RaDonna Hessel[/caption]Tonight, the Grapevine Chamber of Commerce is celebrating 65 years of service with a free party at 5 p.m. at the Grapevine Convention Center, 1209 S. Main St., Grapevine.
The chamber's CEO RaDonna Hessel said the organization was formed on July 21, 1952. Hessel said many of the past accomplishments of the organization have helped build a solid foundation for not just the chamber, but the community and region at large. In the early history of the chamber, it was the sole effort for economic development. The city of Grapevine did not have the budget for any economic development staff.
"[Economic development] was done by chamber staff and a great effort by our business leaders working with bank and utility economic developments," Hessel said. "The most visible accomplishment is the Regional Airport, now called Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport. As that process began, there was no organized structure initially, so the Grapevine Chamber held the meetings to combine the efforts of Grapevine, Dallas and Fort Worth."
Community Impact Newspaper sat down with Hessel and asked her a series of questions about her time with the Grapevine Chamber of Commerce.
What are some of the chamber's greatest accomplishments?
The chamber has served the Grapevine community and region in a variety of ways. One of those that has been forgotten by some over time is that when the DFW Airport was being considered and created, the Grapevine Chamber brought the entities together from Dallas, Fort Worth and Grapevine to build on the vision and find cooperation in the plan. The Chamber’s Women’s Division started the event that is now Main Street Fest, the prelude to Grapefest.
What are some of your fondest memories in the chamber?
Absolutely, no doubt, it will always be the people. While we are a business organization, it is the people who make up the leadership, employers and employees who put together their time, talent and money to find ways to support each other, build a strong business community that supports those who work each day to build a stronger economy. Without those business leaders and companies who make up our community, the opportunities would be limited.
If you had to describe to a stranger why the Grapevine Chamber is unique from others, what would you say?
Grapevine is an entire community of volunteer and servant leadership. From the CEO’s of some of our largest corporations to our mom and pop businesses on Main Street and those who live in our area, they not only give, but they encourage all of those they touch to get involved. Whether it is to help a business who has fallen on tough times brought on by mother nature or a civil servant fighting a health battle, or a festival to celebrate our community—almost everyone comes together to affect positive change, encouragement and support. Grapevine continues to promote a corporate culture, but with community caring.
Where do you see the chamber in the next 50 years from now?
I would see the Grapevine Chamber continuing to serve the business community in bringing together the leadership of those within the community who provide the employment, education and support to provide a quality of life that benefits those who choose to live, work and play in Grapevine. The chamber is a catalyst for change, growth and cooperation that will build on the foundation provided by those who came before us.
If you could say anything to the founders of the chamber, what would you say?
Thank you. Thank you for giving of your time, money and talents to build a strong business community foundation for us to grow our businesses, raise our children and share with our neighbors. Thank you for recognizing the need to leadership in directing a vision of quality, equality, growth and with maintaining the pride of our heritage.
