2010 Summer Quarterly Newsletter

San Marcos Area Chamber of Commerce Summer 2010 Quarterly Newsletter

IN THIS ISSUE 1

Business Expo 2010

9

3rd Annual Luau

3

Community News

10

Business News

6

Members in the News

13

Early Readers Become Leaders

7

Schedule of Upcoming Events

14

8

New Members

Member-to-Member Discount Program Scan this QR code with your smartphone’s barcode scanner to visit the mobile version of our Google Place Page.

San Marcos Area Chamber of Commerce - Focused on Business

Summer 2010 Quarterly Newsletter

25th Annual San Marcos Chamber Business Expo Wednesday, August 25, 2010 - 5:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Thursday, August 26, 2010 - 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

San Marcos Conference Center at Embassy Suites 3101 South IH 35, San Marcos, TX

This is expected to be one of the best attended networking events of the year so mark your calendars now!

This trade show/mixer combination event is in its 25th year and is one of the San Marcos Area Chamber of Commerce’s best attended events. It is the premier networking event for 2010 and provides a great opportunity to reach key business contacts. Attendance is expected to exceed 1,500 and we are planning for 100 booths and exhibits representing a wide cross section of Chamber members!

A ribbon cutting ceremony will kick-off the Sneak Peek Mixer at 5:15 p.m. on August 25th. After the ribbon cutting, come mingle and network with over 1,500 attendees and 100 exhibitors while sampling food and beverages from area restaurants and caterers in a “Taste of San Marcos” showing.

www.SanMarcosBizExpo.com

San Marcos Area Chamber of Commerce - Focused on Business

Chamber of Commerce

Convention & Visitor Bureau

Phyllis Snodgrass President

Rebecca Ybarra-Ramirez Director

Robert Watts Executive Vice President

Charlotte Wattigny Communications Manager

Eric Bonar Communications Manager

Denise Pardo Tourism Services Manager

Margaret Lindsey Membership Sales Director

Katy Kelsey Marketing Coordinator

Joel Davis Bookkeeper

Clayton Caraway Sports Tourism Manager

Eselda Rodriguez Receptionist

Economic Development San Marcos Amy Madison Director Rosemary Lucio-Suniga Research Assistant Eric Hensley EDSM Assistant

The newsletter was created by Eric Bonar, Communications ManagerSan Marcos Area Chamber of Commerce. Please send any corrections to Eric at ericb@sanmarcostexas.com

Summer 2010 Quarterly Newsletter

2009-2010 Board of Directors Chairman Chair-Elect Past Chair Treasurer Secretary Vice Chair Vice Chair Director Director Director Director Director Director Director Director Director

Joel Williams Earl Studdard Dan Roy Dan Stauffer Brenda Damron Michael Heintze Clay DeStefano Michelle Carswell Denise Collazo Joe Gomez Frank Leonardis John Martin Chuck Nash John Schott Fraye Stokes Jeff Stover

2009-2010 Committees & Chairs Ambassador Club Mitsie Benton Business Development Frank Leonardis Education Rick Bell Government Affairs Denise Collazo Leads Group I Connie Ulmer Leads Group II Karrie Mikle Leads Group III Shayne Guillot Natural Resources Clay DeStefano Special Events Tabitha Walsh

San Marcos Area Chamber of Commerce - Focused on Business

Summer 2010 Quarterly Newsletter

Community News Hays County and San Marcos Receive Honorable Mention From Statewide Associations for Cooperative Project June 21, 2010 Hays County and the City of San Marcos have received an honorable mention designation in the 2010 City-County Cooperation Award competition by the Texas Association of Counties (TAC) and the Texas Municipal League (TML).

The city and county were given the honorable mention for their Public Park Partnership Project, in which they are constructing a new multi-purpose park, expanding an existing county park and making capital improvements to five other parks.

The multi-purpose park includes a soccer complex, a nature preserve, girls’ softball fields, a tennis complex and a skate park*.

Angelina County and the City of Lufkin received the 2010 City-County Cooperation Award for their successful collaboration for a facility to house evacuees from natural disasters – mostly coastal hurricanes – who seek shelter in East Texas. As one of six state-designated shelter jurisdictions, the city and county took in thousands of evacuees during Hurricane Rita, with many of them placed in the civic center, churches and schools.

The judges – all former city and county officials – believed that two other projects deserved recognition with honorable mentions – Hays County and the City of San Marcos for joining together to meet the growing demand for more recreational facilities and Parker County and the cities of Aledo, Springtown and Weatherford for a transportation bond program.

There was a record of 35 applications submitted for the award, from cities and counties of all sizes.

“Joining forces to meet growing needs in a high-growth area makes a lot of sense and shows that local governments know how to get the job done,” said Gene Terry, TAC executive director.

“San Marcos and Hays County are working for their taxpayers by collaborating on this large undertaking, saving $3 million or more that would have been spent if they had not worked together,” said Frank Sturzl, TML executive director. *The facilities noted are actually at different jointly funded parks: soccer complex (5 Mile Dam); nature preserve (Prospect Park); girls’ softball fields (Gary Sports Complex), tennis complex (Rio Vista Park) and a skate park (Memorial Park).

Texas Pioneer Foundation grant expands College Bound initiatives

Madison Receives Certification as an Economic Development Finance Professional

SAN MARCOS – Thanks to a grant from the Texas Pioneer Foundation, the Center for P-16 Initiatives at Texas State University-San Marcos will expand the “College Bound” initiatives for the San Marcos, Lehman and Seguin school districts.

Amy Madison, Director - Economic Development San Marcos received certification as an Economic Development Finance Professional (EDFP) from the National Development Council (NDC).

Certification is a designation given to individuals who successfully complete an intensive economic development finance training series that is conducted by NDC. The courses provide individuals working in the field of economic development with training in credit analysis, real estate financing, loan packaging, deal structuring and negotiating the creation and implementation of development programs.

The Center for P-16 Initiatives, along with the Seeking Opportunities Achieving Results (SOAR) partnership received the $55,000 grant to expand and continue delivering pre-college access activities for students at San Marcos, Seguin and Lehman schools.

"Over the last year, the College Access Project (CAP), with the help of our G-Force mentors, has helped to increase college-going rates by educating high school students, parents and the community at large on the college access process," said Liz Castaneda, grant coordinator for the center.

"This funding will allow us to continue the outreach efforts we have begun and bring us closer to our goal of eliminating barriers to higher education for students in the greater San Marcos community."

Since 2008, the College Access Program (CAP) funded by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board has provided pre-college activities designed to increase college-going rates. The CAP works to boost the number of college-bound students by increasing the number of students submitting Texas Common Applications for college enrollment, Free Applications for Federal Student Financial Aid and improving access to pre-college activities and information to families.

In addition, the grant will provide intensive services to current and upcoming seniors. The seniors selected for intensive services will consist of high school students who will be the first in their family to go to college and who come from low economic backgrounds.

The “College Bound,” initiative evolved from center efforts that brought many diverse partnerships together to develop what is known as SOAR. SOAR’s Educational Partners consist of members representing Texas State, the San Marcos Chamber of Commerce, San Marcos CISD, the City of San Marcos, San Marcos Hispanic Chamber, Austin Community College, San Marcos Education Foundation and United Way of Hays County.

For more information on the Center for P-16 Initiatives, contact Michelle Pope at (512) 245-9336.

Each of the four courses are five days in length and end with a written review that must be passed before a certification candidate is allowed to continue in the EDFP program. When a candidate has completed the entire four-week series, a comprehensive examination is given.

The New York based National Development Council (NDC) was established in 1972 and is a private non-profit corporation, which specializes, in economic/housing development training and technical assistance for economic/housing development.

NDC has provided training to approximately 50,000 development people working in the field of economic and housing development.

Participants come from many diverse groups: city and state governments, public agencies, community-based organizations, professional organizations, bankers, etc.

Amy Case Madison, CEcD, EDFP, CPM, is the Economic Development Executive Director for the San Marcos Area Chamber of Commerce where she oversees Economic Development San Marcos, a city-appointed board charged with incentive review. Madison has over 20 years of combined experience in public administration, economic development, planning and special events. She is currently spearheading a new regional organization, the Greater San Marcos Economic Development Corporation, to include both Hays and Caldwell Counties.

Prior to San Marcos, Madison was Executive Director of economic development for the City of Schertz, where she streamlined operations in planning, inspections and economic development.

She helped grow Schertz from a population of 10,000 to over 30,000 in six years, and in her final year (2007), the city was named the number one place to live (under 50,000) by Money Magazine.

Crowds & Conferences & Cars, Oh My! Do events that bring crowds of people and generate additional traffic effect your staff needs? Would targeting a particular conference boost your business? Ever wish you knew about these busy days in advance? Now you can. The San Marcos Convention and Visitor Bureau sends out a monthly e-mail update that lists conferences, festivals, tournaments and other events that can potentially impact your business. If you would like to receive this update, or if you know of an event and want to get the word out, email Charlotte Wattigny at charlottew@sanmarcostexas.com.

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San Marcos Area Chamber of Commerce - Focused on Business

Regionally, Madison represented nine Texas cities on the Bexar County Metropolitan Planning Organization Transportation Advisory Board.

Within 8 months, the board elected her Vice Chair making her the first woman to serve in this position.

In addition, she has served on the executive board, economic development and rail committees for the Austin-San Antonio Corridor Council. She is a member of the Business and Industry Council at Gary Job Corps, the Finance and Economics Advisory Council at Texas State University, the Texas Economic Development Council, and the International Economic Development Council.

Madison has a degree in Journalism from Phillips University, and a Master’s degree in Mass Communication from the University of Oklahoma.

Additional professional certifications include Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) from the International Economic Development Council and Certified Public Manager (CPM) from Texas State University.

As Vice President of the A-T Children’s Project (ATCP), she has raised over $750,000 for research, and received the Sam Walton Hero Award. She and her husband, David, have three children, Braun, Jamie and Robert.

For more information about Economic Development San Marcos, visit their website at www.ecodevsanmarcos.org

Summer 2010 Quarterly Newsletter

with the 16-month-long project, nine-member steering committee.

as

did

a

“We held focus groups for a variety of issue-oriented groups as well as public meetings that encouraged participation from any interested resident,” Holtkamp said. “In addition to discussing their concerns and vision for Hays County, at each meeting we gave people an opportunity to let us know what they would be willing to spend more tax money on, and what they would not fund if given the opportunity. It was an exercise that gave us a lot of insight into where people’s interests and concerns are and what elected leadership should be giving thought to as they make plans and allocate funding.”

Hays County Courthouse, San Marcos, TX – The Hays County Commissioners Court voted 5-0 Tuesday, July 6th, to accept the 2010 Hays County Strategic Policy and Implementation Plan, a document intended to serve as a guidepost for planning throughout the county that fosters cross-governmental communication and coordination.

As a priority initiative launched by County Judge Liz Sumter, the plan began in early 2009 with a countywide meeting of elected city officials and other leaders. Input was gathered through a series of focus groups and public meetings to help ensure that concerns about growth, transportation, water quantity and quality, green space and other issues facing a the county.

Referring to it as a bottom-up process that was rooted in citizen participation, Sumter said, “It encouraged citizens throughout the county to share ideas and discuss preferred solutions. The most important thing,” Sumter said, “was that participants had an opportunity to vote their preferences regarding future County expenditures.”

“The people who participated were engaged and vocal about what they wanted to see happen in Hays County,” said Chris Holtkamp, a certified planner with the Lower Colorado River Authority who led the planning process for the County.

Planners with the Pedernales Electric Cooperative and Bluebonnet Electric Cooperative also assisted

The San Marcos Area Board of Realtors accepts a proclamation from Mayor Susan Narvaiz honoring 50 years of service to the community. Founded in 1960, the board strives to preserve private property rights and educate the public about legislative issues, financing and technology.

Calling the plan an essential tool if Hays County is to move forward in a financially prudent manner, Judge Sumter said, “There’s no such thing as too much citizen participation and that’s what the plan is about. It’s about citizens telling us about their spending priorities.”

To review the complete plan, go to the Hays County home page at www.co.hays.tx.us and click on Quick Links.

Hays County Job Growth Ranks Third in Nation July 19, 2010

Hays County Commissioners Court Accepts 2010 Strategic Policy and Implementation Plan

San Marcos Area Board of Realtors 50 Years of Service

In a report released by CNNMoney.com, Hays County, Texas ranked third in the nation for job growth over the last decade. In the report titled “Where the Jobs Are”, Hays County reported a 56.4% growth in jobs between 2000 and 2009. The report noted that the City of San Marcos and Texas State University-San Marcos accounted for the majority of the growth.

The report stated, “Jobs are plentiful at Prime Outlets San Marcos and Tanger Factory Outlet Center, sitting at the crossroads of several transportation routes. Major interstate highways connecting the country east to west, and north to south, all pass through Hays County, bringing with them an influx of goods and customers.”

“In a time when most communities are focused on just retaining jobs, San Marcos and other Hays County communities have seen significant job growth. Together, they have fostered a resilient, robust economy that makes Hays County a great place to live, learn, work and play,” said Amy Madison, Executive Director, Economic Development San Marcos.

The state of Texas had the strongest showing in the report with five counties ranked in the top ten.

Other Texas counties included were Williamson, Fort Bend, Webb, and Collin.

L-R are Mayor Narvaiz; Debbie Austin, Secretary; James Walker, Director; Holly Morris, President; Amy DuBose, Association Exec.; and Tim Williamson, Director; back row: City Council Members Chris Jones, Kim Porterfield, Fred Terry and Ryan Thomason; Margaret Ennis, TAR Director; City Council Member John Thomaides; John Dunn, Treasurer; and Barrie Breed, Director.

(Photo by Don Anders)

Online Off-Campus Part-Time Job Fair

June 24, 2010 - Texas State Career Services is happy to announce a FREE virtual job fair open to all employers seeking to fill part-time positions with talented students entitled “Online Off-Campus Part-Time Job Fair.” As we approach the Fall semester we have found that many Texas State students need part-time job opportunities. We also recognize that employers need qualified, capable employees and our job fairs are the best place to find them. If you have employment needs for the Fall (Aug. 1 and beyond) we would love for you to post this information in our free online database “Jobs4Cats” and join the Online Off-Campus Part-Time Job Fair which is going on right now.

Joining the fair is easy and does not require 24 hour monitoring. Simply log into the fair and download resumes at the end of every week or every two weeks as your schedule allows. Please click on the link below and follow the instructions to create a profile and to sign up for the fair. www.myinterfase.com/txstate/employer

Save the Date

Annual Awards Gala & Auction Friday, November 12, 2010

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all high-speed internet.

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pure speed. pure simplicity. call 512.754.5425 | click iwantpure.com | stop by a CenturyLink Store • 208

South Guadalupe St., San Marcos Monday – Friday | 8:00am - 5:00pm

*Offer ends 09/30/2010. The monthly rate of $29.95 requires a 12-month term agreement, after which standard rates apply. Rate applies to up to 1.5 Mbps High-Speed Internet service. An additional monthly fee and separate shipping and handling fee will apply to customer’s modem or router. All rates exclude taxes, fees and surcharges. Service and offer not available in all areas. New residential High-Speed Internet activations only. Offer, plans, and stated rates are subject to change and may vary by service area. Terms and conditions, tariffs and additional restrictions apply. Credit approval and deposit may be required. High-Speed Internet (HSI) – Early termination results in customer being responsible for payment of the applicable monthly recurring service fee multiplied by the number of months remaining in the minimum service period, up to $200. Performance will vary due to conditions outside of network control and no speed is guaranteed. Telephone landline is part of the service only for the purpose of data traffic transmission/connection and cannot be used for voice traffic transmission, except for 911 services. © 2010 CenturyTel, Inc. All Rights Reserved. The name CenturyLink, the pathways logo, and Pure Broadband are trademarks of CenturyTel, Inc.

San Marcos Area Chamber of Commerce - Focused on Business

Summer 2010 Quarterly Newsletter

Members in the News Frost Bank Honored Nationwide for Customer Engagement Frost Bank has been recognized by Allegiance Inc. having a high level of engagement from its customers.

Frost earned a 2010 Customer Engagement Award, honored for the lender’s ability to build loyalty with customers. Customer engagement reflects an emotional commitment and willingness to recommend, endorse and refer business to help the company grow. Frost was only one of five companies nationwide to receive a Customer Engagement Award.

“It is rewarding to know that our customers appreciate our way of doing business,” says Paul Olivier, group executive vice president of consumer banking for Frost. “This award is especially gratifying, as it reflects what our customers say and highlights their willingness to recommend Frost to others.”

Allegiance develops customer feedback management software. This software helps organizations grow customer and employee loyalty and engagement. The company is based in South Jordan, Utah.

Frost is the banking, investments and insurance subsidiary of Cullen/Frost Bankers Inc. (NYSE: CFR), a San Antonio-based financial holding company with assets of $16.8 billion as of March 31, 2010.

Tanger Outlet Center – San Marcos Honored as 2010 Talk of the Town Award Recipient

Tanger Outlet Center – San Marcos has been honored by Celebration Media, U.S. (CMUS) as one of its 2010 Talk of the Town Award Recipients in the category of top shopping centers. This is the second year CMUS has honored companies with the prestigious Talk of the Town Awards.

The Talk of the Town Awards recognize a host of businesses and professionals who have been noted by their customers through multiple websites for their excellent customer service. The awards honor companies and professionals in the following categories: hospitals, dentists, accountants, physical therapists, veterinarians, optometrists, insurance, chiropractors, lawyers, financial

planners, restaurants, bakeries, event centers, home improvement companies, florists, spas, salons and mortgage companies in addition to several other categories.

CMUS, headquartered in Farmington Hills, Mich., is a strong consultancy firm specializing in the delivery of solutions for improved customer care and operational development. The company’s mission is to uncover the most highly rated businesses and spotlight their achievements in customer satisfaction. CMUS honors those companies that strive to provide the best in customer care. Together with its customers, CMUS designs long-term strategies to achieve the most advantageous venture performance. It plans, executes, incorporates and supports better customer care as a way to improve and achieve business growth. The company’s corporate training and public relations professionals are positioned to assist companies in overcoming their biggest challenges inside the organization and with customers. For more information, contact Talk of the Town News and CMUS at 877-498-6405.

The Tanger Outlet Center in San Marcos, Texas has proudly provided bargain hunters with the top brands and the best value, direct from the manufacturer since 1983. The Tanger Outlet Center in San Marcos features over 100 brand name and designer outlet stores, and is conveniently located off of IH-35, Exit 200, Centerpoint Road.

AAF Team Places Second at National Advertising Competition The American Advertising Federation (AAF) team at Texas State University-San Marcos won second place at national competition June 11 in Orlando, Fla. The AAF National Student Advertising Competition is the premiere advertising competition in the country dating back to 1973.

Texas State competed against 18 other district winners from around the country. Chapman University from California finished first while third place went to University of Wisconsin-Madison and fourth place was University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

Texas State's presenters were Dan Wehmeier, Marissa Deslatte, Julie Korzekwa, Gabe Carrillo and Ben Wirtz. Teams were asked to prepare a marketing/advertising plan for State Farm Insurance, with a target market of 18-25 year olds.

The judges at national were representatives from State Farm and their advertising agency. Texas State won first place in district competition in April 2010 to advance to nationals.

This marks the 12th time Texas State has advanced to nationals since 1990, winning two national championships and placing in the top four an additional seven times. The AAF team is a multi-disciplinary team with marketing, advertising, public relations, and communication design majors.

Faculty advisors are Mary Ann Stutts, professor of marketing in the McCoy College of Business Administration and Alexander Muk, assistant professor of advertising in the School of Journalism and Mass Communication.

City, Prime Outlets-San Marcos Host Press and Travel Trade Group from China Cooperative Partnership Continues to Grow International Tourism to San Marcos Region April 22, 2010 In a continued partnership with the City of San Marcos designed to increase international tourism and enhance the region’s hotel, convention and entertainment industries, Prime Outlets – San Marcos received the City’s first Chinese familiarization tour with delegates from the Chinese press and travel trade, Monday, April 19.

According to Prime Outlets – San Marcos Regional Tourism Manager Lorena Garcia, collaborative efforts to increase the number of visitors from Asian markets greatly benefits the City’s economy. “On average, visitors from China spend $6,000 per person during a trip to the U.S.,” she said.

“Educating delegates from China, along with other international metro markets, about our outlet center has contributed to a nearly 10 percent increase in overall shopper traffic over the last year alone.”

Prime Outlets – San Marcos’ tourism-building agenda includes activities such as domestic and international advertising; partnership development with several entities including Texas Tourism, area Convention and Visitors Bureaus, shopping package rollouts with regional hotels, airlines, online travel Web sites, destinations and tour operators; the coordination and hosting of on-site familiarization tours; and representation at key industry conference and conventions throughout the globe.

“In 2009, we promoted Prime Outlets – San Marcos’ luxury and popular American brand offering while attending the largest Chinese travel trade show, China International Travel Mart, in Kunming, China,” said Garcia. “Our commitment to attracting the Chinese market to San Marcos remains solid.”

Tourism efforts will continue next month in Orlando, Fla., as the outlet center serves as a lead sponsor of the Texas Tuesday Luncheon during International POW WOW, the most well-attended international tourism conference in the U.S.

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San Marcos Area Chamber of Commerce - Focused on Business

Summer 2010 Quarterly Newsletter

Schedule of Upcoming Events* *Event dates, times and topics are subject to change. For more information, please visit the Chamber’s Online Community Calendar at www.sanmarcostexas.com/community_calendar.htm

August 8/3 8/4 8/5 8/10 8/11

Ambassador Club meeting Natural Resources Committee meeting Education Committee meeting; Leads Group I meeting Special Events Committee meeting Leads Group II meeting; Leads Group III meeting

September 9/1 9/2 9/6 9/7 9/8

Natural Resources Committee meeting Education Committee meeting; Leads Group I meeting Labor Day - Chamber Offices Closed Ambassador Club meeting Leads Group II meeting; Leads Group III meeting

8/13

Texas State Commencement Ceremonies 8/17 Small Business Roundtable discussions; Chamber’s Finance Committee meeting Government Affairs Committee meeting; Leads Group I meeting 8/20-22 Texas Tax Free Weekend

8/23

9/14

Special Events Committee meeting Eggs & Issues Breakfast - City Update; Government Affairs Committee meeting; Leads Group I meeting Chamber Finance Committee meeting

9/22

Hays County Candidates Debate Special Events Committee meeting Leads Group II meeting National Bosses Day Chamber Finance Committee meeting Leads Group III meeting

10/21

9/16

9/21

8/25

8/26

9/23

First day of school for San Marcos CISD First day of classes for Texas State University; Leads Group I meeting; Leads Group III meeting; Business Expo Sneak Peek Mixer Business Expo 2010

Leads Group II meeting; Leads Group III meeting; Chamber Board of Directors meeting Business Development Committee meeting; Regional Chambers Speed Networking

October 10/4 10/5 10/6 10/7 10/8 10/9

Mayor & City Council Candidates Debate Ambassador Club meeting Natural Resources Committee meeting; Leads Group III meeting Leads Group I meeting Maximize Your Membership!

Education Fair

10/11 10/12 10/13 10/16 10/19 10/20

10/27 10/28 10/31

Government Affairs Committee meeting; Leads Group I meeting Leads Group II meeting; Chamber Board of Directors meeting Business Development Committee meeting Halloween

November 11/2 11/3 11/4 11/9 11/10

Election Day; Ambassador Club meeting Leads Group III meeting; Natural Resources Committee meeting Leads Group I meeting Special Events Committee meeting Leads Group II meeting

11/11 11/12 11/16 11/17 11/18

Veteran’s Day Chamber offices Closed Annual Awards Gala Chamber Finance Committee meeting Leads Group III meeting Small Business Summit; Government Affairs Committee meeting; Leads Group I meeting

11/24

Business After-Hours Mixer CTMC Special Events Committee meeting Leads Group III meeting Government Affairs Committee meeting; Leads Group I meeting Chamber Finance Committee meeting

12/22

11/25 11/26

Leads Group II meeting; Chamber Board of Directors meeting Thanksgiving Day Chamber Offices Closed Chamber Offices Closed

December 12/1 12/2 12/7 12/8

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Leads Group III meeting; Natural Resources Committee meeting Eggs & Issues Breakfast - Hays County Update; Leads Group I meeting Ambassador Club meeting Leads Group II meeting

12/9 12/14 12/15 12/16 12/21

12/23 12/24 12/25 12/29

Leads Group II meeting; Chamber Board of Directors meeting Business Development Committee meeting Christmas Eve Chamber Offices Closed Christmas Day Leads Group III meeting

San Marcos Area Chamber of Commerce - Focused on Business

Summer 2010 Quarterly Newsletter

The Chamber’s 2010 Calendar of Events Event dates, times and topics are subject to change. For more information, please visit the Chamber’s Online Community Calendar at www.sanmarcostexas.com/community_calendar.htm August 2010 25 Business Expo 2010 Sneak Peek Mixer 26 San Marcos Business Expo 2010

November 2010 12 Annual Awards Gala 18 Small Business Summit

September 2010 16 Eggs & Issues – City Update 23 Regional Chambers Speed Networking Event

December 2010 2 Eggs & Issues – Hays County Update 9 Business After-Hours Mixer - CTMC

October 2010 9 San Marcos Education Fair

New Members - April, May, June 2010 AAMCO Auto Paint Repairs Thomas Grieve 1206 N. State Hwy 123 San Marcos, TX 78666 512-392-5811

dmd DesignWorks Architects Patricia Delgado 4801 Avenue F Austin, TX 78751 512-507-1086

Aloha Taxi Taxi Services Willie Kennon 2020 Hilliard Rd. San Marcos, TX 78666 808-371-1061

Encore Cabs Taxi Services Ryan-Michele Fricks 300 South C.M Allen Parkway, #100 San Marcos, TX 78666 512-878-2222 www.encorecabs.com

Alzheimer's Association Capital of Texas Chapter Non-Profit Organization Christian Wells 3429 Executive Center, Ste 100 Austin, TX 78731 512-241-0420 www.alz.org/texascapital AquaMesa Corporation Consulting Services Ryan-Michele Franks 300 South C.M. Allen Parkway, #100 San Marcos, TX 78666 512-667-6303 Chartwells Catering Caterers Cristina Martinez 700 Moore St. San Marcos, TX 78666 512-245-9930 Colonial Life-San Marcos Insurance Jerry Gafford 139 E. Hopkins, Ste. E San Marcos, TX 78666 979-219-1749 www.coloniallife.com Convention & Expo Management Services, LLS Convention Services & Supplies Mario Rodriguez P.O. Box 6330 1607 Nash Ave. McAllen, TX 78503 956-702-4926 www.conventionandexpo.net Cottonseed Cafe & Deli Restaurant Dennis Soderquist P.O. Box 501 1733 San Marcos Hwy Martindale, TX 78655 512-357-2450 www.cottonseedcafe.com

FREEBIRDS Restaurant, Caterer Meghan Prichett 909 State Highway 80, Ste. C San Marcos, TX 78666 512-428-6202

Hispanic Business Student Association Non-Profit Organization Jennifer Rea 601 University Dr. San Marcos, TX 78666 915-256-0905 www.business.txstate.edu/HBSA Hope For Tomorrow, Inc Foster Care Pamela Wood 101 B W. San Antonio San Marcos, TX 78666 512-392-7511 www.hope-for-tomorrow.com Individuals Carolyn Gonzales Gloria Sanfilippo

Gaeke Construction Company Building & General Contractors Robert Gaeke P.O. Box 509 2910 East Austin Street Giddings, TX 78942 979-542-2943

Interactive Security Technologies, LLC Home Theater/Sound Systems, Security Systems Sammy Falletta P.O. Box 664 215 W. San Antonio St. San Marcos, TX 78666 512-396-2124 www.secureandsmart.com

Greentvtexas.com Media Production Merlin Scott 1101 Thorpe Lane, #413 San Marcos, TX 78666 512-938-2255 www.greentvtexas.com

Keller Williams Realty - James Walker Real Estate James Walker 1149 Hilltop Drive San Marcos, TX 78666 512-618-8814 www.walkerlistings.com

Gumby's Pizza & Wings Restaurant John Higdon 403 N. Guadalupe St. San Marcos, TX 78666 512-754-8629 www.gumbyssanmarcos.com

Law Office of Patrick Rose, P.C. Law Office, Legal Services Patrick Rose 100 E. San Antonio. Ste. 201-A San Marcos, TX 78666 512-667-6608

Half Price Books Bookstores Michael Wagner 900 Bugg Lane, Ste. 124 San Marcos, TX 78666 512-805-7503 www.halfpricebooks.com HC Services Air Conditioning, Heating and Electrical Mark Smith 1405 Oakwood Loop San Marcos, TX 78666 512-396-3838

Nexus Medical Consulting Medical Consulting Scott McGuill 210 W. Hutchison , Ste. 101 San Marcos, TX 78666 512-754-7777 www.nexmc.com O'Connell Robertson Architects, Engineers Cathy Brandewie 811 Barton Springs Rd., Ste. 900 Austin, TX 78704 512-478-7286 www.oconnellrobertson.com

Ronald McDonald House Charities of Austin & Central Texas Non-Profit Organization Beverly Seffel 1315 Barbara Jordan Blvd.

San Marcos, TX 78666 512-628-5972 www.rmhc-austin.org RS & H CS, Inc Construction Management, Engineers Katherine Holtz 8140 N. MoPac Expressway, Bldg 2, Suite 100 Austin, TX 78759 512-279-5438 www.rsandhcs.com Sustainable San Marcos Non-Profit Organization Debbie Harvey 1116 Mountain View Drive San Marcos, TX 78666 512-667-6184 www.sustainablesanmarcos.org Texas State University-The Wittliff Collections Museum, Archive Beverly Fondren 601 University Drive, Alkek Library 7th Floor San Marcos, TX 78666 512-245-2313 www.wittliffcollections.txstate.edu Texas State University-Print & Mail Services Printing and Mail Services James Dorsey 1727 RR 12 San Marcos, TX 78666 512-245-1654 www.auxiliaryservices.txstate.edu Viola Street Inn Bed & Breakfast Melinda McKissack 714 Viola St. San Marcos, TX 78666 512-392-6242 www.violastreetinn.com Walton Development and Management Real Estate Investment Matt Torbit 1445 Ross Ave., Ste. 4775 Dallas, TX 75202 972-713-0000 www.waltondm.com

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San Marcos Area Chamber of Commerce - Focused on Business

Summer 2010 Quarterly Newsletter

Special thanks to all of our Luau Raffle Item Sponsors:

www.sanmarcostexas.com/luau The San Marcos Area Chamber of Commerce's 3rd Annual LUAU was held Thursday, June 10th from 5:30pm - 7:30pm at the San Marcos River Pub & Grill.

This year‛s Luau Raffle items were valued at over $6,000

Classic Cuts

Grand Prize: Canyon Lake Dinner Cruise for Ten

Anytime Fitness San Marcos

6 Month Membership with 2 Personal Training Sessions and Workout Starter Pack BBQ Grill

Central Texas Medical Center Anytime Fitness San Marcos

3 Month Membership with 2 Personal Training Sessions

Courtyard by Marriott New Braunfels Sylvan Learning Center

Two Night Stay

Hermax Records

Two Song Demo CD Recorded and Mixed $250 Gift Card

Prime Outlets TSO Texas Health & Racquet Club Tanger Outlets

Thank you to more than 250 Chamber members who participated in the 3rd Annual Luau Fundraising event on June 10 at the San Marcos River Pub & Grill.

Guests were treated to entertainment by Big Daddy Dean, sponsored by Vantage Apartments-San Marcos. A Luau appetizer buffet was provided by the San Marcos River Pub & Grill while drinks, provided by Wright Distributing, aided in quenching some of the Texas summer heat.

Over $6,000 in raffle prizes were distributed throughout the evening.

A special thanks to all the Special Events Committee Members who helped raise funds for our Chamber.

Also, a special thanks to the Chamber Ambassadors who assisted with raffle ticket sales.

Thank you to Tuttle Lumber for providing chairs for the event, Central Texas Medical Center for providing tables, Pennington Funeral Home for providing outdoor carpet cover, and Little Guys Movers for transporting event items!

Thank you to all of the Tier Members who support this event!

Mahalo nui loa na ho'olaule'a me la kaua! (Thank you for celebrating with us!)

Tabitha Walsh Chamber Special Events Chair CTMC PR Coordinator

Gift of Learning

One pair of CK sunglasses with a 4G USB flash drive built into the frame Four Personal Training Sessions

Schlitterbahn Waterparks

$150 Gift Card, Tote, & Coupons Schlitterbahn New Braunfels Passes for Four

Crystal River Inn

One Night Stay

ServPro and Prime Outlets – San Marcos CenturyLink

Fun in the Sun Package Beach Gear with Two Tickets to Schlitterbahn HDMI DVD player and DVD

Pennington's One Custom Full Sheet Cake Cakes Wright Distributing Two Miller Lite Beach Chairs and One Miller High Life Reflective Plaque Mirror J & R Gymnastics 6 passes to Friday Night Fun Event for ages 5-11 Gill’s Fried Chicken Picnic for Eight Root Cellar

$100 Gift Certificate

Two P's & Calli's Boutique

$50 Gift Certificate and Purse

San Marcos Daily Record

One Year Newspaper Subscription

TSO

One Certificate for an Eye Examination Kodak EasyShare C142 Digital Camera

Randolph-Brooks Federal Credit Union Tommy Bahama Dahill a Xerox Company Dahill a Xerox Company River City Grill

Beach Towel Four Round Rock Express Tickets and Parking Passes for June 18th Four Round Rock Express Tickets and Parking Passes for June 19th 2 $50 Gift Certificates

ServPro

2 $50 Gift Certificates

Saltgrass Steak House

2 $50 Gift Certificates

The Floral Studio

Flower Arrangement (Displayed at Luau to be raffled at end of Luau.)

Clear Skimmer 1:25 RTR 2channel Electric RC Boat

Remote Boat Marina McCoy's Building Supply

4 $15 Gift Cards

San Marcos Area Chamber of Commerce - Focused on Business

Summer 2010 Quarterly Newsletter

Business News Time Warner Cable Business Class Launches 4G Wireless Data Service

Texas First Region to Offer High-Speed Business Class Mobile Services Time Warner Cable Business Class, the B2B arm of Time Warner Cable , has launched Business Class Mobile, its 4G-based high-speed wireless data service. In the first phase of the rollout, Business Class Mobile will be available in Texas, with additional markets to be added throughout 2010.

Where as Time Warner Cable’s Business Class Internet Access products are used in the office environment, Business Class Mobile enhances a business’s productivity by enabling its employees to receive high-speed Internet access when they are outside of the office. Business Class Mobile allows employees who are out of the office to download large files, as well as access intranet sites, customer relationship management tools, and other company-related information.

The service also eliminates the added expense and service limitations of pay-for-use, limited range Wi-Fi access in airports, hotels and other locations.

Business Class Mobile delivers both high-speed wireless download speeds of up to 6 Mbps when inside the Time Warner Cable 4G service area and the convenience of having access to the coverage of a national 3G network when traveling outside a 4G market. Time Warner Cable 4G enabled markets in Texas include Dallas, San Antonio, Austin, San Marcos, Waco, Temple, Killeen, Corpus Christi and Wichita Falls TX. Business Class Mobile customers will also have access to the 4G network in additional markets outside the Time Warner Cable footprint including Atlanta, Baltimore, Chicago, Houston, Las Vegas, Philadelphia and Seattle. In 2010, 4G network coverage is expected to expand to additional cities including New York, Boston, Washington, D.C., San Francisco Bay Area, Kansas City, Cincinnati, Cleveland, and Los Angeles.

“With Business Class Mobile, our customers’ employees will be more productive by enabling them to take the office with them when they are on the go,” said John Owen, president of Time Warner Cable’s Business Class operation in Texas. “This wireless solution further broadens our portfolio of products and services for the commercial segment.”

The launch of Business Class Mobile is a key aspect of the company’s “You First. The Technology Follows” strategy, a customer-centric approach to providing customized and reliable business communications tools and localized customer service.

Throughout 2010, Time Warner Cable Business Class will be expanding its 4G Mobile network to additional service areas. For more information, please visit www.twcbc.com/Texas/

More IRS Red Tape, More Cost to Employers

The Chamber’s Google News Feed

The Texas Association of Business (TAB) has taken a special interest in overturning the new IRS filing requirements, which would make every business that spends over $600 annually to any one company (Office Depot, for example) file a 1099-MISC for those expenses. This adds boatloads of red tape to businesses that are already struggling to keep their doors open. Write your Congressman, Senator and the White House and let them know that this red tape requirement will burden our job creators and they must repeal this provision immediately!

The Chamber is constantly taking steps to keep our members informed about issues concerning business and our community. Two years ago we reformatted our Weekly E-newsletter to make it easier to share information and stories. One year ago we reformatted our Monthly Newsletter into a magazine-style layout and are printing it quarterly.

FACT: Today, small businesses process only a handful of 1099-MISC forms each year.

COLD, COSTLY REALITY: Under the new requirements, a small business may have hundreds of required 1099-MISC filings; meaning business owners would have to: Collect and verify hundreds more Employer Identification Numbers (EINs) for individuals and large corporations that provide goods and services to businesses.

What is more: Businesses with hundreds of 1099-MISC forms may meet the threshold that requires electronic submission of those forms to the IRS, adding more costs with required purchase of software and/or additional accounting services.

Estimates are the average business will spend $6,000 every year to comply with this onerous reporting requirement!

It’s bad news for all business, and it’s a killer to small business. Deep six the new 1099 requirements now!

We have also created a Twitter account (twitter.com/smchamber), a LinkedIn Group (http://bit.ly/jZEb5) and a Facebook Page (http://bit.ly/SMFaceB). Each of these serves a similar purpose, a way to get information to our members, but they each achieve it in different ways.

The newest addition to our social media toolbox is Google Reader. What is Google Reader you ask?

According to Google, “Google Reader is a tool for gathering, reading, and sharing all the interesting blogs and websites you read on the web.”

We subscribe to various RSS feeds through our account with Google (RSS stands for Really Simple Syndication, and is a way for websites to distribute new content as it becomes available). When we are reading local and business news, and we come across an article that we think our members would be interested in, we “share” the article in our Google Reader feed. Anyone that is subscribed to our Google Reader feed will automatically receive the story in their reader.

If you would like to view the stories that we are sharing in our Google Reader feed, please visit http://bit.ly/SMReader.

Summer 2010 Quarterly Newsletter

Five Traits to Help Identify Mentors in Your Organization An effective mentoring program provides a wide range of business benefits: • Facilitated onboarding. Mentoring speeds up the process of bringing on new hires as well as redeploying existing employees into new lines of work.

• Increased employee satisfaction and retention. Research has shown that employees who participate in mentoring programs have higher job satisfaction and reduced turnover.

• Improved employee productivity. When employees are mentored, they can get answers to common problems quickly – without wasting time on rediscovering or re-inventing solutions.

• Effective career growth / succession planning. Mentoring programs help employees reach their full career potential, grooming them to fill key roles as part of an organization’s succession plan.

• knowledge management and retention. Mentoring promotes effective knowledge sharing, to reduce the risk of losing critical skills and knowledge when employees leave.

Obviously, mentors can play an important role in ensuring your company’s continued success. But while identifying a budding protégé may be straightforward, identifying a potential mentor can be more complex. Whether that person is you, one of your managers, or an outside expert, a mentor should possess the following professional and personal attributes: 1. Senior-level business experience. To provide guidance, the expert should have several years experience working in senior corporate positions. At a minimum, the expert should be a professional peer to the protégé.

2. Interpersonal and political “know-how.” The expert ought to be proficient in handling all sorts of complex interpersonal dynamics within the context of office politics. To be an effective trainer, the expert must be able to help the protégé navigate the tricky political waters of his organization.

3. Integrity and confidentiality. Professional development involves discussing high-level, strategic, off-the-record information, as well as sensitive personal issues. Honesty and discretion are essential when broaching these confidential topics.

4. Organizational and personal insight. The expert must have an in-depth understanding of the company’s objectives, needs and hierarchy. Equally, he must also appreciate the protégé’s strengths, weaknesses and goals.

To achieve professional development goals, the trainer must align both the company’s and the protégé’s interests.

5. Flexibility and ingenuity. When egos, ambitions and agendas collide, sparks fly. What works for an organization one day may be thrown out the window the next. An expert trainer must be able to shift gears, develop solutions on the fly, throw out tactics that prove ineffective and come up with new ones – fast. He must be comfortable dealing with uncertainty to navigate a corporate environment rife with change.

Need a promising protégé? Looking for your next mentor? Contact us today.

As San Marcos’ leading staffing firm, Priority Personnel can provide the talented individuals your organization needs.

512.392.2323 226 Wonder World Dr. San Marcos, TX 78666 www.prioritypersonnel.com

Promote your business at the Chamber’s Annual Awards Gala & Auction by purchasing a sponsorship, or donating items for the auction.

For more information, please contact Robert Watts, Executive V.P., at 512.393.5906, or email him at robertw@sanmarcostexas.com

San Marcos Area Chamber of Commerce - Focused on Business

Summer 2010 Quarterly Newsletter

Business News Continued Business Health Report Shows Improvement in Third Quarter To better monitor our local economic health, E c o n o m i c Development San Marcos (EDSM) invested in a business health report from Dun & Bradstreet on businesses in San Marcos. Of the 120 companies monitored by EDSM, the majority enjoyed a decrease in financial stress during the third quarter. (See Financial Stress on Businesses chart to the right) The Grow One San Marcos program logged 10 visits and provided 20 services in the quarter. The department continues to work with Wide-Lite and Hadco on an expansion project to manufacture HID and LED lighting in San Marcos. Working with El Milagro, a tortilla and chip manufacturing company, we arranged a short-term loan with the City of San Marcos to assist with electric upgrades. The

company will begin hiring and start initial production in July.

EDSM is researching existing low interest loan programs, micro-lending programs and plans are to survey local lenders to discover gaps that exist for local businesses. The effort is in collaboration with the Small Business Development Center at Texas State University-San Marcos. Results will be used to explore needed financial assistance programs for small business owners. In May, EDSM and the San Marcos Chamber co-hosted a Healthcare focus group meeting facilitated by the Alamo Workforce Board as part of a regional workforce study from Dallas to San Antonio that will provide direct input into future healthcare training programs at community colleges and universities. And, in June we hosted a Webinar for two local entrepreneurs on how to develop an elevator pitch for high-tech intellectual property.

Financial Stress on Businesses N o S tr e s s

Q ua rte r 3

7% 2%

Q ua rte r 2 29%

L ow S tr e s s

22%

30%

M o de r a te S tre s s

35%

24%

H ig h S tr e s s

30%

10%

In s ol ve n t

11%

Source: Dun & Bradstreet, July 2010

What do You Get for Your Chamber Membership Investment?

BASIC MEMBERSHIP: At the Basic membership level, members can expect to receive member-only referrals, are allowed to display their marketing materials in the chamber lobby, are listed alphabetically and categorically in the membership directory and get a free website listing. New members are also entitled to a ribbon cutting ceremony or assistance with a corporate groundbreaking (must be scheduled with the chamber offices in advance).

Members can participate in the Member-to-Member Discount Program, receive 5 free keytags for themselves and business associates and can purchase additional keytags for 0.50¢ each for employees.

Members receive exclusive invitations to Chamber functions and events and qualify for member discounts on many sponsorship opportunities throughout the year. Members receive a Weekly E-newsletter to keep them in touch with what is going on in San Marcos and a full color Seasonal Newsletter sent out 4 times a year to primary contacts.

BRONZE MEMBERSHIP: All the above, plus a banner ad on the chamber website, a complimentary set of chamber mailing labels, 10 tickets to Eggs and Issues Breakfast series, and a free tabletop display at the Annual Chamber Luau in June.

SILVER MEMBERSHIP: All the above, plus special recognition on the Chamber website as a Silver Member and 3 months of business card-size advertisements in the Weekly E-newsletter.

GOLD MEMBERSHIP: All the above, but 20 tickets to the Eggs and Issues Breakfast series. In addition, Gold members get a standard booth at the Business Expo, Speed Networking Sponsorship and a Gold Sponsorship at the Annual Chamber Awards Gala. Plus, Gold members get 6 months of business card-size advertisements in the Weekly

E-newsletter and a ¼ page advertisement in the full-color Quarterly Print newsletter.

PLATINUM MEMBERSHIP: All the above, but 30 tickets to the Eggs and Issues Breakfast series. In addition, Platinum members get 12 months of business card-size advertisements in the Weekly E-newsletter and a ½ page advertisement in each of the Quarterly Print newsletters, a $1250 sponsorship at Business Expo, a table sponsorship at the annual Legislative Luncheon and Platinum level sponsorship at the Annual Chamber Awards Gala.

DIAMOND MEMBERSHIP: All the above, but instead of tickets, Diamond members are official sponsors of one Eggs and Issues Breakfast. In addition, Diamond members get 12 months of block-size advertisement in the Weekly E-newsletter and a full-page advertisement in each of the Quarterly Print newsletters, a $2500 sponsorship at Business Expo, Event Underwriter with table sponsorship at the annual Legislative Luncheon and Diamond level sponsorship at the Annual Chamber Awards Gala.

In addition, Diamond members are listed as a sponsor with a booth at the Spring Green Living Showcase Event.

We are currently revising the membership Tier benefits for the 2011 year. For detailed information about benefits of membership with the San Marcos Area Chamber of Commerce, please contact

Margaret Lindsey, Membership Sales Director, by phone at 512.393.5910, or email her at margaretl@sanmarcostexas.com For more information about Chamber events and sponsorship opportunities, please contact Robert Watts,Executive V.P., by phone at 512.393.5906, or email him at robertw@sanmarcostexas.com For more information about the Chamber’s advertising opportunities, please contact Eric Bonar, Communications Manager, by phone at 512.393.5913, or email him at ericb@sanmarcostexas.com

HELLO I am

Invested Make a name for yourself.

Need an affordable and easy way to reach local businesses?

The Chamber has various formats of our Membership Directory available for purchase, or for free. Membership Mailing Labels and Excel spreadsheets are available for purchase at a discounted rate for Chamber members. Or, a print version of the Membership Directory is available at the Chamber office for free.

To get your copy today, contact Eselda at 512.393.5900

12

San Marcos Area Chamber of Commerce - Focused on Business

The San Marcos Area Chamber of Commerce’s Education Committee, through the SOAR initiative and its partnership with United Way of Hays County Success by Six, conducted their Second Annual Early Readers Become Leaders book drive during the month of July. The goal was to collect and distribute books, in both English and Spanish, to 1,800 famlies with children between the age 0-6, and who are in the Early Childhood Initiatives (ECI), WIC and Head Start programs.

This year we filled nearly 1,800 book bags, which were donated by the San Marcos Manufacturing Association. Half Price Books gave the drive an initial boost by donating 3,000 books.

Summer 2010 Quarterly Newsletter

The City of San Marcos and the San Marcos Consolidated Independent School District declared the month of July as “Early Literacy Month in San Marcos”.

Above Front row, L-R, Rosina Valle, Dr. Michelle Pope, Diane Insley, Margaret Lindsey and Kim Porterfield; Back Row, L-R Mayor Susan Narvaiz, Phyllis Snodgrass, Randolph Goodman, Frederick Rucker, Fred Terry and Danny Gonzales; Photo by Don Anders Below are members of the San Marcos ISD Board of Directors and the San Marcos Area Chamber of Commerce’s Education Committee; Photo by Eric Bonar

Gil Heldenfels, Chair of the San Marcos Manufacturers Association presents Rick Bell, Chair of the Chamber’s Education Committee, with a check to use to purchase backpacks for the book drive. Pictured from L-R; Danny Gonzales, Randolph Goodman, Kim Porterfield, Lee Grahm, Frederick Rucker, Rick Bell and Gil Heldenfels; Photo by Eric Bonar

San Marcos Area Chamber of Commerce - Focused on Business

Summer 2010 Quarterly Newsletter

Member-to-Member Discount Program Exclusive discounts for Chamber members and their employees!

Member Name & Offering*

Member Name & Offering*

Member Name & Offering*

AAMCO Transmission & Total Car Care $19.95 oil change (most cars); 10% off all repairs over $20 ABC Home & Commercial Services 10% off initial service for any annual contracts including pest control, rodent control & turf enrichment.

Air Evac Lifeteam $40/year membership for a 1 member household; $45/year for a 2 member household; $50/year for a 3 or more member household Alpha Graphics 20% Off any print project AquaMesa Corporation 15% off offered services such as bookkeeping, clerical support, etc.

Austin Extreme Graphics 10% discount on any banner, sign, or magnets Bada Bling 10% off any Consignment Purchase Bath Junkie Complimentary Hand Spa Treatment; Purchase a 4 oz. or 8 oz. Body Dessert and receive Signature Salt Scrub for 50% off or 15% off entire purchase of regular price merchandise Bizzy B’s Flowers 10% Off your purchase Booth Chiropractic & Acupuncture Center Initial Examination Fee waivered Bradzoil, Inc. 10% all services, excluding State Inspections Calli's Boutique 10% off regular merchandise Certified Carpet Cleaning, Inc. 15% off homes, office and retail carpet cleaning in Hays County Chili’s Grill & Bar Free Chips and Salsa Chuck Nash Auto Group 10% off any parts or service purchase (not valid with other coupons) 500 bonus points on rewards card for being a Chamber member.

Contact Crystal for more information Conley Car Wash 10% off all services, Monday – Friday Cool Mint Café 15% discount on holiday gift baskets; FREE appetizer with purchase of entrée and beverage Culligan Water Conditioning Free Basic Installation Dermatology Laser Center & Spa 10% discount on all cosmetic services & products Diaz Martial Arts 4 Free weeks of MMA (Mixed Martial Arts) Boxing, Self Defense Program or Martial Arts with purchase of uniform Dixie Cream Donuts 2 Free fruit filled with each $5.00 purchase Econo Lodge 15% off of rack rates.

Education Station Scrapbook Depot Buy One Friday Night Crop Bring a Friend for Free (one per month, $5 value) Ernie's Paint & Body Shop, Inc. 10% discount of repair bill up to $500 First United Methodist Church 4 Free Yoga Classes (Wednesdays 5:30 p.m.

– 6:30 p.m.) at the Church Activity Center,

The Floral Studio 10% off; can be called in or picked up Furr’s Family Dining Free Beverage with the purchase of a buffet Guaranteed Appliances 10% off any appliance purchase, part purchase or appliance repair; 10% off anything we do or sell Heartland Payment Systems 1/2 price on payroll, cost on gift & loyalty cards, cost plus merchant processing HH Fitness Initial month free to HH Fitness Bootcamps ($215 value) Hill Country RV Resort 10% discount on all rentals, cottages and RV sites for members or their families Hofmann’s Supply 15% off miller welders; 10% off PPG Automotive Paint Products Hot Spot Salon Free brow wax with other service Howard Johnson Extra 20% Discount on Room Rent.

IBC Bank ½ off on opening deposit with Direct Deposit Integrity Blinds 10% off any order, not combined with any other discount IsAnZe Day Spa & Hair Co $5.00 off any service J & R Gymnastics $4.00 off Friday Night Fun! Call for 392-9882 for reservations J & S Solutions 15% off any service call (computer repair/network install) up to 2 hours, and $50.00 off your next service call for any referral.

J-co Janitorial Supply Co. 1 can J-co Glass Cleaner with any order of $50; 1 can J-co Glass and 1 Honey Bowl with any order of $100 or more Josiesque Designs 10% Off Initial Website Design/Redesign KER Homes 2% Reduction in Final Bid Kuebler Waldrip Haus Bed and Breakfast $25.00 off of any 1 night reservation for 2 guests Little Guy Movers 10% off any move up to $1,000 Little Shoppe of Health 10% off on all items not on sale or stickered; no other discounts apply Los Cucos Mexican Café 20% Off Your Meal. Excludes Alcoholic Beverages. Not Valid with any other specials or discounts My Texas News 20% off first add purchase Neiman Marcus Last Call 20% off on a single item Pak Mail $5.00 off custom packaging Papersmith Janitorial & Foodservice Supply Free Floor Pad with any Floor Buffer Rental; Free Bowl Mop with Bolex Heavy-Duty Bowl Cleaner Purchase; 5% Off every purchase at www.papersmith.com with local delivery. Enter “smchamber” in Source Code at checkout.

Prime Outlets – San Marcos Free Coupon Book, $7.00 value, worth hundreds in savings Ramada Limited 15% off Rack Rates River Bluff Cabin 10% Off Two-Night Reservations Rock Star Limo 15% discount on limousine rental- 2 hr. minimum Rosie’s Pizza FREE beverage with pizza purchase Saltgrass Steak House 10% off food and non-alcoholic beverages.

Applies to Chamber tag members only. All applicable taxes apply.

San Marcos Bluebonnet Lions Club Free lunch to first time visitors of Club meetings; meetings are held at noon on the 1st Tuesday of each month at the SM Activity Center Savannah Club Apartments 1 Bedroom $25 off, 2 Bedroom $30 off, 3 Bedroom $35 off each month’s rent Sean Patrick's Irish Pub 15% discount on food portion of bill w/proof of Chamber membership & purchase of any drink.

Second To None 15% off one item in the store SERVPRO San Marcos/New Braunfels 10% off all services ($75 min charge still applies) Spa Botanica – Embassy Suites 20% off all services (gift certificates not included); 25% off all retail items Sylvan Learning Center of San Marcos No registration fee ($50 value) and 10% off tuition Tanger Outlet Center Free Tanger Coupon Book ($5 purchase value) with over $650 in added savings Texas Health & Racquet Club No enrollment, or FREE personal training Texas Manufacturing Asst. Center FREE 4-hour Business Assessment The Bug Master Exterminating $35 off Initial Pest Service, $75 off Rodent Control, $75 off Termite Control Tuttle Lumber Company 5% discount on non-sale Hardware items only Two P's Boutique 10% off regular merchandise Uncle Bob’s Self Storage 50% off 1st full month’s lease on storage space and FREE truck on move-in Veintec - Varicose Vein Clinic & Laser MedSpa 10% discount on all aesthetic (cosmetic) services & products Wayback Attic 10% off all items Wimberley Glass Works 10 % off purchases over $100 Woods Comfort Systems 15% off of any service call (excluding sales tax) World Gym No Enrollment Fee on Club Membership

*Member-to-Member keytag must be presented at time of purchase. If you need a Member-to-Member keytag, please contact the Chamber at 512.393.5900

14

San Marcos Area Chamber of Commerce P.O. Box 2310 San Marcos, Texas 78667-2310

PRSRT STD U.S. Postage

PAID

Permit No. 152 San Marcos, Texas 78666-2310

Address Label