Leadership Class Learns Business & Economic Development

The Leadership Irving-Las Colinas Class of 2012 participants focused on business and economic development when they met January 6. The class was hosted by the new Irving Convention Center where the class received an update and tour from ICVB Executive Director, Maura Gast as well as an update on local economic development wins from Economic Development Directors Leanne Weymouth and Don Williams. Leadership participants then visited the Microsoft campus for a tour of their facilities, including their Microsoft Technology Center (MTC), a presentation from Group Manager of Global Developer Support, Karla Stoker, and lunch. The next stop was Schnee-Morehead, Inc

Business Briefs

Nine Irving Businesses Submit for the U.S. Chambers 2012 Small Business of the Year
Your Greater Irving-Las Colinas Chamber helped a total of nine Irving businesses submit their applications for the 2012 DREAM BIG Small Business of the Year Award. On March 1, a total of 75 Blue Ribbon Winners will be announced by the U.S. Chamber and the overall winner will be recognized at the Small Business Summit on May 22 and they will receive a $10,000 cash prize. Irving is home to more Blue Ribbon winners than any other city in the country (total of 11) and it was our honor to submit nine more applications this year. Each year the U.S. Chamber judges application of the following criteria: Staff training and motivation Community involvement Customer service Business strategies and goals Financial performance and business history. The award program is designed to honor the nations job creators and recognize their significant contributions as drivers of economic growth. We are extremely proud of Irvings small businesses and its our honor to help nominate them. If you are interested in applying for next years award or for additional information please contact Don Williams at dwilliams@irvingchamber.com. This years Chamber small businesses: Big State Drug Car Concepts, Inc. Courtroom Sciences, Inc. FastSign - Outstanding Graphics Solutions, Inc. FigDesign Firemans Contractors, Inc. Glory House Catering Kerri Miene State Farm Insurance Larsen Dye Associates Architects

Business Pros Attend 5 Star Business Mixer at Glory House

`Over 60 business professionals were in attendance at the Chambers Five
Star Business Mixer Tuesday evening to celebrate the announcement of gloryhouse 2.0. Glory House Catering, FigDesign, and Elemental Methods partnered to bring the next generation of marketing initiatives to Glory House Catering. Some of these initiatives included new seasonal logos, refreshed website, and an updated iPhone app. FigDesign helped Glory House with concept, strategy and visual rebranding. The current logo was modified and redesigned with a flexible letter O to represent different seasonal events, such as Valentines Day and Mothers Day. The design firm also refreshed the web site, using a responsive design that adapts to display appropriately on desktops, tablets and smart phones. Elemental Methods updated the Glory House iPhone app, which is available through the iTunes Store. The simpler app makes it easier to check the daily Bistro menu, get estimates on catering and receptions, and includes an interactive map to Glory House.