McKinney, Texas – October 20, 2009 – Four McKinney Chamber of Commerce programs were recently recognized by the Texas Chamber of Commerce Executives at their Annual Volunteer Conference.

The Chamber received two first place awards and two second place awards.

Economic Development Division – First Place – Better Roads Ahead! 

The Chamber earned first place in the economic development division for their Better Roads Ahead Program. That initiative began at the Chamber Board Planning Session when the challenge of road improvements and construction was identified as an issue that will face many businesses located along the affected corridors. The Chamber has met with business owners at the Hwy. 380/Hwy. 75 intersection along with City Engineers and Planners and Texas Department of Transportation leaders. City officials listened to business concerns regarding motorists’ inability to access business locations during construction. From those meetings a new city procedure was created to help businesses with this issue - an application for a temporary directional sign that businesses could apply for through the City. Businesses impacted by construction had a process to air their concerns as well as get the correct contact information and phone numbers in case a problem arises. The Chamber will apply this model to other areas that will be under construction in the near future such as the Eldorado/Hwy. 75 corridor and Custer Road corridor.

Small Business Division – First Place – Best of McKinney

The Chamber’s Magazine, McKinney Living, initiated a “Best Of” contest as a way to recognize outstanding community businesses and drive awareness of the Chamber. The “Best Of” contest was successful in engaging members, the business community and residents in voting for winners in 50 different categories.  Over 4,000 votes were cast on paper ballots and online.

Education Division – Second Place – Wellness Program

Understanding that employee wellness works to cut health care costs, improve employee productivity, lower absenteeism and produce greater job satisfaction, the McKinney Chamber is focusing on education and implementing worksite wellness programs.  The wellness kick-off began at a Good Morning McKinney where a panel of wellness experts presented information to the membership regarding implementing a wellness program and the benefits a company would receive. The Chamber also started a wellness brown bag lunch series for members with topics ranging from starting a walking program to nutrition on a budget. The Chamber staff walked the talk – literally – as they conducted a 12-week walking challenge.

Government Affairs – Second Place – State of the Community

Educating our members and providing a platform for our all government agencies in McKinney to share current and future goals and objectives is an ongoing priority of the McKinney Chamber.

With that in mind, the Chamber has taken a new spin on a traditional program – State of the City. Instead of focusing on only the City’s accomplishments and future goals, the Chamber includes all local taxing entities: McKinneyIndependentSchool District, CollinCounty, Collin County Community College District, as well as the City of McKinney.

The event has continue to grow and has become an excellent partnership with the City of McKinney by providing a platform for the City to communicate its goals and distribute its annual report.

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The McKinney Chamber of Commerce is an advocate and voice for the McKinney business community. The Chamber represents over 39,000 employees from approximately 1,200 business investors in the McKinney and North Texas region.  It serves as the unified business voice for McKinney. With a rich heritage of leadership and collaboration, the Chamber works in partnership with the City of McKinney and the corporate community to promote, advocate for and expand business in the city and further develop and market McKinney’s advantages as a premier location for doing business. 

For more information about the Chamber contact 972-542-0163, info@mckinneychamber.com, or www.mckinneychamber.com.