margie Hooper, who is retiring Dec. 31, 2011.

Fourth-generation Rockwall area resident and Rockwall High School graduate Dana K. Cullins Macalik (left) started her new position Oct. 17.

She is the daughter of Douglas Cullins, who was Constable of Rockwall County Precincts 2 & 3 for over 18 years. Her grandfather J.W. Cullins, was a cotton farmer and Rockwall police officer who became the first Chief of Police in Heath. Her great-grandfather moved to Rockwall in the late 1800s to farm cotton.

Her sister, Saundra, married the late Regal Realtors co-owner Lance Holland, and Heath City Council member Justin Holland is her nephew.

Macalik was employed since last October as an asset manager for the Federal Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) at Home Telos – a division of First Preston Foreclosure Specialists in Dallas.

From 2002-2008 she was a realtor with Regal Realtors. From 1997 to 2002 she sold high school yearbooks and class rings for Taylor Publishing and Gold Lance/Balfour.

Macalik graduated from Sam Houston State University in 1983 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management.

Since 2002 she’s also been a volunteer leader of Rockwall’s American Cancer Society “Relay For Life,” a volunteer at Rockwall Helping Hands, Rockwall Co. Youth Fair and the Rockwall Co. Republican Party.

She has also been a member of the Garland, Lewisville and Ft. Worth Chambers of Commerce.

Hooper had been the Executive Director since April, 2005, after retiring from a 31-year career with Cingular Wireless and SBC Communications. She will stay on through the end of the year to help Macalik with the transition.

About her new position Macalik said she hopes to be instrumental in improving Rockwall County’s business climate and quality of life.

“I hope to be instrumental in representing the Chamber’s commitment to creating an improved business climate and quality of life for the Rockwall County area,’ she said.

“From a public affairs standpoint, I hope to implement a cooperative community and economic development program designed to create economic stability and growth.”

“From a business assistance and activities standpoint, I hope to provide high quality Chamber activities and events designed to increase new business contacts and opportunities for involvement and increase assistance programs for small businesses.”

“From a membership standpoint, I hope to increase overall Chamber membership and actively promote Chamber programs and involvement opportunities.”

By J.J. Smith, Publisher

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