June 2013 Word from the Chairman

Rollins_Brad-ChairmanWe are at the halfway point of 2013 and it’s been an amazing year so far of advocacy, networking, recognition, leadership and professional development.

Advocacy
In May, the North SA Chamber presented the Eighth Annual State of the County Address with Judge Nelson Wolff. The Judge discussed the continued revitalization of the city’s core and the need to attract and retain young professionals in the downtown area. Judge Wolff presented his vision to make San Antonio a live music scene to rival Austin. He noted the need to cultivate better relations with music promoters, to create a major outside music festival and to tune in to the evolution of Independent music bands as a way to appeal to the millennial workforce. To reinforce his message, the Judge welcomed special guests Girl in a Coma, a San Antonio-bred indie rock band that’s signed to Joan Jett’s label Blackheart Records.

If you missed the event, you can read more from coverage by the San Antonio Express-News and The Current.

Additionally, I hope you’ll join us for the Mayor’s Vision for San Antonio on Tuesday, August 20, at the Oak Hills Country Club from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Mayor Castro will share his priorities for the City and it should be a great networking opportunity as well as an informative event for upcoming community initiatives.

Networking
As you know, promoting commerce among our members is a top priority in 2013. You can start by considering North SA Chamber members for your company’s purchasing needs. You can search for members in the Find A Member online directory and even look specifically for those offering a coupon with special offers for North SA Chamber members.

There are many ways to connect with other professionals here at the North SA Chamber. Consider joining the Ambassadors, our volunteer corps that brings goodwill to members at Ribbon Cutting celebrations throughout the year. The Ambassadors also meet monthly to share ideas, gain professional education and expand their community network.

Finally, you can engage in social networking and follow the North SA Chamber on Facebook, Linkedin and Twitter – it’s a great way to stay abreast of member, community and chamber news. The North SA Chamber is competing in the Business Journal’s #SocialMadness competition, so your engagement counts. Your likes, shares, retweets and favorites get the North SA Chamber closer to moving through the competition and playing to win $10,000 for a local, member charity. Don’t forget to vote daily for the North SA Chamber at www.socialmadness.com, select a City: San Antonio, and vote for the North San Antonio Chamber of Commerce in the small category.

Recognition
On Tuesday, July 30, the North SA Chamber will honor exceptional professionals at the Small Business Leaders Awards at the Oak Hills Country Club from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. I know you’ll join me in congratulating the 2013 finalists including: William Balthrope, Muzak; Dr. Dianna Burns-Banks, South Texas Center for Pediatric Care; Bill Carlisle, Jr., Evapocore, Inc. dba Carlisle Auto Air; Tommy Galligan, ServePro of Lackland Terrace/Timber Ridge; Jesse Garcia, Deltra Systems; John Garcia, Alpha Facilities Solutions; Amber Lenz, First Texan Realty; Dale Lewis, Trinity Title of Texas; Shelley Morkovsky, Morkovsky Law Firm, PLLC; Rashesh B. Rangrej, American Regional Center, LLC; and Brent H. Warrilow, CBI Group.

The Small Business Advocate of the Year Award will be presented to CPS Energy for their efforts in purchasing from small, minority and women owned businesses. And awards will also be presented in categories including Small Business Leader of the Year, Career Achievement, Business Achievement, Community Service, Employee Relations, New Business and Business Innovation.

Furthermore, we will honor Maj. Gen. Josue “Joe” Robles, USAA, at the Salute to Excellence Luncheon on Thursday, August 1, at the Westin La Cantera Resort from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. I hope you’ll join us for this tribute to his incredible leadership and service.

Thank you for all you do to keep Bexar County strong and I hope to see you soon.