Celebrating a RockStar start to 2023 at the Rockwall Area Chamber of Commerce
From our President:
As we reflect back on the first quarter of 2023, I recognize and am so proud that our Chamber has a strong connection to our community and is representative OF the community. Our Chamber has been able to continue to enhance the quality of life through leading the way to a strong thriving economy in the Rockwall area by way of connecting businesses, non-profits, elected officials and citizens. To thrive, we must have success in business and community. Thank you for making us a FIVE Star Chamber and Community! Small Business Week is coming soon, and we hope you’ll celebrate the best of our small businesses in the area by supporting them with a referral or a business transaction. Our first quarter has been amazing, and I hope you’ll engage with us soon. Your Friend, Darby Burkey, IOM
Rockwall County Days
In January 2023 the Rockwall Area Chamber of Commerce hosted Rockwall County Days in Austin, TX. This was a great opportunity to connect with our elected officials, business, and community leaders from Rockwall County at the 88th Texas Legislative Session. This annual trip allows us to advocate for business in the Rockwall Area and provide opportunities to make in depth connections. We celebrated the 150th anniversary of Rockwall County and Rockwall County Sheriff's Department. We are grateful for State Representative Justin Holland and Senator Bob Hall taking the time to meet with us while in Austin and for the excellent programming and attendance while we were there.
We also had record attendance at our Q1 Partnership Luncheons, which covered a variety of topics that were designed for everyone doing business in the Rockwall area. These luncheons provide an excellent opportunity for the Chamber to bring updates to the community each month.
The Young Professionals of Rockwall (YPR) continued their tradition of dropping off Valentine’s Day cards to local Senior and Assisted Living communities, where they shared over 100 handcrafted Valentine’s cards with the community. YPR also welcomed the 2023 Advisory Committee, which includes Johnny Kirkpatrick of Raptor IT Solutions, Sarah Mathers of Patriot Paws, Gabby Corletto of State Farm, Gunnar Ledermann of Divine Peace Church, Bill Crockett of Smith Allen Insurance, and Brandy Mendoza of Volkert.
We are excited to announce our revamped Love Local program, which now includes the Downtown Dollars and ROCO Dollars community e-gift cards. In partnership with the Downtown Association of Rockwall, we encourage everyone to shop local at over 110 participating local merchants. You work hard to keep dollars local, and now it’s even easier to gift and buy in the community!
The Chamber hosted its first Annual Skate the Lake ice rink at the Harbor, welcoming over 8,500 guests to enjoy the beautiful lake. Thank you to our Presenting Sponsor, Clay Cooley Hyundai of Rockwall, for your support and contributions. Join us again in Winter 2023 for this wonderful family tradition.
2023 Annual Banquet
The Chamber's Annual Meeting and Awards Banquet was held on March 21st, 2023, at Southern Junction in Royse City, presented by All Care Comfort Solutions. With over 400 partners in attendance, we congratulated the business and community leaders who had excelled in the following categories: • Best Practices in Community Involvement & Impact: Doc's Roofing • Excellence in Customer Focus: Maaco of Rockwall • Emerging Business of the Year: Rayson's Creations Kaptured Memories • Small Business Partner of the Year: Young Chef's Academy • Medium Business Partner of the Year: Legends Fit • Large Partner Organization of the Year: Texas Health Hospital Rockwall • Destination Partner of the Year: Rosini Vineyards • Non-Profit Partner of the Year: Children's Advocacy Center for Rockwall County • Chairman's Award: Cindy Tayem, Oncor • Chamber Partner of the Year: Frank McLeod, Minuteman Press Rockwall
2023 Board of Directors
Executive Committee
- Brady Z. Hill, Brady Z. Hill Farmers Insurance- Chairman
- Shane Hollas, Maaco of Rockwall- Chairman Elect
- Eva Hummel, ATMOS Energy- Past Chairman
- Jason Linscott, Texas Health Hospital- Treasurer
- Lesli Y. Johnson, Rest Haven Funeral Home- Secretary
- Darby Burkey, Rockwall Area Chamber of Commerce- President & CEO
Rick Bernas, Gerald Hendrik, Melaney Loar, Christopher Lynch, Ashlei Neill, Jeremy Neill, Ben Northcutt, Trevor Reed, Barry Street, David Sweet, Kim Timpa, Dr. John “JJ” Villarreal, Jerry Welch, Amy Wilkins, & Roger Williamson
Ambassadors
- Shannon Thompson, APlus Payroll- Chair
- Steve Torres, The Traveling Toro- Vice Chair
- Gerald Hendrik, Rockwall Wealth Advisors- Past Chair
- Trevor Johnson, MTX Digital Billboards- Secretary
- Kayne Pierce, b1 Bank- Communications
Kevin Arterberry, Mitch Brown, Dottie Corder, Lynette Coughlin, Marcus Cox, Tracey Fentum, Kevin Hadawi, Sheila Hair, Alexander Judd, Beth McCrackin, Frank McCleod, Eric McShannon, Kyle Samford, Jared Schweers, Brett Veno, & Jerry Welch
Meet our new Director of Marketing and Partner Engagement
Kate Sitzenstatter joined the team in late 2022 and can't wait to continue serving her community in her new role. She has a passion for connecting business and community and has been proud to call Texas home for the past year and a half. Kate will focus on elevating the Chamber’s brand, events, communications and partner recognition. We are thrilled to welcome her to this new role.
