Tag Archives: Recognition

Volunteer Spotlight – Networking Breakfast Chair: Jennifer Krause, eESI

By North SA Chamber Editor
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Jennifer_KrauseJennifer Krause
 eESI

About the Company: eESI (eEmployers Solutions, Inc.) was established in 1999 and is a leading Professional Employer Organization (PEO) based in Texas with a national presence.  eESI partners with businesses by providing HR services and solutions for employee benefits, HR initiatives and management, risk management, payroll administration and technology advantages. Jennifer is a well-versed Human Resources Manager responsible for all facets of human resources. She leads and develops a client-focused team that works collaboratively to ensure an exceptional client experience.

About the Program: The Networking Breakfast is the city’s original and largest networking event. Hosting nearly 100 attendees on the second Tuesday of every month, the breakfast promotes networking and member visibility by offering attendees the chance to introduce themselves and be a featured speaker at an upcoming breakfast.

Personally Speaking: Jennifer is a graduate of the 2013 Leadership Lab class.  She believes the North SA Chamber provides an avenue to connect with business owners, executives and professionals, provides professional and personal growth opportunities, and the ability to be involved and give back to the community. Jennifer says the Networking Breakfast is the perfect avenue to get to know your business neighbors. “By getting to know your neighbors and building these relationships, everyone builds their business. It is a win-win,” says Jennifer.

PS&Co. recognized again as one of the 2014 Healthiest Workplaces

By North SA Chamber Editor
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Padgett Stratemann & Co.PS&Co Healthy WorkplaceFor the second year in a row, PS&Co. was awarded gold-level recognition as one of San Antonio’s Healthiest Workplaces by the San Antonio Business Group on Health (“SABGH”) and the Mayor’s Fitness Council.  Employers were recognized for their work to improve team members’ health through worksite wellness programs and initiatives. To meet any of the three award levels (bronze, silver, or gold), the firm had to provide examples of a company culture encouraging and rewarding wellness programs, including health promotion and education, as well as offering opportunities for physical activities.

The Healthy Workplace Recognition Program was launched as a pilot project in July 2010, and has been growing since. In its first year, 10 applicants participated, 38 in the second, and showing an upward trend with 46 submissions for 2014.

All chosen nominees received formal recognition at the SABGH Quarterly Forum and 2014 Healthy Workplace Recognition Program (“HWRP”) Awards Reception held May 19,2014 at the Municipal Plaza Building, City Council Chambers.

PS&Co. is proud to have been given this distinction again, as it is a direct reflection of the efforts of all team members to meet and exceed, the firm’s challenge of being a healthy workplace.

May Word from the Chairman

By North SA Chamber Editor
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Turner_Annie-Chairmans-photo-PROne of the North SA Chamber’s strategic goals for 2014 is to meet the needs of the business community with a readied workforce. Thus, we are focused on engaging millennial workers by building a bridge between education and the workforce.

So many business owners and organizations are looking for qualified people. Thousands of baby boomers are retiring from the workforce each day, and we’re facing an enormous leadership gap. The North SA Chamber can help veterans, millennial workers and just about every professional in any interest area to access resources to sharpen their professional skills and build relationships through our various instructional and networking events and volunteer opportunities.

Announcing College Student Memberships
Through the generosity of a grant by State Farm, the North San Antonio Chamber of Commerce announces the addition of college student membership to its community offerings, and the first ten student members will be selected through the UTSA College of Business.

The college student membership is $75 per student and is a two-year, non-renewing membership. Students must be 18 years or older, enrolled in a four-year university or college, and enrolled in their senior year of coursework. Through membership with the North SA Chamber, college students will be afforded the opportunity to: meet professional members, get involved in committees, learn about community initiatives, share information, gain personal visibility and develop personal, professional and leadership skills through their involvement. Additionally, student members will be promoted through the Chamber’s online membership directory under the categories of “Student” and “Job Seeker.”

Member Jake Jacobson, Sales Leader of the West Sales Territory for State Farm, came to the North SA Chamber seeking ways to increase the insurance company’s involvement. State Farm recognized that getting college students involved in real-world interaction with the business community is a practical way to support emerging leaders and help grow the local talent pool. Jacobson, who serves in an advisory capacity to UTSA’s College of Business, will work with the school’s Associate Dean for Undergraduate Studies, Dr. Lisa Montoya, to review eligible students and name the grantees. The 10 student members will be identified and their memberships activated by August 1. State Farm will name five local agents who each will mentor two college students through their early months of membership with the North SA Chamber

It is my hope that your organization will consider doing the same. Businesses interested in sponsoring college student members, or students interested in joining individually may learn more by visiting www.northsachamber.com, clicking on the Join Now tab or calling (210) 344-4848.

Training Online Shop, Job Bank
The North SA Chamber strives to meet the needs of businesses for a readied workforce and ongoing professional development. We know you’re looking for quality continuing education for your team and qualified applicants.

The North SA Chamber is now offering a comprehensive Training Online Shop featuring thousands of courses covering a range of subjects from human resources and safety to business and sales. I invite you to explore the online training catalog. There are a number of low-cost training options to assist small businesses in accessing affordable, essential training. Many courses are available for less than $20!

Moreover, at no additional cost – member businesses may post job openings to the online Job Bank, and the online search tool is a free community resource to job seekers. Click here for member login access and instructions for posting jobs.

Small Business Leaders Awards
We recently completed the call for nominations for the Small Business Leaders Awards (SBLA) program, and will present awards on Tuesday, July 22, at the Omni San Antonio Hotel Colonnade. New this year – we’ll be recognizing a Veteran-Owned business leader and a Non-Profit organization, as well as present awards in the following categories: Small Business Leader of the Year, Small Business Advocate of the Year, Career Achievement, Community Service, Business Achievement, Business Innovation, Employee Relations and New Business.

Congratulations to the 2014 Small Business Leaders Awards Finalists!

John Aramendia
Aramendia Plumbing Heating & Air

Mike Behrend, Chris Behrend, Paul Evans
Green Vegetarian Cuisine

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

Bryan Guinn
Prism Technologies Group

Doug and Lori Horn
Dough Pizzeria Napoletana, LLC

Gregory Hudson
Genesis Concepts & Consultants

Melissa Killen
Network Alliance, LLC

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

Bede Ramcharan
Indatatech

Manuel Gerardo Rubio
Miracle Body & Paint

Michele Renee Pauli Torres
HFS Company

Helen Trowsdale
AA Care Services

Jennifer Sample
Providence Place

Gloria Canseco
San Antonio Christian Dental Clinic

Jose Sandoval
SandTech Solutions

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

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

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

Broadway Bank Human Resource Director receives Multicultural Leadership Award

By North SA Chamber Editor
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Broadway Bank logoCarlos Torres, executive vice president and human resources director at Broadway Bank received the 2014 Multicultural Leadership Award during the Texas Diversity & Leadership Conference awards luncheon on Wednesday, April 30, at the Westin Riverwalk. The National Diversity Council seeks to uphold and promote the principles of diversity and leadership and to recognize those individuals who personify those principles.

“Broadway Bank has offered me a great opportunity as human resources director to amplify the message of how diversity and inclusion are the bedrock of a successful organization,” said Torres. “I am grateful to live in a dynamic community that celebrates each one of us for the individuality that we share, giving us a unique role in making San Antonio the great city that it is,” he added.

Carlos_BroadwayBankTorres was promoted to human resources director following five years as senior vice president and human resources manager at Broadway Bank. Torres has worked in the human resources arena for 23 years in various capacities, including talent acquisition, employee relations, compensation and benefits design, strategic management, and employee and leadership development.

At Broadway Bank, Torres has focused on programs to educate and develop leaders. He spearheaded the development of the “Managing Employee Performance within the Broadway Culture” class and is leading the bank’s succession planning initiative. He also is credited with crafting the nicotine-free hiring policy, a critical part of maintaining a healthy work environment. His Wellness@Broadway Bank initiative gained the bank recognition as a local Fit-Friendly Company from the American Heart Association and from the Mayor’s Fitness Council as a healthy workplace, along with accolades from several other organizations.

A San Antonio native, Torres graduated from Central Catholic High School. He has a bachelor’s degree from St. Edward’s University in Austin. He is the 2014-2015 chairman of the American Diabetes Association Leadership Board, co-chairman for the 2014 KLRN Wine Festival and the 2013-2014 chairman of the “My Heart. My Life” committee for the American Heart Association, among others.

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

 

Five Highland High School students awarded Broadway Bank scholarships

By North SA Chamber Editor
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BroadwayBank_Logo_tagHighlands High School Students with Jeanette Flores Westbrook Cheever BuildingHighlands High School Class of 2014 graduating seniors, Christian Garcia-Hernandez, Anthony Lopez, Jason Lopez, Artemio Ortiz and Eduardo Velazquez, took center stage as Broadway Bank awarded them each $2,000 scholarships in support of their next step in education. San Antonio Independent School District superintendent Sylvester Perez, Ed.D., and the executive director of the San Antonio Education Partnership (SAEP), Eyra Perez, joined with Jim Goudge, Broadway Bank, chief executive officer, and a large group of Broadway Bankers to recognize the students.

“It’s an honor to celebrate the success of these Broadway Bank scholarship recipients and to learn about their plans for the future,” said Sylvester Perez, Ed.D. “They have great aspirations, and this generous contribution toward their college education will bring them a step closer to achieving their goals.”

All five students are first generation college-goers and three of them boast a100 percent attendance rate. Broadway Bank awards these scholarships to students representing a different high school in Bexar County every year in collaboration with the SAEP.

Anthony Lopez plans to study electrical engineering at the University of Texas at San Antonio. He said, “I want to create a company that brings jobs here to San Antonio, Texas, my hometown.”

Christian Garcia-Hernandez with Jeannette Westbrook FloresGarcia-Hernandez plans to attend Northeast Lakeview College then transfer to UTSA. He is both a first generation high school graduate and college student. He said, “I’m very determined to graduate from college.”

Jason Lopez was thrilled to receive the scholarship. He never missed a day of school and will study technology engineering at UTSA. He said, “The reason I want to study engineering is because I want to be able to make a big change in the world. I even want to make history.”

Ortiz said, “I want to become a cyber-security computer programmer. I know it will not be easy but I will strive to succeed and reach my future goals.” He has 100 percent attendance and also plans to study at UTSA.

Eduardo Velazquez has a 98 average and has 100 percent attendance. He will study music performance at UTSA. He said, “For my career, I wish to be a music educator or instructor able to make a positive difference in children’s lives through music.”

Highlands High School Students with checksBroadway Bank’s Jeannette Flores Westbrook, senior vice president, community reinvestment, said, “There is no better investment than to help students pursue their dreams for a brighter future.” She told the students, “This scholarship means more than just dollars, it’s about giving you confidence and inspiration to realize your full potential. We all believe in you and we wish you the best.”

This is the fifth year that Broadway Bank and the SAEP have partnered to award these scholarships.

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

TMI Robotics team advance to FIRST World Championships

By North SA Chamber Editor
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TMI_logo_20yrsMembers of the robotics team of TMI – The Episcopal School of Texas were honored May 1 by the San Antonio City Council for advancing the FIRST World Championships, held April 22-26 in St. Louis. During the Council’s morning session, team captain Morgan Garbett gave a brief presentation about the competition challenge, while other members — Hector Castillo, Joaquin Castillo, Chad Harthan, Umer Salman and Harrison White — prepared the robot, nicknamed “Squeaky,” and demonstrated its ability to pick up cubes and hang from a bar.

 

The team was invited for this recognition by Councilman Cris Medina, District 7, who acted as mayor pro tem for this session and presented them with an official City of San Antonio certificate of congratulations.

 

The TMI competitors started building their robot in September and entered the competition season in January, advancing through area, regional and super-regional competitions. They were the only San Antonio team to qualify for the World Championships, one of only nine Texas teams and part of only three percent of teams nationwide.

 

Morgan’s Wonderland seeking to honor champions who’ve befriended people with special needs

By North SA Chamber Editor
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MorgansWonderland_logoMorgan’s Wonderland has set Friday, Aug. 1, as the deadline for 2014 Walk of Fame nominations, according to Ron Morander, general manager of the world’s first theme park designed with special-needs individuals of all ages in mind and built to be enjoyed by everyone.

“We annually honor five outstanding individuals who have been champions for the special-needs community,” Morander said.  “These remarkable individuals serve those with special needs in many different ways.  In doing so, they embody character traits such as determination, caring, achievement, sacrifice and inclusion.”

Walk of Fame honorees will be recognized at the Free to Soar Gala on Friday evening, Sept. 19, at Morgan’s Wonderland in San Antonio, and their names will be added to the Walk and Roll Path that encircles the park’s scenic eight-acre lake.

A committee from Morgan’s Wonderland and The Gordon Hartman Family Foundation, along with special advisors, will review nominations of not more than two typewritten pages submitted to WalkofFame@MorgansWonderland.com and select honorees.  Complete nominating instructions can be found on the park’s website, www.MorgansWonderland.com.

Sponsorship information and other details about the Free to Soar Gala are available from Becky Thomas at (210) 493-2811.

Morander provided examples of deserving honorees – 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.

“Though we recognize that an individual might be a true inspiration or a hero to his or her family members, we’re looking for those who positively influence or help multiple individuals in spite of physical or cognitive challenges,” Morander said.

Names of the honorees will be embedded in round, translucent “stepping stones” featuring the Morgan’s Wonderland logo – a butterfly in flight – on the ¾-mile-long Walk and Roll Path.  The pathway contains 88 of the 2-foot-in-diameter stepping stones that glow beginning at dusk.

Morgan’s Wonderland, which is completely wheelchair-accessible, features more than 25 attractions including rides, playgrounds and gardens.  (Check www.MorgansWonderland.com for the latest information on days and hours of operation.)  Admission for special-needs guests is free; admission for accompanying family members, friends, caregivers and the general public is nominal.  Children age 2 and younger are also admitted free of charge.

The inspiration for Morgan’s Wonderland came from philanthropist Gordon Hartman’s 20-year-old daughter Morgan.  Her soaring spirit despite personal challenges sparked within him 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,” he noted.  “Everyone can have a good time at Morgan’s Wonderland.”

Morgan’s Wonderland is part of a larger 106-acre sports venue to encourage inclusive recreation whereby individuals of all abilities can play side-by-side.  The nearby STAR (South Texas Area Regional) Soccer Complex offers 13 lighted soccer fields for tournaments and league play.  Net profits from STAR Soccer go to support the operation and maintenance of Morgan’s Wonderland.  Likewise, net profits from the San Antonio Scorpions FC pro soccer team and the team’s new, 8,000-seat home – Toyota Field – are also earmarked to expand programs and services at Morgan’s Wonderland for the special-needs community.

In addition, Monarch Academy, a school for students with special needs next to Morgan’s Wonderland, is wrapping up its third year of instruction.

Morgan’s Wonderland is 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, call either (210) 495-5888 or toll-free (877) 495-5888.

UNITED SA Federal Credit Union awards college scholarships

By North SA Chamber Editor
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PrintUNITED SA Federal Credit Union has awarded $1,000 scholarships to four outstanding high school seniors. The local students and their parents were recognized at a reception on April 30 at the credit union’s Headquarters in San Antonio.

UNITED SA Federal Credit UnionThe following winners were honored:
Ariana Borzotra – Earl Warren High School
Andrew Ivone – Louis D. Brandeis High School
Mitchell Martinez – Southwest High School
Shyanne Tallant – Communication Arts High School

“We are so proud to be able to support these students as they pursue their dreams,” said Tammie Johnson, UNITED SA vice president of administration. “They are all outstanding scholars, well-rounded high achievers and have excelled throughout their academic careers. We are excited to assist them in moving forward with this next step in their lives.” Johnson presented the students with their awards.

This is the eighth year that UNITED SA has offered a scholarship program. Students are chosen based on academics, leadership, community service and personal recommendations.

About UNITED SA Federal Credit Union
Now in its 59th year, UNITED SA Federal Credit Union is headquartered in San Antonio, Texas, and was originally chartered in 1955 to serve the employees of United Services Automobile Association (USAA). In 2005, the credit union converted to a community charter and expanded its field of membership to serve anyone who lives, works, worships or attends school and businesses and other entities in Bexar County, Texas. Over 25,000 members own and belong to the nonprofit financial cooperative, which has $220 million in assets. For more information, visit www.unitedsafcu.org or call (800) 531-8456.

SSFCU named Skillsoft 2014 Innovation Award winner

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Security Service Federal Credit Union has been recognized with a 2014 Innovation Award for Effective Elearning in Small and Medium Enterprises from Skillsoft, a pioneer in the field of technology-delivered learning. The credit union received the award in April at 2014 Global Skillsoft Perspectives, Skillsoft’s annual user conference in Las Vegas.

Skillsoft annually honors customers for their significant achievements in corporate learning and development, recognizing innovative ideas and inspiring leaders who are helping to transform the learning landscape.

Skillsoft SSFCU award(from left) Stefani Perez, supervisor, design and development training; Jim Dreher, human resources manager for leadership and development; and Steffani Hobelman, senior design and development trainer, accept the Skillsoft Innovation Award in Las Vegas.

“SSFCU is an organization that truly values the benefits of learning, and strives to fully integrate it within its culture,” said Jerry Nine, Chief Operating Officer, Skillsoft. “We are proud to honor SSFCU for their accomplishments in utilizing learning technology to drive performance, deliver business value and maximize employee engagement.”

SSFCU received the award for Effective Elearning in Small and Medium Enterprises, and was honored for implementing learning programs that directly impact its business objectives. In particular, the program supports the development of managers and supervisors, and has led to increased employee engagement and revenue, and decreased employee turnover.

“We are thrilled to receive this award, particularly because one of our core values is ‘Innovative.’  Investing in our employees is a top priority, and by taking full advantage of Skillsoft technology, we are able to use the most effective means of enabling our employees to learn and grow,” said Molly Daniels, senior vice president of human resources at SSFCU.

This year’s awards were judged by an independent panel of industry experts including Cushing Anderson of IDC, Todd Tauber of Bersin by Deloitte, Laci Loew of Brandon Hall Group, Mollie Lombardi of Aberdeen Group, Joe DiDonato of Elearning! Magazine, Catherine Upton of Elearning! Magazine, Ladan Nikravan of Chief Learning Officer and Craig Weiss of E-Learning 24/7.

For more information on the 2014 Innovation Awards and Global Skillsoft Perspectives, please visit the awards website here.

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.

About Skillsoft
Skillsoft is a pioneer in the field of learning with a long history of innovation. Skillsoft provides cloud based learning solutions for its customers worldwide, ranging from global enterprises, government, and education to mid-sized and small businesses. Skillsoft’s customer support teams draw on a wealth of in-house experience and a comprehensive learning e-library to develop off-the-shelf and custom learning programs tailored to cost-effectively meet customer needs. Skillsoft’s courses, books and videos have been developed by industry leading learning experts to ensure that they maximize business skills, performance and talent development.

Skillsoft currently serves over 6,000 customers and more than 19,000,000 learners around the world.  Skillsoft is on the web at www.Skillsoft.com.

Skillsoft, the Skillsoft logo, Skillport, Search & Learn, SkillChoice, Books24x7, ITPro, BusinessPro, OfficeEssentials, GovEssentials, EngineeringPro, FinancePro, AnalystPerspectives, ExecSummaries, ExecBlueprints, Express Guide, Dialogue, Quickskill and inGenius are trademarks or registered trademarks of Skillsoft Ireland Limited in the United States and certain other countries. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

Volunteer Spotlight – Sustainability Chair: John Facey, UTSA Institute for Economic Development

By North SA Chamber Editor
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Facey_JohnJohn Facey
UTSA Institute for Economic Development

About the Company: The University of Texas Institute for Economic Development assists communities and businesses from conception to startup and expansion with a broad array of advising and research services. These services are provided by 11 centers of excellence located at UTSA’s downtown campus. The Institute’s services have an international reach, but are most heavily focused upon national, regional and local communities and businesses.

About the Program: The SustainAbility conference is designed to work with the business community to preserve the future by focusing on commercial and practical sustainability awareness and programs that can be implemented in businesses. Proceeds from this series benefit Lead SA, the North Chamber’s 501 (c)(3) organization that serves to promote educational, career and professional development in San Antonio.

Personally Speaking: UTSA has been a Chamber member for many years. John has been on the SustainAbility committee since 2011 and served as co-chair and chair. John says the committee’s programming adopts a very pragmatic approach in presenting sustainability topics to the business community with the key theme being the many ways sustainability can improve the bottom line of a business.