Tag Archives: Volunteer

Volunteer Spotlight – Enterprising Women’s Conference Chair: Jennifer S. Swisher, SeeKing HR

By North SA Chamber Editor
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Swisher_JenniferJennifer S. Swisher, SPHR
SeeKing Hr

About the Company: SeeKing HR is a certified Small, Woman and Veteran-Owned Human Resources consulting firm.  They offer Employment Services, Employee Development and HR Program Management services.  The Employment Services division focuses on finding winning talent for organizations who wish to outsource strategic recruitment, direct hire placements and temporary staffing needs. Many of the training programs offered through the Employee Development division are designed with core content which is tailored to meet the needs of each client. The third division, HR Program Management encompasses all other human resource related services. The services include, but are not limited to: organizational and individual assessments, strategic planning, compensation strategy, benefit design, employee handbooks, policy development, employee communication plans, affirmative action planning, program documentation and onsite services. Jennifer is the Human Resource Project Director for SeeKing HR.  She develops and maintains excellent client relationships and provides consulting services on a variety of HR related topics.

About the Program: The Enterprising Women’s Conference (EWC) is a full-day leadership and professional development conference that provides a powerful learning environment with informational keynote speakers and breakout sessions and strategic networking opportunities. In partnership with the national ATHENA Foundation, the North Chamber is the exclusive local host organization for the presentation of the ATHENA Leadership Awards® Program that credits rising stars, seasoned professionals and model organizations for achievement, community service and leadership cultivation with the ATHENA Young Professional Leadership Award, ATHENA Leadership Award and ATHENA Organizational Leadership Award.

Personally Speaking: Jennifer has been involved with the North Chamber through SeeKing HR since 2011.  In 2012, Jennifer completed Leadership Lab and almost immediately began volunteering for the North Chamber Golf Committee.  In 2013, Jennifer was the recipient of the ATHENA Young Professional Leadership Award®.  “Being involved in North Chamber activities and events is very rewarding, both personally and professionally.  I’ve had the opportunity to meet and learn from great leaders in the San Antonio business community.”

Volunteer Spotlight – Infrastructure Committee Chair: Jim Koenig, Jacobs

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

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

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

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

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Hartmann_Marilyn-spotlight

Marilyn Hartmann
Security Service Federal Credit Union

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

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

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

Life of a volunteer puppy raiser

By North SA Chamber Editor
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Lori Wadsworth and ElectraMy name is Lori Wadsworth, and I’m a Puppy Raiser for Guide Dogs of Texas. My puppy’s name is Electra, and she turned a year old on April 9, 2014. She was 8.5 weeks old when I brought her home. The “E” litter is super smart and caught on quickly from the very start. My goal in raising Electra is to do the very best that I can in obedience training, play sessions, free run sessions, and training walks in order for her to move up into Advanced Training.  Even though it will be really hard to give her up, I am excited about her future career.

Electra goes everywhere with me:  the grocery store, library, nail salon, hair salon, doctor’s office, Starbucks, church, and the list goes on and on.  We Guide Dogs of Texas logotry to schedule play dates as well at Guide Dogs of Texas with her brother, Eddie, who has the same energy level as my little Electra.  When she isn’t working or walking (which are her two very favorite things to do), she is allowed to be just a regular, well-behaved dog. We are not without our challenges, but she is maturing rapidly and thus our challenges are much fewer now.

There are many things I love about being a Puppy Raiser, but the things I love most are watching her get so excited when I ask her if she’s ready to walk or go to work and the fact that we go everywhere together. Puppy Raising requires a lot of time and patience (with the dog and yourself), but it is so rewarding. Electra is my first pup, but she will definitely not be my last. Puppy Raisers have an excellent support system as help is only a text, email, or phone call away. I would highly encourage anyone with a love for animals and the willingness to make a huge, but overwhelmingly satisfying, commitment to be a Puppy Raiser.

Here at Guide Dogs of Texas, every puppy holds the promise of being someone’s eyes.   The dedication of our volunteer Puppy Raisers and the many hours they put into the puppies builds a strong foundation for the puppies’ future.   Would you like to be involved in Puppy Raising?

If you would like to help by donating or volunteering your time to this great local organization please contact our office at 210.366.4081 or visit our website at www.GuideDogsofTexas.org.  No joy can equal the joy serving others and we at Guide Dogs of Texas know that “Volunteering is a work of Heart”!

Another way to help is recently we added “Donate a Car for a cause” to our website.  Go to this link to learn more: http://www.donatecarusa.com/charities/guide-dogs-of-texas/landing

 

 

 

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.

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

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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.

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.

Volunteer Spotlight – Power Lunch Chair: Jessica Delgado, Broadway Bank

By North SA Chamber Editor
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delgadojessicaJessica Delgado
Broadway Bank

About the Company: 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.

About the Program: Power Lunch will be your most important meal of the month! The lunch provides attendees the opportunity to introduce themselves and their company to other chamber members, hear an informative speaker and network with other attendees. Check the North SA Chamber Calendar of Events for registration and to look at upcoming topics.

Personally Speaking:  Jessica is currently the Chair of Power Lunch and a Co-Chair of the Ambassadors committee. She has been a member with the North SA Chamber for 6 years and has volunteered for various events such as the Executive Women’s Conference and the Annual Golf Tournament. Jessica is also a proud student of this year’s Leadership Lab class – an award-winning program developed by the chamber to promote leadership development and workforce preparedness. “The North SA Chamber plays a vital role in our community as it offers the ability to promote commerce, meet new people , build stronger connections and achieve both professional and personal goals.”

Volunteer Spotlight – On the Horizon Chair: E.J. Jaax, Aspect Wealth Management

By North SA Chamber Editor
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Aspect Wealth - E. J. JaaxE.J. Jaax
Aspect Wealth Management

About the Company: E. J. Jaax is a CFP® with Aspect Wealth Management; one of the top ranked independent wealth management advisory firms in San Antonio.  At Aspect Wealth, we have been serving a select group of business owners, professionals, executives, and families for 17 years with the mission to improve and simplify the lives of our clients, granting them greater satisfaction, confidence, and freedom to achieve more in life.  We accomplish this by building deep, long-term relationships with a select group of clients to help them in the stewardship of their time, talent, and resources.  Our clients delegate their financial affairs to us so they can focus on those areas that give their lives meaning and purpose.

About the Program: On the Horizon is an informational luncheon program focused on key emerging trends in business for San Antonio and the surrounding regional area.  Watch the North SA Chamber website for upcoming detailed information on the benefits to your business from this exciting 2014 program and event.

Personally Speaking: E. J., has been involved with the North San Antonio Chamber for 3 years now, serving as a very active Ambassador and an Ambassador team captain.  He enjoys welcoming new members, and expressing his appreciation to the chamber’s loyal members at their special events.  “The North Chamber has been an excellent resource to be more involved in the community, provides great opportunities to connect with local businesses in the community, and to help them connect with other vital partners to support their growth and sustainability in San Antonio.”

Volunteer Spotlight – Government Affairs Chair: Kevin Connor, Jacobs

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OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAKevin Connor
Jacobs

About the Company: Jacobs Engineering Group Inc. is one of the world’s largest and most diverse providers of professional technical services. With 2012 revenues of nearly $11 billion, Jacobs offers full-spectrum support to industrial, commercial, and government clients across multiple markets. The San Antonio office offers engineering, architectural and construction management services addressing transportation, public works, residential, commercial and federal markets. Kevin is the Operations Manager for the San Antonio and Austin offices.

About the Program: Hear the Mayor’s Vision for San Antonio during a luncheon program featuring keynote address by Mayor Julián Castro and get “the Bexar facts” regarding County priorities directly from County Judge Nelson Wolff at the State of the County luncheon.

Personally Speaking: Kevin is third of a line of North Chamber board members from Jacobs – which has been supporting the North Chamber for more than 12 years. Kevin looks forward to chairing Government Affairs in 2014 and says, “We see the North Chamber providing business advocacy and thought leadership on key issues driving San Antonio’s growth.”