Category Archives: Member Spotlight

Joeris General Contractors sees continued growth on the North Side

By North SA Chamber Editor
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If 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’ 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.

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.

Luttrell | Zucker Lobs One for Local Charity

By North SA Chamber Editor
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ZUCKER_ColorLaw group celebrates first anniversary with tournament sponsorship.

Displaying their commitment to good corporate citizenship, the law group of Luttrell  | Zucker, will celebrate its first anniversary with major sponsorship of the 2013 Sonterra Member/Guest Tennis tournament  May 3-5. The annual event, one of San Antonio’s renowned charity events, benefits Any Baby Can, a local charity that  provides comprehensive assistance to the families of children born with chronic illnesses, developmental delays, or other significant health risks and challenges.  Last year’s event raised $10,000 for the charity.

Founded in 2012 by Leslie M. Luttrell and  Irwin D. Zucker, the group includes  Oscar H. Villarreal and Dawn L. Carmody, both of whom are partners with over 20 years experience. The small, all-partner business model assures that each client receives the full attention and expertise of an experienced law partner. The practice provides a diverse spectrum of clients with creative yet pragmatic strategies for dealing with bankruptcy, commercial litigation, creditor’s rights, civil litigation, personal injury, employment law, corporate and transactional law, probate and probate litigation, estate planning, tax law, municipal law,  real estate law, landlord and tenant disputes, and transactional  real estate law.  Luttrell | Zucker’s client base includes large corporations, small businesses, and individuals nationwide, and the group works hard to ensure that each client receives the most skillful, tough-mined, cost-effective, and successful  representation possible.

Luttrell | Zucker  is located at 400 N. Loop 410, Afton Oaks, Ste. 208, San Antonio, Texas  78232.  For more information, call 210.426.3600, visit  www. lzlawgroup.com or   e-mail info@lzlawgroup.com.

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

By North SA Chamber Editor
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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
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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.

Ancira is Updating at the SPEED OF LIGHT

By North SA Chamber Editor
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Ancira_LogoAncira is updating at the SPEED OF LIGHT to make the customer experience even better.

Ancira began with the remodel of Ancira Nissan on I-10 West and Huebner and then followed with the complete ground up build of a new Ancira Volkswagen store. Shortly after was the new Ancira Chevrolet sales facility.

Ancira GMC/Buick freshened up their appearance, and at this very moment, Ancira Chevrolet has just finished the renovation of their Service Department.

Ancira Chevynew

Ancira Chrysler Jeep Dodge now has their framing up for their brand new building on I-10, very close to the new Ancira Elite luxury pre-owned store.

Ancira Chrysler

Things are only getting better. Come out and take a peek at one of Ancira’s new or improved stores. Find locations

Broadway Bank Launches Family Business Resource Center

By North SA Chamber Editor
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BB123003C_WEB_FBRCBannerKeys_300x250-01If you are a family business and looking for a place where you can connect with other family businesses, share ideas, find solutions to common problems, and access information on critical issues, Broadway Bank’s Family Business Resource Center is here for you. The resource center is comprised of several dynamic components, including a specially designed website, regularly scheduled informational events and family business networking opportunities.

The website provides useful family business management tools and techniques. It includes topics, such as leadership, strategic practices, and family perspectives. Registered members get full access to a library of articles, white papers, workbooks, and helpful links. The website also features ‘Ask an Expert,’ where questions can be submitted for advice and guidance on a number of subjects.

Broadway Bank has launched the Family Business Resource Center for family businesses in San Antonio and surrounding communities. The Family Business Resource Center is the vision of the Cheever family — Broadway Bank’s founding family — and their desire to benefit other family businesses.

“Small and family-owned businesses have always been the backbone of the economy, and many of them lose their way in the early years. With more than 71 years of history, we want to share our experiences with other family businesses and help them overcome potential hurdles to long-term success,” said Charles E. Cheever Jr., chairman emeritus of Broadway Bank.

A variety of educational and networking sessions are available for registered members. In 2013, we plan to offer a number of events for members, including a panel discussion about the new tax laws and the implications for family businesses, as well as a lunch and learn seminar about the different “roles and responsibilities” in family businesses. Join the conversation by registering at bbfbrc.com and see how Broadway Bank can help you and your family business.

Capital Group Companies retiree, John McLaughlin, honored by local school

By North SA Chamber Editor
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CGC logoNearly two decades ago, John McLaughlin and several Capital Group colleagues founded an Adopt-A-School program with SulRossMiddle School that continues to this day. Now, a newly renovated library, expanded to serve the growing student population, was renamed to honor John for his support while he was General Manager of Capital Group’s San Antonio office and, in his retirement.

Students and faculty, plus former and current Capital Group associates, gathered to celebrate both the opening of the newly renovated library and the longtime partnership between Capital Group and its adopted school.

Capital Group associates volunteer in many aspects of Sul Ross Middle School by:

  • sending 1,000 “survival” packs to students during testing week
  • mentoring students
  • facilitating intramural sports programs
  • holding food and supply drives to benefit the Sul Ross community
  • sponsoring events that expose students to the arts
  • awarding scholarships

The library dedication made clear that the partnership between the Capital Group and Sul Ross will continue to make a difference in the lives of the students, faculty and Capital Group associates for many years to come.

A Unique Bequest: Evan Meade and Morningside Ministries

By North SA Chamber Editor
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MM Main logoMorningside Ministries received a unique donation by an even more unique donor. The donation came on behalf of a 7th grade, Keystone middle school student named Evan Meade. Evan had requested donations to Morningside Ministries in lieu of gifts for his recent birthday. Such a unique bequest didn’t go unnoticed by staff.

“I’ve been in the business many years and we have a loyal, stable group of people who support Morningside Ministries. Most of the donors have had family members who have been cared for here at Morningside Ministries,” said Jack Rodgers, Director of Development.

“So, here comes this 13-year-old, and for his birthday, instead of birthday presents from his friends, he wants to give gifts to Morningside,” Rodgers said.

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA“Many young people don’t have any associations with the elderly… it’s neat to see more intergenerational things going on in nursing homes,” Alvin Loewenberg, President and Chief Executive Officer of Morningside Ministries, agreed.

MM imageEvan is a part of a team called ‘The Randomist’ in the First Lego League (F.L.L.). This league is a worldwide robotics program for 9 to 14 year olds, which is designed to get children excited about science and technology and teach them valuable employment and life skills. F.L.L. is a wonderful international program, and it is truly inspiring the next generation of scientist, engineers and inventors.

Each year, teams throughout F.L.L. develop solutions to real world problems and can compete for an additional “Global Innovation Award.” The theme this year is ‘Senior Solutions.’ Evan and his team of four others will conduct research, develop strategies, and implement tactics that lead to the design of a practical invention for seniors. Simply put, his goal is to better the lives of older generations to the best of his ability.

SeaWorld San Antonio’s 25th Operating Season in Full-swing

By North SA Chamber Editor
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One Ocean Approved Hi Res 3SeaWorld San Antonio has kicked off its 25th operating season by offering more days to enjoy the park. This year, SeaWorld has 231 operating days on the calendar, making it the most days in a single year that the seasonal theme park has operated in more than two decades. The park will feature a variety of amazing animals during “Wild Days” every weekend in February.

SeaWorld’s waterpark, Aquatica, will usher in spring when it opens on March 2, which is the earliest advertised 2013 opening of an outdoor waterpark in Texas. The new waterpark opened in May 2012 and features up-close animal experiences along with water rides from the serene to the extreme.

On Saturdays from March 2 through June 1, SeaWorld guests can enjoy extended hours for Spring into Night, featuring the park’s hottest nighttime shows, including:

  • “Shamu Rocks!,” a crowd rockin’, electrifying show      featuring SeaWorld’s famous killer whale, Shamu.
  • “Sea Lions Tonite,” showcasing pinniped-pranksters, Clyde and Seamore, as they spoof the park’s daytime shows.
  • “Elmo Rocks,” a Sesame Street rock ‘n roll musical show starring Elmo with Zoe, Cookie Monster, Bert and Ernie.
  • “Sesame Street Bay of Play Block Party,” guests can dance and sing along with all their favorite Sesame Street friends.

SeaWorld’s “Just for Kids” series takes place on weekends in April and features live children’s shows by nationally-recognized entertainers on Saturdays, including Caillou, Laurie Berkner, Choo Choo Soul and Imagination Movers and the Sesame Street stage show “Elmo Rocks” on Sundays.

On May 4, the park welcomes Dove-award winning and Grammy nominated Christian rock group MercyMe as they headline the park’s Praise Wave event.

For more information, visit SeaWorld.com.

Prism Technologies Group Case Study: MigrationWiz eases the adoption of Microsoft Office 365 for the City of Rockport

By North SA Chamber Editor
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Prism Technologies GroupCHALLENGE
Prism Technologies Group was approached by the City of Rockport to find a new messaging system that included in-creased mailbox storage, online collaboration capabilities, and access to the Office 2010 suite. They quickly found that Microsoft Office 365 would give the city’s employees all of these benefits at a cost lower than of the 1GB per mailbox solution it was using.

MIGRATION SOLUTION
The Migration team was looking for a quick and easy way to transition the 76 users to their new messaging system with minimal disruption. “MigrationWiz was chosen be-cause of the simplicity in moving email, calendar items, and contacts over to the new solution without manual intervention,” stated Bryan Guinn, President of Prism Technologies Group.

To ensure that city services and business were not interrupted during the move to a new messaging system, it was imperative for the migration team to find a solution that would preserve message repliabilility, calendar items, and contacts for the end users. “Calendars and contacts where heavily used and losing that information was not an option,” stated Guinn. Using MigrationWiz, Guinn’s team was able to conduct a high-fidelity migration for each user that pre-served emails, calendars, and contacts – including complex items such as recurring calendar items, contact pictures, folder hierarchy. This allowed the end-users to continue with business as usual on the first day after the cutover was completed.

After a seamless transition to Microsoft Office 365, the City of Rockport employees are enjoying the feature-rich capabilities of Office 365, with a financially backed SLA and the unlimited storage capabilities they were looking for. As well as other exciting perks, such as free mobile device access that was an expensive add-on with the previous messaging system.

ABOUT MIGRATIONWIZ
MigrationWiz provides on-demand mailbox migration services through a fully automated, cloud-based solution that can be accessed at any time, from anywhere to con-duct a seamless mailbox migration on demand. Without the inconvenience of additional hardware or software to install, this patent pending technology has met the needs of global Fortune 500 organizations, governments, healthcare providers and individuals in over 50 countries. This soft-ware as a service (Saabs) solution allows the consumer to sign-up, configure and initiate a migration in a matter of minutes with no prior experience.

Since 2003, Prism Technologies Group has provided expert IT support and consulting services to companies near its San Antonio headquarters and beyond. Prism strives to create effective solutions tailored to its cli-ents need. Prism’s deep IT expertise en-sures its clients can benefit from a reliable, IT infrastructure, allowing them to concen-trate on their day-to-day business with con-fidence. For more information on Prism Technologies Group, visit, www.prismtex.com