Tag Archives: Leadership

February 2013 Word from the Chairman

By North SA Chamber Editor
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OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAWe have just come off the heels of a wonderful Annual Gala – A Night in Monte Carlo, and I was humbled by the opportunity to be among the businesses and leaders who came together to celebrate past success and to look ahead at our future plans for strengthening our community. There are so many generous companies and hard-working volunteers who contributed resources and time to make the night a success. Please join me in thanking our VIP Sponsors: AT&T Mobility, Corporate Travel Planners, eESI, Frost, McCombs Enterprises, Security Service Federal Credit Union, SWBC, USAA Real Estate Company and Texas Capital Bank; as well as all of the event sponsors, North Chamber staff, creative and sales team volunteers and the Dahill team for their support of the evening.

Additionally, I know we all enjoyed the casino gaming benefiting the wounded warriors and the North Chamber’s educational non-profit, Lead SA. It was an incredible honor to host and recognize the wounded warriors. We’re pleased to be able to support them, and I know that each of you will continue to honor the men and women serving in our armed forces.

Buy Local. Buy North Chamber.
It doesn’t go without saying – 2013 is the year to Buy local. Buy North Chamber. Each of our companies has to purchase to run our businesses. I challenge each of you to take the first step by making a list of your top five or ten purchasing needs and look from within the North Chamber membership to fill that need. You can begin your search by going online to northsachamber.com and clicking on the FIND A MEMBER tab to search the North Chamber’s online membership directory. Additionally, think about the folks you’ve met at North Chamber events or serving on chamber committees that may offer a service or product you’re seeking. And if you require more specialized assistance, just call the North Chamber to obtain a referral or a list of providers for a specific business category.

Go online. Get connected.
Whether you’ve entered or mastered the digital arena or not, there is no arguing that we are indeed operating in the digital age. It can be a little scary for some of us, but all sizes and types of businesses are using technology, web, email and perhaps social and mobile media at some level to operate and/or market their businesses.

There’s never a better time than now to get educated, go online and get connected. To seize the moment, take advantage of high quality low cost instruction at the Small Business How 2 Series. On Tuesday, March 19, you can learn How 2 set social media policy for your organization, and thereafter learn how to create and share content on the top social networks and how to integrate your digital media.

Furthermore, please take advantage of the digital marketing tools the North Chamber has provided our members. First, I hope you’ll join me and Dahill in “liking” and “following” the North SA Chamber on Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter – where the North Chamber will help your company fan-build and increase visibility by posting member company news and “sharing” and “re-tweeting” member social content.

Visit the Marketing Toolkit to learn how to submit company news, add a coupon to your directory listing and enhance your directory listing with a color logo, detailed company description and social media links.

Building Leaders
At Dahill, we were proud to sponsor the February 13 kick-off breakfast welcoming the 84-member Leadership Lab Class of 2013! Special thanks to our 2012 North Chamber chairman of the board Larry Anthis, Frost; 2014 chair-elect, Clay Jett, Texas Capital Bank; and Leadership & Professional Development Council Chair, Annie Turner, Wells Fargo, for attending and providing remarks to inspire the Lab class to discover, be inspired and succeed. I also want to recognize the Leadership Lab chair, Malcolm McGee, CMIT Solutions, and co-chair Lisa Pinto, SWBC, for their leadership. I know you’ll continue to support these emerging leaders.

Be a part of it.
The North Chamber remains committed to offering topical and timely, quality programs. We do that through partnership with and the participation of our member companies and the individuals within them. The only way your company is going to truly benefit from all the chamber’s offerings is to tap in and connect now. To learn more about what events and committees are awaiting your involvement, go to northsachamber.com and click on Participation Opportunities. Remember, everything we do as companies and individuals is making a difference and helps to keep San Antonio and Bexar County strong!

Welcome! Leadership Lab Class of 2013

By North SA Chamber Editor
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Ll_Logo_2012Rob Adams
Comerica Bank

Tony Alarcon
ENTRUST Technology Consulting Services

Freddy Apolinar
Ancira Nissan, Inc.

DePaul Armijo
SWBC

Patti Baker
Beyer Plumbing Company

Becky Banko McLane
Deacon Recruiting, Inc.

Sean Bates
Quality Fence & Welding

Amanda Behrens
Structure Tone Southwest

Tim Bernas
Security Service Federal Credit Union

Steve Bridges
Preferred Landscape and Lighting

David Brown
Ernst & Young, LLP

Hillary Cadra
SpawGlass Contractors, Inc.

Georgia Cantu
Texas Wilson Office Furniture & Services, Inc.

Letty Castillo
San Antonio Water System

Kali Chatham
Baptist Health System

Michael Cline
North Central Baptist Hospital

Mike Connor
Connor Creative Company

Cyndi Crist
Dahill

Cyrena Davis
Whiting-Turner Contracting Company

Debbie Dickson
Beyer Mechanical & Beyer Plumbing Co

Stephen Ethridge
Frost

Rodney Flint
Alterman

Scott Gillette
Accenture

Mario Gomez
Security Service Federal Credit Union

Jessica Gonzales
Family Service Association of San Antonio, Inc.

John Grothues
Cleary Zimmermann Engineers

Melodee Gruber
Jackson Walker LLP

Dr. Debbie Hamilton
Northeast Lakeview College

Katie Hille
SWBC

Carlos Ibarra
Bartlett Cocke General Contractors

Jennifer Krause
eEmployers Solutions, Inc.

Jeffrey Kruse
CPS Energy

Cory Kuchinsky
CPS Energy

David Kuncho
Capital Group – The American Funds

Ann-Marie Laird
Walton Signage

Peter Licalzi
Joeris General Contractors, LTD

Lisa Lopez
Crosspoint, Inc

Conrad Martinez
RVK Architects, Inc.

Joe Martinez
HFS Company

Wes May
The Rosenblatt Law Firm

Erin Mayes
H-E-B Grocery

Julio Medrano
Broadway Bank

James Mendiola
DeWied International

Jen Mesiano
Walton Signage

Cassie Meuth
ATKG, LLP

Billy Nelson
Joeris General Contractors, LTD

Todd Newton
SWBC

Brett Niccum
Martin Marietta Materials, Inc.

Connor Ortiz
Morningside Ministries

Michelle Parker
Accenture

Lauren Parsons
Rackspace Hosting

Robby Paysinger
CPS Energy

Kyle Pippin
Denim Group, Ltd

Tom Piszczatoski
Baptist Health System

Anna Polanco-Ramos
San Antonio Water System

Amber Potts
Padgett, Stratemann & Co., LLP

Vidya Rangachar
CPS Energy

Donovan Rhone
Dahill

Kelly Rice
Broadway Bank

Brian Rodriguez
Ancira Nissan, Inc.

Juan Rodriguez
San Antonio Water System

Matt Russell
River City Federal Credit Union

Taryn Saavedra
Robot Creative

Michael Saenz
Lone Star National Bank

Arturo Salinas
Alterman

Laura Sanchez
Bestica, Inc.

Paul Santoyo
Cox Smith

Matt Sawtelle
Structure Tone Southwest

Mark Schnur
San Antonio Water System

Shannon Schumacher
eEmployers Solutions, Inc.

Will Smith
The Lynd Company

Mandy Smith
SWBC

Debra Sommers
Dahill

Sharon Surra
San Antonio Water System

Ajay Tejwani
San Antonio Technology Center

Saul Tellez
Walton Signage

Jay Tkachuk
Security Service Federal Credit Union

Javier Trevino
Service Federal Credit Union

John Tyler
Pape-Dawson Engineers, Inc.

Anastasia Valdes
San Antonio Water System

Dan Velasquez
San Antonio Water System

Bryan Verette
GTECH

Joseph Vigil
San Antonio Water System

Jason Welch
Walton Signage

Allen Promoted to Senior Vice President of Member Contact Center at Security Service Federal Credit Union

By North SA Chamber Editor
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Security Services Federal Credit UnionSecurity Service Federal Credit Union (SSFCU) announced today that Chris Allen has been promoted to Senior Vice President of the Member Contact Center, responsible for overseeing the credit union’s award-winning call center and account services.

sAllen joined the team at SSFCU in 1988 as a teller and worked his way through the Member Service ranks for the next 25 years, progressing to vice president in 2009. With extensive knowledge of branch operations and overseeing a 24/7/365 Call Center, Allen is tasked with ensuring “best in class” service to SSFCU members. Allen has held leadership roles on the board of directors for the Palmer Drug Abuse Program and acted as a mentor at Business Careers High School.

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. Security Service is an industry-leading financial institution with more than $6.7 billion in assets and more than 900,000 members in Texas, Colorado, Utah and around the world. 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.

Employee-Owned Bartlett Cocke General Contractors Opens 2013 with Leadership Changes, Poised for Growth

By North SA Chamber Editor
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Bartlett Cocke logoBartlett Cocke General Contractors, the largest commercial building contractor in San Antonio, has announced key leadership changes that take effect immediately. Among the changes, Randy Pawelek will transition from president to chairman while remaining CEO, and Harry Moeller will become president, focusing on day-to-day operations at both the local and regional offices. Bartlett Cocke General Contractors has been fully employee-owned since 1990.

© Clem Spalding 210-271-7273“This ongoing, planned leadership transition is not about letting go or handing off, but allowing others to step forward,” said Pawelek, who became president of Bartlett Cocke General Contractors in 2008. “Since 1959, many have stepped forward to help lead our organization forward. It is the result of vision, planning, hard work, working smart, and most of all, great teamwork. So, in the spirit of teamwork and focusing on the future, we as a company are pleased to announce the promotions and thank these individuals for stepping forward.”

Others who have served in the role of chairman/ CEO FOR Bartlett Cocke General Contractors are Bartlett Cocke, Jr. and Duane Pozza.

© Clem Spalding 210-271-7273Moeller has been with Bartlett Cocke General Contractors since 1985, serving in progressively responsible roles within the company. Moeller began his 27-year career with the company as a field engineer, then served as a project manager, then vice president of estimating, and finally, executive vice president. Moeller also has been a leader in the San Antonio construction industry for many years, serving as president of the San Antonio Chapter of the Associated General Contractors (AGC) in 2002.

Doug McMurry, president of the local chapter of the Associated General Contractors, applauded the news, saying, “Harry has long been considered a leader in the industry and this move will further the firm’s success in a very competitive market.”

Moeller said of today’s announcement, “As the country’s economy continues to strengthen, Texas is poised for growth and Bartlett Cocke General Contractors is ready to take advantage of the emerging economic opportunities.”

Moeller says that one of Bartlett Cocke General Contractors’ greatest strengths is in the fact that it is employee-owned. “The distinction of being employee-owned translates into a stronger commitment, better teamwork and an increased passion for providing the best quality.” He continued, “Our shareholders include people from every level of the company which means that on every job, we have people who have a personal stake in its success.”

Other Leadership Changes Also Announced
Kevin Byrd has been promoted to vice president of operations, Central Texas region. Byrd previously was the Central Texas regional manager and is now an officer of the company.

James Anderson has been promoted to South Texas regional manager. Anderson started with Bartlett Cocke General Contractors as an intern in 1994, and has remained employed with the firm continuously as he has progressed from assistant project manager, project manager and senior project manager and will now assist Jerry Hoog, Vice President of Operations for South Texas in the management and development of Bartlett Cocke General Contractors largest market.

Mark Christensen has been promoted to East Texas regional manager. Christensen previously was the commercial division manager for the East Texas region. In his new role, he will take on the day-to-day operations and business development for the East Texas regional office.

Nathan Olson has been promoted to director of preconstruction, making his interim role official. Olson started with Bartlett Cocke General Contractors as a project manager on the Toyota Motor Manufacturing Texas Facility, before being promoted to manager of special projects. In mid-2012, Olson was asked to serve as interim director of preconstruction services, working with clients and their design team to maximize value prior to the start of construction in order to get the most facility for their budget.

Founded in 1959, Bartlett Cocke General Contractors work includes Texas A&M San Antonio, South Texas Blood & Tissue Center, the San Antonio Airport parking garage, and renovations to Our Lady of the Lake University. The company is employee owned and is committed to building lasting value in the communities it serves.

About Bartlett Cocke General Contractors
Since 1959, Bartlett Cocke General Contractors has grown steadily to become the largest commercial building contractor in San Antonio and the 16th largest general contractor in the state of Texas. With a unique reputation for value building for clients, the employee-owned firm stays customer focused, making fair, honest, quality-based decisions that keep clients satisfied and loyal. Representative projects of the company include: Del Mar College New Health Science and Emerging Technology Center, John Paul Stevens High School, Medical Arts Research Center at The UT Health Science Center, World Savings and Loan Corporate Headquarters, Toyota Motor Manufacturing Texas, Lehman High School, Lady Bird Johnson National Wildflower Research Center, Southwest Research Institute Applied Physics Facility, Louis Brandeis High School, Toyota Motor Manufacturing Texas, Prairie View A&M Arts and Architecture Building, Missouri City Middle School, Trinity University New Northup Hall, South Texas Blood and Tissue Center and the Children’s Cancer Research Institute. www.bartlett-cocke.com

Chairman’s Vision for 2013

By North SA Chamber Editor
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OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERABrad Rollins
Dahill, President
2013 North Chamber Chairman of the Board

An Ohio native, Brad Rollins relocated to San Antonio in 1999 and has embraced the community, serving professional and charitable organizations including the North San Antonio Chamber of Commerce, MS Society and many environmental and military causes. While encouraging community involvement throughout his organization, Brad is president of Dahill – one of Texas’ largest office technology providers, and in 2013, he will preside over the North Chamber and Lead SA board of directors serving nearly 1,400 member businesses across Bexar County. Guiding 500 employees in 16 offices in eight Texas cities and New Mexico, Brad fosters a creative environment that empowers employees to share ideas, identify solutions and lead. He says, “I am at home at the North Chamber where I feel that same sense of collaboration and the entrepreneurial spirit.”

A North Chamber member since 2001, Dahill recognized early on the value of the chamber environment and the opportunities it provides members to get involved and build relationships while working together for the good of the business community. “This chamber is much more personal,” says Brad, “We’re really a big chamber with a small town feel to it. When you take the time to be a part of it you can use chamber programs and benefits to build your business.”

In 2013, Brad will lead the North Chamber to concentrate on: encouraging members to do business with each other; emphasizing member benefits and social media; delivering leadership and professional development; and offering topical, timely and quality programs.

Buy Local. Buy North Chamber.
Passionate about bringing members together to do business with one another, Brad says his primary goal for 2013 is to promote a dynamic chamber of commerce. Brad envisions a localized economic recovery generated by and for North Chamber members. Plainly, says Brad, “Each of our member businesses needs to purchase to operate. If each of us commits to review our supplier lists, identify chamber members who meet those needs, and then buy and sell products and services with each other – that could have quite an impact on each of our businesses.”

Looking to capitalize on the North Chamber’s recent entrance into social media, Brad wants to enlist the social network to play a big role in a member-to-member commerce initiative. “Our members are increasingly interested in learning how to market their business with social media. In the New Year, the North Chamber will meet that need with informative instructional series and a ‘buy local, buy from North Chamber members’ initiative,” details Brad.

For a grassroots effort to work, Brad says North Chamber members have to get online, get engaged and use the tools the chamber has provided. “Make 2013 the year you commit to marketing your business through the North Chamber. Enlist your marketing folks to examine the online Marketing Toolkit, and find everything you need to access benefits like online directory search, social media engagement, offering member specials and promoting your business via North Chamber media.”

Leadership & Professional Development
Recognizing that many small to mid-size businesses don’t have access to internal professional development, Brad is dedicated to offering information, training and leadership development that provides professionals the skills they need to move to the next level. “Our business community wants a readied workforce and people who are prepared to lead. The North Chamber delivers a number of programs that do just that.”

Brad says Leadership Lab, the North Chamber’s nine-month leadership cultivation series, is the centerpiece of that effort. “I’ve observed people go through the program, and right away I could see a difference in how our employees perceive themselves. You can’t underestimate the value of feedback from people outside of your organization,” he adds.

Additionally, Brad is a proponent of the Small Business How 2, Sustainability and CFO Breakfast Series. “These programs not only offer small businesses specialized information, but also contribute to businesses’ operations and bottom line when instruction is applied,” he says.

Keeping Bexar County Strong
The North Chamber’s mission is to strengthen San Antonio through the delivery of advocacy, networking, recognition, leadership and professional development programs. “Overall, the North Chamber is committed to ensuring that we offer the most impactful programs,” says Brad. “So the North Chamber remains committed to monitoring government affairs and public policy issues that affect our members, connecting people to people, honoring our community’s leaders and bringing businesses the tools they need to advance,” he adds.

Finally, as a steward of the North Chamber, Brad has assembled a team of seasoned business leaders to guide the North Chamber in 2013. “As we embark on this New Year, I want to thank Larry Anthis and his board for the incredible, active and hands-on leadership in 2012, and I proudly assume the privilege of chairing this great organization,” says Brad. “I invite each of our members to embrace the concept of commerce among us, find an area of interest in the chamber and be a part of it. I want to thank each of our members for all of your support, attendance and volunteerism – and for all that you do to keep San Antonio and Bexar County strong.”

Educating Lincoln in the 21st Century

By North SA Chamber Editor
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ThomasMengler_finalBy Thomas M. Mengler, J.D., president of St. Mary’s University

The brilliance of Steven Spielberg’s movie “Lincoln” is its nuanced portrayal of Abraham Lincoln’s wisdom, craftiness and compassion. As a university educator, I left the movie theater over Thanksgiving wondering what kind of education is necessary today to educate a magnificent leader like Lincoln, who most historians rank as our finest president.

Lincoln’s education derived significantly, though not solely, from the breadth and depth of his reading. One of young Lincoln’s contemporaries unflatteringly characterized him as a “very lazy man” because he was “always reading – scribbling – writing – ciphering – writing Poetry.” Lincoln himself credited the source of his wisdom and knowledge to expansive reading: “All I have learned, I learned from books.” Lincoln was drawn to math, especially Euclid’s works on geometry. In an important scene in Spielberg’s movie, President Lincoln advocates for equality among all people by quoting Euclid’s principle that things equal to the same thing are also equal to one another.

Lincoln also studied theology, especially the Bible, and his most important speeches contain frequent references to scripture. He loved poetry and was particularly fond of several of Shakespeare’s plays, including Richard III, King Lear and Macbeth, which he could recite by heart. And Lincoln the lawyer had read the most significant law texts of his time, including Blackstone’s Commentaries on the Laws of England.

Lincoln, as we know, was self-taught, reading and studying by himself. Even Lincoln’s study of the law was solitary and thus atypical, since most lawyers in 19th century America learned the law under the apprenticeship of an experienced senior lawyer. One might be tempted to conclude, therefore, that an education like the one Lincoln received can occur in solitude, in your pajamas, in front of a computer screen.

Lincoln’s education, however, would suggest otherwise. As a lawyer in rural Illinois in the 1840s and 1850s, Lincoln continued his transformation from backwoods youth to moral leader while “riding the circuit.” During that period, lawyers and judges in rural America would ride from town to town, trying local cases. Most towns in central Illinois, where Lincoln rode the circuit, were too sparsely populated to have a judge or even a lawyer. At the end of every day after the court session, the circuit judge and lawyers would swap stories, discuss the most vital moral and political issues of the times, and build friendships. They grew as men around a campfire through discussion and reflection.

The modern equivalent to Lincoln’s education, I would argue, is the kind of education – a values-based liberal arts education on a residential campus – St. Mary’s University and many other fine liberal arts institutions have provided for a long time. It is an education where students read broadly and deeply, think critically, and learn to write and speak effectively, though a nurturing community where faculty and staff facilitate the shaping of students’ hearts as well as minds. It is not a drive-thru, discount model of education. No, the lesson of Lincoln’s education is that the transformative education of young adults into ethical leaders is hard work, collaborative and multidimensional.

After you see Spielberg’s “Lincoln,” ask yourselves, what kind of education produces a leader who, as the bloodiest war in our history ended, exhorted the American people:

With malice toward none;
with charity for all;
with firmness in the right,
as God gives us to see the right,
let us strive on to finish the work we are in.

The moral of Lincoln’s story may be that some things – like the value of a liberal arts education – don’t change. The good and the true should endure.

Chairman’s Reflection on 2012

By North SA Chamber Editor
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by Larry Anthis
2012 North Chamber Chairman of the Board
Vice President, Frost

The North San Antonio Chamber and Lead SA Board of Directors, our supporters, volunteers and Chamber staff have achieved so much in 2012. When I began my chairmanship in January, the primary objectives for the year were: to meet the needs of the millennial generation; emphasize leadership development; maintain high quality programs; reimagine our connectivity to the community; advocate for business; and broaden member participation.

To that end, the board of directors built a strategic plan to anticipate the current and future needs of our membership over the next three to five years. We executed the agenda immediately and made great strides in communications, leadership cultivation, event support and attendance, membership development and advocacy.

Reimaging our connectivity to San Antonio
In an effort to engage our membership more fully, we conducted a survey, and you, our members, noted the positive impact the North Chamber is having  not just on the North side, but also across  San Antonio and Bexar County. In response, we refreshed our brand and re-focused our core emphasis on “Keeping Bexar County Strong.” This continues to be a dynamic and evolving chamber because of our volunteer leadership.

You also communicated the importance of relationship building, advocacy, informational programming, participation and visibility. As a result, the North Chamber revised and expanded membership benefits to reflect the resources our members value most, including: communications, visibility, referrals, discounts/offers and exclusive member programming. The result is a new, multi-platform, digital content marketing program that promotes our members and engagement with the larger community.

Engaging with the community and our members
There are several issues on which to focus as a member – whether it’s small business, technology, sustainability, leadership, finance, government affairs, and get involved on a committee. And, due to a varied and diverse program offering, enriching volunteer opportunities and an emphasis on value-packed membership benefits, we increased our membership by 234 members as of November 2012 while achieving an average membership retention rate of approximately 80%.

Furthermore, recognizing our chamber’s ability to make a difference with our excellent programs, Mayor Alan Baxter of Windcrest and the Windcrest Economic Development Corporation (EDC) approached us to deliver a chamber of commerce experience to the businesses of Windcrest. For the first time, the North Chamber added a regional council in partnership with the City of Windcrest and the Windcrest EDC, and the Windcrest Council was started this year.

Advocating for business
Moreover, we successfully advocated for the North Chamber membership on economic development issues including:

  • my participation at the 2012 White House Business Summit discussions with the Executive Office and Business Forward;
  • board of directors opposition to impromptu zoning changes by the City Council;
  • board of directors endorsement of City Bond Election for transportation infrastructure;
  • board of directors consensus that led to a decision for the North Chamber to support Pre-K 4 SA as a viable solution to the city’s growing need for an educated workforce;
  • my appointment as a 2013 City Commissioner on the Convention & Visitors Bureau through a newly-created appointment for business leadership; and
  • my appointment to the 2013 executive committee for the San Antonio Economic Development Foundation.

Just over a decade ago, the North Chamber launched a Capital Campaign to secure $1 million to build and finance our own office building – a first in a city that hosts multiple chambers of commerce. North Chamber members met the campaign financial goals, and in 2002, the doors opened to the North Chamber’s headquarters. I’m proud to say the North Chamber has been an exceptional financial steward, and this year, we have retired the building debt.

Cultivating and recognizing leaders
Additionally, we have continued our commitment to cultivate our community’s emerging leaders. The Leadership Lab Class of 2012 has expanded to 86 graduates – the largest since the program’s inception in 1999. This program too has been re-envisioned and re-focused on empowering leaders, self-discovery and success.

Furthermore, we have continued to honor leaders at every age and career stage. We began the year recognizing Pat Duncan, USAA Real Estate Company, with the San Antonian Award, and later Charlie Amato and Gary Dudley, SWBC, with the Gov. Dolph Briscoe, Jr. Salute to Excellence Award, while 10 other business leaders were recognized through the Small Business Leaders Awards program and the ATHENA Leadership Awards® program.

Keeping Bexar County Strong
In closing, the North Chamber is successful because of our members and your participation. Our board met monthly and consistently focused on topics that addressed the needs of our members. I salute the North Chamber and Lead SA board of directors, our supporters and volunteers, and the hard-working chamber staff led by Duane Wilson for working tirelessly to fulfill our promise to the community to “keep Bexar County strong.”

Finally, as I depart, our incoming Chairman of the Board Brad Rollins, Dahill, is preparing to lead this great organization in 2013. Brad and Dahill have been wonderful supporters of the North Chamber and the San Antonio community and I know you’ll welcome him and his leadership team. The North Chamber is here to help you be noticed, be heard, be informed and be there as we work to strengthen our community. Please get involved and be a part of it all. Thank you for the privilege and honor of serving as your Chairman.

Padgett Stratemann & Co. earns industry, community recognition

By North SA Chamber Editor
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Padgett Stratemann Ranked 107 Largest CPA Firm in US

The Platt Group, publishers of INSIDE Public Accounting (IPA), recently released its Beyond the IPA Top 100 –  a ranking of the nation’s Top 200 Accounting Firms.

For more than 20 years, IPA has maintained a tradition of compiling its annual lists of Top 100 Accounting Firms, the Best of the Best, and All-Stars. Each list devoted to showcasing U.S. based CPA firms who have helped to shape industry standards and who have defined the true meaning of customer service.

Padgett Stratemann couldn’t be prouder to be ranked alongside so many innovative CPA firms. Who like us – know the value of building strong teams in order to offer Service. More Than Expected.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Texas Selects PS&Co. as Corporate Big of the Year  for 2012

When asked why PS&Co. was selected to receive its highest recognition awarded to a corporation, Alida Tallman – Vice President of Development for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Texas (BBBS) stated – “Padgett Stratemann is truly a unique corporate  philanthropic  partner.  From  sponsoring  several  of   BBBS’ signature events, including the Ice Ball gala and Leadership Circle reception, to volunteering at Bowl for Kids, the Holiday Party, and Hobie Day, Padgett’s year-round commitment to BBBS is unparalleled. The true giving spirit of Padgett’s leadership and staff represents the best in corporate commitment to helping children in need. In addition to the company’s ongoing support, their Director of Marketing – Maria Barrett – will serve as judge for the Texas Big of the Year submissions in January 2013.

PS&Co. Execs Rank Second in NSIDE Magazine’s Corporate Executive Fit Challenge

Partners: Bill Dimick and Joel Perez – HR Director: Michelle Wiederstein, and Senior Manager: Marc Sewell – competed in the Executive Fit Company Challenge hosted by NSIDE Magazine and Fit Company.

Contenders from across the city of San Antonio were put to the test to determine their levels of endurance and fitness. Competing against the clock and their personal best, the PS&Co.  team received two awards – a second place overall team ranking and an individual ranking by Michelle Wiederstein who received the Most Inspirational contender award. Michelle was a last minute step-in and completed the course in just over 24 minutes – bringing in the top ranking for the team, which helped to secure the teams 2nd place position over Digital Defense, Inc.

South San Antonio Chamber Awards Padgett Stratemann Silver In 2012 Healthy Workplace Awards

With a deep commitment to helping team members stay healthy in order to be the very best they can be for both their families and the communities in which they serve, the firm was pleased to be recognized for it’s wellness efforts by the South San Antonio Chamber.  PS&Co. will continue its efforts to educate team members on what it means to live healthy and strong, support their wellness efforts, and provide healthy alternatives in and outside the workplace.

In addition to our firm recognitions, several team members were recognized by the San Antonio Business Journal as leading business professionals for their commitment to excellence, including:

Denise Bendele Receives 2012 Women’s Leadership Award

Each year, the San Antonio Business Journal selects a group of leaders from the Alamo City to receive its coveted Women’s Leadership Award.  Although 100 nominations were submitted for the 2012 program, only the very best rose to the top – including Denise Bendele, who heads-up the firm’s Audit practice. Denise was one of two female business leaders to receive the Corporate Executive award.

“I am proud that I have been with the same company since I graduated from college” – stated Denise. “I have done just about every job here”, she continued.

Denise heads-up the firm’s construction industry practice, serves on its Executive Committee, and is the partner-in-charge of Padgett Stratemann University – the firm’s commitment to continued professional development of its team members. A Certified Public Accountant and Certified Financial Analyst, Denise leads by example in all she does.

Will Kothmann Named One of SA’s 40Under40

Each year, the San Antonio Business Journal selects 40 exceptional individuals under the age of 40 who are making great strides in their professional careers and are contributing positively to the San Antonio community.

This year’s winners were selected from a pool of more than 200 nominations – and although the competition was tough, Senior Manager – Will Kothmann – rose to the top as a business professional who more than understood the importance of family, community, and professional commitment.

The firm’s congratulates Will for immolating the characteristics needed to serve with the strongest of ethical convictions.

Word from the Chairman

By North SA Chamber Editor
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After an early banking career in Dallas and more than a decade of service in the ministry, in 2006 Larry Anthis relocated his family to his hometown of San Antonio, re-entered banking and immersed himself in his community – including volunteering for the North Chamber. Today, Larry is a Vice President at Frost developing the Schertz market for the Texasbased bank and will serve as the North Chamber’s 2012 Chairman of the Board.

“At Frost, we hold entrepreneurialism, relationships and community in high regard,” says Larry, “and the North Chamber shares our values to help people build their business while being flexible and nimble to respond to a fluctuating business environment.”

For 38 years, the North Chamber has endeavored to offer an atmosphere of inclusiveness in which any member – regardless of company size or revenue, has access and the ability to make an impact on the community at a micro level. “The North Chamber’s milestones have been achieved by the actions of volunteers who worked together to affect change in the areas of education, infrastructure and quality of life,” says Larry, emphasizing that he will build upon such projects initiated by previous board chairs. “I am a steward of an ongoing legacy to build business and build leaders, but I also feel we are at the top of our game, and I’m challenging our chamber leadership to increase performance and build upon the chamber’s success,” he adds.

At a working retreat last year, the incoming board of directors evaluated the chamber’s values, deliverables and member needs, then developed a few concise objectives to help define the chamber’s course in a more strategic manner.

From the planning session emerged a consensus that the North Chamber consistently advocates for a pro-business agenda and offers a proven array of programs that provide leadership and professional development, networking and recognition for professionals at every age and stage of career development. “Members find a lot of value in our programs, so we won’t change what we deliver. We will continue to listen to our members and ask ourselves, ‘Does this benefit our members? Can we do it in an excellent way?’ And if a program isn’t meeting this criteria, then our members will dictate that we do something else, and that keeps us dynamic,” says Larry.

Furthermore, the board suggested a revised communication strategy in terms of becoming a more virtual chamber in a digital age. This year, the chamber plans to design and build a modernized marketing and communications infrastructure that better facilitates the flow of information between the chamber, its members and the community. “We are reimagining our connectivity to serve multiple audiences who are more reliant on mobile computing devices, smartphones, digital and social media and personalized content that is tailored to their interests,” explains Larry.

Engaging the millennial workforce was also a recognized challenge to member businesses. “Today’s workforce and employers have a unique set of needs and circumstances. In some cases it’s about training young professionals for the workforce and other times it’s training the employers about what Generation Y needs,” says Larry. “Companies are employing these folks and want to keep them retained, and we’re offering solutions among others, like Leadership Lab and the Enterprising Women’s Conference, that help the business community cultivate a more skilled and empowered workforce,” he adds.

The North Chamber understands that small business members require particular focus as they seek resources and value for their organizations, thus will continue to deliver specialized programming like the How 2 instructional seminars and Sustainability Series, as well as financial and technology related programming. “The men and women who put it on the line every day in their businesses are taking the risks to help grow this economy,” says Larry. “They are largely represented within the North Chamber, and in us they have a voice and an advocate.”

Additionally, the North Chamber will work to bolster the return on investment for its members through an individualized effort to get more people involved and engaged via volunteerism. “We know that service hours and financial involvement are the keys to realizing a return on membership investment,” says Larry. As such, the chamber will aim to broaden the depth of member business participation by creating more than one touch point within member organizations, thereby increasing leadership opportunities to more professionals.

Finally, Larry feels that by optimizing the North Chamber’s offerings and operations, it will be positioned to deliver higher value to its membership. “By getting involved, our members use this chamber as a vehicle to work on their business. This is an ideal venue for professionals to demonstrate their expertise, position themselves as an authority in their community, grow their business and even cultivate employees,” says Larry. “I look forward to working with the membership and community to make 2012 a successful year.”