February Chamber luncheon breaks records
Nearly 75 people attended the February Murphy Chamber of Commerce, breaking all previous attendance records. It was the first time the Chamber luncheon was held in Murphy.
Members flocked to the community room in Murphy City Hall Complex to hear State Representative Jodie Laubenberg speak and to enjoy lunch catered by Murphy's own Amado's Mexican Cuisine.
"It's wonderful to see this building open up space to the community and to myself," said Laubenberg, who has an office in the Murphy City Hall Complex. "Today we have people from wthe city, the county and the state all here together. That's what Collin County is all about: working together at all levels for our citizens."
"Welcome to Murphy!" roared Chamber Chairperson Steve Long. "We'd thrilled to be here for the first of many Chamber luncheons in Murphy!"
Several Murphy and Collin County VIPs attended the event. From Murphy, councilmembers Colleen Halbert and John Daugherty were present, along with City Manager James Fisher, Police Chief G.M. Cox and several city employees. Representing Collin County were Commissioner Jerry Hoagland and Judge Keith Self.
Laubenberg went on to say that small business is the backbone of the state of Texas and applauded Chamber members for being successful businesses.
"Texas is still doing well because we believe less government is best government," she said.
Speaking on healthcare, Laubenberg pointed out that 40 percent of the state's budget is spend on education and one-third of the budget is spent on healthcare.
"If the federal government passes health care reform, another $6-8 billion of programs will be forced on us," she said. "If that happens, then for the first time, our health care dollars will overtake our education spending in the Texas budget. And that's something we need to fight."
Laubenberg is on the Public Health committee.
"Too many times we've seen programs set up at the federal level, saying they will help with the funding. Then they run out of money and put it all on the state. We need to allow individuals to have the same tax benefits on premiums that business has, and encourage health savings accounts," she said.
Like many states, Texas' sales tax revenues were down, about 14 percent, according to Laubenberg, but the difference is in the budget.
"In California, there is no balanced-budget requirement. Here in Texas, there is, and that's why we're in better shape than other states.
Laubenberg said a big issue coming up for the state legislature is re-districting.
"We may get four or five new congressmen out of it and that will certainly change things," she added.
After Laubenberg's presentation, several door prizes were given away and items auctioned off to raise money for the Chamber's Scholarship Foundation.
March luncheon
Chairman Steve Long announced an increase in Chamber luncheon prices effective with the March luncheon. Pre-registration is $15 for members and $20 for non-members. Visit www.murphychamber.org/payment.php to register and pay. After noon on Friday, Mar. 12 and at the door on Mar. 16, it's $20 for everyone.
Scheduled for the March luncheon is a presentation by the city on the city's new marketing and branding campaign. Doors open at 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, Mar. 16 at the community room at Murphy City Hall Complex.
