Chambers unite to increase regional influence

The Korea-American Chamber of Commerce North Texas (KACCNT) is building bridges.

KACCNT, also known as the Greater Dallas Korean American Chamber of Commerce, signed a memorandum of understanding with the Metrocrest Chamber of Commerce Friday, Nov. 22. 

The agreement allows the chambers to work together to increase their influence in government affairs, workforce development, international development and economic development in the area.

The agreement is not legally binding but symbolizes the groups’ desire to collaborate with regular communication updates, invitations to each other’s events and activities. The groups also agreed to organize and co-sponsor at least one cultural event or activity per year and to organize and co-sponsor one international trade development conference or workshop per year.

Michael Gallops, president and CEO of the Metrocrest Chamber of Commerce said he expects the cooperation between the two organizations will increase the effect they have locally as well as on the state and national levels. He sees the ability for the combined groups to advocate for businesses in the area as one of the biggest benefits.

When he was first approached with the idea, he found the idea “very intriguing.”

He said people tend to see chambers of commerce as competitors in an area, but ideally, they have collaborative relationships.

“We really aren’t competitors. We work together,” he said. “I appreciate y’all working together with us. I’m really excited.”

Mayors Terry Lynne of Farmers Branch, Steve Babick of Carrollton and Bruce Arfsten of Addison attended the ceremony at Metrocrest Services in Carrollton.

Arfsten said that the population of all the cities in the Metrocrest Chamber of Commerce area has diversified, and that he thinks it’s important to bring people “into the fold” to unify and serve each other.

Lynne said that with the strong business community, the people who work at the businesses cross city lines regularly to shop and eat and that it is important for the cities to work together. He said he hopes that the local influence of unity will spread statewide and nationally.

“I think it’s important, and I think it will serve as a good example for others in the future.”

KACCNT signed a similar document with the Irving Chamber of Commerce and BSR Group, a global consulting company from Korea in August.