WELCOME
A LETTER FROM THE DALLAS REGIONAL CHAMBER 2020 CHAIR OF THE BOARD John Olajide President & CEO
I was 18 when my family
and I said ‘yes’ to Dallas. Our story isn’t much different from many—we moved here for jobs. After finishing high school in upstate New York, my JESSICA HEER father’s company made Talent Attraction, the decision to relocate to Senior Vice President Dallas Regional Chamber Alliance Airport in Fort Worth, and I decided to tag along for the ride. After I received my undergrad degree at Midwestern State University in Wichita Falls, I moved back to the Dallas Region because it held the most promise. My family was still here, and I enrolled in the University of North Texas’ master of public administration program, specializing in economic development. Two decades, a husband and two children later, I’m still in the Dallas Region, working as the Dallas Regional Chamber’s senior vice president of talent attraction. But this isn’t the same place we moved to. In 20 years, this region has increased in population by 50 percent, and, in the process it’s grown into a magnet for culture, good jobs, entertainment, and diversity. Seems there’s something for everyone here, and options continue to expand. Shortly after moving here, we realized we can experience the great outdoors nearly
nine months a year. Today my family enjoys visiting the breathtaking gardens of the Dallas Arboretum and the soon-to-be-expanded Klyde Warren Park. Klyde Warren has become a prototype for urban planners seeking ways to inject greenspace into dense urban areas. We’re also big fans of the museums, parks, and natural history museums that seem to be constantly increasing and expanding, from the Nasher Sculpture Center, to Perot Museum of Nature & Science, to the Dallas Museum of Art. We never seem to be short of dining options. The Dallas Region has always had its share of Michelin-star-rated restaurants, but our increasingly diverse population (nearly one in five residents are foreign-born) has made dining out a culinary adventure. Our go-to restaurants include Fogo de Chao, Eno’s Pizza, and Ascension Coffee. As much as Dallas has grown and changed, it’s still held on to its small-town friendliness. We’ve gained lifelong friends and shared experiences that will last our lifetimes. Looking back at the decision to move here, there’s no way we could have known the Dallas Region has become what it is. Looking forward, we can’t wait to see what’s next. Jessica Heer Talent Attraction, Senior Vice President Dallas Regional Chamber
Axxess PRESIDENT & CEO Dale Petroskey CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER & CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER Angela Farley ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT Mike Rosa ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT & INTERNATIONAL ENGAGEMENT, SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT Sarah Carabias-Rush RESEARCH AND INNOVATION, SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT Duane Dankesreiter TALENT ATTRACTION, SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT Jessica Heer MEMBERSHIP AND REVENUE GROWTH, VICE PRESIDENT Meghan Kelley Wehner MEMBER SERVICES, SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT Jennifer A. Schmiel
The Dallas Regional Chamber is one of the most established business organizations in the nation and serves as the voice of business and the champion of economic development and growth in the Dallas Region. We work with our member
COMMUNICATIONS, MARKETING, & EVENTS, SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT Scott Goldstein
companies and regional partners to strengthen our business community by advocating for pro-growth public policies, improving our educational system, attracting talented workers from around the world, and enhancing the quality of life for all. Our goal is to make Dallas the best place in America to live, work, and do business.
PUBLIC POLICY, SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT Matt Garcia
For more information, please contact the Dallas Regional Chamber at 214.746.6600 or visit www.dallaschamber.org.
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D A L L A S REG I O N N E W C O M E R + R E L O C AT I O N G U I D E
PROJECT EDITOR Dave Moore WINTER 2020