The Leadership Irving Class of 2011, which represents numerous local private, public, and non-profit organizations, will meet the first Friday each month through April and will focus on a different topic specific to Irving-Las Colinas at each meeting.

The mission of Leadership Irving-Las Colinas is to identify, educate, and develop future leaders and to motivate these leaders for civic, charitable and community involvement. If you are interested in sponsoring this year's class or want to recommend a local business or community leader for the Class of 2012, please email Alysia Bell at abell@irvingchamber.com .

Don't forget to mark your calendar for September 28: 5:30 p.m at Champps Americana (855 W. John Carpenter Freeway). That is the date of the next 5-Star After Hours Mixer co-sponosred by Champps and George-McKenna Electrical Contractors.

Below are a few photos from last Tuesday's mixer at Hooters.  

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.

Of all the hidden costs now being discovered in the health care bill, one of the most concerning to the business community is Section 9006, which would place an unprecedented burden on small business reporting and paper work requirements.  This section includes a provision that requires businesses to file 1099 tax returns starting in 2012 for many purchases.  It's bad news for all businesses, especially smaller ones, because businesses of all sizes will be required to report on each vendor for all purchases totaling over $600 annually, which will dramatically increase accounting costs and time-consuming paperwork burdens.  The exemption for purchases from corporations will be lifted, and expanded to property (goods), as well as services.  And at a time when our economy needs small businesses to help our country grow out of this recession, saddling them with expensive new requirements and paperwork burdens only further hampers their ability to succeed and ultimately aid in our economic recovery.  We encourage you to get involved and Urge Congress to co-sponsor the Small Business Paperwork Mandate Elimination Act, which would repeal this provision, and add your organization's name to the business community's letter to Congress. 

In addition, considering the challenge of implementation and the uncertainty created by the large amount of discretion left to government entities implementing the regulations, there are still many unanswered questions about the specific impact the law will have on employers, their workers, and their families.  To help address some of those questions, the U.S. Chamber launched last week a new website--www.HealthReformImpacts.com -- to serve as a centralized location for the business community to learn about the implementation of the new law and to share their perspectives on how the law impacts their businesses.

The website allows business owners to access credible studies, timelines, media reports, and information provided by other business owners.  In addition, the website provides an opportunity for business owners to share their own stories and perspectives on the new law. 

Please sign your name to this letter to Congress, and encourage you members to do the same, as well as share their stories on the website, and urge their Member of Congress to co-sponsor H.R. 5141, the "Small Business Paperwork Mandate Elimination Act." 

Thank you in advance for all of your help.

John M. Gonzales

U.S. Chamber of Commerce

Regional Manager | Congressional & Public Affairs

Congratulations to Tamara Davis, the Chamber's Ambassador of the Quarter, pictured above with Irving Mayor Herbert Gears!

Tamara Davis is an Irving resident and Bank Manager for the OmniAmerican Bank branch located in Irving.  As a long time member of The Irving Chamber, OmniAmerican Bank is focused on providing support to businesses in this community. The bank encourages participation in the chamber as their projects have a positive impact on our community. 

"Tamara Davis has truly earned Ambassador of the Quarter for the Greater Irving-Las Colinas Chamber," said Chandra Hill, Director of Finance and Member Relations. "She's an invaluable member of this important committee, and she's gone the extra mile recently in welcoming new Chamber members and being a resource to businesses that are new to Irving."

To become involved with the Chamber Ambassadors, contact Chandra at chill@irvingchamber.com.