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MetroCrest Chamber reviews services, workforce and membership as Addison contract continues
Summary
MetroCrest Chamber President Michael Gallups briefed the Addison City Council on the chamber's FY2024 activities and the proposed FY2025 service agreement, highlighting membership makeup, workforce and talent-development priorities and planned outreach to business sectors including realtors and manufacturers.
Michael Gallups, president and CEO of the MetroCrest Chamber, outlined last year's work under the chamber's service agreement with the town of Addison and sketched priorities included in the proposed FY2025 agreement.
Gallups told the council the chamber is a membership-based 501(c)(6) that serves three cities and is focused on workforce and talent development, small-business support and regional collaboration. "We are a catalyst for business growth, the convener of leaders and influencers, and a champion for a stronger community," Gallups said.
The chamber reported membership of about 560 organizations; Gallups said 16% of members are Addison-based and that the chamber continues to seek growth through events, marketing and targeted committees. He described ongoing and planned initiatives including a workforce boot camp, project-based student-employer placements (EPIC), a manufacturers and distributors association, a veterans business alliance and local restaurant and realtor outreach. The chamber also plans accreditation work and marketing changes to increase visibility.
Council members pressed for specifics about partner-city contributions and program details. Gallups said a partner contract the chamber holds with one partner city is for $15,000 a year and described Farmers Branch's support as contingent on tasks and event sponsorships; he noted some membership addresses required mapping to determine actual city location. Staff and council discussed whether a planned realtor-focused event should emphasize residential or commercial market information; councilmembers suggested the event could be run by economic development staff if it is primarily commercial.
Council and staff also asked about internship and apprenticeship work tied to local schools; Gallups said the chamber's workforce and talent-development committee is developing internship and pre-apprenticeship ideas, including a stipended boot camp and EPIC project placements for students.
The presentation was informational; council did not take a formal vote on the service agreement during the meeting. Gallups and the chamber will continue coordination with town staff on specific events and program roles going into the FY2025 budget and work plan.
Ending: Councilmembers praised the chamber's engagement and asked staff to continue negotiating and clarifying deliverables in Exhibit A of the service agreement for the council's later consideration.
