Chamber reaches out
Moody asks for partnership between the entity and city

Following the chamber’s recent election - of both board members and officers - the board made a decision - it’s time to begin measures to be an active part of Bullard’s growth.

Board President Joe Moody took the first step in this process when he asked to address the Bullard City Council at its last meeting.

Moody thanked council members for the opportunity to speak and asked that the council be supportive of the effort.

“I want to thank you all for allowing me to ask that the chamber form a lasting and cohesive partnership with the city,” Moody said. “As our growth continues, we want to be a vital part of it.

“We want to work with the city on tourism and any other common goals,” he said.

The council applauded Moody’s gesture, and said the partnership was a welcome one.

“It’s a good idea,” said council member Stacey Thompson - who even suggested the chamber look into specific grants to help the fledgling organization.

Thompson helps the city with grant writing - and it was one of the platforms on which she ini- -ally ran for council.

“There’s money out there, you just have to know where to look for it,” Thompson said. And she should know, having spent many years working for non-profits supported mainly from grants.

The other echoed Thompson’s enthusiasm - pledging to keep and open dialogue going between the entities.

This is a step the council is familiar with. About 1 ‰ years ago, the council approached Bullard School Trustees with the same request.

And that relationship, according to all parties, has paid off for the entire community.

“A city that is experiencing the influx of growth the Bullard is seeing can only benefit from strong relationships,” said Superintendent Jim Wright.

Bullard City Manager Larry Morgan agreed.

“We’re all facing some of the same issues,” Morgan said. “It makes sense that we all work together for the common good.”

Moody is hopeful this will be an era of change for the chamber.

“With the implementation of the ‰ cent sales tax, and the reality of businesses following the residential growth in Bullard, we want to be a professional chamber - one that supports existing businesses and attracts new ones,” he said.

The city and school have already collaborated on a number of projects, and another meeting between the two entities should happen next month.

“By combining our resources and the expertise of both the council and school

trustees, we can forge a better and stronger community,” Morgan said. “And we are excited the chamber wants to join in.”

Morgan was recently elected as a board member for the chamber.

Moody believes the efforts pay off with a united front.

“We can educate prospective business owners, parents and new residents when we work together,” he said.

The board and city have tentatively set another joint meeting for Jan. 25 - at which the groups will talk about the districts $28.5 million bond issue and how it relates to construction, water and sewer issues.