Through his active membership with the Greater Arlington Chamber of Commerce, Roderick Floyd, President & CEO of CMIT Solutions of Arlington, found a sense of belonging within the business community.

“Everybody has a voice in this Chamber,” Floyd said. “Not only do you have a Member Group, but you’re supported by the larger Chamber. Everyone is working towards the same goal and supporting each other. It’s game changing.”

The Chamber’s five Member Groups each host monthly networking and professional development events, providing a space for deeper member connections.

Being a part of the Black Business Alliance (BBA) has been “one of the best experiences,” Floyd said. Through the group, he gained knowledge of financial opportunities through the quarterly Amegy Bank sessions, served the community through the annual coat drive and developed his leadership skills. This year, Floyd stepped into his role as chair of the BBA.

He encourages members to join a Member Group or multiple groups.

“Member Groups give individuals a chance to really see the power of the Chamber,” he said. “Everyone has a place, and everyone has their own space within the family.”

The family environment of the Chamber sets it apart, Floyd said.

“The sincerity in the fact that everybody truly wants you to be successful; that’s palpable,” he said. “The Chamber invests in their members. You’re recognized here. You’re known here. When one person wins, it’s a win for all of us. Together, We Succeed really embodies everything the Chamber is.”

After first joining the Chamber, Floyd quickly integrated himself into Member Groups and Networking Groups and became a Chamber Ambassador, allowing him to do what he loves most: spending time with other people and getting to know them. 

Networking Groups are weekly meetings structured to maximize networking opportunities by having one industry represented per group. Joining a Networking Group allowed members to better understand Floyd’s business and for him to better understand their businesses.

“As we became more familiar with the ins and outs of the services we each offered, we knew exactly who to turn to when a problem arose,” Floyd said.

Floyd’s biggest advice to new members is to invest in meeting as many people as they can.

“The Chamber is a consortium of businesses which are composed of different people,” he said. “If you invest in meeting the people behind the businesses, you’re going to have great success at the Chamber. It’s got to be relational; it can’t be transactional. The transaction comes after you’ve built the relationship.”

The Greater Arlington Chamber of Commerce is the catalyst for growing our members’ businesses, fostering economic prosperity, amplifying the voice of business and developing our community’s future. Through year-round events, members build lasting relationships and learn crucial strategies to grow their business. Interested in becoming a member? Contact Bryan Weatherford, Director of Member Recruitment.

Learn more about how CMIT Solutions of Arlington can manage your IT services here.