This year is off and running and it’s hard to believe we find ourselves starting the second quarter already. April brings many exciting initiatives, updates and opportunities to our membership. The North Chamber will be participating in Fiesta for the first time this year and we invite you to join us in that effort. Additionally, our Government Affairs Council endorsed the City of San Antonio’s local preference program, which passed in March, and North Chamber event season is in full swing.
Viva Fiesta!
The North Chamber is excited to be a non-profit member of the Fiesta Commission and to participate in San Antonio’s largest celebration of our community, culture and heritage. This year the North Chamber will offer our inaugural Fiesta medal sale – and our theme is “Buy Local. Buy North Chamber.” In support of our non-profit entity, medal proceeds will benefit Lead SA and help to sponsor scholarships to area colleges and universities, as well as grants for small business and non-profit members to attend various leadership and professional development programs offered by the North Chamber. Medals go on sale at the North Chamber office Wednesday, April 17, and are available for $10 each while supplies last. We will also participate in the Fiesta Opening Ceremony and Pin Pandemonium medal swap in Alamo Plaza on Thursday, April 18, from 5 to 9 p.m. The event is open to the public and we hope to see you there. To purchase medals, visit the North Chamber office or contact Yolanda Crittenden.
Buy Local.
While I encourage you to join a committee, volunteer and attend events – even if your schedule doesn’t permit extensive involvement, you can always rest assured that your North Chamber is working on your behalf regularly to advocate for business and other quality of life issues.
As you know, I am spending this year promoting commerce among members as a top priority for 2013. Through our “Buy Local. Buy North Chamber.” campaign, we’re encouraging members to do business with one another and search our Find A Member online membership directory when considering suppliers for purchasing needs. So when the City Council considered a resolution to conceive a local preference program, our Government Affairs Council Chair, Rob Killen, brought the issue before the North Chamber board of directors and members voted to endorse the program.
Rob, our CEO Duane Wilson and others spoke before Council in support of the ordinance and we’re proud to announce its passage by a unanimous Council vote. Effective May 1, 2013, specific City of San Antonio contracting categories will carry a predisposition to “Buy Local.”
Mark Your Calendar
Wednesday, April 17, is a big day for the North Chamber Technology Council. We will participate in the Innotech Conference & Expo at the Henry B. Gonzales Convention Center from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., and we will present the luncheon CIO Panel program: New CIO – Got the job! What’s first? from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Attend the Expo and join us for lunch.
I hope you’ll join us for a little friendly competition and a day on the green at the Annual Golf Tournament on Thursday, May 9, at the beautiful and challenging TPC San Antonio. We’re getting an early start this year with tee time starting at 7:30 a.m. As we anticipate a bright sunny day, you can still register for a foursome or join Dahill in sponsoring the tournament.
Finally, on behalf of our North Chamber staff and board of directors, I thank you for your continued membership, involvement and support. We appreciate all you do to keep Bexar County strong, and I look forward to seeing you soon.