Tag Archives: Community

Family Service Association’s Adopt-A-Family holiday program

By North SA Chamber Editor
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Family Service Assoc_colorFor over 20 years Family Service Association has helped give thousands of families hope for the holidays through their Adopt-A-Family program. With major sponsors like Valero, Family Service is ensuring a bright December for San Antonio.

Take for instance, Valencia Carter. Her family was helped by the program. The only thing she wanted was to give her youngest son something nice. She spoke to her other two children and let them know that with deep regret she could only afford one present that year. Her eldest children accepted noting that their younger brother still needed something to believe in.

Family Service Association stepped in and quickly found her a family willing to donate items. The day of pick up soon arrived and Valencia stood awestruck and in tears. “The only thing my baby wanted was a bike; he could not stop thinking about it and brought it up every chance he got. I could not afford to get him a bicycle at the time so I had no idea how I was going to tell him.” The day she went to The Neighborhood Place, among the many wonderful basic need items, was a brand new shiny bicycle.

“I will never forget my son’s face.” Valencia Carter says, “To the people, whoever they are, that got us all of those wonderful things. I do not know if they will ever understand just what they did for my family. We have hope again that somehow everything is going to be ok.”

Family Service Association’s Adopt-A-Family program is still going strong. Help us. Call 210-299-2400 and let us know you want to adopt. Alternatively, fill out our sponsor application form found here: https://familyserviceassocation.wufoo.com/forms/2016-adoptafamily-sponsor-registration/

 

 

Habitat for Humanity of San Antonio’s Home Centers will be open on Black Friday!

By North SA Chamber Editor
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HabitatforHumanity_HOMECENTER SLOGAN LOGOFor the first time in 20 years the Habitat Home Centers will be open on Black Friday. Our stores have always celebrated a very long Thanksgiving break, but with a surplus of merchandise in all three stores the doors will be open Friday and Saturday after Thanksgiving.

We don’t expect to see customers lining up at our doors at 3am, but with an abundance of great buys available we know that our customers will leave with smiles on their faces and bargains in their shopping bags.

The opportunity to give the community an avenue to purchase goods at a low cost aligns with what Habitat for Humanity of San Antonio does, ”working to help families in need and to help them build affordable homes for themselves…”

Families who would otherwise not be able to afford new furnishings or home building material can rely on the Home Centers to provide what they need without breaking the bank.

The Habitat Home Centers sell new and donated material to the public at or below retail and proceeds from those sales fund Habitat for Humanity of San Antonio home builds for local low-income families.

What a great way to give back this holiday season by not only knowing you are helping another family purchase their new simple, decent and affordable home all while saving money when shopping at the Home Centers. To learn more about Habitat’s home building program; visit www.HabitatSA.org.

When you shop in any one of the 3 local Habitat Home Centers, you will be amazed to find new dinette sets, mattresses, bedroom sets, cabinets, counter tops, flooring and more.  Donated material ranges from doors and windows to appliances and other “do it yourself” material.

In an effort to capture the attention of more customers, Habitat’s Home Centers have also launched online sales through eBay.  Purchase many of the regular inventory items without the hassle of traffic and long lines.  You can conveniently purchase your goods through PayPal and pick up your merchandise the next business day.

We are excited to extend our business an additional couple of days and offer specials to the community. We have brought in merchandise specifically for Black Friday and know that this will be a great buying opportunity for Home Center customers.

Visit any one of 3 stores between 8am and 6pm this November 28th and 29th to see what’s in stock for you.  Inventory changes frequently so shop often; shop early.

www.ebay.com/usr/311homecenter

www.facebook.com/HabitatHomeCenter

www.pinterest.com/habitathomecent

www.twitter.com/@311homecenter

www.HabitatSA.org

You are invited to shop at the Habitat Home Center and make their first ever Black Friday Sale a success!

South central location: 311 Probandt St. San Antonio, TX 78204

Northeast location: 5482 Walzem Rd. San Antonio, TX 78218

Northwest location: 8125 Meadow Leaf Dr. San Antonio, TX 78227

Silver & Black Give Back awards $50,000 to Team Up Challenge semifinalists

By North SA Chamber Editor
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silver black give back Logo_Horizontal_AlternateSilver & Black Give Back today announced 20 student-led groups as the 2014-15 Team Up Challenge semifinalists. Each group will receive $2,500 to begin their service-learning projects. The 20 semifinalists were selected based on proposals submitted for projects to improve their communities. The semifinalists were announced in a surprise ceremony presented by SWBC at the AT&T Center, with help from Spurs forward Jeff Ayres, Stars head coach Dan Hughes, Rampage forward Quinton Howden, the Silver Dancers, Ice Girls, T-Bone, Team Energy and DJ Quake.

This year, semifinalist projects serve a wide range of community needs with many focusing on health and fitness, peer leadership, caring for the homeless and improving the environment. The 20 semifinalists represent four different local school districts: Alamo Heights ISD, North East ISD, Northside ISD and San Antonio ISD. In April, five groups will be selected as Champions based on their work within the community and each group will be presented with a check for $20,000 to continue their service-learning projects.

2014 – 2015 Team Up Challenge Semifinalists:
This year’s Team Up Challenge semifinalists: Alamo Heights Junior High School (Helping our Friends & Family), Briscoe Middle School (National Junior Honor Society), Carvajal Early Childhood Education Center/Lanier High School (Grandes y Pequeños), Colonial Hills Elementary School (Colonial Hills Giving Back), Construction Careers Academy (Parade of Homes), Estrada Achievement Center (Garden to Table), Franklin Elementary (The Connection Group), Graebner Elementary (Griffin Garden), Highland Park Elementary (Running Club), Highlands High School (Voices for Animals Club), International School of the Americas (Social Entrepreneurship), Lowell Middle School (S.O.L.E. Mates), MacArthur High School (JROTC), Mead Elementary School (Mead Student Council), Page Middle School (Stampede to Health Club), The Playhouse/Bonham Academy (The Playhouse Conservatory), Reagan High School (The Reagan Garden Project), Rogers Elementary (PALS), Smith Elementary (Team Tiger), Stevens High School (Transformers…the Fit Falcons).

The Team Up Challenge encourages students to apply what they are learning in the classroom to the real world, bringing education alive in powerful ways. Students create projects that address needs that will help improve their community in one of five categories: Arts & Culture, Education, Environment, Health & Wellness or Uniformed Services.  As a premier initiative of Silver & Black Give Back, Spurs and Rampage players have worked alongside the students to help bring their vision to life. Visit TeamUpChallenge.com for more information.

About Silver & Black Give Back
Silver & Black Give Back is a 501(c)(3) public charity that invests in the community in partnership with the entire Spurs Sports & Entertainment family of teams.  Since 1988 our players, coaches and staff have focused on fostering young talent and enriching the community by encouraging local youth to become responsible adults and give back through programs like Spurs Youth Basketball League and Team Up Challenge. More information on Silver & Black Give Back can be found at www.sbgb.org.

San Antonio Water System Federal Credit Union votes to merge with Generations FCU

By North SA Chamber Editor
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180x150-generationsThe Boards of Directors of San Antonio Water System Federal Credit Union (SAWS FCU) and Generations Federal Credit Union (Generations FCU) have announced their intent to merge.  The merger was approved by SAWS FCU members at a special meeting on Tuesday, September 9, 2014 and had previously been approved by the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA).

“When we began to consider a merger, we knew we wanted to provide our members access to the same services they would expect from the larger banks and credit unions, but at the same time, we wanted them to retain the personalized and detailed service they have come to expect from our credit union,” said Veronica Godley, Board Chair of SAWS FCU.  “Generations is the perfect combination of both.  After meeting with their senior team and discussing philosophies, we know they share the same dedication to community and the membership that we’ve held for 56 years.”

SAWS FCU was founded in 1958 to serve employees of San Antonio Water System.  Since that time it has grown to a credit union with $2.7 million in assets and nearly 1,100 members.  The credit union is currently headquartered at the SAWS Building located at 2800 U.S. Highway 281 in San Antonio.

Generations FCU was founded in 1940 and has more than $500 million in assets, 48,000 members and 14 branches across the community.  In addition to an expanded portfolio of both consumer and small business products, SAWS FCU members will have access to 55,000 surcharge-free ATMs nationwide, 5,000 shared branching locations, deposit by phone and the ability to access their accounts through mobile device or computer.  The merger is expected to be complete as of Tuesday, September 30, 2014.

“We are honored by the faith that SAWS FCU has placed in us through this merger and look forward to welcoming them as Generations members.  For nearly 75 years, our credit union has been a trusted advisor to our members and to our community, providing them with the tools they need to be financially successful. We look forward to bringing that same level of expectation and dedication to our newest members,” said Steve Schipull, President and CEO of Generations FCU.

September Word from the Chairman

By North SA Chamber Editor
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Turner_Annie-Chairmans-photo-PRRecognizing Excellence
One of the most rewarding aspects of Chamber service and involvement is to participate in one of our recognition programs. We recently recognized Jane Macon, Edith McAllister and Rosemary Kowalski with the Governor Dolph Briscoe, Jr. Salute to Excellence Award, and it was an honor to listen and learn more about three of San Antonio’s most distinguished trailblazing women. Each has contributed so much to our economic and social landscape through her professional, civic and philanthropic works. To each – Jane, Edith and Rosemary, we salute your excellence!

You’ll have another opportunity soon to join our chamber community in recognizing the nominees of the ATHENA Award® Program on Friday, September 26, at the Omni Hotel at the Colonnade during the Enterprising Women’s Conference. EWC will feature informative speakers – including San Antonio’s Poet Laureate Dr. Carmen Tafolla, networking, retail exhibits and the presentation of the prestigious ATHENA Young Leadership Award, ATHENA Organizational Leadership Award and the ATHENA Leadership Award to a deserving organization, young and seasoned leader for professional accomplishment, community service and opening doors of leadership opportunity for women.

Advocacy Alert: Support for Constitutional Amendment for Increased Funding for Transportation
A strong transportation infrastructure is fundamental to Texas’ quality of life and economic vitality, attracting new businesses and generating new jobs. According to the latest report of the 2030 Commission, approximately $6.1 billion per year in construction funding is needed to achieve “worst possible” transportation conditions and $9.5 billion per year is need to achieve “minimally competitive” transportation conditions. The current State budget results in a $1.1 billion shortfall in transportation construction funding and that shortfall will increase to $3.5 billion in the next biennium based on current revenue projections.

Thus, the North San Antonio Chamber board of directors supports the proposed constitutional amendment to provide for the transfer of certain general revenue to the economic stabilization and state highway funds, and for the dedication of the revenue transferred to the state highway fund to be used only for developing public roads (not toll roads) and that those dedicated funds be allocated by the Texas Department of Transportation in a manner consistent with existing formulas to ensure that the entire state benefits from this additional funding. The proposed amendment will be on the November 4, 2014 ballot and we encourage you to vote in favor of the amendment that increases funding for transportation. Help to keep Texas moving!

Online Resources: Training, Job Bank
Did you know the North SA Chamber offers an Online Training web shop? In partnership with a premier Internet source for thousands of online training courses, your Chamber provides your business access to online training – anytime, anywhere. Your HR department and managers can utilize online courses to create a well-trained, knowledgeable workforce in an efficient, convenient and cost-effective manner; and your employees can access courses at their computer workstations, home computers, tablets and even smart phones. The 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.

The North SA Chamber also offers a no-cost Job Bank for member businesses to gain access to a larger pool of applicants, and the online search tool is a free community resource to job seekers. Members may post job openings and there is no additional charge beyond your annual membership dues. You will need a personal login to post a job, and you may request a login here. All job listings are reviewed and approved for publishing, posted within 24 to 48 hours and remain online for 30 days – or until a member removes the post.

New! – North SA Chamber Member Benefit Solutions program by MetLife
We have teamed up with MetLife to present the North SA Chamber Member Benefit Solutions program that offers members with 2 to 999 employees competitive group rates for life, dental, disability and vision coverage. To learn more about how this supplemental coverage program can benefit you, download the Membership Benefit Solutions flyer, contact your agent or broker or search the FIND A MEMBER online directory to find a member agent or broker.

Be a part of it.
Your North SA Chamber is hard at work with member volunteers planning and producing top quality professional development programming to help your business. On behalf of our staff and volunteer corps, I invite you to join a committee or attend an event to take advantage of the services your Chamber provides. You can learn more about various Participation Opportunities and upcoming Events online, or call the North SA Chamber at (210) 344-4848.

American Diabetes Association 2014 Step Out: Walk to Stop Diabetes Kick-Off Rally

By North SA Chamber Editor
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PrintJoin our Honorary Chairs Dr. Brian Woods –  Superintendent of Northside ISD, Ed Garza – Former City of San Antonio Mayor and SAISD President District 7, Dr. David M. Player – Founder, Chairman and Principal of Health by Design and the American Diabetes Association (ADA) along with other community leaders at the Kick-Off Rally for Step Out: Walk to Stop Diabetes on Wednesday, September 10th, from 6-8 p.m. It is being held at The County Line – 10101 Interstate 10.

This event will rally together Step Out participants from across the city to share in the excitement of the 2014 Step Out event, which will unite thousands of people to help STOP DIABETES. We will be publicly introducing our 2014 Youth Ambassador for Step Out: Walk to Stop Diabetes. Participants will also enjoy great BBQ while hearing from community leaders such as the San Antonio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and will learn about the toll diabetes is having on this city and throughout the country. The rally will motivate and encourage teams to build enthusiasm for taking the first step to stopping diabetes through fundraising for Step Out. Step Out has already garnered the support of many companies in our community, both large and small, as well as family groups, clubs, and organizations. You will have the opportunity to speak with individuals who have stepped up to create and lead teams for Step Out and hear why they feel so strongly about ending this disease. Please join them in their fight to support the American Diabetes Association!

What: American Diabetes Association 2014 Step Out: Walk to Stop Diabetes Kick-Off Rally
When: Wednesday, September 10th, 6-8pm
Where: The County Line – 10101 Interstate 10
RSVP: www.diabetes.org/stepoutkickoff2014

Step Out: Walk to Stop Diabetes is one of the American Diabetes Association’s signature events. This annual walk brings communities together all across the country to raise funds for diabetes research and education as well as to raise awareness about diabetes right here in San Antonio. Participants will enjoy entertainment and themed rest stops along with prizes, food and multiple “zones” with lots of activities for the whole family. This year’s Step Out event will feature a 5K Walk/Run & 1 Mile Short and Snappy Family Walk. Step Out will be held at the Mission County Park Pavilions in San Antonio on Saturday, November 8, 2014.

The American Diabetes Association is leading the fight against the deadly consequences of diabetes and fighting for those affected by diabetes. The Association funds research to prevent, cure and manage diabetes, delivers services to hundreds of communities, provides objective and credible information, and gives voice to those denied their rights because of diabetes. Founded in 1940, our mission is to prevent and cure diabetes and to improve the lives of all people affected by diabetes.

Local Child Protective Services kids get school supply boost from KENS 5, Generations Federal Credit Union and Corner Store

By North SA Chamber Editor
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generations fcu logokens5com-logo-310Generations Federal Credit Union and Corner Store will partner with CBS affiliate KENS 5 to collect school supplies for the approximately 7,000 Bexar County children who are under the care of Child Protective Services.

Individuals are encouraged to participate by bringing supplies to the KENS 5 studios during the week of August 4 through August 8, donating online at http://info.mygenfcu.org/bills-elves or dropping off supplies at any of the 14 Generations Federal Credit Union branches between July 23 and August 9.  The school supplies will be delivered to the CPS offices during the week of August 11 and case workers will distribute the collected supplies to the children.  Individuals who donate will receive a coupon for a free Kolache and a cup of Cibolo Mountain premium coffee from Corner Store.

“This school supply drive is a win-win for everyone involved.  It enables Generations to make a tangible difference in our community and it provides these students with the supplies they need to be successful during the school year.  Additionally, the families who take in these children receive little to no financial assistance from the State, so it provides us with the opportunity to help them out as they step up to the plate to help these kids,” said Generations FCU CEO, Steve Schipull.

Hosted by KENS 5 Chief Meteorologist, Bill Taylor, the bi-annual event collects school supplies in August and Christmas toys in December.  The KENS 5 studios are located at 5400 Fredericksburg Road and volunteers will be out in front of the studios at the 4, 5 and 6 p.m. newscasts during the week of August 4 through August 8.

“San Antonio has always been a community that comes together to take care of our own.  The Bill’s Elves initiative has been very successful year after year and we look forward to exceeding our goals and making a difference in the lives of these great kids,” concluded Schipull.

About Generations Federal Credit Union
For nearly 75 years, Generations Federal Credit Union has been an advocate of financial growth and development within the community, offering award-winning financial education classes, as well as products and services that truly make a difference.  Generations strives to be a trusted advisor, offering personal attention that provides members with the financial skills they need to be successful.  Their tailored approach to banking enables them to deliver personalized service for both businesses and consumers.

 

SWBC Real Estate purchases land in Flower Mound for multi-family development

By North SA Chamber Editor
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180x150-SWBCSWBC Real Estate, LLC, announced that it recently purchased nearly 11 acres of land located within The River Walk at Central Park – a master-planned, mixed-use community in Flower Mound, Texas. The company plans to break ground on a 357-Unit Class A multi-family property in July of 2014.

Riverwalk Village will be comprised of 357 rental units, in 12 streetscape-style apartment buildings, constructed of stucco and brick veneer exteriors. The average unit size will be 857 square feet with one-bedroom, two-bedroom, and three-bedroom units.  Stylish interior features include nine-foot ceilings, walk-in closets and storage, crown molding in formal living areas, stainless steel appliances, and granite countertops. Tenants will enjoy a first-class clubhouse with a resort-style pool and spa, state-of-the-art fitness center, direct access or detached garages, a private entrance gate system, and waterfall and river walk views.

“Only one multi-family property has been built in the past 12 years in Flower Mound,” said Stuart Smith, SVP, SWBC Real Estate. “With its location in the heart of the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex and easy access to major thoroughfares, Riverwalk Village will attract tenants looking for first-class amenities in close proximity to numerous retailers, restaurants, and entertainment venues that are being built in The River Walk at Central Park community.”

SWBC Builders, LLC, an entity of SWBC Real Estate, will be the general contractor for the project. The proposed total construction time for Riverwalk Village from start to finish is 20 months. In addition to this project, SWBC Real Estate is currently developing two other multi-family projects – Overlook Ranch in Fort Worth and Twin Creeks at Alamo Ranch in San Antonio.

About SWBC Real Estate
SWBC Real Estate, LLC (www.swbcrealestate.com) is owned by SWBC Enterprises, Ltd. SWBC Real Estate is managed by an experienced team of real estate professionals located in Dallas, Texas, with a primary focus in multi-family development. SWBC Enterprises, Ltd. is owned by Charlie Amato and Gary Dudley, co-founders of SWBC. SWBC is a diversified financial services company providing a wide range of insurance, mortgage, and investment services to financial institutions, businesses, and individuals. With offices across the country, SWBC is committed to providing quality products, outstanding service, and customized solutions in all 50 states. SWBC was named one of the “100 Best Companies to Work for in Texas” in 2012, 2013, and 2014. For more information, visit www.swbc.com

H-E-B ‘Market at Stone Oak’ slated to open Friday, June 20th

By North SA Chamber Editor
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HEB_logo_plainSan Antonio community leaders, neighbors and customers are invited to join H-E-B leadership on Friday, June 20 to celebrate the much-anticipated opening of the one-of-a-kind Market at Stone Oak, located at the corner of Hardy Oak and Wilderness Oak.

The new 80,000-square-foot store will offer customers thousands of unique product selections in hundreds of departments, an outdoor children’s playground and a family-friendly restaurant adjacent to the store named Oaks Crossing.

H-E-B stoneoak2Open for lunch and dinner, the Oaks Crossing eatery will serve a variety of chef-inspired meals, rare wines and a wide selection of Texas craft brews on tap. Menu items will include: locally sourced barbeque with traditional sides, Neapolitan-style pizzas, hot and cold sandwiches, salads, pasta bowls, Asian-inspired bowls, small appetizer plates, burgers, Mexican food, a kid’s menu and variety of desserts. Customers can choose to enjoy their meal in the indoor café seating area, or on the expansive outdoor patio which will feature multiple televisions and live entertainment. The restaurant will be open from 11 AM to 10 PM, Monday through Thursday and 11 AM to 12 AM on Friday through Saturday. On Sundays, the hours will be 10 AM – 10 PM with a jazz brunch from 10 AM – 2 PM.

“H-E-B is thrilled to add another uniquely tailored neighborhood store to our San Antonio community,” said Dya Campos, H-E-B Public Affairs Director. “Bringing low prices and great service to San Antonio is an H-E-B tradition, and we look forward to serving the Stone Oak community for many years to come.”

heb-stoneoak-piThe Market at Stone Oak will showcase an array of specialty departments, including: an expanded H-E-B Organics section, a produce selling station and fresh juice bar, a sushi shop, a nut butter station and a specialty cheese shop. The unique store layout will also feature the largest beer and wine section in the San Antonio region and a Primo Pick Kitchen.

Additional highlights from the new store will include:

  • An in-house pharmacy with dedicated pick-up and drop-off counters, immunizations, a patient education room, two-lane drive-through service and prescription delivery service
  • A dedicated seafood department with specialty products and additional frozen and fresh options including fish, shellfish and fresh burgers
  • Healthy Living department with over 200 bulk food items, spices and tea. Choose from fresh-ground nut butters, local honeys, bulk jerky and natural and organic beauty products.
  • A beer and wine section with over 600 beer brands, 37 percent of which will be craft offerings, as well as a wine selection featuring local and international offerings from Greece, Israel, Yugoslavia and South Africa
  • A produce section with over 100 local and organic selections, fresh juice station, and in-store fruit and vegetable cutting station
  • Full-Service Meat Market offering USDA Prime, natural and organic meats
  • An expansive deli featuring over 250 fresh-cut artisanal cheeses, over 30 varieties of hummus, charcuterie plates and in-house roasted meats
  • A bakery department with custom, “to-order” cake decorating, scratch flour tortillas and bread and individual pastries
  • A general merchandise department with expanded offerings in the following categories: Sports Nutrition, Cosmetics, Organic baby assortments and Pro hair Care

North San Antonio Chamber partners with State Farm and UTSA to launch Student Memberships

By North SA Chamber Editor
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North Chamber logo 4c stackedThrough the generosity of a grant by State Farm, the North San Antonio Chamber of Commerce announces the addition of 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.