News
Legislative update: 4/16/21
4/16/21 AustinOnly seven weeks remain in the 87th Texas Legislature. Lawmakers are working Fridays and even some weekends to pass legislation before the clock runs out May 31. By law, the legislators must pass the state budget for 2022-23 before adjourning.Last week, SB 1, the upper chamber’s $250 billion budget, was approved, sent to the House, which referred it to the House Appropriations Committee. After a hearing, it was voted out and has been placed on the House calendar for debate on Thursday April
4/9/21 Legislative Update
4/9/21 Austin On behalf of the Richardson Chamber, CEO Bill Sproull submitted written testimony opposing HB 4378, which would create high-priced electric generation capacity markets in Texas. This bill would require the Public Utility Commission to overlay a capacity market on top of the current energy only market construct. If enacted this would result in paying market clearing prices (highest bid price for that day paid to all generators) as well as a new administratively required energy tax payment to
4/2/21 Legislative update
Austin SB7 was passed by the Texas Senate late this week. The “election integrity” bill would limit early voting hours, restrict the amount of voting machines available at countywide polling places and take power over election administration away from local officials. The bill moves to the Texas House. In that chamber, public testimony regarding HB6 was postponed due to parliamentary errors by committee chair Rep. Briscoe Cain of Deer Park. HB 3781 has been referred to the House Human Services Committee.
Legislative update: 3/26/2021
3/26/21 Austin Spring has arrived and we’re half-way through the 87th session of the Texas Legislature. But legislators are not forgetting the weather-related power outages last month. The House will debate a series of PUC/ERCOT bills next Tuesday. The House State Affairs Committee last week approved a slate of bills: One bill would order the Public Utility Commission to adopt rules requiring power generators “to prepare generation facilities to provide adequate electric generation service during an
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InterLink Employment Survey of North Central Texas
One of the Chamber's primary goals focuses on the workforce of tomorrow. The Interlink survey is a significant tool that helps school districts train tomorrow's workers. Your answers help supply that data. Access the link below to download last year's report and to participate in the 2021 survey.Please complete this survey. Your participation is essential. Deadline is April 25. Participant information is confidential and responses are reported cumulatively. Respondents will receive a copy of the
Chairman profile: Eric Peltier, Prosperity Bank
The chamber’s new chairman, Eric Peltier, is a textbook example of how to succeed in business through the chamber. He started out by participating and then leading in Richardson Young Professionals, migrated to Leadership Richardson (Class 26), then joined the chamber’s advisory board, became involved in more committees, joined the official board and now is chairman. As a banker, Eric knows all about the benefits of investing. “The more that I put time into the chamber and have actually a meaningful
Annual meeting shines light on 75th anniversary and community development
More than 250 people tuned in to hear Chamber CEO Bill Sproull interview Mark Cuban during the 2021 Annual Meeting, sponsored by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas. Attendees used the Chamber’s new on-line presentation and networking tool, Remo, to chat with virtual table-mates.Bill and Mark chatted on the virtual Shark Tank set about Mark’s business successes from a kid selling garbage bags to billionaire Dallas Mavericks owner….and dozens of large and small businesses in between. Chair Stan Bradshaw said,
Ecodev: mayor's lunches and economic gardening
Retention and expansion of local companies is one of the most important objectives in economic development.Statistically, about 75% of all the new jobs in a community are created by local businesses. In Richardson, REDP uses a three‐legged approach to retention: an annual online survey, 1‐on‐1 visitations (replaced in recent times by Zoom calls) and monthly mayor’s lunches (also replaced temporarily by Zoom calls). The later program is an effort to acquaint the local company not only with local resources
Chamber updates March
The chamber has formed a committee to evaluate the strategic priorities and mission of the chamber. The results of their work will be incorporated into the chamber’s application for reaccreditation. Every five years the health and leadership of the chamber is evaluated by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. The goal is to submit by the August 31 deadline. Another committee has been formed by Chairman Eric Peltier targeting a strategic and foundational effort by the chamber for diversity, equity and inclusion
RISD update and bond information
Richardson ISD: Teachers have received their first vaccine. Students could remove masks according to TEA, but the RISD board ruled to still have masks for rest of year. They are valuating distance needed according to CDC guidelines. Students are 68% face to face (the rest virtual). Texas is unusual in the amount who have remained in-person instruction. RISD $750 million bond proposal--supported by the Richardson Chamber board in vote Based on the recommendations of a community bond steering committee,
Richardson's first woman president in 1976
1976Apple Computer was formed by Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak. The Eagles release Hotel California. The median household income was $16K and gallon of gas was $.59.Jimmy Carter was elected president of the US, and Frances Powell was chosen president of the Richardson Chamber. The first woman.Mrs. Powell, a realtor owning Frances Powell’s Gallery of Homes with offices in Richardson, in Dallas on Coit and in Plano on 15th street, had long been a leader in the chamber. She was a member of local, state, and
Member profile: Go Gourmet Catering
Is there no better greeting to a meeting than the aroma of award-winning lasagna bolognaise? Executive Chef Stephen Martin and his wife, Amy, serve that and just about anything else you could imagine through their full-service company, Go Gourmet Catering. For more than 20 years, the pair has served weddings, training breakfasts, Fortune 500 events and intimate parties. They’ve adapted to COVID-19 precautions with individually packed meals, social distancing and masked servers. "The cuisine we create
Public policy and legislative updates
Public policy and legislative updatesLegislative decisions being made today in Austin and Washington, D.C., that will affect your business tomorrow. One of the major responsibilities of the chamber is representing members to work within the policy process for pro-business results.There’s a long list of public policy activities this spring:Washington D.C. Fly-in April 27-28Austin Fly-in (completed)Legislative updatesLocal electionsCity Council Candidate Forum -- April 14RISD $750 million bond proposalCity
Federal stimulus includes business tax breaks
Federal stimulus includes business tax breaksMany of us have received our personal stimulus checks from the $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan Act.In addition, the ARPA includes several tax breaks and financial benefits for businesses.Here are some of the tax highlights of the ARPAoffered by chamber member Bland Garvey Accountants and Consultants:The Employee Retention Credit (ERC). This valuable tax credit is extended from June 30 until Dec. 31, 2021. The ARPA continues the ERC rate of credit at 70% for
Governor launches Small Business Resource Portal
TheSmall Business Resource Portal offers a customized list of useful business resources to assist in starting or growing a business in Texas. National resources are available at the Small Business Administration.The portal is easy to access and use—simply answer five short questions to generate a tailored resource list.Types of information included in the portal:Federal, state and local resourcesBusiness advice and growth assistanceFunding sourcesAdditional specific resources Access the Small Business
Richardson business leaders support local high schoolers with internships
Richardson business leaders have stepped up time and again to support local students.One of the most successful programs around is the Richardson Mayor’s Summer Internship Program.The program, presented by the Richardson Chamber of Commerce, the City of Richardson and Richardson Independent School District, is now in its fourth year.The program runs from June 3-Aug. 6. The deadline for businesses to sign up is April 15.Chamber CEO Bill Sproull is urging business members to get involved by hosting or
Legislative update: 3/22/2021
3/19/21 It’s fast and furious time in Austin: more than 10,000 bills were filed by last Friday’s deadline. While there’s been a lot of press focus on “What are we going to do about ERCOT?”, committees are holding meetings and hearings on other items on our Legislative Agenda.Broadband: About 25 bills have been filed focusing on expanding broadband access. The major focus is on House Bill 5 and Senate Bill 5, which will create a state broadband office. State Sen. Robert Nichols, who represents the
Legislative update: 3/12/21
87th Texas Legislature More than 6,000 bills have been filed by today’s deadline for the 87th Legislature. Process check: after a bill is filed in its respective chamber, it typically is assigned to a committee. But with 6,000 to consider before the May 31 end-of-session deadline, the majority of bills will die in committee. Gov. Greg Abbott, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick and House Speaker Dade Phelan have all placed addressing the power outages at the top of the priority list. But they still have to address the
Citizen of the Year: Richard Ramey
“When I think of Richardson, I think of Richard. And the two of them go hand in hand,” said Bill Keffler, former Richardson city manager. Richard Ramey, former chairman of the board, is the Richardson Chamber’s 2021 Citizen of the Year. While Richard’s “day” job is managing director for commercial lending at Prosperity Bank, his involvement in groups and activities benefitting Richardson and its citizens is a long list. “When you think of things going on in our community, Richard always seems to be a
2020 volunteers of the year
The chamber could not succeed without the work of its volunteers. At the 2021 annual meeting, the chamber recognized several categories of awards who stayed ‘on-the-ball’ even during the pandemic to keep the chamber ‘in the game’ for the success of fellow members. Volunteer of the Year is Michelle Firpi. Michelle has been a driver with Richardson Young Professionals, is an active ambassador, helped with and was a sponsor of the Golf tournament, participates in Richardson Chamber Business Network, and
Innovators and entrepreneurs network at IQ Brew
Richardson’s new Innovation Quarter, aka Richardson IQ, is quickly gathering a following of entrepreneurs, small business owners and innovators. You don't have to be located in the Richardson IQ to participate in the group. One way to stay in the know is an informative networking program called the IQ Brew. The education and networking event featuring presentations from entrepreneurs, small businesses, and subject-matter experts meets at 9 a.m. every other Thursday. Monica Scott, co-founder and president
Legislative update: 2/26/21
Legislative update 2/26/21 What a difference a week makes. Freezing temperatures thawed while Austin hearing rooms heated up as legislators demanded answers to last week’s “snow-pocalypse.” The energy grid failure is now a top-of-agenda item for the 87th Texas Legislature. Gov. Greg Abbott made it an emergency item and Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick put it at the top of his priority list. Patrick announced a total of 31 priority bills for 2021, focusing on three themes: “A safe and secure Texas future,” “Life,
Legislative alert: 3/5/21
Legislative update 3/5/21 Of note this week in the Texas House, Rep. Trent Ashby (R-Lufkin) filed House Bill 5. This bill will focus on broadband: creation of a state office and creation of a long-term statewide plan. It will also require a grant program for broadband infrastructure investment, especially in rural areas. Our own Bill Sproull will be involved as he was appointed last year by Gov. Abbot as chair of the Governor’s Broadband Development Council. More than 4,500 bills have been filed in
Mayor's Summer Intern Program, businesses sign up before April 8
As we approach the one-year mark since COVID-19 arrived in North Texas, Richardson leaders believe it’s more critical than ever that local teens receive life-changing summer employment opportunities. With the support of local businesses and nonprofits, Richardson Mayor Paul Voelker and Richardson ISD Superintendent Dr. Jeannie Stone are kicking off another year of the Richardson Mayor’s Summer Internship Program. The program, presented by the City of Richardson, RISD and the Richardson Chamber of Commerce,
Member profile: Marvin Jackson, Archer Western Herzog
Richardson residents are eagerly awaiting the completion of DART’s Cotton Belt Corridor in 2023. Also called the Silver Line, the 26-mile service will connect DFW Airport and Shiloh Road in Plano and traverse seven cities: Grapevine, Coppell, Carrollton, Addison, Dallas, Richardson and Plano. Archer Western Herzog (AWH) is the design-build contractor and representing the company at the chamber is Marvin Jackson, AWH Silver Line regional rail public involvement/community relations manager and diversity and
Member profile: Paramount Chiropractic and Wellness
When traditional medicine failed his father and then himself, Jonathan Pearlman began his search for alternatives. Now he hopes to help others find their optimal health. Jonathan is a chiropractor and owner of Paramount Chiropractic and Wellness in Richardson. Originally from Rhode Island, he and his wife moved to Texas so he could attend Parker University to learn the Gonstead System, which he describes as the “gold standard” of chiropractic care. “It is a specific approach that really analyzes where
FastSigns owner named to NSBA Leadership Council
Darrin Lawrence, a veteran and franchisee at FASTSIGNS® of Richardson, was recently named to the National Small Business Association (NSBA) Leadership Council. NSBA is the nation’s oldest small-business advocacy organization and operates on a staunchly nonpartisan basis. Lawrence, a recognized leader in the small-business community, joins the NSBA Leadership Council alongside other small-business advocates from across the country as they work to promote the interests of small business to policymakers in
Tech issues in public policy in 2021 with Robert Atkinson
Robert David Atkinson is an economist and president of the Information Technology and Innovation Foundation, a public policy think tank based in Washington, D.C., that promotes policies based on innovation economics. Rob presented to the Tech Titans board of directors in late January 2021. Rob spoke about privacy concerns, artificial intelligence (and minority biases), and what it means when it says that President Biden signed executive orders. Note that the beginning of the presentation was not
UT Dallas students help attract international companies
For the fourth semester (Spring 2021), UT Dallas undergrad students will assist international companies in their efforts to expand their business activities into the United States. The Global Development Initiative (GDI) is a collaboration between the Center for Global Business (CGB) at the University of Texas at Dallas and the Richardson Economic Development Partnership (REDP). The CGB develops globally competent leaders and engages stakeholders to meet future business challenges through high-quality
Member profile: Lisa Miller, El Dorado
Service. Connection. Education. These three words describe Lisa Miller’s contribution to the chamber, and the world. Lisa’s official title is sales leader for the El Dorado senior living community in Richardson. Her true calling, however, is bringing people together to learn, and support and serve others. Lisa has worked at the El Dorado for just over three years. Prior to that, she was in the ministry. She helped create the Network of Community Ministries and Career Connections. These services have
New Marketplace members
New Chamber Marketplace members Ibex Digital Consulting Backyard Workroom LLC Bagel Cafe 21 Main Event Entertainment Plano Main Event Plano is more than just 28 lanes of state-of-the-art bowling, laser tag, karaoke, and over 100 games. It's also one of the best venues for birthday parties, group events, company holiday parties, and even team building. Over 65,000 square feet of excitement! Enjoy full-service catering with ten private rooms, free Wifi, and big-screen TVs paired with the
Support for international business expands in Richardson
The International Concierge Committee is expanding its resources with events, education and on-line services while branding as the International Business Resource Center. The center will focus on companies from other countries coming into Richardson and for local companies actively pursuing business in other countries.
2000 RISD students learn about careers during iDream
The iDream program exploded in growth this year, thanks to problem-solving in the face of the pandemic resulting in virtual, online presentations.About 2,000 students from 25 elementary schools met with dozens of industry leaders from across the country recently as part of iDream 2021, a partnership between Richardson Independent School District and the Richardson Chamber of Commerce.iDream is a one-day career day for sixth-grade students to learn more about opportunities available after high school.
Legislative update: January 2021
Legislative Update Planning is underway for virtual fly-in Legislative Days to Austin Feb. 24-25 and Washington D.C. April 27-28. Legislative Days provide Richardson residents and businesspeople with the opportunity to visit the national and state capitol and better understand the legislative process. Participants network with community leaders, hear from local representatives and key state officials, attend committee hearings and visit various legislators. Whether you are heavily involved in politics
Richardson Chamber 2020 accomplishments
Though often quarantined, volunteers and staff ‘pivoted’ to continue to provide opportunities to Lead, Learn and Grow businesses. The chamber hosted Town Halls with Chair Stan Bradshaw and President Bill Sproull to connect members. Ambassadors and staff worked through the member directory, contacting companies about their status and looking for ways to help. Thankfully, the Annual Meeting occurred prior to the shutdown. It was the largest and most profitable ever, featuring President George W.
Top goals 2021
It’s time for putting into play organization goals. Our processes are similar to those of our member businesses. Our focus is making decisions that best engage and benefit our members.Promote Business SuccessEstablish new connections with at least 10 large tenants and 25 small and medium businesses in the Richardson IQ and CORE districts to enhance their business, make them aware of resources, events and opportunities with an eventual goal of establishing business organizations in both districts. Foster
RYP profile: Tyler Farrer of Texas Bank and Trust
Setting up happy hours is quite a challenge during a pandemic. Tyler Farrer, second year tri-chair for Richardson Young Professionals, made it work through Zoom meetings and drive-by chocolate drops. He doesn’t stop there. He’s also tri-chair for the Growth and Mobility committee and is a graduate of last year’s Leadership Richardson (class 35). He is an assistant vice president and commercial lender for Texas Bank and Trust. Tyler was involved in his local chamber of commerce in his hometown
Economic development/relocation opportunities in Richardson
with the Dallas Business JournalMost recently, the Business Journal spoke with Bill Sproull, president and CEO of the Richardson Economic Development Partnership. During the interview, Sproull discussed what companies already call Richardson home, the history of the city's telecom corridor and how he would sell the area to a perspective company.What kinds of companies already call Richardson home? Fossil and Lennox International are both headquartered here in Richardson. State Farm has an 8,000 employee
Sites in Richardson available
from the Dallas Business Journal (click to read full article) Richardson was and continues to be a place for large companies to call home in North Texas. Nicknamed the Telecom Corridor due to having the largest concentration of telecom companies anywhere in the world at one time, Richardson kept the moniker but diversified its corporate tenancy since the dot com bust. Today, a number of notable companies have a presence or headquarters in Richardson. They include State Farm and its 2.1 million-square-foot
Legislative update: 1/18/21
The 87th Texas Legislature regular session is going to be fast and furious. It kicked off Jan. 12 with rules approvals and other formalities. It is now adjourned until Jan. 26. To refresh: the Texas Legislature meets every odd-numbered year for 140 days, as dictated by the Texas Constitution. While the governor can call special sessions to focus on specific issues, this session is the big one.At the top of the agenda will be approving the state budget, while navigating coronavirus health restrictions in the
2021 Legislative Agenda
The Richardson Chamber’s legislative agenda for 2021 has been created by the Public Policy Committee and approved by the Board of Directors. These priorities address issues that are vital to Richardson businesses and citizens, especially in the areas of economic development, workforce development, education, transportation, water and local government. Richardson Chamber of Commerce 2021 Legislative AgendaBusiness competitivenessRecommendations:Support the continuation of funding for economic development
North Texas lawmakers outline priorities ahead of 87th legislative session
from Community Impact By Olivia Lueckemeyer | 1:48 PM Dec 17, 2020 CST | Updated 1:48 PM Dec 17, 2020 CSTFour North Texas lawmakers appeared at a virtual Richardson Chamber of Commerce event Dec. 14 to discuss their priorities ahead of the state’s 87th legislative session. The biennial gathering of legislators will look differently this year due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. The session could have a virtual component, and members of the public may or may not be allowed to provide in-person
Richardson businesses recognized for excellence
Richardson businesses recognized for excellence On Thursday, Nov. 12 the REDP honored nine Richardson businesses for extraordinary success and meaningful contributions to the city’s continued economic growth through significant local investments with its Economic Development, Growth and Expansion (EDGE) Awards. The 2020 EDGE winners who were announced during a virtual event were: Commercial Real Estate Project: Wynne/Jackson – For new developments Northside 2,3 and 4 and UT Dallas.Community Involvement
Richardson's economy shows resilience
For a moment let’s forget about all the downsides of 2020 and focus on some positive achievements. The REDP was successful, after some taxing rounds of written submittals and virtual interviews, in renewing its Accredited Economic Development Organization (AEDO) status for another four years. Only the top 1% of U.S. EDO’s have attained the coveted designation.The 2020 relocation and expansion highlights included the “Amazon of the Pet World” Chewy, which leased 57,000 SF at 930 E. Campbell for a 700-person,
Innovation Quarter momentum continues
IQ website receives makeover With interest growing in the Richardson Innovation Quarter (IQ), the REDP and city worked together to create a new and improved Richardson IQ website with much more robust content including maps, a list of existing companies, partners, resources, event calendar, news and much more. Content is added frequently, so check it out often at www.richardsoniq.com. Richardson IQ Brew/MeetUp Group Every other Thursday at 9 a.m. the Richardson IQ hosts its “IQ Brew”, an education and
TWC Partners with Dallas College and REDP for IT Skills
Dallas College in collaboration with the Richardson Economic Development Partnership (REDP) has been awarded an $801,993 IT Consortium Skills Development Fund Grant by the Texas Workforce Commission. The grant will provide training to employees of three Richardson-based information technology businesses: RealPage, GXA and The Wilkins Group. RealPage is a leading global provider of software and data analytics to the real estate industry. Founded in 1998 and headquartered in Richardson, Texas, RealPage
Richardson businesses recognized for success
On Thursday, Nov. 12 the REDP honored nine Richardson businesses for extraordinary success and meaningful contributions to the city’s continued economic growth through significant local investments with its Economic Development, Growth and Expansion (EDGE) Awards. The 2020 EDGE winners who were announced during a virtual event were: Commercial Real Estate Project: Wynne/Jackson – For new developments Northside 2,3 and 4 at UT Dallas.Community Involvement Award: State Farm Insurance – For engagement at
REDP achieves prestigious reaccreditation
The REDP has again been recognized by the International Economic Development Council (IEDC) as one of only 68 economic development organizations to have earned the prestigious Accredited Economic Development Organization (AEDO) status. The AEDO status positions the REDP among the top 1% of economic development organizations overall and makes the REDP one of only 10 Texas economic development agencies to have achieved such recognition. The REDP first received the coveted status in 2012, and successfully
Profile: Brian Dunlap, Texas Instruments
Brian Dunlap of Texas Instruments is one of the newest members of the Richardson Chamber board of directors. As fab manager for the Richardson site (RFAB), Brian sees involvement in the chamber as a way to give back to the company’s community and connect with other business leaders. TI believes strong companies and strong communities go hand in hand. “Our intention is to volunteer in a more significant way,” he said. “This year has been challenging.” As long as they could safely do so, TIers
REDP earns prestigious reaccreditation from International Economic Development Council
The International Economic Development Council (IEDC) has once again recognized the Richardson Economic Development Partnership (REDP) as one of only 68 economic development organizations to have earned Accredited Economic Development Organization (AEDO) status. AEDO status positions the REDP among the top 1% economic development organizations overall and makes the REDP one of only 10 Texas economic development agencies to have achieved such recognition. The REDP first received the coveted status in
CBRE's technology division takes 100K-SF in Richardson
from Dallas Business Journal CBRE Group Inc., fresh off its headquarters move from Los Angeles to Dallas, has taken a large chunk of office space in Richardson. The company confirmed that it has leased approximately 100,000 square feet at Galatyn Commons in Richardson, located at 2375 N. Glenville Drive. The space will house hundreds of CBRE's technology employees, President and CEO Bob Sulentic told the Business Journal last week. The company's corporate headquarters is now in Uptown Dallas. CBRE
City receives excellence in economic development award
The City of Richardson won a silver category award for its Richardson Innovation Quarter Block Party, a project in the Special Event category of the International Economic Development Council’s 2020 Excellence in Economic Development Awards Program. IEDC's Excellence in Economic Development Awards recognize the world's best economic development programs and partnerships, marketing materials, and the year's most influential leaders. Thirty-fiveaward categories honor organizations and individuals for their
EDGE awards recognize outstanding companies, individuals & projects
The City of Richardson, Richardson Chamber of Commerce and Richardson Rotary Clubs are excited to announce the 2020 Economic Development, Growth and Expansion (EDGE) Award recipients, who will be honored during a special event on Thursday, Nov. 12. This year’s honorees have achieved extraordinary successes and meaningfully contributed to Richardson’s continued economic prosperity through significant local investments. EDGE Award winners include: Commercial Real Estate Project: Wynne/Jackson – For new
Podcast: Richland College President Dr. Kay Eggleston
Dr. Kay Eggleston talks with President Bill Sproull about her background, the effects of the pandemic on Richland, the benefits of uniting under Dallas College, and her history with the Malcolm Baldrige Award.Listen to the podcast Some notes:Dr. Eggleston talks about her background in nursing and how she finally ended up with a Ph.D. in Organizational Development.She talks about how the school has responded to the covid pandemic. The school has 1000 more students this year compared to the last, but 10%
Spotlight: House of Namdar
Brad Namdar, the owner of multiple businesses, most notably Namdar Decor and the House of Namdar, has a long list of accomplishments on his resume: 2 time NCAA Division I bowl champion football place kicker, award-winning soccer player and coach, a DISD high school teacher and coach, successful business owner, active community volunteer, executive coach, appointee by the Governor of Texas, official partner with the Secretary of State in the Texas Businesses Against Trafficking (TBAT) initiative, and a
Certificate of origin eases exporting of goods
Visit our website for sample documents A Certificate of Origin is a document used in international trade, which identifies the origin country of the goods being exported. It is a mandatory document by various country customs organizations. In many countries, the duty rate and the admissibility are affected by the country of origin of the goods. Failure to properly declare the origin of goods may result in delay, higher duty/tariff rate, fine/penalty, entry denial or seizure. The United States has
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Mayor Paul Voelker in Rich Talk podcast
Mayor Voelker sits down and talks about his background in Richardson, and his approach to business relationships with the city. Part of the conversation is how Richardson develops interest from international companies, and why bringing in international companies is important. Mayor Voelker also talks about the planning that is being done for the city as a whole to develop areas of interest that can best serve various groups of citizenry and businesses. It's an exciting and cohesive look at the future of
