Frisco Chamber President/CEO Leaves a Legacy
Today marks the retirement of Tony Felker as President/CEO of the Frisco Chamber of Commerce. Over the past 19 years, Tony’s unwavering leadership, commitment, and vision has helped to shaped the Frisco business community, making it one of the most thriving and innovative places for commerce in the region.
Advocacy at its Finest
Under Tony’s leadership, the Frisco Chamber of Commerce transformed into a powerful advocacy group for businesses of all sizes. He understood the unique challenges businesses faced and worked diligently to represent their interests at local, state, and national levels. This advocacy ensured that Frisco’s business-friendly environment flourished, attracting new businesses and fostering growth for existing ones. Tony often compared the early days of the Frisco Chamber being the thermometer (telling the temperature or gauging the business climate) to the later days of being a thermostat (controlling the temperature or being able to make changes to the business climate).
Building Partnerships and Community Engagement
Tony prioritized the importance of community engagement. He cultivated relationships with local businesses, city officials, and other stakeholders, ensuring that everyone had a seat at the table. This spirit of collaboration is a testament to his belief that, when the community works together, it achieves greater success.
Embracing Innovation
In a rapidly changing business landscape, Tony encouraged the Chamber to be forward-thinking and adaptive. He was also a leader in the chamber industry, and many looked to the Frisco Chamber for its innovative programming.
Empowering the Next Generation
Tony believed in the power of mentorship and education. Under his leadership, the Chamber launched various initiatives aimed at nurturing young entrepreneurs and students seeking interns and mentors, offering them resources, guidance, and opportunities to connect with seasoned professionals. The result? A new generation of business leaders, ready to take Frisco into the future.
Economic Impact
Tony’s worked tirelessly to promote Frisco as the ideal place for business and visitors alike. As part of “Team Frisco,” he played a role in attracting the NCAA FCS Championship Game to Frisco, an event that exceeds $10M in revenue to the region each year. He also served in many other roles as part of “Team Frisco.”
Major Accomplishments
During his time at the Frisco Chamber, Tony congratulated almost 500 Leadership Frisco graduates over the span of 19 years. He founded the Leadership Exchange Trip program and launched the Young Entrepreneurs Academy, which consistently produced talented middle and high school business owners who rank nationally in the Saunders Scholars Competition. His vision extended beyond local programs, laying the groundwork for the Frisco Chamber of Commerce Foundation, a 501(c)(3) extension to the current organization. Tony also led the Frisco Chamber of Commerce through two accreditation processes, first achieving a 4-Star Accreditation in 2014 and then a 5-Star Accreditation (the highest rating by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce) in 2019.
Felker’s influence reached even further, with him taking up various leadership roles at the state and national level, contributing significantly to the chamber industry.
Leaving a Legacy
As we bid farewell to Tony Felker as President/CEO of the Frisco Chamber of Commerce, we are reminded of the indelible mark he leaves behind. His legacy is one of growth, innovation, and community. He has set the bar high for future leadership, and his impact will be felt for generations.
Tony’s 19-year journey with the Frisco Chamber of Commerce is a testament to the power of visionary leadership. He has not just led an organization; he has helped shape a community. As he embarks on his well-deserved retirement, we extend our heartfelt gratitude for his unparalleled contribution and wish him all the best in his future endeavors.
Sir Isaac Newton, the famous English scientist, once said, “If I have seen further, it is by standing on the shoulders of giants.” That’s how the Frisco Chamber will move forward, being a better organization because of Tony Felker’s leadership and building upon his success.
On behalf of the entire Frisco Chamber of Commerce team and the Frisco Community, we thank Tony for his contributions to our community.
