Omni San Antonio Hotel at the Colonnade announces additions to executive team

180x150-OmniSA
The Omni San Antonio Hotel at the Colonnade, an award-winning four diamond hotel, is pleased to announce the following additions to its executive team:

Omar CrespoOmar Crespo
Director of Human Resources
Prior to joining the Omni Colonnade Executive team, Crespo was Director of of Human Resources for We Manage, Inc., overseeing 300 employees from three hotels, three golf clubs and the corporate administrative offices.

Jeremy Lander
Jeremy S. Lander, CHSE
Director, Sales & Marketing
Prior to joining the Omni Colonnade, Lander was Director of Group Sales at the Omni Barton Creek Resort & Spa in Austin.

_CynthiaRivera
Cynthia Rivera
Director of Finance
Prior to joining the Omni Colonnade executive team, Rivera was Assistant Director of Finance at the Omni La Mansion del Rio in San Antonio.

Delfin Ortiz
Also of note: General Manager Delfin Ortiz recently received the Omni Hotels’ 2013 General Manager of the Year Award for Customer Service

UNITED SA Federal Credit Union announces new President & CEO

PrintKyle_AshleyAfter an extensive nationwide search, the Board of Directors of UNITED SA Federal Credit Union (UNITED SA) is pleased to announce the selection of Kyle Ashley as the organization’s new President & Chief Executive Officer.

“UNITED SA is excited to have Kyle take on the role of President & CEO,” said Bill Gregory, Board Chairperson. “He brings extensive executive and CEO experience in the credit union industry with him and he has achieved substantial financial success with other credit unions. We are confident that he will bring similar success to UNITED SA. Kyle is a dynamic, innovative and results-oriented leader who has a strong track record of performance.”

“Kyle has a passion for helping members achieve their financial goals and has worked with other non-profit organizations to improve their communities,” added Gregory. “We are looking forward to him building on the strengths of our existing staff by providing key leadership skills and a clear vision to position UNITED SA for future success.”

Kyle most recently served as President/CEO of Allied Federal Credit Union in Arlington, Texas. He has previously served as President/CEO of Alliance Federal Credit Union and Texas Plains Federal Credit Union in Lubbock, Texas. Kyle earned a Bachelor’s of Business Administration from Texas Tech University.

About UNITED SA Federal Credit Union
Now in its 59th year, UNITED SA Federal Credit Union is headquartered in San Antonio, Texas. Over 25,000 members own and belong to the not-for-profit financial cooperative, which has over $215 million in assets.

Security Service Federal Credit Union introduces Life Balance program for employees and their families

Security Services Federal Credit UnionWhen employees feel their workplace has a strong culture of health, they tend to be happier, less stressed and more likely to take positive steps to improve their well-being, according to a recent study by Aon Hewitt, the National Business Group on Health and The Futures Company. Now, imagine the benefit if that perception were expanded to their families. That’s what San Antonio-based Security Service Federal Credit Union (SSFCU) is counting on with the revamping of its award-winning health and wellness program.

In the new SSFCU Total Wellbeing program, more than 1,700 SSFCU employees and their families are eligible to participate in an individualized, comprehensive life balance program at no cost…one that takes into account their physical, financial and emotional health. Benefits include tools, resources and rewards to help them achieve their physical goals; reduced rates and fees on select financial products; confidential advising for help navigating personal challenges; concierge services and legal and financial help. Everything is accessible from one, easy to use online platform and the program is being marketed extensively to employees.

“At Security Service, we are deeply committed to having happy, healthy employees…and that includes having a good life-work balance and strong financial footing,” says Jim Laffoon, president and chief executive officer for SSFCU.  “I am

thrilled that we are embarking on this initiative that is laying the foundation for a healthier work environment. We are making significant investments providing meaningful and relevant products and services for our employees and their families.”

And it’s working. More people are taking part in the benefits than ever before.

“One of the most popular features of our new program is our support of involvement in community health and fitness events,” says Tom Martin, senior vice president for SSFCU. “We encourage and pay for employee participation in local, community events.

In San Antonio, for example, we sponsored an astounding 223 employees and their families in the Blacklight Run,” he adds. “There’s literally something for everyone –from zombie runs to boat races.”

Studies show that employers like SSFCU are beginning to take longer-term and more holistic approaches to their benefits programs, according to the Wills Health Care Reform Survey for 2014. Almost one-third of companies interviewed were planning to expand wellness programs, with another 29 percent planning to do so in the future.

About Security Service Federal Credit Union
Security Service Federal Credit Union offers competitive, affordable financial products and services designed to meet the needs of its members. Headquartered in San Antonio, Texas, Security Service is an industry-leading financial institution with $8 billion in assets and 70 locations in Texas, Colorado and Utah. The credit union is among the top 10 credit unions in the nation. 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 1-800-52-SSFCU.

Broadway Bank announces new bankers and promotions

BroadwayBank_Logo_tagB_Korb-2014Brian Korb, Ph.D., CFA, CFP, joins Broadway Bank as senior vice president, portfolio manager III, in the wealth management division. He has more than 25 years of investment management and teaching experience. He has held investment-related positions and has taught economics, investments, corporate finance, and personal financial planning as a full-time professor at West Point, Trinity Western University (British Columbia) and Texas Tech University. At Broadway Bank, Korb manages funds for foundations, endowments, retirement funds, trusts and high net worth individuals. He has a Bachelor of Science in management from the U.S. Air Force Academy, a Master of Business Administration with distinction in finance from the University of Michigan, and a Doctor of Philosophy in family and consumer sciences education from Iowa State University. He was awarded the Certified Financial Planner® (CFP®) designation in 1992 and the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation in 2000.

M_Bonilla-2014Monica Bonilla joins Broadway Bank as a vice president, estate settlement specialist in the wealth management division. Bonilla provides legal and practical guidance to Broadway Bank clients regarding the settlement of estates. Prior to joining Broadway Bank, she served as the deputy director and staff attorney for Catholic Charities Legal Guardianship and Money Management. She is a summa cum laude graduate of St. Mary’s University, with a Bachelor of Arts in political science with a secondary level permanent teaching certificate. She earned a Doctor of Jurisprudence from St. Mary’s University School of Law in San Antonio. She was licensed to practice law in the state of Texas in 1996. She volunteers for Catholic Charities and the Community Justice Program of the San Antonio Bar Association.

J_Hardaway_2014Julie Hardaway has been promoted to senior vice president, wealth advisor team manager in the wealth management division of Broadway Bank. Hardaway provides guidance to Broadway Bank clients regarding estate planning and trust and estate administration. Prior to joining Broadway Bank in 2005, she served as the Staff Attorney for Bexar County Probate Court No. 1. She has a Bachelor of Arts in International Studies from Southwestern University in Georgetown. She earned a Doctor of Jurisprudence from Texas Tech University School of Law in Lubbock and was licensed to practice law in Texas in 1996. Hardaway is president of the board of directors of the ARC of San Antonio.

C_Bosquez-2013Cindy Bosquez has been promoted to Banking Center Manager at the Broadway Bank Potranco Village Banking Center. She joined Broadway Bank in 2008 as lead teller at the Culebra Banking Center. Bosquez has 15 years of banking experience and recently earned her Bachelor of Science in finance.

 

About Broadway Bank
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 39 locations in San Antonio, Austin and the surrounding areas. Visit the Broadway Bank website at broadwaybank.com for more information.

BKD, LLP announces promotions

BKD logoJon McDowell, managing partner of BKD, LLP San Antonio office, announces the promotion of Stephanie Bostick and Shawn Loader to manager (tax), Cristina Baumgardner to senior consultant II (Forensics & Valuation Services) and Nathan Scheel to senior associate (audit) April 1, 2014.

Career paths at BKD are divided into levels, and each position is defined by its own set of duties, responsibilities and competencies requiring cumulative and advanced degrees of education, training and experience.  Personnel also must demonstrate their leadership abilities as coaches and mentors, as well as taking an active role in their community.  Individuals become candidates for promotion after successfully mastering their existing level.

Stephanie Bostick BKD_Jan 2012“These individuals have consistently proven their commitment to providing unmatched service to our clients and their commitment to our profession,” said McDowell. “I am proud to work with these talented individuals.”

Shawn Loader BKD_Jan 2012Bostick and Loader serve clients in an array of industries and personal wealth planning.  Bostick graduated from Texas Lutheran University with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting in 2009.  Loader is a 2008 graduate of Trinity University with a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Science of Accounting.

Christina Baumgardner_2012Baumgardner provides fraud investigation, litigation support and data mining services in BKD’s Forensics & Valuations Services division.  She is a 2005 graduate of The University of Texas at San Antonio with a Master of Science in Finance after previously attaining a BBA in Accounting.

Nathan  Scheel_Jun 2012Scheel serves clients in the not-for-profit, manufacturing and distribution, construction, energy and financial services industries.  He graduated from Texas Lutheran University with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting and Business Management in 2012.

 

About BKD
BKD, LLP is the top-tier U.S. CPA and advisory firm that delivers its experience and service with a deep understanding of your business, your needs and what it takes to improve your business performance.  BKD’s approximately 2,000 personnel, including approximately 250 partners, serve clients in 50 states and more than 40 countries.  To learn more, visit www.bkd.com.

Praxity, AISBL, a global alliance of independent firms, enhances BKD’s ability to serve the dynamic needs of multinational clients.  Praxity provides the gateway to tax, assurance and consulting services delivered by alliance firms committed to the highest standards required in international business.

Jim Laffoon steps into role of president and CEO at Security Service Federal Credit Union

Security Services Federal Credit UnionJim Laffoon has been named president and chief executive officer (CEO) of Security Service Federal Credit Union (SSFCU) by the credit union’s Board of Directors. Since 2012, Laffoon has served as the credit union’s president. As president and CEO, Laffoon is responsible for day-to-day operations of the enterprise and strategic direction for SSFCU’s nearly 2,000 employees in Texas, Colorado and Utah. SSFCU’s former CEO, David E. Reynolds, retired in March.

ssfcuLaffoon began his career with SSFCU in 1989 and steadily advanced into roles of increasing responsibility, serving as the credit union’s primary strategist, corporate planner, technologist and operations manager. He was named executive vice president and chief operating officer in 2002.

Laffoon earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration with an emphasis in finance from The University of Texas. Before joining SSFCU, he served as a senior consultant with Arthur Anderson and Co.

About Security Service Federal Credit Union
Security Service Federal Credit Union offers competitive, affordable financial products and services designed to meet the needs of its members. Headquartered in San Antonio, Texas, Security Service is an industry-leading financial institution with $7.9 billion in assets and 70 locations in Texas, Colorado and Utah. The credit union is among the top 10 credit unions in the nation. 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.

Generations Federal Credit Union launches first time autobuyer program

180x150-generationsGenerations Federal Credit Union has launched its My Ride Rules program which is designed to assist first-time car buyers overcome many of the financial hurdles they face as they look to purchase their first new or used vehicle. Generations is the only financial institution in San Antonio that offers a program of this type.

To qualify, first-time buyers need to provide proof of three months of employment history, be at least 18 years of age, have no previous auto loan credit, and show proof of insurance prior to funding.  Applicants do not need a two-year employment history and do not need a co-signer on the loan.

To ensure their financial success, Generations also requires applicants to complete an online First Time Auto Buyer online course that covers topics such as The Total Cost of Ownership, Financing A Car Purchase, Negotiating a Price, Avoiding Surprises, and Common Mistakes When Buying A Car. The online financial literacy course is approximately 15 minutes in length.

MyRideRules_Logo“Introducing a fixed rate monthly payment enables that first-time buyer to establish a history of monthly budgeting and paying off a loan.  It provides them with successful building blocks and, perhaps most importantly, provides them the confidence to build credit independently as they begin to go out and establish themselves in today’s challenging economic environment,” said Clay Thompson, Chief Lending Officer at Generations Federal Credit Union.

The credit union originally introduced My Ride Rules as a one-time promotion in March 2013.  However, due to the significant success of the campaign, Generations made it a permanent product.  To participate in My Ride Rules, first-time buyers cannot have derogatory history and their payments cannot exceed 20% of monthly gross income.  The loan maximum is $25,000 and the term is for 60 months, and refinance options are available for first-time auto loans with other financial institutions.

“Our goal as a credit union is to be a financial advocate for our members, to help them navigate what can sometimes be a tricky path to success.  This program provides first time buyers with the tools they need to not only get a fair deal on that first car, but also how to be successful in paying it off,” concluded Thompson.

Volunteer Spotlight: Ron Riemenschneider, Frontier Enterprises – CFO Forum Chair

Riemenschneider_RonCFO FORUM CHAIR
Ron Riemenschneider

Frontier Enterprises

About the Company: Ron Riemenschneider is the EVP and Chief Financial Officer of Frontier Enterprises, Inc., a highly successful, privately owned restaurant company with a reputation for quality food and service within San Antonio, Austin and Dallas which is celebrating its 65th year in business. Many long-time residents recall the first Frontier Drive-Ins which evolved in 1963 to the present day “all-American” award-winning Jim’s Restaurants. Also widely acclaimed are the company’s innovative entertainment dining concepts aptly named the Magic Time Machine where costumed characters wait on delighted customers.

About the Program: The CFO Forum is a learning series that caters to CFOs and focuses on offering speakers that provide CFOs with timely topics and information they can use in their day-to-day responsibilities.

Personally Speaking: Frontier Enterprises has been a member of the North Chamber for over six years. Ron says, “We believe in the importance of a strong, vibrant, and resolved business community which in turn supports the long-term growth and prosperity of San Antonio and all its residents. We recognize the role the North Chamber plays in strengthening its member businesses and the value its mission brings to our community as a whole.”

Wells Fargo Donates $300,000 to Accion Texas

From left: Marianne Watson, senior vice president of Wells Fargo in San Antonio and Accion Texas board member; Janie Barrera, Accion Texas president and CEO; Steve Arnold, Wells Fargo area president for the San Antonio market; and Jennifer Moriarty, Wells Fargo vice president of community development.

Accion Texas Inc. – which manages the nation’s largest microloan portfolio – has received a $300,000 grant from Wells Fargo to create a small business incubator at the nonprofit organization’s future two-acre campus on the city’s West Side.

Earlier this year, Accion announced a $5.5 million capital campaign to build a new Lending and Learning Entrepreneurial Center.  The Wells Fargo grant is earmarked for that campaign and will fund a free-standing 2,000-square-foot Wells Fargo Small Business Incubator on the new campus.  The incubator will help entrepreneurs start, sustain and grow new enterprises throughout San Antonio and South Texas.

“We are honored and delighted to receive this generous gift from Wells Fargo,” said Accion Texas President and CEO Janie Barrera.  “Not only does it bring us closer to our capital campaign goal, it is a vote of confidence in our work and mission – and it demonstrates our shared commitment to creating a nurturing environment for small businesses to obtain the tools they need to succeed.  The new incubator will substantially expand our outreach.”

Steve Arnold, Wells Fargo area president for the San Antonio market, said the gift celebrates the company’s ongoing partnership with Accion.  “We have worked with Accion since the first day it opened its doors in 1994 as board member, funder and as a referral partner. Our missions are very much the same.

We strongly believe in helping small businesses and entrepreneurs realize their dreams,” Arnold added.  “Financial success takes hard work and vision.  This new incubator will provide hands-on experience and training for men and women who have the desire to create their own businesses and to build a better future for themselves and their families.  This is economic development at the grassroots level and it will translate to a stronger, more vibrant San Antonio community.”

Accion’s $5.5 million capital campaign, “We Believe,” was publicly announced on June 15.  More than half of the goal has been raised to date.

The Accion Lending and Learning Entrepreneurial Center – to be located on a two-acre site at 2015 W. Martin Street in the historic Prospect Hill area — will consolidate the organization’s San Antonio operations under one roof, creating a “one stop” location for small business lending, education, technical assistance, training and support.

“Our new campus will allow us to better serve San Antonio, the state of Texas and some of the most economically challenged areas of the country,” Barrera said.

About Wells Fargo
Wells Fargo & Company (NYSE: WFC) is a nationwide, diversified, community-based financial services company with $1.4 trillion in assets. Founded in 1852 and headquartered in San Francisco, Wells Fargo provides banking, insurance, investments, mortgage, and consumer and commercial finance through more than 9,000 stores, 12,000 ATMs, the Internet (www.wellsfargo.com), and has offices in more than 35 countries to support the bank’s customers who conduct business in the global economy. With more than 265,000 team members, Wells Fargo serves one in three households in the United States.  Wells Fargo & Company was ranked No. 26 on Fortune’s 2012 rankings of America’s largest corporations. Wells Fargo’s vision is to satisfy all our customers’ financial needs and help them succeed financially.

About Accion Texas Inc.
Established in 1994 in San Antonio, Accion Texas Inc.’s financial and business-support services help entrepreneurs strengthen their businesses, stabilize and increase their incomes, create employment and contribute to the economic revitalization of their communities. Accion has the nation’s largest microlender portfolio and is committed to providing capital to entrepreneurs who do not have access to loans from commercial sources. Since its inception, Accion has made nearly 13,000 loans totaling more than $130 million. Accion now operates in eight states – Alabama, Arkansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Tennessee and Texas.    For more information, visit www.acciontexas.org.