Author Archives: North SA Chamber Editor

Business Leaders Circles (BLC) Chair: Kate Crosby, Frost

By North SA Chamber Editor
Posted on by Email to a Friend

Crosby_KateAbout the Company: Frost Bank is the largest Texas-based banking organization that operates only in Texas. A Business Banker and Small Business Relationship Manager at the Stone Ridge Market on Hwy 281 at Evans Rd. location, Kate is constantly learning more about this market and enjoys introducing Frost to North Central San Antonio. She has been with Frost for over 18 years.

About the Programs: BLC groups provide business owners, general managers, principals or general partners a forum to discuss business issues and concerns on a number of group topics including General Business, Marketing, Retail, Sales and Sole Proprietorship. Admission into BLC groups is ongoing and an application is required for admission.

Personally Speaking: Kate has been involved in BLCs for over seven years as a group facilitator and lead facilitator, and has also served on the ATHENA Award selection committee. She says the North Chamber is a great business resource for growth, business development and relationship building. “I encourage all business professionals to get involved and participate in the North Chamber,” says Kate.

Bragging Rights at Stake in 2013 San Antonio Sports Corporate Cup

By North SA Chamber Editor
Posted on by Email to a Friend

SASports Corporate Cup logoGet your game on at the San Antonio Sports Corporate Cup presented by H-E-B, June 1 at the University of the Incarnate Word.   It’s field day for grownups!  Businesses large and small will participate in 13 sports, from the silly to the competitive.  From tug-of-war to golf chipping to a track relay, your team could win it all! The friendly competition is designed to spur co-worker camaraderie and celebrate community health and fitness.

Hosted by San Antonio Sports, the local sports commission, companies and organizations will be assigned to one of four divisions according to the number of their San Antonio-based employees.  Whether running in a 5K or kicking a soccer ball, employees will accumulate points for their teams. They can also earn points in the Charity Challenge, an opportunity to contribute goods and services to three local charities: The South Texas Blood & Tissue Center, the San Antonio Food Bank and Haven for Hope.  The Corporate Cup trophy and year-long bragging rights will be awarded to the top team in each division.

“This is not only a fun event for companies large and small, but it will foster a culture of fitness in our community, says Russ Bookbinder, San Antonio Sports’ President & CEO. “It’s a win-win-win event.  It promotes health, teamwork and camaraderie among co-workers.”

Proceeds from the Corporate Cup will support San Antonio Sports’ kids programs, which provide sports and fitness opportunities for more than 180,000 local children annually.  Visit www.sanantoniosports.org for San Antonio Sports Corporate Cup details or call 210-820-2100.

William W. Dodge, D.D.S., named new dean of Dental School

By North SA Chamber Editor
Posted on by Email to a Friend

UTHSCatSA logoDodge to oversee opening in 2015 of $95 million dental center                                

President William L. Henrich, M.D., MACP, of The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio announced today that William W. Dodge, D.D.S., has been named dean of the Dental School effective April 1, 2013.

UTHSCatSA William W. Dodge - Dental School deanDr. Dodge has been serving as dean ad interim since June 2012 while former Dean Kenneth L. Kalkwarf, D.D.S., M.S., served as president ad interim during Dr. Henrich’s medical leave. Dr. Kalkwarf, who served as dental dean for 24 years, is serving as special assistant to the president and plans to retire this summer.

“Dr. Dodge successfully led the Health Science Center’s Dental School as dean ad interim. Prior to that, he served as vice dean of the Dental School since 2004 and associate dean for patient care from 1996 through 2003. He joined the Health Science Center in 1978 after five years as a successful general dentist in San Antonio and two years as a captain in the U.S. Army Dental Corps,” said Dr. Henrich.

Dr. Dodge holds the rank of professor with tenure in the Department of Comprehensive Dentistry. He received his Bachelor of Science in Biology at Trinity University in San Antonio and his Doctorate of Dental Surgery at the University of Southern California in Los Angeles. He and his wife, Jill, have two sons, Rhett and Ryan.

“Dr. Dodge is highly regarded by his colleagues in academic dentistry throughout the nation for his expertise in matters of accreditation of dental programs, competency assessment, evidence-based clinical education and financing of dental education. Dr. Dodge’s goal, shared by me and the faculty, is that the school be regarded as the finest dental school in our country.

“His leadership and vision, most notably regarding the school’s clinical endeavors, helped the Dental School to be awarded money from the Permanent University Fund to build a state-of-the-art Center for Oral Health Care & Research which will open next to the Medical Arts & Research Center (MARC) in 2015. I have complete confidence that Dr. Dodge will lead the school in an exemplary manner in the years to come,” Dr. Henrich added.

The Center for Oral Health Care & Research is the future of oral health care education, training and patient care for the Dental School. The $95 million facility will feature 198,000 square feet and house all clinical training and patient care. The building will facilitate clinical research trials which can generate advancements in innovation and patient care.

The Dental Dean Search Committee, which was led by Eileen Breslin, Ph.D., RN, dean of the School of Nursing, identified many outstanding candidates for this role before selecting Dr. Dodge as the Dental School’s fifth dean.

For current news from the UT Health Science Center San Antonio, please visit our news release website, like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter.

The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, one of the country’s leading health sciences universities, ranks in the top 3 percent of all institutions worldwide receiving National Institutes of Health (NIH) funding. The university’s schools of medicine, nursing, dentistry, health professions and graduate biomedical sciences have produced approximately 28,000 graduates. The $736 million operating budget supports eight campuses in San Antonio, Laredo, Harlingen and Edinburg. For more information on the many ways “We make lives better®,” visit www.uthscsa.edu.

Joeris General Contractors sees continued growth on the North Side

By North SA Chamber Editor
Posted on by Email to a Friend

PrintIf there’s any question about whether growth has slowed in North San Antonio, consider the number of north side construction projects currently underway by San Antonio-based Joeris General Contractors. Joeris, which specializes in K-12 and higher education facilities, retail and healthcare, has active projects in all three sectors.

Joeris is currently building NEISD Middle School #14 at Bulverde Road; NISD Cielo Vista South Elementary School at I-10 West; and UTSA (1604Campus) North Paseo Building. The company was also recently awarded major renovation projects for NEISD’s Reagan High School and Nimitz Middle School. Reagan’s $30 million project includes new athletic fields and facilities, a new science building and additional parking. The $24 million dollar project at Nimitz includes major additions and renovations across the campus.

Joeris pic UTSAPlazaDelNorteBldg

Joeris’ north side “construction boom” has been ongoing for the last 10 years. During the past decade, the 46-year-old award-winning company has completed NEISD Heroes Stadium, two additional NEISD middle schools, and one NISD middle school. Additional projects have included the new Agriscience Magnet Facility and High School Arts and Athletics additions at Madison High School, and the UTSA Plaza Del Norte Building at the 1604 campus.

On the retail front, Joeris will soon begin construction on its fourth San Antonio-area Wal-Mart, which will be located at Nacogdoches and Thousand Oaks. Since 2003, Joeris has also built three north side H-E-B stores (Alon Market, Stone Ridge Market and HEB #32 at Bandera & 1604), as well as three shopping centers – Stone Ridge Market, Ventura Plaza and Stone Oak Plaza.

Joeris pic HEB32

And the healthcare industry shows positive growth as well. On March 18, Joeris and project partner J.E. Dunn Construction will celebrate a “topping out” ceremony at North Central Baptist Hospital located in Stone Oak. The project includes the addition of 6 floors to the existing structure, making way for a greatly expanded Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. The project is scheduled for completion in December 2013.

Joeris attributes its success to an experienced and professional team, and a long track record as a leader in sustainable and on-time construction. More than 90 percent of its projects come from repeat customers.

The company’s strong reputation has allowed Joeris to expand outside of San Antonio, too. In 2011, they began construction projects in Houston, Dallas and West Texas, and opened a Dallas-Fort Worth office in 2012.

For more information, visit www.joeris.com.

Employment Law Update Chair: Laura O’Donnell, Haynes and Boone, LLP

By North SA Chamber Editor
Posted on by Email to a Friend

ODonnell_ LauraAbout the Company: Haynes and Boone is a full service business law firm with offices throughout Texas, California, and in Mexico City, Washington, DC, New York and Moscow.

About the Program: The Employment Law Update is a one-day seminar that provides valuable information on current liability trends and strategies to reduce employers’ exposure. The seminar is presented by experienced Haynes and Boone attorneys who exclusively practice labor and employment law and is ideal for human resources professionals, business owners, managers and executives, as well as attorneys.

RABA KISTNER Consultants, Inc. Announces Ian Perez, P.E. has been Selected as Young Engineer of the Year

By North SA Chamber Editor
Posted on by Email to a Friend

raba kistner logoRABA KISTNER Consultants (RKCI) is pleased to announce that Terrance Ian Perez, P.E. has been selected as the Young Engineer of the Year by the Bexar Chapter of the Texas Society of Engineers (TSPE). This is a distinguished award that is given annually to one engineer under the age of 34 who has exhibited outstanding leadership and technical advancement early in his career. Ian was honored at the Proclamation Breakfast during Engineers Week this past February.

Terrance Ian Perez - 2013 Photo (2)Winning this award comes shortly after Ian’s promotion to Area Project Manager in RKCI’s newest office in New Braunfels. Mr. Perez’s role will be to expand RABA KISTNER’s Geotechnical and Construction Materials practice areas in New Braunfels and the I-35 Corridor.

“Since being promoted to his new role, Ian has done an outstanding job of positioning RABA KISTNER in along the IH 35 Corridor area.  He has immersed himself in those communities and is quickly becoming a recognized resource for construction related needs along the Corridor,” indicated Chris Schultz, President and COO of RABA KISTNER Consultants.  “Winning this well-deserved award is a great accomplishment for Ian.”

Ian joined RKCI as an engineering intern in 2001, and continued his internship during college breaks.  He is a graduate from Texas A&M with a Bachelors in Civil Engineering and a Masters in Geotechnical Engineering. Ian joined RABA KISTNER as a full time employee in January 2005, and successfully passed the professional engineering examination in 2008.

Founded in 1968, Raba Kistner Consultants Inc., is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Raba Kistner, Inc., and is an Engineering News-Record “Top 500 Firm,” operating in eleven different markets in Texas, Utah, and México. Raba Kistner, headquartered in San Antonio, Texas, provides project management and oversight services including construction materials testing and observation, environmental engineering and consulting, geotechnical consulting and testing, facilities engineering, pavement consulting, and quality assurance.

Enhance Your Business Capacity! Enroll in the City of San Antonio Bonding Assistance and Mentor Protégé Programs

By North SA Chamber Editor
Posted on by Email to a Friend

city of sa economic development dept logoThe City of San Antonio is now accepting applications for the upcoming session of the Business Empowerment Plan, which starts on May 7, 2013. The Business Empowerment Plan is composed of the City of San Antonio Bonding Assistance and Mentor Protégé Programs.

Need help with bonding? Join the Bonding Assistance Program!
The City of San Antonio Bonding Assistance Program helps participants understand bonding requirements and manage their business and personal credit in ways that increase their bonding capacity and thereby increase their likelihood of participating in City contracts. Visit besanantonio.com to apply!

Learn business practices of Industry leaders by Joining the Mentor Protégé Program!
The City of San Antonio Mentor Protégé Program connects small, minority and women-owned businesses with more-established and successful firm owners and managers for guidance and training in areas such as office procedures, estimating and bidding, bookkeeping and accounting, management of funds, project management, supplier relationships, bonding and insurance, etc. Visit besanantonio.com to apply!

Participants in the Bonding Assistance or Mentor-Protégé Programs also receive three hours of free business counseling!

Eligibility
To participate in the Bonding Assistance and Mentor Protégé Programs, firms must have a significant business presence in the San Antonio Metropolitan Statistical Area, as defined in the City’s Small Business Economic Development Advocacy (SBEDA) Ordinance: Atascosa, Bandera, Bexar, Comal, Guadalupe, Kendall, Medina or Wilson counties. In addition, firms must be certified as a Small Business Enterprise (SBE) through the South Central Texas Regional Certification Agency (SCTRCA).There is a reimbursable enrollment fee of $100, which is refunded upon completion of courses.

Please visit besanantoino.com for more information on the Business Empowerment Plan, including class dates, featured business stories and applications. If you have any questions, please contact Janice Wehrman, Coordinator of Occupational Programs, Alamo Colleges, at 210-485-0818 or by email, jwehrman1@alamo.edu.

Applications being accepted for citizen positions on the Goal Setting Committees for the Small Business Economic Development Advocacy (SBEDA) Program

By North SA Chamber Editor
Posted on by Email to a Friend

city of sa economic development dept logoThe City of San Antonio is currently accepting applications from residents in all City Council districts who are eligible to serve as citizen members on two (2) Goal Setting Committees for the SBEDA Program. The SBEDA Program uses Goal Setting Committees to identify the contract-specific tools that would most effectively promote the use of small, minority and women-owned businesses on individual contracts. Each appointed citizen member will serve a two-year term and may be re-appointed to serve one additional two-year term.

Applications are available at www.sanantonio.gov/clerk/boards by selecting “Apply for Boards and Commissions.” The positions will remain open until filled. Individuals interested in the positions must be available to serve a two-year term.

For more information, contact Aurora Perkins, Sr. Economic Development Specialist, at (210) 207-3996.

RABA KISTNER, INC. promotes D’Anna Woodmansee to Marketing Coordinator

By North SA Chamber Editor
Posted on by Email to a Friend

raba kistner logoD’Anna Woodmansee has been promoted to Marketing Coordinator for RABA KISTNER, Inc. D’Anna joined the firm in the May of 2011 and previously held the position of Proposal Coordinator.

PortraitsThis promotion recognizes her movement to take on more responsibility for the firm and its subsidiaries, including marketing materials and ad design, vendor coordination, HTML and social media production and coordination. She has played a role in business development and maintains good communication with teaming partnerships of the firm.

“D’Anna has created great relationships in our company, both within the marketing department, with company officers within the firm, with vendors, and with the marketing staffs of architecture firms and other engineering firms,” said Nancy Parker, Director of Marketing for the firm. “It has been exciting to see her talents extend to other areas of client and vendor responsibility. Her relatives – who all live in George West , by the way– can rest assured that she is capitalizing on her business degree in many ways!”

D’Anna graduated from Texas A&M in 2007 with a Bachelor’s of BA in marketing, and from the University of the Incarnate Word in 2009 with a Master’s  in Business Administration.

Security Service Federal Credit Union Reaches $7 Billion in Assets

By North SA Chamber Editor
Posted on by Email to a Friend

Security Services Federal Credit UnionSecurity Service Federal Credit Union (SSFCU) officials today announced the credit union has reached $7 billion in assets. Headquartered in San Antonio, SSFCU officials attribute the credit union’s success to its conservative business principles, sound lending and controlled growth over the last several years, its quality service to members along with competitive products and services, and its convenient service delivery channels.

“Security Service is fortunate to be in such a positive position,” says Jim Laffoon, SSFCU president. “The trust and loyalty we have received from our members over the years and the service our employees provide them have played key roles in our credit union’s success.”

Security Service is the eighth largest credit union in the nation and is also the largest credit union in Texas, Colorado and Utah where it operates 70 locations.

Callahan & Associates, Inc. has named SSFCU for more than 10 consecutive years the number one indirect auto lender among credit unions in the nation.

“We plan tomove forward at full speed focusing on building new capabilities and addingproduct offerings that will be relevant to our current members and those that will become Security Service members,” adds Laffoon.  “We have a vision to become America’s best credit union – we are working toward that goal by becoming a little better everyday with a new attitude and a genuine desire to win.”

Laffoon assumed the role as president of Security Service in December of 2012.

He plans to move the credit union forward with goals to improve workforce advocacy, innovation, and competitiveness in the financial services industry.

Established in 1956 in San Antonio at Kelly Air Force Base with eight members and $25 in deposits, Security Service Federal Credit Union reached its first $1 billion in assets in 1995.

About Security Service Federal Credit Union
Security Service Federal Credit Union offers competitive, affordable financial products and services designed to meet the needs of its members. Security Service is an industry-leading financial institution, serving members in Texas, Colorado, Utah, and around the world. The credit union is among the top 10 credit unions in the nation and is the largest in San Antonio where it is headquartered. Security Service strives to be America’s best credit union and provides its members the true benefits of credit union membership with financial services of the highest quality and value. Learn more at www.ssfcu.org or call 1-888-415-7878.