Volunteer Spotlight: Enterprising Women’s Conference (EWC) Chair – Lisa Kopecky, eESI

Kopecky_LisaAbout the Company: San Antonio-based eESI is an accredited PEO (Professional Employer Organization) providing human resources, payroll, benefits and risk management services to its clients throughout the nation. Lisa is responsible for eESI’s service operations and driving client satisfaction by leading their diverse team of industry professionals in identifying client needs and developing solutions for their ever-changing business environment.

About the Program: The Enterprising Women’s Conference (EWC) is a full-day leadership and professional development conference that provides a powerful learning environment with informational keynote speakers and breakout sessions and strategic networking opportunities. In partnership with the national ATHENA Foundation, the North Chamber is the exclusive local host organization for the presentation of the ATHENA Leadership Awards® Program that credits rising stars, seasoned professionals and model organizations for achievement, community service and leadership cultivation with the ATHENA Young Professional Leadership Award, ATHENA Leadership Award and ATHENA Organizational Leadership Award.

Personally Speaking: Lisa has been involved with the North Chamber for two years – attending Networking Breakfasts and recently graduating from Leadership Lab. She says, “The North Chamber has been instrumental in helping the business community gain access to resources and information necessary for their growth and development. The North Chamber is eESI’s chamber of choice because of their events, civic involvement and demonstrated leadership and commitment to San Antonio enterprise.”

Infrastructure Committee Chair: Jim Koenig #Jacobs

180x150-JacobsOLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAAbout the Company: Jacobs is a multidiscipline architecture/engineering firm with more than 60,000 employees worldwide. The firm’s 65-person San Antonio office provides professional services including Global Building (vertical building), Water Infrastructure Programs (public works projects, environmental services), Transportation Programs (highways, airports, railways), Site Civil (commercial, mixed-use, residential), Urban Design & Planning (master planning, landscape, urban planning), Construction Management and Inspection and Survey.

About the Program: This committee reviews transportation and infrastructure planning, construction and maintenance issues, as well as the political and financial issues relating to these improvements. A guest speaker presents on a related topic followed by a report by each public agency present.

Personally Speaking: Jim has been an active North SA Chamber volunteer for over nine years and has served on the board for six years. Jim says, “The North Chamber is a great venue for business networking and establishing meaningful and long lasting personal business relationship

Leadership Lab Alumni Association Chair: Karen Guz #SAWS

180x150-SAWS

Guz_KarenAbout the Company: The mission of San Antonio Water System (SAWS) is to provide secure affordable water services for their customers. Since the formation of SAWS, San Antonio has been recognized nationally for its novel conservation efforts and proactive water management planning, making San Antonio water’s most resourceful city. As the Conservation Director for SAWS Karen leads a team that assures efficient use of our water resources through programs that engage people in their homes and businesses.

About the Program: The Leadership Lab Alumni Association is an unincorporated affiliate of the North San Antonio Chamber of Commerce and serves the alumni of the North SA Chamber Leadership Lab program by supporting and fostering the relationships developed by participation in Lab; providing alumni ongoing opportunities for leadership development and the establishment of new business and personal relationships; providing support and resources to Lab participants and to association members; enhancing the image and visibility of Lab and alumni in the community; and marketing association members to other business members of the Chamber.

Personally Speaking: Karen says, “The North Chamber has the capacity to bring together an enormous variety of business and community leaders who share a vision of a thriving and vibrant community. North Chamber working groups and events provide opportunities for individual professional growth, but also enhance community economic opportunities.”

Membership Committee Chair: Scott Kopecky, Akin, Doherty, Klein & Feuge, P.C.

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAABOUT THE COMPANY: Akin, Doherty, Klein & Feuge, P.C. was founded in 1991 with four professionals and a dedication to personal service to their clients. Today, the firm employs more than 40 professionals, and they believe that tremendous growth is largely the result of each partner being directly engaged with their clients. The partners and staff of Akin, Doherty, Klein & Feuge, P.C. are committed to maintaining current knowledge of their clients’ business and personal needs by being available throughout the year to discuss and review matters. Scott joined the firm in 1997 with specialties in estate, gift and closely held businesses, as well as experience in individual and estate taxation and planning.

ABOUT THE PROGRAM: Membership Committee volunteers address the issues of new member engagement and involvement, as well as retention by welcoming and orienting new members by phone/email and greeting/hosting new members at monthly Networking Breakfasts.

PERSONALLY SPEAKING: Scott says, “The North Chamber has been a great resource for us to network with other business professionals in the San Antonio area. The Chamber is also invaluable in the information it provides its members on current events and issues facing business owners in the San Antonio area.”

How 2 Series Committee Chair: Raymond Longstreth, Generations Federal Credit Union

Longstreth_RaymondABOUT THE COMPANY: Generations Federal Credit Union was founded by a group of city employees in 1940 and has a rich history of serving all who live, work, worship, volunteer or attend school in Bexar County with its “people helping people” approach. The credit union has been recognized locally, regionally and nationally for innovative, award-winning products and services that reach out to everyone in our great community as they work toward their financial goals. Raymond Longstreth is a Business Development Analyst who assists small business owners seeking development opportunities to grow and expand their businesses. Raymond offers solutions like education, products, services, lending or referrals, as well as honest and objective feedback on the barriers and problems that often prevent owners from taking their business to the next level.

ABOUT THE PROGRAM: The North Chamber is committed to small business development and has designed this series specifically for small businesses on the road to economic recovery. The How 2 Series offers information to help businesses improve every aspect of their business with practical operational knowledge – focusing specifically in 2013 on social media.

PERSONALLY SPEAKING: Raymond works an advocate for small businesses in Bexar County, and says education is the key to success. “I am excited to participate in the North Chamber’s How 2 Series. The topics are engaging, informative, relevant and exactly the kind of education needed for success in today’s business environment,” he adds.

Small Business Leaders Awards Chair: Marilyn Hartmann, Security Service Federal Credit Union

Hartmann_Marilyn-spotlightAbout the Company: Security Service Federal Credit Union is a $6.5 billion credit union, the largest credit union in Texas and the eighth largest in the U.S., with its corporate headquarters located in San Antonio, Texas. Security Service serves more than 850,000 members in Texas, Colorado, Utah and around the world. It has built a reputation of strength, stability and convenience by offering its members financial soundness, unmatched hours of service and competitive financial products and services. Marilyn has over 30 years of experience, and as Manager she is responsible for overseeing Commercial Loan Production at the credit union and meeting their commercial member’s needs.

About the Program: The SBLA program recognizes the very best of our community’s business leaders. Qualifying nominees must have less than 100 employees to be considered and awards are presented in a number of categories including new business, community service, employee relations, business innovation, career achievement, business achievement, business advocacy and overall achievement.

Personally Speaking: Marilyn has served on the Ambassadors committee for eight years; she chaired the Small Business Leaders Awards committee in 2012; she chaired the How 2 Series committee in 2011; and chaired the Ambassadors committee in 2010. She served on the Gala committee, and Marilyn was named the Ambassador of the Year in 2006, 2007 and 2008. She says, “The chamber offers tremendous networking opportunities and direct benefits from being actively involved. This is where I have chosen to focus the majority of my business-related volunteer hours on an ongoing basis.”

State of the County & Mayor’s Vision for San Antonio Chair: Rob Killen, Kaufman & Killen, Inc.

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAAbout the Company: Kaufman Killen is a law firm specializing in land use, economic development and local governmental relations. Kaufman Killen represent clients in San Antonio, Austin and surrounding communities on issues such as zoning, vested rights, annexation, tax abatements and the creation of special districts.

About the Program: Hear the Mayor’s Vision for San Antonio during a luncheon program featuring keynote address by Mayor Julián Castro and get “the Bexar facts” regarding County priorities directly from County Judge Nelson Wolff at the State of the County luncheon.

Personally Speaking: Kaufman Killen has been a member of the North Chamber for many years. In 2011 and 2012, Rob served on the Executive Committee as chair of the Business Development Council, and now is serving as chair of the Government Affairs Council. Rob says he has been involved and will stay involved with the North Chamber, “because I believe it is the most effective advocate for the San Antonio area business community.”

eTech Newsletter Chair: Bryan Guinn, Prism Technologies Group

Guinn_BryanAbout the Company: Prism Technologies Group enjoys more than 60 combined years of IT experience. Prism has made a name for itself in South Texas for delivering cost-justified, ROI-steeped IT solutions. Their approach is simple – Prism will not make a single recommendation without first having a firm understanding of the workflow and departmental needs of the environment. In addition, Prism offers clients multiple potential solutions in order to find the intersection of budgetary constraints and IT performance. Prism is focused on reliability, response, and efficient solution delivery. Bryan manages operations, sales and marketing teams.

About the Program: The eTech Newsletter is a valuable member service that provides thought leadership on timely technology issues, products and services.

Personally Speaking: Prism has been a North Chamber member for almost four years. Bryan is involved in the Technology Council and says he has, “established meaningful relationships and received good leads and business from my involvement. The value of the chamber is very high and is a must for any company servicing clients in San Antonio.”

CIO Breakfast Chair: Manish Kapoor, NuStar Energy L.P.

Kapoor_ManishAbout the Company: NuStar Energy L.P. is one of the largest independent liquids terminal and pipeline operators in the nation. NuStar currently has 8,573 miles of pipeline; 87 terminal and storage facilities that store and distribute crude oil, refined products and specialty liquids. Manish Kapoor is Senior Vice President of Information Systems at NuStar Energy, L.P. He is responsible for providing Technology Infrastructure, Automation Technologies, Business Application Technologies, and Business Process Reengineering, as well as other activities.

About the Program: CIO breakfasts are a knowledge series designed exclusively for and by CIOs and is open to technology and IT executives. At monthly breakfasts, speakers discuss current and relevant technology issues and local IT leaders share experiences and ideas with their peers.

Personally Speaking: Manish says he has enjoyed the CIO Breakfast Series as it, “provides an environment for the local CIOs to share their problems and solutions in a vendor-free environment.” He adds, “The North Chamber plays an important role by helping to build the future technology workforce in the San Antonio area.”

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

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

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

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