Kick Off Luncheon Receives Enthusiastic Turnout

 

SPRING - May 7, 2008 - Nearly 80 business leaders gathered at the inaugural luncheon of the Spring Klein Chamber of Commerce, held at the Sizzler Restaurant on FM2920 in Spring on Tuesday, May 6, 2008. 

Keynote Speaker Constable Ron Hickman of Harris County Precinct 4 shared about the incredible growth that the Spring and Klein area is experiencing and the need for businesses to remember to take precautions to prevent crime.  He also recommended steps to be proactive in keeping our area businesses more secure, such as keeping cash registers located away from the main entrance of a business.  Hickman expressed that since taking office in 2001, he has seen this area grow most rapidly in recent years.  Guests showed concern at the amount of traffic and the potential for undesirable businesses along FM 2920, Hickman encouraged attendees of the luncheon to take an active role in the community to preserve our quality of life.   He said, “It’s a normal cycle is for pride of ownership to lower expectations as a community ages.  That doesn’t have to happen if all of you do what you are doing today… getting involved.”

Bill Rogers, a ’serial entrepreneur’ and founder of the Yes You Can Do It Club, spoke to the audience about the importance of networking with others in the community to help ensure the success of each business.  He encouraged business owners to step out of their comfort zones, even utilizing social networks such as MySpace.

Toni Richard, co-founder of the Spring Klein Chamber of Commerce, let the audience know that her vision for the community is to create more opportunities for local businesses to connect and support each other.  She pointed to Dr. Paul Proske of Vision Eye Care saying, “I want to have my children go to Dr. Proske’s clinic because I want to help a business right here in Spring to be successful.  I encourage you all to do the same.”  The audience responded with laughter and applause. 

Richard informed the audience that she is not ‘out to take something from anyone else’ but repeatedly spoke of her passion for the area and that she wants this to be a place that her children will want to invest in when they are adults. “I want them to go to college here and then create businesses right here in Spring.”

The organization plans on creating more business networking opportunities, Spring area events to promote the community and act as an advocate on issues such as traffic, area beautification and mass transportation.  “I can’t do this alone but we can all do it together,” said Richard.

“Our next step is to follow all the legal steps to get this Chamber established in the community,” she stated.  The attendees responded affirmatively to supporting the Chamber through membership and committee sign ups. 

To be a part of the grassroots effort to improve and promote the Spring and Klein areas, contact the Spring Klein Chamber of Commerce at 281-257-4431.