Farmers Branch Chamber of Commerce inducts 2008 Board of Directors

by Minnie Payne

FARMERS BRANCH — Farmers Branch Chamber of Commerce installed its 2008 Board of Directors at their Dec. 7 luncheon/meeting, held at the Holiday Inn Select, North Dallas, with 2007 Chair Jeanne Hooker passing the gavel to 2008 Chair Richard Brown.

Brown said that to be the chair of the chamber is humbling because of the strength of the leaders in the community.

“I believe that strength of leadership is what’s made the Farmers Branch Chamber so effective, whether it’s with business; whether it’s with education; whether it’s with government,” he said. “From day one the Farmers Branch Chamber has always worked with its members, always supporting them; always asking what it can do for them.

“It’s not about numbers; it’s all about members.”

The Farmers Branch Chamber of Commerce was established in 1979, has over 350 members, and serves a broad diversified economic base. The city boasts 86 corporate headquarters, 41 Fortune 500 corporations, and more than 2,600 small and mid-size firms.

Among other services, the chamber offers members organized networking opportunities which include monthly luncheons, networking meetings, and receptions at which members can showcase goods and services.

“The Branch Business Forum is presented annually at one of Farmers Branch’s hotels where we showcase our city,” said Brown. “The 2008 forum will be held in October and will be a combination trade show/luncheon which will last about a half day.”

Elizabeth Villafranca, owner of Cuquita’s Restaurant, is a recent member to the chamber and in addition to other functions, attends the Branch Out! meetings held at Brookhaven Country Club from 7:30 to 8:30 a.m. on Wednesdays. Richard Brown hosts the meetings, with the Rev. Eddy Ketchersid offering networking skills.

“‘Brother Eddy’ [Rev. Ketchersid] gives tips on how to be a better business and a better person,” said Villafranca. “I think all businesses in Farmers Branch should take advantage of the chamber.”