Chairman's Vision for 2007
It's 2008 and we're off and running! I've been preparing for the last year to assume the role of Chairman and now I'm in the midst of the critical first 60 days of my chairmanship. We have lots of work to do, and I am executing on our ambitious agenda in a rapid fire way.
First, let me thank Lou Simmons from AT&T Mobility, for a superb job as 2007 Chair. She's carried on the tradition of other former chairmen — namely, leaving the North Chamber in much better shape than when she inherited it. No doubt, big shoes for me to fill in 2008. Lou's accomplishments last year as chair are particularly impressive given the merger and transformation that AT&T Mobility went through last year. Thanks, Lou!
One of the things I'm looking forward to in 2008 is working more closely with Duane Wilson, our Chamber's president. Duane and I have worked together for over eight years in numerous capacities. First, when I was chairman of the San Antonio Technology Accelerator Initiative (SATAI), Duane was on my board. Duane returned the favor in 2004 — I've served on the North Chamber board since, and I had the honor last year of working with Duane as chair-elect of the Chamber. Duane, the board and I will focus on the following major initiatives.
I have three things I want to focus on as Chairman in 2008. I want to change the dialogue on three very important issues. These are issues that are important to me as an employer, and issues that are too important not to attack head-on.
First, the North Chamber is going to put its weight behind the North Chamber Wellness Effort that will highlight best practices that businesses can implement to increase employee health and potentially lower health insurance premiums. Through an innovative wellness program put together by Summit Insurance, Chamber members can participate in a plan that encourages and rewards employee fitness and potentially provides lower health insurance premiums. The North Chamber will also use its leadership position to help change long-term habits in our city, and to encourage a more active and healthy employment.
Second, the North Chamber will work with other community stakeholders to push a Business Retention strategy by hosting a business retention summit and by working with the City of San Antonio Economic Development staff to conduct a "health check" survey of existing businesses in San Antonio.
The North Chamber is working with IT stakeholders in the community and the San Antonio Express-News to develop an Information Technology Portal that highlights the tech community in San Antonio and helps change the perception that exciting tech jobs don't exist in our city. The portal will emphasize certain facets of our community that are important to knowledge workers and will assist IT employers to attract talent to San Antonio and overcome some existing perceptions about the environment for technology workers in our community.
I've got a strong Executive Committee (EC) that will be helping me next year to tackle several ambitious agenda items. Ray Berend, managing partner at Padgett, Stratemann & Co., will be the chair-elect in 2008 and will be working side-by-side with me to lead our major initiatives. Returning as Finance chair is Howard Baker from Security Service Federal Credit Union. The Chamber is on very solid financial footing and Howard's leadership in this arena ensures that we have hands-on oversight of our finances. Scott Hardin, New Horizon's local owner, is joining the EC to head up the Technology Council — where I first got started in the North Chamber. Scott has an aggressive agenda in 2008 that will further enhance the North Chamber's Technology Council's reputation as the place where CIO's and business leaders come to address their technology issues. Lynda Alston of The Trust Company will run the Small Business Council this year. Many of you have had the pleasure of working with Lynda — one of the Chamber's high energy volunteers. George Scofield is the 2008 Membership chair and is responsible for driving membership and retention in our fast-growing Chamber. In his spare time, George is managing partner for Fulbright & Jaworski, one of San Antonio's leading law firms. Rounding out my leadership team is Jeanne Douglas from Broadway Bank, who will head up the 2008 Leadership Council. Jeanne is one of the "heavy lifters" of our Chamber — her council runs the high-profile Enterprising Women's Conference and Leadership Lab that are so widely regarded.
I am honored to have the opportunity to serve you in 2008 as chair. Hang on to your hats — it will be a fast-paced year and we have much work to do.
