November Word from the Chairman

Turner_Annie-Chairmans-photo-PRAdvocacy Alert: Proposition 1 Passes – Increased Funding for Transportation
The North San Antonio Chamber board of directors endorsed Proposition 1 – the constitutional amendment to provide for the transfer of certain general revenue to the economic stabilization and state highway funds, and we are so pleased that citizens turned out to vote for and pass this amendment on Election Day. A strong transportation infrastructure is fundamental to Texas’ quality of life and economic vitality, attracting new businesses and generating new jobs. Proposition 1 ensures the dedication of the revenue transferred to the state highway fund to be used only for developing public roads (not toll roads) and that those dedicated funds be allocated by the Texas Department of Transportation in a manner consistent with existing formulas to ensure that the entire state benefits from this additional funding.

Advocacy Alert: Vista Ridge Project Passes – Diversified Water Resource Secured
The North San Antonio Chamber board of directors endorsed the Vista Ridge Water Pipeline Project – a project that will deliver water for 162,000 households, 20% more water for San Antonio and protect the Edwards Aquifer during drought, and we are thrilled that the City Council voted to approve the project. Water is the key to economic development opportunities and quality of life for our city. We thank and applaud all of our community partners for advocating on behalf of this project and City elected officials for having the foresight to secure this vital water resource.

New Benefits Heading Your Way!
As a member of the North San Antonio Chamber, I’m excited to share with you that our chamber will soon offer new resources to help you manage your chamber membership, market your business on the web and monitor online traffic to your content on northsachamber.com.

The North SA Chamber will be converting to a new member software application, Chamber Master – that will enable the chamber to better manage information, involvement and events – while offering you enhanced benefits.

Starting the first week of December, members will enjoy new website features and benefits that will help you: market your business in the Member Directory; add company social media and website links to your online directory listing; promote an event through the Calendar of Events; post RFPs or market your product/service through the MarketSpace online member store; recruit talent through a more robust Job Bank; advertise your product/service through public or member-to-member Hot Deals and much more. Learn more.

Leadership Lab Call for Nominations
It’s that time of year again. The North SA Chamber is seeking a diverse group of bright and dedicated individuals to participate in the 2015 Leadership Lab class. Leadership Lab is the North Chamber’s award-winning leadership academy featuring best-in-class testing, training and relationship building. The series includes interviews and selection in January, an orientation in February, a retreat in March and monthly full-day classes through November, culminating in a graduation ceremony.

As your company is planning for the 2015 training and professional development budget, please consider Leadership Lab as a tool to cultivate your organization’s emerging leaders or to inspire seasoned managers or executives to a higher level of performance and community engagement.

Interested individuals must complete an application and submit it by Friday, December 5, 2014. Applicants will be selected for participation by the Leadership Lab alumni. Leadership Lab Program Brochure / Leadership Lab Application

Annual Gala
On behalf of the board of directors and executive committee, I invite you to join us for the biggest night of the year – the Annual North SA Chamber Gala – Carnival: Rio de Janiero on Saturday, January 24, 2015, from 6 p.m. to midnight at the JW Marriott Resort. This event is a spectacular evening of elevated networking, entertainment and recognition as we welcome our incoming chairman, Rob Killen of Kaufman Killen, and the 2015 board of directors.

Be a part of it.
Your North SA Chamber is hard at work with member volunteers planning and producing 2015 programming that is essential to helping your businesses. On behalf of our staff and volunteer corps, I invite you to join a committee to take advantage of the connection opportunities your Chamber provides. You can learn more about various Participation Opportunities and upcoming Events online, or call the North SA Chamber at (210) 344-4848.

September Word from the Chairman

Turner_Annie-Chairmans-photo-PRRecognizing Excellence
One of the most rewarding aspects of Chamber service and involvement is to participate in one of our recognition programs. We recently recognized Jane Macon, Edith McAllister and Rosemary Kowalski with the Governor Dolph Briscoe, Jr. Salute to Excellence Award, and it was an honor to listen and learn more about three of San Antonio’s most distinguished trailblazing women. Each has contributed so much to our economic and social landscape through her professional, civic and philanthropic works. To each – Jane, Edith and Rosemary, we salute your excellence!

You’ll have another opportunity soon to join our chamber community in recognizing the nominees of the ATHENA Award® Program on Friday, September 26, at the Omni Hotel at the Colonnade during the Enterprising Women’s Conference. EWC will feature informative speakers – including San Antonio’s Poet Laureate Dr. Carmen Tafolla, networking, retail exhibits and the presentation of the prestigious ATHENA Young Leadership Award, ATHENA Organizational Leadership Award and the ATHENA Leadership Award to a deserving organization, young and seasoned leader for professional accomplishment, community service and opening doors of leadership opportunity for women.

Advocacy Alert: Support for Constitutional Amendment for Increased Funding for Transportation
A strong transportation infrastructure is fundamental to Texas’ quality of life and economic vitality, attracting new businesses and generating new jobs. According to the latest report of the 2030 Commission, approximately $6.1 billion per year in construction funding is needed to achieve “worst possible” transportation conditions and $9.5 billion per year is need to achieve “minimally competitive” transportation conditions. The current State budget results in a $1.1 billion shortfall in transportation construction funding and that shortfall will increase to $3.5 billion in the next biennium based on current revenue projections.

Thus, the North San Antonio Chamber board of directors supports the proposed constitutional amendment to provide for the transfer of certain general revenue to the economic stabilization and state highway funds, and for the dedication of the revenue transferred to the state highway fund to be used only for developing public roads (not toll roads) and that those dedicated funds be allocated by the Texas Department of Transportation in a manner consistent with existing formulas to ensure that the entire state benefits from this additional funding. The proposed amendment will be on the November 4, 2014 ballot and we encourage you to vote in favor of the amendment that increases funding for transportation. Help to keep Texas moving!

Online Resources: Training, Job Bank
Did you know the North SA Chamber offers an Online Training web shop? In partnership with a premier Internet source for thousands of online training courses, your Chamber provides your business access to online training – anytime, anywhere. Your HR department and managers can utilize online courses to create a well-trained, knowledgeable workforce in an efficient, convenient and cost-effective manner; and your employees can access courses at their computer workstations, home computers, tablets and even smart phones. The online training catalog features hundreds of high-quality affordable courses created by world-class training developers, and covers virtually all industries including human resources, management, healthcare, safety and many more.

The North SA Chamber also offers a no-cost Job Bank for member businesses to gain access to a larger pool of applicants, and the online search tool is a free community resource to job seekers. Members may post job openings and there is no additional charge beyond your annual membership dues. You will need a personal login to post a job, and you may request a login here. All job listings are reviewed and approved for publishing, posted within 24 to 48 hours and remain online for 30 days – or until a member removes the post.

New! – North SA Chamber Member Benefit Solutions program by MetLife
We have teamed up with MetLife to present the North SA Chamber Member Benefit Solutions program that offers members with 2 to 999 employees competitive group rates for life, dental, disability and vision coverage. To learn more about how this supplemental coverage program can benefit you, download the Membership Benefit Solutions flyer, contact your agent or broker or search the FIND A MEMBER online directory to find a member agent or broker.

Be a part of it.
Your North SA Chamber is hard at work with member volunteers planning and producing top quality professional development programming to help your business. On behalf of our staff and volunteer corps, I invite you to join a committee or attend an event to take advantage of the services your Chamber provides. You can learn more about various Participation Opportunities and upcoming Events online, or call the North SA Chamber at (210) 344-4848.

August Word from the Chairman

Turner_Annie-Chairmans-photo-PRAdvocacy Alert: Storm Water Fee “Postponed Indefinitely” by Mayor, City Manager
Your North San Antonio Chamber has been hard at work for you as we attended stakeholder meetings for the proposed City of San Antonio Storm Water Fee changes. Over the last several weeks, we reviewed and provided comments on the proposed Storm Water Fee rate and methodology restructuring. While we recognize the need to fund critical drainage programs across the City, we did not agree with the proposed methodology and rates that were proposed to take effect in FY15 and FY16, respectively. We took the issue to the North SA Chamber board, which voted at the July board meeting to oppose the fee changes. After an advocacy campaign that included a letter to City staff and elected officials, an email alert to members, media interviews and social media posts, we were pleased to learn from Mayor Ivy R. Taylor at this month’s sold-out Mayor’s Vision for San Antonio event that she was recommending to the City Manager that the proposed Storm Water Fee changes be “postponed indefinitely.”

We couldn’t be happier with Mayor Taylor’s decision and Manager Sheryl Sculley’s willingness to revisit the Storm Water Fee methodology, while also removing it from the FY15 budget. We will continue to work in partnership with City staff and officials to identify a reasonable methodology and rate structure that will not impede business expansion, retention or recruitment, while still allowing the City to secure the funding it requires for the important drainage infrastructure maintenance and capital improvement projects our districts need.

You can read and watch coverage from Mayor’s Vision for San Antonio here:

Rivard Report, WOAI 4, KENS 5, KSAT 12, KABB 29

Advocacy Alert: Support for Constitutional Amendment for Increased Funding for Transportation
A strong transportation infrastructure is fundamental to Texas’ quality of life and economic vitality, attracting new businesses and generating new jobs. According to the latest report of the 2030 Commission, approximately $6.1 billion per year in construction funding is needed to achieve “worst possible” transportation conditions and $9.5 billion per year is need to achieve “minimally competitive” transportation conditions. The current State budget results in a $1.1 billion shortfall in transportation construction funding and that shortfall will increase to $3.5 billion in the next biennium based on current revenue projections.

Thus, the North San Antonio Chamber board of directors supports the proposed constitutional amendment to provide for the transfer of certain general revenue to the economic stabilization and state highway funds, and for the dedication of the revenue transferred to the state highway fund to be used only for developing public road rolls (not toll roads) and that those dedicated funds be allocated by the Texas Department of Transportation in a manner consistent with existing formulas to ensure that the entire state benefits from this additional funding. The proposed amendment will be on the November 4, 2014 ballot and we encourage you to vote in favor of the amendment that increases funding for transportation. Help to keep Texas moving!

Announcing – 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 with 2 to 999 employees competitive group rates for life, dental, disability and vision coverage. The program features 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*

*   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.

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.

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.

 

 

Proposition 1

SAMCo_logoIn an effort to keep up with the San Antonio region’s growing congestion and transportation funding challenges, the San Antonio Mobility Coalition would like you to consider voting in favor of Proposition 1. The Texas general election ballot takes place on November 4, 2014.


What is Prop. 1

Proposition 1 would authorize annual disbursements from the State’s oil and gas production tax collections to the State Highway Fund. An estimated $1.4 billion would be transferred into the State Highway Fund in the first year alone, as a first step in addressing a projected $4 billion annual funding shortfall for TxDOT.


Resources

Please view this AGC produced video featuring Ray Benson of Asleep at the Wheel.

View SAMCo’s video that takes a fresh look at the current congestion in San Antonio and the need for additional funding for the region.

Let’s Walk&Roll to Work with the MPO!

WR 2014 logoThis May at the 18th Annual Walk & Roll Rally, the Alamo Area Metropolitan Planning Organization, City of San Antonio and Bexar County will be celebrating walking and bicycling as desirable forms of transportation, exercise and recreation.

The Walk & Roll Rally pops up for one hour only at 8 a.m. Friday, May 2 at Main Plaza in downtown San Antonio! A Mayor’s Fitness Council-endorsed event, the Rally applauds residents who use active transportation in their daily routines as well as encourages others to consider what trips they could make by foot, bike, or bus. Join an organized walk or bike ride to the rally point and enjoy refreshments, door prizes, music and a flash fashion show featuring local bicycling and walking street styles. Robert Rivard reports in as Master of Ceremonies, and invited speakers include Bexar County Judge Nelson Wolff, San Antonio Mayor Julian Castro, San Antonio City Councilmember and MPO Chairman Ray Lopez and other transportation and health leaders. VIA Metropolitan Transit is again providing free bus transportation for cyclists with bikes on the day of the Walk & Roll Rally.

The Walk & Roll Rally kicks off a full calendar of events in May, recognized since 1956 as National Bike Month, that offers opportunities for everyone in the Alamo Area to learn more about or share their love of walking and bicycling. To keep track of all local bicycling and walking events going on during May, visit www.walkandrollSA.com or contact the MPO’s Bicycle and Pedestrian Transportation Planner, Allie Blazosky, at blazosky@sametroplan.org or 210-230-6911.

Active transportation in San Antonio is growing rapidly. Some of the joint transportation partnership initiatives that are helping fuel this momentum include:

  • The Bicycle Mobility Advisory Committee holds three Bike Night public meetings yearly. The next one will be 6 p.m. Wednesday, May 14 at the VIA Metro Center (1021 San Pedro).
  • The MPO’s Bicycle Travel Patterns Study showed that about 325,000 people – almost one in five Bexar County residents! – ride a bike at least monthly.
  • Recognized as a Bronze Level Bicycle Friendly Community, San Antonio has grown its on-road bike facilities mileage 800% from about 30 miles in 2000 to over 240 miles in 2013.
  • San Antonio Parks and Recreation has built 45 miles of off-road hike and bike trails along Leon Creek, Salado Creek and the Medina River as part of the Howard A. Peak Greenways. Another 40 miles are under design or construction.
  • The grand opening on October 5, 2013 of the Mission Reach concluded restoration and enhancement of 13 miles of the San Antonio River, popular with cyclists, walkers and kayakers.
  • San Antonio B-Cycle currently operates 52 bike sharing stations with up to 15 more locations to be added throughout 2014.
  • All VIA Metropolitan Transit buses have bike racks, including inside its Primo Bus Rapid Transit.

Raba Kistner Environmental announces hire of Sally Victor, Historian

RK Environmental_cmykSteven E. Jones, Senior Vice President and COO of Raba Kistner Environmental, has announced the hire of Sally Victor, Historian. Ms. Victor is an historic preservation specialist with more than 31 years of experience in conducting historical and archival research, including documentation supporting Sections 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA). Her experience also encompasses Planning and Permitting projects, including dozens of Transportation projects.

Sally VictorHer role as Project Professional for Raba Kistner includes preparation of reports from project data and field observation notes, conducting field activities, analysis of field data, and performing field surveys of historic resources. Ms. Victor also contributes to various NEPA documents, coordinates environmental resource studies, and works to resolve issues for a variety of projects, including transportation projects.

Ms. Victor has worked closely with State Historic Preservation Officers in Texas, Arkansas, Louisiana and New Mexico. She has contributed substantially to multiple highway transportation, utility corridor, surface mining, airport renovation, rail traffic reports, high speed rail, and disaster recovery projects under Section 106 of the NHPA. With her extensive experience, she has become adept at developing ways to avoid and/or minimize impact to identified National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) or State Archeological Landmark (SAL) eligible sites.

Ms. Victor received her B.A. in American Studies – History and Anthropology – and her MS in Community & Regional Planning, both from The University of Texas at Austin.

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.

September 2013 Word from the Chairman

Rollins_Brad-ChairmanIn August, the North SA Chamber offered our members the opportunity to hear first-hand from Mayor Julián Castro, recognized USAA CEO Maj. Gen. Joe Robles with the Gov. Dolph Briscoe Jr. Salute to Excellence Award and partnered with the San Antonio Hispanic Chamber to inform our members of important economic trends at the Mid-Year Economic Report.

As both of our Chambers endeavor to advance business and economic development in San Antonio, it has truly been a pleasure to work with the Hispanic Chamber CEO, Ramiro Cavasos, and their board toward our common goal to serve business. A big part of that, of course, is to serve as an advocate for business and provide our members a collective voice before their elected officials. We came together at the joint chamber City Council Meet & Greet, hosted by Frost, and our boards visited with the newest and returning Council members, as well as Mayor Castro.

I want to thank Frost for their demonstrated support of business and downtown redevelopment, as well as Government Affairs Council Chair and 2015 Chair-elect, Rob Killen, for his volunteer leadership and help in coordinating this event, and for his efforts to keep our members informed of the important issues that face our community and their businesses. Additionally, on behalf of our board of directors and membership, we thank our elected officials for their public service and the work they do on behalf of our citizens and businesses.

MPO Public Meetings
The North SA Chamber has a demonstrated commitment to keeping San Antonio moving. As you may know, according to the Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO), “By 2040, the San Antonio metro area will have nearly 1.5 million new residents raising the region’s population to over 3.4 million people.” That’s approximately one million or more cars added to our roadways in the next 25 years. The MPO conducts careful deliberation to ensure that major transportation projects are planned with public feedback. To address future transportation needs, we currently have a 25-year metropolitan transportation plan (MTP) that programs approximately $12 billion in transportation funding through year 2035. The MPO is now working on “Mobility 2040” which must be approved by December 2014. Area residents are invited to review plans and provide input on Mobility 2040’s vision and goals at a series of public meetings. Click here for the schedule.

Calendar of Events
We have a number of events coming up and hope you’ll join us.

The Business Technology Series features UTSA’s Center for Infrastructure Assurance and Security, Ray Simms, and is scheduled for Wednesday, September 25, starting at 7:15 a.m. at the Petroleum Club. Learn how to Maximize Security and Control Costs with cyber hygiene, wireless security and online commerce.

The Enterprising Women’s Conference will be Tuesday, October 1, from 7:30 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. at the Omni Hotel Colonnade. Featured speaker will be author and trainer Jennifer Webb, Magic Communications, and the luncheon program from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. will feature the ATHENA Leadership Awards® presentation. Congratulations to the finalists and we’re excited to reveal the award recipients at the luncheon.

Additionally, learn about the latest digital trends at On the Horizon on Wednesday, October 23, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Oak Hills Country Club. Hear from IT and cyber security specialists about digital fraud and how to avoid cyber break-ins.

You can register for these and all of the North SA Chamber events here.

Thank you for all you do to keep Bexar County strong and I hope to see you soon.

MPO Conducts Public Meetings for Transportation

MPO Bexar County logoBy 2040, the San Antonio metro area will have nearly 1.5 million new residents raising the region’s population to over 3.4 million people. Imagine driving with another million or so cars on our roads. To meet this challenge, the MPO must plan carefully to keep people and freight moving safely and efficiently.

Major transportation projects take many years to complete so the MPO must plan far into the future. Our 25-year metropolitan transportation plan (MTP) is the blueprint for our future transportation system. The current plan programs approximately $12 billion in transportation funding through year 2035. The MPO is now working on “Mobility 2040” which must be approved by December 2014.

Public participation is crucial to good planning so we are holding eight public meetings at which area residents will be asked to review and provide input on Mobility 2040’s vision and goals. The meetings are scheduled as shown below:

• Northeast Meeting – 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., Monday, September 23rd at Woodlake Hills Middle School, 6625 Woodlake Parkway, San Antonio, Texas.
• Northwest Meeting – 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., Tuesday, September 24th at Leon Valley Community Center, 6421 Evers Road, Leon Valley, Texas
• Southwest Meeting – 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., Wednesday, September 25th at Indian Creek Elementary School, 5830 Pearsall Road, San Antonio, Texas
• Southeast Meeting – 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., Thursday, September 26th at Highland Hills Elementary School, 734 Glamis Ave, San Antonio, Texas
• Central Meeting – 9:00 to 11:00 a.m., Saturday, September 28th at VIA Community Room, 1021 San Pedro Ave, San Antonio, Texas
• Seguin Meeting – 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., Tuesday, October 1st at Seguin – Guadalupe County Coliseum, 950 S. Austin St., Seguin, Texas.
• New Braunfels Meeting– 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., Wednesday, October 2nd at New Braunfels Civic Center, 375 S Castell Ave, New Braunfels, Texas
• Boerne Meeting – 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., Thursday, October 3rd at Boerne Civic Center, 820 Adler Road, Boerne, Texas

In addition to the public meetings, MPO staff is creating an online opportunity for public participation at www.mobility2040.org. Two virtual on-line meetings are scheduled for 6 to 8 p.m., Tuesday, September 24th and from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Monday, October 7th.

About MPOs: Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs) are created by federal law to conduct a cooperative transportation planning process that brings our region over $200 million annually in state and federal transportation funding for roadway, transit, rideshare, bicycle and pedestrian projects.

MPO meetings are accessible to persons with disabilities. To request special assistance or an interpreter, please call 210-227-8651 or TDD 1-800-735-2989 (Relay Texas) at least five working days in advance. For more information, call Scott Ericksen at 210-230-6902 or 210-860-2478.

Infrastructure Committee Chair: Jim Koenig #Jacobs

180x150-JacobsOLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAAbout 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.

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 and has served on the board for six years. Jim says, “The North Chamber is a great venue for business networking and establishing meaningful and long lasting personal business relationship

San Antonio Medical Foundation Oversees Improvements across Medical Center

SAMed_Found_logo bw high-res (2)2012 was a very busy year for the South Texas Medical Center.  Two more intersections were improved and another almost completed by the Medical Center Alliance and City of San Antonio. A record number of inpatient and outpatient services were provided; several new buildings were completed or had groundbreakings and VIA Primo was launched.

Outpatient visits reached five and one half million with inpatient stays exceeding one hundred five thousand. There were approximately $200 million of medically related research grants received, primarily at the UTHSCSA. There are currently approximately 50,000 employees in the medical center.

Construction was completed or is underway for the VA’s Polytrauma Center and transitional housing facility, a Fisher House to serve the Center, the UTHSCSA’s Center for Oral Health Care and the 400 bed addition at the University Health System. Recent construction projects exceed $2 billion with more to come. In addition, in 2012 the new South Texas Research Facility was dedicated.

Future road improvements were passed in the San Antonio Bond referendum which will alleviate congestion at Babcock Road and Hamilton Wolfe as well as Louis Pasteur and Ewing Halsell.  Way finding signs are also being added and modified for ease in finding popular locations and medians are being landscaped.

We welcome the public to use the Foundation’s 2.2 mile walking-jogging trail, which includes seven exercise stations; parking is available on Hamilton Wolfe near Babcock as well as off Ewing Halsell just south of Hamilton Wolfe.

Learn more San Antonio Medical Foundation