Business Leaders Circles (BLC)
- Linda Elliott
- Elliott Connection, LLC
- President
About the Company: Elliott Connection, LLC develops profitable and strategic business connections by connecting people with people and business with business.
About the Program: Linda says, "the best value opportunity offered by the North Chamber is the BLC - it's free to members in good standing! BLC is like having your own board of directors comprised of your peers. Your BLC serves as a confidential sounding board, mentor, advisor and consultant." There are 14 active BLCs and new ones are being added as demand warrants.
Personally Speaking: Linda has been involved with the North Chamber for 13 years. She is currently serving her second board term. She's held multiple service roles including chair of the Business Development Council for two terms, Small Business Leaders Awards Luncheon, and Epicurean among many others. She was also instrumental in establishing the Technology Committee, now a Council, and the recently formed Health & Wellness Committee. "The North Chamber is the most vital organization in the San Antonio business community, serving both small and large businesses. It provides multiple opportunities to its members to grow both professionally and personally through their involvement. You get out of your membership what you put into it."
CFO Forum
- Jennifer Stewart
- JPMorgan Chase
- Program Chair
About the Program: The CFO Forum provides knowledge-based presentations with interactive discussions for Chief Financial Officers of companies in greater San Antonio. Three Forums are conducted each year and CPE credits are available.
Golf Tournament
- Tony Frels
- Sterling Bank
- Senior Vice President
About the Company: Sterling Bank is a Texas-based financial services company with eight offices in San Antonio and offices in Houston and Dallas. Sterling Bank serves the owner-operated business community by providing credit products, treasury management services, private client and trust services, and personal banking products. Tony is responsible for developing and expanding business relationships with large commercial clients.
About the Program: The 22nd Annual Golf Tournament combines networking and entertainment for businesses and their clients. The day includes golf, prizes, a silent auction and much more. Various levels of sponsorships are available and provide an excellent marketing opportunity for member businesses.
Personally Speaking: Tony has been a chamber member for four years and has served as a Networking Breakfast facilitator and enjoys attending North Chamber-hosted luncheons. Tony says, "the North Chamber provides a valuable opportunity for businesses to get together, share common challenges, stay current on local business issues, recognize community leaders and be inspired by their successes, as well as develop new clients and prospects."
Epicurean
- TBA
About the Program: The Epicurean is an intimate food and wine event that gives guests a chance to sample local fare and wines, socialize and create new relationships. It also provides a forum to feature our city's premier caterers and restaurateurs.
Health & Wellness
- Alan Preston
- Synergist Research
- CEO
About the Company: Synergist Research provides clinical research trials to physicians and assists them in the "study start" phase of clinical trials by completing the marketing, legal, budgeting and regulatory documents necessary for a clinical trial study to be performed.
About the Program: The committee is charged with educating members business about various available programs that improve the health and wellness of an employer's employees. The Health & Wellness committee plans to present a Health & Wellness pavilion at the annual EXPO to spotlight area employers whose wellness programs have achieved an improved outcome in the workforce.
Personally Speaking: Alan has been involved in the North Chamber for many years. Alan says that the North Chamber provides its many small business members the forum for their collective voice to be heard and resonate with legislators. "Many small businesses face the same issues day in and day out, and the North Chamber provides a plethora of educational programs that are cost effective and focused."
Business Development Council
FOCUS: The Business Development Council provides advanced professional development and networking through programs planned and implemented by North Chamber volunteers. This Council offers valuable business support systems by presenting topical seminars, hosting individualized business coaching and providing environments for building a strong professional network.
DISCUSS business issues and concerns on a number of group topics including General Business, Marketing, Retail, Sales and Sole Proprietorship at monthly Business Leaders Circles (BLC) groups targeted to business owners, general managers, principals and general partners. Admission into BLC groups is ongoing and an application is required for admission. BLC Application; Program Chair: Linda Elliott
GAIN knowledge from expert speakers on various focus topics at CFO Forums designed for Chief Financial Officers and financial executives. Event Chair: Jennifer Stewart
ENJOY friendly competition, networking, dinner and an awards presentation as you host prospects and clients for a day on the greens at the Golf Tournament. Event Chair: Tony Frels
CHAMPION wellness efforts, facilitate health and wellness educational programs for the business community, and promote a full range of wellness products and services by participating in the Health & Wellness pavilion at the Expo. Assist with the production of the Best Practices Guide, featuring employers' examples and strategies for investing in employee health. Event Chair: Alan Preston
EXCITE your taste buds at the Epicurean. the very best in local, gourmet food and wine tasting. The event celebrates food and wine diversity with the city's finest restaurateurs, caterers, local winemakers and other fine wines. Guests enjoy camaraderie and a relaxed environment with cooking demonstrations conducted by featured chefs. Event Chair: TBA
