Lubbock Business Network - January 2015 Newsletter

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Business NetworkLU

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The Lubbock Chamber of Commerce Newsletter

Vol. 23 No. 1 January 2015Chamber State Policy Priorities Going into Legislative Session

pg. 6

Introducing our 2015 Chairman

pg. 5

Introducing our 2015 Committee Chairmen

pg. 10

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Thank you to our 5-Star Sponsors!

Lubbock Business Network

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In the News this Month:

A Message from the Chamber

Introducing our 2015 Chairman ........................................................5 Total Resource Campaign ....................................................................6Chamber State Policy Priorities ..........................................................6Chamber University: Bullying in the Workplace ...........................7Tips for Recruiting and Hiring the Best Employees .....................9Introducing our 2015 Committee Chairmen .............................. 10

Since 1913, the Lubbock Chamber of Commerce’s mission of strengthening, promoting and serving its member businesses has positively benefitted 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.

Share Your News!To submit an article about your business, to purchase Lubbock Business Network sponsorships, contact the Chamber’s Communications and Marketing Division at (806) 761-7000.

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Chamber ChatChamber Chat is a weekly video update meant to inform Chamber 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 Chamber Marketing Specialist Haily Assiter by email at [email protected], or by phone at (806) 761-7003.

2015 Board of DirectorsExecutive CommitteeChairman Jay Jacobus, Scarborough Specialties, Inc.Chairwoman-Elect Beth Bridges, South Plains MallImmediate Past Chairwoman Alona Beesinger, SuddenlinkTreasurer Diannah Tatum, Sanford & Tatum Insurance AgencySecretary Eddie McBride, Lubbock Chamber of CommerceVice Chairman, Business Development Brice Foster, City Bank Vice Chairman, Communications & Marketing Scott Fagin, First United Bank

Vice Chairman, Government & Community Relations David Park, Atmos EnergyVice Chairman, Leadership Gabe Vitela, Twisted Root Burger Co. Vice Chairman, Membership & Investor Relations Jessie Mendoza, FirstBank & Trust

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

Sharon Hyde Bass, Volunteer Center Lubbock

Ron Betenbough, Betenbough Homes

Michael Calvillo, Michael Calvillo Bail Bonds

Renee Gonzales Davis, Alderson Enterprises/Mercedes-Benz

Linda Gaither, WestMark Realtors-Gaither/Ratcliff

Jeff Horn, Benchmark Business Solutions

Clayton Isom, The Isom Group

Brent King, UMC Health System

Chris Lonngren, Schlotzsky’s

Dave Marcinkowski, Madera Companies

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

Cathy Pope, StarCare Specialty Health System

Cory Powell, TTU Mentor Tech

Dr. Berhl Robertson, Lubbock Independent School District

Frank Silvas, AFLAC-Frank Silvas

Polly Vann, V-tech Environmental Services

Dr. David Vroonland, Frenship Independent School District

Chuck Walker, FirstCare Health Plans

Connie Wharton, Consultant


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Januar y6 Young Professionals First Tuesday Networking: Harrigan’s – 5:30 p.m. 3801 50th St., Ste. 1

7 Leadership Lubbock Committee Meeting – 10:30 a.m. – LCOC Chamber University Committee Meeting – Noon – Tech Club

9 Government Relations Committee Meeting – 10:30 a.m. – LCOC 13 Leadership Lubbock Orientation – All Day – Lubbock Women’s Club 2020 Broadway Ribbon Cutting: Fraiche Cafe – 11:30 a.m. – 6015 82nd St., Ste. 5

14 Ribbon Cutting: Convergys – TBA – 3701 West Loop 289 New Century Leadership Committee Meeting – 1 p.m. – LCOC

15 Business After Hours hosted by Prosperity Bank – 5:30 p.m. 1501 Ave Q, Operations Annex Building 19 Martin Luther King Day - Chamber Office Closed

20 Young Professionals of Lubbock Committee Meeting – Noon – LCOC

21 New Century Leadership: Media Trends & Topics – All Day Ambassador Luncheon – Noon – LCOC, San Jacinto Room, 2nd Floor Wells Fargo Center, 1500 Broadway

22 Executive Committee Meeting – Noon – LCOC Ribbon Cutting: Carillon House, Accelerated Rehab Floor – 4:30 p.m. 1717 Norfolk Ave.

27 Business Expo Committee Meeting – 4 p.m. – LCOC

28 Ribbon Cutting: Communities in Schools of the South Plains 15th Anniversary –10 a.m. – Bayless Elementary, 2115 58th Street

29 Board of Directors Meeting – 10 a.m. – Goodwill Industries of NW Texas 715 28th Street Business After Hours hosted by FirstCare Health Plans – 5:30 p.m. Texas Tech Stadium Club - West Side

*LCOC = Lubbock Chamber of Commerce

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

Upcoming EventsJanuary 6Young Professionals First Tuesday Networking hosted by Harrigan’s

January 15Business After Hours hosted by Prosperity Bank

January 21Ambassador Luncheon

January 29Business After Hours hosted by FirstCare Health Plans

February 10Chamber University: Bullying in the Workplace

Business

After

Hours

hosted by

Prosperity Bank

5:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m1501 Ave Q

Young Professionals of LubbockFirst Tuesday Networking

hosted by

5:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.3801 50th St., Suite 1


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Chamber StaffPresident/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, IOMLeadership Director Amy MarquezEducation Director Allison CottrellMarketing Specialist Haily AssiterEvent Specialist Haley HoweyGovernment & Community Relations Specialist Stevie PooleAdministrative Assistant/Office Coordinator Patsy MoffettCustomer Service Representative Patricia PiconAccounting Assistant Susan BaileyIntern Jenna Holt-Day

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We are proud to announce Jay Jacobus as the 2015 Lubbock Chamber of Commerce Chairman!

During the last 15 years of his participation in the Chamber, Jacobus has exemplified leadership, integrity, loyalty and a passion for serving the Lubbock community.

“Jay’s been involved with the Chamber at every level and is well prepared for his

leadership role,” stated Eddie McBride, Chamber President and CEO. “He also brings a lot of business insight as well as a great sense of humor. We are excited that 2015 will be another great year for the Lubbock Chamber, our members and the community. Jay will do a great job and we are looking forward to his time as Chairman.”

Jacobus is CEO of Scarborough Specialties, Inc. Born and raised in Lubbock, Jacobus graduated from Monterey High School and Baylor University. After a short stint in the Metroplex, he and his wife, Jill, returned to Lubbock to work in the family business. With over 17 years of experiences in the company, he thoroughly enjoys the opportunity to work with the people on a daily basis.

With the encouragement of his father-in-law, Jack Scarborough, Jacobus got involved with the Chamber – first starting with Leadership Lubbock. Jacobus was part of the 1999-2000 class. From there he served on the Leadership Lubbock and Focus Lubbock steering committees. He has participated in the Business Expo, Hub City BBQ Cook-off as well as the Giant Side of Texas campaign and several other Chamber projects.

Jacobus is highly involved with his church, Bacon Heights Baptist Church, and serves on the Lubbock Transit Advisory Board.

His focus for the Chamber will be to stay in line with current goals and successes as the Chamber moves from success to significance.

“I look forward to leading the Chamber as it moves towards its goals and working with Lubbock business community,” said Jacobus. “There are a lot of great things ahead in 2015 as we continue to strengthen, promote and serve our member businesses.”

Introducing Our 2015 Chairman


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2015 Total Resource CampaignThe 2015 Total

Resource Campaign (TRC) will start sponsorship renewals on Jan. 9. We thank you for your continued support of the Chamber and the TRC.

The annual Total Resource Campaign (TRC) is an eight-week campaign beginning in March and goes through the end of April, in which Chamber volunteers go into the business community to secure sponsorships for the upcoming year’s Chamber events and programs.

“The TRC helps our member businesses better plan their budgets, support the Chamber and become involved in community-wide events,” said Campaign Coordinator Sheri Nugent.

One of the biggest benefits businesses receive when participating in the TRC is an immense amount of exposure

throughout the year. Not only do businesses receive recognition for their sponsorship during the TRC but also in the promotions leading up to the event they chose to sponsor, as well as being listed in the various other advertisement venues from the Chamber to thank the sponsors.

“It’s a general benefit of friendship,” Chairman

of the TRC, Nick Atwood said. “I like getting to see the folks I’ve met through the TRC out in the community that I get to keep up with. It’s all about building new relationships.”

As the Chamber moves closer to the start of the TRC we look forward to working with our volunteers who are passionate about growing the business community in Lubbock.

As newly elected and reelected officials take the oath of office and move into their new roles in Austin, one of the first documents in their hands on the first day of the Texas State Legislative session will be a list of the Lubbock Chamber of Commerce’s public policy priorities for 2015.

From cotton farming and oil production to films and high technology, Texas has a strong hold on almost every major industry. While other states clung to the federal government to survive the recent recession, Texas thrived. The strength of the state’s economy is a clear product of sound policy created by decision makers in Austin.

Still, there is work to be done. Transportation, education and water issues remain at the top of the Chamber’s legislative list.

Even with the overwhelming Proposition 1 victory in the November election, adequate transportation infrastructure presents a growing challenge for businesses. The near $1.7 billion now dedicated to Texas roads, while an improvement, is nowhere near enough to maintain the state’s current infrastructure and certainly not enough to provide safe roads for the 18 million new vehicles expected by 2040.

As outlined in the new public policy guide, the Chamber urges Lubbock’s state delegation to make pro-growth, pro-business decisions for transportation in the upcoming legislative session. More specifically, the South Plains’ largest business federation is pushing for an end to motor fuel tax diversions that fund non-transportation expenses, except the ¼ dedicated to public education.

And, as Texas Tech University inches closer to its goal of 40,000 students by 2020, higher education is becoming an even more important issue for the Lubbock-area economy. In the 2015 State Policy and Priority guide, the Chamber encourages

legislators to enhance financial support through the Higher Education Assistance Fund and make tuition revenue bonds readily available as the university grows into a nationally competitive research institution.

Along with transportation and education, water will be one of the most important and most challenging issues the state legislature will face in 2015. The Chamber encourages the creation of state policies that uses scientifically-based and economically-rational standards to conserve existing water resources while simultaneously funding and developing new, cost-effective supplies.

With the 15th largest economy in the world and as the home of 64 Fortune 500 companies, the needs of the business community must be a priority for the 84th Texas State Legislature.

For more information on the Chamber’s legislative priorities or to download the 2015 public policy guide, please visit www.lubbockbusinessvotes.com.

Chamber State Policy Priorities Going into Legislative Session

Key Dates:January 13: The 84th Regular Legislative Session begins March 13: The deadline for filing bills and joint resolutions other than local bills, emergency appropriations, and bills that have been declared an emergency by the governorJune 1: The last day of 84th Regular SessionJune 21: The last day the Governor can sign or veto bills passed during the regular legislative sessionAugust 31: The date that bills without specific effective dates (that could not be effective immediately) become law


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SAVE THE DATE: Lubbock Day at the State Capitol Join us in Austin of Feb. 23 and 24 as a delegation from the Lubbock community descends upon the State Capitol to meet with legislators and discuss issues important to the Lubbock area economy. Reservations are required and are $125 each. Chamber members get a discounted price of $100. The deadline to register is February 1, 2015.

(Individuals are responsible for their own travel and lodging arrangements. A limited number of hotel rooms are available at the group rate.)

Schedule of Events

Monday, Feb. 24 5:30 p.m. Legislative Reception at the Sheraton Austin Hotel at the Capitol, 701 E. 11th St., Creekside Room

Tuesday, Feb. 257 a.m. Breakfast at The Austin Club in conjunction with Texas Association of Business featuring Senator Kel Seliger, 110 E. 9th St. 9 a.m. Photo in the Rotunda of the Capitol Building10 a.m. Legislative Briefing10:45 a.m. Move from Briefings to the House and Senate for Recognitions12:30 p.m. Legislative Lunch at the Sheraton Austin Hotel at the Capitol, 701 E. 11th St., Capitol View TerraceEvents Conclude

Thanks to our Diamond Sponsors:

Gold Sponsors: Lubbock Association of Realtors, Jerry Bell Investments, Plains Cotton Growers and Plains Cotton Cooperative Association

SPONSORSHIPS AVAILABLE: For more information, contact Norma Ritz Johnson at [email protected]

The Lubbock Chamber of Commerce will host a Chamber University seminar on “Bullying in the Workplace” on Tues., Feb. 10, from 8-11:30 a.m. at Covenant Knipling Education Conference Center.

The seminar will feature Frank Mulcahy, Certified Workplace Bullying Specialist. Mulcahy will educate those in attendance on what bullying in the workplace is and how to take action against it. He will guide attendees through this process so businesses will avoid turnover of their best and brightest employees, minimize litigation expenses, boost employee engagement and guarantee retention.

Chamber University will also award certificates for Continuing Education Units for those interested. This seminar will award .3 hours of 1 CEU (3 out of 10 hours). Those wishing to sign up for a CEU credit, please call the Chamber of Commerce.

Chamber University was designed to address critical business topics and offer tools to navigate and thrive in the ever-changing demands of the 21st century workplace.

The cost of the seminar is $70. Chamber members get a discounted price of $60. Group pricing is also available by calling the Chamber. Breakfast will be provided.

Registration is open and reservations can be made by visiting LubbockChamber.com or by calling (806) 761-7000. Changes to reservations may be made until 5 p.m. on Fri., Feb. 6.

Chamber University: Bullying in the Workplace

Sponsered by: American National BankUnited SupermarketsWorkforce Solutions South Plains


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Thank you to our generous sponsors:

Presented by:

The December 4, 2014 Annual Meeting and Award Luncheon highlighted the year’s achievements while honoring those who made it possible.

2014 Award recipents include:Ambassador of the Year - Myndee Pool, Carpet Tech - presented by Parkhill, Smith & CooperVolunteer of the Year - Preston Weems, Goodwill Industries of Northwest Texas - presented by the Volunteer Center of LubbockBusiness Person of the Year - Tim Collins, Collins Tile & Stone - presented by CEV MultimediaBusiness of the Year - Reagor Dykes Auto Group - presented by Windsor Creek Apartments

Congratulations to all of the 2014 Annual Awards Winners!

Annual Meeting Diamond:

George McMahan Development, LLCSouthwest Airlines

Suddenlink

Annual Meeting Platinum:

Atmos EnergyCentennial BankFirstCapital BankSanford & Tatum

Insurance Agency

Annual Meeting Gold: Caprock Home Health

ServicesCity Bank

Covenant HealthFirstBank & Trust

Goodwill Industries of Northwest Texas

Happy State BankLubbock County

Prime Sales & Marketing

Prosperity BankSafety World, Inc.South Plains MallStarCare Specialty

Health SystemSysco West Texas, Inc.

Annual Meeting Silver: Action Printing

AimBankBBVA Compass BankBenchmark Business

SolutionsCarpet Tech

First United BankFreese and Nichols, Inc.

Lubbock Christian University

LEDAReagor Dykes Auto

GroupReese Technology

CenterSouth Plains College

SouthWest BankUMC Health SystemWorkforce Solutions

South Plains

Annual Report Presenting:

FirstCare Health Plans

Annual Report Diamond:

McDougal Properties

Pictured from left to right: Alona Beesinger, Preston Weems, Myndee Pool, Bart Reagor, Rick Dykes, Tim Collins and Eddie McBride

Myndee Pool accepting her Ambssador of the Year award from

Brian Stephens and Alona Beesinger.

Preston Weems accepting his Volunteer of the Year award from Sharon Bass and Alona Beesinger.

Tim Collins accepting his Business Person of the Year award from Gordon

Davis and Alona Beesinger.

Bart Reagor and Rick Dykes accepting the Business of the Year award for

Reagor Dykes Auto Group from Jessica Macias and Alona Beesinger.


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Contary to what hiring professionals believe, the traditional hiring process that is applied in companies throughout the nation does not result in hiring the best candidate at the interview stage. In fact, choosing and hiring the best candidate begins before the job is posted.

Recruiting and hiring the best employees is a strategic process that requires commitment to hiring the best rather than simply hiring someone.

How many times have you gone through the recruitment process, interviewed, and hired the person you think is the best for the job and six months into the job you realize that although the person you hired isn’t bad, he or she isn’t performing the job at the level that you had expected? Are your hiring decisions made in the midst of organizational emergencies? Is the pool of applicants you have to choose from mediocre? Recruiting and hiring the best employees is a strategic process that requires commitment to hiring the best rather than simply hiring “someone.” The process includes various key elements that help to ensure that highly qualified applicants apply for the job and that the best applicant in the pool is selected. The 10 key elements of an effective recruitment and hiring process include:

1. Market your company effectively: Make sure your company is presented at its best in all public communications, particularly on the Internet.

2. Know the job for which you are hiring: Review job specifications, and the skills and knowledge you are looking for before the position is posted.

3. Attract the best: If you want the best, you need to put in a recruitment and hiring process that is attractive to highly qualified candidates.

See your employees as sources for potential candidates, and keep in mind the best candidates aren’t always looking for a job.

4. Process organization and time efficiency is essential: Post a position when you are able to conduct the process in a timely manner. Applicants respond positively to a timely process. Remember, the recruitment process goes both ways. Highly qualified applicants have more options in today’s market. It is important to present your company so that applicants are excited at the opportunity to work for your company. Experts say quickly locating and hiring the best talent is vital to maintaining an edge against competitors.

5. Outstanding employees know outstanding performers in their field: See your employees as sources for potential candidates, and keep in mind that the best candidates aren’t always looking for a job.

6. Hiring and recruitment is a two-way process: Give candidates a clear view of the position and expectations, which allows the candidate the opportunity to understand the job and the company thoroughly. It also affords the candidate time to evaluate and express his or her thoughts regarding the job, to examine their individual career goals in relation to the job, and to determine if the two are in sync.

7. Train employees to hire the best: Make sure hiring managers and employees on the hiring team are not just trained in the company recruitment and hiring policies and procedures, but are trained to recognize the best and know how to weed out mediocre.

8. “Urgent hires” become urgent terminations: Avoid the urgency trap and take the time to do it right! Undoubtedly you want to hire someone as soon as you can, but don’t sacrifice good hiring practices. Go through the process effectively and efficiently, and you will not have to waste time and money to do it all over again.

9. Use online tracking software that works for you in identifying the best: Work with your software vendor to design the program that allows for identification of the qualities of the best candidates, as opposed to a program that is used solely to eliminate unqualified candidates.

10. Recognize your biases and leave them at the door: Biases obstruct one’s vision in identifying the best candidate. Being receptive to differences provides an overview of the background, experience and qualifications of candidates.

Recruiting and Hiring the Best Employees by Gena Jones

Gena Jones, DM, SPHR, Past President, Lubbock Society for Human Resources Management (SHRM) and Assistant Vice President for Human Resources, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center.


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Introducing our 2015 Committee Chairmen

Steve MoffettAgriculture

Zach HoltzmanCommunity Prayer Lunch

Rex AndrewsAmbassadors

David MedranoBusiness Mercado

Kathy OaksYoung Professionals of Greater Lubbock

Marinda HeinrichGovernment Relations

Bryce LooneyBusiness Expo

Bradley MadisonNew Century Leadership

David CrewsLeadership Lubbock

Jonathan ZiegnerTransportation

Patricia McLaughlinHispanic Hertiage Lunch

Myndee PoolGolf Classic

Preston WeemsHub City BBQ Cook-Off

Nick AtwoodTotal Resource Campaign

Chuck ParrChamber University

Mary WhistlerCinco de Mayo Luncheon

Connie WhartonImagine Lubbock Together

Welcome 2015 Chairmen!!!


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How did you get involved with the Chamber? I became involved in the Lubbock Chamber of Commerce many years ago through it’s annual golf tournament, the Business Expo, and more recently through the TRC campaign. Our company, Benchmark Business Solutions, Inc., participates in a number of Lubbock COC events and we believe strongly in helping Lubbock, Texas to be the best place for business in the United States. Also, giving back to the communities we serve is one of our seven core business values that we manage and direct the company by. It is a formula that has worked well.

What is your favorite event or program of the Chamber? I have two: The Annual Golf Classic and the Business Expo. I like getting to see lots of people that support Lubbock, Texas. What are some of your other community leadership roles? United Way Campaign (Multiple Roles), Children’s Home of Lubbock, Western Little League, Incoming Director for March of Dimes Campaign. Finish this sentence: Never again will I… go on vacation to a deserted island with no tv, air conditioning, internet, or phone service.

Board Member Spotlight: Jeff Horn

Congratulations to the January Business of the Month, Lubbock Association of REALTORS®! The Lubbock Association of REALTORS® has been an active member of the Lubbock Chamber of Commerce since 1978.

Cade Fowler, Executive Officer, of the Lubbock Association of REALTORS® believes that being a member of the Chamber gives his organization the opportunity to work together on issues affecting private property owners and in turn, local businesses.

“It’s a great way to be involved in the community,” said Fowler.

For example, this past year the Chamber collaborated with the Lubbock Association of REALTORS®, the Lubbock Apartment Association and the West Texas Home Builders Association to get Prop 1 passed during the November election. This new law will dedicate a portion of the Rainy Day Fund for the state’s transportation needs.

The Lubbock Association of REALTORS® has members involved in a variety of Chamber events, including the Hub City BBQ Cook-off and the Government Relations Committee.

“We also always sponsor the Texas Tech State of the System luncheon, the Legislative Appreciation Luncheon and the Football Kick-Off Breakfast,” Fowler said.

Out of everything they are involved in with the Chamber its favorite event is the Texas Tech State of the System luncheon.

“It’s a great way to learn what is going on with Texas Tech University because it is such a vital part of the real estate market in Lubbock,” said Fowler.

Again, congratulations to the Lubbock Association of REALTORS® for being selected as the January Business of the Month!

January Business of the Month: Lubbock Association of REALTORS®

The Chamber is proud to congratulate Lubbock Association of REALTORS®its January Business of the Month achievement. Lubbock Association of REALTORS®, along with all of the other businesses of the month for 2015, will be considered for the Chamber’s Business of the Year award, in December 2015.

Alona Beesinger (L), 2014 Chairwoman of the Chamber, listening to Nancy Rawls (R), 2014 President of the Lubbock Association of REALTORS®, speak

on behalf Proposition 1 at our Joint Transportation News Conference.

January 29, 2015 | 5:30 pm - 7:00 pmTexas Tech Stadium Club - West Side

Business After Hourshosted by


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Why did you choose to be a member of Young Professionals of Lubbock? I chose to be a member of the Young Professionals of Lubbock as a way to get more involved. YPL provides an excellent avenue for young, like-minded individuals to network and connect with one another.

How long have you been a YP member? 3 years

What are some of your favorite YP events to attend? Our First Tuesday Networking events are always great. With a different venue each month and mentor speakers from businesses and organizations all across Lubbock, there is always something valuable to gain.

What do you feel is the most rewarding part of being a YP member? The relationships you form with the great people and businesses of Lubbock. YPL enables you to connect with others you may not necessarily come into contact with in your everyday routine and it helps build your network around those people looking to better themselves and better their community.

Why is being a YP member important to you? It is important to me for several reasons. If you are looking for that first job or a new career, there is no better place to find such a diverse group of young professionals on a consistent basis to network with and get connected. As

business professionals, we are continually encouraging folks to join YPL and be a part of an organization that helps connect them with the numerous businesses and organizations we represent.

Where do you work? Vista Bank

What is your position and what does it entail? As a Banking Officer I assist individuals and businesses to meet their financial needs.

How long have you been with your current company? 3 years

Young Professionals of Lubbock Spotlight: Jeff Lisle


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November Ambassador Team of the Month: Team Soliz

Members of Team Soliz were recognized for their achievement at the December Ambassador Luncheon where Ambassadors also donated toys

to the Children’s Home of Lubbock.

Congratulations to Barbara Webster, November Ambassador of the Month. Webster has been a Chamber Ambassador for almost two years and she said she joined the program in order to celebrate important ribbon cuttings and groundbreakings with other Chamber members while networking amongst the Ambassador group. “I enjoy the ribbon cuttings and Business Expo,” Webster said about her favorite part of the Ambassador Program. “I like being able to do something to show support for the Lubbock business community.” Webster said the most rewarding part of being an Ambassador is the ability to meet business owners and learn more about their businesses since she is a business owner herself. Webster recently opened her own company, BLW Financial Risk Consultant. “As a Certified Financial Planner and Life and Health Insurance Counselor, I offer a new employee benefit for small business for employer provided education, consultation, and seminars for the employees to understand and plan for their personal financial risks. I offer solutions to the employees (payroll deducted) as an independent AFLAC agent, independent

associate of Legal Shield and as an independent agent with National Farm Life,” Webster said about her company. Webster also offers consultation and seminars for seniors which covers Medicare. Outside of the Chamber, Webster is involved with the Lubbock Monterey AMBUCS.

Chamber Ambassador Program

Ambassador of the Month: Barbara Webster

The Ambassador program is comprised of 222 men and women of widely diverse Chamber member businesses and organizations. The Lubbock Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors are a highly visible, prestigious group of volunteers who strive to assist in fulfilling the Chamber’s mission to “strengthen, promote & serve our member businesses.” They play an essential role in helping facilitate Ribbon Cutting and Ground Breaking ceremonies and by giving of their time to help businesses grow and achieve successful results, the Ambassadors contribute to the overall economic health and growth of the Lubbock business community. These 222 ambassadors are split up into five teams. Ambassadors compete every month for the most participation in ambassador events. In the month of November, Barbara Webster was named Ambassador of the Month and Team Soliz

won Ambassador Team of the Month. Fifty-six percent of all 222 ambassadors participated in at least one event. Team Soliz achieved 67 percent participation. Team Pool achieved 57 percent participation. Team Davis achieved 51 percent participation. Team Schooler achieved 50 percent participation. Team Laughlin achieved 43 percent participation. The Chamber appreciates the efforts put forth by our Ambassadors, and the time they each devote to Chamber events. If you are interested in sponsoring the Ambassador of the Month award and/or the Ambassador Team of the Month Award, or if you are interested in becoming an ambassador, please contact Haily Assiter, Marketing Specialist, at [email protected] or by phone at (806) 761-7003.

David Putman (L), 2014 Chairman of the Ambassadors presenting Barbara Webster (R) her award.

Congratulations, Team Soliz, Ambassador Team of the Month! Team Soliz finished November with 403 points. Team Soliz, led by Danny Soliz includes: Sandy Abbe, Rex Andrews, Melinda Baker, Andy Bean, Tina Boneta, Donna Borden, Taylor Bristow, Scott Cain, Stacy Cain, Marie Evans, Christina Gandhi, Randy Gattis, Marie Gonzales, Kristin Hagins, Shannon Hansen, Brandon Hart, Christy Haynes, Chuck Heinz, Vanesa Hyde, Abraham Lincoln, Christy McGill, Nick Mertens, Ricky Neelley, Frederic Popanz, Gloria Quinton, Amy Rock, Melenie Segura, Miles Seybert, Frank Silvas, Mike Sparks, Mona Spence, Ellen Spoon, Steve Sypert, Tori Sypert, Kristin Thomas, Louisa Vaca, Lewis Vega, Carmen Vige, Spike Wideman, Taysha Williams, Teresa Young, Valerie Zink, and Janie Zuniga.


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Chamber Leadership DivisionNew Century Leadership: Health & Wellness Day New Century Leadership participants met on Dec. 11, 2014, for Health & Wellness Day. The day started off with a visit to Market Street on 19th & Quaker. Dietitians met the class and explained the NuVal system that United Supermarkets has and how to make healthy food choices on a budget. The group then was broken up into five groups and challenged to create a healthy meal for a family of four for under $15. The next stop was at Cardinal’s Fitness Center where the group toured its facility and got its blood pumping with a few group challenges. After a

quick visit to the United Supermarkets corporate office and the leadership forum from Spirit Ranch, the group was off to Raider Ranch to sing a Christmas Carols and handout cookies to the residents. The day concluded with a visit to the SimLife Center and Cancer Research Center at TTU Health Sciences Center. The next New Century Leadership Class is scheduled for Jan. 21.

New Century Leadership Student Spotlight: Preston Hagins Get to know New Century Leadership student, Preston Hagins. Hagins is a high school Junior, who represents Lubbock Christian School in the New Century Leadership program. He participates in various activities at school as well as at his church. He has achieved first chair in his section in band for the last six years, and has received Division One ratings in multiple ensemble performances. “I have had the privilege of playing in the Top of the Nation Honor Band in Alamosa, Colo.,” Hagins said.

He has a very active role in his church, he serves on the Student Leadership Worship Team and also participates in Leadership Training for Christ. Hagins also is a member of Lubbock Christian School’s Concert band, jazz band, marching band, and Brass Ensemble I. “Recently our band received the title of TAPPS 3A State Champions,” stated Hagins. He has been a member of the National Junior Honor Society, and was selected this year to be a member of the National Honor Society.

NEW CENTURYLEADERSHIP

LUBBOCKLEADERSHIP

January 13thLubbock Women’s Lubbock


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Ribbon Cuttings & Groundbreakings

Overton HotelGingerbread House2322 Mac Davis Lane

Courtyard by Marriott 308 Ave. V

South Plains Food BankU-Can Share Food Drive Kick-Off

Sponsored by:

Hurricane Grill & Wings 411 University Avenue, Suite 100

Eric Minns, MD, PA10206 Quaker Ave.

Lubbock Piano Gallery4621 S. Loop 289, Ste. C

Coronado High SchoolStudent Store Remodel

4910 29th Drive

Covenant Children’s Hospital “Lindsey’s Park” 4015 22nd Place

Is your business moving locations, expanding or celebrating a company milestone?

If so, we want to celebrate with you!

Contact Haily Assiter to book your groundbreaking or ribbon cutting today!

806.761.7003 | [email protected].


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Welcome New Chamber Members!

ER Centers of America5202 82nd St.Lubbock, TX 79424(972) 403-1155Clinics

Fraiche Cafe6015 82nd St., Ste. 5Lubbock, TX 794024(806) 783-9130Restaurants

Hilliard Office Solutions3611 Paris Ave.Lubbock, TX 79412(806) 762-4852Office Equipment

Hurricane Grill & Wings411 University Ave., Ste. 100Lubbock, TX 79415(806) 701-5000Restaurants

Razonia McClellan Public Relations3409 19th St.Lubbock, TX 79410 (806) 370-3820Public Relations

Rebranding 360-Trusted Google Agency(806) 789-3622Technology

South Plains Pediatric Cardiology6401 Indiana Ave., Ste. C Lubbock, TX 79413(806) 799-3322Physicians & Surgeons

Weiss and Associates2222 Indiana Ave.Lubbock, TX 79410(806) 799-0909Accountants - Certified Public

Western Valet6923 Indiana Ave., Ste. 241Lubbock, TX 79413(806) 368-5878Waste Management & Disposal

Please place this addition in your Chamber Business Directory & Resource Guide

11/16/14-12/15/14

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Documents

Lubbock Business Network - January 2015 Newsletter