Lubbock Business Network - February 2016 Newsletter

THE LUBBOCK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE NEWSLETTER

LUBBOCK BUSINESS NETWORK

#2016TRC Vol. 25 No. 2 February 2016 Total Resource Campaign Kicks Off

Learn How to Make Your Business & Community Safer

Chamber to Host CD-19 Candidate Forum

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Thank you to our 5-Star Sponsors!

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Lubbock Business Network

In the News this Month:

Total Resource Campaign Kicks Off...................................................6 Learn How to Make Your Business & Community Safer..............7 Lubbock Uncorked Looking for Sponsors.......................................7 Imagine Lubbock Together Welcomes New Chairman..............9 Chamber to Host CD-19 Candidate Forum.................................. 12 Introducing the 2016 Ambassador Leaders................................ 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 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.

Share Your News!

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

Click here to visit the videos page on our website. This will keep you up to date with our latest ribbon cuttings, groundbreakings and testimonials.

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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 - Business Advocacy

Michael Calvillo, Michael Calvillo Bail Bonds/The Butler 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

Carmen Aguirre, Children’s Advocacy Center of the South Plains 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 Clinic 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

Young Professionals of Lubbock First Tuesday Networking hosted by

5:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

904 Ave. Q

Business After Hours sponsored by:

Febru a r y 2

Young Professional’s First Tuesday Networking – 5:30 p.m.

Centennial Bank, 904 Ave. Q,

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Ribbon Cutting: Vision Computer Services – 10 a.m. – LCOC Lobby CD-19 Candidate Forum – 6:30 p.m. – Lubbock Memorial Civic Center 1501 Mac Davis Lane

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Ag Committee Meeting – 8 a.m. – LCOC

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Transportation Committee Meeting – 10:30 a.m. – LCOC

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New Century Leadership Committee Meeting – 1 p.m. – LCOC Ribbon Cutting: Sondra’s Song – 2 p.m. – 1712 14th St.

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Leadership Lubbock Steering Committee Meeting – 3:30 p.m.

Wells Fargo Center, 1500 Broadway, Fifth Floor, LEDA Board Room Golf Classic Committee Meeting – 4 p.m. – LCOC

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New Century Leadership: Higher Education Day – ALL DAY Ribbon Cutting: Hyatt Place – 2 p.m. – 2309 Mac Davis Lane Community Prayer Luncheon Committe Meeting – 4 p.m. – LCOC

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Business After Hours sponsored by Stella’s Restaurant – 5:30 p.m. – 4646 50th St.

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Ribbon Cutting: StarCare – 10 a.m. – Lubbock Police Department Property Room 816 Texas Ave. Government Relations Committee Meeting – 10:30 a.m. – LCOC

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Leadership Lubbock: Lubbock 101 Day – ALL DAY Wine Committee Meeting – 4 p.m. – LCOC

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Ambassador Luncheon sponsored by Back 40 Grill – Noon – Back 40 Grill 5214 98th St. Business Expo Committee Meeting – 4 p.m. – Wells Fargo Center, 1500 Broadway Second Floor, San Jacinto Room

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Chamber University: Safety & Security – 8 a.m.

Reagor Dykes Myrick Green Building, 1215 Ave. J Executive Committee Meeting – Noon – LCOC Ribbon Cutting: Synergy HomeCare – 4 p.m. – 2505 79th St., Ste B

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Board of Directors Meeting – 10 a.m.

Reagor Dykes Myrick Green Building, 1215 Ave. J Business After Hours sponsored by Clarion Grand Park Hotel – 5:30 p.m.

3201 South Loop 289

*LCOC = Lubbock Chamber of Commerce

5:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

4646 50th St. 4

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

Lubbock Business Network

Lubbock Chamber Business Show Get the latest Chamber news AND hear from a different Chamber Member each week!

Tune into KRFE 580 AM EVERY Monday @ Noon

Business After Hours sponsored by:

Clarion Hotel Grand Park Lubbock

5:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

3201 S. Loop 289

Chamber Staff President/CEO Eddie McBride, IOM Executive Vice President Norma Ritz Johnson, CCE, IOM CFO/COO Sheri Nugent, IOM Vice President - Communications & Public Realtions Tammi Boozer Vice President - Programs, Services & Events Christye Weld Community Development Director Amy Marquez, IOM Member Relations Director Cathy Potter Communications Specialist Haily Assiter Events Specialist Allison Cottrell Government Relations Specialist Stevie Poole Events Specialist Peyton Waldrip Administrative Assistant/Office Coordinator Patsy Moffett Accounting Assistant Patricia Picon Customer Service Representative Melinda Rodriquez Membership and Media Sales Representative Jayna Appling Intern Maegan Hruby

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Lubbock Business Network

Total Resource Campaign kicks-off in February!

The 2016 Total Resource Campaign (TRC), Let’s Get Social, is set to start rocking Feb. 28. The TRC is an eight-week campaign featuring the best volunteers in town. They will go out into the community to secure sponsorships from local business members for all Chamber events and programs.

By participating in the TRC, businesses receive significant exposure by being included in the marketing and promotions for the events they choose to sponsor.

The TRC has more than 65 dedicated volunteers this year with a goal to raise $510,000. Last year, with a goal of $500,000, the TRC volunteers were able to exceed expectations by raising more than $540,000.

Volunteers form divisions having a minimum monetary goal. The volunteers who reach benchmark achievements are awarded prizes throughout the campaign at weekly reward sessions.

If you’re interested in becoming a volunteer, please contact Sheri Nugent at sheri.nugent@lubbockbiz.org or call (806)7617000.

Members of the Chamber who have sponsored previous events or would like to sponsor future events should make plans to speak with a TRC representative between Feb. 28 and April 28.

Thank you to all of our 2016 TRC hosts/sponsors!

Carpet Tech, Courtyard by Marriott, FirstBank & Trust, Fuddruckers, Harrigan’s, Hyatt Place, Peoples Bank, Reagor Dykes Auto Group, United Supermarkets, Wayland Baptist University, Wells Fargo

We appreciate all have the hard work and dedication of our 2016 TRC Volunteers!

Casey Doyle - Chairman, Casey Carpet One | Marcus Young - Co-Chairman, United Supermarkets, LLC Bobby McCloud, Wayland Baptist University Amanda K. Kuhn, Benchmark Business Solutions

Constance Barbian, Benchmark Business Solutions

Jacob Gray, Benchmark Business Solutions

Mark Williams, Sanford & Tatum Insurance

Daylan Flowers, Sanford & Tatum Insurance Chuck Parr, American National Bank

Roger Karr, American National Bank

Jeffrey Zamora, MassMutual Southwest

Yvonne Limon, Prosperity Bank Tony Garcia, Prime Sales & Marketing

Anthony Brocato, UMC Physician Network Services

Jordan McKay, Peoples Bank - Main Branch

Gloria Quinton

Freida Henderson, Suddenlink Keith B. Patrick, Frenship ISD Emily Solis, Paul Davis Restoration

Elizabeth Lanham, UMC Physician Network Services

Cody Trimble, Savant Photography

Marc Williams, Glass Doctor Elizabeth Hannon, Casey Carpet One

Efrain Duarte, Catholic Charities Diocese of Lubbock

Cheyenne Jordan, Children’s Hope Residential Services

Brandon Sisomphou, Officewise Furniture & Supply

David Vaughn, Centennial Bank Kevin McConic, United Supermarkets, LLC

Elizabeth Duran, Lubbock ISD

Brad Anderson, HoneyChild Catering Myndee Pool, Carpet Tech Renee Gonzales Davis, Alderson/Mercedes-Benz

Phebe Ellis-Roach, PrimeWest Mortgage Corp.

Lasey Ashburn, FirstCapital Bank

Brad Wilson, SouthWest Bank

Chris Abers, United Supermarkets #551 Alex Martinez, Atmos Energy

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Jared Boyd, Carpet Tech Heather Glenn, Prosperity Bank Bill Breitweiser, Great Plains Distributors Kathleen Reyna, Atmos Energy Denise Sparks, MCM Eleganté

Lexi Phillips, MCM Eleganté

April Garcia, MCM Eleganté

Chabry Grant, MCM Eleganté Nathan Scarborough, Lubbock National Bank Rex Andrews, Keller Williams – Rex Andrews

Sheldon Sonnenberg, Zach’s Club

Hacee Hughes

Heather Giffard Drew Gray, Stellar Family of Companies

Kelsey Johnson, YWCA

Miles Seybert, First United Bank

Lee Mazurek, WestMark Mike Sparks, Koetter Fire Protection

Miranda Wise, Wisely Organized

Dionne Hill, Forza Safety

Kevin Dyer, New York Life Insurance Tyler Young, Texas Tech Federal Credit Union Christi Chadwell, TTU CASNR

Jennifer Byrd, Kinetico Water

Stacey Lemons, MHBT

Kristin Thomas, Parkhill, Smith and Cooper Emie Young, Amerigroup Corporation

Grace Garza, FirstCare Health Plans

Brandi Ivey, StarCare Specialty Heath System

Ashley Knox, South Plains Mall Jake Webb, Centennial Bank

John Burk, Synetra

Jennifer Bledsoe, Happy State Bank

Patrick Tran, Boy Scouts of America

Kayla McKinney, Venture Connected

Lubbock Business Network

Learn How to Make Your Business and Community Safer The Lubbock Chamber of Commerce will host a Chamber University seminar on Safety and Security, on Thurs., Feb. 18, from 8-10:30 a.m., at the Reagor Dykes Myrick Green Building (1215 Ave. J).

The seminar will feature Lubbock Police Chief Greg Stevens.

Chief Stephens along with other Lubbock Police Department officers will speak on the various topis below and help answer any other questions you may have regarding these issues.

What keeps you up at night? From business theft and security to the homeless issue – what is being done by the LPD to help alleviate some of these issues and what can the individual business owner do to keep their business and family safe?

Cyber-Security – what is it, how does it affect our business and what can we do about it?

Open Carry – what are the nuances of the new law, how does it affect the business climate in Lubbock and what guidelines should local businesses follow?

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

The cost of the seminar is $50. Chamber members get a discounted price of $35. Breakfast and check-in will be from 8-8:30 a.m.

Registration is open and reservations can be made by visiting LubbockChamber.com or by calling (806) 761-7000.

Changes to reservations may be made until 5 p.m. on Mon., Feb. 15.

For more information on Chamber University, please contact Allison Cottrell at (806) 761-7000 or allison.cottrell@ lubbockbiz.org. Click here to watch the promo video.

Thank you to our sponsors: American National Bank Evensky and Katz Wealth Management Goodwill Industries of Northwest Texas United Supermarkets Workforce Solutions South Plains

Mark Your Calendars for the first annual Lubbock Uncorked Make plans now to ease the pain of “Tax Day” April 15 and join us for the first annual “Lubbock Uncorked” wine festival! This exciting event will be held at the Louis Hopkins Underwood Center for the Arts (LHUCA) at 511 Avenue K, both inside and outside on the Plaza and the streets surrounding LHUCA. Tickets will go on sale in March for $25 in advance and $30 at the door. More information will be available soon.

The event will be held from 3-9 p.m. This event will feature wine tastings, boutique beer tastings, food from local restaurants including food trucks, some of the best music Lubbock has to offer, and classes geared toward wine education.

Help us celebrate one of Lubbock’s best kept secrets – a growing, thriving wine industry that has some of the best wine makers and grape growers in the country! You will have the opportunity to taste wine made from West Texas grapes and meet some of the wine-makers from all over Texas and it will include a few select wines from outside the state. If you don’t happen to like wine, come for the beer, food and entertainment – this will be barrels of fun!

A wine dinner will also take place the night before the event, on April 14. The dinner will honor the founding fathers of Texas wine. Tickets will be available in March. More details will be available soon. Check the Chamber website for updates.

Sponsorships for the dinner and “Lubbock Uncorked” are available. To reserve your sponsorship, call the Chamber today at (806) 761-7000.

April 15, 2016

“It’s going be grape barrels of fun!”

Interested in the Chamber’s Advocacy Efforts?

Visit:

LubbockBusinessVotes.com

Here you’ll find all the tools you’ll need to contact your members of Congress and keep them informed on issues relating to Lubbock business as well as to help you keep up-to-date with the political process, issues and candidates in order to make informed decisions.

Questions or Concerns? Contact Norma Ritz Johnson, Executive VP Government & Community Relations

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Lubbock Business Network

Customer Engagement in 20 Minutes a Day. Seriously.

One of the most frequent complaints about the changes in marketing that have occurred over the last decade is the time required. Yes, you need to engage customers (and employees) but who has the time?

You do.

It can be done in the time it takes you to wolf down your lunch. It can even be done while you’re eating. Here’s how: Set Up Required You’re probably looking for a catch. Engagement in 20 minutes a day seems impossible. You’re right. There is a catch.

You need to set up your framework first and know your ideal customer. Once you do those things it’s all within the realm of possibility.

Think about your business How long is your sales cycle (from the moment someone hears of you until the moment they buy)? Longer sales cycles will require more touchpoints.

Who’s your ideal customer and who’s the most apt to buy from you? Recognizing this person will help you serve them quicker and better. When I worked in retail on commission as a teenager in a women’s clothing store. We jumped when we saw a man come in. Not because of some gender inequality issue but because women will come into a store and try clothes on. Even if they love it all, they don’t always buy. When we saw a man walk into a women’s store we knew he was going to buy. It was a guaranteed sale. He may not be the ideal customer but we knew there was a purchase on our horizon.

What is your ideal customer looking for? What problem are they solving for? How can you help? If you can communicate this simple problem and solution equation, sales will increase.

Once you know your ideal customer, you need to find people who fit that description. If you already have an email list, you’re ahead of the game. If not, start collecting names. You can do this by offering worthwhile content on your site that people will pay for with their email address or have them sign up in your store (if you have one). Follow people on social media who talk about needing what you provide or people who fit your ideal demographic.

interactions will get you noticed. But don’t be creepy about it. If you have only one person on your list and you share everything he or she posts, things are going to get awkward fast.

Add a Special Touch (no time required) Engagement isn’t always digital. If you have a brick and mortar business that sells a physical product, add something special to the bag – a mint, a message, a sample, or special gift wrapping. It’s a nice surprise and people remember it. Best of all this form of engagement, after you decide what it is, takes no time to perform. It’s a task you’re doing anyway.

Comment (10 minutes) Remember your list of ideal customers? Find out if any of them have a blog. If they do take 10 minutes a day to find one or two, read an article, and offer a comment. You’re comment should be complimentary or ask them for further commentary on something because it allows them to shine as the expert.

Listen (1 minute) One minute out of 20 to listen sounds awful, doesn’t it? But if you’ve already set up a system, listening alerts are generated for you and delivered to your inbox in many instances. It’s easy.

You can set up free alerts in Google, on Mention, Talkwalker, Social Mention, and IFTTT. Set up alerts on your keyword in the area you serve, your name, your company name, the problem you solve for, anything you find relevant.

There’s your 20 minutes a day to a more engaged audience.

Once you set up your framework and have the right tools in place, it’s not as time consuming as you might imagine. If you have a brick and mortar store, remember a smile and a welcoming attitude are the ultimate engagement tools, so use them often.

They don’t take any time at all.

Schedule Social Media Posts (20 minutes a week = 4 minutes a day) Use the scheduler of your choice – Tweetdeck, Hootsuite, Buffer – there are a number of free and paid options out there.

Always be on the eye for good content that your ideal customer would enjoy. Schedule it out as far as your scheduler allows. Add to it when you find a great post or keep a file for content you find.

Use Lists (5 minutes a day) Twitter offers a list feature and there are CRMs that can help you track the people who are the most important to you on social media. This could be customers, potential customers, or whomever you are trying to court. Spend 5 minutes a day reviewing what they’re doing on social and responding accordingly. Share, comment, compliment. These easy

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Christina R. Green teaches small businesses, chambers and associations how to connect through content. Her articles have appeared in the Midwest Society of Association Executives’ Magazine, NTEN.org, AssociationTech, and Socialfish.

She is a regular blogger at Frankjkenny.com and Event Manager Blog.

Lubbock Business Network

Imagine Lubbock Together Welcomes a new Chairman After four years leading the Imagine Lubbock Together effort, Connie Wharton is passing the reigns to new 2016 Chairman David Park.

“Connie has been essential in finding creative ways to implement the Lubbock community’s vision for the future of the city while ensuring responsible, smart and prudent use of Lubbock’s assets and resources,” said Eddie McBride, President and CEO of the Lubbock Chamber of Commerce.

Building on the solid foundation of Imagine Lubbock Together, Park has outlined several priorities to further the visioning and implementation effort, including helping to reignite progress in some key element areas that may still need Chamber support.

Park is the President of the West Texas Division for Atmos Energy and currently serves as the Treasurer for the Lubbock Chamber’s Board of Directors.

Imagine Lubbock Together was created in 2011 by the Lubbock Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors while looking closely at the needs and wants of the community. The Chamber’s leadership decided to ensure the power of progress remains in the hands of the public. Led by a group of volunteers from throughout the community, the process started with ideas scribbled on 24-by-30-inch sheets of white paper that are now slowly becoming a path to our future.

For more information on Imagine Lubbock Together, please visit the website.

Imagine Lubbock Together’s strategic plan is broken into eight key elements: • Arts and culture • Basic and fundamental services • Beautification and image • Downtown • Economic development • Education • Entertainment and recreation • Neighborhoods

Business Expo - “Going for the Gold” The 2016 Business Expo will be held on Thurs., May 12, at the Lubbock Memorial Civic Center from 10 a.m–4 p.m. Exhibitors will enjoy a private networking event from 9-10 a.m. The largest trade show on the South Plains showcases over 200 exhibitors and attracts thousands of attendees each year.

“Going for the Gold” is the 2016 theme developed by RD Thomas, the official advertising agency of the Business Expo.

Marketing for this event includes television, radio, social media and area billboards, as well as printed brochures and tickets, mailed to over 2,000 members of the Chamber. Banner ads, sponsor recognition and exhibitor information will be displayed on the Chamber website beginning in March.

Booth reservations and sponsorship opportunities are available during the 2016 Total Resource Campaign (TRC).

Please call the Chamber at (806) 761-7000 if you would like to be contacted by a TRC volunteer for sponsorship or to reserve a space at the 2016 Business Expo.

Prior to Business Expo, the Chamber is offering a free training seminar for potential exhibitors! This event will be held on Wed., March 2, from 3-5 p.m. at the Wells Fargo Building, 1500 Broadway, on the second floor in the San Jacinto Room.

Reserve a space now for “Effective Trade Show Planning”! Learn basic “Trade Show 101” tips and techniques to maximize the potential to collaborate and connect with others at trade shows and industry meetings.

Attendees will be entered into a drawing for door prizes including one free space in the Pedestrian Mall at the 2016 Business Expo!

To attend the event, please contact Allison Cottrell at (806) 761-7000 or by email at allison.cottrell@lubbockbiz.org to reserve a space at “Effective Trade Show Planning March 2.

Seating is limited.

LUBBOCK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

BUSINESS EXPO 2 01 6 MAY 12, 2016 10am-4pm LUBBOCK MEMORIAL CIVIC CENTER

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Lubbock Business Network

Chamber Leadership Division Young Professionals of Lubbock Spotlight: Jake Webb Why did you chose to be a member of the Young Professionals of Lubbock? There’s a lot of value in having a network of peer professionals committed to building a career in Lubbock. I was eager to join a group where we can all grow in each of our industries, companies and careers together. The people that are driven to work hard for their companies now will be the ones running them (or starting them!) in the next 10 to 15 years. What better time to build relationships with those people than right now?

How long have you been a YPL member? I attended my first YPL meeting in May 2015. After a conversation with one of the guest speakers, I was given an opportunity to earn his business, and since then I’ve been very involved.

What do you feel is the most rewarding part of being a YPL member? I recently went to lunch with a law student that had been working at a local law firm for nine months and was still struggling to know—or even recognize—some of the key leaders in the Lubbock business community. She was not involved with YPL, the Chamber or any other professional organizations. However, after nine months of being a YPL member, I’ve built relationships with a number of professionals in Lubbock that have involved me in Chamber committees, given me leadership roles in community organizations and become my customers at the bank. The contrast between no involvement in the professional community and membership in organizations like YPL is night and day. I’m constantly rewarded by the opportunities provided by this organization.

Why is being a YPL member important to you? According to the Lubbock Economic Development Alliance’s (LEDA) 2015 Economic Outlook, the population of 18-34 year-olds in the Lubbock MSA has been declining since 2010 and is projected to

NEW CENTURY LEADERSHIP LUBBOCK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE Feb. 10: Higher Education March 9: City County Government Day 10

continue declining through 2020. It is vitally important for the sustainable growth of our city to keep the younger professional talent coming out of institutions like Texas Tech University and South Plains College in Lubbock. YPL does that, and it gives those young professionals a place to network and learn from other peers. It’s a valuable resource that encourages young professionals to develop their careers here without moving to Dallas, Austin or Houston; and keeps us competitive with cities like Midland and Odessa.

Where do you work? I work for Centennial Bank. We’re a $730 million full-service community bank headquartered in Downtown Lubbock and built on quality relationships with our customers. We operate 14 branches in four major regions of Texas — Lubbock, the Panhandle, the South Plains and the Hill Country.

What is your position? I am the Business Solutions Specialist for the Lubbock, Panhandle and South Plains regions; focusing mostly on the Lubbock market.

What all does your position entail? I work on bringing the best community banking products and services to local and small businesses. My focus is on deposit and operating accounts, cash management solutions, merchant services and business development. I truly believe that Centennial is one of the best banks for businesses in the Lubbock market, and I work very hard to prove that to our customers.

How long have you been with your current company?

Three years — I started with Centennial Bank in November 2012 in marketing, but was later promoted to Business Solutions Specialist so I could spend more time servicing the needs of our small business customers. I love my job and working for a company that is just as invested in me as I am in them.

Share some info about your family. I’m originally from Austin, but most of my family currently lives in Bullard, Texas, just outside of Tyler. I attended Westlake High School in Austin and earned an Agricultural and Applied Economics degree from Texas Tech University. My “Lubbock family” includes two roommates, my dog Boone and my roommate’s dog Titan. I’m a big fan of BBQ, hunting, Texas Country music and football.

LEADERSHIP

LUBBOCK

LUBBOCK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Feb. 16: Lubbock 101 March 21-22: Lubbock Day at the Capitol

Lubbock Business Network

Leadership Lubbock Spotlight: Claire Maginness Why did you choose to become part of the Leadership Lubbock Steering Committee? I chose to become part of the Leadership Lubbock Steering Committee because I really enjoyed my year in Leadership Lubbock and wanted to play a role in making it a great experience for future Leadership Lubbock classes.

How long have you been associated with Leadership Lubbock? I was in the 2015 Leadership Lubbock class and am now on the Steering Committee for my second year of association with Leadership Lubbock.

What are some of your favorite Leadership Lubbock events to attend? My favorite Leadership Lubbock event to attend was Lubbock 101. Lubbock 101 depicted how businesses are all related in the development of the city, something that I hadn’t realized before then. It was a great introduction to the city and was a fun kick-off to the rest of the Leadership Lubbock year.

What do you feel is the most rewarding part of being on the Leadership Lubbock Steering Committee? The most rewarding part of being on the Leadership Lubbock Steering Committee is knowing that I’m helping current class members learn about Lubbock and make connections throughout their community. Being in Leadership Lubbock made me feel like I was more “at home” in the community and I love knowing that I can help others achieve that same feeling.

Why is the Leadership Lubbock program important to you?

I moved to Lubbock in 2012 after completing my Master’s degree at Texas Tech University. Leadership Lubbock helped to acclimate me to the community and meet others from different careers in Lubbock. The program truly allowed me to have a thorough understanding of Lubbock and the different entities that work together in order to make it a successful and thriving city.

Who do you work for? I work for Texas Tech University in the Student Union and Activities department.

What is your position? Assistant Director What all does your position entail? As the Assistant Director, I help advise the Tech Activities Board and also play a role in the Student Union and Activities’ outreach initiatives. Some of the events I host as the outreach liaison are Homecoming Week, Diversity Week, Arbor Day, Volunteer Fairs, National Collegiate Alcohol Awareness Week, and Tech or Treat. The goal of the outreach events is to form a connection between Texas Tech University and the Lubbock community.

How long have you been with your current company? I have worked in Texas Tech’s Student Union and Activities department in different capacities for five years.

Share some info about your family. I am originally from Pennsylvania, where I grew up, and my family still lives. I came to Lubbock to attend graduate school and fell in love with the city. I am recently engaged so Lubbock has a special place in my heart.

Chamber and Community Members are invited to Sail the Rhine in Luxury The Lubbock Chamber of Commerce will be embarking on a once-in-a-lifetime scenic sail up the gorgeous Rhine River during an exclusive 10-day cruise available to chamber members and their family and friends.

Participants will get to experience the Rhine’s most romantic and legendary sights while aboard the brand-new Charles Dickens, set to depart from Amsterdam on October 19, 2016. Over the next 10 days, travelers can experience firsthand the fascinating history and captivating charm of the cities lining the Rhine’s banks during guided tours and free time for exploring. While in Germany, tourists will see the beautiful religious architecture of Cologne, witness the breathtaking cliffs and ancient castles of Koblenz, taste the famous Moselle wines of Cochem and wonder at the self-playing music boxes in Sigfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum. The cruise also takes its travelers through the dreamy Dutch village of Volendam, the awe-inspiring Strasbourg Cathedral in France and the picturesque town of Basel, known as the cultural capital of Switzerland. With ample opportunities for learning, tasting, exploring and relaxing, this luxurious journey through the culture-filled Rhine and its European cities is sure to please.

“This is an incredible opportunity to see and experience the true beauty of the Rhine River,” Chairwoman-elect Beth Bridges said. “Plus, travelers can experience the country’s culture, learn about its business climate, and make new friends.”

Space is limited, so act fast. Don’t miss your chance to visit the Rhine’s awe-inspiring riversides and create new memories that will last a lifetime.

For more information about this amazing trip please call the Chamber at (806) 761-7000 or email Norma Ritz Johnson at norma.johnson@lubbockbiz.org. Additional information and trip itinerary can be found at LubbockChamber.com.

Save the Date:

Rhine River Cruise Info Meeting Thurs., March 3 @ 5pm Lubbock Chamber of Commerce 1500 Broadway, Suite 101 11

Lubbock Business Network

Advocacy at Work

Legislative Benefactor:

Chamber stands up for Local Cotton Farmers In an effort to help support the hard work of cotton farmers enjoyed by the local economy, the Lubbock Chamber of Commerce has joined a number of ag organizations in asking Secretary of Agriculture Vilsack to use his discretionary authority to designate cottonseed as an “other oilseed” for purposes of the Agricultural Risk Coverage and Price Loss Coverage programs under the 2014 Farm Bill.

Because of recent changes to U.S. farm policy, the USDA taking the administrative action to designate cottonseed as an “other oilseed” would have a stabilizing impact on the industry and bring some much needed financial relief during these extremely challenging times.

This seemingly simple act is more important now than ever after the U.S. had to reform its cotton policy in the 2014 Farm Bill to resolve the longstanding Brazil WTO cotton dispute,

leaving cotton growers without the benefit of an effective safety net. Crop insurance is an essential tool, but it’s the only protection cotton producers have. And, while crop insurance certainly helps cotton farmers through tough times, it never was designed to meet this type of pricing and high-input-cost crisis.

Because of the Chamber’s efforts on this issue, Sledge Taylor, Chairman of the National Cotton Council, recently wrote a letter formally thanking immediate past Chairman Jay Jacobus for taking a strong stance on standing up for this region’s farmers.

Chamber to Host CD-19 Candidate Forum The Lubbock Chamber of Commerce, along with KCBD NewsChannel 11, will host a Congressional District 19 Candidate Forum on Wed., Feb. 3.

The live 90-minute forum will feature nine candidates vying for Congressional District 19 seat currently held by Congressman Randy Neugebauer. The forum will be held at the Lubbock Memorial Civic Center Theater and is open to the public. It will be broadcast live on KCBD NewsChannel 11 and via live stream on KCBD.com at 6:30 p.m.

The doors will open at 5:30 p.m. and guests MUST be in their seats no later than 6:15 p.m.

Early Voting:

Feb. 16-26, 2016

Election Day: March 1, 2016

Salute to Ag Luncheon Celebrates National Ag Day The Lubbock Chamber of Commerce will host a Salute to Ag Luncheon on, Thurs., March 10, at the Bayer Museum of Agriculture.

The Salute to Ag Luncheon recognizes and celebrates the abundance provided by agriculture and is held during the month of March on or around the time of National Ag Day. The Chamber’s Salute to Ag Luncheon will feature guest speaker Ron Smith, Editor of Southwest Farm Press. With more than 30 years covering Sunbelt agriculture, Smith began his career in agricultural journalism as an Experiment Stat and Extension editor at Clemson University, where he earned a master’s degree in English. He served as associate editor for Southeast Farm Press from 1978 to 1989. In 1990, Smith helped launch Southern Turf Management Magazine and served as editor. He also helped start two other regional Turf and Landscape publications and launched and edited Florida Grove and Vegetable Management for the Farm Press Group.

The serving line will begin at 11:45 a.m., with the program beginning promptly at 12 p.m.

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Tickets for the luncheon are $35. Chamber members get a discounted price of $25. Reservations are required by noon on Thurs., March 3. Register at LubbockChamber.com or by calling the Chamber at (806) 761-7000.

Lubbock Business Network

February Business of the Month: Lubbock Economic Development Alliance Congratulations to the February Business of the Month, Lubbock Economic Development Alliance (LEDA)! LEDA has been a member of the Chamber for the past 10 years!

John Osborne, President and CEO, believes that having a close partnership and relationship with the Chamber is vital to LEDA in order to help local companies expand or attract new companies to relocate to Lubbock.

“It is helpful for us to hear a unified voice from the Lubbock business community, which the Chamber is excellent at providing,” Osborne added.

The Chamber and LEDA partner in a magnitude of ways each year, but our most recent partnership was on the business survey sent out by the Chamber to get its thoughts on the local economy and how our economy impacts their business decisions.

“The LEDA strategic plan was developed in conjunction with the city-wide strategic plan created by the Chamber, Imagine Lubbock Together. It was important for the LEDA strategic plan to mirror some of the same initiatives created by community members,” stated Osborne.

When Osborne was asked what LEDA’s favorite Chamber event to participate in he said that it would be hard to pick just one. LEDA sponsors multiple Chamber events throughout the year and participates in as many as it can.

“The Chamber always has a great event going on where community members and business leaders can learn more about Lubbock and network with each other,” said Osborne.

Recently, LEDA announced the largest capital investment project since its inception with Monsanto, one of the world’s largest sustainable agriculture companies, expanding its Lubbock operations to include a new cotton seed processing facility.

The Chamber appreciates all that LEDA does for our community and our close relationship with them. Thank you for working with us on making Lubbock a great place to live, work and play. Congratulations again on receiving the February Business of the Month award!

The Chamber is proud to congratulate LEDA on the February Business of the Month achievement.

LEDA along with all the other businesses of the month for 2016, will be considered for the Chamber’s Business of the Year award, in December 2016.

Board Member Spotlight: Sharon Bass How did you get involved with the Chamber and what keeps you involved? I have attended Chamber events for years. The Volunteer Center decided to become a member several years ago, because of the Chamber Health Plan. We are now able to offer our employees health insurance which has benefited so many of us.

What are some of your other community leadership roles? I serve on the Junior League of Lubbock's Advisory Board and the TTU Center for Public Service Advisory. I'm a member of the Lubbock Association of Fundraising Professionals and Lubbock Executive Forum.

Finish this sentence: Never again will I…Worry about things I have no control over.

What is your favorite event or program of the Chamber? The favorite program has to be the health insurance option, but we also enjoy going to the Hub City BBQ and I love the energy at the Business Expo.

New Online Membership Application Do you know a prospective Chamber Member?

If so, get them to join now!

It’s EASY! Just click the “join now” button on our home page

and become a member of the largest business organization in Lubbock!

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Lubbock Business Network

Chamber Ambassador Program Introducing the 2016 Ambassador Chairman, Mike Lambert Where are you from? I'm kind of from all over the place. My father spent 26 years in the Navy so we typically moved every four years or so. I myself spent 21 years in the Marine Corps and as a Government Contractor so I also moved frequently. I was born in Kingsville, Texas and both of my parents are from Abilene, so don't worry, I've always been a Texan.

How long have you lived here? We moved "home" to Idalou in 2012.

Where do you work? I currently run Feed and Thangs Farm Store in Idalou for my wife and brother-in-law who are the owners.

How long have you been a member of the Chamber and what other committees do you serve on? I've been a member of the Chamber since 2013. I have served as an ambassador, on the Business Expo Committee, and I am the co-chair of the BBQ Committee.

How long have you been involved with the Ambassadors? I joined the ambassadors as soon as I joined the Chamber.

What’s your favorite part of being an Ambassador? For me, it has always been and continues to be a great way to meet people who I may not get to interact with on a day to day basis in my business. It really creates great awareness of what is going on

in the community and and in the business community which leads to opportunities both personally and professionally. The camaraderie is something that I also really enjoy.

How do you feel the Chamber helps businesses? For me, there is just no better way to network. Just like with being an ambassador, being a member provides introductions that might not normally occur in a normal business day and that leads to opportunities to inform others, who we are and what we do at Feed and Thangs. It also allows me to come up with ideas and opportunities for collaboration with other businesses, charitable organizations, and the community I love.

Anything else you’d like to add... I’ve been married for 16 years.

We have four children who are 21, 18, six-year old, and three-year old.

Our 6 and 3 year old are adopted, the 6-year old domestically and the 3-year old from China.

Welcome to our 2016 Ambassador Committee Members

Rex Andrews Past Chairman

Anthony Brocato Team Captain

Mike Laughlin Co-Chairman

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Traci Cheek Team Captain

Bryce Looney Team Captain

Kim Davis Team Captain

Kim Putman Team Captain

Lubbock Business Network

Ambassador of the Month: Mike Laughlin

Congratulations to Mike Laughlin, December Ambassador of the Month, on his second Ambassador of the Month award!

Laughlin has been an Ambassador for three years, a team captain for two years and this year he is the Co-Chairman for the Ambassador Program.

Laughlin said he joined the Ambassadors after his co-worker, Christy Fisher, a long-time Ambassador moved to another city.

He was then asked by his company to take on the Ambassador role and keep up the positive representation she was known for.

“The friends I’ve made are priceless, and establishing business relationships with those friends makes it all the more rewarding,” Laughlin stated when asked what the most rewarding part of the program is to him.

Laughlin works at Llano Estacado Winery as the Director of Hospitality and has been with his company for almost seven years. He coordinates and manages all of its direct to consumer sales, the website and the new event center.

“Being an ambassador is important to me because I get to represent my company in the community daily as well as the community daily to those that are unfamiliar with how great Lubbock is to live and work in,” said Laughlin.

Laughlin has shown great leadership within the Chamber and it is proud to announce that he is the first-ever Co-Chairman for the newest Chamber event, Lubbock Uncorked Wine Festival.

When asked what his favorite Chamber event to attend was and in “Mike Laughlin fashion”, he stated, “I will be let go from the committee if I do not say Lubbock Uncorked!”

Outside of the Chamber Laughlin said he is heavily involved in the Southwest Parkinson’s Society. Llano Estacado Winery hosts two benefits for them each year and has been recognized for his efforts with them in the past.

Again, congratulations to Mike Laughlin on earning his second Ambassador of the Month award! The Chamber appreciates all of the time and commitment he provides to the Chamber and look forward to his leadership roles this year.

Beth Bridges (R), 2016 Chairwoman, presenting Mike Laughlin (L) with his Ambassador of the Month award.

Ribbon Cuttings & Groundbreakings Sponsored by:

Girl Scouts of Texas Oklahoma Plains - Cookies Now 2567 74th St.

High Plains Periodontics and Implant Dentistry, PLLC 6123 79th St., Ste. 100

Wisely Organized www.wiselyorganized.net

Victory Fitness Ranch 7711 Woodrow Rd.

YWCA 3101 35th St. 15

Lubbock Business Network

Welcome New Chamber Members!

Please place this addition in your Chamber Business Directory & Resource Guide 31point1, LLC (575) 390-6037 908 S. 1st St. Artesia, NM 88210 Business Consulting & Services

Days Inn (806) 745-5111 6025 Ave. A Lubbock, TX 79404 Hotels & Motels

American Star Home Health Care, Inc. (806) 687-6547 3805 22nd St., Ste. 1-C Lubbock, TX 79410 Home Health Care Services and/or Staffing

E & R Farms (806) 891-6759 5243 Harvard St. Lubbock, TX 79416 Farms

Anchorlink Corporation (806) 784-2913 5815 82nd St., Ste. 145 (183) Lubbock, TX 79424 Real Estate - Appraisers and/or Surveyors BCS Catering (806) 781-2211 2812 4th St., Ste. A Lubbock, TX 79415 Catering & Special Events Caprock Cafe - 34th Street & Indiana (806) 784-0300 3405 34th St. Lubbock, TX 79410 Restaurants Caprock Cafe - 82nd & Slide (806) 771-2233 5217 82nd St., Ste. 109 Lubbock, TX 79424 Restaurants Coldwell Banker Rick Canup Eberhardt, Renee (806) 441-9863 4924 S. Loop 289 Lubbock, TX 79414 Real Estate Comfort Inn & Suites (806) 763-6500 5828 I-27 Lubbock, TX 79404 Hotels & Motels Command Center, Inc. (806) 993-4545 2159 50th St., Ste. B Lubbock, TX 79412 Employment Agency-Permanent and/or Temporary Daley’s Superior Asphalt Manufacturing, Inc. (806) 744-2592 420 E. Lehigh Lubbock, TX 79403 Asphalt & Asphalt Products

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Freedom Mortgage (806) 407-6555 8004 Quaker Ave., Ste. D Lubbock, TX 79423 Mortgages Henry Billing Service, Inc. (806) 368-8798 2112 52nd St. Lubbock, TX 79412 Billing Services Holiday Inn Express & Suites - South (806) 771-9900 6506 I-27 Lubbock, TX 79412 Hotels & Motels Keller Williams - Andrews, Rex (806) 777-6556 10210 Quaker Ave. Lubbock, TX 79424 Real Estate Kunafin “The Insectary” (800) 832-1113 PO Box 190 Quemado, TX 78877 Agricultural Related Businesses Labrador Enterprises, Ltd. (806) 500-2600 3306 42nd St Lubbock, TX 79413 Real Estate Le-Vel Thrive - Candace Wood (806) 632-9066 8005 Belmont Ave. Lubbock, TX 79424 Health, Food & Wellness Products Liggett Law Group, PC (806) 744-4878 1001 Main St., Ste. 300 Lubbock, TX 79401 Attorneys Logistics by Lindsey (512) 221-7234 4311 30th St. Lubbock, TX 79410 Business Consulting & Services

M. Edwards, REALTORS® (806) 686-6371 103 US 84 PO Box 295 Sudan, TX 79371 Real Estate - Brokerage Orlando’s - 70th & Indiana (806) 797-8646 6951 Indiana Ave. Lubbock, TX 79413 Restaurants Orlando’s - 24th & Ave. Q (806) 747-5998 2402 Ave. Q Lubbock, TX 79411 Restaurants Pala Supply Company, Inc. (806) 748-4100 14425 N. I-27 Lubbock, TX 79403 Fundraising Shoaf Construction (806) 763-4228 5607 Clovis Hwy. Lubbock, TX 79416 Home Builders Super 8 (806) 771-8000 6510 I-27 Lubbock, TX 79412 Hotels & Motels Taj Hospitality (806) 776-1400 4416 74th St., Ste. 85 Lubbock, TX 79424 Hotels & Motels The Spa (806) 701-5840 8008 Slide Rd., Ste. 11 Lubbock, TX 79424 Day Spa Transitions Industries, LLC (806) 698-6200 5214 68th St., Ste. 306 Lubbock, TX 79424 Medical Supplies & Equipment YMCA (806) 293-8319 313 Ennis (79072) PO Box 1286 Plainview. TX 79073 Non Profit Organizations