Tag Archives: Community

June Word from the Chairman

By North SA Chamber Editor
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Turner_Annie-Chairmans-photo-PRIn 2014, the North San Antonio Chamber set forth an agenda to focus on veterans, workforce development, small business advancement, the millennial workforce and community collaboration.

Veterans
To date, the North Chamber has launched a 15% membership discount for individual veterans transitioning from the military to civilian workforce and for veteran-owned businesses in appreciation of their selfless service to our country. Do you know a veteran-owned business that could benefit from membership with the North SA Chamber? Please invite a veteran to join you for one of our Networking Breakfasts or Power Lunches and introduce him or her to the advantages of Chamber membership.

Workforce Development
The North SA Chamber offers a number of ways to support our diverse workforce, boost employee qualifications and build leadership and professional skills across member companies. Already we’ve hosted a number of programs on Technology, Finance, Sustainability and more. Coming up are a number of opportunities to share information, get instruction and build skill sets on a range of special interest topics.

Calling all marketers, PR pros, business developers and nonprofit, small business or corporate executives who have an interest in marketing outcomes – the North SA Chamber is hosting the Second Annual Social U conference featuring instruction, discussion and networking among thought, strategy and implementation leaders in social and digital marketing on Thursday, September 4, at the Omni San Antonio Hotel at the Colonnade. The program features keynote general assemblies, workshops and networking and product demos in the Social Lounge exhibit hall. To sponsor the event, register or learn more, please contact the staff liaison Renée Crittenden-Garcia (210)384-7730.

We’ll offer the third How 2 Seminar on Wednesday, September 17, from 7:30 to 11 a.m. at the Sonterra Country Club. The program will feature speakers and instruction on topics to help improve your company’s operations. Check the Calendar of Events for topic updates.

We’re proud to once again present the annual Enterprising Women’s Conference (EWC) on Friday, September 26, at the Omni San Antonio Hotel at the Colonnade, featuring topical keynote presentations, workshops, exhibitors, networking and the presentation of the ATHENA Awards® Program. Featured speakers include: morning keynote presentation “Diversity in the Generations” by author Dr. Carmen Tafolla; breakout sessions featuring Kay Wakeham – “Emotional Intelligence,” Dr. Cynthia Phelps – “Compassionate Leadership,” Jan Tilley – “5 Secrets to Living Better Longer,” and Helen Hunter – “Spiritual Life.”

We recently completed the call for nominations for the ATHENA Awards, and will present the ATHENA Leadership, ATHENA Young Professional Leadership and ATHENA Organizational Leadership Awards at the EWC luncheon. To sponsor the event, register or learn more, please contact the staff liaison Susan Deitker (210) 384-7727 or visit the online Calendar of Events.

Small Business Advancement
The North Chamber remains committed to recognizing excellence in small business leadership and we’re excited to highlight the finalists and name the award winners for the 2014 Small Business Leaders Awards on Tuesday, July 22, at the Omni San Antonio Hotel at the Colonnade. New this year – we’ll be recognizing a Veteran-Owned business leader and a Non-Profit organization, as well as presenting awards in the following categories: Small Business Leader of the Year, Small Business Advocate of the Year, Career Achievement, Community Service, Business Achievement, Business Innovation, Employee Relations and New Business.

Congratulations to the 2014 Small Business Leaders Awards Finalists!

John Aramendia
Aramendia Plumbing Heating & Air

Mike Behrend, Chris Behrend, Paul Evans
Green Vegetarian Cuisine

Lisa Fullerton
A Novel Idea, LLC dba Auntie Anne’s Hand-Rolled Pretzels and dba Cinnabon

Bryan Guinn
Prism Technologies Group

Doug and Lori Horn
Dough Pizzeria Napoletana, LLC

Gregory Hudson
Genesis Concepts & Consultants

Melissa Killen
Network Alliance, LLC

Yadira Medina-Torres
Stepping Stone Pediatric Feeding and Speech Therapy Clinic

Bede Ramcharan
Indatatech

Manuel Gerardo Rubio
Miracle Body & Paint

Michele Renee Pauli Torres
HFS Company

Helen Trowsdale
AA Care Services

Jennifer Sample
Providence Place

Gloria Canseco
San Antonio Christian Dental Clinic

Jose Sandoval
SandTech Solutions

Community Collaboration
Julián Castro will offer the Mayor’s Vision for San Antonio on Tuesday, August 5, from noon to 1 p.m. at the Westin Riverwalk Hotel. This presentation will be especially exciting as we await Mayor Castro’s confirmation of his recent nomination as the Secretary of Housing and Urban Affairs. This event is a great opportunity to hear what the Mayor has planned for the City’s trajectory in the coming year – and possibly, how San Antonio will play a role on the national scene should the Mayor be sworn-in to assume the HUD cabinet position.

Millennial Workforce, College Student Memberships
We’re proud to announce the addition of college student membership to the North San Antonio Chamber’s community offerings. 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.”

Businesses interested in sponsoring college student members, or students interested in joining individually may learn more by visiting www.northsachamber.com, clicking on the Join Now tab or contacting Samantha Fojtik (210) 384-7726.

‘Joy’ spreading joy as colorful new Ambassador for Morgan’s Wonderland

By North SA Chamber Editor
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MorgansWonderland_logo“Joy” has taken “flight,” much to the delight of people young and older who come in contact with the new butterfly mascot representing Morgan’s Wonderland, the world’s first ultra-accessible theme park built for everyone’s enjoyment.

Joy’s maiden “flight” into the San Antonio community “landed” at North Central Baptist Hospital’s pediatrics unit where young patients received warm hugs from the multi-colored costumed character.  Joy will make periodic appearances during Morgan’s Wonderland operating hours and represent the theme park at events in the community.  The latest Joy information will be available at www.MorgansWonderland.com.

Joy from Morgan's Wonderland Joy from Morgan's WonderlandJoy from Morgan's Wonderland“We chose a butterfly to be our unique theme park’s mascot and goodwill ambassador because of the ability to emerge from a cocoon, spread wings and soar to new heights,” said Ron Morander, Morgan’s Wonderland general manager.  “Similarly, our special-needs guests visiting Morgan’s Wonderland can have fun in an atmosphere of inclusion and be inspired to do things previously thought not to be possible.”

For example, guests in wheelchairs can take advantage of special swings to experience a sensation most people take for granted, Morander noted.

Morgan’s Wonderland is now heading into the popular summer travel season.  In June, July and up through mid-August, the park will be open daily except on Mondays, Morander noted.  And just like in previous summers, Morgan’s Wonderland will open at 9 a.m. Tuesday through Saturday to take advantage of milder morning temperatures for guest comfort and enjoyment.

In addition to its regular attractions, Morgan’s Wonderland will host summertime special events including a Friday, July 4, salute to active-duty members of the armed forces and first-responders such as firefighters, law-enforcement officers and emergency-medical professionals.  Also, the park will be the scene of a Young People’s Concert of classical music presented by the renowned Cactus Pear Music Festival ensemble at 2 p.m. Wednesday, July 9.

The latest information about the park’s operating schedule and special events is always available at www.MorgansWonderland.com or at (210) 495-5888 or toll-free (877) 495-5888.

Morgan’s Wonderland is located at 5223 David Edwards Drive in Northeast San Antonio a half-mile west of IH 35 at the intersection of Wurzbach Parkway and Thousand Oaks Drive.

April Word from the Chairman

By North SA Chamber Editor
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Turner_Annie-Chairmans-photo-PRAt the beginning of this year, I made a commitment to guide the North SA Chamber to focus on veterans, workforce development, small business advancement, the millennial workforce and community collaboration to promote our mission to strengthen member businesses and the community through the delivery of advocacy, networking, recognition, leadership and professional development programs.

Veterans
To date, the North SA Chamber has approved and extended a 15% discount to Veteran-owned businesses as a way to assist veterans transitioning from the military to civilian workforce. The discount is effective immediately for veteran-owned businesses who are new members joining the chamber.

Additionally, we just completed the call for nominations for the Small Business Leaders Awards (SBLA) program, and new this year – we’ll be recognizing a Veteran-Owned business leader and a Non-Profit organization, as well as present awards in the following categories: Small Business Leader of the Year, Small Business Advocate of the Year, Career Achievement, Community Service, Business Achievement, Business Innovation, Employee Relations and New Business. Stay tuned to learn who the finalists will be.

Workforce Development, Small Business Advancement
Through our programming, the North SA Chamber strives to meet the needs of businesses for a readied workforce and ongoing professional development. We know you’re looking for quality continuing education for your team and qualified applicants.

Recognizing the growing time scarcity among busy professionals, the North SA Chamber has explored online training offerings to provide a more vast range of course topics and to accommodate members’ busy schedules. We’re excited to announce, through a partnership with online training provider Coggno, the delivery of a comprehensive Training Online Shop featuring thousands of courses covering a range of subjects from human resources and safety to business and sales. As part of the launch, the North SA Chamber is offering each member company one free online class, as well as a webinar on Tuesday, May 6, at 11:30 a.m. to learn more about utilizing the Training Online Shop. For more details, please see the complete article in the Special Alert section of this issue of the eNews.

Additionally, at no additional cost – member businesses may post job openings to the online Job Bank, and the online search tool is a free community resource to job seekers. We have been promoting the Job Bank this year to veterans, transitioning professionals, college students and recent grads through the North SA Chamber website, eNews and social media, as well as at trade shows throughout the year to assist you in accessing a larger pool of applicants. Remember – the online tool is as valuable as the content in it, so please post career opportunities at your company. Click here for member login access and instructions for posting jobs.

Moreover, we want to 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. I encourage each of you to review the various North SA Chamber Participation Opportunities and find a committee on which you can serve and make an impact.

Community Collaboration
The North SA Chamber has been working with members and community partners to develop, present and review issues that affect our members’ profitability and overall quality of life.

Already this year, we participated in the SA Conversations series in collaboration with the San Antonio, South and Hispanic Chambers of Commerce to host special guests U.S. Representative Paul Ryan and U.S. Senator Marco Rubio along with moderator Evan Smith, Editor in Chief of the Texas Tribune.

SA Conversations is a series of discussions for the business community to hear from elected officials – beyond the Texas Delegation – who serve in critical roles in commerce, transportation, entrepreneurship and other areas for the purpose of addressing the critical issues that affect enterprise.

We’re very excited to partner with these organizations once again to host a very special guest – the U.S. Speaker of the House John Boehner on Monday, May 12, at the Marriott Rivercenter Hotel from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Click here for more information or to register.

Recognition
One of the most rewarding aspects of my Chamber service is the recognition of what small business owners – particularly women business owners – have done in our community. We are now seeking applications for the ATHENA Leadership Awards® Program.

The North SA Chamber is an ATHENA International Founding Lifetime Memberandthe exclusive, local host organization – in partnership with the National ATHENA Foundation, for the presentation of the prestigious ATHENA Leadership Awards® Program which honors rising stars, seasoned professionals and model organizations with the ATHENA Young Professional Leadership Award, ATHENA Leadership Award and ATHENA Organizational Leadership Award.

Nominations are solicited and an ATHENA sculpture is awarded to local leaders and a business/organization who meet specific criteria at the annual Enterprising Women’s Conference – this year scheduled for Friday, September 26. By honoring exceptional leaders, the ATHENA Leadership Awards® Program seeks to inspire others to achieve excellence in their professional and personal lives.

Please help us to recognize local leaders by nominating a deserving individual or organization and encourage him/her to submit a completed application by Friday, June 6. Download nomination forms here.

40 Years of Keeping Bexar County Strong
I appreciate your membership, participation and volunteerism with the North San Antonio Chamber and invite you to join a committee, attend an event or just follow us in our social media communities. We’re a 40-year-strong, vibrant business network thanks to you, your membership and all that you do keep San Antonio and Bexar County strong.

Volunteer Spotlight – Power Lunch Chair: Jessica Delgado, Broadway Bank

By North SA Chamber Editor
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delgadojessicaJessica Delgado
Broadway Bank

About the Company: Headquartered in San Antonio, Broadway Bank was founded in 1941.  It has evolved from a small neighborhood bank into one of the largest independently owned banks in Texas.  Today, Broadway Bank continues to function as a family-owned and operated financial institution.  Broadway Bank offers a full range of sophisticated financial services, including personal banking, private banking, military banking, business banking and wealth management.  With more than $2.9 billion in total assets, the highly rated Bank operates 38 locations in San Antonio, Austin and the surrounding areas.  Visit the Broadway Bank website at broadwaybank.com for more information.

About the Program: Power Lunch will be your most important meal of the month! The lunch provides attendees the opportunity to introduce themselves and their company to other chamber members, hear an informative speaker and network with other attendees. Check the North SA Chamber Calendar of Events for registration and to look at upcoming topics.

Personally Speaking:  Jessica is currently the Chair of Power Lunch and a Co-Chair of the Ambassadors committee. She has been a member with the North SA Chamber for 6 years and has volunteered for various events such as the Executive Women’s Conference and the Annual Golf Tournament. Jessica is also a proud student of this year’s Leadership Lab class – an award-winning program developed by the chamber to promote leadership development and workforce preparedness. “The North SA Chamber plays a vital role in our community as it offers the ability to promote commerce, meet new people , build stronger connections and achieve both professional and personal goals.”

Express-News wins community service prize

By North SA Chamber Editor
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SA Express News logoThe San Antonio Express-News has built a reputation for solid journalism and community involvement since their first edition in 1865.  That mission continues today, almost 150 years later.

The Texas Associated Press Managing Editors awarded the Express-News first place in community service at the organization’s convention April 5-6 at South Padre Island for the newspaper’s in-depth coverage of sexual assaults in the military.

In the same contest, the Headliners Foundation of Texas also awarded investigative reporter Karisa King a Star Reporter of the Year Award for her work in “Twice Betrayed,” a seven-month project that revealed pervasive and long-standing problems of sex assaults in the military in which offenders are rarely punished or let go from duty. It focused on victims who reported the incidents but often faced retaliation and discharges on questionable claims that they had mental disorders.

Express-News art director Adrian Alvarez also won a Star Designer of the Year Award for his page designs of “Twice Betrayed” and other news stories.

“Series like ‘Twice Betrayed’ exemplify our commitment to public interest journalism,” Express-News Editor Mike Leary said. “We’re proud of receiving recognition for the fine work our staff does.”

The series let many victims tell their stories publicly for the first time and sparked a national debate about the military’s handling of sexual assault cases.

King, who won the Star Reporter Award in 2007 while at the Express-News, now works for the Chicago Tribune.

The newspaper’s community service prize was for its broad coverage of sexual assault cases at Lackland AFB, where training instructors were accused of victimizing trainees.  The winners were King, military writer Sig Christenson, projects editor David Sheppard, photographer Lisa Krantz and director of photography Luis Rios.

The Express-News also won third place in the Team Effort Award for “Twice Betrayed” and an honorable mention for online newspaper of the year.

In addition, Jason Buch, who covers border security issues, won first place in specialty reporting for his writing on money laundering in Mexican drug cartels.

Express-News staff writers Michelle Casady, David Rauf and John Tedesco shared in the first-place award for Class AAAA breaking news report of the year, which was awarded to the Houston Chronicle. Casady and Tedesco also took third place in deadline writing.

Additional Express-News staffers also winning awards in the contest are:

  • John MacCormack won third place and Jennifer Hiller took honorable mention in feature series.
  • O. Ricardo Pimentel won second place in editorial writing.
  • Buck Harvey won second place, and Mike Finger took third place in sports column writing.
  • Patrick Danner and Valentino Lucio combined for a second-place finish in business reporting.
  • Kin Man Hui won second place in sports photography.
  • Lisa Krantz and staff won third place, and Bob Owen won honorable mention in photojournalism. Owen also won honorable mention in the Star Photojournalist of the Year category.
  • The Express-News photo staff won third place and honorable mention in best photo gallery.

Each year, the Express-News competes against other newspapers across the state with Sunday circulations of 125,000 or more, a list that includes the Dallas Morning News, Houston Chronicle and the Austin-American Statesman.

Also at the convention, Diana R. Fuentes, Express-News editor of community publications, took office as the new president of the Texas APME organization.

The Express-News award-winning journalists tell the stories that matter to San Antonio, from in-depth local and enterprise reports to investigative articles.

Plans for the Express-News’ 150th anniversary celebration next year will be announced as the date draws closer.

A look back at Tux ‘N Tennies 2014

By North SA Chamber Editor
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silver black give back Logo_Horizontal_AlternateOn January 10, some of the city’s most dedicated Spurs fans once again laced up there tennis shoes and dusted off their formal wear for the annual Tux ‘N Tennies Gala presented by SWBC and H-E-B. The well-known fundraiser benefits Silver & Black Give Back – the nonprofit of Spurs Sports & Entertainment – and its two flagship programs: Spurs Youth Basketball League and the Team Up Challenge.

Spurs TuxnTennies DSC_0120_1Held at the AT&T Center for the second year in a row, the theme of “Spurs Night Live” transformed the attendees into a live audience and our beloved Spurs into cast members of the legendary sketch comedy show Saturday Night Live. Spurs legend Sean Elliott and sports media darling Michelle Beadle played hosts for the evening’s program with musical guest Vintage Trouble. Spurs players and coaches joined in the festivities by hosting the event and staring in recreations of crowd-favorite SNL sketches from over the years.

Spurs Tux nTennies DSC_0317_1

Home from college during his winter break, one recent Edison High School graduate was on-hand suited up in his tux and tennies to share his Team Up Challenge story with the crowd. Jeremiah Raygoza came to Tux ‘N Tennies with his mentor and his former high school science teacher for an evening they wouldn’t forget.

Jeremiah stood off to the side of the stage waiting for his cue. An Edison High School graduate, Jeremiah is now in his second semester at the University of Texas at Austin where he is majoring in biology. Jeremiah likes math and science … not public speaking.

Once called on stage and introduced, he begins his story. It’s the story of a high school club called e=mc2 that exists to help kids succeed beyond high school. The club focuses on encouraging the pursuit of math and science degrees, mentoring middle school students and visiting college campuses to make going to college seem more like reality less like a dream.

The group was selected as one of twenty Team Up Challenge semifinalists and received a $2,500 grant to keep the project going throughout the 2012-13 school year for a chance to be named a Team Up Champion and win $20,000 to fund the program for years to come. During that time, Jeremiah was thrilled to receive a Dell scholarship to attend UT-Austin.

As the school year progressed and the Champions announcement got closer, Jeremiah made a promise: if the group did not win the Team Up Challenge prize money, he would donate his scholarship to the club and the cause. In the end, everyone was a winner; e=mc2 won the $20,000 prize and Jeremiah started his college journey on the Dell scholarship.

Jeremiah got through his story leaving more than a few people in the audience teary-eyed. The evening was full of fun and full of hope and potential for the programs it supports. The Spurs family has always extended a helping hand into the community, with a heart for the city’s youth. Tux ‘N Tennies will always be a night to reflect on a history of giving and celebrate stories of success.

For more information on Silver & Black Give Back, please visit: www.sbgb.org

February 2014 Word from the Chairman

By North SA Chamber Editor
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OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

Annie Turner, Wells Fargo
2014 Chairman of the Board

Well the North San Antonio Chamber’s 40th Anniversary year is off to a wonderful start, and I want to thank all of our members, supporters and friends who joined us to mark the milestone at the 40th Annual Gala: Bailando España on February 1 at the JW Marriott. It was indeed a night of recognition, camaraderie and entertainment as I laid out the North Chamber’s goals to include a focus on veterans, workforce development, small business advancement, the millennial workforce and community collaboration. View the Chairman’s Vision for 2014

First, I’d like to thank our outgoing Chairman of the Board, Brad Rollins, President of Dahill, for his incredible leadership and years of support and stewardship of the North SA Chamber. Brad worked throughout 2013 to: encourage members to do business with one another; advance our leadership academy, Leadership Lab; promote social and digital marketing to elevate member visibility; and to advocate on behalf of our member businesses. View the Chairman’s Reflection on 2013

Moreover, programs like the Gala don’t just happen without our wonderful staff, volunteers and corporate support. I offer my thanks to North Chamber staff liaisons Chris Bugg and Wendy Thomas, and the entire Creative and Sales Teams for their attention to every detail. I know you’ll join me in thanking our top sponsors at Corporate Travel Planners, Dahill, eESI, Frost, Kaufman & Killen, Inc., Network Alliance, Security Service Federal Credit Union and Wells Fargo for their legacy of support.

Additionally, the Gala program included the presentation of the San Antonian Award to Security Service Chief Executive Officer, David Reynolds. Reynolds accepted the 2014 San Antonian Award, which is reserved for individuals whose business achievements, charitable and civic contributions transcend his or her industry, career and immediate community. The San Antonian honoree is the preeminent example of personal contribution of time, talent and treasure to one’s community.

Reynolds was recognized for his transformational leadership of the credit union and accomplishments including: a continued commitment to military service members; credit union expansion to include a diverse membership throughout the southwestern United States; record capital growth; and fostering a spirit of service across credit union employees in Texas, Colorado and Utah. Additionally, through Reynolds’ service on a number of industry and community boards, he has worked to improve the industry, quality of life in San Antonio and to advance higher education. I wish him well upon his retirement from the credit union in March, 2014. View the San Antonian Award Honoree video

Focus Issues & Volunteer Leadership
Furthermore, we inducted the 50-member 2014 North Chamber Executive Committee and Board of Directors, and the 24-member 2014 Lead SA Board of Directors. Directors offer financial oversight, programming strategy and monitor policy affecting your businesses, as well as financial leadership for our various events and programs. I want to recognize and thank the 2015 Chair-elect, Rob Killen of Kaufman & Killen, and all of the directors for assuming the responsibility of governance. I look forward to working with each of them.

Also, the North Chamber is proud to have the service of more than 20 event chairs and hundreds of volunteers who work on a number of event planning committees. You can learn more about each of our Focus Issue and Volunteers Leaders on the North SA Chamber website and how you can get involved on a committee that meets your interest area. Participation Opportunities

Be a part of it.
Over the last 40 years, the North SA Chamber has endeavored to keep San Antonio and Bexar County strong by advocating for business and education, recognizing deserving leaders, providing professional development and delivering opportunities to make results-oriented business-to-business connections.

I invite each of you to be a part of our 40-year legacy and join us in our efforts. We need your involvement more than ever. Thank you to our board, volunteers and members for all you do, and I look forward to working with you. View the 40th Annual Gala photo gallery

Congratulations! 2014 Leadership Lab Class

By North SA Chamber Editor
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Ll_Logo_2012The North San Antonio Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce the 2014 Class of Leadership Lab participants. Candidates submitted applications last fall, completed an interview process and were selected early this year.

Leadership Lab is the North Chamber’s nine-month, award winning leadership series focused on empowering the leader within each of the Lab participants. The program inlcudes a two-day retreat: Discovering Leadership & You, and eight full-day sessions covering a number of topics from integrity and culture to communications and decision making, as well as change, community involvement and brand strategies.

Please join us in congratulating the 2014 Leadership Lab class and help provide encouragement and support as they embark on their leadership journey.

Jason Adam
Joeris General Contractors, LTD

Bruce Ahlswede
Walton Signage

Gena Alvarez
DeWied International

Victoria Arellano
Walton Signage

Rosantina Aranda
Frost

Danny Arnold
Security Service Federal Credit Union

Caitlin Bagnall
KGBTexas, Inc.

John Barbour
Alterman, Inc.

Colleen Bartee
SWBC

Sjanna Bernal
Security Service Federal Credit Union

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

Paul Cruz
Dahill

Rosemary Davis
Security Service Federal Credit Union

Jessica Delgado
Broadway Bank

Ben Dolan
Deacon Recruiting, Inc.

Brenna Dominguez
Airrosti Rehab Centers, LLC

Michael Easterling
H-E-B

Jan Edmondson
ATKG, LLP

Bryan Edwards
Padgett, Stratemann & Co., LLP

Candy Ferdin
SWBC

Samantha Fojtik
North San Antonio Chamber of Commerce

Todd Freedman
Security Service Federal Credit Union

 James Garcia
SWBC

Bonnie Garza
Dahill

Fred Gibbons
Broadway Bank

Marco Gonzalez
Plains Capital Bank

Joey Goode
CPS Energy

Shannon Grenet
USAA Real Estate Company

Phillip Guajardo
Cleary Zimmermann Engineers

Michelle Hartman
Dahill

Meredith Hatzenbuehler
Denim Group, Ltd

Greg Hemphill
SWBC

Ralph Hernandez
Walton Signage

Reynaldo Hernandez
Morningside Ministries

Katherine Howe-Frilot
WellsFargo

Mark Johnson
Bury

Juan Juarez
Bear Audio Visual, Inc

Tanner Kirchoff
RVK Architects, Inc.

Louis Labatt
CPS Energy

Kathleen Labus
Northeast Lakeview College

Yvonne Larson
Whiting-Turner Contracting Company

Blake LaRue
Joeris General Contractors, LTD

Jesse Lotay
Jackson Walker L.L.P.

Selena Marquez
Preferred Landscape and Lighting

Charlie Martinez
Robot Creative

Pablo Martinez
DeWied International

Willie Martinez
CPS Energy

Teresa McFalls
DeWied International

Sonny Montiel
Broadway Bank

Peter Moser
Security Service Federal Credit Union

Eric Neuner
Raba Kistner Consultants, Inc.

 Adam Neveu
Beyer Mechanical

Amy New
Trinity University

Greg Padalecki
Alterman

Ann Pena
BDO USA, LLP

Amber Potts
Padgett, Stratemann & Co., LLP

Kimberlee Phoenix
Structure Tone Southwest

Wende Preston
Security Service Federal Credit Union

Hilda Quinones
dba Hilda R. Quinones, Engineer

Christen Ramirez
Goen South Events

Kent Rooen
Walton Signage

Sonya Ryals
BD

Krystal Saenz
eEmployers Solutions, Inc.

Rosa Santillan
Crosspoint, Inc.

Paul Santoyo
Cox Smith

Bronwen Scott
Deacon Recruiting, Inc.

Rhonda Scott
eEmployers Solutions, Inc.

Abby Smith
Strasburger & Price, LLP

Sally Smith
Marmon Mok Architecture

TJ Steinkirchner
Project Control

Mark Tang
Equinox Louvered Roofs

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

Jorge Vazquez
SWBC

Dennis Wagner
Gallagher Benefit Services

Eric Wanke
SpawGlass Contractors, Inc.

Jen Webb
SWBC

Chris White
Walton Signage

Alexandra Wood
Frost

Michael Wyant
Zukini Creative

Andrew Young
ENTRUST Technology Consulting Services

 

Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort and Spa awards community grant to Respite Care of San Antonio

By North SA Chamber Editor
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HyattHCResort_logoHyatt Regency Hill Country Resort and Spa is helping Respite Care of San Antonio start the New Year strong, thanks to a generous $20,000 grant from Hyatt Hotels Corporation to further the organization’s mission to provide support and care to children with special needs and their families. The $20,000 grant is one of the highest of the 26 grants awarded to non-profits across the world as part of Hyatt Community Grants, a philanthropic program that empowers Hyatt associates to nominate nonprofits that directly serve their community.

Hyatt Community Grants, a key component of Hyatt Thrive – Hyatt’s global corporate responsibility platform – encourages hotels worldwide to identify and nominate local nonprofits for funding consideration. The program builds on Hyatt’s belief that no one better understands a community’s most pressing issues – and their solutions – than those that live and work there.

“Through the Hyatt Community Grants program, we are able to help Respite address the greatest needs they have in providing for these amazing children,” said Gino Caliendo, general manager. “We have been working with Respite since 2010 and we know this gift will help them continue the important work they are accomplishing.” The $20,000 ties in with the resort’s 20th anniversary and the addition of a 20,000 sq. ft. ballroom.

Respite Care of San Antonio, a locally founded nonprofit organization celebrating its 26th anniversary, serves the most vulnerable in our society, children with special needs. Their original mission – to enhance the stability and the nurturing opportunities of families caring for a child with developmental disabilities – is met through community-based and occasional overnight shelter services designed to give short-term relief to participating parents. In 1997, the mission expanded to provide residential care for children with developmental disabilities and complex medical diagnoses who have been taken into protective custody as a result of abuse and neglect. Respite Care provides care to approximately 450 children each year throughout its various program services.

Bert Pfiester, Respite Care’s President & CEO, shares, “This generous gift from the Hyatt will assist children with developmental delays to be better prepared for learning and maximize their capabilities for a life filled with hope. The specialized care each child receives provides lasting impact.  The children of Respite Care have enjoyed many partnerships with the members of the Hyatt Hill Country family.  This gift again demonstrates the special place our children hold within their hearts.”

About Hyatt Community Grants
Funding for Hyatt Community Grants is provided by Hyatt Hotels Foundation, a donor-advised fund created in conjunction with the National Philanthropic Trust. In 2013, Hyatt Hill Country was one of 26 Hyatt properties from around the world awarding more than US$340,000 in grants to nonprofits in their local communities. Since the program’s inception in 2008, Hyatt hotels have awarded nearly US$1,700,000 to nonprofit organizations in 103 communities and 34 countries around the world.

For more information about Hyatt Community Grants, please visit www.hyattthrive/philanthropy.com.

About Hyatt Thrive
Hyatt’s global corporate responsibility platform, Hyatt Thrive, is designed to help make our communities places where our associates are proud to work, our guests want to visit, our neighbors want to live and owners want to invest. Harnessing the power of more than 90,000 associates worldwide, Hyatt Thrive brings together teams of passionate people to focus on positive local efforts that create a significant global impact.

Hyatt expanded its corporate responsibility commitment with the launch of Ready to Thrive in 2013, a multi-year philanthropic commitment to education initiatives in Hyatt communities around the world. With a focus on literacy and career readiness, Ready to Thrive supports community organizations and programs that offer a launching point for individuals to learn and develop the critical skills needed to professionally advance.

For more information about Hyatt Thrive, please visit www.HyattThrive.com.

The term “Hyatt” is used in this release for convenience to refer to Hyatt Hotels Corporation or one or more of its affiliates.

About the Hyatt Regency Hill Country
The Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort and Spa is located on 300-scenic acres in the heart of San Antonio. The recently renovated 500-room resort features 53,000 square feet of flexible meeting space and 165,000 sq. ft. of indoor and outdoor event space.

Resort amenities include the full-service Windflower-The Hill Country Spa featuring 21-treatment rooms with world-class services, a five-acre water park with a FlowRider® wave machine, 22’ tower waterslide, four swimming pools, Ramblin’ River and regulation sized sand volleyball court. With five restaurants, a lounge and tavern, guests can enjoy superb epicurean dining or cocktails with colleagues overlooking a lushly landscaped 27-hole Arthur Hills-designed golf course. For reservations or information contact 210-647-1234 or visit us at hillcountry.hyatt.com.

Valero Energy Corporation gearing up for Valero Texas Open kick-off

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

Valero logoValero Energy Corporation and the Valero Texas Open staff are already working hard toward this year’s Valero Texas Open PGA Tour tournament, which takes place from March 27-30 at the AT&T Oaks Course at TPC San Antonio. The tournament, which is one of the largest professional sporting events to take place annually in San Antonio, is followed up on March 31 by the Benefit for Children – a unique golf event for more than 2,000 players with morning and afternoon golf outings on 11 of San Antonio’s top courses as well as a sporting clays shooting tournament at a first-class course.

It takes a tremendous amount of work to put on the event each year – including the efforts of more than 1,300 volunteers – but it’s worth it. Together, the Valero Texas Open and Benefit for Children events raised $10 million for children’s charities in 2013 to bring the total raised beyond $81.5 million since the tournament was started.

Valero_photoThe funds for charity are raised through sponsorships, and they are distributed to children’s charities in all of the areas where Valero has major operations in the proportions that those areas raised funds. Valero employees in those areas form committees to choose worthy charities to receive the funds. Last year in San Antonio, nearly 100 children’s charities received a share of the $2.7 million allocated to this year as a result of the tournament.

This year the Valero Texas Open and the Benefit for Children will emphasize the “Drive to $100 million” as the 2014 events help the tournament toward its goal of surpassing $100 million raised for charities. The Valero Texas Open has been the top fundraising event on the PGA Tour for the past several years.

PGA Tour players completing this year promise to feature the same kind of big names that vied for last year’s trophy, including Rory McIlroy, Jim Furyk, Charley Hoffman, K.J. Choi, Padraig Harrington, and 2013 champion Martin Laird.

In winning the 2013 tournament, Laird not only got to take home the top purse of more than $1.1 million, but he also was presented with a custom-made pair of cowboy boots to remind him of his success in Texas.

Ticket packages for the upcoming 2014 Valero Texas Open are already on sale at http://www.valerotexasopen.com