Category Archives: Press Releases

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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BEXAR COUNTY AND NORTH SAN ANTONIO CHAMBER UNVEIL BEXAR COUNTY MILITARY AND VETERANS SERVICES CENTER AT GRAND OPENING

By North SA Chamber Editor
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Mary-Margaret Hasslocher
November 12, 2018

BEXAR COUNTY AND NORTH SAN ANTONIO CHAMBER UNVEIL BEXAR COUNTY MILITARY AND VETERANS SERVICES CENTER AT GRAND OPENING

SAN ANTONIO, TX – Bexar County and the North San Antonio Chamber unveiled the new Bexar County Military and Veterans Services Center at a grand opening celebration. The program included remarks by Congressman Will Hurd, Brigadier General Laura Lenderman, Texas Land Commissioner George P. Bush, Bexar County Judge Nelson Wolff, Bexar County Commissioner Kevin Wolff, North San Antonio Chamber President and CEO, Cristina Aldrete, and Boeing executive, Tyler Schroeder.

The Bexar County Military and Veterans Services Center begins serving active military personnel and their families six months before discharge through an assessment and customized plan of action to reach their post-service career goals within six months post-active duty.  Approximately 4,000 active duty military process out of the military into Bexar County each year.

Judge Nelson Wolff announced in May that the North San Antonio Chamber serves as the exclusive chamber of commerce to connect the Bexar County Military and Veterans Services Center with San Antonio businesses looking to recruit former members of the military.  The Bexar County Military and Veterans Services Center business partners are members of the North San Antonio Chamber Business and Workforce Development Council.

Boeing Omni SA Hotel at the Colonnade SAWS
BDO Pape-Dawson Spurs Sports & Entertainment
Christus Santa Rosa Health System Raba-Kistner SWBC
Hallmark University San Antonio Chapter of AGC Wells Fargo
Joeris Zachry Corporation

Cristina Aldrete, President and CEO of the North San Antonio Chamber, said, “As a business organization, we are proud to be the exclusive chamber partner for the Bexar County Military and Veteran Services Center. Our Business and Workforce Development Council has worked tirelessly over the past year to identify business needs and workforce gaps in San Antonio. The business community is eager to connect with our viable service members and spouses, and the North San Antonio Chamber is honored to facilitate the access.”

The North San Antonio Chamber will continue to work with the business community to identify key industries and specific San Antonio based companies in need of workforce, and match those companies with Bexar County Military and Veterans Services Center.

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Founded in 1974, the North San Antonio Chamber 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 businesses in Bexar County. 

 

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | LinkedIn

Contact: North San Antonio Chamber
Mary-Margaret Hasslocher
Director of Public Affairs
M: 210-273-3231
mhasslocher@northsachamber.com

 

North San Antonio Chamber Announces 2018 Small Business Leader of the Year

By North SA Chamber Editor
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Mary-Margaret Hasslocher
October 11, 2018

NORTH SAN ANTONIO CHAMBER ANNOUNCES

2018 SMALL BUSINESS LEADER OF THE YEAR

SAN ANTONIO, TX – The North San Antonio Chamber awarded Mona Helmy, CEO of Helmy Associates & Co., the 2018 Small Business Leader of the Year.  Helmy Associates & Co. is the parent company of Helmy Plastics, a San Antonio based plastics thermoforming manufacturing company.

Helmy Plastics specializes in thin and heavy gauge plastic forming using in-house 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.

“We are very excited to be awarded the 2018 Small Business Leader of the Year and 2018 Manufacturer of the Year, not only because Helmy was the recipient, but because the North San Antonio Chamber has a manufacturing award category this year.  We hope, as a manufacturing company, that this award will bring awareness to the impact of manufacturing in our city and tempt people to buy Made in San Antonio and Made in The USA!” Mona Helmy said.

The award ceremony dinner also presented Maryanne Guido, CEO of Guido Construction Company, with the 2018 Lifetime Achievement Award.  Guido Construction Company began as a small business 91 years ago and has since provided $3 billion in construction to San Antonio.

Nine exceptional small business leaders from a variety of categories were also awarded for their positive contribution to San Antonio and their leadership in their respective industries.

The 2018 Small Business Leader Award recipients were honored at the 22nd annual awards dinner on October 10, 2018 at the McNay Art Museum.  More than half of the awards went to women-owned businesses.

2018 Small Business Leader of the Year

Mona Helmy, Helmy Associates & Co.

2018 Lifetime Achievement Award

Maryanne Guido, Guido Construction Company

Education Institution of the Year

Hallmark University

 

Manufacturer of the Year

Helmy Associates & Co., Inc.

 

Public Relations Business of the Year

Komet Marketing Communications

 Financial Services Business of the Year

TexStar Bank

 

Military & Veteran Business of the Year

Adjuvant Consulting, Inc.

 

Technology & Security Business of the Year

EPIcenter

Healthcare Business of the Year

Gonzaba Medical Group

 

Non-Profit of the Year

Main Plaza Conservancy

 

Women Owned Business of the Year

K Friese + Associates

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Founded in 1974, the North San Antonio Chamber 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 businesses in Bexar County.

 

North San Antonio Chamber Announces Winners of 2018 Small Business Leaders Awards

By North SA Chamber Editor
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Mary-Margaret Hasslocher
September 20, 2018

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

SAN ANTONIO, TX — The North San Antonio Chamber has selected the winners for the 2018 North San Antonio Chamber Small Business Leaders Awards.

Nine exceptional small business leaders from a variety of categories will be awarded for their positive contribution to San Antonio and their leadership in their respective industries. Of those, one will be selected as the recipient of the Small Business Leader of the Year.

The award ceremony dinner will also present 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 our city.

“I am proud to accept this award on behalf of the Guido Team both past and present!  We are proud to have had the opportunity to play a role in building this great community for so many years. San Antonio is a wonderful city and has been good to us; we are fortunate and excited to do business here!” Maryanne Guido said.

The 2018 Small Business Leader Award recipients will be honored on October 10, 2018 from 6:00 – 9:00 PM at the McNay Art Museum.

2018 Lifetime Achievement Award
Guido Construction Company
Education Institution of the Year
Hallmark University		 Financial Services Business of the Year
TexStar Bank		 Healthcare Business of the Year
Gonzaba Medical Group
Manufacturer of the Year
Helmy Associates & Co., Inc.		 Military & Veteran Business of the Year
Adjuvant Consulting, Inc.		 Non-Profit of the Year
Main Plaza Conservancy
Public Relations Business of the Year
Komet Marketing Communications		 Technology & Security Business of the Year
EPIcenter		 Women-Owned Business of the Year
K Friese + Associates

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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.

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | LinkedIn

Contact: North San Antonio Chamber
Mary-Margaret Hasslocher
Director of Public Affairs

(210) 273-3231

mhasslocher@northsachamber.com

North San Antonio Chamber Board of Directors Names Cristina Aldrete as President and CEO

By North SA Chamber Editor
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North San Antonio Chamber of Commerce

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Mary-Margaret Hasslocher
July 20, 2018

NORTH SAN ANTONIO CHAMBER BOARD OF DIRECTORS NAMES CRISTINA ALDRETE AS PRESIDENT AND CEO

Cristina Aldrete - North San Antonio Chamber - President and CEOSAN ANTONIO, TX — The North San Antonio Chamber today announced that its Board of Directors has appointed Cristina Aldrete as President and Chief Executive Officer effective August 1, 2018. For the last three years, Aldrete has served as the organization’s Executive Vice President and Director of Business Development and Government Affairs.

“During this time of transformation, there is no better person to lead the North San Antonio Chamber than Cristina Aldrete,” said Chris Thiel, North San Antonio Chamber Board Chairman. “Aldrete is a proven leader with business vision and the ability to bring people together. She has proven that leadership isn’t defined by what you say, but by what you do,” he said. “She is credited with being a driving force on local issues being considered at city hall. Her leadership skills draw people together and allow her to advocate through consensus building and that will go a long way as the North San Antonio Chamber enters its next chapter of continued advocacy and growth.”

Since joining the organization in 2015, Aldrete has spearheaded a robust government affairs program that has continued to bring the North San Antonio Chamber to the forefront of local advocacy organizations. She implemented a business & workforce development strategy to help San Antonio meet its current and future workforce needs – a critical component as San Antonio suffers from a low unemployment rate and with an anticipated one million additional residents expected to arrive by 2040.

“The North San Antonio Chamber is bold, business-focused, and results-oriented and I couldn’t be more honored to have been chosen to lead this organization,” Aldrete said. “We have come a long way under the leadership of Duane Wilson, and I am proud to help build upon his many achievements and successes. Our staff and board stand on the shoulders of all of those who came before us and got us to where we are today.”

Outgoing President and CEO, Duane Wilson, said, “Our priority has always been to represent the business community as advocates at all levels of government and all levels of policy-making. I am leaving what was started under my watch in Cristina’s very capable hands. I couldn’t be happier for Cristina, for our staff, and our members.”

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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.

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | LinkedIn

Contact: North San Antonio Chamber
Mary-Margaret Hasslocher
Director of Public Affairs
M: (210) 273-3231
mhasslocher@northsachamber.com

North San Antonio Chamber Enters Into Exclusive Partnership With Bexar County on Development of Bexar County Military Transition Center

By North SA Chamber Editor
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

May 30, 2018

 CONTACT: Mary-Margaret Hasslocher

NORTH SAN ANTONIO CHAMBER ENTERS INTO EXCLUSIVE PARTNERSHIP WITH BEXAR COUNTY ON DEVELOPMENT OF BEXAR COUNTY MILITARY TRANSITION CENTER

SAN ANTONIO, TX – The North San Antonio Chamber has entered into an exclusive partnership with Bexar County to assist in developing the new Bexar County Military Transition Center. The announcement was made by Judge Nelson Wolff at the annual North San Antonio Chamber State of the County address on Wednesday afternoon.

The Bexar County Military Transition Center will seek to attract and retain a skilled workforce through military personnel who plan to transition from the military and stay in San Antonio. Approximately 4,000 active duty military process out of the military into Bexar County each year.

Military Service Officers from Bexar County will start working with military personnel six months before they plan to discharge from the military. The MSO will create an online data profile to assess each active military member’s needs and create a customized plan of action to ensure that all recently transitioned active personnel, and family members, reach their goals and are successful within six months post active duty.

Outside of the gate, the North San Antonio Chamber will work with the business community to identify key industries and specific San Antonio based companies in need of workforce and match those companies with the Military Transition Program. Additionally, the North San Antonio Chamber will work to bridge the gap through partnerships with higher education institutions, such as Hallmark University, who is prepared to retrofit programs in cybersecurity and healthcare for discharging military.

“I am happy to announce a partnership, the first of its kind, with the North San Antonio Chamber. The North San Antonio Chamber will connect our veterans to local businesses for employment. It will be the first direct pipeline to helping them secure employment outside the gate. Our veterans served us and now we want to provide opportunities for them.” Judge Nelson Wolff said.

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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.

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | LinkedIn

Contact
North San Antonio Chamber of Commerce
Mary-Margaret Hasslocher, Director of Public Affairs
(210) 344-4848
mhasslocher@northsachamber.com

 

 

North SA Chamber adds Healthcare Benefit

By North SA Chamber Editor
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North San Antonio Chamber of Commerce

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Mary-Margaret Hasslocher

March 27, 2018

NORTH SAN ANTONIO CHAMBER ADDS HEALTHCARE PLAN BENEFIT TO MEMBERSHIP PACKAGE

SAN ANTONIO, TX – The North San Antonio Chamber has added a healthcare plan component to its membership incentive package.

Members of the North San Antonio Chamber can elect to apply to participate in a new, level-funded healthcare plan. The program is designed for small to mid-sized employers to give reduced up-front benefit costs and increased stability in renewal costs for employers who participate in an overall pooled program. The program offers 14 plan designs through the Cigna PPO network.

The North San Antonio Chamber has engaged exclusively with Gallagher Benefit Services, Inc. to provide this added Member benefit. The member healthcare benefit program will become effective on May 1, 2018.

The North San Antonio Chamber maintains an exclusive partnership with the Gallagher Texas Private Exchange.

“We are excited to have this exclusive offer available to members of the North San Antonio Chamber”, says Duane Wilson, President and CEO of the North San Antonio Chamber.

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North SA Chamber Labor Peace Agreement Recommendation Adopted by City Council

By North SA Chamber Editor
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North San Antonio Chamber of Commerce

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

CONTACT: Mary-Margaret Hasslocher

February 28, 2018

NORTH SAN ANTONIO CHAMBER COALITION RECOMMENDATION TO RESCIND LABOR PEACE AGREEMENT REQUIREMENT ADOPTED BY CITY COUNCIL

SAN ANTONIO, TX – A recommendation by the North San Antonio Chamber to rescind the Labor Peace Agreement (LPA) portion of The Food, Beverage, and Retail Prime Concessionaire (RFP 18-014) for San Antonio International Airport (SAT) was adopted by Mayor Ron Nirenberg on Wednesday following City Council B Session.

The direction to issue the RFP with this LPA clause was done without public input or a full understanding of the increased costs it would create for local food service businesses to compete for the contract.

“We appreciate the willingness of the Mayor Nirenberg and City Council to listen to the business community’s concerns and acknowledge stakeholder input is vital to good city governance”, said Cristina Aldrete, Executive Vice President of the North San Antonio Chamber.

The Labor Peace Agreement would “require that all solicitation documents and contracts for terminal concessions at SAT include a requirement to implement a labor peace agreement between the concessionaire, its affiliates and its subtenants, if any, and any requesting labor organizations which represent or reasonably might represent employees working as part of the prime concession agreement….”

Under these agreements, a private sector employer must secure an LPA with a union as a condition of doing business with the city.

The North San Antonio Chamber assembled an influential coalition comprised of San Antonio business owners and area pro-business advocacy groups to urge City Council and Mayor Nirenberg to remove the LPA portion of RFP 18-014.

The coalition is led by the North San Antonio Chamber and includes the San Antonio Restaurant Association, Associated Builders and Contractors – South Texas Chapter, San Antonio Chapter of Associated General Contractors, San Antonio Manufacturers Association, San Antonio Real Estate Council, and the San Antonio Tourism Council, among others.

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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.

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | LinkedIn

Contact
North San Antonio Chamber of Commerce
Mary-Margaret Hasslocher, Director of Public Affairs
(210) 344-4848
mhasslocher@northsachamber.com

 

 

Duane Wilson, President and CEO of North San Antonio Chamber Announces Retirement

By North SA Chamber Editor
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North San Antonio Chamber of Commerce

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Mary-Margaret Hasslocher
February 20, 2018

PRESIDENT AND CEO OF NORTH SAN ANTONIO CHAMBER ANNOUNCES RETIREMENT

SAN ANTONIO, TX – Duane Wilson, President and CEO of The North San Antonio Chamber will retire from his position effective June 30, 2018.

Wilson has served as President and CEO of the North San Antonio Chamber for 25 years.  He announced his retirement to the North San Antonio Chamber Executive Committee early Tuesday morning.

Wilson was active in transportation and infrastructure development in San Antonio.  He has served on various boards including San Antonio Mobility Coalition, Northside Lions Club, and the San Antonio Technology Accelerator Initiative.  Prior to joining the North San Antonio Chamber, Wilson served 26 years as the District Manager for Southwestern Bell Telephone Company.

“Serving the North Chamber for the past 25 years has been an incredible opportunity and one that has greatly enhanced my professional and personal life.  It has been an honor to serve all the membership of this great business organization and the incredible group of volunteers that assist in the mission of the North Chamber.”

Wilson is a San Antonio native and graduate of Our Lady of the Lake University.  Duane is married to his wife, Bettie, and has two children and three grandchildren.

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PERMALINK

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.

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | LinkedIn

Contact

Mary-Margaret Hasslocher, Director of Public Affairs

North San Antonio Chamber

(210) 273-3231

mhasslocher@northsachamber.com