Tag Archives: Recognition

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

Prism Technologies Group earns regional Microsoft® award

By North SA Chamber Editor
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Prism Technologies GroupPrism Technologies Group earned a prestigious regional award for the second consecutive year at Microsoft’s Worldwide Partner Conference this month. The company, which is an official Microsoft partner, was also honored with two nominations in predominant categories.

In all, Prism Technologies Group earned the distinction of:

  • Award winner – 2014 Microsoft Community Connections Partner of the Year for the U.S. SMB Central Region
  • Nominee – 2014 Microsoft Cloud Partner of the Year for the U.S. SMB Central Region
  • Nominee – 2014 Microsoft Partner of the Year for the U.S. SMB Central Region

Regional Award
For the second consecutive year, Prism Technologies Group received the Microsoft Community Connections Partner of the Year award for the U.S. SMB Central Region at the Microsoft Worldwide Partner Conference in Washington, D.C. on July 14.  Out of five nominees for the Community Connections category, Bryan Guinn, president and Patrick Felty, vice president of Prism Technologies Group graciously accepted the engraved Tiffany & Co. crystal plate which was awarded in the presence of the top tier Microsoft partners from the central U.S. region.  The Central Region encompasses 19 states and thousands of Microsoft partners.

PTG Microsoft Award 2014Merits for this award were based upon the company’s commitment to educating the community about technology, not just Microsoft products.  “Giving back to the community is a key focus,” Guinn said.  “San Antonio is becoming a technology mecca in Texas and we are committed to contributing to that growth, whether it is educating the business community about the latest Microsoft technology, hiring IT interns from local colleges, to providing low cost services to nonprofit organizations.”

Within the last 12 months, Prism Technologies Group has hosted more than 40 lectures and classes, and they have participated in several conferences and symposiums to educate business owners, IT professionals and the nonprofit sector. They partnered with multiple chambers of commerce, professional organizations, the San Antonio Area Foundation and the Microsoft Store to demonstrate how the Cloud, Office 365, Windows 8 and Windows Phone enable collaboration, even across multiple platforms.

The company also participates in St. Philip’s College’s internship program by hiring students as help desk specialists. Interns gain valuable experience working with cloud computing, a technology that businesses are just beginning to utilize. In addition, some students are veterans, so Prism Technologies Group is honored to help them develop skills in a new vocation.

Regional Nominations
As a Microsoft partner, Prism Technologies Group is certified to sell, deploy and manage Microsoft products and solutions. The company was nominated for the Microsoft Cloud Partner award and the Microsoft Partner of the Year, both in the U.S. SMB Central Region because of their ability to surpass all three tiers and maintain their Tier 1 status in the SMB Champions Club over the past 12 months while simultaneously maintaining superior customer service. Although the company earned second place in these categories, the executive team is very pleased about the nominations, and the amount and quality of work their team has accomplished within a short period of time.

Credentials
Prism Technologies Group is an expert in the IT industry and has a solid performance record. Its staff is highly regarded and the company touts these credentials:

  • Microsoft Azure Circle Partner
  • Microsoft SMB Champions Club Tier 1
  • Microsoft Silver Competency Midmarket Solution Provider
  • Microsoft Silver Competency Server Platform Provider
  • Microsoft Small Business Specialist
  • Apple Consultant Network member
  • Cisco Channel Partner

About Prism Technologies Group
Prism Technologies Group has been helping businesses improve their IT operations since 2003, and it’s their mission to contribute to their clients’ success. The company, which has earned the highest certifications from notable stalwart companies such as Microsoft, Cisco and Apple, provides expert IT services to businesses, government agencies and nonprofit organizations across the United States. Prism Technologies Group has a solid performance record, and they guarantee reliable, responsive and efficient solution delivery. The company was founded by Bryan Guinn, who is an active North Chamber member. Guinn is a 2014 Small Business Leaders Award nominee.

Security Service Federal Credit Union receives best practice recognition from Credit Union Direct

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Security Services Federal Credit UnionSecurity Service Federal Credit Union (SSFCU) has received a Best Practice Award in the category of Business Development from CU Direct (www.cudirect.com), the nation’s leading provider of lending, automotive and strategic solutions to the credit union industry. The award was presented during the Credit Union Service Organization’s (CUSO’s) annual credit union lending and marketing conference, held in May in Las Vegas, Nevada.

The proven sales philosophy for SSFCU’s indirect lending department has evolved into a sales-centric culture focused on delivering superior service throughout the application, decision and funding process. For example, SSFCU’s indirect lending department can receive an application, underwrite the loan, receive the loan package, process and fund the loan the same business day, all in a paperless environment.

“Our success lies behind the fact that our business model is both sustainable and replicable, contributing to our ongoing growth,” said Charles Goss, SSFCU’s executive vice president and chief lending officer. “We spend a lot of time training and coaching our loan officers in their communication skills. This leads to our being better able to assess and address dealer needs, as well as accurately identify trends, both negative and positive.”

“We greatly appreciate the work and dedication our credit union partners put into their lending programs,” stated Tony Boutelle, president and CEO of CU Direct. “Their accomplishments provide insight to the strategies and best practices that will contribute to the overall success of our credit unions’ loan programs.”

SSFCU has made significant strides in service capabilities to both dealer customers and members acquired through indirect lending channel.  This, in combination with targeted product offerings, has resulted in excellent growth for the credit union.  With the focus centered on developing new and enhancing existing dealer relationships, indirect lending booked $2.2 billion in 2011, $2.67 billion in 2012 and $2.9 billion in 2013.  During the first four months of 2014, $1.054 billion has been funded, compared with the first four months of 2013 of $840 million.  The credit union recently passed the $5 billion mark in indirect auto loans.

“According to the most recent reports, SSFCU funds one out of every four cars within the San Antonio area,” said Danny Lane, vice president, indirect lending. “We see our business growing steadily since our expansion into Colorado and Utah.”

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 1-800-52-SSFCU.

July Word from the Chairman

By North SA Chamber Editor
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Turner_Annie-Chairmans-photo-PR

New Exclusive Member Benefit
As you may know, the North SA Chamber has endeavored to help you amplify your involvement with additional benefits including enhanced digital and online resources and exclusive member programming like special rates for employee benefits. In fact, many of you may have participated in the prior discounted group medical program that was discontinued earlier this year in accordance with the Affordable Care Act (ACA).

Throughout the economic recovery and phased implementation of ACA, we have educated members on the law’s impact on business operations, and now it’s quite satisfying to be able to offer our members access to rich supplemental benefits and rates that comply with ACA law.

Introducing – North SA Chamber Member Benefit Solutions program by MetLife
We’re proud to announce that we have teamed up with MetLife to present the North SA Chamber Member Benefit Solutions program that offers members competitive group rates for life, dental, disability and vision coverage. The North SA Chamber Member Benefit Solutions program by MetLife provides our small business members with less than 10 employees access to plans that they would not have been able to obtain on their own, while also expanding the benefit offering to organizations with up to 999 employees – and the product suite is available through any area insurance agent or broker.

I want to recognize and thank board member and Membership Council Chair, Aaron Seaman with SWBC, for working to bring this new supplemental coverage program to North SA Chamber members.It was through Aaron’s leadership and a willingness by MetLife to serve customers through the association marketplace that the plan was conceptualized over several months and brought to fruition. I want to commend MetLife for tailoring their approach to offer insurance products to fit the specific needs of the North SA Chamber membership.

Learn more about Member Benefit Solutions program by MetLife

To learn more about how MetLife can benefit you, we encourage you to contact your agent or broker or search the FIND A MEMBER online directory to find a North SA Chamber member agent or broker.

North SA Chamber Member Benefit Solutions program by MetLife
The program offers competitive group rates for North SA Chamber members with 2 to 999 employees, featuring a Product Suite including:

  • Basic Term Life Insurance including Supplemental Term Life, Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D)
  • Group Dental Benefits that include Pediatric Dental Essential Health Benefits (EHB), where appropriate
  • Employer-Sponsored Short & Long Term Disability
  • Voluntary Short-term Disability (VSTD)
  • VisionAccess Program*

Now is an exciting time for the North SA Chamber, our members and our growing city. We welcome you and your employees to participate and hope you’ll be able to take advantage of this exclusive member benefit.

Like most group insurance policies, MetLife group policies contain certain exclusions, exceptions, waiting periods, reductions, limitations, and terms for keeping them in force. Eligibility varies by product based on the number of eligible versus participating employees. Ask your MetLife group representative for costs and complete details.

*   The MetLife VisionAccess program is a discount program and not an insured benefit. It is provided through Vision Service Plan (VSP), Rancho Cordova, CA. VSP is not affiliated with Metropolitan Life Insurance Company or its affiliates.

Raba Kistner Environmental announces hire of Dr. Steve A. Tomka, Senior Archaeologist

By North SA Chamber Editor
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PortraitsSteve Jones, CHCM, Senior Vice President and COO of Raba Kistner Environmental, has announced that Raba Kistner has hired Steve A. Tomka, Ph.D. to develop and manage Cultural Resources projects for the firm. As the Senior Archaeologist, Dr. Tomka is working closely with Prehistoric and Historic Project Archaeologists and Field and Laboratory Technicians at Raba Kistner Environmental on several new and exciting projects in the San Antonio area and around Texas.

Dr. Tomka has over 30 years of experience in Texas archeology.  In San Antonio and its immediate vicinity, Dr. Tomka has accumulated over 18 years of experience and knowledge working on archaeological projects.  His particular areas of expertise include Archival Research, Historic and Prehistoric Archaeology, NRHP Eligibility Testing and Data Recovery Excavations.

He has worked on prehistoric archaeological sites dating to 10,800 years before the present (BP), as well as 18th and 19th century Spanish Colonial missions and 20th century residential complexes in downtown San Antonio.

“We are very excited that Dr. Tomka is joining our Environmental group,” said Jones. “His very distinguished career, including serving in a voluntary capacity with many historical oversight groups, brings relationships and a level of knowledge about Texas archaeology that is unmatched in our industry.”

Dr. Tomka maintains a strong working relationship with all clients including architectural and engineering firms and City, County, and State agencies.  He has served on the State Board of Review for National Register of Historic Places nominations, and was the Chair of the Antiquities Committee of the Texas Historical Commission, where he served as Commissioner.   In these capacities, he acquired in-depth knowledge of the Antiquities Code of Texas as well as the processes and procedures associated with Section 106 compliance of the National Historic Preservation Act.

Dr. Tomka served as Director, Center for Archaeological Research, University of Texas at San Antonio, for 12 years before coming to Raba Kistner. He received his Ph.D. in Anthropology from the University of Texas in Austin in 1994, and his M.A. from there in 1985. He received his BA in Anthropology from the University of Missouri, Columbia, in 1980.

Dr. Tomka is pre-certified to conduct TxDOT archeological surveys (2.10.01) and has served as a Principal Investigator on multiple TxDOT statewide general services contracts.

About Raba Kistner
Founded in 1968, Raba Kistner, Inc., parent company to Raba Kistner Environmental, Inc., is an Engineering News-Record “Top 500 Firm,” operating in eleven different markets in Texas, Utah, and México. Raba Kistner Environmental is recognized as one of the Southwest’s leading firms offering environmental consulting services. Our technical team consists of archeologists, biologists, engineers, environmental specialists, geologists, GIS analysts, and planners.

Volunteer Spotlight – Infrastructure Committee Chair: Jim Koenig, Jacobs

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Koenig_Jim-150x150About the Company: Jacobs is a multidiscipline architecture/engineering firm with more than 60,000 employees worldwide. The firm’s 65-person San Antonio office provides professional services including Global Building (vertical building), Water Infrastructure Programs (public works projects, environmental services), Transportation Programs (highways, airports, railways), Site Civil (commercial, mixed-use, residential), Urban Design & Planning (master planning, landscape, urban planning), Construction Management and Inspection and Survey. Jim provides business development for the San Antonio office interacting with various public transportation agencies and organizations in the community.

About the Program: This committee reviews transportation and infrastructure planning, construction and maintenance issues, as well as the political and financial issues relating to these improvements. A guest speaker presents on a related topic followed by a report by each public agency present.

Personally Speaking: Jim has been an active North SA Chamber volunteer for over nine years, serving on the board for six years and currently serving as chairman of the Infrastructure Committee . Jim says, “The North SA Chamber is a great venue for business networking and establishing meaningful and long lasting personal business relationships.”

Volunteer Spotlight – Small Business Leaders Awards Chair: Marilyn Hartmann, Security Service Federal Credit Union

By North SA Chamber Editor
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Hartmann_Marilyn-spotlight

Marilyn Hartmann
Security Service Federal Credit Union

About the Company: Security Service Federal Credit Union is a $7 billion credit union, the largest credit union in Texas and the eighth largest in the U.S., with its corporate headquarters located in San Antonio, Texas. Security Service serves more than 900,000 members in Texas, Colorado, Utah and around the world. It has built a reputation of strength, stability and convenience by offering its members financial soundness, unmatched hours of service and competitive financial products and services. Marilyn Hartmann is the assistant vice president of commercial services, responsible for overseeing SSFCU’s commercial loan production in all credit union markets, compliance, and training and mentoring of commercial loan officers. She was previously manager of commercial loan production.

About the Program: The SBLA program recognizes the very best of our community’s business leaders. Qualifying nominees must have less than 100 employees to be considered and awards are presented in a number of categories including new business, community service, employee relations, business innovation, career achievement, business achievement, veteran owned business, business advocacy, not for profit business and overall achievement.

Personally Speaking: Marilyn has served on the Ambassadors committee for nine years; she has chaired the Small Business Leaders Awards committee since 2012; she chaired the How 2 Series committee in 2011 and 2012; and chaired the Ambassadors committee in 2010. She served on the Gala committee, and Marilyn was named the Ambassador of the Year in 2006, 2007 and 2008. She says, “The chamber offers tremendous networking opportunities and direct benefits from being actively involved. This is where I have chosen to focus the majority of my business-related volunteer hours on an ongoing basis.”

Morgan’s Wonderland ‘Free to Soar Gala’ Sept. 19 to honor five outstanding individuals

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MorgansWonderland_logoOn Friday, Sept. 19, the annual “Free to Soar Gala” benefitting non-profit Morgan’s Wonderland and Monarch Academy at Morgan’s Wonderland will honor five individuals who have been champions for those with special needs.

“Each year, we salute outstanding individuals who embody character traits such as determination, caring, achievement, sacrifice and inclusion,” said Ron Morander, general manager of the world’s first ultra-accessible theme park designed with special-needs individuals in mind and built to be enjoyed by everyone.  “They will be recognized at the gala, and their names will be added to the Walk of Fame that encircles our park’s eight-acre lake.”

Details about how to nominate individuals for inclusion on the Walk of Fame by the Aug. 1 deadline can be found at www.MorgansWonderland.com.   A committee from Morgan’s Wonderland and The Gordon Hartman Family Foundation, along with special advisors, review nominations and select the five honorees.

Morander said an honoree might be a student who, regardless of a special need, perseveres at school and inspires other students; a Wounded Warrior who embraces life despite immense physical challenges and serves as a role model for other Warriors; a dedicated employee who has earned the admiration of a supervisor and peers for a job well done; a parent or caregiver who has sacrificed to make a difference for those with special needs; or someone who works directly with the special-needs community to make a difference in numerous lives.

Sponsorship information and other specifics about the Free to Soar Gala are available from Becky Thomas at (210) 493-2811.  Gala proceeds will help expand programs and services for the special-needs community through Morgan’s Wonderland and Monarch Academy.

Completely wheelchair-accessible Morgan’s Wonderland admits anyone with a physical or cognitive challenge to the 25-acre park free of charge.  Monarch Academy, located next door to Morgan’s Wonderland, helps students with special needs achieve their full potential through individualized instruction.  The school’s Bridge Program strives to equip students with valuable skills that lead to productive lives as adults.

The inspiration for Morgan’s Wonderland came from Morgan, daughter of philanthropists Gordon and Maggie Hartman, who will celebrate her 21st birthday during the gala.  Morgan’s soaring spirit despite personal challenges sparked within the Hartmans a deep desire to create a haven not only for those with special needs but also for their families, caregivers and invited friends.  “Inclusion is the overarching objective,” Gordon Hartman noted.  “Everyone can have a good time at Morgan’s Wonderland.”

Morgan’s Wonderland and Monarch Academy are located in Northeast San Antonio a half-mile west of IH 35 at the intersection of Wurzbach Parkway and Thousand Oaks Drive. For more information about Morgan’s Wonderland or Monarch Academy, call (210) 495-5888 or (210) 479-3311, respectively.  Or visit www.MorgansWonderland.com or www.MonarchAcademy.net.

Accion Texas announces faster, more streamlined process for community advantage small business loans

By North SA Chamber Editor
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Accion logo colorThe U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) acknowledged Accion Texas’s success as a small business lending partner by granting the nonprofit organization the “delegated authority” to cut approval times for applicants of the 7a Community Advantage loan from up to four weeks to within four days.

The SBA 7a Community Advantage program offers qualifying businesses with small business loans up to $250,000 to start or expand a business. Accion Texas started participating in the 7a Community Advantage loan program in July 2011, after the SBA started the pilot program in February that year. Since then, Accion Texas has approved 20 loans totaling more than $2.9 million to small businesses in Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana, Tennessee and Texas.

With delegated authority, Accion Texas can approve SBA 7a Community Advantage loans to small businesses without forwarding applications to the SBA to review, cutting the approval process time down from weeks to just days. The SBA gives the designation of “delegated authority” to mission-focused, community-based lenders that serve low-income communities, based on the organization’s loan volume and loan quality.

This spring, Accion Texas received an award from the National Association of Development Companies for being one of the top 10 SBA 7a Community Advantage lenders in the nation. Accion Texas placed fifth among several dozen lenders participating in the SBA program.

“We’re excited that we can help small business owners achieve their dreams through the SBA 7a Community Advantage loan program,” said Dan Lawless, chief lending officer at Accion Texas. “Our goal this year is to double our approvals for the 7a program to $2.2 million. Being given delegated authority will help us achieve this goal.”

The Community Advantage loan product was designed by the SBA to reach underserved communities whose small business owners typically find it difficult to secure funding elsewhere. The product is a term loan with an interest rate range from 7.25 to 9.25 percent.

In order to be considered eligible for this loan program, businesses must meet one of the following requirements: The business must be located in low- to moderate-income community, in an Empowerment Zone, Enterprise Community, or HUB Zone. The business must be considered a “small business” according to SBA standards, or be owned by a veteran.

About Accion Texas
Accion Texas Inc. is a nonprofit, multi-state microlending company and small business lender that helps new and existing entrepreneurs successfully grow their businesses. Through affordable lending and business development services, Accion Texasis committed to empowering diverse individuals and small businesses that have limited access to traditional sources of capital.

Since we opened our first office in San Antonio with three employees in 1994, Accion Texas has helped thousands of people achieve their small business dreams. We’ve made nearly 15,000 loans totaling more than $160 million. Accion now operates in eight states: Alabama, Arkansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Tennessee and Texas. We offer business loans between $500 and $250,000 throughout our footprint, and up to $5.5 million in Texas through the SBA 504 lending program. Additionally, we offer training, networking opportunities and other support services for hardworking entrepreneurs. To learn more about Accion Texas’s offerings, call 888-215-2373 or visit www.acciontexas.org.

Security Service Federal Credit Union recognized for worksite wellness efforts in Texas and Utah

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Security Services Federal Credit UnionThe San Antonio Business Group on Health (SABGH), in collaboration with the Mayor’s Fitness Council, recognized Security Service Federal Credit Union (SSFCU) with a Silver Award in the 2014 Healthy Workplace Recognition Program. It is the fifth year the credit union has been recognized in the category for workplaces with more than 200 employees.

In addition, the credit union was recognized by the Utah Council for Worksite Health Promotion (UCWHP) with a Platinum 2014 Healthy Worksite Award. This award is the state’s premiere award honoring outstanding achievements of businesses and organizations that have employee health promotions and wellness programs. The Utah award was based on corporate activities and outcomes for employee programs focused on the general worksite, environment, nutrition, physical activity, safety and prevention.

SSFCUHealthyWorkplaceShown in the photo (from left):  Dr. Peter Wald, SABGH Chairman; Amanda Kassler, Compensation & Benefits Manager, SSFCU; Anne Hoeffner, AVP, Compensation & Benefits, SSFCU; Mayor Julian Castro; and Jeff Skelton, San Antonio Mayor’s Fitness Council Vice Chairman.

The credit union is well known for its sponsorship of community fitness events where employees and their families have the opportunity to participate in activities promoting physical fitness. Beyond fitness, SSFCU supports health and wellness in a very holistic way, promoting health education, physical activity, nutrition, smoking & tobacco cessation, financial fitness and more.

At the San Antonio awards ceremony, SSFCU compensation and benefits manager Amanda Kassler served as keynote speaker, presenting the credit union’s wellness initiative and best practices for the nearly 50 companies present.

“Since we started our wellness program six years ago, we’ve seen huge results,” said Anne Hoeffner, SPHR, SSFCU assistant vice president of compensation and benefits. “While we’ve received many industry awards, we’re particularly proud of the results…millions of steps taken…thousands of hours of exercise logged…thousands of pounds of weight lost. Our employees are taking up healthy habits and getting rid of the bad ones. We’re really making a difference,” she added.

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 1-800-52-SSFCU.