The Rockwall Area Chamber of Commerce is reviewing its programs and calendar for 2027, President and CEO Darby Nielsen wrote in an Oct. 26 column recognizing the staff behind its business services.
In the Blue Ribbon News column, Nielsen tied the planning effort to staff training and feedback from businesses, volunteers and program participants.
“We want each opportunity we offer to have a clear purpose and provide value to the people who participate,” she wrote.
Published during October’s recognition of Texas Chamber of Commerce Week, the column highlighted nine colleagues whose responsibilities span operations, events, business relationships and administrative support.
They include Director of Operations Monique Gauwain; Director of Events and Engagement Miranda Martinez; Partnership Development Managers Lonny Schonfeld and Beverly Wilson; Partner Experience Manager Abby Urban-Bader; Administrative Coordinator Michelle Carrillo; Anne Glasscock and Keith Burns in Partner Services; and Vincent Vento in Special Projects.
Nielsen said professional development helps staff improve communication, evaluate their work and respond to the business community’s changing needs. Their responsibilities include connecting businesses with resources, organizing programs, assisting committees and answering visitor questions.
The Chamber holds Five-Star accreditation, the highest rating in the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s accreditation program. Rockwall earned the designation in late 2022, according to its annual report, and remains listed among Five-Star chambers nationwide.
The national program, established in 1964, currently recognizes 195 of approximately 7,000 chambers across the country at various accreditation levels.
To earn Five Stars, a chamber must meet all minimum requirements and score at least 90% of the available additional-criteria points. The review examines nine areas, including governance, finance, technology and program development. Chambers must reapply every five years, according to the U.S. Chamber’s accreditation FAQ.
Nielsen said the designation reinforces the organization’s responsibility to keep improving its services. As planning continues for 2027, she encouraged residents and businesses to ask questions and share ideas about how the Chamber can help.
