The Colony Chamber of Commerce revamps itself

The Colony Chamber of Commerce

By Heather M. Goodwin | hgoodwin@starlocalmedia.com | The Colony Courier-Leader

Changes are coming to The Colony Chamber of Commerce, and its new leader hopes it will allow members to get more out of the organization.

“There are definitely a lot of changes coming,” said Robyn Bowers, president of the chamber board. “I want to see the chamber be very prosperous and allow our members to get the most out of The Colony.”

Recently, the chamber has appointed all new board of directors members after the previous members resigned. Bowers said the board has also been meeting weekly. The chamber is also reshaping its member benefits package and welcome bags that are given to new residents.

“There is a collaboration of people wanting to change things. I think I’m able to use my background to help drive the chamber, but there is a great board in place that has stepped up and wants to see The Colony grow and succeed,” Bowers said. “Everyone on the board is very engaged. We’re exchanging ideas and brainstorming with each other.”

From 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Tuesday at the Drunken Donkey Bar and Grill, 4897 State Highway 121, the chamber is inviting all previous, current and potential members to attend an event meant to introduce the community to the new chamber board.

“We want people to meet and get to know us,” Bowers said. “They’ll see that the chamber is a fun environment and has a lot of networking opportunities.”

Tuesday is also the deadline for businesses to add to the chamber’s welcome bags. Bowers said the bags include information about local businesses.

“I encourage creativity, bring your business cards, flyers, brochures or whatever you want,” Bowers said. “The goal is to stand out.”

Business owners should bring enough to fill 500 bags.

In addition, the chamber is partnering with Nebraska Furniture Mart and other new businesses coming to the Grandscape for sponsorships of other event. Sometime in March, NFM will partner with the chamber for a soft opening of the store to allow chamber members a sneak peak of the mart. Bowers said the chamber is trying to fill up its calendar with other events and fundraisers.

“We’ve also met with the city to get more involved, and we want to work with the schools. It will take some time, but it will happen,” Bowers said.

Bowers said while the previous board members were “great,” every now and then fresh volunteers are needed.

“It’s hard to maintain because these are volunteer positions,” Bowers said. “Now we have the opportunity to step in with new faces and see it prosper.”

Bowers is not only new to the chamber; she is new to The Colony and to Texas. She moved to the area in May and joined the chamber in October.

“I opened a new business in The Colony and wanted to get involved,” Bowers said. “I was involved with the chamber where I lived before. As a small business owner I know how hard it is when you first start up, and I want to offer my experience.”

Bowers said she wants to see a strong community. By the end of the year she hopes to see more than 100 members attend chamber events on a regular basis. She said the chamber will also roll out a new website in the coming months.

“I encourage feedback and suggestions from everyone,” Bowers said. “We’re trying to rebuild, so right now is the time we can implement just about anything.”

Interested members may join the chamber online at thecolonychamber.com or at Comerica Bank, 4730 State Highway 121.

“I would be happy to sit down and go over the benefits of becoming a member with anyone,” Bowers said. “I think every business owner should be part of it because we’re about to see things take off.”

Read more at The Colony Courier-Leader