Achievement Unlocked

by Erica Pangburn, IOM
Denton Chamber of Commerce President

One year ago, this was my first month on the job at your Chamber of Commerce. A few months in, we began the process of applying for reaccreditation with the US Chamber of Commerce, which is a five-year designation.  We spent about five months compiling the required resources and submitted the package on December 22, 2019.

Accreditation with the United States Chamber of Commerce is the only program of its kind that defines excellence in chamber planning and recognizes chambers for outstanding contributions toward positive change in their communities. The purpose of the U.S. Chamber's Accreditation Program is to facilitate continuing excellence in the chamber industry and to foster a pro-business environment across America.

There are over 890 chambers that have participated in the program since 1964. Currently, 202 chambers carry this distinction. With approximately 7,000 chambers in the United States, Accreditation with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce is a prestigious honor that distinguishes the high quality, expertise, and strong leadership displayed by Accredited state and local chambers of commerce. It is worth noting that the Denton Chamber has been continuously accredited since 1975.

DentonChamberLogo-CMYK Accredited.png

One month ago (which now feels like a full three years, amiright?) on March 10, your Denton Chamber was awarded Accreditation for the 9th time in 45 years.  Why does it matter?  Because supporting our local business community is not something we take lightly. By earning Accreditation from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, a chamber shows its dedication to:

  • Reviewing, improving, and promoting strong business practices

  • Recognizing leadership and outstanding contributions to the community

  • Supporting the principles of free enterprise and promoting pro-growth policies at federal, state, and local levels

  • Establishing best practices and staying in-step with industry changes

What other organization in your community is positioned to support your business in this way? If not the Chamber, then who? What I have learned of Denton in the past one year is that this community supports one another. The past 30 days have been TOUGH. We have all been affected in ways that cannot be compared to one another. And while it has been challenging, it has also been inspirational. The business-to-business and consumer-to-business support that has become our new normal, is anything but normal. Denton, your Chamber is so proud to link arms with you. Chamber members, future members, community partners: we believe in you and we are committed to continuing this work, for the betterment of Denton’s economic future. 

In the spirit of working FORWARD and finding things to celebrate in this season of uncertainty, I’d like to congratulate the 35th Leadership Denton Class, chaired by Randi Skinner of RS Consulting. They have shown up faithfully over the past nine months and you will continue to see great things from them. Reach out to these folks in your spare time. Invite them to partner with you, serve on your board, or just ask them about the LD experience.  I know they have a lot to offer. You can follow the Denton Chamber on Facebook to hear from the class about what participating in Leadership Denton meant to them.  Congratulations again, LD35!

Aaron Carey, Peterbilt
Adam Smith, Peterbilt
Amy Jensen, DATCU
Angeles Munoz, Denton ISD
Billy Roussel, Make the Move Realty
Chloe Satterfield, Reecer Law Firm
Clinton West, Professional Service Property Management
Colby Berry, Hayes, Berry, White & Vanzant
Deval Patel,  Aave Cause Restaurants, LLC
Dulce Petry, Mayday Manufacturing/Hi-Tech Metal Finishing
Eddie Renz, ChemistCreative
Frank Padgett, City of Denton Police Department
Franklin Cornett, Grunden Financial Advisory, Inc.
Gabby Keys, Guaranty Bank & Trust
Gabriel Cruz, Texas Woman’s University
Jay Lancaster, Canopy Capital Strategies
Jeremy Wear, Medical City Denton
Jessica Burchfield, Texas Woman’s University
Jordan McDowell, Title Resources
Justin Hess, Neighborhood Credit Union
Keanna Stallings, City of Denton
Kelly Peace, VERUS Residential
Kenneth Williamson, North Rock Construction
Kimberly Crain, First United Bank
Kristen Howell, Children’s Advocacy Center for Denton County
Lisa Cave, Point Bank
Lisa Marie Shaughnessy, Santé Center for Healing
M. Bryce Olson, Fathom Realty
Michelle Harvey, North Central Texas College
Preston Smith, Ciera Bank
Shelli' Gomes, Mobius Financial Advisor
Stephanie Adams, Texas Health Denton
Stephanie Neal, City of Denton Attorney’s Office
Terrance Buzzard Jr., SMI Coaching
Tyheshia Scott, Giving HOPE, Inc.

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