Events for May 2017
DeSoto Chamber of Commerce
May 1 - May 6    National Small Business Week Chamber Challenge
Since 1963, National Small Business Week has been recognizing the critical contributions of America's entrepreneurs and small business owners. As part of this year's celebration, April 30th - May 6th, the National Chamber Program is inviting local chambers of commerce across the country to partake in their first annual, "National Small Business Week Chamber Challenge." Chambers who are part of the National Chamber Program can sing up to take part in this exciting, week long, small business boosting event!
Date: May 1, 2017
Location: We can come to you!
Contact: Brittani Washington
EMail: marketing@desotochamber.org
Date/Time Details: April 30th - May 6th 
Fees/Admission: Free
May 2    Good Morning, DeSoto!



Good Morning, DeSoto! is a networking event that takes place the FIRST Tuesday of each month. A Chamber Member sponsors this event, in part providing breakfast for all in attendance. Sponsors are given extra time to discuss their business and what they offer throughout the community. Locals, members, and other business owners, etc. are invited to attend. All we ask is that you bring $1.00 and business cards! If you interested in being a sponsor please contact the Chamber for more information. 


Sponsor: LEGALSHIELD 

Location: Holiday Inn Express & Suites  

1310 E. Wintergreen Road, DeSoto, TX 75115


A little bit about our May Sponsor: 

You never know what's around the corner, but you can be confident that you'll be ready for whatever comes your way. LegalShield and IDShield look out for you so you can get back to living life.

Get protected for a number of legal issues and assistance with common legal needs.

IDShield’s comprehensive identity protection service diligently monitors for signs of criminal activity and gives you all you need to keep your identity secure from thieves and fraud. Protect your business, or start one. Select from a variety of business legal plans to help you focus on your business.

Date: May 2, 2017
Time: 7:30 AM - 8:30 AM
Website: http://www.desotochamber.org/good-morning--desoto--1.html
Location:

Holiday Inn Express & Suites  
1310 E. Wintergreen Road
DeSoto, TX 75115

Contact: Chamber of Commerce 972-224-3565
EMail: marketing@desotochamber.org
Date/Time Details: First Tuesday
7:30 to 8:30 am
Fees/Admission: COST: Business Cards + $1
May 10    Non-Profit Presentations to Leadership Southwest
Leadership Southwest welcomes non profit organizations from our area to attend the May class to observe this year’s class and the non profit assessments that have been completed.
 
Wednesday, May 10 
9:00 am to 11:00 am
UNT Dallas, RM TBA (follow LSW signs)
 
If interested in participating in the program for the 2017-2018 year please review the notes below and complete the on line registration by Friday, September 21.
 
For more details please contact Amanda Sinner, admin@leadershipsw.org
 
Nonprofit Selection Criteria
Nonprofits are chosen by the Leadership Southwest, Inc. Selection Committee, and invited by the full Board of Directors to participate. We are looking for organizations who are impacting the Southwest Dallas County.
 
Nonprofit Candidates:
Must attend all class days (3rd Wednesday of each month)
Must have full support of their Board of Directors.
Should have a demonstrated concern for their community.
Should have a record of achievement in community.
Should possess high standards of excellence, ethics and integrity.
 
Will be given special consideration if they are a member in good standing of one of the four supporting chambers of commerce (Cedar Hill, DeSoto, Duncanville, Lancaster).
 
Requirements:
● Attend each monthly class meeting
● Attend graduation
● Be open and willing for to share organization concerns
● Provide advisory team with information in timely manner
 
Class Topics & Dates (subject to change)
September 20:          Ethics in Leadership
October 18:               Strategic Planning
November 15:           Conflict Resolution and Communication
December 20:           Leading and Managing for Results
January 17:               Leadership, the use of “incentives”, and Organizational Culture
February 21:             Legislative Day (Austin)
March 14*:                 Needs Assessments and Community Engagement
April 18:                     Servant Leadership
May 9:                        Presentations
May 16:                      Graduation
Date: May 10, 2017
Time: 12:00 PM - 12:00 PM
Location: UNT Dallas
7300 University Hills Blvd
Dallas, TX 75241

South Bldg, Room TBA
(look for LSW signs)
Contact: Amanda Skinner - LSW Executive Director
EMail: admin@leadershipsw.org
Date/Time Details: Wed, May 10, 2017
9 to 11 am
Fees/Admission: no charge
May 13    Fostering/Adopting & More (F.A.M Event)



Join Incentives for Kids; in partner with DeSoto ISD in promoting #FosterCareAwareness for the upcoming Fostering/Adopting & More (F.A.M.) Event happening Saturday, May 14th at DeSoto High School, Fresheman Campus Multipurpose Center. This event will feature #FoodTrucks#FosterCare & #Adoption Agencies, as well as other #localbusinesses that promote #youth#education, and #parenting initiatives.

This Event is Free and Open to the Public!

Vendor & Sponsorship Opportunities Still Available:
Food Vendor – $200
Foster Care Agency – Information Only (No Sales) - $0
Goods Vendor – Sales/Information - $100

All Vendors/Agencies must submit their application with full payment by April 21st. Food Vendors are required to have a Food Permit through the City of DeSoto for an additional fee of $25 that is paid directly to the City.


For more information please visit www.incentivesforkids.net or email us at fromfostertofamily@gmail.com.

Date: May 13, 2017
Time: 3:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Website: http://www.incentivesforkids.net
Location: DeSoto High School
Freshman Campus Multipurpose Center
Contact: Kentria Arkansas
EMail: fromfostertofamily@gmail.com
Date/Time Details: Saturday, May 14th 2017
Starting at 3:00pm
Fees/Admission:

This Event is Free and Open to the Public!

Vendor & Sponsorship Opportunities Still Available:
Food Vendor – $200
Foster Care Agency – Information Only (No Sales) - $0
Goods Vendor – Sales/Information - $100

May 13 - May 14    'Sizzling Summer of Soul' Presented by Atkinson Toyota


Atkinson Toyota Presents “The Sizzling Summer of Soul”, Saturday, May 13th, 8:00 pm to Midnight at the Manderley Event Center, located at 2010 N. Hampton Rd. Suite 700, DeSoto, TX, 75115.

Come enjoy savory food, spirits and soulful sounds in your finest “White Attire”. 

This sizzling summer kickoff is a prelude party to the upcoming live cultural events that make DeSoto your choice destination for summer ‘17. Come dance the night away with DJ Sharp and R & B band “The Found”. 

DeSoto Parks and Recreation, Arts Commission and Chamber of Commerce are collaborating to make your summer and fall a fantastic experience!

 
Date: May 13, 2017
Time: 8:00 PM - 12:00 AM
Location: The Manderley Event Center
2010 N. Hampton Rd. Suite 700
DeSoto, TX 75115
Contact: DeSoto Chamber of Commerce office: 972.224.3565
EMail: marketing@desotochamber.org
Date/Time Details: Sat, May 13, 2017
8:00 PM to Midnight     
Fees/Admission: SOLD OUT

 
May 18    Third Annual First Responders Appreciation Luncheon


Third Annual First Responders Appreciation Luncheon
Location: Methodist Charlton Medical Center
First Floor Auditorium
3500 W Wheatland Rd, Dallas, TX   75237
Thursday, May 18th // 11:30am - 1:00pm
 
> Presenting Sponsor: Methodist Charlton Medical Center

Program features:
* First Responder Appreciation / Recognition - DeSoto Chamber and other officials
* Presentation by Jeffery Butterfield, Methodist Charlton Medical Center Emergency Room Director


SPONSORS are needed for this event to help us cover the cost of first responder meals:

> VIP Sponsor: $295 - Corporate logo on event flyer, in program and on table. Reserved table of 8 - host one local Fire/Police Chief.

Reserved Table: $195 - Corporate logo on table. Mentioned from podium. Reserved table of 8 - host one or more First Responders at your table.

> Door Prize Sponsor: $50 - retail value of $25 or more; photographed with the winner; includes lunch for 1
 
Individual prices:
> Members (pre-registered) - $15
> Non-Member / Not pre-registered - $20
> To Sponsor First Responder(s): $15 each
 
To register please call the DeSoto Chamber at 972.224.3565 or Register Online Here
Date: May 18, 2017
Time: 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM
Location: Methodist Charlton Medical Ctr
First Floor Auditorium
3500 W. Wheatland Rd.
Dallas, Texas   75237
 
Contact: DeSoto Chamber of Commerce
EMail: admin@desotochamber.org
Date/Time Details: Thu, May 18, 2017
11:30 - Lunch & Networking
11:45 - Program Begins
12:55 - Closing Remarks
Fees/Admission: Individual prices:
> Members/pre-registered - $15
> Non-Member/Not pre-reg - $20
> To Sponsor First Responder(s) Meals: $15 ea

Reserved Tables range from $195 to $295 - see event description for details
May 19    Bikes on the Blvd Event


May 19th, 2017 5-8:30 PM – Bikes on the Blvd Event
Hillside Village is celebrating Head for the Hills Cedar Hill Rotary Bike Rally with fun activities for guests of all ages!

Friday, May 19, 5:00 – 8:30 pm at the Village Green
Free Concert - Rock the Library, 7 pm
Rock the Library will feature country musician, Big Joe Walker.  This event is presented by the Cedar Hill Zula B. Wylie Public Library and Rotary of Cedar Hill to welcome cyclists to the city for the bike rally on Saturday morning.

5pm          Family entertainment begins with kids crafts and more!
6pm          Kids Trike, Bike & Stroller parade around the Village Green. Be creative and decorate your wheels anyway you like! Participating children will receive a goody bag and prizes will be                 awarded for creativity.
7- 8:30pm  Rock the Library featuring artist Big Joe Walker!
8pm          Bike raffle winners drawn and announced.

 
Bikes On the Boulevard - Art Bike Display & Raffle
Thursday, May 11th - Friday, May 19th
 
Hillside Village is celebrating Head for the Hills Cedar Hill Rotary Bike Rally with fun activities for guests of all ages!
Art Bike Display
Wednesday, May 10 – Friday, May 19
There are eight whimsically painted bicycles placed in the landscaping throughout the center.  All were hand painted by the talented artists who participate in Art and Beyond, Inc. The bicycles have themes ranging from lady bugs to Wonder Woman and will be raffled by Art and Beyond, Inc., a local non-profit dedicated to serving at-risk and economically disadvantaged youth in our community by providing opportunities to take part in creative and educational art programs.
Raffle Tickets – Enter the raffle and you might wheel your favorite one-of-a-kind bike home with you! Raffle tickets are available to purchase for just $2 each or 3 for $5 at the Hillside Village management office Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. or at Guest Services located at the Village Green throughout the weekend. 
On May 19, the bikes will roll into the Village Green so that everyone can see them up close and have one last opportunity to purchase raffle tickets for a chance to win their favorite bike and to support Art and Beyond, Inc.!
The winners will be announced on Friday, May 19 at 8 p.m. during the Rock the Library concert at the Village Green. Winners must be 18 years of age and do not need to be present to win.
Date: May 19, 2017
Time: 5:30 PM - 8:00 PM
Website: http://www.shophillsidevillage.com
Location: Hillside Village
Contact: Margaret Thompson 972.637.6304
EMail: mthompson@trademarkproperty.com
Date/Time Details: Bikes on the Blvd Event
May 19th, 2017
5:00 - 8:30 PM 
May 20    Synergize: Together is Better


Join Village Tech Schools as we partner with our Greater South Dallas community in pulling together our cities, residents, neighborhoods and businesses to celebrate our diversity and show that "together is better." Meet students, Pre-K through High School, excited to share their educational journey and equipped to creatively think through our community's challenges and find new, innovative solutions by employing technical skills to build prototypes, designing full-scale models and building final, professional products. Other activities will include food trucks, local artisan vendors, live entertainment, art demonstrations, and interactive community areas!
Date: May 20, 2017
Time: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Website: https://www.facebook.com/events/674216736096831/
Location: Duncanville Church of Christ
402 W Danieldale Rd
Duncanville, TX 75137
Contact: Village Tech Schools 469-454-4441
EMail: calendar@villagetechschools.org
Date/Time Details: Saturday, May 20
10 am to 4 pm
Fees/Admission: Free
May 24    Small Business Workshop: Think and Grow Rich
The DeSoto Chamber of Commerce and The Habitude Warrior present: Erik Swanson's

"Characteristics of Million Dollar Habits!"



Please RSVP to the Chamber: 972-224-3565 or admin@desotochamber.org
Date: May 24, 2017
Time: 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM
Location: DeSoto Chamber of Commerce
2010 N Hampton Rd, Ste 200
DeSoto, TX   75115
 
Contact: RSVP: Chamber of Commerce 972-224-3565
EMail: president@desotochamber.org
Date/Time Details: Wed, May 24, 2017
11:30 - Brown Bag Lunch / Networking
11:45 to 1:00 - Presentation
Fees/Admission: FREE to Members
$25 - Non-members
Please RSVP!
May 25    Best Southwest Education Luncheon
The Best Southwest Partnership Presents... The 2017 Education Luncheon
Keynote speaker: Bob Mong, President of UNT Dallas

Prices - Today through May 15:
Individual Tickets - $30
Reserved Tables:
* Basic Reserved Table - $300 (Reserved Table for 8; program / event recognition)
* Enhanced Reserved Table - $500 (All of the above PLUS event signage)
* VIP Event Sponsor - $1,000 (All of the above PLUS event photos with Scholars)
* Presenting Sponsor - $2,500 (All of the above PLUS company name in event title including on program cover, slides, backdrop and signage)

May 16 until Sold Out:
* Individual Ticket - $35
* Basic Reserved Table - $350
Date: May 25, 2017
Time: 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM
Location: Hilton Garden Inn
800 N. Main St.
Duncanville, TX   75116
 
Contact: DeSoto Chamber of Commerce 972-224-3565
EMail: admin@desotochamber.org
Date/Time Details: Thu, May 25, 2017
11:30 am to 1:00 pm
Fees/Admission: See Event Description regarding Prices for Individual Tickets or Reserved Tables


 
May 25    Executive Committee
The Executive Committee of the DeSoto Chamber of Commerce will be meeting to review the financial reports and discuss matters in preparation for the full Board Meeting.
Date: May 25, 2017
Time: 4:30 PM - 6:00 PM
Location: Chamber Board Room
EMail: president@desotochamber.org
Date/Time Details: 4:30 to 5:30 pm
May 26    Beneath the Stars: Poetry Series


This is a FREE Evening of Music and Poetry at the DeSoto Town Center Amphitheater.​ So we decided to do a little poetry of our own to get ready for Beneath the Stars! A FREE evening of music & poetry happening every 4th Friday night in DeSoto! The evening is sponsored by Arts DeSoto & the Reunion Capital of Texas.

 

Don't miss this event! We hope to see everyone 

May 26th at 7:30PM at the DeSoto City Hall Atrium!

 

​Are you a POET who wants to win $250 and open for Midnight Star at DeSoto Arts Live on September 30? 

Be a part of our Beneath the Stars Poetry Series every Fourth Friday this summer beginning in May, sponsored by the ReunionCapitalofTexas.com. 

Here’s how it works: 

  • Go to ReunionCapitalofTexas.com and fill out the application. 
  • Submit a link of you performing one of your poems (YouTube, Vimeo, website, etc.) 
  • Select your dates of availability. 
  • Up to THREE PERFORMERS will be selected to perform at each Fourth Fridays Beneath the Stars performance at 7:00 PM. The winner from the first three performances (May, June and July) will compete on August 25. 
  • The winner of the August 25th performance will receive $250 and open for Midnight Star on September 30th! 
Date: May 26, 2017
Time: 7:30 PM - 9:30 PM
Website: http://www.desotochamber.org/beneath-the-stars--poetry-series.html
Location: DeSoto City Hall Atrium 
DeSoto, TX 75115
Contact: Zoe Communications Agency
EMail: zoecreates@gmail.com
Date/Time Details: Every Fourth Friday Starting
May 26th, 2017
June 23rd, 2017
July 28th, 2017
August 25th, 2017
Fees/Admission: FREE Evening of Music and Poetry
May 30    Chamber Board of Directors
Monthly Board of Directors Meeting
generally held at the DeSoto Chamber of Commerce
in the 'Tucker Chiropractic' Conference Room

2010 N Hampton Road, Suite 200
DeSoto, Texas    75115

Chamber members are always welcome!

Agenda varies but includes approval of Minutes, review of Financial Reports, discussion of recent and upcoming activities as well as Staff Reports
Date: May 30, 2017
Time: 7:30 AM - 8:30 AM
Location: Chamber of Commerce
'Tucker Chiropractic' Board Room
2010 N Hampton Rd, Ste 200
DeSoto, TX   75115
Contact: Chamber Staff: 972-224-3565
EMail: president@desotochamber.org
Date/Time Details: Tues, MY 30, 2017
7:30 to 8:30 am