Tag Archives: Small Business

Accion Texas Inc. launches new Spanish website

By North SA Chamber Editor
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Accion logo colorAccion Texas Inc. – the nation’s largest nonprofit small business lender   invites visitors to explore its new Spanish website. The new website has been designed to provide Spanish speaking clients with a more user-friendly experience.

“Accion is dedicated to adapting and improving to meet the growing demand for small businesses and entrepreneurs,” Accion Texas President and CEO Janie Barrera said. “We are always focused on bringing the American dream to more places and more people.

Accion Texas collaborated with Sweb Development—a local digital-marketing development agency –to create a website with improved navigation and functionality throughout, allowing customers to access product information in Spanish.

“Accion understands the importance of the growing multicultural market and is providing the same access to information and resources to Spanish and English speakers alike,” Sweb Development Founder and CEO Magaly Chocano said. “Accion continues to be a driving force for entrepreneurs, job creation, and economic progress,” Chocano said.

Created with user experience firmly in mind, customers are now able to benefit from richer online content that is easier to navigate and share with others. Accion serves more than 60 percent of Hispanics throughout its eight-state footprint.  By providing multi-platform access in multiple languages, Accion levels the playing field for all entrepreneurs to excel. We encourage you to visit the new site at www.acciontexas.org and click the Español tab on the top right corner of our main page.

About Sweb Development
Established in 2008, Sweb Development builds mobile apps, websites, social media marketing campaigns, and everything in between. Sweb is a full service digital agency offering creative digital strategies, graphic design, and developments for web, mobile, and social. Sweb produces tailor-made, cutting edge, captivating solutions.

About Accion Texas
Accion Texas Inc. is a nonprofit, multi-state company and small business lender that helps new and existing entrepreneurs successfully grow their businesses. Through affordable lending and business development services, Accion Texas is committed to empowering diverse individuals and small businesses that have limited access to traditional sources of capital. Since its founding in San Antonio in 1994, Accion has made more than 14,000 loans totaling more than $167 million.  Accion now operates in eight states: Alabama, Arkansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Tennessee and Texas. To learn more about Accion’s lending options, call 888-215-2373 or visit www.acciontexas.org.

Crockett National Bank donates $240,000 of unrestricted funds to Accion Texas

By North SA Chamber Editor
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Accion logo colorAccion Texas Inc. – the nation’s largest, nonprofit, micro and small business microlender – has received two large gifts from one of its banking partners, Crockett National Bank. The San Angelo-based bank has committed $200,000 through an unrestricted, zero-interest loan to be “forgiven” every year, as well as a $40,000 monetary gift to Accion Texas.

“The bank believes in giving back to the community and we believe in the Accion Texas mission of helping small businesses that are not bankable get the help needed to get started,” said Dahlia B. Garcia, vice president of small business banking at Crockett National Bank. “As these companies grow, they become bankable and they can come back to us to help them with a traditional loan. We truly believe in what (Accion Texas CEO) Janie Barrera has created in Accion.”

Both gifts will help fund general operations for Accion Texas, which has grown from a small, three-person operation in San Antonio in 1994 to an eight-state enterprise with more than 115 employees in 20 offices today. Accion Texas now lends in Alabama, Arkansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Tennessee and Texas.

“We are grateful to Crockett National Bank for its trust and for supporting our operations,” Barrera said. “This gift means that as we grow, we are able to continue to offer the personal, one-on-one services to the entrepreneurs who come to us for help with counseling, mentoring and loans.”

About Accion Texas
Accion Texas Inc.is a nonprofit, multi-state small business microlender 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 its founding in San Antonio in 1994, Accion has made more than 14,000 loans totaling more than

$165 million.  Accion now operates in eight states: Alabama, Arkansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Tennessee and Texas. To learn more about Accion’s lending options, call 888-215-2373 or visit www.acciontexas.org.

About Crockett National Bank
Crockett National Bank has grown to over $440 million in assets.  Crockett is among the best performing banks in Texas, ranking in the top 30 percent of 530 Texas bands as of year-end 2013.  It operates offices in San Angelo, San Antonio, New Braunfels, Austin, Georgetown and Ozuna.  For more information, visit www.crockettnationalbank.com.

 

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.

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.

June Word from the Chairman

By North SA Chamber Editor
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Turner_Annie-Chairmans-photo-PRIn 2014, the North San Antonio Chamber set forth an agenda to focus on veterans, workforce development, small business advancement, the millennial workforce and community collaboration.

Veterans
To date, the North Chamber has launched a 15% membership discount for individual veterans transitioning from the military to civilian workforce and for veteran-owned businesses in appreciation of their selfless service to our country. Do you know a veteran-owned business that could benefit from membership with the North SA Chamber? Please invite a veteran to join you for one of our Networking Breakfasts or Power Lunches and introduce him or her to the advantages of Chamber membership.

Workforce Development
The North SA Chamber offers a number of ways to support our diverse workforce, boost employee qualifications and build leadership and professional skills across member companies. Already we’ve hosted a number of programs on Technology, Finance, Sustainability and more. Coming up are a number of opportunities to share information, get instruction and build skill sets on a range of special interest topics.

Calling all marketers, PR pros, business developers and nonprofit, small business or corporate executives who have an interest in marketing outcomes – the North SA Chamber is hosting the Second Annual Social U conference featuring instruction, discussion and networking among thought, strategy and implementation leaders in social and digital marketing on Thursday, September 4, at the Omni San Antonio Hotel at the Colonnade. The program features keynote general assemblies, workshops and networking and product demos in the Social Lounge exhibit hall. To sponsor the event, register or learn more, please contact the staff liaison Renée Crittenden-Garcia (210)384-7730.

We’ll offer the third How 2 Seminar on Wednesday, September 17, from 7:30 to 11 a.m. at the Sonterra Country Club. The program will feature speakers and instruction on topics to help improve your company’s operations. Check the Calendar of Events for topic updates.

We’re proud to once again present the annual Enterprising Women’s Conference (EWC) on Friday, September 26, at the Omni San Antonio Hotel at the Colonnade, featuring topical keynote presentations, workshops, exhibitors, networking and the presentation of the ATHENA Awards® Program. Featured speakers include: morning keynote presentation “Diversity in the Generations” by author Dr. Carmen Tafolla; breakout sessions featuring Kay Wakeham – “Emotional Intelligence,” Dr. Cynthia Phelps – “Compassionate Leadership,” Jan Tilley – “5 Secrets to Living Better Longer,” and Helen Hunter – “Spiritual Life.”

We recently completed the call for nominations for the ATHENA Awards, and will present the ATHENA Leadership, ATHENA Young Professional Leadership and ATHENA Organizational Leadership Awards at the EWC luncheon. To sponsor the event, register or learn more, please contact the staff liaison Susan Deitker (210) 384-7727 or visit the online Calendar of Events.

Small Business Advancement
The North Chamber remains committed to recognizing excellence in small business leadership and we’re excited to highlight the finalists and name the award winners for the 2014 Small Business Leaders Awards on Tuesday, July 22, at the Omni San Antonio Hotel at the Colonnade. New this year – we’ll be recognizing a Veteran-Owned business leader and a Non-Profit organization, as well as presenting 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

Community Collaboration
Julián Castro will offer the Mayor’s Vision for San Antonio on Tuesday, August 5, from noon to 1 p.m. at the Westin Riverwalk Hotel. This presentation will be especially exciting as we await Mayor Castro’s confirmation of his recent nomination as the Secretary of Housing and Urban Affairs. This event is a great opportunity to hear what the Mayor has planned for the City’s trajectory in the coming year – and possibly, how San Antonio will play a role on the national scene should the Mayor be sworn-in to assume the HUD cabinet position.

Millennial Workforce, College Student Memberships
We’re proud to announce the addition of college student membership to the North San Antonio Chamber’s community offerings. 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.”

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 contacting Samantha Fojtik (210) 384-7726.

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.

April Word from the Chairman

By North SA Chamber Editor
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Turner_Annie-Chairmans-photo-PRAt the beginning of this year, I made a commitment to guide the North SA Chamber to focus on veterans, workforce development, small business advancement, the millennial workforce and community collaboration to promote our mission to strengthen member businesses and the community through the delivery of advocacy, networking, recognition, leadership and professional development programs.

Veterans
To date, the North SA Chamber has approved and extended a 15% discount to Veteran-owned businesses as a way to assist veterans transitioning from the military to civilian workforce. The discount is effective immediately for veteran-owned businesses who are new members joining the chamber.

Additionally, we just completed the call for nominations for the Small Business Leaders Awards (SBLA) program, and 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. Stay tuned to learn who the finalists will be.

Workforce Development, Small Business Advancement
Through our programming, 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.

Recognizing the growing time scarcity among busy professionals, the North SA Chamber has explored online training offerings to provide a more vast range of course topics and to accommodate members’ busy schedules. We’re excited to announce, through a partnership with online training provider Coggno, the delivery of a comprehensive Training Online Shop featuring thousands of courses covering a range of subjects from human resources and safety to business and sales. As part of the launch, the North SA Chamber is offering each member company one free online class, as well as a webinar on Tuesday, May 6, at 11:30 a.m. to learn more about utilizing the Training Online Shop. For more details, please see the complete article in the Special Alert section of this issue of the eNews.

Additionally, 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. We have been promoting the Job Bank this year to veterans, transitioning professionals, college students and recent grads through the North SA Chamber website, eNews and social media, as well as at trade shows throughout the year to assist you in accessing a larger pool of applicants. Remember – the online tool is as valuable as the content in it, so please post career opportunities at your company. Click here for member login access and instructions for posting jobs.

Moreover, we want to 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. I encourage each of you to review the various North SA Chamber Participation Opportunities and find a committee on which you can serve and make an impact.

Community Collaboration
The North SA Chamber has been working with members and community partners to develop, present and review issues that affect our members’ profitability and overall quality of life.

Already this year, we participated in the SA Conversations series in collaboration with the San Antonio, South and Hispanic Chambers of Commerce to host special guests U.S. Representative Paul Ryan and U.S. Senator Marco Rubio along with moderator Evan Smith, Editor in Chief of the Texas Tribune.

SA Conversations is a series of discussions for the business community to hear from elected officials – beyond the Texas Delegation – who serve in critical roles in commerce, transportation, entrepreneurship and other areas for the purpose of addressing the critical issues that affect enterprise.

We’re very excited to partner with these organizations once again to host a very special guest – the U.S. Speaker of the House John Boehner on Monday, May 12, at the Marriott Rivercenter Hotel from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Click here for more information or to register.

Recognition
One of the most rewarding aspects of my Chamber service is the recognition of what small business owners – particularly women business owners – have done in our community. We are now seeking applications for the ATHENA Leadership Awards® Program.

The North SA Chamber is an ATHENA International Founding Lifetime Memberandthe 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.

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.

40 Years of Keeping Bexar County Strong
I appreciate your membership, participation and volunteerism with the North San Antonio Chamber and invite you to join a committee, attend an event or just follow us in our social media communities. We’re a 40-year-strong, vibrant business network thanks to you, your membership and all that you do keep San Antonio and Bexar County strong.

Volunteer Spotlight – How 2 Series Chair: David Rodriguez, Generations Federal Credit Union

By North SA Chamber Editor
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Rodriguez_David_articleDavid Rodriguez
Generations Federal Credit Union

About the Company: For nearly 75 years, Generations FCU 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.

About the Program: The North SA Chamber is committed to small business development and has designed this series specifically to offer big ideas for small businesses. The How 2 Series offers information to help businesses improve every aspect of their business with practical operational knowledge – Check the North SA Chamber Calendar of Events to see the most recent topic for the series.

Personally Speaking:  As the Financial Education Manager for Generations, David oversees the ideation and development of small business workshops that cover critical topics such as human resources, marketing, lending, financials and logistics.  Recently appointed as the How-To-Series Committee Chair, David understands the impact the Chamber and the Series can have for small business owners, enabling them to thrive, succeed and shape our economy.

March Word from the Chairman

By North SA Chamber Editor
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Turner_Annie-Chairmans-photo-PRAs we welcome spring and this time of renewal in our surroundings, it is also a time of change and regeneration here at the North San Antonio Chamber. Over the last several weeks, the North Chamber has realigned personnel and duties as we have said farewell to longtime staff and welcomed new team members.

After 13 years of service to our business community as Vice President of Leadership Programs and Lead SA, Yolanda Crittenden has retired. For all of you who have worked with Yolanda over the years through our government affairs programs, Lead SA, the Small Business Leaders Awards, the Enterprising Women’s Conference and other programs – I know you will join me in thanking and congratulating her and wishing Yolanda all the best in her future endeavors.

Additionally, with Yolanda’s retirement, some staff duties have been realigned. Wendy Thomas is now Program Manager and will be your point of contact for programs including Lead SA Employment Law Update, Lead SA Sustainability, CFO Forum events and the On the Horizon luncheon.

Moreover, our director of marketing and membership, Renée Crittenden-Garcia, is now Vice President of Marketing, Public Affairs & Lead SA, and she will assume the executive director role for the North Chamber’s 501c3 organization, Lead SA, and its Salute to Excellence, as well as take a more active role in supporting our government affairs programs including State of the County and Mayor’s Vision. Renée will provide increased support to our President/CEO for various special and collaborative programs as they relate to our advocacy efforts, while still overseeing membership and chamber marketing programs.

Last but not least, we are pleased to welcome Susan Deitiker, Manager of Special Events, and Whitney Lewis, Manager of Marketing & Special Events. Susan is already working with our Ambassadors and leading program management for events including Networking Breakfast, the new Power Lunch, Golf Tournament, How 2 Series, Small Business Leaders Awards and the Enterprising Women’s Conference.

Whitney is our new website and e-newsletter editor and will share member news across our social and digital platforms, while also providing special event marketing communications, committee and registration support for a number of programs.

Membership, Recognition, Veterans
Over the last several months, our membership staff and committee have been studying our dues structure and identifying ways to increase value to our membership. After a recent task force meeting led by our Membership Council Chair, Aaron Seaman of SWBC, the North SA Chamber is proud to announce that we will extend a 15% discount to Veteran-owned businesses as a way to assist veterans transitioning from the military to civilian workforce. The discount is effective immediately for veteran-owned businesses who are new members joining the chamber.

Additionally, we are actively seeking nominations for the Small Business Leaders Awards (SBLA) program, and the deadline to submit completed applications is Friday, April 11, by 5 p.m. Awards will be presented in categories including: Small Business Leader of the Year, Small Business Advocate of the Year, Career Achievement, Community Service, Business Achievement, Business Innovation, Employee Relations, New Business and new this year – Nonprofit and Veteran-Owned. Please consider nominating a deserving employer, customer or colleague; and encourage him or her to complete the nomination application and submit by deadline.

While we’re proud to support and recognize our veterans in every way, we’re equally pleased that we have worked to bolster our small business members by maintaining dues rates for more than 15 years. As a small organization operating on the sole support of our dues-paying members, we strive to be fiscally conservative in our stewardship of the investment members make in the North San Antonio Chamber of Commerce. As the cost of doing business increases, we sent a call to action to members to participate in a voluntary dues increase. To date, 67% of members who renewed their membership with us elected to provide added financial support. On behalf of the board and staff, thank you for your incredible support of the North Chamber.

Leadership, Networking
We’re also busy building business and leaders across San Antonio. Recently, the participants of the 2014 Leadership Lab Class completed a week-end long retreat in which students learned about their individual personality styles and how those traits can be strengths and challenges in their personal and professional relationships.

It was my pleasure to join the class during their retreat and encourage them on their leadership journey. The diversity of companies represented in the class is remarkable, and I’m excited to see how this year’s class will engage and apply their Lab experiences to their workplaces.

Finally, no matter what time of day is best for you, the North SA Chamber now has a venue for you to connect with others while gaining insight on various timely professional topics. The Networking Breakfast is held the second Tuesday of every month at the Petroleum Club at 7:15 a.m., and the new Power Lunch will be held the fourth Thursday of the month at 11:30 a.m. at rotating locations. Please check the calendar of events regularly and register online.

I appreciate your membership, participation and volunteerism with the North San Antonio Chamber and invite you to join a committee, attend an event or just follow us in our social media communities. We’re a vibrant business network thanks to you, your membership and all that you do keep San Antonio and Bexar County strong.

February 2014 Word from the Chairman

By North SA Chamber Editor
Posted on by Email to a Friend
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Annie Turner, Wells Fargo
2014 Chairman of the Board

Well the North San Antonio Chamber’s 40th Anniversary year is off to a wonderful start, and I want to thank all of our members, supporters and friends who joined us to mark the milestone at the 40th Annual Gala: Bailando España on February 1 at the JW Marriott. It was indeed a night of recognition, camaraderie and entertainment as I laid out the North Chamber’s goals to include a focus on veterans, workforce development, small business advancement, the millennial workforce and community collaboration. View the Chairman’s Vision for 2014

First, I’d like to thank our outgoing Chairman of the Board, Brad Rollins, President of Dahill, for his incredible leadership and years of support and stewardship of the North SA Chamber. Brad worked throughout 2013 to: encourage members to do business with one another; advance our leadership academy, Leadership Lab; promote social and digital marketing to elevate member visibility; and to advocate on behalf of our member businesses. View the Chairman’s Reflection on 2013

Moreover, programs like the Gala don’t just happen without our wonderful staff, volunteers and corporate support. I offer my thanks to North Chamber staff liaisons Chris Bugg and Wendy Thomas, and the entire Creative and Sales Teams for their attention to every detail. I know you’ll join me in thanking our top sponsors at Corporate Travel Planners, Dahill, eESI, Frost, Kaufman & Killen, Inc., Network Alliance, Security Service Federal Credit Union and Wells Fargo for their legacy of support.

Additionally, the Gala program included the presentation of the San Antonian Award to Security Service Chief Executive Officer, David Reynolds. Reynolds accepted the 2014 San Antonian Award, which is reserved for individuals whose business achievements, charitable and civic contributions transcend his or her industry, career and immediate community. The San Antonian honoree is the preeminent example of personal contribution of time, talent and treasure to one’s community.

Reynolds was recognized for his transformational leadership of the credit union and accomplishments including: a continued commitment to military service members; credit union expansion to include a diverse membership throughout the southwestern United States; record capital growth; and fostering a spirit of service across credit union employees in Texas, Colorado and Utah. Additionally, through Reynolds’ service on a number of industry and community boards, he has worked to improve the industry, quality of life in San Antonio and to advance higher education. I wish him well upon his retirement from the credit union in March, 2014. View the San Antonian Award Honoree video

Focus Issues & Volunteer Leadership
Furthermore, we inducted the 50-member 2014 North Chamber Executive Committee and Board of Directors, and the 24-member 2014 Lead SA Board of Directors. Directors offer financial oversight, programming strategy and monitor policy affecting your businesses, as well as financial leadership for our various events and programs. I want to recognize and thank the 2015 Chair-elect, Rob Killen of Kaufman & Killen, and all of the directors for assuming the responsibility of governance. I look forward to working with each of them.

Also, the North Chamber is proud to have the service of more than 20 event chairs and hundreds of volunteers who work on a number of event planning committees. You can learn more about each of our Focus Issue and Volunteers Leaders on the North SA Chamber website and how you can get involved on a committee that meets your interest area. Participation Opportunities

Be a part of it.
Over the last 40 years, the North SA Chamber has endeavored to keep San Antonio and Bexar County strong by advocating for business and education, recognizing deserving leaders, providing professional development and delivering opportunities to make results-oriented business-to-business connections.

I invite each of you to be a part of our 40-year legacy and join us in our efforts. We need your involvement more than ever. Thank you to our board, volunteers and members for all you do, and I look forward to working with you. View the 40th Annual Gala photo gallery