On December 4th, the Fulshear Katy Area Chamber of Commerce will celebrate its tenth anniversary.

The organization – which bills itself not just as a “chamber of commerce” but “a chamber FOR commerce” -- originated a decade ago as the Fulshear Area Chamber, according to Don McCoy, chamber president and CEO. “Local business visionaries and the EDC Director Cheryl Stalinsky aimed to establish a distinct representation for the area,” said McCoy in a recent interview. “As we expanded, including Katy in our name better represented our diverse membership.”

In a high-growth area where there are already other chambers of commerce and similar organizations – including the Katy Area Chamber of Commerce, the West Houston Association, the Katy Christian Chamber of Commerce, the West I-10 Chamber of Commerce, and the Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce, among others – McCoy and his team have built a distinct organization to serve the community, despite the predictions of initial nay-sayers. Together with Vice President Rachel Durham and the chamber board of directors currently chaired by Albert Perez of Dreambuilder Financial, McCoy has increased chamber membership to about 505, he said. “Currently, 70% of our members are based in Katy, and 30% in Fulshear, though this is evolving towards a more balanced distribution,” McCoy said. In addition to its Fulshear location at 29818 FM 1093, the chamber maintains a satellite office in Katy, housed at The Vargas Agency at 5718 3rd St.

“Our members' passion sets FKACC apart,” McCoy said. “We offer unique services and products, enhancing business visibility and success beyond just networking and advocacy.” He continued, “Our proactive approach has been key in adapting to rapid area growth and aiding businesses during the pandemic. A significant achievement is integrating advanced technology for our members' social media presence.”

McCoy is often on the forefront of using the latest technology to benefit chamber members. “Our AI back-office system is a significant innovation, assisting members in effectively describing and promoting their businesses.” McCoy was an early adopter of ChatGPT and recently invited a podcaster as a featured speaker at the November chamber breakfast.

For the chamber’s monthly breakfast meetings, held on the second Wednesday of the month at 7:30 a.m. at Parkway Fellowship, 27043 FM 1093 in Richmond, McCoy says he chooses informative speakers for their positive impact on the chamber’s membership. “My community connections often lead me to these dynamic individuals,” he said.

FKACC does not conduct “ribbon cuttings” for its new members – but instead holds “rope cuttings.” According to McCoy, “Our 'rope cuttings' symbolize our western heritage and commitment to community unity and business growth, a creative twist on traditional ribbon cuttings. With us being nontraditional and "out of the box" we took to our western heritage with our logo and our brand. So, one day I was with Kim Stacy of the Fulshear Insurance Group and we were discussing how to make our ribbon cutting different. She said how about cutting a rope. I said brilliant. Not only does the rope have significant

western history is represents tying our community together. Also, by cutting the rope it unleashes your business to grow bigger.”

What will the next ten years bring for the Fulshear Katy Area Chamber of Commerce? “Our ten-year vision focuses on growing our influence in business representation, fostering economic development, advocating for business interests, leveraging marketing technologies, engaging with the community, and offering educational opportunities for member development,” McCoy said. “We foresee economic and social uncertainties. Our role is to guide businesses in navigating these challenges.” McCoy also is working with local entities and the EDC to promote professional services in Fulshear, enhancing the area's employment opportunities.

McCoy has dedicated himself to the chamber, even giving up his bid for mayor of Fulshear. “Prioritizing the Chamber's collaborative vision over the current political climate, I decided not to pursue the mayoral candidacy. My focus remains on leading the Chamber towards impactful community and business growth,” McCoy said. “I find myself in a situation where my enthusiasm has led me to become a victim of circumstances. The Fulshear Katy Area Chamber leadership's primary goal has always been to foster collaboration among competitors, benefiting both the business environment and our community. Unfortunately, the current political landscape doesn't align with this vision.”

“My dedication to our entire community remains steadfast, and I firmly believe that I can make a more significant impact by continuing to serve as President and CEO of the Fulshear Katy Area Chamber of Commerce,” he continued. “As we celebrate the chamber's 10-year anniversary and look back on the milestones achieved, I am driven to take the organization to new heights.”