June Word from the Chairman

Turner_Annie-Chairmans-photo-PRIn 2014, the North San Antonio Chamber set forth an agenda to focus on veterans, workforce development, small business advancement, the millennial workforce and community collaboration.

Veterans
To date, the North Chamber has launched a 15% membership discount for individual veterans transitioning from the military to civilian workforce and for veteran-owned businesses in appreciation of their selfless service to our country. Do you know a veteran-owned business that could benefit from membership with the North SA Chamber? Please invite a veteran to join you for one of our Networking Breakfasts or Power Lunches and introduce him or her to the advantages of Chamber membership.

Workforce Development
The North SA Chamber offers a number of ways to support our diverse workforce, boost employee qualifications and build leadership and professional skills across member companies. Already we’ve hosted a number of programs on Technology, Finance, Sustainability and more. Coming up are a number of opportunities to share information, get instruction and build skill sets on a range of special interest topics.

Calling all marketers, PR pros, business developers and nonprofit, small business or corporate executives who have an interest in marketing outcomes – the North SA Chamber is hosting the Second Annual Social U conference featuring instruction, discussion and networking among thought, strategy and implementation leaders in social and digital marketing on Thursday, September 4, at the Omni San Antonio Hotel at the Colonnade. The program features keynote general assemblies, workshops and networking and product demos in the Social Lounge exhibit hall. To sponsor the event, register or learn more, please contact the staff liaison Renée Crittenden-Garcia (210)384-7730.

We’ll offer the third How 2 Seminar on Wednesday, September 17, from 7:30 to 11 a.m. at the Sonterra Country Club. The program will feature speakers and instruction on topics to help improve your company’s operations. Check the Calendar of Events for topic updates.

We’re proud to once again present the annual Enterprising Women’s Conference (EWC) on Friday, September 26, at the Omni San Antonio Hotel at the Colonnade, featuring topical keynote presentations, workshops, exhibitors, networking and the presentation of the ATHENA Awards® Program. Featured speakers include: morning keynote presentation “Diversity in the Generations” by author Dr. Carmen Tafolla; breakout sessions featuring Kay Wakeham – “Emotional Intelligence,” Dr. Cynthia Phelps – “Compassionate Leadership,” Jan Tilley – “5 Secrets to Living Better Longer,” and Helen Hunter – “Spiritual Life.”

We recently completed the call for nominations for the ATHENA Awards, and will present the ATHENA Leadership, ATHENA Young Professional Leadership and ATHENA Organizational Leadership Awards at the EWC luncheon. To sponsor the event, register or learn more, please contact the staff liaison Susan Deitker (210) 384-7727 or visit the online Calendar of Events.

Small Business Advancement
The North Chamber remains committed to recognizing excellence in small business leadership and we’re excited to highlight the finalists and name the award winners for the 2014 Small Business Leaders Awards on Tuesday, July 22, at the Omni San Antonio Hotel at the Colonnade. New this year – we’ll be recognizing a Veteran-Owned business leader and a Non-Profit organization, as well as presenting awards in the following categories: Small Business Leader of the Year, Small Business Advocate of the Year, Career Achievement, Community Service, Business Achievement, Business Innovation, Employee Relations and New Business.

Congratulations to the 2014 Small Business Leaders Awards Finalists!

John Aramendia
Aramendia Plumbing Heating & Air

Mike Behrend, Chris Behrend, Paul Evans
Green Vegetarian Cuisine

Lisa Fullerton
A Novel Idea, LLC dba Auntie Anne’s Hand-Rolled Pretzels and dba Cinnabon

Bryan Guinn
Prism Technologies Group

Doug and Lori Horn
Dough Pizzeria Napoletana, LLC

Gregory Hudson
Genesis Concepts & Consultants

Melissa Killen
Network Alliance, LLC

Yadira Medina-Torres
Stepping Stone Pediatric Feeding and Speech Therapy Clinic

Bede Ramcharan
Indatatech

Manuel Gerardo Rubio
Miracle Body & Paint

Michele Renee Pauli Torres
HFS Company

Helen Trowsdale
AA Care Services

Jennifer Sample
Providence Place

Gloria Canseco
San Antonio Christian Dental Clinic

Jose Sandoval
SandTech Solutions

Community Collaboration
Julián Castro will offer the Mayor’s Vision for San Antonio on Tuesday, August 5, from noon to 1 p.m. at the Westin Riverwalk Hotel. This presentation will be especially exciting as we await Mayor Castro’s confirmation of his recent nomination as the Secretary of Housing and Urban Affairs. This event is a great opportunity to hear what the Mayor has planned for the City’s trajectory in the coming year – and possibly, how San Antonio will play a role on the national scene should the Mayor be sworn-in to assume the HUD cabinet position.

Millennial Workforce, College Student Memberships
We’re proud to announce the addition of college student membership to the North San Antonio Chamber’s community offerings. The college student membership is $75 per student and is a two-year, non-renewing membership. Students must be 18 years or older, enrolled in a four-year university or college, and enrolled in their senior year of coursework.

Through membership with the North SA Chamber, college students will be afforded the opportunity to: meet professional members, get involved in committees, learn about community initiatives, share information, gain personal visibility and develop personal, professional and leadership skills through their involvement. Additionally, student members will be promoted through the Chamber’s online membership directory under the categories of “Student” and “Job Seeker.”

Businesses interested in sponsoring college student members, or students interested in joining individually may learn more by visiting www.northsachamber.com, clicking on the Join Now tab or contacting Samantha Fojtik (210) 384-7726.