The LH Chamber hosts a ribbon cutting at Fish City Grill in 2018.
The Lake Highlands Chamber is rebooting in 2022 after cutting back some of their activities during the pandemic. The business networking group, launched in 2014 by neighbors Ted Hill, William Davenport, Chris Fifer, David Tyson and Chris Bone, says their members are ready to resume gathering face-to-face.
The chamber hosts regular Learning Lunches at neighborhood restaurants, with speakers from business coaches to documentary filmmakers. They host monthly happy hours at community watering holes, with members swapping stories as well as business cards. Restaurant Week, held in May, promotes LH eateries and benefits charitable agencies. An annual “We Love LH” awards presentation honors individuals, businesses and nonprofits that elevate the neighborhood. Ribbon cuttings showcase new openings or highlight spots which have remodeled or added a new feature.
“Our leadership team is bright and energetic, and we’re ready to welcome new members,” says chamber president Cheryl Price. “The majority of those who join us have a small business in Lake Highlands and are raising a family in the community as well. That’s why we look for ways to partner with schools and nonprofits in the neighborhood.”
Price says the chamber’s goal is to connect businesses with the community so that people can “stay local and buy local.”
“Eight times out of 10, what you’re looking for is right here,” says Price. “Builders, roofers, dentists, doctors, real estate agents, mortgage brokers, insurance agents – we’ve got everyone you need. People like to do business with folks they know, trust and respect. Today, you hire this vendor. Tomorrow, they hire you or refer someone to you.”
Price says her team is constantly brainstorming new ideas to promote what LH has to offer. They’re planning a job fair since so many businesses are in need of good help, and they plan to include opportunities for LHHS students. They have a farmers’ market in the works, and they’re seeking ways to facilitate small business’ dealings with agencies at the city of Dallas.
“It’s our mind hive. We’re always thinking creatively,” she says. “We want LH to be a destination for restaurants, retail and services.”
Price jokes that chamber membership is more like going for coffee on a first date than a candlelit dinner. There’s no pressure, and potential members are welcome to pop in at any event and check it out before committing to joining long-term. Annual dues vary from $100 to $250 based on the number of employees.
Interested businesses or individuals may join online here or attend the chamber’s next happy hour Feb. 16 at 5:30 p.m. at Taco Diner. The next Learning Lunch is April 1 at 11:30 a.m. at Shady’s. You may follow the LH Chamber on Facebook here or Instagram here.
