Best Southwest Partnership History

The Best Southwest Partnership is a cooperative effort among the communities of Cedar Hill, De Soto, Duncanville and Lancaster with Associate memberships with Ferris, Glenn Heights, Hutchins, Midlothian, Ovilla, Red Oak and Wilmer, Texas to promote economic, legislative and educational well-being for Southwest Dallas and Northern Ellis Counties…

The precedent for this venture had its roots in the forerunner efforts dating back to the early 1960’s. The concept of a cooperative program when there are mutual interests is a unique and progressive way of thinking. We see cooperation as a way of doing business. The ability to call on all the resources of a market area to meet area needs is another powerful reason for our collaboration.

The belief which created the Best Southwest originated from the sponsoring chambers of commerce in 1986 and incorporated in 1990 as a Texas non-profit corporation for development with the goals of (A) fostering economic progress in a trade area, (B) encouraging legislative positions which will improve the business environment, (C) creating joint marketing programs promoting the assets of the participating communities and (D) promoting other partnerships among civic, business and educational entities for area benefit.

Signature projects:

  • Create area identity with a joint marketing business magazine
  • 4 R”s Legislative Platform
  • Sponsor quarterly combined luncheons for the business community
  • TGIF Legislative Breakfast Series
  • Host receptions and events for elected officials
  • Create area identity

Funding comes from public/private partnerships. The policies are established by a representative body appointed by the Chambers and composed of 6 Directors from the member cities, one  ex-officio Director  from each of the Associate cities and liaisons for Health Care, Higher Education, Legislative Affairs and Transportation. All actions taken are unanimous and consistent with the mission and bylaws.

The keys to success for our “Partnership:”

  • The desire for the partnership to work
  • The Chamber of Commerce as the umbrella sponsoring organization
  • The public/private sources for seed money
  • Sharing in the progress and success
  • Quality people appointed to serve on the Board
  • An executive committee that studies and recommends action on projects
  • A capable 3rd party to manage the common business affairs of the organization
  • “One for ALL” attitude, yet realizing the individuality of the partner
  • Ability to work with groups outside of the partnership
  • Nonpartisan, yet pro-active on business issues
  • Reinforcing the image of the area as a desirable place to live, work and do business

Benefits:

  • Economies of scale and scope in promoting the area
  • Fostering the spirit of cooperation for the area
  • Positive identity for the market area
  • Packaging the area as 200,000+ community with the buying power and labor force to interest prospective business expansion
  • Leveraging the advantages of the individual communities

The Bottom Line-
Collectively and individually, Best Southwest communities compare favorably with other growing regions of the D/FW Metroplex. The spirit of cooperation among 11 communities provides a competitive advantage when attracting attention to the Southwest part of Dallas County and Northern Ellis County.