Tag Archives: Community

IBC Bank awards $19,000 in scholarships to area graduates

By North SA Chamber Editor
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IBC Bank logoFor the 13th consecutive year, IBC Bank-San Antonio is promoting higher education by awarding a combined $18,000 in scholarships to 18 area high school graduates as they embark upon college and a new chapter of their adult lives. The students were awarded the A.R. Sanchez, Sr. Memorial Scholarship Award at a citywide reception Thursday, June 27 at IBC Bank-San Antonio’s Nakoma branch located off U.S. Highway 281.

IBC Bank-San Antonio began this market-wide scholarship initiative in 2001 to provide the opportunity for higher education to youth from low to moderate income households. Born into a humble family, Antonio R. Sanchez, Sr., the namesake of the scholarship award and the founder of IBC Bank, was a strong supporter of making higher education available to those interested in bettering their lives. Sanchez’s commitment to the power of learning lives on in the A.R. Sanchez Scholarship Award, which is bestowed annually upon deserving high school seniors in South Texas and the upper Gulf Coast area.

“The A.R. Sanchez, Sr. Memorial Scholarship Award tangibly demonstrates IBC’s ‘We Do More’ philosophy and reiterates the bank’s firm stance on promoting higher education in the community,” IBC Bank-San Antonio President and CEO Mike Sohn said. “These deserving high school seniors are the future business men and women of San Antonio, and we are proud to assist them in their pursuit of higher education.”

This year, IBC Bank-San Antonio presented a total of 18 A.R. Sanchez, Sr. Memorial Scholarship Awards, each valued at $1,000, across 11 area high schools. Scholarship award recipients included: Orlando Ordonez – Luling High School; Malaina Vargas – San Marcos High School; Ben Pelayo – Roosevelt High School; Valeria Sanchez, Sierra Zamarripa, Doris Pineda, and Brianna Luera – Fox Tech High School; Yael Garcia-Torrescano, Amanda Balderas – Robert E. Lee High School; Emerald Lopez and Jorge Cano – South San Antonio High School; Amber Rodriguez – James Madison High School; Amanda Collins – Douglas MacArthur High School; Evelyn Cray, Tony Dawson, and Rodney Miller-Whitby – Sam Houston High School; Narda Martinez-Saenz – International School of the Americas; and, Rigo Cardenas – Harlandale High School.

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In addition to their scholarship, students were provided a free “Get Smart About Credit” financial literacy course, presented by IBC Bank-San Antonio. Credit management techniques taught in this course empower students to develop strong financial habits for a lifetime. The course informed students about different types of credit, the importance of credit worthiness, keeping records for checking accounts and how to identify ways to save money.

IBC Bank-San Antonio is a division of International Bancshares Corporation (NASDAQ: IBOC), an $11.5 billion multi-bank financial holding company headquartered in Laredo, Texas, with 217 facilities and 337 ATMs serving 88 communities in Texas and Oklahoma. IBC Bank-San Antonio has been serving the Alamo City community since 1986 and has a retail branch network of 30 locations throughout the area. More information is available at www.ibc.com. Visit us on our YouTube channel, IBCBankWeDoMore. Member FDIC/International Bancshares Corporation.

North SA Chamber comments on the US 281 Draft Environmental Impact Statement

By North SA Chamber Editor
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North Chamber logo 4c horizontal

June 19, 2013

TXDOT-ENV
Attention: Vickie Crnich
125 E. 11th Street
Austin, TX 78701-2483
RE:  Comments on the US 281 Draft Environmental Impact Statement

Dear Ms. Crnich:

The North San Antonio Chamber of Commerce, representing almost 1400 business entities, has been a continued supporter of added capacity improvements along the US 281 corridor from Loop 1604 to Borgfeld Road.  While the completion of the US 281 Super Street eased congestion slightly, we are  seeing congestion at unacceptable levels once again during early morning and evening drive times.

Traffic volumes have increased significantly along US 281 in recent years and are expected to continue growing at a rapid pace.  According to TxDOT and MPO data, the portion of US 281 0.3 miles north of Loop 1604 saw Average Daily Traffic (ADT) of 133,000 in 2010.  ATD will rise to 205,000 by 2035.

Employment growth along the corridor has also risen from 3,312 in 1980 to 25,635 in 2005, and is projected to increase to an estimated 43,635 in 2035.  Also, according to an analysis conducted by the SA-Bexar County MPO, the number of residents living in census tracts adjacent to the portion of US 281 that is being studied will reach 142,240 by 2035, an increase of 93 percent from 2005.

Of the three alternatives under consideration in the Draft EIS, we feel the No-Build Alternative should be rejected as it will not address future growth and congestion.  Additionally, the No-Build Alternative fails to address safety and air quality concerns resulting from increased congestion.

The two proposed Build Alternatives address growth that has either already occurred or is likely to occur, and the North San Antonio Chamber supports moving forward with one of the Build Alternatives.

Regarding the issue of funding, we have actively supported use of available federal, state, and local funding to build new non-toll lanes.  However, based on recent Congressional and Legislature inaction on transportation funding, the outlook for additional funding for added capacity projects locally and statewide appears minimal at best.  In the absence of such funding, we support moving forward with the project through either managed lane and/or toll funding approaches.

On behalf of the North San Antonio Chamber of Commerce, we thank you for the opportunity to provide comments as part of the US 281 Draft Environmental Impact statement.

Sincerely,

E. Duane Wilson
President & CEO

Morningside Ministries staff honored for outstanding service to San Antonio seniors

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MM Main logoAt LeadingAge Texas’ 54th Annual Meeting and Trade Show in Austin, locals will be honored for their outstanding contributions to provide quality aging services to San Antonio area seniors.

Patsy Johnson, a resident of Morningside Ministries at The Meadows will receive The Volunteer Achievement Award. When the resident theater group found itself having to purchase plays they deemed less than interesting, the theater director decided to ask her best friend – a fellow resident whose writing ability was remarkable – to write plays for their productions. After much hesitation, Patsy got to work. After Patsy brought down the house with her first production in 2011, she has produced 11 plays that are now awaiting publication.

“At age 78, something in my brain responded. To date I have written 16 plays. As an eighty year old confined to a power chair for mobility because of muscular dystrophy, I feel blessed to have found such challenging creative outlets,” said Patsy.

Anne Shinn, an employee of Morningside Ministries has been referred to as having “a servant’s heart”. Serving as the Dining Services Director for the past 24 years, Anne is honored with the Dietary Services Award. Her accomplishments include three complete dining room renovations. What’s more, Anne invites prospective residents to a “tasting” event to sample delicious bites from Morningside’s five chefs on staff.

Two employees of The Village at Incarnate Word will also be awarded for their outstanding service to their senior living community. Rita Revilla has just celebrated 50 years in the Environmental Services Department with Incarnate Word and will receive the Environmental Service Award for her amazing work. Rita reigns supreme in laundry and has no intention of slowing down. “I feel good keeping busy,” she said. “The more I do, the better I feel. I like everything here and I am very happy.”

Debbie Gonzales, honored with the Community Service Award has been the Connections Coordinator for The Village at Incarnate Word since 2004. Making the community outreach program her passion, Debbie has created a well-balanced program including wellness, recreation, spiritual and healing activities and workshops that really make a difference in the quality of life for the seniors in the community.

Morningside Ministries Senior Living Communities and The Village at Incarnate Word are both mission-driven, faith-based, non-profit organizations that provide seniors retirement living options with the highest quality of care. Both organizations are members of LeadingAge Texas and have been serving the San Antonio area for over 50 years.

Additionally, Morningside Ministries won Website of the Year Award from LeadingAge Texas.

“Morningside Ministries is honored to receive the award for Website of the Year. We are very flattered that an organization such as LeadingAge Texas would recognize our company for this prestigious accolade.

The goal of our website is to provide a service to those in need of help or guidance. Our website allows Morningside Ministries to continue to carry out it’s mission to “Care for Those Who Cared for Us.” We are privileged to have this recognition and we look forward to growing our web presence in the years to come.”

Helping support a home away from home for families with seriously ill children

By North SA Chamber Editor
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jBankLogoThe skills that make a good bank manager can also be valuable in supporting organizations that contribute to our community’s quality of life. Jefferson Bank’s managers and employees participate in many social initiatives throughout the city, and Phyllis Trager’s work with Ronald McDonald House Charities of San Antonio (RMHCSA) is an excellent example.

Trager, Vice President and Banking Center Manager of Jefferson’s Alamo Heights Banking Center, knew of RMHCSA through the bank before they asked her to join their board two years ago. RMHCSA provides a home away from home for families who have a child being treated at a local hospital. Ronald McDonald House Charities of San Antonio operates three facilities in Bexar County and two in Laredo: free-standing houses in the Medical Center and on Lewis Street, and in-hospital facilities at Children’s Hospital of San Antonio, Laredo’s Doctor’s Hospital and Laredo Medical Center.

Soon after she joined the RMHCSA board, Trager became better aware of the value of Ronald McDonald House operations.

A few years ago, one of Trager’s fellow employees went into emergency preterm labor, and the baby was airlifted to Houston.

“When I heard that, I called Ronald McDonald House and found out there was a facility near the hospital where their baby was going to be. They ended up staying there for over 30 days. It’s not where you want to be – you want to be home with your child and have everything be ok, but when you need them, the Ronald McDonald Houses are there,” she said.

Like many RMH facilities, San Antonio’s centers offer families a combination of private and public spaces. Each family has access to a kitchen where they can cook for themselves. There’s a game room and other public spaces to relax. Recently, Trager said, televisions were donated to the houses so that every family can have a TV in their private suites. Ronald McDonald Houses are an economical alternative to hotels.  They offer the benefit of staff and the company of other families facing the emotional challenges of a child with a serious illness. It is a community of support and understanding.

“It’s just amazing the stories you hear. Ronald McDonald Houses are really vital to families with ill children.”

RMHCSA is facing a significant opportunity right now. Pediatric hospitals are blooming all over San Antonio. Christus Santa Rosa has dedicated its entire downtown campus to Children’s Hospital of San Antonio. UT Health Science Center San Antonio has joined forces with Vanguard Health System and Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia to build a new children’s hospital in the Medical Center. The free-standing hospitals join Methodist Children’s Hospital, which has provided pediatric acute care since 1998.

The concentration of children’s hospitals will bring families from all over Texas, Mexico and beyond. To meet the need, RMHCSA is looking at a parcel in the South Texas Medical Center for an expanded facility. In addition, RMHCSA is moving to a brand new, larger space as part of the renovations at Children’s Hospital of San Antonio. This home should becompleted by 2014.

SACU Bridge for U Scholarship awards $18,000 to students

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SACU logoSACU is pleased to announce the six recipients of its 2013-2014 SACU Bridge for U Scholarship, designed to assist SACU members as they move from a two-year community college to a four-year college or university. This year’s scholarship awards totaled $18,000.

“One of San Antonio’s strengths is its solid and accessible community college system. This scholarship is a benefit of SACU membership, providing $3,000 per student to assist our members in ‘bridging’ from a two-year community college to a four-year college or university,” SACU Scholarship representative Juan Antonio Ruiz said. SACU Board of Directors Scholarship Chair Deborah J. McCrary introduced and recognized three of the six winners who attended the credit union’s 78th annual meeting on May 16.

Amy Blanks, member since 2011, from San Antonio; attending the University of Texas at San Antonio; major: psychology.

Silas Espino, member since 2009, fromSan Antonio; attending the University of Texas at San Antonio; major: anthropology

Michaelina Guerra, member since 2010, from San Antonio; attending Texas A&M-San Antonio; major: kinesiology

2013 Bridge for U Scholarship winners & McCrary 78th ann meeting 1960

(photo) SACU Bridge for U Scholarship winners (L to R): Amy Blanks, Michaelina Guerro and Silas Espino. (Not shown: Kyla Barcenas, Ashley Baum and Andrea Rivas)

Unable to attend were:

Kyla Barcenas, member since 2012, from San Antonio; attending Texas A&M-San Antonio, major:  physical therapy

Ashley Baum, member since 2003, from Katy, Texas; attending Texas A&M, major: horticulture

Andrea Rivas, member since 2010, from San Antonio; attending Texas State University; major: visual studies.

SACU established The Bridge for U Scholarship in 2009 and has awarded more than $100,000 in scholarships since the program began. The funds can be used to defray the costs of tuition, books and lab fees and other education expenses. It is available annually to students who qualify. Watch for scholarship information through SACU publications. Visit sacu.com in November 2013 to access applications for the 2014-2015 academic year.

Funding for the SACU Bridge for U Scholarship is part of the credit union’s broader commitment to educational programs in the community, including 14 years as co-sponsor for the ExCEL Golden Apple Award for excellence in teaching and support for the Team-Up Challenge and High 5 Readers programs through the Spurs Silver and Black Give Back. SACU provides endowments at UT San Antonio, University of the Incarnate Word, Our Lady of the Lake University and the Alamo Colleges through the Jeffrey H. Farver Endowed Scholarship. It also supports scholarships through the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo sponsorship and provides an employee tuition reimbursement program.

SACU is a $2.9 billion credit union, with 16 locations in San Antonio and one in Houston. As a member-owned financial institution, SACU provides a wide array of convenient services to members through GOTM, the mobile app from SACU, and numerous online services. Members benefit through competitive savings and loan rates and reasonably priced financial services. There are hundreds of ways to qualify for membership at SACU. Visit sacu.com, or call 210-258-1234 or 1-800-688-SACU (7228) for information.

Wesolowski Recognized as Grassroots Champion

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The American Hospital Association, in partnership with the Texas Hospital Association awarded Jaime Wesolowski, president and chief executive officer of Methodist Healthcare System in San Antonio, with the American Hospital Association Grassroots Champions Award.  As a 2013 Grassroots Champion, Wesolowski is being recognized for his exceptional leadership in generating grassroots and community activity in support of a hospital’s mission.

The American Hospital Association Grassroots Champions Award was created to recognize those hospital leaders who most effectively educate elected officials on how major issues affect the hospital’s vital role in the community, who have done an exemplary job in broadening the base of community support for the hospital, and is a tireless advocate for the hospital and its patients.

“We depend upon strong voices like yours to help tell the story of hospitals as cornerstones of the communities they serve,” said Rich Umbdenstock, AHA president and CEO.  “This award is a small token of our appreciation for your hard work and dedication to improving health and health care in America.”

THA selected Wesolowski for his consistent, strong leadership that continues to impact industry leaders and professionals beyond his own hospital.

“Jaime is a unique voice among senior health care executives in Texas with a clear ability to engage and influence other health care leaders on the most important industry issues,” said Dan Stultz, M.D., FACHE, FACP, THA president/ CEO. “His leadership is exemplary of the kind of role Texas hospital executives are having to improve the health care system in an age of change.”

The award is presented annually to one individual from each state with winners being chosen by the state association. The 2013 honorees were recognized at a special Breakfast of Grassroots Champions at the AHA Annual Membership Meeting on Tuesday, April 30, 2013.  Wesolowskiis one of 52 individuals honored this year.

AMHospAssn logo

About the AHA
The AHA is a not-for-profit association of health care provider organizations and individuals that are committed to the health improvement of their communities. The AHA is the national advocate for its members, which includes 5,000 hospitals, health care systems, networks, other providers of care and 42,000 individual members. Founded in 1898, the AHA provides education for health care leaders and is a source of information on health care issues and trends. For more information, visit the AHA Web site at www.aha.org.

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About the Texas Hospital Association
Founded in 1930, the Texas Hospital Association is the leadership organization and principal advocate for the state’s hospitals and health care systems. Based in Austin, THA enhances its members’ abilities to improve accessibility, quality and cost-effectiveness of health care for all Texans. One of the largest hospital associations in the country, THA represents more than 85 percent of the state’s acute-care hospitals and health care systems, which employ some 369,000 health care professionals statewide. Learn more about THA at www.tha.org or follow THA on Twitter @texashospitals.

About Methodist Healthcare
Methodist Healthcare System – San Antonio is the largest provider of health care in South and Central Texas with 26 facilities including nine hospitals serving 90,000 inpatients and 390,000 outpatients annually. The Methodist Healthcare team is comprised of 8,000 employees, making Methodist Healthcare the second largest private employer in San Antonio. In 2012, Methodist Healthcare was one of only two hospitals in Texas recognized by the Texas Medical Foundation with a Gold Award for Quality. Methodist Healthcare has won the National Research Foundation’s Consumer Choice Award for 13 consecutive years, more times than any other health care provider in Texas. For the past four years, Methodist Healthcare has received “Best Hospital” Gold Award by the San Antonio Express-News’ Readers’ Choice Awards. With more than 2,700 credentialed physicians, Methodist Healthcare provides the largest array of medical services in the region including neurosurgery, cardiovascular services, oncology and women’s services. Visit www.SAHealth.com to learn more.

Security Service Federal Credit Union Awards $20k in Scholarships to Outstanding Students

By North SA Chamber Editor
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Security Services Federal Credit Union

Security Service Federal Credit Union (SSFCU) has awarded twenty high school seniors from Texas, Utah and Colorado with $1,000 scholarships for their college education.

“What better way to give back to our community than to support these bright, future leaders as they pursue their college educations?” said Jim Laffoon, Security Service FCU president.  “We select our recipients based on a strong academic record, well-rounded interests, a character of integrity and focused goals. Each of these students is outstanding in all these areas.”

SSFCU scholars

Cutline: (Back row – from left) Anthony Aktines; Cody Jones; Daniel Martinez; Jayme Greene; Lillian Byas; (middle row – from left) Gilbert Costello; Carolyn Mazuca; Natalie Cormier; (front row – from left) Shamzy Romero, SSFCU business development officer; Ilianna Walker; Hayley Morrill; Kelsey Wong; Brooke Strowd; and Jessica Leal, SSFCU senior communications specialist.

The student scholars honored were:

Cody Jones (Theodore Roosevelt HS, San Antonio, TX)
Carolyn Mazuca (Thomas Jefferson HS, San Antonio, TX)
Anthony Aktines III (Theodore Roosevelt HS, San Antonio, TX)
Noureen Rojani (Douglas MacArthur HS, San Antonio, TX)
Natalie Cormier (John Jay HS, San Antonio, TX)
Kelsey Wong (Tom Clark HS, San Antonio, TX)
Brooke Strowd (East Central HS, San Antonio, TX)
Mariah Cannon (John Jay HS, San Antonio, TX)
Lillian Hilliard Byas (James Madison HS, San Antonio, TX)
Hayley Morrill (Cole HS, San Antonio, TX)
Ilianna Walker (William H. Taft HS, San Antonio, TX)
Jayme Greene (Communication Arts HS, San Antonio, TX)
Maria Calderon (Edinburg HS, Edinburg, TX)
Gilbert Costello III (Hondo HS, Hondo, TX)
Daniel Martinez (Samuel Clemens HS, Schertz, TX)
Portia Loosli (Riverton HS, Riverton, UT)
Brian Likes, Jr. (Las Animas Secondary School, La Junta, CO)
Shelby Lange (Thomas B. Doherty HS, Colorado Springs, CO)
Ryan Hales (Springville HS, Springville, UT)
Anthony Jones (Pueblo HS, Pueblo, CO)

The awards are part of the SSFCU community scholarship program. Over the past 23 years, the credit union has presented in excess of $210,000 to more than 265 college-bound students.  The scholarships, which can be used to pay for tuition, books, lab fees and other related educational expenses, will help these outstanding students attain their educational objectives and professional goals.

ABOUT SSFCU
Security Service Federal Credit Union offers competitive, affordable financial products and services designed to meet the needs of its members. Security Service is an industry-leading financial institution with more than $7 billion in assets and 70 locations in Texas, Colorado and Utah. Headquartered in San Antonio, the credit union is among the top 10 credit unions in the nation and is the largest in San Antonio. Security Service strives to be America’s best credit union and provides the true benefits of credit union membership with financial services of the highest quality and value. Learn more at www.ssfcu.org or call 1-888-415-7878.

SACU will host the 11th Annual Shred Day on Saturday, April 20

By North SA Chamber Editor
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SACU logoSACU and ARMA volunteers will provide free secure shredding services to individuals at six SACU branches on Saturday, April 20, from 9 am – 12 noon, or until the trucks are filled. Branches include Main, 281/1604, Bandera, Ingram, Southside and Windsor. Visit sacu.com to find the branch location nearest you.

Sponsors with SACU are ARMA, WOAI News 4 and six commercial shred companies: Marshall Shredding, Iron Mountain, recall, Cintas, Ranger and Compass.

Shredding sensitive documents helps thwart ID thieves and benefits the environment by saving trees and reducing landfills. At Shred Day over the past 10 years, San Antonio residents  securely shredded 335 tons of paper. One ton of recycled paper saves 17 trees, 7,000 gallons of water, 3 cubic yards of landfill space and enough energy to heat an average home for 6 months, according to the US Environmental Protection Agency.

SACU is a $2.9 billion credit union, with 16 locations in San Antonio and one in Houston. The credit union provides outstanding service at every touch point and convenience through GOTM, the mobile app from SACU, numerous online services and a network of ATMs in greater San Antonio. It provides benefits to members through competitive yields on savings, lower loan rates, and reasonably priced financial services. There are hundreds of ways to qualify for membership at SACU. Visit sacu.com, or call (210) 258-1234 or 1-800-688-SACU (7228) for information.

Antique, Classic and Street Rod Cars Rev Up for Charity

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Security Services Federal Credit UnionSecurity Service Federal Credit Union is proud to fuel the Texas Bowties First Generation Camaro Club’s Third Annual Spring Open Car Show as its title sponsor. Steer your way to this family-friendly event on Sunday, April 14, 2013 at Ancira Winton Chevrolet, 6111 Bandera Road, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Once there, you’ll want to race straight to the lot full of sweet rides from the winner’s circle, including Camaro, Corvette, Chevelle, Chevy, Mustang, Mopar, street rod, trucks, antiques, and more.

The event is free and open to the public, but bring some extra cash for food to keep the little ones tuned up, to purchase raffle tickets that will put you in the fast lane for $1,000 cash or an iPad3 and to stock up on swag, like t-shirts.

It all rolls for a good cause. Proceeds from the show benefit The Magdalena House, which serves low-income, San Antonio area women and children escaping abusive and dangerous situations.

SSFCU OpenCarShow pic

The Texas Bowties are car afficionados who are driven to restore first generation (1967-1969) Camaros. To date, they have wheeled out more than $20,000 to local charities through its events.

For more information call 210-494‐9291 or visit www.texasbowties.com. To purchase raffle tickets, email texasbowties@yahoo.com.

TAB Annual Awards Honor PS&Co. Managing Partner

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180x150-PS&co-redOn March 1, 2013, The Alternative Board (TAB) of San Antonio held its 16th Anniversary Celebration dinner at the Petroleum Club.  During the event, several TAB members were recognized for their contributions to the success of the organization.  PS&Co.’s Managing Partner, John Wright, was honored as the Most Valuable Member of the CEO Board 503!

Wright, John_24At the end of 2012, each board member voted by private ballot for the “Most Valuable Member,” the “Most Interesting Member,” the “Most Improved Company,” “Community  Service,” “TAB Booster,” and “Comeback of the Year.”

This is the third time John Wright has won this award.  Previously, he received the honor in 2008 and 2012.

The Alternative Board is a membership organization of business owners and CEOs who meet monthly in confidential board meetings to assist each other in transforming their business. Members of the TAB CEO Board 503 include Quentin Baker, owner of Baker Engineering & Risk Consultants; Rodney Fischer, president of Midtex Oil; Carolyn Labatt, owner and president of Computer Solutions; Ricardo Martinez, president of Del Norte Foods; Joe Newton, managing partner of Cacheaux, Cavazos & Newton; Steve O’Donnell, managing partner of Hill Country Bakery; Gerald Stowers, partner at Execupay; Alfonso Tomita, president of Sushi Zushi; and John Wright, managing partner of Padgett, Stratemann & Co.

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