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The Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce
Action Highlights for week ending July 11, 2008
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Attention all Members: We need your opinion
The Chamber is well into its 3-year Strategic Visioning effort. The plan being developed covers the period between 2009 -2011; and identifies the goals and objectives that will literally define The Chamber's programs and priorities for the next three years. We are at the stage that we need critical input from all of our members.
The strength of the Strategic Plan and our effort to serve you better relies on hearing from you.
The development of a Strategic Vision requires an enormous amount of feedback from our stakeholders. To date we conducted In Depth Interviews with our top investors and we held two focus groups: the first with current Chamber members and the second with former Chamber members.
The third and final effort involves an on-line survey. The 23-question survey can be completed in less than five minutes by simply clicking on the response that you think best answers each question. There is also an option for narrative comments if you prefer.
To ensure we have reliable data that accurately reflects the opinions of our membership; we need a sizeable number of responses by close of business on Friday, July 18th. If you are an employee of a member organization, I urge you to click on the link below and give us five minutes of your time to tell us what you think. This is your opportunity to help The Chamber formulate a Strategic Vision that will help us strengthen our efforts to serve the San Antonio business community well into the future.
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U.S. Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison to speak at Chamber luncheon
 Join The Chamber and Senator Hutchison on Friday, August 1st when the Senator will discuss the current state of commerce, science, and transportation in the U.S. The Senator will give an update on her work on the Senate Appropriations and Veterans Affairs Committees and accept questions from the audience. The luncheon will be held at the Marriott Riverwalk Hotel, 889 E. Market, Alamo Ballroom from 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m. Register online here. Special thanks to our sponsors Gold USAA, Harland Clarke; Silver: Zachry Group, NuStar; Bronze: Amegy Bank, SACU, Bracewell & Giuliani, KENS 5, SWBC and Health Texas Medical Group. For sponsorship information contact Marcel Johnson at 210.229.2148. |
The Chamber honors Governor Rick Perry with Inaugural Pathfinder Award
Since becoming Governor in 2002, Rick Perry focused his administration on creating a Texas of unlimited opportunity and prosperity. Over 300 business leaders gathered Thursday, July  10, to honor Governor Perry for his achievements and innovative efforts to improve the livelihood of businesses and employees in San Antonio and Texas with The Chamber's inaugural Pathfinder Award.
Governor Perry acknowledged the efforts of business leaders throughout San Antonio such as Chamber Chairman Francisco Cigarroa and past Chairman John T. Montford who have played an integral role in building San Antonio's economic strength.
"The rich and diverse economy of San Antonio was not built on any one single company nor will this town's economy be toppled by tough decisions that one or two companies had to make," Gov. Perry said. "Make no mistake that San Antonio is a bona fide economic player with the diversity and strength to endure any setback."
He reminded the business community that the Texas economy continues to grow at nearly three times the national average. And on Wednesday before the event, CNBC named Texas as America's Top State for Business and overall best economy. He added that Texas was also recently recognized by CEO Magazine as the Best State to do Business for the third year in a row and is home to more fortune 500 companies then any other state in the nation. Last year, more than half of all new jobs created in the United States were created in Texas.
You can view The Governor's Speech online here.
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Chamber member serves up complimentary meal for Cystic Fybrosis Foundation
Support a good causes and join The Greater Chamber for a Grand Opening for BJ's Restaurant and Brewhouse (22410 US 281 North - Village at Stone Oak) on Wednesday, July 16th - Friday July 18. The restaurant is offering a complimentary meal (space is limited) between 11 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. All they ask in return is a gift to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. BJ'S Restaurant & Brewhouse features an American style menu including pizza, pasta, salads, sandwiches, burgers, steaks, ribs and chicken; plus their own line of micro brewed beer. |
Chamber hosts local artists' work for Contemporary Art Month
If you have visited the downtown Chamber office - you may have noticed a special display in the lobby. In July, The Greater Chamber began a new program to feature works from local galleries and artists. Come by and check it out. And you can also join us at the first Art! in The Chamber reception on Wednesday, July 23rd from 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. in the lobby. Please RSVP online, or call Special Events at 210-229-2119. |
A Night in Monte Carlo - Casino Night
 The Greater Chamber's Area Business Councils will be hosting A Night In Monte Carlo Casino Night on Thursday, August 28, 2008, at The Plaza Club (100 W Houston St Ste 2100) from 5:30 - 10:00 p.m. Take part in a night of chance and elegance at the Roulette, Craps or Texas Hold'Em tables. A $50 entry will get you $1,000 in chips with the option to buy more chips. A poker tournament will also be held during the event for an additional fee.
For sponsorship information, contact Daniel Casillas at 308-2011. |
Leadership San Antonio Class 34 applications available
The application for Class 34 of Leadership San Antonio (LSA) is now available online.
LSA is a selective year-long program designed to provide existing and emerging leaders exposure to the nature and inner workings of San Antonio. Applicants must display a sincere commitment, motivation and dedication to serving their community through key leadership positions.
LSA Class 34 applications are due October 1, 2008, and the program will begin in January 2009. For more information regarding Leadership San Antonio contact Theresa Spiess, Leadership San Antonio Coordinator for The Greater Chamber, at 210-229-2160 or email lsa@sachamber.org. |
Rock 'n' Roll San Antonio Marathon & 1/2 Marathon needs Bands, Volunteers
 The Rock 'n' Roll San Antonio Marathon & ½ Marathon, slated for Sunday, November 16, 2008, needs 5,000 San Antonians to join organizations like the US Army, San Antonio Express News, Valero, Oak Hills Church, Fetzer Companies, Rackspace, Alamo Heights High School and Zeta Chi Fraternity as volunteers. Each of these groups will staff a water station at the Rock 'n' Roll Marathon and ½ Marathon. There are several water stations along the course and each needs 100 people. Other fun volunteer jobs include positions at the start and finish lines, the pre-race expo, and many other opportunities. Team up with your co-workers and friends and make it an experience you won't forget. Register as a volunteer online or you may contact Michelle Rodriguez at 210-820-2191 to sign up as a group.
Rock On, San Antonio! The San Antonio Rock 'n' Roll Marathon and ½ Marathon is also seeking local and regional bands of every genre to entertain and encourage runners and walkers along the 13.1 and 26.2-mile race courses. The Rock 'n' Roll Marathon provides a unique opportunity for local and regional bands to play to an enthusiastic audience of over 20,000 in a positive, healthy and upbeat environment. Space is limited and bands interested in rockin' along the course are encouraged to apply by sending a press kit including CD, photo and bio information by August 31st to Jenny Carnes, c/o San Antonio Sports Foundation, PO Box 830386, San Antonio, TX 78283. |
Celebrate America's Military 2008
"More than 100,000 people participate in some form or fashion in our Annual Celebrate America's Military activities," said 2008 CAM Chairman Mark Frye (BearingPoint). "While that's a large number, we think it should be more than double this size because of the military presence in San Antonio." Mark your calendars today for all of these great events.
Dates for 2008 CAM events:
· Kickoff Luncheon - October 31
· Air Show at Lackland Air Force Base - November 1-2
· CAM Golf Classic - November 3
· Spirit of America Dinner - November 5
· Veterans Day Parade - November 8
· National Veteran's Day (Federal Holiday) - November 11
Sponsorships are still available by contacting Will Garrett at 210-229-2163, or email wgarrett@sachamber.org.
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Chamber Preparing for Legislative Session
With the 2009 Legislative Session around the corner, the Chamber's Public Affairs Committees are developing The Chamber's 2009 Legislative Agenda. Committees will meet throughout July and August to prioritize issues and draft agenda items. Topics on the agenda will most likely include: health care, public education, higher education, utilities and energy, small business, telecommunications, tourism, military transformation, transportation, water and finance. The committees will finalize the agenda in September for publication in November. If you have questions about the Legislative Agenda, or if your business has issues relevant to the Legislative Session that are not being covered by a committee, please contact Public Affairs at 210-229-2160. |
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Ribbon Cutting
Chamber Champions Cynthia Hazel, Consumer Credit Counseling Service; Rhonda Boyles, OLLU; and Gregorio Palomino, Cre8ad8; and Hispanic Chamber representatives congratulate Elizabeth Dobers and Terry Hartman, Compass Bank; on the re-dedication of the Compass Bank on Blanco. | |
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Member Highlights
LEGACY MEMBER
Art Incorporated offers an art gallery and professional, custom framing by skilled employees with 39 years of experience. They can provide all art & framing needs. Visit their website to learn more about their services!
Logical Security recognizes that there is a need to provide organizations with innovative educational tools and solutions. Lead by Shon Harris, best-selling author and president of Logical Security, they provide an array of training formats; on-line, instructor-led, on-site, CBT, blended training, self study, etc. If an organization needs quality CISSP, Security+, CISM, SSCP, Risk Management, Wireless Security, CISA training, Ethical Hacking solutions and more - call Logical Security! Visit their website for more information. |
Special Offers
Chamber offers new, lower pricing on electronic version of business directory
Did you know that you can order a copy of the Greater Chamber's Business Directory in Excel spreadsheet format? The price of the digital directory has just been reduced to make it more affordable for our smaller business owners. Price for the updated list is now $100 for members, $150 for non-members. And it is kept updated every day. Contact our publications office today at 210.229.2143 or email Crodriguez@sachamber.org to get the most recent copy.
Chamber releases 2008 Business Directory
Chamber members tell us every day that the greatest benefit of their membership is to network with San Antonio's best business leaders. Members should be receiving their free copy of the 2008 Business & Resource Guide ($40 value). This directory is your insider's guide to other members' contact information, addresses and phone numbers. It also includes San Antonio's latest Economic Profile and Demographic Information.
Don't forget to put this valuable resource in your top drawer. For more copies of the guide, go to the Chamber web site, or contact our publications department at 210.229.2143. |
Save the date
New Business Roundtables feature networking, industry discussion - Thursday, August 7, 2008
Join The Greater Chamber for a series of networking breakfasts that also feature discussion on critical industries in San Antonio. The roundtables provide a chance to meet other business leaders as well as hear from an industry expert. The second Business Roundtable on Thursday, Aug 7 features Steven Schauer and Suzanne Scott of the River Improvements Project who will discuss the economic status and development of the San Antonio river project. All Roundtables will be held at Sunset Station (1174 E. Commerce) with registration beginning at 7 a.m. and the program from 7:30 - 8:30 a.m.
Thursday, Sept 4 - Milton Lee - CPS' vision of the future
Thursday, Oct 2 - Greg Flores - SAWS - Maintaining the best water quality for our families
Thursday, Nov 6 - Speaker TBD - VIA - transporting the city
Cost for members is $20 - for prospective members: $25. For Sponsorship Opportunities call Daniel Casillas at 210.308-2011. Register online or call 210-308-2010.
Breakfast featuring Congressman Lamar Smith - Friday, July 18, 2008
Mark your calendars for Friday, July 18 and plan on attending this informative presentation. The breakfast with Congressman Smith will be held at the Marriott Northwest Hotel, 3233 NW Loop 410 with registration beginning at 7:30 a.m. and the formal program and breakfast from 8:00 to 9:00 a.m.
Sponsorship opportunities for this event. Register online. Please call The Chamber's Special Events Department at 210.229.2129 or email lcorkill@sachamber.org to discuss sponsorship of the breakfast with Congressman Smith.
Free Trade Alliance hosts ChinaNet Program - July 17, 2008
Consider the expanding opportunities of business in China today at this regular social network for international professionals to meet, discuss and share information on current business issues in China. ChinaNet is hosted at Joe Blue's in the Blue Start Arts Complex (1420 S. Alamo Bldg, D#142) Cost is $10 per person. RSVP at www.freetradealliance.org, or call 210-229-9036.
SAHA Career Fair - Tuesday, July 22, 2008
The San Antonio Housing Authority will host a career fair on Tuesday, July 22 from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. at the SAHA Main Office (818 S. Flores), in the Boardroom. Candidates can meet the hiring managers on the spot. For information, call 210-477-6119 or visit www.saha.org.
Leads Explosion - Thursday, July 24, 2008
Speed networking is a lead-generator that works. Follow the rotation cards and speak seven times at a table of seven business professionals. Every 14 minutes you will rotate to a new table and repeat until you have met all 49 attendees from 5:30 - 8:30 p.m. Complimentary hors d'oeuvres are served. Reserve your space now because space is limited. For information, contact Brynn Ray, (210) 229-2107, bray@sachamber.org.
The East Commerce Street Capital Improvements Project - Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Join City Councilwoman Shelia McNeil and San Antonio for Growth on the East Side as they celebrate the East Commerce Street Capital Improvement Project on Tuesday, July 29th at 10:00 a.m. The celebration will be held at The Friedrich Building located at 1617 East Commerce. For more information call 248-9178 or 207-2122.
Non-Stop Flight to the Future - Aerospace luncheon - Tuesday, August 26, 2008
The Chamber's Aerospace Committee and San Antonio International Aviation Director, Mark Webb invite you to an Aerospace luncheon on Tuesday, August 26th to hear discussion on construction projects and timelines, new air carriers and non-stop flights and challenges facing the community. The luncheon will be held at the El Tropicano Hotel (Coronado Room) 110 Lexington Ave., at 12:00 noon. Register online or contact Linda Corkill at 210-229-2129 for sponsorship information.
114th Annual Banquet and Silent Auction - Tuesday, December 9, 2008
Save the date today on your calendar for this year's Annual Banquet and Silent Auction to be held at the Henry B. Gonzales Convention Center in Ballroom C from 6:30 - 9:30 p.m. |
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Thanks go to The Chamber's Board of Trustee Companies
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