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.

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

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

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.

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.

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

ROCKWALL – Breaking news just in…IN-N-OUT Burger will open in Rockwall Oct. 20 at 10:30 am at 1106 E. I-30, in front of Costco.

After months of waiting, those many Rockwall County residents who have been so excited about the opening will soon be able to fill their mouths with IN-N-OUT’s  famous, 100 percent pure American beef burgers, ground fresh and delivered daily by the fast-food restaurant’s local butchers.

The simple menu also includes french fries prepared in 100 percent vegetable oil, 100 percent ice-cream shakes and beverages.

This will be the fast food restaurant’s ninth location to open in Texas during the past year. Others are located in McKinney, Arlington, Dallas, Ft. Worth and Frisco.

According to a corporate spokesperson for IN-N-OUT Burger in California, the opening is not being highly publicized, but corporate officials will be on hand to make sure the opening goes well.

The Rockwall store manager will be a 27-year employee of the company, Robert Rios.

The restaurant will employ approximately 60 associates with a starting salary of $10 per hour.  There will be one drive-thru lane, with indoor accommodations for 77 customers.  All In-N-Out Burger locations are open daily from 10:30 am to 1 am and until 1:30 am on Friday and Saturday.

In-N-Out was started as California’s first drive-thru and has locations throughout California, Nevada, Arizona, Utah, and Texas.  It was founded by Harry and Esther Snyder and is still owned and operated by the Snyder family.  None of the units are franchised. The corporate offices are located in Irvine, CA.

Since 1984, IN-N-OUT Burger has been helping abused and neglected children.

The In-N-Out Burger Foundation was established in March, 1995, as a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization to assist children who have been victims of child abuse, and to prevent others from suffering a similar fate. The Foundation supports organizations that provide residential treatment, emergency shelter, foster care, and early intervention for children in need.

It is supported primarily through donor contributions and internal fundraising activities sponsored by In-N-Out Burger.  In addition, the corporation pays all costs associated with the Foundation, so that every penny raised goes directly to help abused and neglected children.

For info, see www.in-n-out.com/foundation.asp.

By J.J. Smith, Publisher

ROCKWALL – “The holidays are almost here again. Time to get your carpets and home cleaned and ready for holiday entertaining.”

That’s the message that Rockwall-based Doiggs Carpet Cleaning & Restoration is trying to spread right now from Royse City to Dallas because year after year far too many people wait until the last minute to get their carpets, floors, rugs and upholstery cleaned and then discover it’s too late.

“With Thanksgiving nearly here and less than 90 shopping days left ‘til Christmas, we’re trying to get the word out early,” said Stan Doigg, founder and owner of the 14-year-old Rockwall-based family-owned business. “Lots of homeowners are already scheduling appointments so we know our crews will be busy. We also receive a lot of calls for pet treatments – to have odors and spots removed.”

Voted “Best Carpet Cleaning” for the past three years by readers of the Rowlett Lakeshore Times (2011), the Rockwall County News (2010) and the Rockwall Herald-Banner (2009) newspapers, Doigg added that’s not all the company does. They are also in the 24/7 emergency fire and water restoration business, for homeowners and leasing agents who unexpectedly have fire or water damage problems.

“From unexpected fires to overflowing hot-water heaters, toilets, bathtubs, broken refrigerators and busted water pipes, we have an excellent track record cleaning up the damage and restoring floors, hallways and homes to their original condition,” said General Manager Jeff Doigg, Stan’s oldest son. “That’s largely because we have such good employees.”

Service technicians Brian Ragle, Joseph Brewer and James Brannin, plus office assistant Ellen Goulding are four of their employees whom the Doigg family is especially proud of.

As members of the The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IIRC) – the foremost authority for the cleaning and restoration industry – IICRC members receive continuing training in the newest techniques and information on the latest products, and must maintain the highest ethical and professional standards.

Doigg says their company always goes “the extra mile” with hiring and training service technicians whom homeowners can trust. They know their business is based upon trust.

“We typically interview quite a few applicants before we hire after doing extensive background and drug testing,” said he said. “We only hire good, upstanding people we’d all trust as full-time, hourly employees. Our business is based on our relationship with clients and is built upon trust. That’s why we get lots of referrals from our clients,” he added.

“In addition, our employees wear clean uniforms and we teach them to always be courteous,” added Cathey Doigg, Stan’s wife, who handles marketing after a 24-year career as a teacher, including nine years at Heath’s Amy Parks Elementary School.

“Running our business has been a very rewarding experience and we’re looking forward to seeing how God will bless us even more,” she said. “It’s a blessing to be able to work with family serving our friends.

Both Jeff and younger son, Jonathan – now a professional firefighter in Dallas who used to work for Doiggs – graduated from Rockwall High School.

As members of the Rockwall and Rowlett Chambers of Commerce, as well as local networking groups, the Doiggs say they know their reputation depends on consistent quality and customer satisfaction.

“We work very hard to provide the utmost in customer satisfaction,” said Cathey.

Doigg’s mission is: “Serving our community and clients with professional and friendly service, adding value to the service, always striving to be the very best in service and quality.”

According to Stan Doigg, all work is priced up-front with no surprises in prices.

To schedule an appointment, call 972-771-5771 or visit www.Doiggs.com.

Doiggs is also listed on Angieslist.com and Yelp.com, plus has pages at www.Facebook.com/Doiggs and www.Twitter.com/Doiggs.

NEW YORK (CNNMoney) — Get ready for a new wave of bank fees. Bank of America will begin charging a $5 monthly fee at the beginning of next year for customers who make debit card purchases.

Whether you use your card for one purchase a month or 20, you will pay $5 per month starting in 2012. It doesn’t matter if you select “debit” or “credit” at the point of sale.

If you don’t use your card at all, you won’t be assessed a fee, and you can still use ATMs as much as you want without getting hit with the new charge. Plus, customers with certain premium accounts will be exempt from the charge.

MORE

ROCKWALL – A new, full-service, locally-owned bank will open in early 2012 in Rockwall with former American National Bank Vice President and Rockwall Chamber of Commerce Board Member Kevin Fowler as its president.

Victory Bank, owned by local investor group Rockwall Bancshares, Inc., will be located at 2255 Ridge Rd, in the current Citibank building. Rockwall Bancshares, Inc. was formed by a group of veteran Rockwall-based banking leaders, business executives and investors.

Fowler said the experienced leadership team at Victory Bank will strive to replace the impersonal banking experience many people receive with a warm, welcoming environment where bankers truly know and understand their customers.

“We know that community banks truly are the backbone to local economies not only by providing capital to job-creating small-and-mid-sized businesses, but also by offering strong active leadership and trusted counsel,” said Fowler.

“Victory Bank will be managed by professionals who genuinely care about the financial success and well-being of local individuals and businesses. That’s the way banking used to be done, and it’s the way banking should be done.”

Local attorney and Rockwall Bancshares Treasurer Bill Houser says their investor group is confident that Rockwall needs a bank like Victory which will offer high-quality personalized service.

“I know firsthand from my own business and my work with clients that Rockwall needs a bank that offers high-quality, personalized service from truly experienced bankers,” said Bill Houser, Partner at Jordan, Houser & Flournoy, LLP, and Secretary and Treasurer of Rockwall Bancshares, Inc.

“I’m confident Victory Bank will not only succeed, but will have a positive impact on the Rockwall area for years to come.”

A news release from Victory Bank stated that it will quickly become a regional bank, as well, because it intends to purchase the First National Bank of Chillicothe, based in Chillicothe, TX – near the Oklahoma border – for an undisclosed amount.

“The First National Bank of Chillicothe has approximately $46 million in assets and two locations, one in Chillicothe, Texas, and one in Quannah, Texas. After closing the transaction, the new holding company’s corporate headquarters will be in Rockwall. The management team at the First National Bank of Chillicothe will be retained and day-to-day-operations will remain unchanged.”

Victory Bank will offer services from personal checking accounts to small business loans.  For more information, call 972-772-2600.

By J.J. Smith