Meet the newest additions to our business community.

Advancial Federal Credit Union | Banking & Financial Services | advancial.org

Associated Bank | Banking & Financial Services | associatedbank.com

California Closets | Home Organization | californiaclosets.com

Chirp Research | Market Research | chirpresearch.com

Dallas Zoo | Cultural Attractions | dallaszoo.com

DFW Fence Contractor LLC | Construction & Fencing | dfwfencecontractor.com

First Lonestar Bank | Banking & Financial Services | myfirstlonestar.com

Greater Dallas Planning Council | Civic & Regional Planning | gdpc.org

Lucid Private Offices | Office Space & Coworking | lucidprivateoffices.com

National Medal of Honor Museum | Cultural Attractions & Nonprofit | mohmuseum.org

Panera Bread | Restaurant & Food Services | panerabread.com

Patient Physician Network, Inc. | Healthcare Management | ppnhco.com

RS&H, Inc. | Architecture & Engineering | rsandh.com

Toastique Dallas - West Village | Restaurant & Food Services | toastique.com

Towns Law Firm | Legal Services | townslawfirm.com

Help us welcome these new members by connecting with them on LinkedIn or at our next networking event. A warm welcome from established members makes all the difference in helping new businesses feel at home in your Chamber community.

Meet the newest additions to our business community.

Business Council for the Arts | Arts & Culture | ntbca.org

David A. Neumann / Jasper Neumann Consulting | Business Consulting

The Citadel | Commercial Real Estate | thecitadeldallas.com

HumCap | Staffing & Human Capital | humcapinc.com

Independence Gardens | Girls Save The World | Youth Development & Environmental Education | girlssavetheworld.org

Kehr Technologies | Technology Solutions | kehrtech.com

KERA | Public Media | kera.org

Omega Engineers, Inc. | Engineering | omegaengineers.com

Pact Plumbing Inc | Plumbing Services | pactplumbing.com

Pavion | Life Safety & Security Technology | pavion.com

Redefine: Dental Aesthetic and Wellness Center of Dallas | Dental & Wellness | redefinedfw.com

Rise360 Consulting | Business Consulting | rise360consulting.com

Roy Jones, Jr. Boxing + Fitness | Health & Fitness | rjjboxingfitness.com

Serve and Savour Catering | Catering & Food Services | serveandsavour.com

Strategic Digital Marketing Agency | Marketing & Digital Services | strategicdigital.marketing

The Highland Dallas | Hospitality & Hotels | thehighlanddallas.com

The Rios Group, Inc. | Construction | rios-group.com

Travelstead Real Estate Group | Real Estate | travelsteadrealestate.com

Trinity Car Service | Transportation | 2dfw.com

Waymo LLC | Autonomous Vehicles & Technology | waymo.com

Whiterock Court | Senior Living | whiterockcourtseniorliving.com

WWA Wealth Group | Financial Planning & Wealth Management | wwa.nm.com

Help us welcome these new members by connecting with them on LinkedIn or at our next networking event. A warm welcome from established members makes all the difference in helping new businesses feel at home in your Chamber community.

Meet the newest additions to our business community.

Above Wines LLC | Wine & Beverage | abovewines.com

All Stars Project of Dallas/Dallas Works | Youth Development & Workforce | allstars.org/locations/dallas

Camp Quitcherbichin | Recreation & Hospitality | campqyb.com

CJ CUP Byron Nelson | Sports & Entertainment | thecjcupbyronnelson.org

Digital Ascension Group | Financial Technology | digitalfamilyoffice.io

Dynamic Waves Consulting | Business Consulting | dynamicwavesconsulting.com

JETSET Pilates Preston Hollow | Health & Fitness | jetsetpilates.com

Maverick Digital LLC | Digital Services | maverick-digital.net

McKissack & McKissack | Architecture & Construction Management | mckinc.com

Metrocrest Services | Community Services & Nonprofit | metrocrestservices.org

North Texas Municipal Water District | Utilities & Infrastructure | ntmwd.com

Help us welcome these new members by connecting with them on LinkedIn or at our next networking event. A warm welcome from established members makes all the difference in helping new businesses feel at home in your Chamber community.

As the talent acquisition and retention landscape continues to be challenging for businesses, a new study from Bank of America sheds light on what employees look for and want in their workplace benefits. According to the new 2025 Workplace Benefits Report, now in its 15th year, certain benefits can drive employee satisfaction and productivity – while inadequate benefits can result in workers quitting.

Here are some of the trends and findings found in the new BofA survey - which can serve as guideposts for companies looking for that competitive edge to retain top talent.

• Personal debt is up. 85% of employees carry personal debt. Credit card debt now tops mortgages. One in four has student loans, and nearly one in five has medical debt.

• Caregiving responsibilities are widespread. Six in ten employees are caregivers, and many want flexible schedules, leave options, and financial wellness support.

• Wellness resources drive results. Eight in ten employers say financial wellness boosts satisfaction and productivity — yet fewer than half offer these programs.

• Generational gaps are clear. Nearly nine in ten Gen Z and Millennials carry debt. Gen X reports the most burnout, while Boomers remain the most financially optimistic.

• Retirement planning is uneven. Seven in ten employees prioritize retirement savings, but nearly half wish they had started earlier. Over a third regret not taking full advantage of employer 401(k) matches.

• Requests for new benefits are rising. Employee interest in student loan repayment help has nearly tripled in the last two years. Employees are also asking for wellness reimbursements, small emergency loans, and benefits such as pet insurance or grandparent leave.

For employers, the takeaway is clear: investing in the right mix of benefits isn’t just about perks. It’s about strengthening retention, improving productivity, and positioning your company as an employer of choice. Bank of America offers an integrated platform that helps employees identify, personalize, and track their goals across their full financial lives — providing support for benefits managers along the way.

As we approach the holiday season, we’re grateful to welcome four outstanding new members to the North Dallas Chamber of Commerce. These organizations bring valuable expertise in engineering, technology, and community service that will enrich our business community.

Meet the newest additions to our business community.

Arkearth | Non-Profit Organization | arkearth.org

Consor Engineers | Engineering & Consulting | consoreng.com

DIJINATION LLC | Technology & Digital Services | dijination.net

Mentis Group, Inc. | Business Consulting & Technology | mentis-group.com

Do you know a business that would benefit from joining our Chamber community? Refer them today and help us continue to grow our vibrant network. Our members are the heart of what makes our Chamber such a powerful force in the Dallas business landscape!

Meet the newest additions to our business community.

A&A Services | Business Services | aaservices.com

Adios Fajitas | Restaurant & Food Services | adiosfajitas.com

ASSISTWITH AI LLC | Technology & Artificial Intelligence | assistwith.ai

Beth Graeme Photography | Photography Services | bethgraeme.photography

Bob Lilly Promotions | Marketing & Promotional Products | boblillypromo.com

Critter Stop | Wildlife & Pest Control | critterstop.com/locations/richardson

Dallas Trinity FC | Sports & Entertainment | dallastrinityfc.com

Landmark Structural Builders | Construction & Engineering | landmarkstructural.com

Preston Hollow Advocate | Media & Publishing | advocatemag.com

Prince Street Pizza | Restaurant & Food Services | princestreetpizza.com

Sodexo | Food Services & Facilities Management | sodexo.com

SouthState Bank | Banking & Financial Services | southstatebank.com/personal

Z360 | Technology & Business Solutions | z360.biz

Help us welcome these new members by connecting with them on LinkedIn or at our next networking event. A warm welcome from our established members makes all the difference in helping new businesses feel at home in our Chamber community!

Dallas Police Chief Daniel C. Comeaux outlined his approach to reducing crime, improving response times, and rebuilding public trust during the NDCC Leadership Briefing on October 23. A 33-year law enforcement veteran and former DEA Special Agent in Charge, Comeaux took command of the Dallas Police Department in April 2025 and has moved quickly to implement changes that affect businesses, residents, and neighborhoods across the city.

Key takeaways

• Felony warrant initiative driving results: The department has arrested roughly 450 individuals with outstanding felony warrants since launching an aggressive warrant enforcement program. Those individuals were connected to approximately 3,000 prior crimes. A targeted operation focused on felony sexual violence warrants resulted in 115 arrests and over 900 compliance checks.

• Crime and traffic fatalities declining: Dallas is on pace for 40 fewer homicides than last year, continuing several years of reduction. Traffic-related deaths are also down by 40, a result the department attributes directly to expanded enforcement efforts.

• Recruiting momentum building: The department launched its second-largest academy class in DPD history with 77 recruits, including 20 women, the second-highest female enrollment on record. The next class is projected to exceed 50 recruits.

• Response time overhaul underway: The department has hired an outside firm to reassess call priority classifications and district boundaries, some of which haven’t been updated since 1997. Drone technology, video callbacks, and expanded online reporting are all in development.

Felony warrants and crime reduction

The department’s felony warrant program has become a central enforcement strategy. Comeaux described the rationale as straightforward: data consistently shows that individuals with outstanding felony warrants are more likely to commit additional crimes than those without warrants. Removing them from the streets reduces overall crime volume.

Federal partnerships are accelerating the effort. U.S. Marshals are working joint cases and funding overtime for DPD officers. The department also assigned four officers to a DEA task force focused on fentanyl distribution, which produced an arrest in its first week of operation.

Traffic enforcement expansion

Comeaux described a citywide traffic enforcement campaign that started in downtown Dallas and expanded to every council district. The department coordinated with council members to identify the top three problem locations in each district and deployed motor units accordingly.

The results extend beyond ticket numbers. Vehicle-related deaths are down 40 compared to last year, a reduction that tracks with the enforcement expansion. The department has written thousands of citations since the program launched.

Recruiting and academy growth

Officer retention has improved alongside recruiting gains. For the first time in several years, the department is adding officers faster than it is losing them, with a net gain of approximately 100 officers in recent months. The department’s 10-month academy, longer than the national average of six months, is producing officers with stronger training outcomes, including an officer-involved shooting accuracy rate that Comeaux described as extraordinary by national standards.

The department is also partnering with UT Dallas on a new training facility and working with Energy Transfer to establish a police foundation modeled on Houston’s, which Comeaux identified as a significant gap between the two cities.

Response times and technology

The department is conducting a comprehensive review of call priority classifications, district boundaries, and staffing models. Current priority levels date to a 1997 study, and population growth, geographic obstacles like White Rock Lake, and shifts in call volume have made the old framework unreliable.

Drone deployment as a first-responder tool is a near-term priority. The department envisions drones clearing low-priority calls, such as reported disturbances where no one is present on arrival, freeing patrol officers for higher-priority responses. Expanded online reporting and video callback options for non-emergency calls are also in development, designed to reduce the number of calls requiring a physical officer response.

FIFA World Cup 2026 preparation

Dallas will host multiple matches during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with games in Arlington but fan activity, hotels, and fan fest events concentrated in Dallas. Comeaux visited Qatar to study its security operations during the most recent World Cup and described the planning challenge as unlike typical large events. The department is coordinating with international fan group leaders and building intelligence around which national fan bases will be present, since rivalries between countries can produce conflict unrelated to any local conditions. Existing event security infrastructure from the State Fair, Red River Rivalry, and Cotton Bowl provides a foundation, but the international dimension requires additional cultural preparedness, which the department is addressing through virtual reality training developed in partnership with SMU.

Speaker information

Daniel C. Comeaux serves as Chief of the Dallas Police Department, appointed in April 2025. He previously served 28 years with the DEA, most recently as Special Agent in Charge of the Houston Field Division. Dallas Police Department

Event sponsors

Haynes and Boone | Cowles Thompson | Dallas College | Southwest Airlines | DART

Meet the newest additions to our business community.

BexUp | Technology & Software | bexup.com

Children’s Flight of Hope | Non-Profit Organization | childrensflightofhope.org/dfw

D1 Training - Park Cities | Fitness & Training | d1training.com/facility/park-cities

Fabulous Floors LLC | Home Services & Flooring | fabfloors.com

Max Life Agency | Insurance & Financial Services |

OTHON, Inc. | Technology & Business Services | othon.com

Reveal Suits | Retail & Fashion | revealsuits.com

Saville CPAs & Advisors | Accounting & Advisory Services | savillecpa.com

Sons of the Flag | Non-Profit Organization | sonsoftheflag.org

Viva Day Spa + Med Spa | Health & Beauty Services | vivadayspa.com

Vivante Turtle Creek | Senior Living & Healthcare | vivanteliving.com/turtle-creek-new

Whole Body Structural Integration | Health & Wellness Services | wholebodystructuralintegration.com

See a business you’d like to connect with? Reach out directly or ask us for an introduction—building connections is what we do best!

The North Dallas Chamber has submitted formal advocacy letters on three key issues affecting our business community. These positions reflect our commitment to supporting policies that strengthen Dallas businesses and enhance economic growth opportunities.

Federal Infrastructure: Streamlining Project Development

The Chamber joined over 500 organizations nationwide in urging Congress to pass comprehensive permitting reform legislation. The coalition letter addresses outdated regulatory processes that delay essential infrastructure projects across the country.

Current permitting systems create significant bottlenecks for projects ranging from transportation networks and energy facilities to broadband expansion and water system improvements. These delays drive up construction costs through inflation and extended timelines while postponing benefits that communities need.

The advocacy effort focuses on four core principles: predictability in project timelines, improved efficiency through better interagency coordination, transparency in permitting processes, and adequate stakeholder input opportunities.

For Dallas businesses, streamlined permitting could mean faster development of critical infrastructure that supports economic growth, from improved transportation corridors to enhanced utility systems that attract new business investment.

Read the Letter

State Tax Policy: Balancing Relief with Municipal Resources

The Chamber submitted a letter opposing certain aspects of state legislation that would significantly reduce voter-approval tax rates for local governments. The proposed measures aim to limit property tax growth but could create unintended consequences for municipal services.

Current proposals would lower the voter-approval threshold from 3.5% to 2.5% for cities and counties with populations over 75,000, while the House version would reduce the rate to 1% across all municipalities. Public safety budgets would receive exemptions to maintain essential services.

The NDCC's position emphasizes that while property tax relief remains important, overly restrictive measures could limit cities' ability to maintain infrastructure and deliver services that businesses rely on. Cities across Texas already face budget pressures from inflation and rising operational costs.

The Chamber advocates for a balanced approach that provides meaningful tax relief while preserving municipal autonomy and the capacity to support sustainable growth and business operations.

Read the Letter

Healthcare Workforce: Addressing Regional Nursing Shortages

The Chamber supported American Career College's application to establish an Associate Degree in Nursing program in Richardson. This advocacy addresses critical healthcare workforce shortages affecting the Dallas-Fort Worth region.

The Greater Dallas-Fort Worth area faces significant healthcare staffing challenges, with surging demand for healthcare services driven by rapid population growth. Current projections indicate the state will face a shortage of nearly 60,000 registered nurses by 2032, with North Texas experiencing particularly acute needs.

American Career College brings over four decades of experience in healthcare education, with nursing programs distinguished by consistently high NCLEX pass rates. The proposed Richardson program would serve 50 students annually, helping address local workforce needs while maintaining high educational standards.

Expanding healthcare education capacity directly supports regional economic development by ensuring adequate healthcare infrastructure to serve growing communities and attract business investment.

Read the Letter

NDCC's Position

These advocacy efforts align with the NDCC's Guiding Principles for Advocacy, specifically supporting business-friendliness, positive community impact, and fostering civic engagement. Our positions are developed through consultation with the NDCC Board of Directors' Public Policy Council and reflect our commitment to policies that enhance Dallas as a place to live, work, raise families, and build businesses.

For more information about NDCC's advocacy positions, visit our Guiding Principles for Advocacy page.

Meet the newest additions to our business community.

Assured Bookkeeping & Tax Services | Business Services |

Communities Foundation of Texas, Inc. | Nonprofit Organizations | cftexas.org

Dallas County Republican Party | Political Organizations | dallasgop.org

Driving Happiness at Work | Business Consulting | drivinghappinessatwork.com

DropUp | Technology Services | dropup.com

Floor Coverings International of Highland Park, TX | Construction Services | floorcoveringsinternational.com

Global Safety Foundation | Safety Consulting | globalsafetyfoundation.org

Las Vegas Sands Corporation | Entertainment & Hospitality | sands.com

Psalm General Business LLC | Business Services | psalmgeneralbusiness.com

The Perot Museum reaches far beyond its downtown building, serving over one million guests annually through programming that spans North Texas. Chief Learning Officer Drex Owusu shared how the institution tackles workforce development challenges while building stronger community connections.

Key Takeaways

• The museum serves the entire Dallas region through both on-site and off-site programming, reaching communities that might never visit the building

• STEM engagement is declining across North Texas counties from 2019 to 2025, regardless of income level

• Corporate volunteer opportunities connect businesses directly with future workforce development

• The upcoming Dallas ISD bond represents a chance to build educational infrastructure that meets business community needs

• Museums can serve as bridges between current community needs and future workforce requirements

Addressing the STEM Skills Gap

Data shows troubling trends in STEM engagement across the region. Even affluent areas like Collin County are experiencing declines. This pattern threatens the economic competitiveness of North Texas, where technology roles increasingly drive job growth and higher wages.

The museum is launching a pilot program in Dallas public schools this fall to determine what level of exposure can reverse these trends. The timing is critical as every job becomes more technology-focused.

Community-Wide Programming

The museum's $2.5 million annual investment in financial aid ensures access for lower-income families and schools. About 6,000 free memberships support underserved communities, while bilingual programming and staff help serve the region's diverse population.

Recent renovations to the Moody Family Children's Museum demonstrate this inclusive approach. Designed for pre-readers, the space emphasizes hands-on exploration and social collaboration. During its summer reopening, the facility welcomed over 300,000 guests in 80 days.

Innovation Through Familiar Connections

The museum's upcoming soccer exhibition, launching in March 2026, connects familiar experiences to STEM careers. Rather than focusing on athletic participation, the exhibition showcases career paths in data analytics, engineering, medicine, and technology.

This bi-national collaboration with museums in New Zealand and Mexico City creates cultural exchange opportunities while maintaining focus on practical career applications.

Corporate Partnership Opportunities

Businesses can engage through multiple channels:

Volunteer programs offer companies opportunities to conduct science demonstrations and lead laboratory experiences. The museum's tech truck program brings education directly to corporate events and community festivals.

Sponsorship opportunities extend beyond funding to include expertise sharing and career exposure programs. Companies can demonstrate real-world applications while building relationships with future employees.

Educational partnerships allow businesses to showcase career pathways and connect employees with students exploring STEM fields.

Infrastructure Investment Ahead

Dallas ISD's upcoming bond program presents opportunities for business community engagement. With approximately $10 billion in identified needs and a current proposal of $4.8-4.9 billion, the district seeks employer input about workforce preparation requirements.

The average Dallas ISD school building is 50 years old, designed for 1970s education models. Modern learning environments require robust technology infrastructure, flexible collaborative spaces, updated systems, and enhanced safety features.

Owusu, who co-chaired the 2020 bond development process, pointed to the Career Institute North as an example of what's possible with updated educational infrastructure.

Building Community Connections

The museum's commitment to community-wide access influences all programming choices through bilingual staff hiring, Spanish-language experiences, and multilingual programming. Partnerships with early childhood education providers create pathways for families to connect with science education from childhood through high school. Recent initiatives include fitness collaborations offering unique experiences like yoga sessions in the museum lobby, showing a willingness to innovate while upholding the scientific mission. Museums, schools, and businesses can work together to tackle workforce challenges and strengthen communities. The upcoming bond election and ongoing growth in North Texas open opportunities for strategic investment in educational infrastructure that benefits both student development and business needs.

Event Sponsors
Haynes and Boone | Southwest Airlines | Cowles Thompson | Dallas College | DART

Meet the newest additions to our business community.

Alliant Insurance Services | Insurance | www.alliant.com

Anti-Defamation League (ADL) Texoma | Nonprofit Organization | www.adl.org

Cabrera Growth Partners LLC | Business Consulting | Contact via email

Club Operations | Entertainment | www.cowboysdancehall.com

Fauxcades | Construction Services | www.fauxcades.com

Media 43 | Advertising & Marketing | www.media43.com

Nomad Coatings | Construction Services | www.nomadcoatings.net

The B-12 Store | Health & Wellness | www.linktr.ee/b12storenorthtexas

The Sicilian Butcher | Restaurants | www.thesicilianbutcher.com

Unthink Inc | Technology Services | www.unthink.ai

Westin Dallas Downtown | Hotels | www.marriott.com

WJJ Brands | Business Consulting | www.wjjbrands.com

Help us welcome these new members by connecting with them on LinkedIn or at our next networking event. It's the perfect opportunity to expand your network and build valuable business relationships!

Meet the newest additions to our business community.

Adair off Addison | Residential Living | www.liveatadairoffaddison.com

DallasGain | Business Consulting | Contact via email

Edward Jones - Marc Rossouw | Financial Services | Contact via email

KR2 Group | Business Consulting | www.kr2group.us

LaunchPoint Franchise Consulting | Business Consulting | www.launchpointfc.com

Lindora Weight Loss + Wellness | Health & Wellness | www.lindora.com

Shadell Consulting & HR Solutions | Human Resources | www.shadellhr.com

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society | Nonprofit Organization | www.lls.org

Vector Media | Advertising & Marketing | www.vectormedia.com

Verizon Wireless | Telecommunications | www.verizon.com

See a business you'd like to connect with? Reach out directly or ask us for an introduction. Building connections is what we do best!

July 30, 2025

Texas Board of Nursing

333 Guadalupe, Suite 3-460

Austin, TX 78701

Re: Support for American Career College's Application to Establish a Dallas Campus

Dear Members of the Texas Board of Nursing:

I write to express the North Dallas Chamber of Commerce's (NDCC) strong support for American Career College's (ACC) application to establish a new Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) program in Richardson, Texas, with plans to enroll its first cohort of fifty students in March 2026 and four additional starts annually. A partner institution to West Coast University, ACC has over four decades of experience delivering high-quality nursing and allied health education across its Southern California campuses. ACC's nursing programs are distinguished by consistently high NCLEX pass rates, including 97.86% pass rate for over 200 students in 2024. This demonstrates ACC's ability to prepare students for licensure and clinical excellence. By expanding to the Dallas-Fort Worth region, ACC will bring this proven model to an area facing urgent healthcare workforce shortages.

The Greater Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex continues to experience rapid population growth, accompanied by a surging demand for healthcare services. This has intensified the region's already urgent nursing shortage. According to the Texas Center for Nursing Workforce Studies, the state is projected to face a shortage of nearly 60,000 registered nurses by 2032, a crisis particularly acute in North Texas due to demographic shifts and an expanding population (Texas Nursing Workforce Research, June 2022).

The NDCC urges the Texas Board of Nursing to approve ACC's application and enable more aspiring nurses in the Dallas area to pursue their calling in a profession vital to our communities.

For more than 30 years, The Caring Foundation of Texas has been helping communities thrive by making preventive healthcare more accessible and equitable. Through its Care Van® Program, the Foundation delivers free immunizations and basic health services to families across the state. Whether parked outside a school, church, or community center, these mobile clinics are changing lives—one stop at a time.

This mission takes heart, hustle, and a whole lot of help. That’s where Blues & Boots comes in.

A Night That Makes a Difference

Blues & Boots is not just a fundraiser—it’s a celebration of community, compassion, and care. Hosted at the House of Blues in Dallas, the event brings together friends, partners, and supporters for a lively evening filled with live music, a Texas-style barbecue buffet, and powerful stories of impact.

But the true soul of the evening is what it makes possible. Each dollar raised at Blues & Boots helps fuel the Care Van Program, ensuring that children across Texas have access to life-saving vaccines and preventive care. In a single night, guests don’t just enjoy a fun event—they help create lasting change for families in need.

Imagine a mother who works two jobs and doesn’t have health insurance. She can’t afford to miss work, but her child needs school-required vaccines. Through the Care Van, that child gets vaccinated at school—no time off work, no doctor’s office bill, no worry. That’s the impact supporters make at Blues & Boots.

Care Vans on a Mission

The Care Van Program is one of the most trusted and recognized health outreach efforts in Texas. Since its founding in 1991, the program has delivered over 1.4 million immunizations to children statewide. But it’s about more than numbers—it’s about meeting families where they are, both literally and emotionally.

These blue vans travel into urban neighborhoods, rural towns, and school districts where healthcare access is limited. Families are welcomed without judgment. Services are provided with compassion. And no one ever receives a bill.

In recent years, the Foundation has expanded the program with CareVan@School, a growing initiative that brings vaccinations directly to students during the school day. It launched in Irving ISD and has since grown to include Plano and Lancaster ISDs, providing a simple, effective way to keep children healthy and classrooms thriving. As healthcare challenges evolve, The Caring Foundation evolves too—always focused on the same goal: removing barriers to care and building healthier futures.

Powered by People Like You

The work of The Caring Foundation of Texas is only possible because of the incredible individuals, businesses, and community partners who believe in the mission. Events like Blues & Boots are a vital part of that ecosystem, creating a space where generosity meets purpose.

Sponsorships help cover the costs of vaccines, medical staff, supplies, and van operations. Donors help fund visits to schools, churches, and community fairs. And attendees bring energy and excitement to a cause that truly changes lives.

When you show up at Blues & Boots, you’re not just having a great time—you’re making a statement: that all Texas children deserve a healthy start, no matter their zip code or income.

Stories That Stick with You

Every Care Van visit tells a story. A 7-year-old who’s never had a doctor’s appointment receives their first set of vaccines. A high school student gets protected against meningitis before heading to college. A mom hugs a nurse in relief, knowing her child is finally safe.

These are the stories that drive The Caring Foundation’s work. And they’re made possible by people like you.

When supporters gather for Blues & Boots, they’re not just enjoying an evening—they’re becoming part of a larger journey, one that brings health and hope to communities across Texas.

Join Us for Blues & Boots

If you haven’t yet experienced Blues & Boots, this is your year. Come enjoy a night of music, laughter, and mission-driven fun at the House of Blues in Dallas. You’ll be surrounded by people who care deeply about building healthier communities—and you’ll leave knowing that you’ve made a meaningful impact.

Your support helps us keep the Care Vans on the road. It helps us say “yes” to more schools, more children, and more families in need. And it reminds all of us that when we come together, we can do something truly powerful.

So, lace up your boots, bring your best blues, and join us for a night that delivers more than great memories—it delivers hope.

The Caring Foundation of Texas - “Blues & Boots”

Thursday, October 9, 2025, 6 p.m.

House of Blues, 2200 N. Lamar St., Dallas, TX, 75202

For sponsorship opportunities or event information, call (866) 806-8468 or info@carevan.org.

This critical project will modernize DART's largest bus maintenance facility, which has been in operation for over 40 years and houses 190 compressed natural gas buses. The upgrades will enhance safety, operational efficiency, and service reliability, while supporting infrastructure renewal and ensuring workforce safety.

The project benefits North Central Texas communities, including federally designated Opportunity Zones, by improving public transportation reliability and access to employment, education, and essential services across DART's 700-square-mile service area.

This advocacy builds on the Chamber's commitment to supporting transportation improvements that enhance business infrastructure and drive economic development throughout Dallas.

LETTER OF SUPPORT

Dallas City Manager Kimberly Bizor Tolbert outlined a compelling vision for transforming Dallas into a model of urban governance during NDCC's Leadership Briefing on June 23. Her strategic priorities focus on infrastructure modernization, public safety expansion, and economic development transformation, designed to position Dallas as a global leader.

Tolbert emphasized that Dallas has the scale, talent, and foundation for inclusive growth, but achieving global excellence requires intentional actions and strong partnerships between the city and business community. Her approach centers on three core principles: better connection, collaboration, and communication across all city operations and stakeholder relationships.

Key Takeaways

• Connected Community Vision: The city manager's primary goal focuses on creating stronger connections between Dallas neighborhoods and communities to build a unified, thriving city

• Economic Development Shift: The city is transitioning from project-by-project economic development to place-based, people-centered approaches focused on workforce development

• Public Safety Progress: The city has achieved its highest sworn police officer strength since the pandemic with over 3,200 officers, while violent crime has decreased for the fourth consecutive year by 14%

• Priority-Based Budgeting: Dallas is implementing a new budgeting approach that aligns resources directly with resident priorities and measurable outcomes, moving away from incremental spending

• Partnership Focus: Success requires collaboration between government, business, nonprofit, and philanthropic communities working toward shared objectives

Strategic Vision for Urban Excellence

Since taking on the permanent role in January 2025, Tolbert has focused on shifting the city's approach from bureaucratic processes to one with greater urgency and customer-centric service delivery. She outlined her commitment to being a service-first organization that prioritizes efficiency while maintaining the city's competitive advantage.

This transformation recognizes that many residents and businesses had lost hope because they didn't see City Hall working effectively for them. The city now has a unique opportunity to redefine trust through greater accountability and customer-focused service delivery.

Implementation Strategy: Infrastructure and Safety Foundation

Building on this strategic vision, Tolbert outlined how infrastructure modernization and public safety form the foundation for Dallas's transformation. The 2024 bond program addresses significant unmet needs, but future funding strategies must extend beyond traditional bond programs to meet growing demands.

Public safety remains central to this foundation, with Dallas currently maintaining its highest number of sworn officers since the pandemic began. The focus extends beyond hiring numbers to creating sustainable public safety careers through better support systems and community connections. This comprehensive approach has contributed to a decrease in violent crime for four consecutive years.

Specific Initiatives: Economic Development and Budget Reform

Tolbert outlined specific initiatives that will drive Dallas's transformation. The city is implementing a fundamental shift in its economic development approach, moving from a transaction-focused, project-by-project mindset to a place-based, people-centered strategy. This transformation emphasizes workforce development, talent pipeline growth, and small business ecosystem health alongside continued investment in historically under-championed areas.

The new strategy focuses on reducing disparities while building a comprehensive economic development ecosystem. Rather than competing for individual projects, the approach emphasizes creating conditions for sustained economic growth across all areas of the city.

Supporting these economic development efforts, priority-based budgeting represents a significant shift from traditional incremental budgeting approaches toward aligning resources with resident priorities and program effectiveness. This approach evaluates which programs deliver positive outcomes and meaningful impact, allowing programs that don't meet these standards to fall to lower priority levels.

Housing affordability represents another critical initiative that Tolbert positioned as workforce, business, and public safety issues rather than isolated housing concerns. The Streets to Home Initiative, launched in 2024, exemplifies the comprehensive, coordinated approach required to address complex urban challenges.

Partnership for Excellence

Tolbert concluded by emphasizing that the city will never have sufficient resources to accomplish its ambitious goals alone. The success of Dallas's transformation relies on partnerships among various governmental entities, the nonprofit community, philanthropic organizations, and business leaders working in alignment toward shared objectives.

The city manager welcomed feedback, ideas, and accountability from the business community while positioning Dallas to compete globally as it prepares for the FIFA 2026 World Cup. Her message resonated clearly: building a city that works for everyone requires collaborative effort from all stakeholders. The foundation exists, the vision is clear, and the opportunity to achieve transformational change is immediate.

Speaker Information

Kimberly Bizor Tolbert serves as Dallas City Manager, appointed to the permanent role in January 2025 after serving as interim city manager. She brings extensive experience in public administration and has been with the City of Dallas since 1993. Connect with her insights on municipal leadership through the City of Dallas official communications.

Event Sponsors

Haynes and Boone | Southwest Airlines | Cowles Thompson | Dallas College | DART

While 159 corporations now hold Bitcoin on their balance sheets, most Dallas businesses remain unclear about the practical applications of digital assets. NDCC’s recent Bitcoin & Business event addressed this knowledge gap, with expert panelists Lee Bratcher of the Texas Blockchain Council, Tim Savage from Weaver, and Joshua Smeltzer from Gray Reed providing actionable guidance for business leaders navigating this evolving landscape.

Key Business Outcomes

• Bitcoin's fixed supply offers treasury diversification beyond traditional assets as a hedge against currency debasement

• New regulations create clearer compliance pathways through the CLARITY Act and stablecoin legislation advancing through Congress

• Corporate adoption accelerates with simplified accounting as 159 companies demonstrate balance sheet strategies

• Texas leadership provides implementation frameworks through Senate Bill 21's strategic Bitcoin reserve model

• Stablecoins enable immediate payment improvements with faster settlement and reduced transaction costs

Why This Matters for Dallas Businesses Now

The timing for digital asset education has never been more critical. With regulatory frameworks solidifying and institutional adoption accelerating, businesses face a fundamental choice: understand and prepare for this technology shift, or risk being left behind as competitors gain operational advantages through faster payments, treasury diversification, and access to new financing mechanisms.

Understanding Bitcoin Fundamentals

Bitcoin emerged from the "cypherpunk" movement after seven previous digital currency iterations failed. It succeeded by solving digital scarcity without requiring trusted intermediaries. The panel distinguished Bitcoin's proof-of-work security model, which requires real-world energy costs, from proof-of-stake systems where influence correlates with capital holdings.

Bratcher categorized the cryptocurrency ecosystem into distinct buckets: Bitcoin as a monetary instrument, smart contract platforms like Ethereum, quasi-security tokens for project fundraising, and speculative meme coins with little to no utility. This framework enables businesses to evaluate digital assets based on their intended use cases and underlying value.

Regulatory Framework Creates Business Opportunities

With this foundational understanding in place, businesses can better appreciate how emerging regulations create new opportunities rather than just compliance burdens.

Stablecoin legislation recently passed the Senate, creating frameworks for dollar-backed digital currencies. Unlike traditional banks with fractional reserves, stablecoin issuers maintain full reserves, making them essentially digital banks that cannot become insolvent.

The CLARITY Act establishes criteria for determining whether digital assets qualify as commodities or securities. Bitcoin and Ethereum clearly fall under CFTC commodity jurisdiction, while other tokens may transition from security to commodity status as they achieve decentralization milestones.

Texas's leadership through Senate Bill 21 provides operational frameworks that private companies can adapt for digital asset initiatives, positioning the state advantageously in this emerging sector.

Practical Applications: Treasury and Payments

As regulatory clarity emerges, forward-thinking businesses are exploring immediate practical applications in two key areas: corporate treasury management and payment system improvements.

Corporate Bitcoin adoption shows significant momentum, with 159 companies collectively owning 10% of Bitcoin's total supply. Recent accounting changes enable fair value marking, removing barriers for public company adoption.

The evolution of payment infrastructure represents an immediate practical opportunity. Current systems create friction and costs that blockchain technology eliminates. Stablecoins serve as bridge technology, offering dollar stability with blockchain efficiency advantages.

Major payment processors integrate these capabilities behind the scenes, while established companies like Visa and MasterCard adapt their distribution networks to more efficient underlying technology.

Implementation Considerations

Before businesses can capitalize on these opportunities, they must navigate current tax implications and develop appropriate implementation strategies.

Current tax treatment creates administrative challenges, as every cryptocurrency transaction triggers taxable events. Industry pressure builds for de minimis exemptions allowing small transactions without capital gains implications.

For implementation, the panel recommended graduated approaches starting with education and small-scale experimentation. Self-custody provides maximum control but requires technical expertise, while institutional solutions like Bitcoin ETFs offer easier entry points with some trade-offs.

Speaker Information

Lee Bratcher, CEO of the Texas Blockchain Council, advocates for sensible cryptocurrency regulation and works with lawmakers on digital asset innovation frameworks. LinkedIn

Tim Savage, Partner in Blockchain & Digital Assets at Weaver, provides advisory services spanning technical implementation, accounting requirements, and strategic planning. LinkedIn

Joshua Smeltzer, Partner in Blockchain & Digital Assets at Gray Reed, focuses on legal and regulatory aspects, including compliance and corporate structuring. LinkedIn

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Dallas businesses face a fundamentally different political landscape following the 89th Texas Legislative Session. This new environment will affect everything from property taxes to workforce development for years to come.

Dr. Mark P. Jones, a leading Texas political analyst at Rice University's Baker Institute, provided Dallas business leaders with essential insights into how these changes will impact our economy. This session reshaped Texas politics through Speaker Dustin Burrows' consolidation of power and Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick's legislative dominance. These changes will influence business decisions, policy outcomes, and electoral dynamics through 2027.

Understanding the New Legislative Dynamics

The 89th Session fundamentally altered the balance of power in Austin. Speaker Burrows, initially elected with minority Republican support and heavy Democratic backing, skillfully transformed potential weakness into consolidated strength by passing Lieutenant Governor Patrick's conservative agenda more comprehensively than any recent session.

"This session was different," Dr. Jones explained. "Traditionally, we have this dynamic where Dan Patrick pushes out a lot of really conservative bills in the Senate, and then they go to the House and they die. But this session, Burrows went to the other extreme and passed more of Dan Patrick's conservative bills than we've seen in modern times."

Unlike previous sessions where the House moderated Senate priorities, the new dynamic suggests more predictable conservative policy outcomes. This provides greater certainty for long-term planning, though it may limit business-friendly compromises.

Key Takeaways

Immediate Business Impact:

• Property tax relief prioritized homeowners over businesses The $18 billion relief package focused heavily on homestead exemptions rather than compression that would have benefited commercial properties

• Conservative legislation passed at historic levels Fundamentally changing the House's traditional role as a moderating force

Future Business Environment:

• School choice launches with expansion potential Governor Abbott's ESA program starts with $1 billion, impacting 50,000-70,000 students initially

• Budget surplus may not last through 2027 The current surplus could disappear, creating fiscal constraints

• 2026 U.S. Senate race could reshape Texas politics Attorney General Ken Paxton holds a 9-point lead over Senator Cornyn in early polling

Property Tax Relief: Winners and Strategic Implications

This shift in legislative dynamics directly influenced property tax relief, with Senate priorities prevailing over traditional House-Senate compromises. "The distribution leaned more towards what the Senate wanted rather than what the House wanted," Dr. Jones noted. "It focused far more on expanding the homestead exemption, which is the Senate's preference over the House, which had favored more of the compression route that would have benefited both homeowners but also businesses."

The compromise included meaningful relief for small businesses through HB 9, raising the inventory tax exemption from $2,500 to $125,000. This particularly benefits retailers, wholesalers, and manufacturers maintaining significant inventory levels. However, larger commercial property owners seeking broader tax rate compression must continue advocating for different approaches in future sessions.

School Choice: Limited Start with Expansion Potential

Governor Abbott's $1 billion Education Savings Account program serves an estimated 50,000-70,000 students initially. This represents roughly 1.3% of Texas's school-age population. If public demand for the voucher program exceeds the funding available, it will prioritize applicants in this order:

• Students with disabilities from families with an annual income at or below 500% of the federal poverty level, which includes any four-person household earning less than roughly $160,000

• Families at or below 200% of the poverty level, which includes any four-person household earning less than roughly $64,300

• Families between 200% and 500% of the poverty level

• Families at or above 500% of the poverty level (limited to 20% of the program’s budget)

"The key for the governor is that he started the ball rolling," Dr. Jones explained. "He's created the legislation such that when we go to the next session, they'll be able to expand it, and then keep expanding it, assuming that they don't face some really severe budgetary headwinds in 2027."

The 2026 Senate Race: Reshaping Texas Politics

Early polling shows Attorney General Ken Paxton leading Senator John Cornyn by nine points in the Republican primary. This could fundamentally alter Texas's political landscape with far-reaching business implications.

"Republican primary voters already had a very well-funded campaign making the case about issues of abuse of office, federal investigations, marital infidelity, and Republican primary voters said, 'We don't care,'" Dr. Jones observed. "That was before Paxton was acquitted in the Senate trial."

The concern among Republican strategists: Paxton could lose to a well-funded Democrat like Congressman Colin Allred. A competitive Senate race would bring $50-75 million in national Democratic investment. This could potentially produce Texas's first Democratic statewide victory since 1994.

Looking Ahead: Budget Challenges and the 90th Session

The current budget surplus may not persist. Three specific factors drive this concern: property tax compression requires annual funding, legislators must find additional billions to expand ESAs, and federal policy changes could affect state revenues.

"If we are facing a deficit in 2027, that would be a very different session," Dr. Jones explained. "For most of the members of the House and a significant number of the Senate, it would be their first time dealing with a session where you were cutting rather than expanding."

Looking Forward

The 89th Legislative Session marks a turning point for Texas business advocacy. Understanding these political realities (from consolidated conservative power to potential federal race implications) will be essential for Dallas business leaders navigating the changing landscape ahead.

Speaker Information & Links

Dr. Mark P. Jones is the James A. Baker III Institute Fellow at Rice University and co-director of the Presidential Elections Program. His annual partisan voting analysis provides the definitive assessment of legislative behavior in Texas. Dr. Mark P. Jones

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