Spotlight: Reflections Lifestyle Center

The Plano Chamber membership team is thrilled to present our  monthly Member Spotlights! Each month, we will be highlighting different Plano Chamber of Commerce members to continue connecting our members with each other and the Plano community at large.

The Plano Chamber would like to welcome and spotlight member, Reflections Lifestyle Center. Heather Wagemann, our Membership Engagement Manager, asked Director of Strategic Partnerships, Jeremy Hardy, a few questions about their business, Chamber membership, and role in the community.

1. What would you like readers to know about Reflections Lifestyle Center and what you specialize in?

We are a day treatment program that serves those suffering from mental health and addiction issues. Our Plano location works with adults aged 18-65, and our location in The Colony serves adolescents aged 11-18. We are the only day treatment provider in DFW to utilize Lifestyle Medicine, which promotes “Total Mind and Body Wellness”. We also have our sister company, Prime Psychiatry, which provides customized psychiatric care for ages 11-65, and we have locations in Plano and Frisco.

2. Why did you choose to join the Plano Chamber of Commerce?

We want to be a part of a thriving group of businesses to establish quality partnerships, and the Plano Chamber has a great reputation for creating a culture where this happens for its members.

3. Tell us about your involvement in the community.

Being mental health providers, we are first mental health advocates, and our company as well as us as individuals support multiple non-profits and organizations in Collin County and beyond to help promote prevention and make sure people, regardless of finances, have access to resources and education.

4. What is your favorite part of your current work environment?

For us as a company to be able to provide high quality mental health and addiction care, we must first have a culture where our employees feel supported and encouraged to be positive and passionate about helping each other as well as our clients. We love having an energic team environment where our people can thrive, while providing life-changing care!

5. September is Suicide Prevention Month. Can you share with our members a few mental health awareness resources to share with their employees during this month and beyond?

First off, it’s important to know a few statistics for context. 1 out of every 4 adults, and 1 out of 5 adolescents suffer from a diagnosable mental illness or addiction. This means it is very common, yet in Texas, specifically in DFW, the stigma is still very strong about getting help. And this results in people getting to a point where they can no longer control having thoughts of harming themselves, or results in people abusing substances to self-medicate, and that only gets worse and more dangerous without seeking help. Here are some links to resources and information that employers can have access to for them and their employees:

Workplace Suicide Prevention Tips: https://blogs.cdc.gov/niosh-science-blog/2023/03/15/preventing-workplace-suicide/

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 24-hour crisis hotline at 1-800-273-8255. Confidential online chat is available at www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org

Crisis Text Line: 24-hour support by texting HOME to 741741. More information at www.crisistextline.org

Suicide and Crisis Center of North Texas: Speak to a trained counselor on the 24-hour hotline at 214-828-1000 or 800-273-8255 or go to www.sccenter.org

Here For Texas Mental Health Navigation Line: Grant Halliburton Foundation initiative that connects North Texans with mental-health resources customized to each caller at 972-525-8181 or go to www.HereForTexas.com

Spotlight: Envolve Technical Solutions

The Plano Chamber membership team is thrilled to present our  monthly Member Spotlights! Each month, we will be highlighting different Plano Chamber of Commerce members to continue connecting our members with each other and the Plano community at large.

The Plano Chamber would like to welcome and spotlight member, Envolve Technical Solutions. Heather Wagemann, our Membership Engagement Manager, asked Owner, Jason Rodgers, a few questions about his business, Chamber membership, and role in the community.

1. What would you like readers to know about Envolve Technical Solutions and what you specialize in?

At Envolve Technical Solutions, we specialize in providing top-notch Managed IT services tailored specifically for small businesses in the local community. But what sets us apart is not just our expertise in IT management, it’s the peace of mind and operational efficiency we bring to your business. In today’s fast-paced digital landscape, you can’t afford downtime or security risks. Our 24/7 monitoring, proactive maintenance, and prompt customer service ensure that your technology is an asset, not a liability. Partner with us, and you’ll experience less downtime, improved security, and the freedom to focus on what really matters—growing your business. Let us manage your IT so you can manage your business. Call us at 469-936-4993!

2. Why did you join the Plano Chamber of Commerce?

Out of all the places in the USA to move to we picked Plano, Texas to be our new home due to how outstanding the community is, the opportunities to work with like-minded people and a wholesome place to raise our newborn children. Naturally this led us to join the chamber and gives us the opportunity to meet everyone.

3. Tell us about your involvement in the community.

As we have been here for about a year now, we are still meeting everyone and learning how everything works down here. We attend all the chamber events that we can and make it a priority to attend the afterhours and ribbon cuttings. I applied for the leadership program and am looking for other opportunities that I will come across.

4. What is your favorite part of your current work environment? 

My current favorite is getting to meet all the new people! It’s been such a blessing meeting all the friendly people in this lovely community and I look forward to meeting more. I also enjoy not having to deal with snow anymore so that’s a huge win for me.

Spotlight: Catapult Solutions Group

The Plano Chamber membership team is thrilled to present our  monthly Member Spotlights! Each month, we will be highlighting different Plano Chamber of Commerce members to continue connecting our members with each other and the Plano community at large.

The Plano Chamber would like to welcome and spotlight member, Catapult Solutions Group. Heather Wagemann, our Membership Engagement Manager, asked Chief Revenue Officer, Chris Lester, a few questions about their business, Chamber membership, and role in the community.

1. What would you like readers to know about Catapult Solutions Group and what you specialize in?

Catapult specializes in connecting businesses with the finest talent across a spectrum of industries. Our extensive experience and meticulous approach have positioned us as leaders in staffing solutions, encompassing a diverse range of fields including Information Technology, Skilled Trades, Engineering, Light Industrial, Life Sciences, Human Resources, Accounting and Finance, Operations, and other corporate functions.

2. Why did you join the Plano Chamber of Commerce?

Joining the Plano Chamber of Commerce was driven by our commitment to fostering local business growth, establishing meaningful connections, and contributing to the economic vitality of our community. We regularly attend networking events and have always valued community engagement, so we knew joining the Plano Chamber was a step in the right direction. Catapult also finds great value in learning/education opportunities and found that the Plano Chamber of Commerce often hosts workshops, seminars, and educational events that provide insights into industry trends, best practices, and business strategies. By attending these sessions, we continually enhance our knowledge, refine our approach, and stay at the forefront of industry developments.

3. Tell us about your involvement in the community.

We believe that giving our time and skills is a powerful way to support local causes. Our team regularly volunteers with local nonprofits, community centers, and charitable organizations. Whether it’s participating in food drives, raising money for the youth of NTX, or charity runs, our goal is to contribute meaningfully to the betterment of our community. In addition to volunteering and hands-on involvement, we also make philanthropic contributions to causes that align with our values. This financial support aids in addressing pressing community needs and supporting organizations that work tirelessly to make a positive impact.

4. What is your favorite part of your current work environment? 

The best thing about Catapult is the people on the team and their continual commitment to make ourselves better every day. Without them we would be nothing!

Member Spotlight: Evo Gyms

The Plano Chamber membership team is thrilled to present our  monthly Member Spotlights! Each month, we will be highlighting different Plano Chamber of Commerce members to continue connecting our members with each other and the Plano community at large.

The Plano Chamber would like to welcome and spotlight member, Evo Gyms. Heather Wagemann, our Membership Engagement Manager, asked Owner, Nick Valenta, a few questions about his business, Chamber membership, and role in the community.

1. What would you like readers to know about Evo Gyms and what you specialize in?

Evo is a private training facility dedicated to empowering trainers along their professional journey. Anyone can come to Evo and train with a trainer, but only trainers can be members of our 18,000 square foot facility. This keeps our state-of-the-art equipment in pristine condition and ensures there is always enough space to train the way you want to.

We also have a comprehensive, all-natural supplement line in our facility that gives trainers and clients the ability to get the most out of their training, recovery, and overall wellness.

Come check us out by scheduling a tour, training with one of our trainers, or joining one of our upcoming community fitness events.

2. Why did you join the Plano Chamber of Commerce?

I wanted to join the Chamber of Commerce because I want Evo to be a staple in the Plano community and hope as many people as possible can come check out our facility and call it home.

3. Tell us about your involvement in the community.

We are actively partnering with local businesses and brands in the fitness and wellness industries to showcase them to our Evo family. We welcome any local business that wants to be a part of an upcoming community event, offer a partnership deal to our community members, etc.

4. What is your favorite part of your current work environment? 

I love being able to call a gym my office. It is incredibly rewarding to see trainers leave big box gyms once they’ve maxed out their potential and join Evo to continue to grow as a business owner and person. They can make more money and work less hours by making the switch. Seeing this freedom and empowerment in each of our trainers brings me joy.

Spotlight: Eddie V’s Prime -Frisco/Plano

The Plano Chamber membership team is thrilled to present our  monthly Member Spotlights! Each month, we will be highlighting different Plano Chamber of Commerce members to continue connecting our members with each other and the Plano community at large.

The Plano Chamber would like to welcome and spotlight member, Eddie V’s Prime – Frisco/Plano. Heather Wagemann, our Membership Engagement Manager, asked Sales & Marketing | Staffing & Development Manager, Nicole Ramirez, a few questions about their business, Chamber membership, and role in the community.

1. What would you like readers to know about Eddie V’s Prime – Frisco/Plano and what your Restaurant specializes in?

Eddie V’s Prime Seafood is a luxury dining destination known for seafood flown in from pristine waters around the world, as well as premium hand-carved steaks. Dishes are artistically prepared and feature an ever-changing array of seasonal seafood, along with critically acclaimed prime center-cut steaks broiled to perfection. The restaurant’s award-winning wine list, which has been recognized by Wine Spectator, has more than 300 wines. In the V Lounge, guests can sip classic and creative cocktails, and enjoy signature appetizers against a backdrop of live music trios nightly and seductive lighting. For more information, please visit: eddiev.com, Instagram, Facebook and Twitter

2. Why did you join the Plano Chamber of Commerce?

I believe the Chamber is the heart of our community. Not only do they promote business development and growth, but they support local causes and unity of our community.

3. Tell us about your involvement in the community.

I love my community and try to be as involved as possible. I have had the pleasure of being a Congressional Youth Advisory Board Member. As someone with younger siblings, educating and inspiring our youth is important to me.

I have also been a member of the Junior League of Collin County. They are an organization that strives to make a positive impact in our community. What I love about JLCC is that they support non-profits such as the North Texas Food Bank, Hopes Works, and many others.

Our company also has a program called The Harvest Food Donation Program. Our restaurants donate nearly 10 million pounds of food a year across the country, enough to provide nearly 13 million meals. We began the program in 2004 and have donated nearly 100 million pounds of food to date. Locally, Eddie V’s Plano has donated over 8,000 pounds of food the House of God’s Glory food pantry.

Some other organizations I have the pleasure of working with include:

  • Member, Frisco Chamber of Commerce
  • Member, Frisco Young Professionals
  • Member, Frisco Association of the Arts
  • Member, Grapevine Chamber of Commerce
  • Career Advisory Committee Member, Leadership Prep School

I also participate in other various volunteer opportunities in our community.

4. What is your favorite part of your current work environment? 

I have had the pleasure of being in the restaurant industry for 22 years and by far, Eddie V’s is the best company I have worked for. We have a sincere interest in giving back to the community and a strong commitment to excellence in every aspect of our business. We truly value our guests and are thankful that so many people in our community choose to dine with us every day!

 

Spotlight: Cathedral Italian Bistro

The Plano Chamber membership team is thrilled to present our  monthly Member Spotlights! Each month, we will be highlighting different Plano Chamber of Commerce members to continue connecting our members with each other and the Plano community at large.

The Plano Chamber would like to welcome and spotlight member, Cathedral Italian  Bistro. Heather Wagemann, our Membership Engagement Manager, asked Executive Pastry Chef, Daniel Rosales, a few questions about their business, Chamber membership, and role in the community.

1. What would you like readers to know about Cathedral Italian Bistro and what you specialize in?

Here at Cathedral Bistro, we specialize in hand-crafted, scratch-made, Italian cuisine spiced with a Texas flair! 100% of our pastas, breads, doughs, gelato/sorbets, & desserts are made in-house daily.

We can also cater for any event or occasion, and even have our own world class Pastry team to provide custom designed cakes in any size, flavor, shape & design you can dream of!

2. Why did you choose to join the Plano Chamber of Commerce?

We wanted to become more involved with the Plano community around us, and share our love of good food, wine, and desserts with all! Everyone is welcome here at Cathedral whether you’re fresh off work and need to unwind at the bar; you’re looking for a comfortable environment to host your next party or get together; or if you just want to enjoy a freshly made meal with good company!

3. Tell us about your involvement in the community.

We operate a Cathedral VIP Lunch delivery app that works with all of our parent-company’s (Cathedral Plumbing of TX) partners & vendors to provide lunch every day at a very low price, delivered directly to their worksites across DFW! From home builders, to electricians, to contractors & everyone in the construction industry with Cathedral Plumbing!

4. What is your favorite part of your current work environment?

We’re an extremely tight-knit team that loves to have fun while we get the job done. We support each other when one of us is having an off day and are constantly bouncing ideas off one another to find new ways to attract more guests and get our name known in the DFW food scene. We all have one common goal here, and that’s to move forward together.

5. As we are in the summer season, what are some plumbing tips you can share with our members to help them save during these next several months?

Most are unaware of this fact, but Cathedral Italian Bistro is a child-company of Cathedral Plumbing of TX! Our advice to our fellow members would be to turn down your water heater temperature! Many homeowners do not realize that they can turn down the temperature of their water heater. During the summer, this is a good idea, especially when away on vacation. Taking this step will save money on the utility bills and will keep the home safer as a result.

 

Spotlight: Brasão Brazilian Steakhouse

The Plano Chamber membership team is thrilled to present our  monthly Member Spotlights! Each month, we will be highlighting different Plano Chamber of Commerce members to continue connecting our members with each other and the Plano community at large.

The Plano Chamber would like to welcome and spotlight Top Investor, Brasão Brazilian Steakhouse. Heather Wagemann, our Membership Engagement Manager, asked Owners, Fernando & Julie, a few questions about their business, Chamber membership, and role in the community.

1. What would you like readers to know about Brasão Brazilian Steakhouse and what you specialize in?

Brasão Brazilian Steakhouse is not your average steakhouse. This premier destination specializes in authentic South Brazilian cuisine, offering customers an unforgettable culinary journey right in Texas. With three convenient locations in San Antonio, Plano, and Irving, Brasão is easily accessible for a taste of Brazil’s rich culinary heritage.

At Brasão, we believe in offering more than just a meal. We provide an unparalleled dining experience that exceeds the standard Brazilian steakhouse. Our emphasis on high-quality food at great value sets us apart.

Aside from the food, the service at Brasão is unmatched. Our team is committed to providing a top-notch dining experience from the moment you walk in until you leave. Staff members are professional, friendly, and attentive, ensuring your meal is a delightful experience.

In conclusion, Brasão Brazilian Steakhouse is more than a restaurant; it’s a destination where customers can immerse themselves in the vibrant flavors and warm hospitality of South Brazil. The combination of our incredible food, superior service, and great value ensures that a visit to any of our locations is more than just a meal; it’s an unforgettable dining experience.

Come see for yourself why Brasão is setting a new standard in Brazilian cuisine.

2. Why did you choose to join the Plano Chamber of Commerce?

Joining the Plano Chamber of Commerce aligns with Brasão’s core principles of community engagement and collaboration. As a part of this organization, we’re excited to connect with fellow businesses, exchange insights, and contribute to the shared vision of enriching our local economy.

We believe our membership in the Chamber will not only benefit Brasão Brazilian Steakhouse but also our valued customers. This move allows us to stay attuned to local business trends and policies, ensuring we continue to offer the best service and value to our community.

At Brasão, we are more than just a steakhouse. We are a proud member of the Plano community, and we look forward to making a positive impact through our engagement with the Plano Chamber of Commerce.

3. Tell us about your involvement in the community.

Brasão Brazilian Steakhouse is deeply committed to community involvement. We demonstrate this through regular engagement in a variety of events and initiatives aimed at bringing people together and enhancing the local culture.

First and foremost, we host monthly mixers. These events serve as excellent networking opportunities, allowing community members, local businesses, and food enthusiasts to connect and collaborate. It’s not just about meeting new people, but also about fostering relationships and contributing to the vibrant community spirit.

In addition to our networking events, we feature live music and wine tastings. These events showcase local talent and provide a platform for cultural expression, while also allowing our guests to explore a rich variety of wines. These gatherings help cultivate an atmosphere of shared enjoyment and community engagement.
Brasão also offers private rooms for parties and gatherings. We strive to be a venue where memorable moments are created, and the community can come together to celebrate special occasions.

Above all, our dedication to service extends beyond our premises. At Brasão, we firmly believe in going the extra mile to assist our customers and the wider community, contributing to our reputation as more than just a steakhouse, but as an integral part of the community.

4. What is your favorite part of your current work environment?

Our favorite part of the work environment is the sense of community and teamwork. Our staff members are passionate about what they do, and their dedication to delivering an authentic South Brazilian dining experience is truly inspiring.

From our skilled ‘gauchos’ in the kitchen preparing delicious, high-quality meats, to our front-of-house staff ensuring excellent service, it’s rewarding to see how everyone works together towards a common goal.
Moreover, the interaction with our patrons is incredibly fulfilling. Whether it’s during our monthly networking events, live music and wine tastings, or simply during everyday service, the opportunity to meet diverse people and be a part of their dining experience is something we deeply value.

Lastly, we’re proud of our community involvement. Hosting events, offering private party rooms, and being actively engaged in the Plano Chamber of Commerce, all speak to our commitment to the local community.
In essence, the combination of teamwork, customer interaction, and community involvement make the work environment at Brasão truly enriching and enjoyable.

5. We hear your Plano location hosts great events and specials throughout the week! Can you tell our readers more about this and how they can support your business?

Our Plano location offers a variety of exciting events and weekly specials that provide not just a meal, but an experience. Our goal is to make every visit unique and memorable. Here’s what we have in store:

– Monday Couples Night: Kickstart your week with a romantic dinner for two at just $116.95, inclusive of a complimentary dessert to share. It’s a great way to create beautiful memories with your loved one.

– Tasting Tuesday: If you’re a fan of international drinks, join us for Tasting Tuesday, where we offer drink flights from various countries starting at a pocket-friendly price of $10.

– Wine Down Wednesday: Mid-week stress? Unwind with us on Wine Down Wednesday, where we offer a 20% discount on any bottle of wine in our extensive collection.

– Caipirinha Thursday + Ladies Night + Reverse Happy Hour: A triple special treat! Enjoy our $8 Caipirinhas all day, and ladies, make it a night out with our handcrafted cocktails at just $5 each from 7pm-10pm during Ladies Night. Plus, take advantage of our REVERSE HAPPY HOUR running from 7pm to 10pm.

– Live music every Thursday at the bar area.

To support our business, simply join us for a meal, participate in our special nights, or book your next private event with us. We also appreciate it when our valued customers spread the word about their experiences at Brasão. Every visit, every review, and every referral makes a big difference!
Remember, at Brasão, we don’t just offer food, we offer a vibrant Brazilian experience. We look forward to serving you!

Brasão, where amazing experiences are made. 

Welcome Early 2023 New Members!

The Plano Chamber was thrilled to welcome 130 new business members in the first half of 2023. Learn more about each member business and the services they offer by clicking the links below.

January New Members

89.7 WayFM/HOPE MEDIA GROUP

AFFORD-A-BOUNCE PARTY RENTALS

ALL DRY SERVICES OF NORTH DALLAS

ANTI-DEFAMATION LEAGUE (ADL) TEXOMA

APEX MECHANICAL

BRIXMOR PROPERTY GROUP

CANDICE LOTT REALTOR

CATHEDRAL ITALIAN BISTRO

CHILDREN’S HEALTH SPECIALTY CENTER PROSPER*

CODE WIZ

CYBERONE

DIAMANTE IT

DOOSAN ROBOTICS AMERICAS*

ECOLOGICAL DATA SERVICES, LLC

ENVOLVE TECHNICAL SOLUTIONS

EXDION SOLUTIONS, INC.

GOLD MANGO DESIGN LLC

HANDSOME PHANTOM DESIGNS

HONESTY AUTOMOTIVE

KCH TRANSPORTATION

KELLER WILLIAMS ALLEN – LAURA WYNNE

NEW HORIZONS DALLAS

REP. MIHAELA PLESA

SALES XCELERATION

SDAY REMODELING

TOSHIBA BUSINESS SOLUTIONS

VANISH BOARD HEALING RETREATS

VOODOO BREWING CO. – PLANO

WAFD BANK

 

February New Members

ACTIVATE GAMES/ BREAKOUT GAMES

ALOFT PLANO

APPLEONE DALLAS, TX

ATWOOD & MCCALL, PLLC

BLUE CROSS BLUE SHIELD OF TEXAS

BRIAN BRIARS REALTY

ESTECH SYSTEMS – ESI

FIVESTAR PULMONARY ASSOCIATES

GATSBY GLASS OF PLANO

INFINITE CARE

JOHN PAUL II HIGH SCHOOL

KENSINGTON VANGUARD NATIONAL LAND SERVICES

MW BUILDERS

MY GYM PLANO

NEW YORK LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY – H SARAH STASHUK AGENT

PAINTING WITH A TWIST PLANO

PRIME PSYCHIATRY – FRISCO

PRIME PSYCHIATRY – PLANO

REFLECTIONS LIFESTYLE CENTER

REFLECTIONS LIFESTYLE CENTER – THE COLONY

THE GIRL CAVE

 

March New Members

AIRE SERV

ALPHA ADVANTAGE

ATHLETICO PHYSICAL THERAPY – PLANO (ANYTIME FITNESS)

ATHLETICO PHYSICAL THERAPY – PLANO (PARKER & CUSTER)

ATHLETICO PHYSICAL THERAPY – PLANO WEST

BREAK FREE ACADEMY

CATAPULT SOLUTIONS GROUP

GORMAN FOY, INC.

GRIMALDI’S PIZZERIA

GUILD MORTGAGE LEGACY BRANCH

IMAGINUITY*

LIBERTY NATIONAL BANK

MARSH MCLENNAN AGENCY*

MINUTEMAN PRESS – EAST PLANO

MODERNWEIGH

PEARCE BESPOKE

SERENDIPITY LABS

SK SIGNET AMERICA*

STANTEC CONSULTING SERVICES*

VALVOLINE EXPRESS CARE

VILLAGE MEDICAL – PLANO LEGACY

WAH TEX REALTY SERVICES, LLC

WORKOUT ANYTIME PLANO WEST

YEAR UP – DALLAS/FORT WORTH

 

April New Members

ARTISAN SIGNWORKS

BLACKTIP SWIM SCHOOL

BRASÃO BRAZILIAN STEAKHOUSE*

CADENCE BANK

CC YOUNG

CMIT SOLUTIONS OF PLANO & GARLAND

CONTOUR AESTHETICS LOUNGE

CRAYOLA EXPERIENCE PLANO

DELAHN REALTY LP

DSA DERMATOLOGY

EVO GYMS

EXP REALTY – MATT LAGOS

FLOOR COVERINGS INTERNATIONAL

IN YOUR POCKET

JPODS LLC

STEPTOE & JOHNSON PLCC*

 

May New Members

100% CHIROPRACTIC PLANO

ALOFT FRISCO

ALOFT LAS COLINAS

AMERICAN LASER THERAPIES, INC.

ANDREWS MEDIA SERVICES

COLDWELL BANKER – NANETTE MULONGO

DALLAS NEPHROLOGY ASSOCIATES

FATOSA MARKETING

FERTILITY SPECIALISTS OF TEXAS

FLEMING’S PRIME STEAKHOUSE

HABITAT COMMONS

HERCULES HEALTH SOLUTIONS

HOTWORX PLANO

INTEGRITY DNA FINGERPRINTING & MORE

JORDAN & SKALA ENGINEERS, INC.*

KOHLER SIGNATURE STORE

LIVING MAGAZINE

LUCID MOTORS

MOBILITY CITY

SAFE PRO PEST CONTROL

SIMPLE CUSTODIAL SERVICES

SPECTRUM BUSINESS

SPECTRUM REACH

SURESTAFF

TAA FINANCIAL, LLC

THE MOVIE INSTITUTE, INC.

 

June New Members

12 CUTS BRAZILIAN STEAKHOUSE

BARBIERI LAW FIRM, P.C.

BETTER QUALITY LLC

COOPER GENERAL CONTRACTORS

COSMIC CANINE

EUROFINS E&E NA, INC.*

FIBRENEW PLANO

HAVEN WELLNESS CENTER OF PLANO

HOTWORX NORTH PLANO

JAPAN-AMERICA SOCIETY OF DALLAS/FORT WORTH

KIRCHEM CREATIVE LLC

ONE MEDICAL

TAYA MANHATTAN

VIBE CAR WASH

 

Are you interested in learning more about the Plano Chamber of Commerce and what your business can gain from joining the Plano Chamber? CLICK HERE for information about member benefits, services, and programs or contact membership@planochamber.org.

Don’t forget to visit the Plano Chamber Business Directory the next time you are looking for products, services, or a fun night out with friends! Remember to support local businesses and Shop Plano First.

Meet the Summer Interns – Rizwan Khan

The Plano Chamber is thankful to our local corporate partners for allowing us the opportunity to host TWO rising, Plano West Senior interns this summer through the Plano Mayor’s Summer Internship Program. “Combining Plano’s vibrant business community with a nationally-recognized school district, the Plano Mayor’s Summer Internship Program is a paid summer internship program for rising juniors and seniors attending a Plano public school or residing in Plano.” At the Plano Chamber  our vision is to lead the greater Plano community in promoting a strong and prosperous business environment, an educated and skilled workforce, and a sustainable regional economy. We can not think of a better way to work towards this goal than by participating in this program and providing a learning environment to local high school leaders.

The Plano Chamber would like to welcome and spotlight our second intern, Rizwan Khan. Heather Wagemann, our Membership Engagement Manager, asked Rizwan, a few questions about his community involvement, future plans, and what he hopes to learn this summer interning at the Plano Chamber:

1. What would you like readers to know about YOU and why you chose to participate in the Plano Mayor’s Summer Internship Program?

I would like readers to know that I have an extremely high work ethic that inspires me to go out and try to change the world to be better. This ability to work hard comes from my parents’ teachings that they repeatedly instilled in me over time. Growing up in Pakistan, they came to the United States with no wealth to their name. They spent day and night working to provide for me and my siblings. Their hard work is the reason why I have so many amenities and opportunities that they didn’t have growing up. Hence, my desire to provide for my future family that same way that my parents did motivates me to keep working to the best of my ability. I also chose to participate in the Plano Mayor’s Summer Internship Program because I have always had the goal of impacting my community in a positive manner. I feel like a lot of kids in my age group solely participate in these sorts of programs to fulfill their desires of filling up a resume for college. For me, I have always chosen to get involved in activities that I know will allow me to make the world a better place. At the Plano Chamber of Commerce, I will have the opportunity to meet so many people and community members that I will be given the chance to discuss how we can improve our footprint to be positive rather than negative.

2. Tell us about your community involvement.

My community involvement started when I was a little kid at just five years of age where I am remembering volunteering with my faith group, the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, to hand out turkey on Thanksgiving Day to the homeless population. From that experience, I have become extremely passionate about working in my community at the North Texas Food Bank where I have aided in packing food for over 200000 families across the DFW area. I have also been in involved with groups such as Humanity First, which is a global non-profit organization that works to provide aid to disaster-stricken countries like Pakistan, Yemen, and Ghana. I am also a founding member and director of outreach of an organization called Hoops Reboot which works to give low-cost basketball training to young kids in the DFW area. The money generated from these training courses is then used to restore hoops in lower-income areas so that everyone has equal access to enjoy the sport they love.

3. Where do you see yourself in 5 years? 

In 5 years, I see myself graduating from university with a degree in both political science and business. After graduating, I would love to attend law school and earn my JD degree to begin practicing either Corporate or Constitutional Law. My interest in politics and law stems from my passion for talking and explaining my ideas to others. In terms of politics, my goal is to set myself up for a career as a politician and eventually the President. Before that though, I would also love to work in human rights law for my faith group the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community. As a group we are persecuted in many places across the world for our beliefs, so we need talented lawyers that can work to defend those that have been wrongly indicted for misconduct.

4. What do you hope to learn while interning at the Plano Chamber of Commerce?

I hope to primarily learn how public policy impacts businesses around us. As a student who is very interested in politics, I feel that it is important to understand how the decisions by our elected officials’ impact both small businesses and larger corporations. I also hope to learn valuable experience on how to work in a professional environment. I believe that a big problem for our youth is our lack of real-world experience in understanding professionalism and how to be successful in our community. Interning at the Plano Chamber of Commerce will allow for me to experience what it is like to collaborate with coworkers to reach a common goal. In the case of the Plano Chamber of Commerce, that goal is to provide an avenue for businesses and corporations to come together in a unified matter.

Meet The Summer Interns – David Cui

The Plano Chamber is thankful to our local corporate partners for allowing us the opportunity to host TWO rising, Plano West Senior interns this summer through the Plano Mayor’s Summer Internship Program. “Combining Plano’s vibrant business community with a nationally-recognized school district, the Plano Mayor’s Summer Internship Program is a paid summer internship program for rising juniors and seniors attending a Plano public school or residing in Plano.” At the Plano Chamber  our vision is to lead the greater Plano community in promoting a strong and prosperous business environment, an educated and skilled workforce, and a sustainable regional economy. We can not think of a better way to work towards this goal than by participating in this program and providing a learning environment to local high school leaders.

The Plano Chamber would like to welcome and spotlight our first intern, David Cui. Heather Wagemann, our Membership Engagement Manager, asked David, a few questions about his community involvement, future plans, and what he hopes to learn this summer interning at the Plano Chamber:

1. What would you like readers to know about YOU and why you chose to participate in the Plano Mayor’s Summer Internship Program?

One of my core beliefs is that experience is the best teacher, which is why whenever I’m lacking motivation or in need of inspiration, I’m constantly trying new things. One of those things is the Plano Mayor’s Summer Internship Program, and I chose to participate in it because I wanted to gain work experience in my passion, business. What Plano Mayor’s does for high school students like me who are soon to enter the workforce is give work experience and enable learning about how an office runs. The wide range of fields of work an intern can specialize in under the program caters to all types of people, who can be interested in medicine and coding to nonprofit work and hotel management. There truly is an option for everyone under the program and gaining experience in a field I’m passionate about is a gift.

2. Tell us about your community involvement.

It’s important to give back to the community, and I particularly appreciate Plano for how tight knit the community is. As an Asian-American student who survived the pandemic as a freshman, my mental health took a shot, and I struggled in my freshman year of high school. With my friends and family also dramatically affected by the pandemic and the mental health awareness that swept over social media, I realized that I wasn’t alone in my setbacks, and that there are several key issues that plague the Asian-American community when it comes to mental health. With this, I decided to start a mental health nonprofit, YAAMHA, geared towards remedying issues within the Asian-American community, trying to encourage seeking therapy no matter how big or small the issue, alleviating students of stress in a high-pressure environment, and giving back to the community through volunteering. Change can start from anywhere, and addressing the elephant in the room for the Asian-American community is how I want to help those around me.

3. Where do you see yourself in 5 years? 

Since I was young, my dream has always been to find a career in law, so in five years, I see myself working an accounting or finance-related job out of college to support myself while I prepare for law school. As a child when we still lived in Louisiana, stability was something our family lacked, and my sisters who went to college accumulated debt pursuing careers in the medical field. With this job, I want to support my family and myself so that we can live comfortably and sustain hobbies on the side so that I’m still pursuing my passions while also maintaining financial stability.

4. What do you hope to learn while interning at the Plano Chamber of Commerce?

At the Plano Chamber of Commerce, I hope to learn a number of things about office and work life, corporate culture, and business management, development, relations, and financials. With such experienced staff, high corporate connections, and large events, I think there will be an abundance of opportunities to learn about the technical aspects of corporate culture, but also I hope to refine the soft skills I already have and pick up on more through the experiences and connections I make.