Recently in 05) Upcoming Events Category

On behalf of County Commissioner Kenneth A. Mayfield, Justice of the Peace Bob Whitney, Justice of the Peace Mike Petty and Constable R. L. Skinner, the Chamber extends an invitation to the 7^th Annual District 4 Barbecue!

Thursday, September 30, 2010

11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Road & Bridge District 4

4403 W. Illinois Avenue

(Intersection of Cockrell Hill and Illinois)

Dallas, Texas 75211

R.S.V.P. 214-339-8381 by September 27

The Chamber encourages your support of two great organizations -- Metrocare Services and Irving Cares -- both of which have their annual fundraising events upcoming. On Wednesday, September 15 Metrocare Services hosts their big event, Meal for the Minds. And Irving Cares' Great Harvest will be held Friday evening, September 17 and will be hosted by Stacy and Brian Smith from Big State Drug,  And don't forget, Via Real's big scholarship fundraiser is set for October 3! If you are able to support any of these fantastic causes, please do!!!

We are just a few short weeks away from opening night of Irving Symphony Orchestra's Fusion Season!  See what's upcoming below and order your season tickets here.

Last month, the Dallas Morning News had an article about Via Real and the Pat Mathers Scholarship Foundation with mention of a fundraiser to benefit the Foundation being held October 3. It's worth revisiting that brief article and also rsvping to attend the fundraiser which happens to coincide with Via Real's 25th Anniversary.  For more information, please see the flyer below or contact admin@viareal.com or 972.650.9001.

On Wednesday, September 15, 2010, Metrocare Services, the largest nonprofit provider of mental and behavioral health services in Dallas, will host the 2010 Meal for the Minds fundraising luncheon at the Belo Mansion. The Keynote Speaker, John Elder Robison, is author of New York Times bestseller Look Me In The Eye: My Life With Asperger's. Clint Hurdle, Texas Rangers Hitting Coach and father of a child with special needs, serves as Honorary Chair.

The 2010 Meal for the Minds is an opportunity to learn more about the complex world of developmental disabilities (including Autism Spectrum Disorders) and mental health, as well as show support for this worthy cause.

Did you know that 13 percent of children in the United States have a developmental disability? An average of 1 in 110 children has an Autism Spectrum Disorder. Asperger's Syndrome, which is often referred to as a high-functioning form of Autism, has created both challenges and opportunities for Keynote Speaker Mr. Robison. By boldly sharing his story at the 2010 Meal for the Minds, family and friends of those living with Asperger's, or other Autism Spectrum Disorders, will better understand this condition.

A staggering 1 in 4 adults experiences a mental health disorder. Without treatment, the consequences are devastating: unemployment, unnecessary disability, homelessness, substance abuse, unnecessary incarceration, and even suicide. With treatment, however, 70 to 90 percent of patients have a significant reduction of symptoms and an improved quality of life.

Metrocare is the safety net that often catches people as the illness appears and life begins to unravel. With care and treatment at Metrocare, these patients regain control of their lives; finding confidence and hope along the way.

For over 40 years, Metrocare, formerly known as the Dallas County Mental Health Mental Retardation (MHMR) Center, has provided mental health care for Dallas citizens. In 2009 Metrocare cared for over 38,000 people with a mental illness or an intellectual or developmental disability. The need for community health care continues to rise. In fact, Metrocare served 20 percent more patients during the 2nd quarter of 2010 than in the same quarter of 2009. Most of these individuals found help at a Metrocare mental health clinic regardless of whether they had insurance to cover the cost. Many others were served by Metrocare's Center for Children with Autism, Behavioral Treatment Center, Therapeutic Nursery, or Early Childhood Intervention (ECI).

Luncheon guests will be treated to an art exhibit by Art Focus XC, an elite group of Dallas artists, as well as the 3rd annual Edible Auction featuring cakes from Dallas' top pastry chefs. Sponsors include MIllet the Printer, Inc., Morgan & Weisbrod, Social Security Disability Attorney, and Julie and Pierce Noble.

For sponsorship information, contact Lindsay Zimmerman (214-743-1220). Tickets available online at metrocareservices.org.

You are invited!

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce cordially invites members of the Greater Irving-Las Colinas Chamber to a panel discussion by experts in the field of global human resources. They will discuss trends, risks and opportunities in the new international marketplace.

If you are looking to capitalize on doing business with world markets, you want to mark your calendars for an event being held Sept. 22 in partnership with the U.S. Department of Commerce:

EVENT: Position Your Company for Success in the Middle East and North Africa

WHEN: September 22, 2010

8:45am to noon

Continental Breakfast starts at 8:15am

WHERE: Greater Irving - Las Colinas Chamber of Commerce, Suite 100

5201 North O'Connor Boulevard

Irving, Texas 75039

COST: $45.00

REGISTER HERE 

WHO SHOULD ATTEND?

The CEOs, Owners, International Marketing Staff, and Decision Makers of U.S. companies interested in efficiently developing or expanding international presence that generates export sales should attend.

EXPERIENCE THE BACKDROP.

·         What is the Business Culture? Department of Commerce's Middle East and North Africa Business Center will present what you need to know when entering these markets ... the business culture and the benefits of planning.

·         What are the Opportunities? Hear strategies for entering these markets ... find a partner, open an office, or hire a representative. Discover how the Commercial Service can assist you to obtain and to use market research.

·         What are the Risks? U.S. Commercial Service representatives will explain some of the commercial, political, and country risks you will need to understand.

·         What is the Commitment Necessary for Long-term Success? Learn the strategic level of perseverance and resource required to become a player in these markets.

For more information, contact: Amelia.Kooistra@trade.gov or Richard.Ryan@trade.gov or call: 817.310.3744

The Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) is hosting a Lock-Up fundraiser event where Irving and Coppell's "Most Wanted" executives and community leaders are put "behind bars" to raise money for MDA. The "jailbirds" might be "locked-up" but this is no ordinary penitentiary.

On the day of the Lock-Up, a volunteer "posse" will arrest participants and escort them to Irving's La Cima Club atop Williams Square, who is providing their outstanding version of "bread and water" for all jailbirds. Upon arrival, participants will have their mug shot taken, and go before MDA's lock-up judge.

If jailbirds haven't quite raised their $2,000 bail (the price of sending two children to MDA Summer Camp), the judge will sentence them to serve an hour behind bars before releasing them for good behavior.

Last year's event raised $70,000 MDA hopes to reach $80,000 this year. The Chamber invites you to help the MDA reach their goal by attending the lock-up on August 26 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Bring your check book!

To learn more visit www.MDA.org or contact Jacquelin Way at jway@mdausa.org.

Sergeant First Class Carlos Riojas, Station Commander for the Army Recruiting Station located here in Irving.  He will be assisting with the MDA Executive Lock-up on August 26.

Invitations have been extended to Irving Chamber members to participate in the following events:

The American Society for Training and Development, Southwest Learning Summit and Exposition, enjoy a full day of learning hosted by Dallas ASTD on August 17. Attend educational sessions on key training and development topics led by industry experts and meet exhibitors offering the latest tools and products in the industry.  8:00 am - 5:00 pm-Continental breakfast and lunch included. $80 Members $100 guests. Breakfast only with Tony Schwartz, $25. Plano Centre 2000 E. Spring Creek, Plano TX; for more information or registration go to www.dallasastd.org or call 972-756-0956.

Irving Mall's Back to School Fiesta and Back to School Expo.  Irving Mall is excited to announce two upcoming community events, centered around the busy Back to School shopping season, and your organization is invited to participate as an Exhibitor!

The annual Back to School Fiesta will be held on Thursday, August 12 from 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm and is an event to provide free immunizations and school supplies to area children before they head back to school.  You can take advantage of this great community-outreach event and visit with hundreds of Irving residents and their families.

The Back to School Expo will be held during the busy TAX FREE WEEKEND on Saturday, August 21 from 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm and is an event designed to provide families with more information on after-school programs, learning centers and daycare providers, as well as medical and dental services, apartment communities, and much more!  Surround your business with crowds of shoppers and take advantage of this unique event!  

Please contact Shari with questions you may have concerning these great Irving Mall events at 972.255.0572 or sharrold@simon.com with any questions you may have.

The City of Irving will provide an overview of proposed amendments to the sign ordinance and dumpster enclosure design guidelines from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Aug. 3 in the Council Chambers at City Hall, 825 W Irving Blvd. Attendees will have an opportunity to submit feedback forms.

The Chamber encourages businesses to attend this session. RSVP to Don Williams at dwilliams@irvingchamber.com