Category Archives: North SA Chamber News

NORTH SAN ANTONIO CHAMBER WELCOMES GOVERNOR GREG ABBOTT FOR PRIVATE ADDRESS ON LEGISLATIVE ISSUES

By North SA Chamber Editor
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Leticia Peña Martinez
February 15, 2019

SAN ANTONIO, TX – The North San Antonio Chamber of Commerce was pleased to welcome Governor Greg Abbott to a special lunch event for business leaders, largely comprised of its Board of Directors.

“As we progress through the Texas 86th Legislative Session, we are thrilled to have the Governor visit with the San Antonio business community to hear directly from him on many important issues that will impact economic development, employment, and job growth,” said Cristina Aldrete, Chamber President and CEO.

“We are a Chamber focused on promoting a pro-business environment that continues to fuel economic growth and job creation for businesses throughout San Antonio,” noted Aldrete

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Founded in 1974, the North San Antonio Chamber of Commerce is proud to serve the San Antonio business community with an earned reputation as one of the state’s most dynamic advocacy organizations. The North San Antonio Chamber is resolute in their efforts to provide professional development, leadership recognition, and legislative advocacy for small businesses, cybersecurity, technology, transportation, and trade in Bexar County.

NORTH SAN ANTONIO CHAMBER BUSINESS COALITION ISSUES LETTER TO MAYOR ASKING TO REPEAL PAID SICK LEAVE ORDINANCE

By North SA Chamber Editor
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Mary-Margaret Hasslocher
December 3, 2018

NORTH SAN ANTONIO CHAMBER BUSINESS COALITION ISSUES LETTER TO MAYOR ASKING TO REPEAL PAID SICK LEAVE ORDINANCE

SAN ANTONIO, TX – The North San Antonio Chamber along with area Business Coalition leaders signed on to a letter sent to Mayor Ron Nirenberg, City Manager, Sheryl Sculley, City Attorney, Andy Segovia, and members of City Council, requesting that City Council repeal the Paid Sick Leave Ordinance, citing that it is unconstitutional.

The City of San Antonio City Council adopted the Paid Sick Leave Ordinance on August 16, 2018.  Multiple authorities have opined that a paid sick leave ordinance violates Texas law.  On July 9, 2018, the City received a letter from Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton stating that the City was preempted from enacting a paid sick leave ordinance.  On August 6, 2018, the City received a letter from State Senator Donna Campbell, who also noted that the proposed ordinance was unlawful.

Earlier this year, the City of Austin adopted a Paid Sick Leave Ordinance nearly identical to San Antonio’s Paid Sick Leave Ordinance.  On November 16, 2018, the Third Court of Appeals held that Austin’s Paid Sick Leave Ordinance is unconstitutional.   Read the Third Court of Appeals Opinion here.

A copy of the Business Coalition letter can be found here.  The Business Coalition letter is signed by the following area leaders:

Cristina Aldrete, North San Antonio Chamber

Elva Adams, Alamo Asian Chamber of Commerce

Steven Schultz, Associated Builders and Contractors – South Texas Chapter

Kristi Sutterfield, Greater San Antonio Builders Association

Martha Mangum, Real Estate Council of San Antonio

Marco Barros, San Antonio Area Tourism Council

Pam Crail, SA Auto Dealers

Rey Chavez, San Antonio Manufactures Association

Al Arreola, South San Antonio Chamber

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NORTH SAN ANTONIO CHAMBER CELEBRATES WINNERS OF 2018 SMALL BUSINESS LEADERS AWARDS

By North SA Chamber Editor
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NORTH SAN ANTONIO CHAMBER CELEBRATES WINNERS

OF 2018 SMALL BUSINESS LEADERS AWARDS

2018 SBLA Winners (L to R): Byron Bexley, Maryanne Guido, Leslie Komet, Kimberly Britton, Jane Pauley-Flores, Karen Friese, Mona Helmy, Joe Fisher, Fred Casillas, and Dr. William Gonzaba

 

On October 10, 2018, the North San Antonio Chamber of Commerce honored 10 exceptional business leaders for their positive contribution to San Antonio and leadership in their respective industries at the 22nd Annual Small Business Leaders Awards dinner at the McNay Art Museum.  Of the 10 awardees, one was selected as the 2018 Small Business Leader of the Year.  This year, the award went to Mona Helmy, CEO of Helmy Associates & Co., a San Antonio-based plastics thermoforming manufacturing company.  The award ceremony dinner also presented the 2018 Lifetime Achievement Award to Maryanne Guido, CEO of Guido Construction Company.  Guido Construction Company began as a small business 91 years ago and has since provided $3 billion in construction to San Antonio.  More than half of this year’s awards went to women-owned businesses.

CLICK HERE TO VIEW PHOTOS OF THE 2018 SMALL BUSINESS LEADERS AWARDS

 

2018 EDUCATION INSTITUTION OF THE YEAR

Hallmark University was born in San Antonio as Hallmark Aero-Tech almost a half-century ago in 1969.  Since then, the institution has built on its passion for students and excellence, adapting to the changing landscape of the community and its workforce needs.  Hallmark University now distinguishes itself as a private, non-profit university offering associate’s, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees in high-demand fields including aeronautics, information technology and cybersecurity, healthcare, and business.

Students at Hallmark University move through Associate and Bachelor programs almost twice as fast, completing an associate’s degree in 14 months and bachelor’s degree in 28 months. Using compressed, objective-driven courses, relevant industry relations, and leadership development programs, Hallmark University holds one of the highest graduation rates in San Antonio and the #1 highest Income Mobility Index — moving students up two or more income brackets.

Hallmark University continues to innovate and adapt its curriculum to produce highly qualified leaders that meet the needs of our workforce.  Hallmark partners with major companies, such as Microsoft, Cisco, and Boeing, and together define the technical and economic landscape of San Antonio.

Joe Fisher has served Hallmark University for almost 20 years, first as the President for 15 years and as Chancellor since 2014. His passion is focused on innovation in education and creating methods for producing excellence and character in the future workforce. Hallmark’s emphasis on character development and mandatory Character 360 Training, further the mission to change individual lives by developing superior skills, knowledge, and character.

 

2018 FINANCIAL SERVICES BUSINESS OF THE YEAR

Byron Bexley serves as Chairman and CEO of TexStar National Bank, a locally owned and operated community bank that began serving the San Antonio community in 2004. TexStar has grown from $32 million in assets and four branches in 2004, to $260 million in assets and six branches today. TexStar is well-capitalized and has grown from an initial capitalization of $10 million to $28 million today.

Before following in his father’s footsteps as a banker, Bexley received his ungraduated degree from Baylor University while playing football and went on to get his MBA from Sam Houston State. Byron has served as the CEO of community banks for over 33 years.  He began his banking career in Houston until he moved to San Antonio in 1988.  Bexley became the President of Converse National Bank, which later changed its name to TexStar National Bank.  When the bank sold in 1999, he helped charter Mission National Bank and served as their President and CEO until 2004.  In 2004 Bexley went back to Universal City and helped reestablish TexStar.

Bexley currently serves on the Regional Bank Council for the Federal Reserve Bank in San Antonio. In recent past he has served on the Board of Directors for the Texas Bankers Association, the Baylor Bear Foundation and is the past Chairman of the Deacons at First Baptist Church.

Byron and his wife, Debbie have been married for 39 years.  They have a daughter and three sons and six grandchildren.

 

2018 HEALTHCARE BUSINESS OF THE YEAR

Gonzaba Medical Group founder, Dr. William Gonzaba, started his family practice in 1960 on South Flores Street, not far from the neighborhood where he was born and raised. In the early 1980s, he brought in additional doctors to help him with a growing patient population. Soon, the doctors outgrew their South Flores clinic. Dr. Bill Gonzaba looked a few blocks down the street to the old Pan American Restaurant building and decided to give the landmark building a new life in the healthcare industry. After nine months of planning and renovation, Gonzaba Medical Group reopened in 1986 as a state-of-the-art medical complex.

The growing group practice provided all diagnostic and laboratory services and, at one time, even included an out-patient surgery center. To serve different areas of San Antonio, the Northwest and Woodlawn clinics were opened and quickly became integral parts of the neighborhoods they serve.

In 2000, Dr. Bill Gonzaba’s two physician sons joined the practice. Dr. Tom Gonzaba serves as the group’s Medical Director for the urgent care centers and practices internal medicine at the Main Clinic on Pleasanton Road. Dr. Greg Gonzaba practices internal medicine at the Northwest Clinic and serves at its Medical Director.

Today, Gonzaba Medical Group includes an outstanding team of physicians who share the same commitment to quality care and customer service as the group’s founder. Led by Dr. David Padilla, Chief Medical Director, the group includes a team of more than 90 physicians, hospitalists, physician assistants and nurse practitioners serving in seven locations throughout the city. With a support staff of hundreds of individuals, expanded and updated facilities as well as the latest diagnostic capabilities, Gonzaba Medical Group continues to change the way healthcare is delivered while staying true to its core principle: “the patient always comes first.”

From his humble beginnings to becoming one of the nation’s premier medical practices, Doctor Bill has done a lot for the people of San Antonio; and, with a comprehensive network of clinics has ensured his place among San Antonio physicians.  More than six decades ago, Doctor Bill began a small, one-room clinic on San Antonio’s south side. Now boasting three primary care medical care centers, four neighborhood clinics and more than 600 employees, Bill Gonzaba is a pioneer-practitioner who has never forgotten that medicine is, foremost, about caring for patients’ needs at all stages of their lives.

 

2018 MANUFACTURER OF THE YEAR

Mona Helmy serves as the CEO of Helmy Associates & Co.  She founded the company alongside her late husband, Abe, in 1988.  Together, along with an excellent team, they transformed the company into a plastic forming industry leader. Mona served as Vice President until Abe’s untimely passing in 2009 when she became CEO.  2018 marks 30 years for Helmy and Mona’s success – a culmination of love, persistence, and vision that defines her as a role model for today’s leaders.

Helmy specializes in plastic thermoforming, both thin and heavy gauge, with an in-house industrial design, and CNC tooling divisions.  Helmy manufactures custom heavy gauge structural, industrial, and decorative components as well as disposable thin gauge trays, clamshells, and blisters.  Helmy is honored to list many industries, including small innovative companies and Fortune 500 companies as clients.

Mona was born in Syria and immigrated to the United States with her family in her adolescence. She attended The University of Texas San Antonio and graduated in 1987 with a BFA in Architecture.

Mona Helmy was awarded the Family Business Leader Award by San Antonio Business Journal in 2014 and the Women Business Owner of The Year Award by National Association of Women Business Owners in 2018. Today, in addition to her leadership at Helmy Mona serves on the board of SAMA (San Antonio Manufacturing Association) and SAWCC (San Antonio Women’s Chamber of Commerce) and serves on committees of SA100 and NAWBO (National Association Women Business Owners).

 

2018 MILITARY & VETERAN BUSINESS OF THE YEAR

Fred Casillas capitalized on his knowledge of the federal government, leadership experience, and customer service philosophy to found Adjuvant Consulting, Inc. in 2005.  Adjuvant Consulting, Inc. is a Small Disabled Veteran Owned Business headquarted in San Antonio, TX delivering network and conferencing systems, as well as help desk and project management support for the federal government. Adjuvant Consulting, Inc. has an unwavering pledge and drive that focuses on experience, integrity, and innovation supporting the mission of its customers that help them succeed.

Mr. Casillas leads a team of senior staff rich with the same experience and knowledge of his customers and workforce. He continues to lead and challenge the team to use their technical experience, work with integrity, and infuse innovation in their everyday service to their customers. When he started the company, Adjuvant Consulting, Inc. provided services to the Veterans Administration and has since expanded providing support services to Navy Medical Health, Navy Medical Clinic in Charleston, South Carolina.

As a Vietnam Veteran, he gives back to his community by providing other Veterans with the similar support he received.  Furthermore, Mr. Casillas cares about his employees and shows his gratitude.  Team members look forward to Adjuvant employee and family events. To quote Mr. Casillas, “Our employees are our family.”

Through Mr. Casillas’ leadership, Adjuvant Consulting, Inc. continues to grow and in 2011, was named one of the fastest growing companies in San Antonio, TX.

 

2018 NON-PROFIT OF THE YEAR

In 2008, the city restored and opened the Main Plaza Conservancy celebrating San Antonio’s revitalization, blending music, events, history, and culture in the heart of the city and linking government, culture, and business with San Antonio’s spiritual heart, San Fernando Cathedral.

Jane Pauley-Flores serves as the first Executive Director for Main Plaza, tasked with autonomous operations and programming. Her focus is to preserve the historical significance of this majestic plaza through education and activities for what is also known as The People’s Plaza; referring to her position that she calls her “mission to give back.” Through innovation and commitment and using her many years of expertise and skills in property management, negotiations, and business management, Jane brought forth the evolution of this vibrant historic plaza.

Jane serves on many boards and committees such as El Mercado Zona Cultural Steering Committee and personally serves as the Stone Oak HOA’s board president. She also held roles as a Certified Environmental Inspector and Commissioner on the Environment. Her philosophy that, “one can never know enough,” encourages her pursuit of higher education through mariachi music scholarships for San Antonio’s youth with recent recognition and Pinnacle Award for Best Educational Program.

Exceeding expectations, Jane begins a second five-year term with the City and under her direction, Main Plaza continues to lead, being called “One of the Top Ten Great Public Spaces in America” and receiving many awards, including the International Grand Pinnacle Award for San Antonio|The Saga.

 

2018 PUBLIC RELATIONS BUSINESS OF THE YEAR

Leslie Komet Ausburn is the Founder & CEO of Komet Marketing Communications, an award-winning strategic public relations marketing firm launched in 2007. Leslie has more than 20 years of experience leading public relations campaigns and crisis communications initiatives for clients in a broad range of industries.

A San Antonio native, Leslie earned a Bachelor’s degree in Journalism from the University of Texas at Austin, and a Master’s degree in Broadcast Journalism from Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism. Following a 15+ year career as a television news reporter and anchor, Leslie has developed a reputation for excellence in the public relations industry, working with businesses and nonprofits in the US, Canada, Sweden and Mexico.

Leslie is a member of the Public Relations Society of America and the Texas Travel Industry Association. She is certified in Non-Profit Social Media Management from the San Antonio Area Foundation, and is a Certified Tourism Ambassador through Visit San Antonio. Leslie was recently honored with the 2018 Texas Taylor Lifetime Achievement Award from the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) San Antonio Chapter.

Leslie currently serves on the boards or advisory councils for a number of organizations including South Alamo Regional Alliance for the Homeless, Assistance League of San Antonio Advisory Council, Bexar County Partners for Youth Equine Advisory Council, San Antonio Botanical Garden and Les Dames d’escoffier.

 

2018 TECHNOLOGY & SECURITY BUSINESS OF THE YEAR

EPIcenter is a private, nonprofit organization created in 2015 by CPS Energy, OCI Solar Power, Itron and Lyndis+Gyr.  EPIcenter was formed to encourage innovation, community engagement, and new energy ideation by turning a historic power plant into a world-class center that will serve as a cradle for invention and a catalyst for new energy innovation and advancement.  EPIcenter’s unique approach leverages existing local tech ecosystem resources with a focus on the energy industry making it an economic generator for San Antonio.

Kimberly M. Britton was named CEO of EPIcenter in 2016.  She leads a small but mighty organization fostering and promoting energy industry advances and San Antonio’s reputation as an innovation city.  Kimberly leads, develops, and advances San Antonio’s energy industry by hosting regional summits, engaging with EPIcenter Neighbors, building a “Power Network” membership program, opening the New Energy Incubator and Accelerator (NEIA), completing the schematic design phase for the transformation of the historic Mission Road Power Plant, building strategic partnerships across the country, and launching a $53 million capital campaign.  EPIcenter has quickly been recognized for its thought leadership and its collaborative culture.

Kimberly’s career spans the fields of energy, government, nonprofit and healthcare.  Previously, she was the Director of Development for the San Antonio Museum of Art as well as the Director of Community Relations for the Barnett division of Chesapeake Energy where she led the company’s outreach activities in North Texas. Prior to Chesapeake she headed a hospital foundation in Fort Worth that she co-founded and served as a member of the executive team of the hospital.  Kimberly is a founder of Leadership San Antonio’s Alumni Association, member of the Board of Visitors of the College of Education at Texas Christian University where she is also an alumna, as well as several other professional and charitable organizations.

 

2018 WOMEN-OWNED BUSINESS OF THE YEAR

K Friese + Associates (KFA) is a 50 person woman-owned consulting firm specializing in engineering and planning solely for public sector entities. KFA offers management, design and planning capabilities in the areas of water, wastewater, transportation, and drainage. K Friese has more than 30 licensed engineers on staff, with women holding almost 50 percent of those positions.

Karen Friese received her civil engineering degree and began work at a national engineering consulting firm based in Austin where she became a licensed professional engineer (PE) in 1989. At the time she received her PE, she was one of only 8 women in Texas who took the exam that round. After 19 years working on the development of large water and wastewater infrastructure projects throughout the region, she began K Friese + Associates (KFA) in 2003, winning significant design contracts with clients such as the San Antonio Water System and Alamo Regional Mobility Authority.

Karen spent the last 15 years devoted to organically growing her firm and developing a KFA Team focused on client service and quality design. K Friese + Associates is the recipient of the 2017 Employer of the Year Award from the Women’s Transportation Seminar, 2011 Engineering Excellence Award from ACEC Texas, Consultant of the Year from the City of Austin Small and Minority Business Resources, and the National Recognition Award for Water and Wastewater from the American Council of Engineering Consultants.

 

2018 LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

Founded in 1927 and incorporated in 1942, Guido Construction Company is a privately held construction management, contracting, and commercial construction firm.  Maryanne Guido joined Guido and Companies in 1993 and was appointed CEO and Chairman of the Board in 2005.

Just nine years shy of its 100th anniversary, Guido Construction is a staple in San Antonio, and their work can be seen in all directions.  Guido’s portfolio includes private residential construction, The Doseum, San Antonio Museum of Art, the Shops at Rivercenter, Alamo Brewery, Hardberger Park, the iconic San Francesco di Paola Church, and in 2018, Guido was awarded the design-build for San Antonio City Hall.  It’s hard to turn anywhere in San Antonio and not see Guido’s influence.

Under Maryanne’s leadership, Guido has had dynamic growth and positioned themselves in the top tier of South Texas builders. Recognized as a leader in the industry, with an unwavering commitment to integrity, 91 years and $3B worth of construction experience; Guido built its reputation for excellence through unwavering commitment to clients.  Offering a full range of construction services – from conceptual estimating and scheduling to quality assurance and safety, Guido Construction distinguishes itself in the construction industry. Guido was awarded the prestigious Build Magazine’s 2018 Contractor of the Year, San Antonio Business Journal’s C-Suite Award, and Construction Today’s 2016 Top Landmark Builder award and received 150+ building excellence awards, including 2014 Safe Contractor of the Year, 12 National Excellence in Safety awards, and at last count Guido Construction has garnered 33 Outstanding Project of the Year Awards from Associated General Contractors of America.

Maryanne Auray Guido was raised in Upper Saddle River, NJ.  She received her BS in Mathematics and Economics with a minor in Statistical Analysis from the University of Virginia, Magnum Cum Laude. Maryanne met her husband, Tom Guido, during her second year in college.  After Tom graduated from Princeton University and returned to San Antonio to begin work, they continued a long distance relationship while Maryanne completed college. After graduation, they married and moved to San Antonio permanently.

Maryanne began her career with USAA as an Actuarial Analyst while receiving her MBA from UTSA. She then earned a Residential Real Estate license and Interior Design certification from St. Mary’s University.  After receiving her ASID designation, Maryanne founded and operated Guido Interiors Inc. for ten years, specializing in commercial office, kitchen, and bathroom renovations.

Maryanne and Tom Guido have been married for 40 years and have four adult children and four grandsons. They enjoy and participate in many volunteer activities in their community, church and industry. Maryanne spends her leisure time biking, practicing yoga, skiing, reading, cooking, traveling, and drinking great wine.

Guido Construction’s commitment and vision are made a reality through the Corporate Belief Statement: “We believe that people with a vision and passion for what is possible build the exceptional.”

 

 

Innovative Leadership Concludes Its Inaugural Year

By North SA Chamber Editor
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Innovative Leadership Concludes Inaugural Year

At the encouragement of 2018 Chairman of the Board, Chris Thiel, of Alterman, the North San Antonio Chamber set out to develop an executive leadership program unlike anything our city had seen before. The end result was the creation of Innovative Leadership – a six-month program designed in partnership with the AACSB-accredited Greehey School of Business at St. Mary’s University.

“Our goal was to inspire business leaders to delve deeper into every aspect of innovation. We wanted to challenge their insights on strategic and design thinking, the utilization of big data and artificial intelligence and the organizational culture found in businesses who have successfully embraced innovation.” stated Melodye Tomsu, Council Chair for Leadership and Professional Development, 2018 Innovative Leadership Chair and Business Development Manager with SpawGlass.

The 2018 class was comprised of nearly 30 local leaders who challenged personal mindsets and grew collectively by learning from one another. When asked to capture their leadership journey in one-word, class members used these words: insightful, empowerment, growth and even innovare – Latin for innovation.

David Pope, North SA Chamber Board of Directors member, Executive Committee Finance Council Chair and San Antonio President for Texas Capital Bank stated, “The inaugural Innovative Leadership program was a wonderful forum of business leaders that learned at a deeper level what it means to innovate. This was true at a personal and corporate level as each member brought their individual and company perspectives for the benefit of the group.”

Pope went on to say, “For me, this was a huge learning experience as this program taught concepts and exercised skills that I have not fully developed in my career journey. As always with a great group of diverse leaders, you walk away with more than you give. I thoroughly enjoyed and benefited from the program.”

The North San Antonio Chamber congratulates the graduates of the 2018 class and thanks them for their willingness to be the initial leaders to shape the evolution and ultimate success of Innovative Leadership.

2018 Class Members 

  • Chance Allen, Martin Marietta Materials
  • Kimberly Arispe, Family Service Association of San Antonio
  • Brian Billingsley, DOCUmation, LLC
  • Brian Buchanan, VIA Metropolitan Transit
  • Samantha Carneiro, Brooks
  • Maria Dunn, ATKG, LLP
  • Teresa Evans Ph.D., Teresa Evans PhD, LLC
  • Connie Gonzalez, Brooks
  • Shennandoah Goodson, Endeavor Management
  • Siro Gutierrez, Bank of America Merrill Lynch
  • Victor Huerta, Turner Construction Company
  • Andrew Hunt, Project Control
  • Katelyn Machen, Gillette Air Conditioning Co., Inc.
  • David Pope, Texas Capital Bank
  • Dahlia Rigsby, BD
  • Abe Salinas, LNV, Inc.
  • Steven Siebert, San Antonio Water System
  • Jason Smith, SpawGlass Contractors
  • Denis St. Pierre, Alterman
  • RaChelle Streetman, Hulu LLC
  • John Titus, eEmployers Solutions Inc.
  • Cordelia Tostenson, Morningside Ministries at Menger Springs
  • Brian Trussell, ATKG, LLP
  • Steve Young, Via Metropolitan Transit

Thank You to Our Chair and Sponsors

Every level of support received from members of the North SA Chamber directly impact the overall success of each of its programs. Without it, new programs such as Innovative Leadership could not move forward with the confidence it did. Therefore, the Chamber thanks Melodye Tomsu of SpawGlass for her exemplary leadership during the development phase and execution of year one. In addition, the Chamber is hugely grateful for its 2018 sponsors who opened their doors and hearts to serve as session hosts for the program.

2018 Sponsors

Alterman, 2018 Sponsors (L-R) John Wright, Chris Thiel, Denis St. Pierre

Ramping Up for 2019

Although the curtain has closed on the inaugural year of Innovative Leadership, plans are currently underway for 2019. Siro Gutierrez III, Sr. Vice President with Bank of America Merrill Lynch will serve as the 2019 Chair and Dahlia Rigsby, Sr. Business Manager with BD will serve as the program’s Co-Chair.

Applications and sponsorships began in October, 2018 with the class kicking off in April, 2019. For further information about applying for the program or showing your support through sponsorship please contact Chris Bugg, Sr. Vice President of the North San Antonio Chamber – 210.344.4848 or cbugg@northsachamber.com.

Melodye Tomsu 2018 Chair and Siro Gutierrez III, 2019 Chair

 

Congratulations to the 2014 Leadership Lab Class Graduates

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

LL Lab Photo_Retreat2014 Leadership Lab Class

Bruce Ahlswede
Walton Signage

Gena Alvarez
C.H. Guenther & Son, Inc

Rosantina Aranda
Frost

Victoria Arellano
Reece Supply Company

Danny Arnold
Security Service FCU

Caitlin Bagnall
2014 Lab Student

John Barbour
Alterman, Inc.

Colleen Bartee
SWBC

Sjanna Bernal
Security Service FCU

Bryan Beverly
Denim Group, Ltd

Marian Braggs
CPS Energy

Scott Brant
Catholic Life Insurance

Meagan Brown
San Antonio Water System

Christal Carrick
Accenture

Genaro Castro
SeaWorld San Antonio

Melissa Cody
SeaWorld San Antonio

Jonathan Contreras
Structure Tone Southwest

Rosemary Davis
Security Service FCU

Jessica Delgado
Broadway Bank

Ben Dolan
Deacon Recruiting, Inc.

Brenna Dominguez
Airrosti Rehab Centers

Michael Easterling
H-E-B

Jan Edmondson
ATKG, LLP

Bryan Edwards
MGR Accounting
Recruiters

Candy Ferdin
SWBC

Samantha Fojtik
North San Antonio Chamber of Commerce

Todd Freedman
Security Service FCU

James Garcia
SWBC

Bonnie Garza
Dahill

Fred Gibbons
Broadway Bank

Marco Gonzalez
Plains Capital Bank

Joey Goode
CPS Energy

Shannon Grenet
USAA Real Estate Co.

Phillip Guajardo
Cleary Zimmermann Eng.

Michelle Hartman
Dahill

Meredith Hatzenbuehler
2014 Lab Student

Greg Hemphill
SWBC

Ralph Hernandez
Walton Signage

Katherine Howe-Frilot
Wells Fargo

Mark Johnson
Bury

Juan Juarez
Bear Audio Visual, Inc

Louis Labatt
CPS Energy

Kathleen Labus
NE Lakeview College

Yvonne Larson
Whiting-Turner Contracting Company

Blake LaRue
Joeris General Contractors

Jesse Lotay
Jackson Walker L.L.P.

Selena Marquez
2014 Lab Student

Charlie Martinez
Robot Creative

Pablo Martinez
DeWied International

Willie Martinez
CPS Energy

Teresa McFalls
DeWied International

Sonny Montiel
Broadway Bank

Peter Moser
Security Service FCU

Eric Neuner
Raba Kistner Consultants

Adam Neveu
Beyer Mechanical

Amy New
2014 Lab Student

Greg Padalecki
Alterman

Ann Pena
BDO USA, LLP

Wende Preston
Security Service FCU

Hilda Quinones
2014 Lab Student

Christen Ramirez
Goen South Events

Kent Rooen
Walton Signage

Sonya Ryals
BD

Krystal Saenz
eEmployers Solutions

Rosa Santillan
Crosspoint, Inc

Paul Santoyo
Cox Smith

Bronwen Scott
Deacon Recruiting, Inc.

Rhonda Scott
eEmployers Solutions

Sally Smith
Marmon Mok

TJ Steinkirchner
Project Control

Mark Tang
Equinox Louvered Roofs

Susan Valdez
Akin Doherty Klein & Feuge, P.C.

Jorge Vazquez
SWBC

Dennis Wagner
Arthur J. Gallagher & Co

Eric Wanke
SpawGlass Contractors

Jen Webb
SWBC

Chris White
Walton Signage

Alexandra Wood
Frost

Michael Wyant
Zukini

Andrew Young
ENTRUST Technology Consulting Services

New Chamber software has arrived – improved northsachamber.com features are here!

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

ChamberMaster_DecWe’re excited to announce that we are now offering new resources to help you manage your chamber membership, market your business on the web and monitor online traffic to your content on northsachamber.com.

In an effort to better serve you, we have converted to a new member software application that will enable the North SA Chamber to better manage information, involvement and events – while offering you enhanced benefits.

Enjoy new website features and benefits including:

  • Login to the Member Information Center (MIC) dashboard to manage your membership
  • Network with members through posts and community content in the MIC Social Feed
  • Market your business in the Member Directory
  • Add company social media and website links to online directory listing (include multi-media and expanded content with enhanced or upgraded membership)
  • View and edit your company information, representatives and groups
  • Personalize company and representative profile social media links, graphics and contact information
  • Distribute news on northsachamber.com blog and/or eNews with Press Release feature (with upgraded membership)
  • Broadcast your brand and website with a Sponsor Ad on northsachamber.com (with upgraded membership)
  • Promote an event through the Calendar of Events
  • Post RFPs, publicize them online and search procurement opportunities with member login
  • Market your product/service through the MarketSpace online member store
  • Recruit talent through a more robust Job Bank
  • Advertise your product/service through public or member-to-member Hot Deals
  • Review summarized Reports for membership profile, and Sponsor Ad, Hot Deal and Job Posting views (where applicable)
  • Access the Member Handbook for a desktop how-to reference for utilizing your membership benefits

We will be sending you your new login credentials with an invitation to access the Member Information Center. You can access the login at any time by visiting www.chamberlogin.com. If you did not receive these credentials, please contact: dzucker@northsachamber.com

We appreciate your patience during our transition period, and as always are available by phone or email to assist you. It’s our pleasure to serve you and we hope to see you very soon.

CONTACT – MEMBERSHIP SERVICES
Samantha Fojtik
Manager Marketing & Membership Services
sfojtik@northsachamber.com
(210) 384-7726

CONTACT – MARKETING SERVICES
Whitney Lewis
Manager Marketing
wlewis@northsachamber.com
(210) 384-7725

CONTACT – MEMBER LOGIN
Deb Zucker
VP Technology & Finance
dzucker@northsachamber.com
(210) 384-7720

 

 

 

North SA Chamber offers online, on-demand training

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

 

North Chamber logo 4c stackedcoggno logo (1)As part of our efforts to improve business resources for our members, the North San Antonio Chamber of Commerce offers an online training web shop – thanks to a partnership with Coggno.com, the premier Internet source for thousands of online training courses that businesses can access anytime, anywhere. Now member businesses can utilize online courses to create a well-trained, knowledgeable workforce in an efficient, convenient and cost-effective manner; and courses can be accessed at computer workstations, as well as from home computers, tablets and even smart phones. All that’s needed is an Internet connection and a desire to learn.

“We understand that our member businesses are operating in a fast-paced work environment and can’t always send every employee out for essential training,” says North Chamber President/CEO Duane Wilson. “Through the delivery of this comprehensive, online training catalog that aggregates courses from the top online training providers, we’re addressing the need for a more prepared workforce and time scarcity with on-demand course availability,” he adds.

The North SA Chamber online training catalog features hundreds of high-quality affordable courses created by world-class training developers, and covers virtually all industries including human resources, management, healthcare, safety and many more. Most staple HR and compliance courses are available for about $20, while other, more specialized courses range in price.

Additionally, members receive a free Learning Management System (LMS) along with the training they purchase. The LMS allows organizations to distribute courses easily to their employees with just a URL link; track and monitor employees’ training progress; and report and archive training results for compliance purposes.

Top Benefits of Online Training

  • Reduced costs: no need for travel, employee down time
  • Access to talent: highly specialized curriculum
  • Geographic reach and scalability: ability to train employees with distance learning
  • Compliance: for organizations that are required to comply with a multitude of regulations
  • Mitigate risk: training helps to prevent failures, liabilities and litigation
  • Focus on core business: outsource training development, management and delivery
  • Convenience: courses available on-demand, are self-paced and supervisors may distribute to and track courses for each employee via the free Learning Management System (LMS)Take advantage of this opportunity to build a more productive, skilled workforce. Visit the North SA Chamber Training Online Shop today.

Follow these steps to access training

  • Visit www.northsachamber.com and click on Training Online Shop to explore the online catalog
  • Click on a course category from the topic menu
  • View the course options
  • Click “Add to Cart” to select a course for purchase
  • Click “Checkout” when you have selected all the courses you want to purchase

Hiring? Get the word out with North SA Chamber Job Bank

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

Job-SearchThe North SA Chamber is continuing to meet the needs of businesses for a readied workforce. The Job Bank is a no-cost tool to for member businesses to access a larger pool of applicants, and the online search tool is a free community resource to job seekers.

“We will promote the Job Bank heavily in 2014 to veterans, transitioning professionals, college students and recent grads,” says North Chamber chairman of the board, Annie Turner, Wells Fargo.

Only members have the exclusive ability to post job openings and there is no additional charge outside annual membership dues. Go to northsachamber.com, click on Member Login and select Post Job Openings to begin posting. All job listings will be reviewed and approved for publishing by the North Chamber database administrator, but job openings should be live within 24 to 48 hours (often the same day). Listings remain online for 30 days – or until a member removes the post, or if a member sets a closing date before the 30 day limit.

Job Bank listings will be visible to any visitor to the North Chamber website under the Job Bank tab at the top right of the site.

Click here for directions on how to post a job opening.

Click here to view the Job Bank listings.

North San Antonio Chamber, State Farm and UTSA launch Student Memberships

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

North Chamber logo 4c stackedThrough the generosity of a grant by State Farm, the North San Antonio Chamber of Commerce has added college student membership to its community offerings, and the first 10 student members will be selected from the UTSA College of Business.

State Farm LogoCOSOne of the North SA Chamber’s strategic goals for 2014 is to meet the needs of the business community with a readied workforce. The North SA Chamber 2014 Chairman of the Board, Annie Turner, Vice President and Business Banking Manager for Wells Fargo, is focused on engaging millennial workers by building a bridge between education and the workforce.

“So many business owners and organizations are looking for qualified people. If you have a qualified workforce, then that just improves the community overall,” says Turner. “Thousands of baby boomers are retiring from the workforce each day, and we’re facing an enormous leadership gap. The North SA Chamber can help veterans, millennial workers and just about every professional in any interest area to access resources to sharpen their professional skills and build relationships through our various instructional and networking events and volunteer opportunities,” she adds.

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.”

North SA Chamber member Jake Jacobson, Sales Leader of the West Sales Territory for State Farm, was seeking ways to increase the insurance company’s involvement within the North SA Chamber and recognized the student membership offering as an ideal opportunity to support emerging leaders. “State Farm engages in ongoing efforts to recruit the best qualified talent,” says Jacobson. “Getting college students involved in real-world interaction with the business community struck us as a practical way to help grow the local talent pool,” he adds.

Jacobson, who works closely with the UTSA College of Business, identified UTSA as the sponsoring university to select the inaugural 10 student members.

Dr. Lisa Montoya is Associate Dean for Undergraduate Studies in UTSA’s College of Business. She will work with Jacobson to identify eligible students and the State Farm Team will select the grantees. The 10 student members will be identified and their memberships activated by August 1.

“At UTSA, we’re doing our part to educate our future business leaders and provide them with the skills they will need to compete in the business world,” says Dr. Montoya. “We’re excited that the North Chamber is providing college students a forum for relationship building with business leaders in a real-world environment. Experience makes all the difference when it comes job seeking and candidate selection. We’re grateful to the North Chamber and State Farm for creating this opportunity,” Dr. Montoya adds.

State Farm will identify five local agents who each will mentor two college students through their early months of membership with the North SA Chamber. “The business community is a big place. We want to help shepherd the college students through to help them network and build confidence,” says Jacobson. “But we trust this first class of students will leverage their membership, and hope to see each of them placed with local employers as they build relationships and build their resume,” says Jacobson.

Businesses interested in sponsoring college student members, or students interested in joining individually may learn more by visiting www.northsachamber.com and clicking on the Join Now tab or calling (210) 344-4848.

About State Farm®
State Farm and its affiliates are the largest provider of car insurance in the U.S. and is a leading insurer in Canada. In addition to providing auto insurance quotes, their 17,800 agents and more than 65,000 employees serve 81 million policies and accounts – more than 79 million auto, home, life and health policies in the United States and Canada, and nearly 2 million bank accounts. Commercial auto insurance, along with coverage for renters, business owners, boats and motorcycles, is also available. State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company is the parent of the State Farm family of companies. State Farm is ranked No. 43 on the Fortune 500 list of largest companies. For more information, please visit statefarm.com®.

About UTSA
The University of Texas at San Antonio is an emerging Tier One research institution specializing in health, energy, security, sustainability, and human and social development. With nearly 29,000 students, it is the largest university in the San Antonio metropolitan region. The UTSA College of Business offers a comprehensive curriculum at the undergraduate, master’s and doctoral level that expands the boundaries of a traditional business education. Nationally ranked and internationally recognized, the college is home to 5,100 business students and features traditional degrees in areas such as accounting, finance and marketing as well as specialized programming in entrepreneurship, information security and real estate finance and development.

About North SA Chamber
The North San Antonio Chamber of Commerce has been keeping member businesses and San Antonio strong for 40 years by advocating on behalf of member businesses large and small; delivering exceptional, business-to-business networking opportunities; honoring leaders at every age and career stage; and cultivating the workforce through leadership and professional development training. For more information, visit us online at www.northsachamber.com.