Eric Roberson of Reeder Distributors recently contacted the Fort Worth Chamber with concerns about flooding problems impacting local businesses. With the assistance of Ben Robertson, the Fort Worth Chamber's East Area Board Chair, a meeting was arranged involving TxDOT and the City of Fort Worth. Alongside these concerns, the Chamber has been collecting feedback on how road construction is affecting businesses in the area. 

Ben Robertson, FWC East Area Board Chair, stressed the importance of community collaboration, stating, “As yet another example of the importance of our BR&E initiatives, our volunteers connected with an Eastside business with concerns about the multiple projects happening around their facility and how to connect with other stakeholders and project members regarding the continuing work.  

We were able to utilize existing relationships within our East Area Board to not only facilitate a meeting between the company and TXDOT but also other area businesses, the City of Fort Worth TPW Department, and local elected leadership. 

The outcomes from this initial meeting not only answered many questions for the business owner, but also established a better protocol for project-related communication and coordination along the affected areas.” 

Eric Roberson, representing Reeder Distributors, expressed appreciation for the Chamber's proactive response, saying, "Reeder Distributors Inc. is located on the east side of Fort Worth where flooding is common on and near our property. We were concerned with all the new construction that is happening all around our property. Our property drain is directly where they are putting an access road by the 820 /287 corridor.  

At first, we weren’t sure where to go to make sure that our property drains would not be affected. I reached out to Netty with the Fort Worth Chamber, and she got me in contact with Ben Robertson, Chair of the FWC’s East Area Board and member of its Business Retention and Expansion Committee. Ben reached out to the right people and got a meeting with the City of Fort Worth, TxDOT, and South Point Constructors.  

Our team and representatives met, and we walked through the plan. We were assured of the plan and that our property was on the radar for the drain solution. We are grateful to have the Chamber as a resource and a voice for a business like us, that has been operating for 50 years on the east side of Fort Worth.” 

The Fort Worth Chamber's swift and collaborative approach, led by Ben Robertson and supported by local businesses like Reeder Distributors, demonstrates their commitment to addressing pressing community issues. This united effort aims to find solutions that benefit the Fort Worth community and enhance its overall quality of life.