Lubbock Business Network - December 2016 Newsletter

THE LUBBOCK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE NEWSLETTER

LUBBOCK BUSINESS NETWORK

Congratulations to our 2016 Annual Award Winners!

Vol. 25 No. 12 December 2016 Annual Award Winners

Sanford & Tatum Insurance Agency Wins Water-Smart Award

Preliminary Injunction Blocking New Overtime Rule Nationwide

pg. 6

pg. 7

pg. 12 ®

Thank you to our 5-Star Investors!

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Lubbock Business Network

In the News this Month: Message from Chairwoman Beth Bridges.......................................4 Annual Award Winners...........................................................................6 Meet the December Business of the Month...................................7 Sanford & Tatum Insurance Wins Water-Smart Award................7 Preliminary Injunction Blocking U.S. DOL New OT Regulation....12 Permanent National Injunction for Persuader Rule.................. 13

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 benefitted the entire region and local quality of life.

As the largest business federation on the South Plains, the Chamber represents over 2,000 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.

2016 Board of Directors Executive Committee Chairwoman

Beth Bridges, South Plains Mall Immediate Past Chairman

Jay Jacobus, Scarborough Specialities, Inc. Chairwoman Elect

Diannah Tatum, Sanford & Tatum Insurance Agency Treasurer

David Park, Atmos Energy Secretary

Eddie McBride, Lubbock Chamber of Commerce Vice Chairman - Chamber Services and Member Engagement

Abel Castro, FirstBank & Trust Co. Vice Chairwoman - Communications and Public Relations

Kathy Oaks, American Cancer Society Vice Chairman - Community Development

Cory Powell, TTU Mentor Tech - Institutional Diversity,

Equity and Community Engagement Vice Chairman - Programs, Services and Events

Scott Fagin, First United Bank

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!

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Byrnie Bass, R. Byrn Bass, Jr., Attorney at Law Sharon Hyde Bass, Volunteer Center Lubbock Alona Beesinger, Suddenlink Ron Betenbough, Betenbough Homes Kevin Bryan, Digital Base Productions Keith Bryant, Lubbock-Cooper Independent School District Renee Gonzales Davis, Alderson Enterprises/Mercedes-Benz Linda Gaither, WestMark Realtors-Gaither/Ratcliff Jeff Horn, Benchmark Business Solutions Chris James, United Supermarkets Brent King, UMC Health System Chris Lonngren, Schlotzsky’s Dave Marcinkowski, Madera Companies Richard Parks, Covenant Health Bill Patton, Robinson, Johnston & Patton, CPAs Tony Pena, FirstCapital Bank L. Timothy Perrin, Lubbock Christian University Cathy Pope, StarCare Specialty Health System Vanessa Reasoner, Grace Health Systems Dr. Berhl Robertson, Lubbock Independent School District Shannon Spencer, Girl Scouts of Texas Oklahoma Plains, Inc. Marcie Truby, Hyatt Place Lubbock Polly Vann, V-tech Environmental Services Chuck Walker, FirstCare Health Plans Connie Wharton, Consultant Tyler Young, Texas Tech Federal Credit Union

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Lubbock Business Network

D ecem b er

Message from the Chairwoman Beth Bridges My year as Chairwoman of the Lubbock Chamber of Commerce is quickly coming to an end and I have been honored to have had the opportunity to serve the Chamber and its 2,000 members in 2016.

This year, as in the previous years, our major membership events were all a great success. Those included the Total Resource Campaign, which once again exceeded its goal, the Business Expo, the Golf Classic and the Hub City BBQ Cook-off. We also were fortunate to add another big event, Lubbock Uncorked, our first wine festival, which saw great attendance and will definitely grow each year.

Thank you to all the volunteers and especially those who chaired these events. Their planning, supports and attendance at these outstanding programs were very much appreciated. A big thank you goes out to our Chamber Ambassadors for their continued volunteer service to the Chamber and our member businesses. We could not have had such a successful year without the fantastic volunteers we have at the Chamber. Thank you for your time and dedication for making 2016 great!

I would also like to give a special thanks to my fellow Board of Directors and Executive Committee members for their leadership this year. I look forward to continuing to serve on the Board of Directors and working with the best Chamber staff in the country. I wish our 2017 Chairwoman, Diannah Tatum, the best in the upcoming year, as I know she will do a wonderful job. Thank you again to the Board of Directors, the Chamber members, the staff and the community! May you all have a very Merry Christmas and I hope 2017 is the best year yet!

Merry Christmas 4

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Ribbon Cutting: GoodLife Senior Living and Memory Care – 4:30 p.m., 6317 112th St. Business After Hours: Clarion Grand Park Conference – 5:30 p.m.

3201 S Loop 289

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Transportation Committee – 10:30 a.m. – LCOC Ribbon Cutting: Gingerbread House at Overton Hotel & Conference Center – 2 p.m. – 2322 Mac Davis Lane

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Ribbon Cutting: South Plains Food Bank U Can Share Food Drive 12 p.m. – 8010 Frankford Ave. Leadership Lubbock Committee – 3:30 p.m. – LCOC

6 Lubbock Uncorked Team Leads – 4 p.m. – LCOC

YEA! Lesson 7 – 4:30 p.m. – Texas Tech Innovation Hub

3911 4th St.

Young Professionals First Tuesday Networking sponsored by

Overton Hotel & Conference Center – 5:30 p.m. – 2322 Mac Davis Lane 7 Ribbon Cutting: United Supermarkets – 9 a.m. – 12815 Indiana Ave.

Chamber Basics: Pizza with the President – 11:30 a.m. – Wells

Fargo Center, 1500 Broadway, Second Floor, San Jacinto Room 8

Executive Committee – 12 p.m. – Lubbock Country Club 3400 Mesa Road Community Prayer Luncheon Committee – 4 p.m. – LCOC

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Government Relations Committee – 10:30 a.m. – LCOC

12 Ribbon Cutting: Lubbock Area Lights ABWA Christmas Basket

Fundraiser – 4 p.m. – LCOC 13 Young Professionals of Lubbock Steering Committee – 12 p.m. – LCOC

Ribbon Cutting: Archery Shack – 4:30 p.m. – 7113 Santa Fe Dr.

YEA! Lesson 8 – 4:30 p.m. – Texas Tech Innovation Hub, 3911 4th St. 14 Ambassador Luncheon – 12 p.m. – Texas Tech Club, 550 University Ave.

2017 Leadership Lubbock Committee – 3:30 p.m. – LCOC

Ribbon Cutting: Huntington Learning Center – 4:30 p.m.

8004 Quaker Ave., Suite C 15 Ribbon Cutting: Law Office of Nathan Ziegler and Associates

10 a.m. – 12413 Quaker Ave.

Board of Directors – 3:30 p.m. – Overton Hotel & Conference Center 16 Committee Chairmen Appreciation Lunch – 12 p.m. – Courtyard

by Marriott Lubbock Downtown, 308 Ave. V 26 Office Closed For a complete list of Chamber and member events, visit our calendar online at lubbockchamber.com/events.

Lubbock Business Network

Business After Hours

sponsored by:

December 1, 2016 5:30 p.m.-7 p.m.

3201 S. Loop 289

Young Professionals of Lubbock First Tuesday Networking sponsored by:

2322 Mac Davis Lane

December 6, 2016 5:30 p.m.-7 p.m.

Chamber Staff President/CEO Eddie McBride, IOM Executive Vice President Norma Ritz Johnson, CCE, IOM CFO/COO Sheri Nugent, IOM Vice President - Communications & Public Relations Tammi Boozer Vice President - Programs, Services & Events Christye Weld Community Development Director Amy Marquez, IOM Member Relations Director Cathy Potter Business Development Coordinator Brenda Richardson Communications Specialist Haily Assiter Event Specialists Allison Cottrell Korryn McMinn Government Relations Specialist Stevie Poole Event/Government Relations Specialist Kyle Jacobson Administrative Assistant/Office Coordinator Patsy Moffett Accounting Assistant Patricia Picon Customer Service Representative Jamie Sherrill Intern KC Torres Berangere Curnier

Member Focus

“Working for Business, Believing in Lubbock.”

Highlighting a variety of businesses each month.

Follow us on Social Media!

You won’t want to miss it, PLUS you could be next!

WATCH THE VIDEOS HERE. 5

Lubbock Business Network

2016 Annual Meeting & Awards Luncheon The December 1 Annual Meeting and Awards Luncheon highlighted this year’s achievements while honoring those who made it possible.

Thanks to the following sponsors for making this event possible: Annual Meeting Presented by: Volunteer of the Year: Greg Stevens, Lubbock Chief of Police

Annual Report Presented by:

Annual Meeting Diamond: Covenant Health, George McMahan Development, LLC, Southwest Airlines

Business Person of the Year: Fernando Bustos, Bustos Law Firm, PC presented by Parkhill, Smith & Cooper

Annual Report Diamond: American National Bank, McDougal Companies Annual Meeting Platinum: Atmos Energy, FirstCapital Bank, Sanford & Tatum Insurance Agency Award Sponsors: Grace Clinic, Parkhill, Smith & Cooper, Twisted Root Burger Co.

Ambassador of the Year: Kim Davis, Mosaic presented by Twisted Root Burger Co.

Business of the Year: Llano Estacado Winery presented by Grace Clinic

Entreprenuer/Small Business of the Year: John English, Tailgate Express presented by Reagor Dykes Auto Group

Volunteers Needed for the 2017 Total Resource Campaign!

The success of the 2016 Total Resource Campaign wouldn’t have been possible without the hard work and dedication of the volunteers. The planning for the 2017 Total Resource Campaign, “TRC Network”, has begun and we need your help!

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The eight-week revenue generating program will run from February to April. If you would like to volunteer for this highly successful program, please contact Sheri Nugent at sheri. nugent@lubbockbiz.org or call the Chamber at (806) 761-7000.

Click here to see how fun and rewarding the TRC is!

Lubbock Business Network

Introducing our December Business of the Month, Liggett Law Group, P.C. 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?

I enjoy being a member of the Chamber of Commerce. I believe that a strong and visible civic presence is essential in growing a business of any kind. I joined the Chamber with that in mind. Happily, I have been able to make business contacts and new friends which has enriched my life as well as my business.

When did Liggett Law Group join the Chamber? I believe that I joined the Chamber in 2012.

What is your favorite part of being a member of the Chamber? Membership in the Chamber has allowed me to purchase health insurance for my employees from the large group policies available to Chamber Members which is superior to that which is available otherwise. I believe being able to provide this perk to my employees is my favorite benefit of Chamber membership.

In what ways is Liggett Law Group involved with the Chamber? I am very happy for Liggett Law Group to sponsor The Young Entrepreneurs Academy. I think it is a wonderful

opportunity for young people to obtain hands on experience with launching and running their own businesses. I am very excited to see what these talented young people do with this opportunity.

A little bit about the Liggett Law Group: Liggett Law Group was founded in 2009. Its goal was to create a firm that adhered to its motto of Integrity, Advocacy, Results. Liggett Law Group was founded to provide a complete package of legal skills to protect the interests of West Texans who have suffered injury or monetary damages as a result of the negligence or wrongful actions of others. Ted Liggett has spent his career fighting for the rights of such persons.

Liggett Law Group supports the Lubbock Ballet, as well as the Chamber’s Young Entrepreneurs Academy and has been voted Best Law Firm for 2016 by the Lubbock Avalanche-Journal readership.

Liggett was honored to serve as the President of the Lubbock Chapter of The American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA) in 2016. He is also a member of the Texas Bar Foundation, Texas Trial Lawyers Association, Million Dollar Advocates Forum, MultiMillion Dollar Advocates Forum and is Peer Review rated AV for ethical standards and legal ability with Martindale-Hubbell.

Sanford & Tatum Insurance Agency Wins Water-Smart Award for Fall Quarter The Lubbock Chamber of Commerce has announced that Sanford & Tatum Insurance Agency has been awarded the Water-Smart Award for Fall Quarter 2016.

Each quarter, the Chamber recognizes members who have implemented water-saving measures. The criteria to win can be anything from landscaping to rainfall capture systems to installing low-flow toilets and active promotion of water conservation.

Sanford & Tatum has been honored because of its water conservation techniques at their new location on 98th Street. When determining the landscaping at its new location, Sanford & Tatum wanted to make wise decisions on choosing grass and plants that were drought tolerant.

“One of the reasons why we chose Celebration Bermuda grass was because of its amazing drought tolerance and the fact that it takes less water to maintain,” said Mark Williams, COO-Partner. “We also had underground drip irrigation installed inside all of the flowerbeds and around all of the trees to reduce wasting water from runoff and evaporation. Finally, the flowerbeds were designed to be “dry-scapes” with the dry river bed going in the front and decomposed granite throughout. The plants selected for those flowerbeds are also drought tolerant and thrive in our arid climate.”

Sanford & Tatum has been a Chamber member since 1970.

If you are conserving water – inside or outside – at your place of business, or know someone who is, the Water-Smart Task Force would like to know, as you could be a candidate for this quarterly award! Please email stevie.poole@lubbockbiz.org or call (806) 761-7000 with your nomination.

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Lubbock Business Network

MARK YOUR CALENDAR! DON’ T MISS OUT ON ANOTHER YEAR OF GREAT CHAMBER EVENTS!

PLEASE JOIN US FOR ANY, AND ALL, CHAMBER EVENTS YOU ARE ABLE TO ATTEND. THESE EVENTS WILL PRESENT YOU WITH EXCEPTIONAL MEMBER EXPERIENCES AND OPPORTUNITIES TO NETWORK AND GROW, SOME OF MANY BENEFITS, WHICH ARE AVAILABLE TO YOU AND YOUR BUSINESS THROUGH YOUR CHAMBER MEMBERSHIP. LUBBOCK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE EVENTS FOR 2017 INCLUDE, BUT SHOULD NOT BE LIMITED TO:

Total Resource Campaign, February 16 – April 14 Lubbock Day at the State Capitol – February 22 Salute to Ag Luncheon, March 21 Lubbock Uncorked, April 28 Community Prayer Luncheon, May 4 Business Expo, May 11 Chamber Golf Classic, July 24 Education Luncheon, August 9 Texas Tech Football Kickoff Breakfast, August 30 Hispanic Heritage Luncheon, October 11 Hub City BBQ Cook-off, September 21 State of the Texas Tech System Luncheon, Fall State Legislative Forum, Fall Harvest Luncheon, October 18 Legislative Appreciation Luncheon, November 7 Annual Meeting & Awards Luncheon, December 7 ®

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Lubbock Business Network

Get to Know Board Member, Ron Betenbough How did you get involved with the Chamber and what keeps you involved? Betenbough Homes has been a member of the Chamber a long time and has always believed in its role in promoting business.

What is your favorite event or program of the Chamber? My favorite program o the Chamber is its advocacy for business, locally, statewide and nationally, and its promotion of Lubbock and the businesses that are located here.

Finish this sentence: Never again will I... undertake any project or initiative without asking for the Lord’s blessing and guidance first.

Ron Betenbough Vice President Betenbough Homes

What are some of your other community leadership roles?

I am very active in Raintree Christian Church and the Lubbock Lions Club.

Meet the Latest Addition to the Chamber Staff

Jamie Sherrill may be the newest member of the Lubbock Chamber staff but she is the first person you meet when you walk into the Chamber office. Sherrill was hired in August as the Customer Service Representative. Sherrill has spent over 20 years in customer service. Prior to coming to the Chamber, she worked at a local doctor’s office and was a tech support representative and escalations specialist at Suddenlink Communications.

Originally from Tucumcari, N.M., Sherrill got to Texas as fast as she could. She’s been in Lubbock since she was seven years old and graduated from Coronado High school. She also attended community college where she got certified in medical billing, coding and transcription.

Sherrill and her husband, David, have been married for 19 years and have three children, David, Jr. (DJ), Jessica and Serenity. The Sherrills have known Serenity since she was four

years old, however, Serenity’s mother passed away a few years ago and they adopted her in January 2016. In August, Sherrill became a grandmother to Harmony, Serenity’s daughter. Sherrill said she wasn’t expecting to become a grandmother so young, but would not trade it for the world. Her family is her pride and joy.

In her spare time, Sherrill spends most of her time with her family. Friday nights in the fall are spent at football games as Jessica is in the marching band at Roosevelt High School.

Besides her family, music is her second passion. She also likes to spend time outdoors and enjoys camping.

In her short time at the Chamber, Sherrill has enjoyed a lot of things but her best thing is all the people she meets.

“I got a chance just to mingle at the Hub City BBQ and the diversity of the people that were there was amazing. Everyone from the staff, to the board, to the Ambassadors, to our members have been really nice and welcoming to me,” said Sherrill.

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Lubbock Business Network

Growing Community Leaders Meet Leadership Lubbock Class Member, Kathy Rollo Why did you choose to become part of the Leadership Lubbock? I am a lifelong resident of Lubbock, and I absolutely love our community.

My husband participated in Leadership Lubbock several years ago, and I saw firsthand how much he learned about our great city and how many connections he made with other professionals.

When the opportunity became available through Lubbock ISD, I was extremely excited and honored to join the 2016 cohort.

How long have you been associated with Leadership Lubbock? In addition to my own participation this year, my husband served on the steering committee and as chair over a decade ago.

My mother also participated in Leadership Lubbock in the 80’s. I guess one could say that I am a Leadership Lubbock legacy!

What are some of your favorite Leadership Lubbock events to attend? I enjoyed every session with Leadership Lubbock. However, I must say that I learned the most during the health and wellness day.

Exploring our clinics and hospitals was eye-opening for me. Knowing not only what is currently available in our community for our citizens, but also catching a glimpse into the future of health care, will help me be a better advocate for families in my job.

What do you feel is the most rewarding part of being part the Leadership Lubbock Class? I have had the opportunity to meet some amazing young professionals and I have learned so much from them.

Being one of the more “seasoned” members of the cohort, I have treasured the time with energetic, highly intelligent, and enthusiastic people. Lubbock is blessed because that our community is in great hands for many years to come.

Why is the Leadership Lubbock program important to you? Stephen R. Covey says, “Seek first to understand, then to be understood.”

Unless the leaders in our community have a deep understanding of the many facets of our complex community, how can we expect them to be able to advocate for it? Leadership Lubbock is crucial for the future of Lubbock because it serves as an avenue for cultivating that understanding.

Who do you work for? I work for Lubbock ISD. What is your position? Associate Superintendent for Elementary What all does your position entail? I have the wonderful opportunity to work with 17 of Lubbock ISD’s 32 elementary schools, conducting regular visits to coach the administrators, visit classrooms, and provide support. I also serve on the Superintendent’s Administrative Cabinet, which serves as a collaborative decisionmaking team.

How long have you been with your current company? This is my 28th year with Lubbock ISD. During my time with the district, I have served as a teacher, an assistant principal, a principal, an executive director for leadership and professional development, and now as associate superintendent.

Share some info about your family: Robert, my husband of 28 years, is a partner with Parkhill, Smith, and Cooper. We are the proud parents of three sons. Layne is a CPA with Price, Waterhouse, Cooper in Austin. Reid is a video game designer at Portalarium in Austin. Kreg is a sophomore mechanical engineering major at Texas Tech University.

YEA! Students Take First Field Trip to Twisted Root Burger Co. Twisted Root Burger Co. hosted 19 Young Entrepreneurs Academy (YEA!) students in grades six to 12 on Tues., Nov. 1, for a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to run a thriving restaurant business.

Gabe Vitela, co-owner and general manager, shared tips about breaking into the industry, how to overcome challenges what skills it takes to keep business growing. “I’m happy to do whatever I can to help young entrepreneurs develop their leadership skills and help guide them toward the path to success,” said Vitela. “Our company is so excited to have these talented young entrepreneurs visit with us. YEA! provides a terrific opportunity for the young people in our community.”

The students also had the opportunity to visit Schlotzsky’s on Tues., Nov. 29, to learn more on what it takes to run a franchise.

In addition to lessons inside the classroom, YEA! introduces students to all types of businesses through field trips as well as a

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variety of executive leaders through guest lectures and business mentorship.

By engaging in this hands-on approach to learning through field trips such as this, students gain a real-world understanding of the dedication it takes to be a business owner.

YEA! is a 30-week program that teaches students how to launch and run their own, real businesses. By the end of class, students will be the CEOs of their legally formed businesses or social movements. For more information, visit yeausa.org.

Lubbock Business Network

Meet Young Professionals of Lubbock Member, Miranda Wise

How long have you been a YPL member? Almost one year.

What do you feel is the most rewarding part of being a YPL member?

Meeting new people is rewarding. I really like the First Tuesday Networking events.

Why is being a YP member important to you? It’s a fun and easy way to build my business and make friends.

What is your position? I’m the owner of Wisely Organized where I work as a Certified Professional Organizer®.

What all does your position entail? I teach my overwhelmed clients how to get organized and manage their time so they can get to what matters. I offer hands-on organizing in residences and workplaces and one-on-one time management consulting.

I often work with moms, students, people who have AD/HD, entrepreneurs, and creative people. I also do presentations and workshops for business and schools. I work in person as well as virtually over Skype and FaceTime.

Share some info about your family: Twelve years after I first met my husband at Lubbock High, we finally got together in the Bay Area. Before we were engaged, I knew he really wanted to go to grad school for Ceramics. Texas Tech has an excellent MFA program and Lubbock was a relatively easy place to move my business to, so we decided it was the best place for us to begin the next chapter of our lives and get married. The majority of both of our families still live here too.

YOUNG PRO FE

ypl

ALS OF LU ION B SS

Where do you work? I’m self-employed. My business is called Wisely Organized. I’m also on the board of directors at Vista Bank.

How long have you been with your current company? Wisely Organized began as Miranda The Organizer in Oakland, CA about five and a half years ago. I knew my last name and a lot of things in my business would change when I moved to Lubbock, so I decided to rebrand as I relocated. I joined Vista Bank’s Board of Directors in April of 2015.

CK BO

Why did you chose to be a member of the Young Professionals of Lubbock? It seemed like a good way to network and make new friends at the same time.

Congratulations to the Twenty Under Forty Award Recipients 2016 Twenty Under Forty Award Recipients Elaina Albarez, Goodwill Industries of Northwest Texas Kody Bessent, Plains Cotton Growers, Inc. Sarah Bevers, United Supermarkets Jeremy Cortez, Talkington School for Young Women Leaders Missi Currier, Texas Tech University Matt Ernst, RAMAR Communications Dr. Shaili Felton, Covenant Medical Group Eric Finley, UMC Health System Drew Gray, Stellar Family of Companies Erin Justyna, Texas Tech University Gulrez Khan, Vista College Ashley Knox, South Plains Mall Dr. Heather Martinez, Texas Tech University Kristin Murray, Arbor Hotels Amy Punchard, First United Bank Miles Seybert, First United Bank Stacy Stockard, Texas Tech University Transportation & Parking Services Justin Sullivan, United Supermarkets dba Praters Patricia Vitela, Texas Tech University Jake Webb, Centennial Bank 11

Lubbock Business Network Legislative Benefactor:

Voice of Business U.S. District Court Grants Preliminary Injunction Blocking U.S. DOL New Overtime Regulation Nationwide The Lubbock Chamber of Commerce releases statement from Chairwoman Beth Bridges on the preliminary injunction blocking the U.S. Department of Labor’s (DOL) new overtime regulation nationwide.

Beth Bridges, Lubbock Chamber of Commerce Chairwoman: In a significant victory for job creators and employee flexibility and opportunity, U.S. District Judge Amos Mazzant issued a preliminary injunction on November 22 to block the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) from enforcing costly and overreaching changes to the FLSA Overtime Rule. The new regulations are being challenged in federal court in a case filed by 21 states and consolidated with a lawsuit filed by a coalition including the Lubbock Chamber of Commerce and led by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce along with the Texas Association of Business, several national business organizations and almost 40 other local chambers of commerce in Texas. Changes to the rule were due to take effect December 1, 2016.

Like the U.S. Chamber, we are very pleased that the court agreed with our arguments that the President Obama administration’s new overtime rule was unlawful and stopped the rule changes from taking effect on December 1. If the overtime rule changes had taken effect, it would have resulted in significant new costs – more than $1 billion according to the Congressional Budget Office – and it would have caused many disruptions in how work gets done.

Furthermore, the rule would have reduced workplace flexibility, remote electronic access to work, and opportunities for career advancement.

This is a great result.

For many of our small businesses, and other employers including state and local governments, this would have meant a disastrous financial hit, or reducing their ability to serve their customers.

Congressman Neugebauer Honored for His Services The Lubbock Chamber hosted its annual Legislative Appreciation Luncheon on November 11 to honor the service of retiring Congressman Randy Neugebauer.

The event was presented by StarCare Specialty Health System while Diamond Sponsor was Parkhill, Smith and Cooper, and Platinum Sponsors included AgTexas, Atmos Energy and Texas Tech University System. About 250 members of the Lubbock community joined us for the event.

Congressman Randy Neugebauer, his wife, Dana, and David Williams, Chairman of Centenntial Bank

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Lubbock Business Network

Federal Judge Grants Request for Permanent National Injunction for Persuader Rule The Lubbock Chamber of Commerce releases statement from Chairwoman Beth Bridges on the permanent national injunction entered on November 16 by Senior U.S. District Judge Samuel R. Cummings blocking the U.S. Department of Labor Persuader Rule.

Beth Bridges, Lubbock Chamber of Commerce Chairwoman: The Lubbock Chamber of Commerce is pleased with today’s summary judgment ruling from the United States District Court, which closed the case at the trial court level and entered a permanent nationwide injunction against the U.S. Department of Labor’s new “Persuader Rule” executive order. This new rule sought to strip away the rights of trade associations and small businesses to speak to members and receive confidential legal counsel in the face of union organizing drives. The Department of Labor’s new rule thus violated the rights of businesses and organizations like the Chamber to freely associate and speak with legal counsel and the Chamber’s members under the First Amendment to the Constitution. We look forward to successfully defending this final summary judgment on appeal.

Fernando Bustos with Bustos Law Firm, PC addressed the media after Senior U.S. District Judge Samuel R. Cummings entered a permanent national injunction for the U.S. DOL Persuader Rule.

2.22.17

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LUBBOCK DAY AT THE STATE CAPITOL “The Voice of Business”

As the leading voice of business on the South Plains, the most fundamental purpose of the Lubbock Chamber of Commerce is to ensure law makers at all levels of government understand the unique needs of our member businesses and the area economy. What better way to do just that than to open the door for business leaders to explain their needs to legislators directly.

As a member of the Lubbock Day at the State Capitol delegation, you can expect to have access to state senators and state representatives from across Texas. You will hear from top lobbyists working on behalf of business and industry, and the Texas Association of Business will provide insight on key issues including education, infrastructure, immigration and more.

For more than 100 years, the business community has united together to help grow Lubbock and promote a strong business community through economic development, legislative involvement and bellowing voices at City Hall, in Austin and on Capitol Hill.

Activities begin with a reception at 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, February 21, and conclude after lunch on Wednesday, February 22. Each participant is responsible for securing their own travel and hotel accommodations. A registration fee of $100 will help defer the cost of prepared materials, as well as lunch and breakfast on Wednesday.

Sponsorship Opportunities

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Lubbock Business Network

Chamber Ambassador Program Meet Colleen Evans, October Ambassador of the Month!

Colleen Evans has been named Ambassador of the Month for October! Evans has only been an Ambassador for a few months, but she said the most rewarding part about being a Chamber Ambassador is seeing the birth of new businesses in Lubbock.

“It never gets old seeing a business person cut that ribbon with a huge smile on their face and getting to show off their business to those attending on their special day.”

Evans has never won this award before, and she said she chose to become a Chamber Ambassador because it is important to her for two reasons.

“First, it helps in your job or business to have an opportunity to get out to Ribbon Cuttings and Ground Breakings and meet other business people who are new or Colleen Evans recognized for being the Ambassador of the celebrating a milestone. The network you can create with these connections and Month with Kim and David Putman of LegalShield who sponsor the monthly award. connecting with the other Chamber Ambassadors is invaluable,” she said. “Secondly, it is a chance to volunteer for an organization that does so much for the business community here in Lubbock.”

Evans is no stranger to the Chamber as she spent over 11 years as part of the Chamber staff prior to her job at the YWCA of Lubbock.

Evans’ favorite Chamber events to attend are the Ribbon Cuttings and the Business Expo. Outside of the Chamber, Evans said she enjoys politics, watching sports (live and on TV), and spending time with her family.

The Chamber appreciates the efforts put forth by our Ambassadors, and the time they each devote to Chamber events, including 174 ribbon cuttings and 12 groundbreakings in 2016. These 232 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 Putman – 3,031

Team Davis – 2,393

Team Cheek – 1,982

Team Brocato – 1,732

Team Looney – 1,703

Top 10 Ambassadors for 2016 Kim Davis, Mosaic Marie Evans Kim Putman, LegalShield Victoria Braun, Ashmore Inn & Suites, Inc. Cindy Harendt, The Reproduction Company Rex Andrews, Keller Williams - The Wyatt Team Bart Bartholomew, Matador Motors, LLC Amy Rock, Mary Kay Cosmetics Traci Cheek, Texas Boys Ranch Mary Whistler, U.S. Representative Randy Neugebauer

Ribbon Cuttings & Groundbreakings – November Sponsored

by:

Caprock Behavioral Solutions 6104 66th St., Suite 100

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CASA of the South Plains 1215 Ave. J, Suite 301

City of Lubbock Erkins Project Completion Erskine St. and Zenith Ave.

Lubbock Business Network

Contract Cre8ive 8008 Slide Rd., Suite #5

Cross Roads Real Estate Services 3407 98th St., Suite 200

Diamontrigue 441482nd St., #113

Be a Santa to a Senior

by Home Instead Senior Care

Junior League of Lubbock Holiday Happening

The Lasik Vision Institute 5307 W. Loop 289, Suite 105

Lee Lewis Construction 40th Anniversary 7810 Orlando Ave.

MHBT, a marsh & McLennan Agency LLC Company 4419 98th St., Suite 310

My Place Hotels 6219 62nd St.

Panera Bread 3004 W. Loop 289

Prestige Cleaners 3407 98th St., Suite 100

Racer Classic Car Wash 10109 Slide Rd.

The Sharon Dykes Foundation

South Plains Mall Grand Reopening 6002 Slide Rd.

STAR ER 7007 Indiana Ave.

Sweet Celebrations 6405 Indiana Ave.

West Texas ER 102nd St. and Quaker Ave.

Workforce Solutions South Plains - Hiring Red, White and You Veterans Job Fair

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Lubbock Business Network

Welcome New Chamber Members!

Atlas Audiology (806) 224-1755 4702 A 67th St. Lubbock, TX 79414 Audiologist - Hearing Specialist

First Federal Bank Littlefield, Texas (806) 385-7511 2313 Phelps Ave. Littlefield, TX 79339 Banks - Commercial Lending

Bingham Family Vineyards, LLC (806) 585-6616 645 FM 303 Meadow, TX 79345 Wineries

High Mile Properties (806) 786-4197 2021 16th St. Lubbock, TX 79401 Real Estate - Investments

CH Wells Consulting, LLC (806) 701-2276 6310 89th St. Lubbock, TX 79424 Management Consultants

Huntington Learning Center (806) 543-1929 8004 Quaker Ave., Ste. C Lubbock, TX 79423 Education

Diamond Coat of Lubbock (806) 701-5854 8901 Hwy 87, Ste. 102 Lubbock, TX 79423 Floor Covering

Lubbock Area Lights - ABWA Non-Profit Organizations

First Basin Credit Union (432) 333-5672 5217 8nd St. Odessa, TX 79764 Credit Unions

MountainTop Assisted Living (806) 777-7675 4609 30th St. Lubbock, TX 79410 Retirement Living

Panera Bread - Lubbock Loop (806) 797-0881 3004 W. Loop 289 Lubbock, TX 79407 Restaurants

Simpatico Systems, LLC (806) 224-0300 8101 Viola Ave. Lubbock, TX 79424 Computer

Paul Nash & Associates, Inc. (806) 793-0047 12108 Slide Rd. Lubbock, TX 79424 Landscape Architecture

SunLover Travel (806) 773-6799 3403 73rd St., Ste. 13 Lubbock, TX 79423 Travel Agencies

Pepe’s Pizza & Ice Cream (806) 632-2820 3407 98th St., Ste. 900 Lubbock, TX 79423 Restaurants

The LASIK Vision Institute (877) 852-4018 5307 W. Loop 289, Ste. 105 Lubbock, TX 79414 Health Care - Other Services

Pinkerton’s Distillery, LLC (806) 470-1553 8901 Hwy 87, #123 Lubbock, TX 79423 Liquor, Beer & Wine

Trilogy Cellars (806) 568-9463 618 Ave. H Levelland, TX 79336 Wineries

Real Property Management Services (806) 853-6546 2503 74th St., Ste. 105 Lubbock, TX 79423 Real Estate - Property Management

Vivint Smart Home (877) 873-9003 4931 N. 300 W. Provo, UT 84604 Security Services

Leadership Lubbock Graduation Held on November 15 The 2106 Leadership Lubbock class held its graduation banquet on November 15 at the Lubbock Country Club.

Forty-one people graduated from this year’s class.

During the banquet, Martha Atwood receiving her Distinguished Alumni Award from Leadership Lubbock steering committee Martha Atwood from members Greg Stevens and Casey Doyle. the American Diabetes Association Lubbock, was honored with this year’s Leadership Lubbock Distinguished Alumni Award. Congratulations to this year’s graduates:

Elaina Albarez, Goodwill Industries of Northwest Texas Christine Allen, Lubbock Economic Developmental Alliance Ashley Ammons, Lubbock Area United Way Jason Atchely, Bacon Heights Baptist Church Neal Barron, City of Lubbock Police Department Wesley Bishop, Wellington State Bank Jack Bohannon, Mandry Technology Solutions Ron Bonacci, United Supermarkets Tammi Boozer, Lubbock Chamber of Commerce Erik Breon, KCBD-TV, Raycom Media Stephanie Cole, Wells Fargo Bank

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Shannon Cook, SouthWest Bank Leslie Demma, American Bank of Commerce Curtis Diaz, American National Bank Sheila Dye, Lubbock Christian University Erin Gregg, Lubbock Independent School District Julie Heinrich, Computer Transition Services, Inc. Ryan Henry, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center Lindley Herring, OfficeWise Furnitur & Supply Cy Hill, Prosperity Bank Joe Jimenez, City of Lubbock Wesley Jordan, Warren Caterpillar Mike Keenum, City of Lubbock Valerie Kerr, Covenant Health Angelos Lambis, United Supermarkets Bruce Larson, Lubbock National Bank Chris Lauer, HB Construction Jessica Marlar, Texas Tech University Whitacre College of Engineering Bobby McCloud, Wayland Baptist University Grant McMillan, FirstBank & Trust Co. Dan Odom, Western Bank Becky Palmer, Atmos Energy Scott Peterson, Sanford & Tatum Insurance Agency Spenser Piercy, Crenshaw, Dupree & Milam, LLC Kathy Rollo, Lubbock Lubbock Independent School District Miles Seybert, First United Bank Shannon Shuttlesworth, Covenant Health Jody Slaughter, Titan Aerial, LLC Sarah Stracener, Texas Tech University Office of the President Patrick Tran, Boy Scouts of America, South Plains Council Todd Wyrick, Spirit Ranch