Chamber leaders share insight on area growth

Chamber leaders share insight on area growth

Written by Kathy Lesko Friday, 07 April 2006

CEDAR PARK

Harold Dean, Cedar Park Chamber President

• Education: Houston Community College; Economic Institute, University of Oklahoma; Institute for Organiational Management, University of Oklahoma
• Family: Married 25 years, two children, three grandchildren
• Contact Information: 260-7800, deanl@cedarparkchamber.org

Dr. Oliver Lou, Cedar Park Chamber Board Chairman

• Education: Biology degree from university of Texas; Doctorate of Optometry from University of Houston College of Optometry
• Family: Married for 5 1/2 years
• Contact Information: 250-1700, olou@signatureeyecard.com

When the Cedar Park Chamber of Commerce’s Economic Development Committee approached the three large local health systems to ask one to consider bringing a hospital to the community, none of them showed interest. Rather than give up, the committee, armed with statistics why the project would succeed, traveled to Plano where they met with representatives from Triad Hospitals, Inc. “Cedar Park’s demographics as a small community with exceptional growth potential clinched the deal,” Harold Dean, Chamber of Commerce president said. The Chamber’s dream will be realized when ground is broken in July for the new 151-bed Triad-Seton partnership hospital.

• Q. Why is the Chamber of Commerce important?
  • Dean: The Chamber is an organization where business members can take action that not only benefits their business, but the community-at-large.
  • Lou: The Chamber strives to support, develop and promote the interests of the business community. A strong business community is a great asset to the city. A strong membership is a great way to ensure that the business community’s needs are represented. The Chamber also enhances the overall quality of life for the community and strengthens the city.
• Q. What economic growth opportunities exist for Cedar Park?
  • Dean: Cedar Park is a young, vibrant community with green space for construction of commercial, retail and manufacturing properties. Plans are currently underway for the new hospital, development of a town center, a major shopping center/movie theater complex along with a major restaurant and entertainment venue.
  • Lou: There is no limit to the amount of growth opportunities with roadways like FM 1431 and 183A being expanded and developed.
• Q. What major Chamber initiatives are planned?
  • Dean: We are excited about recruiting for our next class of Leadership participants. The class educates citizens about the ‘nuts & bolts’ of how Cedar Park works, and provides information for participants to access should they decide to run for public office.
  • Lou: In addition to growing Chamber membership, the Chamber’s Web site is being enhanced to enable members to better utilize the site in addition to giving visitors more information about Cedar Park.
• Q. What is your role in the Chamber?
  • Dean: I serve as a liaison to other organizations within the city and reach out to them on behalf of the Chamber. I’m responsible for the Chamber staff who serve our 677 members. We provide all the support necessary to promote Cedar Park as a destination city and work with government, businesses and citizens to maintain a positive working relationship.
  • Lou: As chairman, I work with the board of directors on Chamber events and initiatives.
• Q. What is your greatest achievement?
  • Dean: Being married to a wonderful woman and enjoying two children and three beautiful grandchildren. Professionally, I try to achieve a daily goal of helping Cedar Park businesses and potential business owners.
  • Lou: Professionally, I am most proud of opening my practice four years ago. On a personal level, my greatest accomplishment is being married to a great woman for the past 5 ½ years.
• Q. What is your favorite vacation destination?
  • Dean: A quiet place that has no communications, cool breezes, comfortable accommodations and good food.
  • Lou: Having visited almost 25 countries, when asked this question I usually answer with the most recent place and that would be Australia.

LEANDER

Mary Bradshaw, Leander Chamber Executive Director

• Education: American School, Chicago
• Family: Four children, four grandchildren
• Contact Information: 259-1907, mary@leandercc.org

Chuck Walker, Leander Chamber Board President

• Education: Converse High School, San Antonio
• Family: Married 25 years, one daughter
• Contact Information: 259-1907, chuck.wts@earthlink.net

The city of Leander looks at the introduction of the first stop on the Capitol Metro commuter rail line not only as a way to reduce the 90-minute commute from Leander to Austin, but also as a way to introduce the rest of Austin and Central Texas to a city that is poised to grow. “The project brings such potential to the city,” says Chamber of Commerce president Chuck Walker. “There is no doubt the commuter rail will stimulate zoning and construction.” Mary Bradshaw, the Chamber’s executive director, adds that the new roadways in the area will complete an important tie-in for a city that experienced an 18 percent population growth in the past year alone. And Leander’s Chamber of Commerce is ready to welcome these new residents and businesses with open arms.

• Q. Why is the Chamber of Commerce important?
  • Bradshaw: Chamber membership provides business owners access to important issues through lobbying arms like the Texas Association of Businesses and the Texas Chambers of Commerce.
  • Walker: The Chamber advocates for and supports the local business community. We represent our members by promoting their businesses as well as stimulating economic development.
• Q. What economic growth opportunities exist for Leander?
  • Bradshaw: Improving access to Leander from so many directions enables potential business owners to visualize the possibilities of doing business here.
  • Walker: The Transit Oriented Development (TOD) has invested a lot in Leander as a community. The development of this transportation system has the potential to tie into so many other networks in the area.
• Q. What major Chamber initiatives are planned?
  • Bradshaw: We have such an incredible inventory of strong business people who have a true love of this area. Who better to promote the Chamber’s efforts?
  • Walker: We’re very excited to have Mary on board for a second year as a full-time executive director. The Chamber will host its second year of Leadership classes and is planning a Community Showcase, a business-focused event that will feature an array of businesses all under one roof. In addition, the Chamber will be introducing an Ambassador’s Program and Business Retention Visitation Program.
• Q. What is your role in the Chamber?
  • Bradshaw: I manage the day-to-day functions of the Chamber, and deal very closely with city allies and Chamber members. One of the greatest benefits of this job is that you get to know everyone.
  • Walker: I basically represent the Chamber wherever I go. I participate in Chamber events, answer questions from potential business owners, and generally serve as the Chamber’s ‘cheerleader.’
• Q. What is your greatest achievement?
  • Bradshaw: Since taking the role of executive director, membership has increased from 100 to 225 members. I’d like to think we’ve elevated the Chamber from the status of a social club into a thriving organization that enjoys a great relationship with the city.
  • Walker: In 1999, I started my surveying company out of my home. With the help of my wife, we’ve grown from 2 to 12 employees, who provide quality and professional service to our customers. There’s no place else on the face of the Earth where I want to have my business, my family and my life than in Leander.
• Q. What is your favorite vacation destination?
  • Bradshaw: Cruising has always been a wonderful experience. My favorite trip was on a wedding cruise to Cancun, that included a wedding reception right on the ship.
  • Walker: If we ever get a chance to take a vacation, one of the pitfalls of running your own business, I want it to be somewhere tropical with blue water and umbrella drinks. Somewhere I can put my toes in the sand.