The Fort Worth Chamberletter

Charles Cox, Pepper Husdon, Cyndi Wilson, Josh Hernandez, Ava Eadie, Terry Sutton, Twana Kent, Betty Poage, Teresa Pearson, Chris Munizza, Mary Woods. Not pictured – Elizabeth Oliva

By Cade McCloud, marketing intern

On a Saturday morning in late July, 11 Fort Worth Chamber Action Ambassadors sorted canned foods and packed 40 pound boxes of complete meals for local families at the Tarrant Area Food Bank.

The Action Ambassadors volunteered at the Tarrant Area Food Bank because the organization is vital for many local families who are struggling during these tough economic times, said Teresa Pearson, director of Member Relations at the Chamber, and because of past Chamber involvement with the Food Bank.

In the past year, community volunteers helped make possible the distribution of 20 million pounds of food to those in need. JoAnn Biggers, volunteer coordinator at the Tarrant Area Food Bank, stressed the importance of continued volunteerism and said that the “Tarrant Area Food Bank could not have had the impact to the community without faithful volunteer groups that supply much- needed manpower.”

Betty Poage, chair of the Ambassador Executive Committee, said the Action Ambassadors will continue to serve the community.

“By enhancing our city, we in turn enhance our businesses,” said Poage.

Twice a year, Ambassadors volunteer around Tarrant County. The Ambassadors’ next project will be with Cowboy Santas, Inc., which collects toys for local youth in December, she said.

The Fort Worth Chamber’s Action Ambassadors are an important group of Chamber members who help serve as the “face” of the Chamber to the Fort Worth community.

If you are interested in becoming an Action Ambassador or would like further information, contact Teresa Pearson at tpearson@fortworthchamber.com or 817.336.2491, ext. 249, or http://www.fortworthchamber.com/member/action_ambassadors.html.

Congratulations to Star Ambassadors for the 2nd Quarter 2009!

Charles Cox — Charles Cox Insurance

Don Helm – Southwest Professional Associates

John Porhamer — Cowtown Insurance Service, Inc.

See the Star’s photos and other Ambassador information on the Chamber site.

Stars for the quarter are chosen based upon a point system for attending monthly meetings, ribbon cuttings, ground breakings and other Ambassador-related events.

Action Ambassadors also help with community service projects such as Cowboy Santas and volunteering at the Tarrant Area Food Bank.

Currently, the Fort Worth Chamber is recruiting new Ambassadors. Applicants must be members of the Fort Worth Chamber, employed by their company for a minimum of six months, and complete an application process. Cost is $45.

If you are interested in becoming an Action Ambassador or would like further information, contact Teresa Pearson at tpearson@fortworthchamber.com or 817.336.2491, ext. 249.

By Michael Truss, marketing intern

The Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce has announced a new Ambassador Executive Committee for 2009/2010. As of April 20, new officers elected by the Action Ambassadors are:

Action Ambassador Executive Committee (names listed below from left to right.)

• Chairman – Betty Poage, Ameriprise Financial;
• Vice Chairman – Bethany Tyler, Burnett’s Staffing;
• Membership Chairman - Elizabeth Oliva, Ambit Energy;
• Secretary/Treasurer – David Clay, First National Bank – Mid Cities;
• Immediate Past Chairman – Chris Munizza, AXA Advisors, LLC

Action Ambassadors are volunteers who act as an extension of the Chamber. They primarily provide support at a variety of different events and help promote member satisfaction, education and retention.

“We always enjoy working side by side with our Action Ambassadors,” said Teresa Pearson, director of Member Relations for the Chamber. “They are important to us because they act as liaisons between the Chamber staff and our members. Examples of this are ribbon cuttings and membership retention efforts, assisting with questions regarding events and how to get involved, and advice on which programs may be beneficial for members to attend.”

Ambassadors also help with community service projects such as Cowboy Santas and volunteering at the Tarrant Area Food Bank.

Currently, the Fort Worth Chamber is recruiting new Ambassadors. Applicants must be members of the Fort Worth Chamber, employed by their company for a minimum of 6 months, and complete an application process. Cost is $45.

If you are interested in becoming an Action Ambassador or would like further information, contact Teresa Pearson at tpearson@fortworthchamber.com or 817.336.2491, ext. 249.

L-R Group Photo Sean O’Brien, Bethany Tyler, Chris Munizza, Debbie Jansen, David Clay, Marilyn Shelton, Charles Cox, Pepper Hudson, Betty Poage, Lori Sulak, John Porhamer. (not pictured – Teresa Pearson)

The Action Ambassador Executive committee has decided to get this group of special Chamber volunteers even more involved in the Fort Worth community. This year, the committee chose two non-profit agencies to assist with service projects during the holiday season: the Tarrant Area Food Bank and Cowboy Santas Program, Inc.

After seeing a speaker from the Food Bank make a presentation about the rising needs in this difficult economy, the committee decided they could help make a difference.
The Tarrant Area Food Bank works to eliminate hunger in Fort Worth, Texas and 13 surrounding counties by providing food, education and other resources to a network of hunger-relief charities and their communities.

http://www.tafb.org/

The Cowboy Santas Program was chosen because the Fort Worth Chamber membership participated in the toy drive last year. For more than 27 years, Cowboy Santas have provided toys, games and books at no cost to children of families that meet the Federal Poverty Income Guidelines.

http://www.cowboysantas.org/

Contact Teresa Pearson at tpearson@fortworthchamber.com for information on how to become an Action Ambassador.