Lubbock Business Network - December 2017 Newsletter by Lubbock Chamber of Commerce

LUBBOCK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE NEWSLETTER

LUBBOCK BUSINESS NETWORK

2017 Annual Awardees

Vol. 26 No. 12 December 2017 ‘Tis the Season to Make New Connections!

Lambert and Wharton Receive Awards at Leadership Lubbock Banquet

7 Ways to use Linkedin to Grow Your Small Business

pg. 6

pg. 10

pg. 13

Lubbock Business Network

Thank you to our 5-Star Investors!

Lubbock Business Network

In the News this Month: ‘Tis the Season to Make New Connections........................................ 6 Congrats to the 2017 Annual Awardees............................................. 7 Introducing our December Business of the Month..........................8 Get the Most Out of Your Chamber Membership............................ 9 Lambert and Wharton Receive Leadership Lubbock Awards.......10 Congratulations to the 20 Under 40 Recipients.............................11 Thank You Ambassadors for your Dedication!................................14

A Message from the Chamber

S ince 1913, the Lubbock Chamber of Commerce’s mission of strengthening, promoting and serving its member businesses has positively benefited the entire region and local quality of life. As the largest business federation on the South Plains, the Chamber represents over 1,900 members who employ over 79,000 workers, and account for over $2 billion in annual household earnings in Lubbock and West Texas, all without 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.

2017 Board of Directors Executive Committee Chairwoman Diannah Tatum, Sanford & Tatum Insurance Agency Chairman Elect Cory Powell, TTU Mentor Tech - Institutional Diversity, Equity and Community Engagement Immediate Past Chairwoman Beth Bridges, South Plains Mall Treasurer Abel Castro, FirstBank & Trust Co. Secretary Eddie McBride, Lubbock Chamber of Commerce Vice Chairman - Business Advocacy Scott Fagin, First United Bank Vice Chairman - Chamber Services and Member Engagement Chuck Walker, FirstCare Health Plans Vice Chairwoman - Communications and Public Relations Sharon Hyde Bass, Volunteer Center of Lubbock Vice Chairman - Community Development Gabe Vitela, One Guy from Italy - 50t Street Vice Chairwoman - Programs, Services and Events Kathy Oaks, American Cancer Society

Board of Directors

Share Your News! To submit an article about your business or to purchase Lubbock Business Network sponsorships, contact the Chamber at (806) 761-7000. Click here to visit our new website, log into the members only portal, submit events/job openings and much more!

Byrnie Bass, R. Byrn Bass, Jr., Attorney at Law Steve Beck, Covenant Health Alona Beesinger, Suddenlink Ron Betenbough, Betenbough Homes Kevin Bryan, Digital Base Productions Keith Bryant, Lubbock-Cooper Independent School District Fernando Bustos, Bustos Law Firm, PC Christi Chadwell, Young Professionals of Lubbock Renee Gonzales Davis, 4ORE! Golf Casey Doyle, Casey Carpet One Linda Gaither, WestMark Realtors-Gaither/Ratcliff Jeff Horn, Benchmark Business Solutions Chris James, United Supermarkets Brent King, UMC Health System Chris Lonngren, Schlotzsky’s Dana Madison, Calvert Home Health Care Dave Marcinkowski, Madera Companies Becky Palmer, Atmos Energy Bill Patton, Robinson, Johnston & Patton, CPAs Tony Pena, FirstCapital Bank L. Timothy Perrin, Lubbock Christian University Cathy Pope, StarCare Specialty Health System Vanessa Reasoner, Grace Health System Dr. Berhl Robertson, Lubbock Independent School District Shannon Spencer, Girl Scouts of Texas Oklahoma Plains, Inc. Marcie Truby, Director’s Choice

Lubbock Business Network

Upcoming Events December 5 Young Professionals of Lubbock: First Tuesday Networking sponsored by the Overton Hotel & Conference Center December 7 Business After Hours sponsored Clarion Hotel & Conference Center December 12 Chamber Basics: Pizza with the President sponsored by Simpatico Solutions and Wingate by Wyndham December 21 Chairwoman’s Holiday Reception

y r r e M s a m t s i Chr Join us for our

Chairwoman’s Reception December 21, 2017 5 p.m. – 7 p.m. Overton Hotel & Conference Center 2322 Mac Davis Lane

D ecem b er

Ribbon Cutting: South Plains Food Bank - U Can Share Food Drive 12 p.m. – United Supermarkets, 8010 Frankford Ave.

YEA! Lesson 8: Marketing & Communications / Franchise Field Trip Ribbon Cutting: Gingerbread House benefiting the Texas Boys Ranch 4 p.m. – Overton Hotel & Conference Center, 2322 Mac Davis Ln. YPL First Tuesday Networking sponsored by Overton Hotel & Conference Center – 5:30 p.m. – 2322 Mac Davis Ln.

Busienss Expo Committee – 4 p.m. – 1500 Broadway, 2nd floor San Jacinto Room

Ag Committee – 8:30 a.m. – LCOC Ribbon Cutting: Goodwill Industries of Northwest Texas – 10 a.m. 714 34th St. Community Prayer Committee – 4 p.m. – LCOC Business After Hours sponsored by Clarion Hotel & Conference Center 5:30 p.m. – 8201 S. Loop 289

Government Relations Committee – 10:30 a.m. – LCOC Ribbon Cutting: FirstCapital Bank – 10 a.m. – 7904 Milwaukee

11 12 13

Ribbon Cutting: New Mexico Texas Coaches – 11:30 a.m. 1204 N. Ave. T Lubbock Uncorked Wine Committee – 4:30 p.m. – TBD

14 15 18

YEA! Lesson 9: Deep Dive into Financials Chamber Basics: Pizza with the President sponsored by Simpatico Solutions and Wingate by Wyndham – 11:30 a.m. – 1500 Broadway 2nd floor San Jacinto Room Ambassador Monthly Luncheon sponsored by the Texas Tech Club 12 p.m. – 2508 6th St., STE. 417 Executive Committee/Holiday Lunch – Noon – Lubbock Country Club, 3400 Mesa Rd. Ribbon Cutting: One Guy From Italy – 11:30 a.m. – 4320 50th St. Ribbon Cutting: Farmers Insurance - Schoenig Potts Agency 4:30 p.m. 13041 Quaker Ave.

19 YEA! Lesson 10: Legal Services for Small Business 20 Young Professionals Steering Committee – 4 p.m. – LCOC 21

Board of Directors Meeting – 3:30 p.m. Overton Hotel & Conference Center, 2322 Mac Davis Ln. Chairwoman’s Holiday Reception – 5 p.m. Overton Hotel & Conference Center, 2322 Mac Davis Ln.

22 Committee Chairperson Appreciation Luncheon – 11:30 a.m. Albarran’s, 7722 Milwaukee Ave. 25 Christmas – Chamber Office Closed

*LCOC = Lubbock Chamber of Commerce For a complete list of Chamber and member events, visit our calendar online at lubbockchamber.com/events.

Lubbock Business Network

Young Professionals of Lubbock First Tuesday Networking sponsored by:

Chamber Staff President/CEO Eddie McBride, IOM Executive Vice President Norma Ritz Johnson, CCE, IOM CFO/COO Sheri Nugent, IOM Vice President - Programs, Services & Events Christye Weld Director of Communications & Public Relations Haily Assiter Community Development Director Amy Marquez, IOM

December 5, 2017 5:30 p.m.-7 p.m. 2322 Mac Davis Lane

Business After Hours sponsored by:

Member Relations Director Cathy Potter Business Development Coordinator Brenda Richardson Event Specialist Allison Cottrell Government Relations Specialist Kyle Jacobson Accounting Specialist Shelby Deluna Administrative Assistant/Office Coordinator Patsy Moffett Customer Service Representative Taylor Frick

December 7, 2017 5:30 p.m.-7 p.m. 3201 S. Loop 289 5

Lubbock Business Network

‘Tis the Season to Make New Connections The Lubbock Chamber of Commerce is excited to kick off 2018 with the largest business to business tradeshow on the South Plains. The Business Expo, presented by American National Bank, is an annual event that will be held on Friday, January 19 from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. at the Lubbock Memorial Civic Center. With new timing in the year for this event, the theme this year will be “New Season, New Connections”. If you are looking to connect with other business owners in our community and learn what local companies have to offer then this is the event for you. The Business Expo showcases more than 200 exhibitors and welcomes approximately 7,000 attendees. Exhibitors will enjoy a private networking event from 9 to 10 a.m. before the doors open. This allows businesses the opportunity to develop a more personal relationship with the companies who could become their next client all while creating new connections to heighten overall success. For its third year, Chamber University Expo Series will offer two free seminars to attendees. This series is part of an interactive lecture designed to address critical business topics and offer tools to navigate and thrive in the ever-changing demands of the 21st century workplace. Topics and speakers this year are:

• “Servant Leadership” will be presented by the following Chick-fil-A staff: Brandon Mulkey, Owner & Operator, Abie Rampy, Executive Director of Brand Excellence & Public Relations and Corie Williams, Director of Communications. Chick-fil-A founder Truett Cathy believed the business should be about more than just selling chicken and that they should be a part of their customer’s everyday lives and the communities they serve. This presentation will give you the tools to illustrate Servant Leadership in both your personal and professional environment. To learn more about the Business Expo visit www.LubbockBusinessExpo.com. Tickets go on sale December 11 and are $5 in advance or $10 at the door. All chamber members receive a $5 discount. If you are interested in either participating or sponsoring this event please contact your Chamber representative or Allison Cottrell at (806) 761-7000 or allison.cottrell@lubbockbiz.org.

• Social Media in 2018: Strategies to Implement TODAY to Boost Your Online Presence NOW. Owner of A Social Key, Stephanie Key Coffman, will discuss what platforms your company should be represented on, how to increase your organic reach, and the evolution of social ROI.

Promote Your Business on LubbockChamber.com in 2018! Are you looking for new ways to get your company noticed? If so, why not promote you company on the Lubbock Chamber website with a banner that links directly to your own website? The Lubbock Chamber website has an average of 24,000 views per month and we have multiple package options that is sure to fit any budget. Click on the photo below to view the different packages and contact the Lubbock Chamber today to see which one would best fit your needs at (806) 761-7000.

Mark Your Calendars! BUSINESS EXPO – Jan. 19th

*dates subject to change*

DIVERSITY SUMMIT – March 6th SALUTE TO AG – March 20th LUBBOCK UNCORKED – April 27th COMMUNITY PRAYER – May 3rd CHAMBER GOLF CLASSIC in July

NEW!

STATE OF THE TEXAS TECH SYSTEM & STATE LEGISLATIVE FORUM – Sept. 19th HUB CITY BBQ COOK-OFF in Oct. HARVEST LUNCHEON – Oct. 4th ANNUAL MEETING & AWARDS - Nov. 29th VISIT OUR WEBSITE OR CALL FOR MORE INFO!

LubbockChamber.com | 806.761.7000 6

Lubbock Business Network

Congratulations to the 2017 Annual Award Honorees!

Volunteer of the Year: Kathy Timms, Geiger

left to right: Chairwoman Diannah Tatum, Sanford & Tatum Insurance; Kathy Timms, Geiger; Bobby McCloud, Wayland Baptist University

Business of the Year: Bayer CropScience - FiberMax

left to right: Chairwoman Diannah Tatum, Sanford & Tatum Insurance; Tricia Vitela, One Guy From Italy; Mike Gilbert, Monty Christian and Chase Head from Bayer CropScience - FiberMax

Thank you to our Annual Meeting sponsors! Presenting Sponsor:

Diamond Sponsors: Covenant Health, George McMahan Development, LLC Platinum Sponsors: Atmos Energy, FirstCapital Bank, Sanford & Tatum Insurance Agency Gold Sponsors: AimBank, Bustos Law Firm, P.C., Centennial Bank, Grace Clinic, Happy State Bank, South Plains College, StarCare Specialty Health System

Entrepreneur of the Year: Shara Konechney, Piper left to right: Chairwoman Diannah Tatum, Sanford & Tatum Insurance; Shara Konechney, Piper; Bart Reagor, Reagor Dykes Auto Group

Business Person of the Year: Chris Lonngren, Schlotzskyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

left to right: Chairwoman Diannah Tatum, Sanford & Tatum Insurance; Chris Lonngren, Schlotzskyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s; Joe Rapier, Parkhill, Smith & Cooper

Silver Sponsors: Alderson Auto Group, Benchmark Business Solutions, First United Bank, Goodwill Industries of Northwest Texas, Lubbock Christian University, Lubbock Economic Development Alliance, Lubbock Independent School District, McMahon Vinson Bennett, LLP, Reese Technology Center, TXP Capital, Workforce Solutions South Plains Award Sponsors: Parkhill, Smith & Cooper, Reagor Dykes Auto Group, One Guy From Italy, Wayland Baptist University Thank you to our Annual Report sponsors! Presenting Sponsors: FirstCare Health Plans, Prosperity Bank Diamond Sponsor: American National Bank

Lubbock Business Network

Introducing our December Business of the Month, Aspen Creek Grill How has being a member of the Lubbock Chamber of Commerce helped to increase your business, relationships in the business community and/or community involvement? Being a member of the Lubbock Chamber has allowed us to participate in many different events, which has given us the avenue to market ourselves to the local community. Not only have we been able to network with different members of the the chamber, but we have also created great friendships.

When did Aspen Creek Grill join the Lubbock Chamber? We joined the chamber prior to opening our doors on February 1, 2016. What is Aspen Creek Grillâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s favorite part of being a member of the Lubbock Chamber? Being able to interact with other likeminded businesses and having the opportunity to create lasting relationships and partnerships. In what way is Aspen Creek Grill most involved with the Chamber? We hosted a business luncheon, provided meeting space for the BBQ committee, held our first ever Aspen Creek

Member Search Hits

2,646,923 Facebook Likes

7576

Twitter Followers

5849

LinkedIn Followers

449

Instagram Followers

172

251 Videos

Ambassador Dinner for Chamber members, participated in Business Expo in 2016, Business Mercado in 2017, and the Hub City BBQ the past two years. We also provided appetizers for a mixer at the Lubbock Chamber for Chamber of Commerce week, and continue to attend Business After Hours and Ribbon Cuttings.

Does Aspen Creek Grill have a favorite Chamber event? If so, what? Yes! Definitely the Hub City BBQ (2nd Place Brisket - Corporate 2017)! A little more about Aspen Creek Grill... Aspen Creek Grill is a full service, comfort casual dining restaurant and bar. The restaurant features made-from-scratch fresh food with a variety of choices! From family farm raised corn-fed premium Black Angus hand-cut steaks, freshly chopped salads, house smoked ribs, rich and creamy pastas, and juicy double patty burgers, to a full bar with daily specials featuring freshly-squeezed lime margaritas, specialty drinks and domestic as well as craft beers on tap. Aspen Creek Grill offers a warm and inviting atmosphere with relaxing comfort of a mountain lodge theme for family-friendly dining and it is also a great destination for a more lively night out with friends.

Looking Back on 2017 Business Expo

7000 Attendees 182 Booths 4

Press Conferences

News Releases

52 50 YPL E-Blasts 12% increase 22 G.L.A.N.C.E 12 Newsletters Monday Memos

Website Traffic

Lubbock Uncorked

2250 Attendees | 45 Vendors Chamber Golf Classic

280 Participants 70 Teams

Hub City BBQ Cook-off

9000 Attendees 109 Teams

Lubbock Business Network

Meet Board Member, Casey Doyle As the General Manager of Casey Carpet One, what all does your job entail? Our family has been there from the beginning. The company first opened its doors in Lubbock in 1947 and then two years later, 1949, a second location was opened in Amarillo. The Lubbock store was sold and closed in the mid-80’s, until we reopened in January 2010. We strive for success, buying as well as anyone in the country. We are committed to offering our customers quality products, discounted prices, excellent installation, an unmatched level of customer service, and an experience that will leave them no choice but to refer their friends and family. I’m primarily responsible for the growth and direction of Casey Carpet One which includes sales, budgeting, advertising, and exceptional customer service. I administer accounts receivable, accounts payable, as well as purchasing supplies and managing inventory. I’m also responsible for cash management, strategic planning and any areas related to measuring company performance. How did you get involved with the Chamber and what keeps you involved? When I moved to Lubbock, I immediately joined the Young Professionals of Lubbock (YPL) and began networking with all involved. I then went to Chamber Basics: “Pizza with the President,” and learned more about the value that the Lubbock Chamber brings to any business. Most of my best friends in this community were developed through networking events and/or opportunities to serve in different capacities within the Chamber. I stay involved because I am passionate about what the Chamber does for our community, and I truly believe in it.

What are some of your other community leadership roles? I have served on the steering committee of Young Professionals of Lubbock, served as the Chairman of the 2016 Total Resource Campaign, and spent the last four years serving on the Leadership Lubbock steering committee. In 2017 I joined the Lubbock Chamber Board of Directors and have thoroughly enjoyed every minute. My most recent service project was “Pumpkins With A Purpose.” In the parking lot of Casey Carpet One, we successfully participated in our first annual pumpkin patch, in which all proceeds will benefit Literacy in Lubbock. We will be donating everything to local school libraries to get books in the hands of our kids. Finish this sentence: Never again will I… ride a roller coaster in the Home Depot parking lot.

Casey Doyle

General Manager Casey Carpet One

What is your favorite event or program in the Chamber? From the entertainment/event perspective, my wife and I have loved attending Lubbock Uncorked the past two years. It is such a great event and something Lubbock has never seen before. It is a great atmosphere with amazing food and wine! In addition, my favorite program is Leadership Lubbock. Leadership Lubbock is a great opportunity to create relationships with the leaders of Lubbock’s future all while sharpening your leadership skills and exploring the depths of the industries that make Lubbock thrive.

Learn How to Get the Most out of Your Chamber Membership The last Chamber Basics - Pizza with the President of 2017 is on Tuesday, December 12 at 11:30 a.m., in the Wells Fargo Center at 1500 Broadway, second floor, in the San Jacinto Room. Chamber Basics is for more than just new members. This quarterly event is a great way for not only new members to get involved, but also for those who are a new employee of a long-standing member company or for those that want to learn more about all the Chamber has to offer. Attendees will learn about the Chamber and meet other members as well as volunteers and staff. Plus they will have the opportunity to promote their business!

This event is FREE to attend and pizza is provided by One Guy from Italy - 50th Street. For more information, please contact Cathy Potter, Member Relations Director, by e-mail or by phone at (806) 761-7001. Click here to register or learn more about this event. Thanks to the following sponsors for making this event possible: Simpatico Systems, LLC Wingate by Wyndham

Lubbock Business Network

Growing Community Leaders Lambert and Wharton Receive Awards at Leadership Lubbock Graduation The Lubbock Chamber of Commerce graduated its 42nd Leadership Lubbock class on Wed., Nov. 15. These 42 graduates spent over 80 hours together throughout the year learning about main industries in our community, being introduced to key business and community leaders as well as being made aware of greater needs in the Lubbock community. Each class highlighted a specific industry and included tours, speaker presentations, leadership training and interactive learning to help participants fully explore the realm of each industry identified. Leadership Lubbock builds a competent leadership pool and develops leadership potential for community activities and engagements. Thousands of men and women have graduated from this program and currently reside in the Lubbock area. Each year the Chamber and the Leadership Lubbock committee identify a Leadership Lubbock alumnus to receive the Distinguished Alumni award. This award exemplifies leadership and someone that has made a big difference in the Lubbock community. This year’s honoree was Connie Wharton, a 1984 Leadership Lubbock graduate. Wharton is a seasoned business executive with over 35 years of experience in corporate America. She retired in 2008 to start her own consulting practice and is an active volunteer in the Lubbock community. Wharton served as chair and co-chair of the Lubbock Chamber’s Imagine Lubbock Together initiative, is a founding board member and current chairperson of the Lubbock Downtown Development Corporation, served on the Lubbock Chamber Board of Directors for many years and is a recent member of the Rawls College of Business Advisory Council. Wharton has served and continues to serve on various boards throughout our community and has also published a book, “Liberty and Justice for Her?”. “I was truly honored and humbled to be selected as the Leadership Lubbock “Alum of the Year”. The program is so important to Lubbock because it offers a diverse group of city leaders the opportunity to learn about the city, and meet other committed leaders. But perhaps most importantly, it is also a chance to learn about themselves, and the kind of leader they aspire to be. I will always treasure Committee member, Nathan Scarbor- this award, and appreciate all ough (L), presenting Connie Wharton the opportunities the Cham(R) with her award. ber has afforded me over the years,” stated Wharton. The 2017 Leadership Lubbock class was led by a fantastic group of volunteers and this program wouldn’t have been the same with-

out each of their leadership and encouragement throughout the year. We want to thank 2017 Leadership Lubbock Chairman Casey Doyle, GM of Casey Carpet One, for his unwavering commitment to this program. “The true authentic nature of this class made the entire year memorable. Their willingness to step out of their comfort zone and develop strong relationships with all involved really helped make this class special,” Doyle stated on what made this year as Chairman special to him. For the first time the 2017 class nominated a fellow classmate to receive the People’s Choice award. The qualifications were simple. Who stood out? Who was inspiring? Who did you learn the most from? Who did you enjoy being around and who showed the most dedication to the Leadership Lubbock program? The decision was easy for the graduating class as many of their responses about the recipient, Mike Lambert owner of Feed and Thangs Farm store, were: great business person, encourager, fun to hang out with, dedicated community member, always positive, interested in knowing everyone, personally thanked every speaker, never complained, relationship builder, and that’s just to name a few. “I was honored to be selected as the recipient of the People’s Choice award by my Leadership Lubbock classmates. It was a privilege to be in a class with some of the best and brightest our city has to offer, all of whom are deserving of Mike Lambert (L) receiving his award from comthis recognition,” said a mittee member, Nick Atwood (R). humbled Lambert. “Mike Lambert is tip-top in my book. His willingness to serve others, his positive attitude, and his love for the Leadership Lubbock program really stood out to me. Mike stayed engaged all year, showed great respect towards his classmates, committee members, and all guests. Mike is exactly what this class is about. I am honored to have Mike as a friend and loved learning from him,” said Leadership Lubbock Chairman Casey Doyle. When Doyle was asked what advice he had for the incoming class he said he would encourage them to step up and step out. Leadership Lubbock is about rising up and growing in the areas you need to grow, so come to orientation with a smile on your face willing to make lifelong friends with everyone in the room. Again, congratulations to our 2017 graduates and honorees!

Lubbock Business Network

Young Professionals 20 Under 40 Recipients Recognized at Banquet on November 9 Robin Averhoff, Covenant Health; Jennifer Bledsoe, Happy State Bank; Jef Conn, Coldwell Banker Commercial; Lindsey Diaz, Lubbock County; Marcy Erwin, Craig, Terrill, Hale & Grantham, LLP; Ashley Gonzales, Texas Tech University; Michael Laughlin; Kristi Laverty, Parkhill, Smith & Cooper, Inc.; Victor Le Gloahec, Covenant Health; Alazar Martinez, Robinson, Burdette, Martin & Seright, LLP; Nick Mears, Caprock Business Consulting; Heather Newberry, United Supermarkets; Andrew Paxton; Tracy Pearl, Texas Tech University; Stephen Schwieterman, Parkhill, Smith & Cooper, Inc.; Neal Spradlin, Crenshaw, Dupree & Milam, LLP; Lori Truitt, Payne & Truitt; Chad Wheeler, Open Door; Ryan Wilkens, Parkhill, Smith & Cooper, Inc.; Sabine Wohlschlag, Volunteer Center of Lubbock

Lubbock Business Network Legislative Benefactor:

Voice of Business City Manager Jarrett Atkinson Briefs Government Relations Committee on Public Safety Proposal On Friday, Nov. 10 City Manager, jarrett Atkinson, joined our Lubbock Chamber Government Relations committee and briefed them on the City of Lubbock’s recent Public Safety Improvements Project. Click the image below to view the full presentation.

• • • •

Community policing strategy Three police substations (East, North, South) Relocated Municipal Court Facility New LPD property and evidence warehouse

Looking Back on 2017 Provided Access to Elected Officials

Letters Advocating Pro-Business Positions to Local, State & Federal Officials

Opposed and Defeated new local regulations 12

Civic and Public Leadership Academy

State Legislative Forum

FULL COURT PRESS

CFPB Anti-Arbitration Rule USDOL Persuader Rule EPA Clean Power Plan EPA Regional Haze Rule USDOL Fiduciary Rule USDOL Overtime Rule

Bills Tracked at the State & Federal Level

Water-Smart Winners:

UMC Milwaukee Family Medicine DBS Kids Taco Villa-Indiana Ave.

Lubbock Day at the State Capitol attendees

105

Lubbock Business Network

7 Ways to Use LinkedIn to Grow Your Small Business Grow your small business by using these seven proven tactics. There are nearly 30 million small businesses in the United States, but only half of them will make it past five years. To ensure your small business is in the successful half, we encourage you to capitalize on the various ways LinkedIn can evolve your business. With LinkedIn, the world’s largest professional network, you can generate leads, produce sales, and hire top professionals to fuel your growth. Here are seven ways to grow your business using LinkedIn:

1. Create a LinkedIn Company Page

We’ve found that LinkedIn members are 50% more likely to buy once they’ve engaged with your business on LinkedIn. But they can’t connect with you if you don’t have a LinkedIn Company Page. According to Forbes, only 57% of companies have pages. The remaining 43% are missing out on a free opportunity to generate leads, talent, and, ultimately, revenue. If you don’t already have one, create a LinkedIn Company Page. Personal profiles don’t have the same marketing, advertising, and recruiting features as Company Pages, making them less effective at promoting your business. As you create your page, think about the kind of impression you want to create among potential customers and employees. This will help you select the right photos and messages to use on your page.

2. Promote Your Company Page

Once you have a Company Page, announce it to your clients, employees, and personal network. This will help you gain your first followers, who in turn will help to promote your Company Page on the content you post to it. Promoting your page on other platforms or via email is also a great way to grow your audience. Here are some ways to get the word out: • Announce the launch of the Company Page on your personal LinkedIn profile • Encourage employees to follow the Company Page by making it a part of your onboarding process—Social Media Today reports that content shared by employees receives eight times the engagement as brand shared content • Link to your Company Page in the footer of your marketing emails or newsletters • Embed a Company Follow button onto your website so visitors can easily follow your LinkedIn Company Page

3. Share Content Regularly

The more you post, the more people you can potentially reach and convert. Best-in-class LinkedIn Company Pages are consistently updated to ensure that visitors have plenty of new content to consume and share. To get started, try posting at least once per week. It’s not uncommon for companies to post three or more times per day. Post whenever you have something worth saying. Posting consistently shows Company Page visitors that your company is active on LinkedIn. Use LinkedIn’s Company Page analytics to see your top performing updates, your best times to post, and which members of your audience are the most engaged. With this information, it’s easy to make data-driven decisions to optimize your Company Page content. Below are a few boost engagement statistics: • Posts with links receive up to 45% more engagement • Images see an incredible 98% increase in engagement • Posts that have relevant “best-of” lists get almost 40% more amplification

4. Showcase Thought Leadership

Source: Isaiah Dominguez LinkedIn Talent Solutions Search Marketing Specialist

Seventy nine percent of buyers say thought leadership is critical for determining which companies they want to learn more about. To get started with thought leadership content, try to provide a unique perspective on your industry, product, or organization. Sharing your opinion on the future of your industry or creating a definitive guide on your product are just two ways to demonstrate your expertise and position your company as a credible partner.

5. Target Sales Prospects

LinkedIn has over 500 million users to date. That may seem like a lot to sort through, but LinkedIn also provides you with tools to identify and target your ideal audience. LinkedIn members are more likely than other social media users to keep their profiles up-to-date, making it easier for you to find the right people. Use LinkedIn profile data to search for LinkedIn members based on geographic location, education, experience, and even connections. Once you’ve found prospects using the search feature, visit their profiles. Their endorsements or recent profile views might surface additional qualified prospects, too.

6. Build an All-Star Team

LinkedIn has helped 75% of job switchers make informed career decisions, making LinkedIn a top recruiting network. What are candidates looking for when making those decisions? Our research shows that 66% of candidates want to see company culture over everything else. To take advantage of this preference, consider enhancing your Company Page with a LinkedIn Career Page. Career Pages allow you to target audiences with a personalized look into your company, culture, and jobs. They give you dedicated Life and Jobs Tabs on your Company Page that attract and engage relevant professionals. In addition to creating Career Pages, encourage employees to share job postings and “day in the life” content as well. This gives visitors a genuine idea of what it’s like to work for you and adds to your authenticity. If you have a few employees who lead the pack in sharing content, consider linking them to your Company Page’s Life Tab. Their shared articles and recent updates will automatically populate, providing visitors with up-to-date information.

7. Hire Freelancers

You’ve probably had an employee who took on a task outside of their domain. You might have even done it yourself a few times. While the effort is commendable, learning on the fly can also be detrimental. Fortunately, finding the right talent for the task at hand isn’t as tricky as it once was, even if you can’t afford the salary of a full time employee. LinkedIn ProFinder enables you to post your projects, receive free proposals, and hire trustworthy professionals all in one place. ProFinder will even pair you with local professionals to ensure you have the best freelance experience possible. With 172 professional services available on ProFinder, it’s easy to find the perfect professional for any task. LinkedIn vets all the professionals on the platform to ensure they are qualified and leverages your network to find freelancers your connections have used, so you’re never in the dark about who you’re hiring. By using freelancers, you’ll get access to outside perspectives & broad experience of professionals of all kinds, from creating websites and designing logos to managing your books or crafting your marketing strategy. Plus, with none of the management overhead of a fulltime employee, you can focus solely on the job at hand.

Lubbock Business Network

Chamber Ambassador Program Meet Amy Rock, November Ambassador of the Month Why did you choose to become an ambassador for the Lubbock Chamber of Commerce? My mom made me! Actually she convinced me to join the chamber and I quickly understood the benefits of being an ambassador. I’d never had to “promote myself” before and she, Marie Evans, taught me the phrase “see and be seen”! I love being an ambassador for the Lubbock Chamber!

Why is being an ambassador important to you? I think I’d be out of business if it wasn’t for this program. I meet new people every day and I have so many friends that I wouldn’t know if I hadn’t become an ambassador.

How long have you been an ambassador? I’ve been an ambassador since I joined the Chamber in 2004!

What all does your position entail? Teaching people about the importance of good skin care, selling Mary Kay products and helping consultants on my team grow their own Mary Kay business.

Have you ever won this award before? I think way back when I started I was ambassador of the month a couple times. I was a team leader for several years too and I almost never miss a ribbon cutting! As an ambassador, what are some of your favorite events to attend? I really like the ribbon cuttings. Especially the smaller businesses where you can see how much the turn out of ambassadors means to the owners. What do you feel is the most rewarding part of being an ambassador? I love being able to support local businesses by learning about their business and then talking about them to people I know.

Where do you work and what is your position? I’m an independent Sales Director with Mary Kay Cosmetics.

How long have you been with your current company? I started my business 14 and a half years ago on March 3, 2003! Which Lubbock Chamber of Commerce event is your favorite? EXPO! I love being a part of the Business Expo! Outside of the Chamber, what are you involved with? At this point my priorities are my 14 month old grandson, my family, and traveling when I can to see family and friends.

Thank You Ambassadors for your Dedication to the Chamber! The Chamber appreciates the efforts put forth by our Ambassadors, and the time they each devote to Chamber events, including 179 ribbon cuttings and 15 groundbreakings in 2017. These 282 ambassadors are split up into five teams and Ambassadors compete every month for the most participation in ambassador events. We had five team captains for the year and the team totals for each are as follows: Team Braun – 4,786 Team Cheek – 4,724 Team Bartholomew – 4,563 Team Brocato – 4,417 Team Putman – 4,317

Top 10 Ambassadors for 2017 Danny Soliz, Workforce Solutions South Plains Victoria Braun, Ashmore Inn & Suites, Inc. Cindy Harendt, The Reproduction Company Kim Davis, Mosaic Dan Baze, Dan Baze Agency Bart Bartholomew, Matador Motors, LLC Marie Evans Amy Rock, Mary Kay Cosmetics Kim Putman, LegalShield Megan Sunderman, Texas Tech Club

Lubbock Business Network

Congrats to Mary Whistler - Two Time Ambassador of the Month!

October Ambassador of the Month!

â&#x20AC;&#x153;The more I have given to the Chamber through volunteerism, the more I have received. I feel extremely blessed to have been included in the many activities of the Lubbock Chamber.â&#x20AC;? - Mary Whistler West Texas Deputy Regional Director for Senator Ted Cruz

Beth Bridges (L), 2016 Chairwoman, presenting Mary Whistler (R) with her Ambassador of the Month award.

Mike Laughlin (L), 2017 Ambassador Chairman, Mary Whistler (R)

Looking Back on 2017

1732

Business After Hours Attendees *one more in December

Ribbon Cuttings

214

New Members

88%

282

179

Ambassadors

Groundbreakings

New Member Orientations

123 Attendees

* one more in December

Retention Rate

Welcome New Chamber Members! Allstate Security Industries, Inc. 3433 Plains Blvd. Amarillo, TX 79102 System and Monitoring Bar-Den Overnite Express, Inc. 303 1st St. Levelland, TX 79336 Freight Companies Central Christian College of Kansas 1200 S. Main St. McPherson, KS 67460 Education

Fortune Paradigm Lubbock, TX Business Consulting and Services The Law Office of Rob Biggers 1212 Texas Ave. Lubbock, TX 79401 Attorneys

WestMark REALTORS - Daniel, Joy 4105 84th St. Lubbock, TX 79423 Real Estate - Residential

Walk By Faith Radio 98.7 2700 Marshall St. Lubbock, TX 79415 Radio Stations

Lubbock Business Network

Ribbon Cuttings/Groundbreakings