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Lubbock Chamber of Commerce Monthly Newsletter
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The Lubbock Chamber of Com-merce announced on June 10 that Norma Ritz John-son, vice president of legislative af-fairs, received the prestigious Cer-tif ied Chamber Executive (CCE) designation by the American Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE).
CCE is the only national certification for chamber professionals. CCE candidates must exemplify commitment to the chamber of commerce profession, dedication to manage-rial and leadership excellence, and leadership in chamber professional associations. Johnson joins less than 500 chamber executives who
Johnson Earns Certified Chamber Executive Certificationhave earned the designation of Certified Chamber Executive in the program’s almost 40 year history.
There are fewer than 20 active Certified Chamber Executives in Texas today. Cur-rently five CCEs are women and Johnson becomes the 6th.
“Norma’s recognition as one of the best in our industry exemplifies her work here at the Chamber for our business community. This is further proof we have one of the best, most professional staff of any chamber in America,” Eddie McBride, president and CEO.
Johnson joined the Chamber in 2004 and is responsible for grassroots advocacy and government relations with a special focus on transportation, agriculture and health care, which includes managing the cooperative-based Lubbock Chamber Employer Health Plan. During her tenure, the Chamber has been awarded “Government Affairs Program
Norma Ritz Johnson
of the Year” by the Texas Chamber of Com-merce Executives (TCCE) for various govern-ment relations efforts during four of the past six years. In 2010, Johnson received the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Institute of Orga-nizational Management (IOM) professional designation and served as a Winter Institute Class Advisor in 2011.
In 2007, Johnson was recognized with a “Top Twenty Under 40” award by the Young Professionals of Greater Lubbock, and in 2006 was named a “Top Twenty Hispanic” in Lub-bock by Latino Lubbock Magazine.
Johnson earned a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Education & Communications from Texas Tech University and in 2011 was recognized as an “Alumnus of Distinction” by her academic department.
Written by: Constance Barbian, VP Com-munications LCOC
Business NetworkThe Lubbock
Vol. 19 No. 8 August 2011
Meghan Gandy, M.S., R.D., L.D.director of wellness
Bill Hartsfieldpresident/ceo
iaWellness is a comprehensive corporate wellness solution that targets behavior and lifestyle changes
in an effort to control healthcare costs.
start your own health reform today!!call meghan at 765-7265 or visit iawellness.com
4902 lakeridge drive | lubbock, tx 79424 | (p) 806.765.7265 | iawellness.com
A Division of Insurance Asssociates Employee Benefit Company
The Lubbock Chamber of Commerce is proud to have very recently marked the 5th Anniversary of the award-winning Chamber Employer Health Plan! To celebrate this 5th Anniversary, the Chamber Employer Health Plan is offering a great new opportunity to thank members who have helped to make the plan a success.
“For groups renewing September 1, the
Chamber Employer Health Plan Marks AnniversaryChamber and our partner, FirstCare Health Plans, have partnered with Lubbock-based iaWellness to add an entrepreneurial Well-ness Option/Wellness Discount feature that provides a 5 percent discount the first year, a 7.5 percent discount the second year, and a 10 percent discount in the third year if certain requirements are met,” said Eddie McBride, Lubbock Chamber of Commerce President
and CEO.The program requires 100 percent par-
ticipation for each group’s employees who are enrolled in the Chamber Employer Health Plan. Participation requirements the first year include having an employer representative at-tend a kickoff meeting or webinar and having 100 percent of enrolled employees participate
(See Chamber Employer, Page 4)
August 2011 • Page 2 • Lubbock Business Network
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More than 250 golfers completed in the Chamber Golf Classic, held July 25 at The Hillcrest Country Club. The tournament was a four-person scramble. Winning teams and players are as follows:
Morning Flight1. Watson State Farm2. Suddenlink Communications3. Sam’s ClubLongest Drive – John Altman (Global
Health Chiropractic)Closest to the Pin – Otilo Castellano
(NWT Small Business Development Center)Afternoon Flight1. EPM, Inc.2. ADC, Inc.3. Hugo Reed & AssociatesLongest Drive – Mitchell Anderson (ADC,
Inc.)Closest to the Pin – Rob Gula (Taco Bell/
Pizza Hut)
We appreciate our sponsors! They include:Ace: Creative Homes, Atmos Energy, Sud-
denlink Communications, Greenstreet, Inc., Bayer CropScience, FirstCare Health Plans/Davis Allen Agency
Eagle: Stephen Hamilton PC, Llano Es-tacado Winery, Dion’s, Betenbough Homes, Watson State Farm Agency
Birdie: Dan Wilson Homes Inc., BBVA Compass Bank, Lubbock Economic Devel-opment Alliance, Steel Depot, AMD Engi-neering, George McMahan Development, Caprock Home Health Services, Coca-Cola Refreshments, South Plains Electric Coopera-tive, AmeriPride Linen & Apparel Services
Par: Security State Bank, David Tate Insurance Agency, Texas Homeland Security & Sound, Dorsey Construction, Southwest Bank, Radio Lab Brandsource, Gristy Clean-ers, Byron Cowling Moving & Self Storage, Willcoxon Insurance Agency, Lubbock Regional MHMR, Rix Funeral Directors, Stephens Insurance Services, The Pavilion
Chamber Golf Classic Wrap-UpHole-In-One Contests: Messer Auto
Group, Gibson Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning
Breakfast: Chick-fil-A – Brandon MulkeyLunch: Advanced GraphixPutting Green: First Bank & Trust Co.Towel: Names and NumbersShirt: Prock AutomotiveSign: FastSigns Drink Cart: Glazer’s Wholesale DistributionAward: Montelongo’s Mexican RestaurantDrinks: Sam’s ClubCoffee: StarbucksIce: Glazer’s Arctic Ice
Our Golf Classic Committee devotes countless hours of time to this event and we thank them for their involvement! They are:
Frank Silvas AFLACJennifer Moritz Buffalo Springs LakeTony Garcia Carino’sMary Whistler Congressman Randy Neugebauer’s OfficeWes Garner Heart & Soul Grooming SalonDonna Garner Heart & Soul Grooming SalonJake Seideman Hugo Reed & AssociatesMonty Konechney Just Fix It!Roger Karr Lubbock Regional MHMRShauna Riney Lubbock Trail RidersRudy Rosales Montelongo’s Mexican
RestaurantTammi Wood Primewest Mortgage Corp.Phebe Ellis-Roach PrimeWest Mortgage Corp.Peter Hur RFS Financial ServicesKandy Jay Saturn GolfKevin Watson Watson State Farm AgencyKay Fowler WestMark REALTORSWill Carter West Texas Independent
Financial ServicesDanny Soliz (Chairman) Workforce Solu-
tions of the South Plains(See August, Page 3)
AugustCALENDAR OF EVENTS 1 Ribbon Cutting for Liberty Print & Copy 10 a.m. - 716 A Hwy 62/82, Wolfforth
4 Business After Hours – Renaissance Apartment Homes at NorthPark 5:30 p.m. – 5202 Auburn Avenue
8 Ribbon Cutting for Casa’s for CASA 11:30 a.m. – South Plains Mall Fountain Area
9 Transportation Committe 9:30 a.m. – LCOC
10 New Century Leadership Committee 11 a.m. – LCOC Ambassador Monthly Luncheon Noon – TBD Ribbon Cutting for Ollie’s Liquor 4:30 p.m. – 3411 34th Street
11 Joint Ag Committee & Water Conservation Council 7:30 a.m. – TBD Leadership Lubbock Committee 11 a.m. – LCOC Ribbon Cutting for Parkway Sommerville Center 3:30 p.m. – 405 North MLK Blvd Community Prayer Breakfast Committee 4 p.m. – LCOC
12 Legislative Affairs Committee 9:30 a.m. – LCOC Business Expo Committee Appreciation Lunch 11:45 a.m. - Carino’s
16 Leadership Lubbock – Orientation Day 7:30 a.m. –TBA Leadership Lubbock – Orientation 9 a.m – TTU Merket Alumni Center
18 Executive Committee Noon – LCOC Focus Lubbock Committee 3:00 p.m. – LEDA Board Room, 5th floor of Wells Fargo Center
August 2011 • Page 3 • Lubbock Business Network
Is your BBQ the best in West Texas? Com-pete and find out at the 10th Annual Hub City BBQ Cook-off, presented by Suddenlink West Texas, to be held Thursday, September 29, in downtown Lubbock.
Team entry fee will be $100 for all teams (including amateur) except student teams which will pay $50.
Companies may choose which division they wish to participate – Corporate, Profes-sional or Amateur/Student. Space is at a premium, so send in your entry form and get your cooker ready!
The event will be open to the public from 5-8 p.m. Thursday evening with entertain-ment by the Hogg Maulies!
Current committed sponsors include Presenting Sponsor: Suddenlink West Texas; Media Sponsors: KCBD News Channel 11, 99.5 THE BEAR, 98.1 Kool 98; The Red Dirt Rebel 105.3; Diamond Sponsor: Arctic Glacier; Emerald Sponsors: City of Lubbock, Griffin Wink, Republic National Distributing Company; Platinum Sponsors: Acme Electric Co., Atmos Energy, B & J Welding Supply, Benchmark Business Solutions, First Bank & Trust, First United Bank, Glazers, Great Plains
Get Ready for the 10th Hub City BBQ Cook-off
Distributors, Lamar Outdoor Advertising, Midtown Printing & Graphics, Plains Cotton Cooperative Association, Scarborough Spe-cialties, Standard Sales, United Supermarkets, X8Environmental
Prize Sponsor: Title One, Digital Title Services; Gold Sponsors: American State Bank, Custom Electronics, Hillcrest Country Club, Heritage Equipment Company, Hugo Reed & Associates and Hurst Farm Supply, Raider Red Meats; Silver Sponsors: ADC, Brink Suzuki, Caraway, McMahon & Com-pany, Collins Tile & Stone, David Rogers Homes, GeBo’s, Kimball Gin Machinery Co., Lakeridge Estates, Llano Estacado Winery, Oberkampf Supply of Lubbock, Overhead Door Company, Rix Funeral Directors, Stars
(See BBQ Cookoff, Page 5)
Doing Business with people you know and trustLife & Health Division 806.745.8358
Property & Casualty Division 806.771.43686102 82nd St. #6 • Lubbock, Texas 79424 • www.ashmoreassociates.com
Business Property • Casualty • Bonds • Home • Auto Employee Benefits • Life • Health • Long Term Care
Will & Beth Ashmore
August(From Page 2)
18 Business After Hours – Caprock Home Health Services 5:30 p.m. – 8806 University Avenue
22 Business Mercado Committee 4 p.m. – LCOC
24 Ribbon Cutting for Radiant Lilly 9:45 a.m. - 4414 82nd Street, Suite 113 (Village Shopping Center) Business Development Committee 11:30 a.m. – 1500 Broadway Wells Fargo Center – 2nd Floor San Jacinto Room
26 Ribbon Cutting for the Lubbock Arts Alliance Harvest Festival 6:30 p.m. – Caprock Winery, 408 East Woodrow Road
30 Healthcare Policy Summit at the Overton Hotel 11:30 a.m. New Century Leadership – Orientation 6:30 p.m. – Bacon Heights Baptist Church Activity Center – 53rd Street and Slide Road
August 2011 • Page 4 • Lubbock Business Network
2011 BOARD OF DIRECTORS
CHAMBER STAFF
CHAIRWOMAN Irasema Velasquez Velasquez Insurance & Worksite Benefits CHAIRMAN-ELECT Tim Collins Collins Tile, LLPIMMEDIATE PAST CHAIR Joe Rapier Parkhill, Smith & Cooper, Inc. TREASURER David Seim PlainsCapital BankSECRETARY Eddie McBride Lubbock Chamber of Commerce VICE CHAIRWOMAN, MEMBERSHIP DIVISION Stephanie Massengale Advanced Graphix VICE CHAIRMAN, BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT DIVISION Rick Boyd First United BankVICE CHAIRMAN, GOVERNMENTAL AFFAIRS DIVISION Jay Jacobus Scarborough Specialties, Inc.VICE CHAIRMAN, LEADERSHIP DIVISION Carlos Morales Caprock Home Health Services, Inc.VICE CHAIRMAN, COMMUNICATIONS DIVISION Dan Jackson KCBD TV-NewsChannel 11 VICE CHAIRMAN, HISPANIC BUSINESS DIVISION Rudy Rosales Montelongo’s Mexican RestaurantHISPANIC BUSINESS DIVISION REPRESENTATIVE Juanita Mendoza Wells Fargo
BOARD ADMINISTRATIONMartin Aguirre Workforce Solutions South Plains Stephen Beasley Lubbock Avalanche-JournalAlona Beesinger Suddenlink West TexasRon Betenbough Betenbough HomesBeth Bridges South Plains MallJohn D. Brock NorthStar Surgical Center Darrin Camp Taco Bell/Pizza Hut - Border Management Corp.Jeff Dane UMC Health System Karen Garza Lubbock Independent School DistrictYolanda Gonzaga Texas Tech University Health Sciences CenterGary Gregory Atmos EnergyGrace Hernandez Texas Tech UniversitySidney Hopper United SupermarketsPeter Hur RFS Financial ServicesClayton Isom TAO Development GroupRobert Lacy PYCO IndustriesGabe Martinez Telemundo KXTQ-TV 46, Ramar Comm.Brandon Mulkey Chick-fil-A at South Plains CrossingRichard Parks Covenant Health SystemJoe Phea African American Chamber of Commerce - LubbockNorval Pollard City BankShirley Schleuse Lamar Outdoor AdvertisingKelvin Sharp South Plains CollegeMichael Shonrock Texas Tech UniversityFrank Silvas AFLAC-Laquita Carthel Regional SalesMark Stiff Bates-Wells Promotional ProductsPolly Vann V-tech Environmental ServicesGabe Vitela National Teachers Life Insurance CompanyGary Zheng Lubbock Power & Light
Eddie McBride, President/CEOSheri Nugent, IOM, Vice President-AdministrationRobin Raney, Vice President-Business DevelopmentJorge Quirino, Vice President-Hispanic Business DivisionPhyllis Jones, Vice President-LeadershipNorma Ritz Johnson, CCE, IOM, Vice President-Legislative AffairsConstance Barbian, Vice President-CommunicationsColleen Evans, Membership DirectorAmy Marquez, Retention SpecialistPriscilla delaRosa, Administrative AssistantNorma Gomez Bulls, Customer Service RepresentativeBritnee Davis and Audrey DeLeon, Interns
1500 Broadway, Suite 101 Wells Fargo Center Lubbock, TX 79401 P 806.761.7000
F 806.761.7013
(From Page 1)in a Health Risk Assessment, minimally invasive biometric screenings and at least one “Coaching Call” staffed by iaWellness personal health coaches.
A new web site, www.chamberwell-ness.com, will be dedicated to assisting participants in entering their Health Risk Assessment data and providing wellness and lifestyle-related resources as well as nutrition
“...feature that provides a 5 percent discount the first year, a 7.5 percent discount the second year, and a 10 percent discount the third year...”
Eddie McBride
Once these requirements are met accord-ing to timelines set forth for the first year of the plan, employers will be eligible for a 7.5 percent discount on premiums in the 2nd year of the plan beginning September 2012.
“This is an extremely entrepreneurial wellness option that has been developed, and it will be a win-win for employers and their employees as well as help the sustain-ability of the plan,” said McBride.
and physical activity tracking.First launched in 2006, the Lubbock
Chamber Employer Health Plan is an award-winning, nationally-recognized plan that provides affordable and discounted major medical coverage to almost 1,000 Chamber member employers and 8,000 em-ployees and dependents in Lubbock County and eight adjacent counties in the area. It
Chamber Employer Health Plan
The Lubbock Chamber of Commerce encourages you to display your banners, flags and signage to welcome college stu-dents back to Lubbock between August 20 and September 10, as the Fall Semester kicks off at Texas Tech University, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock Christian University, Wayland Baptist University-Lubbock and South Plains College-Lubbock.
Businesses are reminded to follow these instructions:
1. Signs/banners cannot be placed in the 25-foot vision triangle at any street
Welcome Back College Students!intersection.
2. Signs/banners need to be set back at least 10 feet from the property line (not the back of curb).
3. Signs/banners should display the least amount of business identification possible, since the objective is to welcome students.
4. Signs/banners may be erected from August 20 to September 10.
Visit our website for a list of businesses that can help you produce signage and banners.
Please fly your flags, post your banners and signs to support our college students!
To celebrate the kickoff of the 2011 college football season, join us and Texas Tech University along with thousands of other organi-zations across the United States by encouraging your employees to wear apparel representing Texas Tech University and host a spe-cial Texas Tech Football Kickoff Party at your business on College Colors Day on Friday, September 2, 2011.
College Colors Day, which coincides with “back to school” and the kick-off of Intercol-legiate Athletics, strives to promote higher education through increased public awareness and celebrates the achievements of colleges
College Colors Day 2011and universities, acknowledging their critical and fundamental importance to the United
States.Director of Athletics
Kirby Hocutt encourages all fans to wear Red and Black every Friday dur-ing the 2011-12 athletics season to show Texas Tech pride and spirit. Be sure to
like the athletics department official facebook page, http://www.facebook.com/ttuathletics, and submit your red and black pics on ‘Raider Power Fridays’.
To register your business as a College Colors Day 2011 participant, visit www.col-legecolorsday.com.
(See Health Plan, Page 5)
August 2011 • Page 5 • Lubbock Business Network
OF LUBBOCK, L.L.C.
510 13th St. • Lubbock, Texas 79401
RICK SOSEBEE
• Engineered Systems • Fire Suppression Systems• Alarm Systems • Fire Extinguishers
806-744-0612
KOETTER FIRE PROTECTIONKOETTER FIRE PROTECTIONKOETTER FIRE PROTECTION
& Stripes, Steel Depot, V-tech Environmen-tal Services, Verizon Wireless, Wells Fargo and West Texas Gas
To inquire about teams or to get more information about the BBQ, go to hub-citybbq.com, contact Robin Raney at [email protected] or call (806) 761-7009.
Check out pictures from the 2010 Hub City BBQ and follow us on Facebook!
BBQ Cookoff
I’ve always wondered . . .
. . . just did!
Does advertising work?
Word Publications • 1310 Avenue Q • Lubbock, TX 79401 • 806-744-2220
(From Page 3)
(From Page 4)
The month of August is the time for new fall activities and for the Chamber of Com-merce, it brings the beginning of two of the three Chamber leadership programs.
Leadership Lubbock is starting the 36th leadership class with Orientation on August 16 at the TTU Merket Alumni Center. Chick-fil-A is our Total Resource Campaign Presenting Sponsor. Additionally, Betenbough Homes is our TRC Orientation Class Day Sponsor.
It will be a full day of activities, learning and networking. Bobby Cude (of Computer Transition Services) is the chairman for LL this year. He and the full LL committee are looking forward to meeting each class member and beginning the 10 month long program.
This year’s LL committee members and their companies include:
Wendy Armes – Armes FarmsScott Fagin – First United BankPhyllis Jones – Lubbock Chamber of
CommerceJosh Reno – Lubbock County District
AttorneyAmy Zientek – Visit LubbockSally Post – Texas Tech UniversityJeanna Roach – Betenbough HomesChris Angerer – Lubbock Fire Department Ryan Curry – City BankChris Ritter – Liggett Law GroupAugust 30 is the date set to start the New
Century Leadership program. The incoming class will be the 14th NCL class. Orientation will be held at Bacon Heights Baptist Church at 6:30 p.m. Sherry Saffle (of Ramar Com-munications) is the Chairwoman for NCL this year. The next activity the NCL class will participate in is the COPE Course, along with the full NCL committee. These events begin the eight month high school leadership program.
This year’s NCL committee members and their companies include:
Jon Mark Bernal – Texas Tech University
Leadership Programs Kick Off in August
Ken Harlan – WestMark REALTORSPhyllis Jones – Lubbock Chamber of
CommerceHolly Kennedy Givens – Covenant Health
SystemChris Lonngren – Schlotzsky’s Restaurants
New Century Leadership Class of 2010-11
Samantha McKay – Accolade Home Care/Foundation Management
Juanita Mendoza – Wells FargoRussell Madison – Calvert Home Health
CareJared Squires – Kingdom Preparatory
ProgramCarmen Vige – American State BankThanks to the Helen Jones Foundation,
Inc. for grant funds that pay for this program.
is a community collaboration between the Chamber, FirstCare Health Plans, Covenant Health System and UMC Health System. More information about the plan is available by contacting FirstCare Sales and Marketing at 806.783.9654.
Health Plan
August 2011 • Page 6 • Lubbock Business Network
August 2011 • Page 7 • Lubbock Business Network
The Lubbock Economic Development Alli-ance retained a San Antonio human resources survey firm to develop a local wage-and-benefits survey to be conducted this fall.
The board selected Werling Associates from among four consultants’ proposals to develop the survey, which is scheduled to go to local employ-ers in October, said John Osborne, LEDA’s chief executive officer.
The survey will examine compensation for at least 75 job titles across the community.
The Lubbock Chamber of Commerce and Workforce Solutions South Plains will co-sponsor the effort, which officials said is the first such local compensation survey in at least seven years.
The survey is scheduled to go out to local employers Oct. 1, and results available by the end of the year.
Osborne said LEDA identified the 75 job titles as a base for the survey. Workforce Solutions and the chamber of commerce could ask for data on additional job titles at their expense, he added.
The survey will list wages at the 25th, 50th and 75 percentiles in each job title across the market, said Terri Patterson, LEDA’s director of workforce development.
The survey will cover wages and the benefits companies offer their employees, along with the
LEDA board authorizes local wage-benefit surveycost to the employer.
Also, the survey will cover such questions as vacation and pay for special situations, such as shift differential, or pay increments for bilingual workers, Osborne said.
“It’s something we get asked about by just about any company that comes here,” Osborne said. “Sometimes a company will say we pay the same wherever we are, but most of the time companies just want to be competitive in the marketplace.”
Patterson said it’ll be interesting to see where wages are in the Lubbock area.
“We’ve always characterized Lubbock as 15-to-25 percent less on wages, but I think some occupations have wages that are very competitive with the rest of the country,” she said.
Martin Aguirre, chief executive officer of Workforce Solutions South Plains, said the data his agency uses comes from the wages listed on job placement orders Workforce Solutions receives, and that’s not an accurate reflection of the market.
“Those are usually the entry-level wages for a job, or the median rate,” Aguirre said. “It’s never the going rate for the job.”
Workforce Solutions also will be able to
use the data to better project local hiring needs, which is a requirement for each regional office.
The survey data should also help de-velop a closer look at what Aguirre called the “self-sufficiency wage” — the hourly rate someone in Lubbock needs to pay rent and buy groceries. He said the current rate is estimated at $10.94 an hour, but that estimate now is based on federal Bureau of Labor Statistics data.
The decision also was applauded by Chamber of Commerce President Eddie McBride, who said, “I think it’s good for businesses to know where they stand.”
Information from the survey not only could be used to review local conditions, but to compare with other places in the region.”
McBride said the chamber is especially interested in Lubbock business’ response to questions on health insurance coverage. The chamber has offered a large group plan to members since 2006, with some 900 lo-cal businesses participating and more than 7,000 employees covered.
By Walt Nett, Lubbock Avalanche Journal
The Chamber would like to extend a special invitation to all local Lubbock businesses to be part of Texas Tech University’s 2011 Campus-wide Career Fair, hosted by University Career Services. The career fair will be held at the Over-ton Hotel & Conference Center on Wednesday September 14, from 1-4 p.m.
Local Lubbock businesses have consistently joined with organizations from across the coun-try to participate in this annual event for more than 37 years. Tech students and alumni attend this event to meet with potential employers and discuss career goals, internships, and job op-portunities.
To register for the 2011 Texas Tech University Career Fair, go to www.careerservices.ttu.edu and click on the “Tech’s got Talent” ticket or call Janelle Zamora at (806) 742-2210 for registra-tion details.
Texas Tech prepares students for success with 11 colleges on campus and more than 150 academic programs in addition to the programs offered to students through the Texas Tech Health Sciences Center. This diverse student population
attracts a large variety of employers to the an-nual career fair. Students and businesses ben-
efit each year from the value of being able to connect and network with each other.
Texas Tech University Career FairOverton Hotel & Conference Center, Sept. 14
August 2011 • Page 8 • Lubbock Business Network
Dan JacksonVice President & General Manager
of KCBD NewsChannel 11
How d id you get involved with the Chamber and what keeps you involved?
I got involved with the Chamber because I saw how affective it was with helping the business community
and that keeps me wanting to help however possible.
What is your favorite event or program of the Chamber?
My favorite event that the Chamber puts on is the Hub City Bar B Q. It seems to get bigger and better ever year.
What are some of your other com-munity leadership roles?
I currently only serve on the Chamber board and the University Medical Center board.
Finish this sentence. Never again will I…
...assume I’m safe from jokes at chamber banquets emcee’d by Abner Euresti.
Beth BridgesSenior Marketing Manager
at the South Plains MallYears at Current Company:
10.5
How did you get in-volved with the Chamber a n d w h a t keeps you involved?
I have been involved with the LCOC for
many years, from being a staff mem-ber in the mid ‘90’s, to volunteering on various committees and par-ticipating in events since then. Most recently I served as Chairwoman of Leadership Lubbock in 2010-11. I have truly seen all facets of chamber participation and membership, and have learned so much from all of my opportunities.
What is your favorite event or program of the Chamber?
Leadership Lubbock – learning about the community, developing a network of colleagues, and maintain-ing close friendships are just three reasons why this is such a meaningful program. It has probably been the one staff and volunteer role I’ve been involved with that has impacted my professional and personal life in more ways than any other.
What are some of your other community leadership roles?
Currently, I am serving as Presi-dent of the Junior League of Lubbock. I also serve as Past President of the Volunteer Center of Lubbock.
Finish this sentence. Nev-er again will I…
…think that what I am doing now will not have any meaning or impact on my future. Upon reflection, I have learned that the connections I make, and events/activities that I participate in most definitely pay rewards far into the future.
Meet Your New Vice Chairman and Board MembersPolly VannBusiness Owner, Founder, General
Manager and Principal Business Owner of V-tech Environmental Services
Years with Current Company: Founded V-tech in 1993
How did you get in-volved with the Chamber and what keeps you in-volved?
I became involved with the Chamber around 1997. One of my first contacts with the Chamber was Beth Bridges. She has certainly made a full circle herself – from staff member to
Board of Directors. Impressive. Business to busi-ness networking is what keeps me involved with the Chamber
What is your favorite event or program of the Chamber?
I enjoy all of the Chamber events, but this year (2011) has been amazing. I participated as a judge for the Innovators Award. The applicants were very impressive. The interview process was enlightening and allowed the judges to feel and hear the passion these candidates have or business and their vitality. Award recipients were very deserving and will have a major impact on the Lubbock economy. The overall impact is dynamic and will continue to evolve.
What are some of your other community leadership roles?
V-tech’s mission is “Stewards of People and Earth”. I as well as the rest of the staff at V-tech are very involved in community projects. The staff donated 100 community project hours building the Legacy Play Village. We donated a park bench for families to enjoy for many years to come. We participated in building homes for deserving families for Habitat for Humanity. V-tech has donated over 200 hours to this event. We packed boxes for families at Thanksgiving for the South Plains Food Bank. Additionally we participate in the Science Scholarship Program at Wayland Baptist University.
My favorite role was a “Strike Team Leader” during the Shuttle Columbia Disaster, then again for Hur-ricane Katrina and Hurricane Rita. Many events have greatly affected our success. Our accolades are a testa-ment to our hard work, enthusiasm and commitment to the delivery of a quality product. We were able to quickly turn our intentions into actions.
Finish this sentence. Never again will I…
…I guess my philosophy is “Never Say Never” be-cause when you do – you find yourself doing “Never”.
As a Chamber member you are listed in our online business directory.
From June 1st to June 30th, our online business directory generated 464, 265 referrals to Chamber member businesses.
It’s easy to make your ad stand out and gain even more exposure with our new Web Listing Enhancement Program! Click here to see what your Web directory listing could look like (hint – scroll down a little!).
For just $25/year, we can link your Web site through the Business Direc-tory, and for just $60/year, we can not only link your Web site, but customize your listing to really make you stand out with borders and color.
Contact Colleen Evans at (806) 761-7001 or [email protected] for more details.
Generate Business Referrals
August 2011 • Page 9 • Lubbock Business Network
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Since March 23, 2010 with the passage of the Affordable Care Act (ACA), and before, much has been said about what healthcare reform will or will not do to the economy, not to mention job creation in the small busi-ness sector. Though time will tell ultimately, healthcare reform seems to be but one part of the uncertainty keeping small business growth on the sidelines.
The Affordable Care Act has been law for little more than 15 months. Never the less, unsubstantiated rumors, both good and not so good have been pervasive during that short time. Many revolve around what was then known as HB3200, the House of Representa-tives version of healthcare reform.
HB3200 certainly was much more intru-sive than the Senate version which became ACA. HB3200 did include many mandates that were counterproductive to successful business enterprise. It failed before a Senate vote but, many of its provisions continue to circulate via the internet.
ACA is a bit more business friendly. It generally defines three classes of insureds: large group plans (those with more than 49 employees), small group plans (those with fewer than 50 employees) and individuals. The mandates vary among those three classes.
Since the Lubbock area economy is driven by the success of small businesses, the fear that ACA could evaporate already slim profit margins has many business owners rethinking investment in capital and people until the future clears.
ACA clearly does place some burdens
The Affordable Care Act and Small Businesseson businesses, but unlike HB3200, it does not mandate 100% participation in health insurance across the board. The penalties for non-compliance are less severe. ACA’s partici-pation mandates, in fact may be too weak, to reduce the number of uninsured persons in the country. The participation mandate applies to large groups and individuals. Small groups are not required to offer health insurance.
Large groups (50+ employees) will face a penalty for not offering health insurance. The penalty, beginning in 2014, will allow a deduction of 30 employees, then penalize the employer $2000 per employee per year of the remaining employee count. Too, ACA includes a provision that counts part time em-ployees toward “full time equivalent” status. ACA clearly is discouraging employers from hiring part time employees.
The large group definition is further expanded to include all businesses held by common ownership. That is, if companies A, B, and C are separate businesses, but have common ownership, ACA will combine the total headcount of those commonly held busi-nesses to determine whether this holding is qualified as large group or small group.
Since HHS has planned to discontinue accepting request for waivers from ACA soon, those employers at or near 50 FT and FTE employees will be forced to address some important staffing issues in the next couple of years. At 50 employees the group will have to offer insurance or pay fines. Below 50, the group will not even have to offer insurance.
Other issues will accrue to the 50+ market.
Issues such as accounting for family income of its employees, the voucher system, and con-cerns about employees qualifying for premium subsidies from the government could place extra non-productive burdens on the firm’s administrative staff.
ACA does not require groups who qualify as small groups (fewer than 50 FT and FTE employees) to offer health insurance. Rather, those firms may simply refer their employees to the individual market. It should be noted here, that Texas still does not allow employers to pay a portion of individual health plans for its workers.
ACA further adds a tax credit for groups with fewer than 25 employees that are covered by a qualified group health plan. The amount of the credit can be difficult to compute and may be minimal at best in some groups. To receive the full credit of 35% on employer contributions to a health plan, average payroll must be less than $25,000/year per employee. The credit is lost when average payroll is greater than $50,000/year per employee. The credit is scaled for payrolls between that range.
ACA also has made available $200,000,000 to group health plans that start up after March 23, 2010. The Department of Health and Human Services maintains personnel to assist small businesses, who started group health plans after March 23, 2010, in accessing a share of that grant money. HHS made those funds available in 2011.
Among the most notable issues affecting employers of all sizes who offer group health
(See Affordable Care Act, Page 10)
August 2011 • Page 10 • Lubbock Business Network
Business of the Month
iaWellness is the Cham-ber’s Business of the Month for August. The company works with employers to cre-ate corporate wellness plans to engage employees in living healthy lifestyles in order to reduce their employee health care costs.
The company takes a hands-on approach by pro-viding on-site education to employers and their employ-ees. The 5 person staff at iaWellness includes Exercise Sports and Science specialists as well as licensed dieticians. Annual wellness programs are offered to employers and are customizable to the needs of their employees.
Bill Hartsfield, CEO and President of iaWellness, ex-plained the wellness program. The program spans three years and provides biometric screen-ing of employees as well as an online health risk assess-ment the employee completes about their lifestyle. Addition-ally, telephonic coaching by a health and lifestyle coach is offered free of charge to employees.
Employers benefit by re-ceiving aggregate data on their employees, and the results are strictly numerical to keep the employee’s privacy. The pro-gram offers such benefits as local Lunch & Learn meetings and live webinars.
Chamber insurance pro-viders FirstCare contacted
iaWellness to make their pro-gram available to all Chamber members. This was done in an effort to hold down healthcare costs and engage employees and employers in gaining knowledge of health risks such as heart attacks, strokes, diabetes and obesity, and to learn how to deal with them before they become a problem.
“We have the ability to help someone before they have a catastrophic claim,” Hartsfield said. “We get to see employees change their lifestyle before a serious problem arises.”
Hartsfield feels the Cham-ber does a tremendous job representing small businesses, as evident by all of the awards they have won. His company benefits by being members of the Chamber through net-working as well as the Cham-ber keeping their best interest in mind when representing members at state and federal levels.
“Being chosen Business of the Month is an affirmation of the hard work of our dedicated staff,” Hartsfield said. “It is an honor for the Chamber to recognize their hard work and talent.”
For more information on iaWellness, please visit their website at www.iawellness.com. iaWellness is located at 4902 Lakeridge Drive and you can reach Meghan Gandy, Director of Wellness, at (806) 765-7265.
insurance is the start of the Medi-cal Loss Ratio (MLR) in 2011. Large group insurance plans must spend no less than 85% of premiums on claims. The ratio for small group plans is reduced to 80%.
If the plan pays out less than the MLR, the plan must return the excess amounts to the groups as refunds or premium abate-ments the following plan year.
In theory MLR is supposed to keep insurance plans from making excessive profits. The problem arises when group plans experience years with excessive claims. ACA does not include clear language, other than the establishment of a review panel to require insurance plans to justify rate increases, that will help al-leviate the pain from periods of high claims.
The hope is that innovative wellness programs will emerge
that effectively change human behavior patterns into healthier lifestyles.
ACA is not as intrusive as was HB3200, though it does suffer from much public disdain, and has even been blamed for much of the recent premium increases as high as 35% in some cases. Some of the higher premiums can be attributed to mandates such as: 100% coverage for preven-tive services, the elimination of pre-existing condition waiting periods for children under age 19, extending dependent children eligibility to age 26, and eliminat-ing lifetime maximum benefits. However, most of the increases in premiums remain a function of healthcare inflation, claim experi-ence, and the aging trend of baby boomers, issues not adequately addressed by ACA.
Written by: John Claborn, Lubbock Area Association of Health Underwriters
Affordable Care Act(From Page 9)
Shara Konechney was recently honored as the Chamber’s Ambas-sador of the Month for July. The award was presented to Shara at the July Ambassador Luncheon at the Texas Tech Club. Shara is the owner of 10-20 Boutique and has been a member of the Chamber for seven years and an Ambassador for five years.
The 10-20 Boutique is a wom-en’s fashion accessories store with most items under $10 and noth-ing over $20.
“I like the fact that the Cham-ber staff promotes member busi-nesses first over non-members,” Shara said. “The staff offers the 10-20 Boutique as a referral and where to shop suggestion.”
Shara enjoys being an Ambas-sador because of the camaraderie
July Ambassador of the Monthof her fellow Ambassadors and that they share a goal to congratu-late and welcome new businesses. “I love everything about being an Ambassador!” Shara said.
Ribbon cuttings and ground breakings are Shara’s favorite ac-tivity to participate in as an Am-bassador because of the oppor-tunity to network with potential (See Ambassador, Page 12)
Shara Konechney
Sponsored by: Alan Henry Insurance Agency
August 2011 • Page 11 • Lubbock Business Network
Ground Breakings Sponsored By
& Ribbon
Cuttings 25Twenty
2520 Marsha Sharp Frwy83rd Annual FFA State Convention
Airbrush Sunless Tanning & Nails by Deborah
4601 50th Street, Suite 108B, Pueblo Building
American Business Women’s Association – Lubbock Area
Lights Chapter
Betenbough Homes6305 82nd Street
Christian Brothers Automotive6207 82nd Street
Courtyard by Marriott4011 South Loop 289
Global Health Chiropractic North
4716 4th Street, Suite 102
Leonard’s2407 9th Street
New Balance5027 Milwaukee Avenue
RENDr Frame and Arts4414 82nd Street, Suite 202
Rent A Nerd Sweet Cheeks Bake Shoppe3017 34th Street
The Katz Meow Antiques4012 34th Street
Save these Dates for BIG events in 2011!September 29 – Hub City BBQ Cook-off – Downtown LubbockNovember 2 – Chamber Trip to ChinaDecember 6 – Annual Membership Meeting and Awards Banquet – Civic Center
For more information on any of these events, contact the Chamber at (806) 761-7000, [email protected], or www.lubbockchamber.com.
August 2011 • Page 12 • Lubbock Business Network
customers that comes along with welcoming new businesses.
Shara and her business also participate in other charitable organizations such as the Susan G. Komen walk, the American Heart Association and walk, The Children’s Home of Lubbock, and the Soles for Souls campaign for Women’s Protective Services.
“I am very honored to be selected among other wonderful ambassadors,” Shara said. “This award is not only fun but neat and
makes me feel important for helping out the Chamber and its member businesses.”
The Ambassador program is a great way for you to increase your business’s exposure while representing the Chamber. You’ll most commonly see Ambassadors welcoming new businesses and helping existing businesses celebrate milestones at ribbon cuttings and ground breakings. They also serve as greeters and hosts for appropriate occasions and events throughout the year, attending and hosting Chamber events.
Ambassador of the Month(From Page 10)
Washington, D.C.: “You can’t help but go there and feel inspired, especially if you’re an American. There is definitely a sense of patriotism there,” said Jarrod Redwine after he and fellow V-tech employee Lorene Cole trav-eled to Washington, D.C. to accept the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Blue Ribbon Award on behalf of V-tech Environmental Services. This makes V-tech a two-time winner of the award which is an unprecedented feat for any other business in Lubbock. “It was a great honor for the company, and says a lot about our business and the commitment from top to bottom. It was quite an accomplishment to be selected twice,” said Redwine. Robin Rainey, Lubbock Chamber of Commerce Vice President of Business Development added, “Earning a Blue Ribbon Award in 2009 and again in 2011 further highlights V-tech as a model small business with expert staff, excel-lent service delivery, a strong business model and stellar leadership.” “It was an honor for the Lubbock Chamber of Commerce to nominate us,” commented Polly Vann, General Manager of V-tech. “Any time this company can share Lubbock with the rest of this country, that’s huge to me.”
V-tech staff members attended the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Small Business Sum-mit to accept the award on May 24, 2011, at the Omni Shoreham Hotel. V-tech was among 74 other nationwide Blue Ribbon Award win-ners made eligible for the Dream Big Small Business of the Year Award sponsored by Sam‘s Club. Selection was based on number of employees, gross revenues, business model, and other selected criteria.
In addition to receiving the award, Jarrod Redwine and Lorene Cole were also able to visit several landmarks within our nation’s capitol. The Lincoln, Washington and Viet-
V-tech in Washington D.C.
Ribbons of Blue and a History Lesson too...nam Memorials were among their many destinations, along with the American History Museum. Awe inspiring to both Jarrod and Lorene was the original American flag that served as Francis Scott Key’s inspiration for the Star-Spangled Banner. Tattered and torn, it was kept mostly in the dark for preserva-tion purposes. Cole also commented that one of her most memorable stops was to see the inaugural gowns and pictures of our country’s presidential wives. “It was interesting to see how the picture composition and posture of the people changed over the years.”
Redwine, a self-proclaimed history buff, was inspired by the breadth of history spanned in the displays. Observations included artifacts from our founding fathers to the Gulf War; artifacts belonging to George Washington, General Sherman and Abraham Lincoln; and, war artifacts from the Revolutionary War. Some of Thomas Edison’s inventions and project notes were also available to view, as were the National Archives’ original copies of the Declaration of Independence, Consti-tution and Bill of Rights. “You read about Washington, D.C. all your life, and then you see it. I appreciate history, so to actually be able to see it…wow! You can’t appreciate it properly in a picture,” says Redwine.
Vann observed this as a great occasion to give her staff an opportunity to travel, expose them to a political culture, gain professional knowledge, and network with a different cali-ber of professionals. “If you don’t rub elbows with people, you’re not inspired and you’re not doing big things. When you get out of your comfort zone, you revive your energy and you get a new perspective”, says Vann. She believes this was a huge investment in her employees’ growth and the payback will be ten-fold. “It is neat to see your employees flourish and
develop great strengths through opportunity, personal growth, and unique opportunities such as this,” Vann said. Something special is always in the works for this Blue Ribbon winner.
Written by: Polly Vann, V-tech Environ-mental Services
(LUBBOCK) – Covenant Health System has been awarded Avatar International’s Exceeding Patient Expectations award for 2010. Avatar International, a research and consulting company based in Orlando, FL, is an industry leader in health care quality improvement services.
The award is given based on three critical survey items: gauging patient expectation about quality of care, reliability and custom-ization prior to the visit. Avatar International reviewed 500 health care facilities before dis-tributing the award.
“Exceeding a patient’s expectations reflects an inherent sense of compassion. Covenant has succeeded in its aim to putting the needs of the patient first,” David Medvedeff, PharmD, MBA, CEO of Avatar, said. “I congratulate Covenant for winning Avatar’s Exceeding Patient Expectations Award.”
“Receiving national recognition from our patients for the compassionate service they receive at our hospitals is a tribute to our entire care team. It takes everyone, from our dedicated housekeeping staff to the clinical expertise of our nurses and physicians,” Cov-enant Health System Chief Nursing Officer Karen Baggerly said. “We are grateful for this award and our promise is to continue our healing mission and earn this honor from our patients again next year.”
Covenant is a member of the St. Joseph Health System in Orange County and serves a 62-county area spanning West Texas and eastern New Mexico, with a population in excess of 1.2 million. Cornerstone hospitals are Covenant Medical Center, Covenant Women’s and Children’s and Covenant Spe-cialty Hospital. Other system hospitals are Covenant Hospital Levelland and Covenant Hospital Plainview, along with 12 other affili-ated hospitals across the region.
Written by: Holly Kennedy Givens, Cov-enant Health System
Covenant Receives National Award
August 2011 • Page 13 • Lubbock Business Network
Fibertect®, a decontamination technology developed by researchers at Texas Tech Univer-sity, was one of seven new innovations featured in National Guard magazine that already is proving its worth to improve National Guard response time to domestic incidents.
The July cover article, “New Gear,” de-scribed how the Georgia Guard tested Fiber-tect® and found that it cut down on time used to set up decontamination shower tents and scrub affected people with water and decon-tamination solutions. When fashioned into a mitt, Fibertect® could be used to quickly wipe away contaminants.
“To be recognized as an innovative product for our national defense is a milestone in our chemical countermeasures research at Texas Tech,” said inventor Seshadri Ramkumar, an associate professor of environmental toxicol-ogy at The Institute of Environmental and Human Health (TIEHH). “The need for decontamination wipes, such as the kind we’ve created here at TIEHH, were a top priority
Texas Tech’s Fibertect® Appears on New Innovations Timesaver List In National Guard Magazine
for the Department of Defense. Years ago, we began the research, developed a product and met a top national security issue. The uses for Fibertect® continue to expand.”
Using the Fibertect® decontamination mitts, Georgia’s CERFP members reported the dry decontamination removed 80 to 90 percent of contaminants they were likely to en-counter in the field, the article stated. CERFP stands for Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear and High Yield Explosive Enhanced Response Force Packages.
After testing, one sergeant with the Georgia Guard urged the National Guard Bureau to add Fibertect® to the CERFP’s equipment inventory.
Currently, the Fibertect® wipe is under production by Hobbs Bonded Fibers of Waco and distributed by First Line Technology in Chantilly, Va. The wipe tested features an activated carbon core sandwiched between absorbent layers.
“This recognition provides validation
that Fibertect® is a decontamination platform that has the potential to replace current tech-nologies, which are expensive to maintain and deploy,” said Amit Kapoor, president of First Line Technology. “Fibertect®, however, is an affordable solution proven effective in response to decontamination disasters and this recogni-tion from National Guard Magazine shows that Fibertect® has the potential to help countless organizations protect their communities.”
To read the article, go to this website. CONTACT: Seshadri Ramkumar, manager
of the Nonwoven and Advanced Materials Laboratory, The Institute of Environmental and Human Health at Texas Tech University, (806) 445-1925, or [email protected]; Amit Kapoor, president, First Line Technology, (703) 955-7510 or [email protected].
Written by: John Davis, TTU Office of Com-munications and Marketing
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Welcome to the New Chamber MembersPlease place this addition in your Chamber Business Directory and Resource Guide!
Please note – current membership information can be found on the Chamber’s online Business Directory. Members can be searched by category or keyword. Membership information can be verified online through the Members Only section. 6/16/2011 –7/15/2011
New Balance Lubbock5027 Milwaukee AvenueLubbock, TX 79407(806) 791-0082Shoes – Retail
S. B. Companies5438 40th Street Suite 2Lubbock, TX 79414(806) 776-1000Home Builders
South Plains Pediatric Cardiology, P.A.3702 20th Street Suite BLubbock, TX 79410(806) 791-5972Physicians & Surgeons
TransFirst8201 Durham AvenueLubbock, TX 79424(806) 928-0567Credit Card Processing and/or Equipment
AB Sound ProWolfforth, TX(806) 252-0598Audio Visual Production Services
Christian Brothers Automotive – Southwest Lubbock6207 82nd StreetLubbock, TX 79424(806) 441-9094Automobile Repair & Service
Fiber Brite, Ltd1301 9th StreetWilson, TX 79381(806) 628-6501Agricultural Related Businesses
Fiesta Motors of Lubbock – Southwest5621 Frankford AvenueLubbock, TX 79424(806) 788-3620Automobile Dealers – Used
Fiesta Motors of Lubbock – Downtown1708 Avenue LLubbock, TX 79424(806) 742-8640Automobile Dealers – Used
Fight the Good Fight2024 82nd Street #104Lubbock, TX 79423(806) 777-0918Non Profit Organizations
J & J Property DevelopmentLubbock, TX(806) 790-1691Real Estate – Investments
Lakeridge EstatesLubbock, TX(214) 350-6500Real Estate
Lubbock Mobile MarketingLubbock, TX(806) 790-8807 Marketing Consulting
MMX Capital4315 HuronLubbock, TX 79407(806) 687-8901Controls
