Vol. 22 No. 8 August 2014

Lubbock Chamber Golf Classic Recappg. 6-7

Business NetworkLU

BBOC

K

Spaces are Filling for Hub City BBQ pg. 8

Cover: Chamber Staff Milestones

pg. 9

The Lubbock Chamber of Commerce Newsletter

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In the news this month:Lubbock Chamber Classic Recap ........................6-7Hub City BBQ Cook-Off........................................... 8Chamber Staff Milestones ........................................ 9Texas Tech Football Kickoff Breakfast .................11New Century Leadership Kickoff .........................14House Bill 5: Education Luncheon Recap ............16

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A Message from the Chamber Since 1913, the Lubbock Chamber of Commerce’s mission of strengthening, promoting and serving its member businesses has positively benefited the entire region and local quality of life. As the largest business federation on the South Plains, the Chamber represents almost 2,200 members who employ approximately 73,000 workers, and account for around $900 million in economic impact in Lubbock and West Texas. This is accomplished without the use of tax dollars. Each day, the Chamber strengthens, promotes and serves its member businesses through numerous programs and events. The Chamber advocates on local, state and federal levels and offers diverse programs for both large and small as well as minority-owned businesses.

2014 Board of Directors

Executive CommitteeChairwoman Alona Beesinger, Suddenlink

Chairman-Elect Jay Jacobus, Scarborough Specialties, Inc.

Immediate Past Chairman Carlos Morales, Caprock Home Health Services, Inc.

Treasurer Beth Bridges, South Plains Mall Office

Secretary Eddie McBride, Lubbock Chamber of Commerce

Vice Chairwoman, Business Development Diannah Tatum, Sanford & Tatum Insurance Agency

Vice Chairman, Communications & Marketing Peter Hur, RFS Financial Services Vice Chairman, Education & Workforce Development Gabe Vitela, Twisted Root Burger Co. Vice Chairman, Leadership Sidney Hopper, United Supermarkets LLC

Vice Chairman, Government & Community Relations David Park, Atmos Energy

Vice Chairman, Membership & Investor Relations Brice Foster, City Bank

Board of DirectorsCarmen Aguirre, Children’s Advocacy Center of the South Plains

Sharon Hyde Bass, Volunteer Center of Lubbock

Ron Betenbough, Betenbough Homes

Michael Calvillo, Michael Calvillo Bail Bonds

Renee Gonzales Davis, Alderson Enterprises/Mercedes-Benz

Scott Fagin, First United Bank

Linda Gaither, WestMark Realtors- Gaither/Ratcliff

Sonny Garza, City Bank

Clayton Isom, The Isom Group

Dan Jackson, KCBD TV-News Channel 11

Brent King, UMC Health System

Robert Lacy, PYCO Industries, Inc.

Jason Medina, Glasheen, Valles & Inderman, LLP

Jessie Mendoza, FirstBank & Trust Co.

Kathy Oaks, American Cancer Society

Richard Parks, Covenant Health

Bill Patton, Robinson, Johnston & Patton, CPAs

Tony Pena, FirstCapital Bank

L. Timothy Perrin, Lubbock Christian University

Norval Pollard, City Bank

Cathy Pope, StarCare Specialty Health System

Cory Powell, TTU Mentor Tech

Jorge Quirino, Essential Home Health Care/Absolute Home Medical

Frank Silvas, AFLAC-Frank Silvas

Polly Vann, V-tech Environmental Services

Irasema Velasquez, Velasquez Insurance & Worksite Benefits

Dr. David Vroonland, Frenship Independent School District Chuck Walker, FirstCare Health Plans

Mitch Watson, FirstBank & Trust Co.

Connie Wharton, Centennial Bank

Share your News!To submit an article or sponsor an issue, contact the Chamber at (806) 761-7000.

Chamber Chat is a weekly video update meant to inform Cham-ber members about Chamber happenings. Click here to see the latest edition of Chamber Chat. Interested in sponsoring one or more editions of Chamber Chat? Contact Marketing Special-ist Haily Assiter by email at haily.assiter@lubbockbiz.org, or by

phone at 806-761-7003.

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1 Board of Directors Strategic Planning Retreat Ruidoso, NM

5 Young Professionals First Tuesday Networking – 5:30 p.m. Edge Concepts, 11005 Quaker Ave.

6 Ribbon Cutting: 24/Seven Security – 10:30 a.m. 3403 73rd St., Suite 17

7 Business After Hours hosted by Caprock Home Health Services – 5:30 p.m. – 8806 University Ave.

8 Government Relations Committee Meeting – 10:30 a.m. LCOC Agriculture Committee Meeting – 1:30 p.m. – LCOC

12 Ribbon Cutting: Copy Craft Printers, Inc. – 3 p.m. – 6024 45th St. Groundbreaking: UMC Physician Network Services Milwaukee Family Medicine – 4:30 p.m. 7301 Milwaukee Ave.

13 Business Mercado/Hispanic Heritage Luncheon Committee Meeting – 4 p.m. – LCOC

14 Groundbreaking: Llano Estacado Winery – 10:30 a.m. 3426 East FM 1585 Ribbon Cutting: Susan G. Komen/Race for the Cure Kick-Off 5 p.m. – 7412 University Ave., Suite 2

15 Ribbon Cutting: Mighty Wash #5 Grand Opening 11:30 a.m. – 6212 19th St.

19 Young Professionals Committee Meeting – Noon – LCOC Ribbon Cutting: Stripes – Noon – 2424 N. Loop 289

20 Ambassador Luncheon sponsored by the Volunteer Center of Lubbock – Noon – 1901 University Ave. New Century Leadership Committee Meeting – 1 p.m. LCOC Texas Tech University Football Kickoff Breakfast Committee Meeting – 4 p.m. – LCOC

21 Ribbon Cutting: Covenant Hospital Family Resource Center – 11:30 a.m. – 3623 22nd Place Executive Committee Meeting – Noon – LCOC Community Prayer Event Committee Meeting – 4 p.m. LCOC Business After Hours hosted by Premiere 16 & IMAX 5:30 p.m. – South Plains Mall, 6002 Slide Rd.

23 Ribbon Cutting: Ronald McDonald House Charities Fundraiser at Walgreens – 10 a.m. – 3009 Slide Rd.

26 Hub City BBQ Committee Meeting – 4 p.m. – LCOC

27 Texas Tech Football Kickoff Breakfast – 7 a.m. Overton Hotel & Conference Center, 2322 Mac Davis Lane Ribbon Cutting: Lubbock Electric Co. 70th Anniversary 11:30 a.m. – 1108 34th St.

28 Board Meeting – 10 a.m. UMC McInturff Center, 602 Indiana Ave.

August

For a complete list of Chamber and member events, visit our calendar online at lubbockchamber.com.

UpcomingAugust 5Young Professionals First Tuesday Networking

August 7Business After Hours hosted by Caprock Home Health Services

August 20Ambassador Luncheon

August 21Business After Hours hosted by Premiere 16 Cinemas/IMAX

August 27Texas Tech Football Kickoff Breakfast

Reserve your 2015 Chamber Directory Sponsorship today!

Contact: Haily Assiter806-761-7003

haily.assiter@lubbockbiz.org

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President & CEO Eddie McBride, IOMExecutive Vice President Government & Community Relations Norma Ritz Johnson, IOM, CCECFO & Vice President Administration Sheri Nugent, IOMVice President Business Development Christye WeldVice President Communications & Marketing Tammi BoozerVice President Membership & Investor Relations Colleen Evans, IOMGovernment & Community Relations Specialist Amy MarquezCommunity Relations & Program Specialist Audrey DeLeonMarketing Specialist Haily AssiterEvent Specialist Haley HoweyAdministrative Specialist Allison CottrellOffice Coordinator/Accounting Clerk Patsy MoffettCustomer Service Representative Patricia PiconIntern

Peyton Waldrip

f

Chamber Staffemployersworkforcesummit

7:30 am - 1 pmseptember 4, 2014

lubbock scottish rite1101 70th St.

Keynote Speaker: Texas Tech University

President Duane Nellis

SOUTH PLAINS COLLEGERegister online at www.lubbockchamber.com

or call (806) 761-7000Cost is $40 per person

Business After HoursCaprock Home Health Services

August 7, 20145:30pm - 7:00pm

8806 University Ave

August 21, 20145:30pm - 7:00pm

6002 Slide Road

®

Premiere 16/IMAX

South Plains Mall

The next Chamber University seminar will be Tues., Sept. 30 at the Knipling Conference Center. A significant asset of any business or organization is personnel and employee engagement. These elements are crucial for the overall success of a business. Open communi-cation and group engagement exercises will help attendees understand concepts presented and you will leave with a better understanding of how to increase employee engage-ment. For more information, call (806) 761-7000.

Chamber University: Human Resources

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2014 Lubbock Chamber Classic

This year’s golf committee would like to thank everyone who participated in the annual golf tournament on Mon., July 21. A total of 68 teams competed in the two flights. Scores can be found from the day on our website. Visit our Facebook page for team photos. Lots of thanks go out to all of the volunteers who helped!

Thank you to all of the 2014 sponsors! Please visit their websites by clicking on their links below.

PRESENTING SPONSOR: Suddenlink

ACE SPONSORS: Atmos Energy, Bayer CropScience (FiberMax), Bimbo Bakeries/Mrs. Baird’s, Pavecon, Sanford & Tatum Insur-ance Agency, UMC Physician Network Services

DRINK CART SPONSOR: Stephen Hamilton, PC

A.M. FLIGHT PRIZE SPONSOR: Alliance Federal Credit Union

P.M. FLIGHT PRIZE SPONSOR: AMA TechTel Communications

PUTTING GREEN SPONSOR: Racer Classic Car Wash

BREAKFAST SPONSOR: Chick-fil-A at South Plains Crossing

SIGN SPONSOR: Copy Craft PrintersGOLF BALL SPONSOR: FirstCare Health Plans

EAGLE SPONSORS: Gandy’s Dairies, Llano Estacado Winery, WesTech PlumbingBIRDIE SPONSORS: Brooks & Stribling, Caprock Home Health Services, Covenant Health, Gene Messer Ford, George McMahan Development, Lubbock Aero, Lubbock Economic Development Alliance, Richardson Collision Center

PAR SPONSORS: Comet Cleaners & Laundry, D’s Pest Control, Dorsey Construction, Ferguson Enterprises, KRL Lubbock Con-struction, Quality Pest Control, StarCare Specialty Health Sys-tem, Trey Strong Custom Homes

CLOSEST TO THE PIN CONTEST A.M. & P.M. FLIGHTS: WesTech Plumbing, LLC

LONGEST DRIVE CONTEST A.M. & P.M. FLIGHTS: Golf USA

HOLE-IN-ONE SPONSOR: Gibson Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning

ICE DONOR: Arctic Glacier

DRINK DONOR: Coca-Cola Refreshments

Thanks to all of the committee members, competitors, sponsors, and volunteers who participated. Congratulations to all the win-ners. See a list of winners on page 7.

Save the Date: September 23

State of the System LuncheonTexas Tech University

Introducing Chancellor Robert L. Duncan & Featuring TTU President M. Duane Nellis

and TTUHSC President Tedd L. Mitchell

12:00pm - 1:30 pm, September 23, 2014Museum of Texas Tech University, 3301 4th St.

Presenting Sponsor: AimBank

Diamond Sponsors: American National Bank & Lubbock Association of Realtors

Platinum Sponsors: Happy State Bank, TTU O�ce of the Provost, & TTU O�ce of Planning & Assessment

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Matt Bullen, Texas Homeland Security & SoundLongest Drive, PM Flight

Adrian Jimenez, Standard SalesClosest to the Pin, PM Flight

Bayer CropScience (FiberMax)Scott Attaway, Clay Blackwood, Gene Bennett & Mike Patterson

3rd Place, PM Flight

EPM, Inc.John Cardinal, Marty Faubus, Shawn Sampley & Logan Scarlett

2nd Place, PM Flight

Centennial BankBo Jackson, Mark Keator, Jay Kemper & James Tate

1st Place, PM Flight

Rob Leivo, Atmos EnergyLongest Drive, AM Flight

Mark Heinrich, Hugo Reed & AssociatesClosest to the Pin, AM Flight

Michael Calvillo Bail BondsMichael Calvillo, Michael Chavez, Mariah Montoya & Sinae Montoya

3rd Place, AM Flight

Alderson EnterprisesTyler Bell, Chad Grant, Brian Messer & Jeff Ward

2nd Place, AM Flight

Vulcan MaterialsLee Dickson, JR Flores, RJ Flores & David Salas

1st Place, AM Flight

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Spaces Are Filling Up for the 13th Annual Hub City BBQ, the Biggest BBQ Event on the South Plains, September 18th! If you haven’t submitted your Team Registration, now’s the time! Bring your cookin’ gear and come face to face with over 7,000 members of the South Plains community in the largest tail-gating event of the year. From traditional brisket and ribs to snow cones and seared sea bass, attendees will sample food and drink spanning five blocks in downtown Lubbock from Avenue J to Avenue O. Presented by Suddenlink, the Hub City BBQ draws over 100 cooking teams competing for “Bragging Rights” and awards in the categories of brisket, ribs, “other meats” and dessert. Com-panies may choose the category they compete in – Corporate, Professional or Amateur/Student. The event will be open to the public between 5-8 p.m. Thurs., Sept. 18, with entertainment by headliner Bart Crow and opening by School of Rock presented by Lubbock KIDS Dental. The Family Friendly Area will be back again, with Chick-fil-A and Bodyworks sponsoring food and events for this popular section of the BBQ. Team entry fee is $100 per 10’ x 20’ space, and electricity is available on a limited basis for $100 per team. There are a few sponsorships still available. Marketing for this event includes television, radio, newspaper, social media, area billboards, social media and the Chamber website.

Thank you to our generous sponsors!Presented by: Suddenlink

Diamond & Media Sponsors: Arctic Glacier, 107.7 The Eagle, 97.3 Yes! FM, AM 950/100.7 FM, Double T 104.3, KCBD News Channel 11, Magic 93.7, Oldies 97.7, Red Dirt Rebel 105.3 FM, Rock 96.9

Band Sponsor: Lubbock KIDS Dental

Emerald Sponsors: Citibus, City of Lubbock, Griffin Wink, Jack Daniel’s, United Supermarkets

Platinum Sponsors: Acme Electric, Action Printing, American National Bank, Atmos Energy, Bud Light, Chick-fil-A, Coors Light, Crown Point Health Suites, Lubbock National Bank, Miller Lite, Republic National Distributing Company, Scarborough Special-ties, Stars & Stripes Drive-In Theatre, WesTech Electric, X8 Envi-ronmental

Copper Sponsors: Childress Photography, Choice Media, Coca-Cola, Glasheen Valles & Inderman LLP, Lubbock Welding Supply, Ménage à Trois Wine, Taco Bell/Pizza Hut – Border Management Corp.

Gold Sponsors: B&J Welding Supply, Carpet Tech, Centennial Bank, Collins Tile & Stone, Custom Electronics, Domino’s Pizza, Family Powersports Lubbock, First Capital Bank, First United Bank, Hillcrest Golf & Country Club, Hugo Reed & Associates, Hurst Farm Supply, Koetter Fire Protection, Lamar Outdoor Advertising, Llano Estacado Winery, Lubbock Power & Light, Michael Calvillo Bail Bonds, Module Truck Systems, Prosperity Bank, SouthWest Bank, WesTech Plumbing

Bronze Sponsors: Bimbo Bakeries/Mrs. Baird’s, Cabela’s, J Ferg Energy Pros, Purple Tie Limo, Sam’s Club, Tigris Real Estate LLC, Vision Audio

Silver Sponsors: ADC Group Inc., Alderson Enterprises, Best Buy, Carizma Motors, City Bank, Clarion Hotel Grand Park, Copy Craft, Extreme Packets, Ferguson Enterprises, Field Manning Stone Hawthorne & Aycock P.C., FirstCare Health Plans, Forrest Tire Co., Gebo’s, Gene Messer KIA, Happy State Bank, Lubbock Wholesale Payments, MCM Elegante, Morrison Supply Company, Overhead Door Company, PaveCon, Platinum Bank, Sanford & Tatum In-surance Agency, Security State Bank, South Plains Mall, Tejas Motors, Twist’d Texan, West Texas Gas, WestMark Realtors, Yates Flooring Center

To inquire about teams or to get more information about the BBQ, go to hubcitybbq.com, contact Christye Weld at christye.weld@lubbockbiz.org or call (806)761-7009.

Mark Your Calendars: October 14, 2014!Business Mercado

& Hispanic Heritage LuncheonBusiness Mercado, 10am-2pm

Hispanic Heritage Luncheon, 11:30am-1pmLubbock Memorial Civic Center, 1501 Mac Davis Lane

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The Lubbock Chamber of Commerce is proud to recognize four of its staff mem-bers for 45 years of combined experience at the Chamber. President and CEO Eddie McBride has the longest tenure at the Chamber as he will celebrate his 15-year anniversary on Sept. 1, while Norma Ritz Johnson and Sheri Nugent reached their 10-year anni-versaries on April 13 and June 26, respec-tively, and Colleen Evans hits the 10-year mark on Nov. 15. Under McBride’s direction, the Cham-ber has received numerous awards and recognitions. The Chamber has twice been awarded the prestigious 5-Star ac-creditation recognition by the U.S. Cham-ber of Commerce and twice been named the Chamber of the Year by the American Chamber of Commerce Executives. Cham-ber membership has grown to over 2,100 members during McBride’s tenure and he was instrumental in creating the em-ployer health care plan as an added value benefit to Chamber members. He also re-ceived the Texas Chamber of Commerce Executives Distinguished Service Award in 2011. McBride earned the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Institute of Organizational Management professional designation in 2012 and currently serves on the boards of the American Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE) and Texas Chamber of Commerce Executives (TCCE) and is past President of the Greater Southwest Lub-bock Rotary club. He has also served on the boards of numerous local and state organizations.

Johnson oversees the Chamber’s external programs and is responsible for legislative and governmental relations as well as transportation, health care issues and community relations. Accomplish-ments during her Chamber tenure have included producing a nationally-televised Congressional debate which received the Texas Chamber of Commerce Executives 2004 Governmental Affairs Program of the Year award. She is also responsible for overseeing the creation and coordina-tion of the Lubbock Chamber Employer Health Plan, which was awarded the 2006 American Chamber of Commerce Executives Excellence Award in Commu-nications and the 2006 Texas Chamber of Commerce Executives Community Devel-opment Program of the Year award. In June 2011, Johnson received the prestigious Certified Chamber Executive (CCE) designation by the American Cham-ber of Commerce Executives. She also re-ceived the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Institute of Organizational Management professional designation in 2010 and served as a Winter Institute Class Advisor in 2011. She currently serves on the Texas Association of Business Board of Direc-tors. Nugent oversees the financial pro-cesses as well as internal Chamber op-erations. Since beginning her duties at the Chamber, Nugent has implemented an in-house monthly financial reporting system that has streamlined the process and reduced the costs of preparing and maintaining these reports while increas-ing their accuracy and value as analyti-

cal tools. Nugent was instrumental in the 2009 and 2014 Accreditation process with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce where the Lubbock Chamber of Commerce received a 5-Star rating. In 2011, Nugent imple-mented the Total Resource Campaign, an all-inclusive sponsorship campaign, help-ing the Chamber exceed its goal every year. In July 2010, Nugent earned the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Institute of Orga-nizational Management professional des-ignation and served as a Board of Regent for the West Institute from 2010-13. Evans is responsible for all new mem-ber sales and is responsible for all reten-tion efforts and member relations. She has been recognized by the American Chamber of Commerce Circle of Champi-ons for her sales efforts and has placed in the top six in the nation for membership sales every year since 2008. Evans previ-ously worked with the Lubbock Chamber Ambassador program helping it grow and become one of the largest and most successful nationally. In August 2011, Evans received the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Institute of Organizational Management professional designation and served on the Board of Regents for the Northeast Institute from 2012-13.

Milestones Mark 45 Years of Experience at Chamber

(From left to right) Eddie McBride celebrates 15 years at the Lubbock Chamber and Norma Ritz Johnson, Sheri Nugent and Colleen Evans each celebrate 10 years at the Lubbock Chamber.

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August Business of the Month: Ramar Communications’s AM 950/100.7 FM Congratulations to Ramar Commu-nication’s AM 950/100.7 FM Station on its August Business of the Month achieve-ment. Ramar has been a Chamber mem-ber since 1986. AM 950/100.7 FM has been a member since 1997. “Being a member of the Lubbock Chamber of Commerce has allowed us to promote our station both with other Chamber members and with the local community as well,” said Jamie Lent, AM 950/100.7 FM Program Director. “The re-lationships that are built help us to form partnerships that turn into potential ad-vertising clients.” Lent said AM 950/100.7 FM’s involve-ment with the Chamber began with the Chamber asking AM 950/100.7 FM to pro-mote Chamber events. Such promotion has varied from interviews on West Texas Today to hosting shows directly from events. “AM 950/100.7 FM, West Texas To-day realizes there are several very good [Chamber Events] to choose from: Busi-ness After Hours, the Business Expo, Legislative, Agriculture and Educational-related events, etc. However, the most fun event has to be the annual Chamber BBQ Cookoff,” Ramar’s AM 950/100.7 FM has made many efforts, during the time it has been associated with the Chamber, to promote the Chamber and its events. In fact, Lent said AM 950/100.7 FM’s Chamber involve-ment revolves around promoting Cham-ber events. “We have enjoyed hosting West Texas Today at the Business Expo,” stated Lent. “It puts us in front of many possible cli-

ents and gives us plenty of opportunities to meet listeners.” The Chamber acknowledges and ap-preciates Ramar Communication’s AM 950/100.7 FM Station’s efforts toward making the Chamber known. “AM 950/100.7 FM, West Texas Today has, during the 10 years I have hosted this morning radio show, dedicated a lot of air time to various Chamber events through-out the year,” said Jim Douglass, West Texas Today co-host. “Chamber CEO Eddie McBride is a regular monthly guest on our show.” In regards to McBride’s airtime on West Texas Today, Douglass said AM 950/100.7 FM promotes upcoming Cham-ber events and promotes Chamber mem-bership. “Each year, we do a remote broadcast from the Lubbock Memorial Civic Center during the Chamber-sponsored Business Expo,” Douglass expounded. “In that pro-

gram, we interview Chamber staff and volunteers, along with some of the busi-nesses participating and/or sponsoring the Expo. All of this is designed to show off our strong business environment, demonstrate the great work of the Cham-ber and to promote Chamber member-ship.” AM 950/100.7 FM is a great support-er of the Lubbock Chamber. Douglass admitted AM 950/100.7 FM, West Texas Today, and Ramar Communications are even enthusiastic supporters of the entire Lubbock community. “We are known for being very pro-Lubbock,” said Douglass. “We feel that ‘reputation’ serves us well in our dealings with the Lubbock business community as well as civic leaders, both elected and volunteer. Supporting various Chamber projects throughout the year is a big part of our sense of civic responsibility.” The West Texas Today co-host said, on behalf of AM 950/100.7 FM and West Texas Today, that they are proud to be a part of get the Chamber message out to listeners. “AM 950/100.7 FM’s West Texas To-day is very proud of our award-winning Lubbock Chamber of Commerce,” said Douglass. “The Chamber works hard for Lubbock throughout the year and we, as a contributing Lubbock business, appre-ciate what the Chamber does for all of us.”

The Chamber is proud to congratulate Ramar Commu-nication’s AM950/100.7 FM on its August Business of the Month achievement. AM950/100.7 FM, along with all of the other businesses of the month for 2014, will be considered for the Chamber’s Business of the Year award, in December 2014.

City Council Reception The Chamber hosted a reception honoring newly elected and reelected City Council members on Tues., July 8 at the Chamber offices. Thanks to Parkhill, Smith & Cooper and StarCare Specialty Health System for sponsoring this successful event.

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2014 Texas Tech Football Kickoff Breakfast The Lubbock Chamber of Commerce will host its 2014 Texas Tech Football Kickoff Breakfast on Wed., Aug. 27, at the Overton Hotel and Conference Center. The event begins with the serving lines opening at 6:30 a.m. and the pro-gram beginning at 7 a.m. Head coach Kliff Kingsbury will be the featured speaker at the breakfast. Accessory Depot is the pre-senting sponsor for the breakfast. Come out and celebrate Texas Tech, and more importantly Texas Tech Foot-ball, with the Chamber, Chamber mem-ber businesses and the community. Tickets are $45. Chamber members get a discounted price of $35. Tables of eight may be purchased for $400 and $500 (this price includes sponsor recogni-tion benefits). Tickets, tables and sponsorships are still available. Register online here or call (806) 761-7000. Registration/cancellation deadline is noon on Fri., Aug. 22.

Presenting Sponsor: Accessory Depot

Diamond Sponsors: American National Bank

Edge Concepts

Oberkampf Supply of Lubbock

TEXAS TECHUNIVERSITY

FOOTBALL

KICKOFFBREAKFAST

®

SERVING LINES OPEN AT 6:30am

AUGUST 27, 2014OVERTON HOTEL & CONFERENCE CENTER

2322 MAC DAVIS LANE

Texas Tech Federal Credit Union

Texas Tech University Office of the Pro-vost, Planning and Assessment

Title One Digital Title Services

Platinum Sponsors: AMA TechTel Commu-nications, Gandy’s Dairies, Happy State Bank, Lubbock KIDS Dental, Montelongo’s Mexican Restaurant, StarCare Specialty Health System, and Texas Tech University System

Thanks to the 2014 Texas Tech Football Kickoff Breakfast Sponsors!

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Young Professionals of Greater Lubbock Spotlight: Tyler Young

Why did you choose to be a member of Young Profes-sionals of Greater Lubbock? After graduating from Texas Tech, I was looking for a net-work that I could get plugged into that would allow me to build professional connec-tions in this area. I had some close friends that were the original founders of YP, and they encouraged me to get involved. I wanted to be in-

volved with an organization that offered opportunities for professional connections, net-working, education, & com-munity service, and YP was a great blend of all of the above.

How long have you been a YP member? I joined YP in 2008 and have been actively involved for the last 6 years. I have the privilege of serving on the Steering Committee in 2014-15 as Chair-Elect and will inherit the Chair position in 2016.What are some of your fa-vorite YP events to attend? I really enjoy the First Tuesday Networking events. The event showcases different business locations around Lubbock that I may not have visited be-fore. The casual atmosphere allows for great connections to be made with other young professionals. The Lunch & Learns are also great events.

Being able to graft off the wis-dom and experience of estab-lished working professionals in our area is priceless.

What do you feel is the most rewarding part of being a YP member? The networking and connections you make with people. I’ve been able to hire from the network of people I’ve made through YP. I’m also better equipped to be able to refer business back to this network. I’ve been able to recruit YP members to serve on non-profit boards. Making these connections and build-ing friendships with people have been very rewarding.

Why is being a YP member important to you? Lubbock has a diverse group of talented young professionals, and be-ing involved in YP has allowed me to make connections that have helped me both profes-

sionally and personally.

Where do you work? Texas Tech Federal Credit Union

What is your position? Ad-ministrator of Human Re-sources & Employee Education

What all does your posi-tion entail? I serve our team through helping them navi-gate the world of Human Re-sources, Insurance Benefits, and Retirement Accounts. I also work to train and equip our team so they have the knowledge and capability to better serve our members.

How long have you been with your current company? I’ve been with TTFCU for 2 years.

Board Member Spotlight: Beth BridgesHow did you get involved with the Chamber and what keeps you involved? I’ve been in-volved with the Chamber one way or another for almost 20 years. I was actually a staff mem-ber in the 90s and so I learned the value the Chamber brings to the community early in my career. I’ve been involved ever since and believe that the connections we make by our involve-ment are critical, both professionally and per-sonally. Plus, it’s just a lot of fun. What is your favorite event or program of the Chamber? Leadership Lubbock is my favorite program followed closely by the BBQ. Leader-ship Lubbock brings together such a powerful group of community leaders and exposes them to opportunities to improve our community. And again, the connections made in the class are so meaningful. I am also proud of the lead-ership the Chamber took in the Imagine Lub-bock Together process. Community visioning is critical to evolving, growing and improving Lubbock, and I look forward to the great things ahead that come from that process.

What are some of your other community leadership roles? I have served as President of the Junior League of Lubbock and currently serve as past President of the Volunteer Center of Lubbock. I also serve on the City of Lubbock Parks & Rec Advisory Board. Finish this sentence: Never again will I… ever take one day for granted. Yes, some days are better than others, but each day is a gift and an opportunity to do our best, learn something new, love someone, and make a difference. My favorite quote du jour is: “Today is the oldest you’ve ever been, and the youngest you’ll ever be again. So live life to the fullest today, and have no regrets.”

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June Ambassador of the Month: Danny Soliz

June Ambassador Team of the Month: Team Soliz Congratulations, Team Soliz, Ambassador Team of the Month! Team Soliz finished June with 293 points. The Chamber’s ambassador program is comprised of 203 ambassadors, representing their member businesses. These 203 ambassadors are split up into five teams. Ambassadors compete, every month, for the most patricipation in ambassador events. Ambassadors are most commonly seen welcoming new busi-nesses and helping existing businesses celebrate milestones at ribbon cuttings and ground breakings. They also serve as greeters and hosts for monthly luncheon meetings, Business After Hours, Chamber 101, and a number of other Chamber special events, re-ceptions, meetings, etc. If you are interested in sponsoring the Ambassador Team of the Month Award through June 2015 or if you are interested in becoming an ambassador, please contact Haily Assiter, Marketing Specialist, at haily.assiter@lubbockbiz.org or by phone at (806) 761-7003.

Members of Team Soliz received the Ambassador Team of the Month scissors at the July Ambassador Luncheon.

Congratulations to Danny Soliz, June Ambassador of the Month! Soliz has been a Chamber Ambassador since 2001. He has won this award several times in the past. Soliz said he became an ambassador in 2001 because he saw opportunities and challenges through networking with other business people, especially small businesses. “The Ambassador Program presents opportunities to its members through building relationships and trust with those you come in contact with and work with each day,” Soliz stated. “The idea that all of us, as ambassadors, can help and support one another and the camara-derie we build are more than just work-ing relationships, they become lifelong friendships.” The most rewarding part of being an ambassador, for Soliz, is meeting new people and new businesses through rib-bon cuttings and groundbreakings as they become members of the Chamber. “The Lubbock Chamber of Com-merce is a great organization for volun-teer work,” Soliz said. “It is very rewarding.” Soliz is involved in the Chamber out-side of the Ambassador Program, too. Soliz’s favorite Chamber event is the Busi-

ness Expo. He also enjoys the Hub City BBQ and the Chamber Golf Classic. Fur-thermore, he has worked on, and even led, the committees for these events. He has been the chairman of the Expo three times. He has served on the Golf Commit-tee and volunteered for the BBQ. “The Expo gives me a better opportu-nity to network business-to-business and allows me to tell other businesses about Workforce Solutions, in reference to the products and services we can provide to them,” Soliz said. Soliz has been an employee at Work-force Solutions of the South Plains since 2001. As Director of Business Develop-ment, Soliz is the first point of contact for employers who are having layoffs or are closing their businesses to assist those who have lost their employment through no fault of their own. “I interface with Human Resource re-cruiters and managers to assist them with training needs and/or new hires as well as placements for dislocated workers,” said Soliz. “I also assist in coordinating job fairs to connect employers with job seekers.” Outside of the Chamber, Soliz is in-volved in othe outlets of the Lubbock community. He is involved in preparing kids in third through sixth grade for Bible

Bowl competitions in Abilene, Andrews and Lubbock through Sunset Church of Christ. This year, they are studying the Gospel of Luke. Soliz is also on the Board of Directors for The Children’s Home of Lubbock and the Board of Directors for the Society of Human Resource Manage-ment. Additionally, he serves as president of the Lubbock Girls Basketball, Inc., a basketball program for girls 1st grade through 12th grade.

Ambassador of the Month Award sponsored by:Alan Henr y Insurance

Danny Soliz is pictured (left), as he was awarded his Ambassador of the Month certificate, by Jay Brooks,

of Alan Henry Insurance.

Chamber Ambassador Program

Lubbock Business Network

14

Ribbon Cuttings & Groundbreakings

Betenbough HomesHomes for Hope Celebration

Quincy Park

Blue Frog Plumbing & Drain5610 Frankford Ave, Suite C

Cabela’s3030 W Loop 289

Candy Wrapper6002 Slide Road, Suite 68209

Casas for CASA CLEAT - Combined Law Enforce-ment Associations of Texas, Inc.

2201 University Ave, Suite B

New Century Leadership will begin on Wed., Sept. 9, with orientation at Ba-con Heights Baptist Church at 6:30pm. 45 new high school students will spend eight months acquiring new leadership skills. Led by Chairman Bradley Madi-son, Calvert Home Health Care, and Co-Chairwoman, Jody Reding, South Plains College, this year’s New Century Leader-ship committee members represent their businesses in planning quality programs for the aspiring young leaders: Vickie Bennett, FirstBank & Trust; Jon Mark Ber-nal, Texas Tech Student Union & Activi-ties; Brice Kelly, Egenbacher Real Estate; Raymond Richardson, Lubbock Christian University; Charlie Rowten, Lubbock Av-alanche-Journal; Jared Squires, Kingdom Preparatory Academy. Ropes Course Day will kick off at the Spirit Ranch on Wednesday, September 24, highlighting teambuilding activities

and setting the tone for the new Leader-ship Skills Development forums with Spir-it Ranch. The seven forums will further integrate leadership training to develop these future leaders and will be facilitated by Jim Shearer. Congratulations to the 45 New Cen-tury Leadership students who represent their respective schools in the Class of 2015: Alyssa Smith from All Saints Epis-copal; Tyler Cruce, Caitlin Martinez, Reece Quigley and Forest Shipton from Christ the King; Reagan Collins, AnnaBeth Lane, Madison Lowrie, Devin Mangold, Jared Martin and Nicole Pedroza from Corona-do High School; Juwan Drones, Annalisa Revilla and Thomas Vega from Estacado High School; Peyton Giles, Leah Giles, Colt Grice, Chase Guthrie, Caitlyn Rush and Josh Smith from Frenship High School; Nathan Schroeder from Kingdom Pre-patory Academy; Caleb Dansby, Preston Hagins, Amanda Harper, Payge Petrie and

Emma Scarborough from Lubbock Chris-tian School; Kate Camp, Madeline D’Alise, Julie Delgado and Tom Vinson from Lub-bock High School; Taylor Presley from Lubbock-Cooper High School; Abbi Ad-ams, Sarah Crow and Grace Watson from Monterey High School; Nathan Caballero, Abbey Goodwyn, Cheyanne Hamilton, Abby Hendrick, Jake Johnson, Hayden Pettit and Kandace Pope from Shallowa-ter High School; Beth Barrera and Alicia Levine from Talkington School for Young Women Leaders; Gus Landess from Trinity Christian. Grant support for New Century Lead-ership is generously provided by the Hel-en Jones Foundation. This year’s program will offer four scholarships to our students and we thank our scholarship sponsors for their support: Atmos Energy, CLC Col-lege Prep Services, Lubbock-Cooper Inde-pendent School District, Suddenlink.

New Century Leadership KickoffNEW CENTURYLEADERSHIP

Lubbock Business Network

15

Virginia College5005 50th St.

Walk to End AlzheimersKick Off Event

Portofino6610 34th St.

Quality Metals5625 130th St.

Ronald McDonald House3413 10th St.

SouthWest Bank1901 W Loop 289

Thrivent Financial2024 82nd St., Suite 103

UniFirst1727 E 8th St.

Ribbon Cuttings sponsored by

Ribbon Cuttings & Groundbreakings cont’d

Happy State Bank98th St. & Quaker Ave

Lubbock Legal Aid Society916 Main St., Suite 103

Lubbock Habitat for Humanity3907 Ave Q

Yoga Salon6701 Aberdeen, Suite 3

Lubbock Business Network

16

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 Member Only section.

Aaron Daniel Homes of West Texas5102 60th St., Ste. GLubbock, TX 79414Home Builders

Control Equipment, Inc.3211 122nd St.Lubbock, TX 79423Oil Field Equipment

Cowboy Chicken4415 S. Loop 289Lubbock, TX 79424Restaurants

Franks & Pleasant, LLP8207 Hudson Ave, Ste. DLubbock, TX 79423Attorneys

N.D. White Services2221 34th St.Lubbock, TX 79411Engineering Services

PB Insusrance Solutions9714 Knoxville Ave.Lubbock, TX 79423Insurance

Sustainable Edge Construction & Roofing3132 E. Slaton Rd.Lubbock, TX 79404Roofing Contractors

Texas Plains Trail RegionPO Box 88Lubbock, TX 79408Non-Profit Organizations

Three Dog Bakery5214 98th St., Ste. 103Lubbock, TX 79424Pet Services

Welcome Home Professional Cleaning1010 Slide Rd.Lubbock, TX 79416Cleaning Service - Residential

West Texas Realtors - Hyde, Vanesa3233 63rd St.Lubbock, TX 79423Real Estate

Yoga Salon6701 Aberdeen, Ste. 3Lubbock, TX 79424Exercise and Physical Fitness Programs

Welcome New Chamber Members!Please place this addition in your Chamber Business Directory & Resource Guide

6/16/14 - 7/15/14

House Bill 5: Education Luncheon Since the implementation of House Bill 5 in 2013, the past year has seen many changes as school districts statewide adapt-ed curriculums to fulfill the requirements of the new bill. Upon graduation, students will be better prepared to enter the work-force, a technical training program, or attend college. The HB5 luncheon on Tuesday, July 8, at the Lubbock Coun-try Club drew educators and businesspeople alike to discuss the upcoming changes and review the past year. State Board of Education member Marty Rowley, discussed the opportunity HB5 presents in allowing students from all socioeconomic back-grounds to succeed in the workforce. Four panelists held a Q&A session after Rowley’s presenta-tion. This fall, students entering high school will have the option of a more flexible graduation program. Lubbock ISD Superinten-dent Dr. Berhl Robertson reiterated Lubbock ISD’s commitment to providing a quality education and highlighting the Byron Martin Advanced Technology Center’s role in helping students achieve proper certification. Frenship ISD Superintendent Dr. Da-

vid Vroonland stressed the entrepreneurial spirit that HB5 will encourage in students, and the newly formed entrepreneurship course that will teach the proper skills students need to begin this new challenge. Executive Director of Region 17 Education Service Center Dr. Kyle Wargo spoke of the challenges teachers face in teaching to the new standards and the role the Service Center will take in preparing them to properly teach students. Lubbock Economic Development Alliance CEO John Osborne explained the business perspective, underlining the impor-tance of HB5 and the willingness of business members to part-ner with schools in support of student success. Thank you to presenting sponsor, Goodwill Industries of Northwest Texas; diamond sponsors, FirstCare Health Plans and Lubbock Economic Development Alliance; gold sponsors, Amerigroup and TTU Office of the President; and silver spon-sors, Adoption Covenant, Society for Human Resource Manage-ment, and South Plains College.

Chairwoman Alona Beesinger welcomes luncheon speakers and guests.

State Board of Education Member Marty Rowley gives his thoughts on HB5 and the opportunities it presents

to all different members of society.

(From left to right) Wargo, Vroonland, Robertson and Osborne discuss House Bill 5, One Year Later.