• Business Connection

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• Christopher Viltz
• Keller Williams Realty
• Consultant & Trainer

• Business After Five

• Michael Wyant
• Zukini Creative

About the Company: For 15 years ZUKINI has been specializing in the conceptualization, design, art direction and production of materials for branding, retail image, product awareness and event marketing. Zukini seeks to accomplish your marketing goals through bold and adventurous thinking and bringing ideas to light from previously unexplored territory. Combining originality with design expertise, Zukini delivers full-scale campaigns for television, print media, direct mail, corporate identity packages, special events and environmental graphics.

About the Program: Business after Five events are evening networking receptions that provide chamber members the opportunity to develop new relationships and promote their companies. Business after Five offers attendees a networking opportunity in a relaxed environment at the end of the work day. Corporate sponsorship opportunities are available.

Personally Speaking: Michael says that during his 13-year history with the North Chamber, "I have seen firsthand that no other local Chamber works harder to keep San Antonio strong."

• Fun Shoot

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• Don Cadena
• Republic State Mortgage Company
• Branch President & Manager

About the Company: Republic State Mortgage is a non-bank owned mortgage banker. An Inc. 500 designated company, Republic State Mortgage has 12 national lending centers originating mortgage loans in approximately 40 states. Don is responsible for establishing and building market share in this region and overseeing activities in the San Antonio branch.

About the Program: Attendees will enjoy a fun skills challenge, social opportunity, dinner and awards presentation at the Fun Shoot, the North Chamber's annual skeet shoot tournament. Committee volunteers are needed to plan and implement the annual skeet shoot tournament and awards presentation by securing sponsors, coordinating event logistics and marketing the event to promote attendance.

Personally Speaking: Don has been a member of the North Chamber since 2004. He says, "The North Chamber plays a pivotal role in promoting commerce throughout the region, fostering goodwill in the community and enhancing business development for its members."

• Networking Breakfast

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• Walter Williams
• Arms of Hope – Youth and Family Solutions

About the Company: Arms of Hope – Youth and Family Solutions (AOH) was formed when Medina Children’s Home consolidated with Boles Children’s Home (Quinlan, TX) in April 2009. AOH is committed to providing a safe-haven and basic necessities for children and single-mother families by offering group care for children between the ages of 5 and 17 and mother-child care for single mother families. AOH is privately funded. Walter is responsible for creating awareness, building relationships and raising money through the acquisition of clothing and other gently used household items.

About the Program: The Networking Breakfast is the city's original and largest networking event. Hosting more than 100 attendees on the second Tuesday of every month, the breakfast promotes networking and member visibility by offering attendees the chance to introduce themselves and be a featured speaker at an upcoming breakfast.

Personally Speaking: AOH has been a chamber member since 2006, and Walter says his involvement has helped to improve the lives of children and single-mothers through the support of chamber members. "The North Chamber creates great opportunities for important relationships to be built and we are proud to identify with them."

• Small Business Leaders Awards

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• Jim Heaney
• Sterling Bank

About the Company: Sterling Bank is a Texas-based commercial bank with locations in San Antonio, the Hill Country, Dallas, Fort Worth and Houston and has been serving Texans for over 30 years. Sterling’s competitive advantage is demonstrated in their ability to create lasting relationships by meeting all the banking needs of their customers – including the business owners, their employees and their families.

About the Program: The SBLA program recognizes the very best of our community’s business leaders. Qualifying nominees must have less than 100 employees to be considered and awards are presented in a number of categories including new business, community service, employee relations, business innovation, career achievement, business achievement and overall achievement.

Personally Speaking: Sterling Bank has been a North Chamber member for 20 years, and as the bank’s Regional CEO, Jim encourages Sterling’s bankers to be active participants. "The North Chamber not only helps its members grow and reach their full potential, it also helps the city by promoting a healthy business climate."

• ATHENA Young Professional Award

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• Yvonne Fernandez
• Security Service Federal Credit Union

About the Company: Security Service Federal Credit Union (SSFCU) offers affordable financial products and services to more than 700,000 members in from 50 locations throughout South, Central and West Texas and in the major metropolitan areas of Colorado. With more than $5.4 billion in assets, SSFCU is the ninth largest credit union in the nation, the largest in San Antonio and Texas. Yvonne is the AVP of Commercial Services responsible for assisting with the management of the commercial loan portfolio to include developing, servicing and expanding business relationships.

About the Program: The AYPA program recognizes young professionals who are excellent role models in both their profession and in service to the community. Join us in nominating and recognizing the many inspirational, talented young professionals whose accomplishments deserve notice.

Personally Speaking: Yvonne has been an active North Chamber volunteer for nearly seven years. She has served on the Leadership Lab planning committee and is a class of 2006 alumna. She says Security Service has always been a strong supporter of the chamber, and her involvement has allowed her to grow personally and professionally.

• Small Business Connection

• 
• Leanne King
• SeeKing HR®

About the Company: SeeKing HR® is a full service Human Resource Consulting firm specializing in HR Project and Proposal Management, Employee Development and Employment Services. We offer HR services on a just-in-time basis while improving efficiencies and maintaining confidentiality. Additionally, we are a solid alliance partner for large firms seeking opportunities to develop revenue generating diversity relationships with small and minority owned businesses.

About the Program: To demonstrate our commitment to small business development, the North Chamber offers the Small Business Connection quarterly seminar series free of charge to small businesses with 20 or less employees. Attendees will network and gather a variety of tools for success through a series of one-hour morning seminars covering a range of topics.

Personally Speaking: Leanne says, "We are amazed at the growth we have experienced and are projecting for 2010 - in part, due to the wonderful programs hosted by the North Chamber. Through our involvement, we are able to get name recognition through strong participation, and the Chamber is eager to listen to new ideas for programs that directly benefit its members - hence the birth of the Small Business Connection."

• Small Business "How To" Series

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• Renée Crittenden-Garcia
• Crittenden Communications, LLC

About the Company: Crittenden Communications is your source for purely creative marketing. A certified HUB and SMWBE company, the firm delivers full-service project management and Renée’s proven expertise in marketing, public relations, special events, publications and graphic design consulting, as well as the reliability of a trusted and resourceful supplier network.

About the Program: In an ever-changing economy, the North Chamber is committed to keeping San Antonio strong through small business development and is offering ways to help businesses diversify and identify new lines of business. This series is designed to assist small businesses in achieving certification, doing business with public entities and accessing financing to take their organizations to the next level.

Personally Speaking: Renée is a Leadership Lab alumna Class of 2001, and has been involved in the ATHENA Young Professional Award, EWC, Expo, Gala, Leadership Lab, Mayor’s Vision for San Antonio, Small Business Leaders Awards, and State of the County Address committees. She says, "I have established wonderful relationships through my North Chamber involvement. I participate in as much as I can to realize a return on my investment, and it's been well worth it."