For the last 70+ years, the Forney Chamber of Commerce has been a mainstay in our town’s growing business community, and today the significance of this organization is no less impactful. The Chamber’s website states that its mission is “to bring together businesses, organizations, and residents to collaborate, innovate, and make Forney an exceptional place to live, work, and visit.” With the current fastpaced growth of the City of Forney, the Chamber has a unique opportunity to welcome an amazing number of local businesses to the economic landscape of the area.
Just under a year ago, the face of the Forney Chamber of Commerce changed. Then-Executive Director, Laurie Barkham, retired from the role she had filled for 23 years, passing the proverbial torch to Meg Adams. Adams was ready to put her past experiences, some of which were with the Rockwall Area Chamber of Commerce, to work and she has done just that. Since assuming the role of Executive Director, Adams has been consistently working to expand the Chamber’s sphere of influence within our ever-growing city.
One of the first goals Meg established pertaining to the Chamber was to reach one hundred new members, or Partners, within her first year. Over the roughly 10 1/2 months that have passed since that goal was set, Forney itself has continued to grow rapidly, as has the Chamber’s list of Partners. On Friday, October 6, Meg’s first goal as Executive Director was officially met with the ribbon cutting and grand opening celebration of Forney’s new Crumbl Cookies. As the Chamber’s 100th Partner this year, the ribbon cutting for Crumbl Cookies served as a special moment to celebrate not only another new business to serve residents of Forney but also the Chamber of Commerce’s growth.
With the goal of 100 new Partners met, Meg says her main focus now will be multifaceted. She plans to zero in on Partner retention, community outreach, as well as improving programming to reach a broader audience to enhance networking opportunities for the Partners. The opportunities available for Partners already include a number of options to get connected. The long-standing Monthly Partnership Luncheon is only the tip of the iceberg. Business owners, professionals, and community members are also invited to attend Cheers with the Chamber, a monthly happy hour mixer. Additionally, Forney Young Professionals is a monthly gathering that aims to equip, connect, and empower up and coming leaders. At another monthly opportunity, the Forney Economic Development Corporation joins the Chamber of Commerce for Coffee & the Economy. At this event, attendees enjoy breakfast and coffee while becoming more informed on projects and information pertaining to the local economy.
“As a Chamber Director, I have the privilege of being able to make a meaningful difference in our local business community, and it’s an honor I take very seriously,” Meg said when commenting on the efforts and successes the Chamber has seen so far this year. “I am blessed to work with such insightful business professionals, and love collaborating with them on ways to highlight and strengthen our local business community. Through combined efforts with the Forney Economic Development Corporation, we are able to promote Forney as a thriving hub for business and serve as a resource and advocate for Forney Chamber Partners. It’s incredibly gratifying to see the positive impact we can make by bringing businesses together and working towards shared goals.”
To find out how you or your business can join Meg Adams, Crumbl Cookies, and countless others to become a part of the exciting growth happening with the Forney Chamber of Commerce, visit the Chamber’s website at www. f o r neychamber. com or find them on Facebook. Both of these outlets will give you more information on how to become a Partner, details about the multitude of monthly event options, and much more.
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