The Lubbock
Business Network Vol. 19 No. 2
February 2011
Chamber Launches Total Resource Campaign Chamber President Eddie McBride announces Linda Gaither with WestMark Realtors® as chairwoman of the Chamber’s first annual Total Resource Campaign! This 8-week revenue generating effort kicks off on March 24 to reach a goal by May 26. The Total Resource Campaign will create teams of volunteers under the leadership of volunteer Vice Chairmen. These Vice Chairs recruit volunteers to market sponsorships to Chamber events and publications, while also seeking new
Taking Care of
OUR STARS Total Resource Campaign 2011
members for the Chamber. The all-volunteer Campaign consists of numerous sponsorships available during the Campaign. Volunteers assist companies with choosing options best suited to meet the organization’s marketing needs. “The TRC offers excellent exposure for companies both at the Chamber’s events and within our signature publications,” Chamber Chairwoman Irasema Velasquez said. The Chamber currently is forming teams for the campaign. “The Total Resource Campaign is a great way for volunteers to meet our area’s top community leaders and business owners while working directly with many of the Chamber’s most dedicated leadership,” Gaither said. Those interested in participating in the campaign should contact the Chamber at (806) 761-7000 or sheri.nugent@lubbockbiz.org.
Linda Gaither
Lubbock Innovators Award Luncheon:
‘Promoting Lubbock as a Superior Place to do Business’ Nominations and Applications due February 10 - Luncheon: April 7
“Entrepreneurs and researchers and innovators want to be around each other. They want to feed off the shared creative energy. They want access to a shared talent pool. They want to build relationships. So if a local community is able to plant that seed- if it’s able to create the climate for innovation and build a
critical mass- then private investment will follow. Innovation will follow. Jobs will follow.” - U.S. Economic Development Administration Secretary John Fernandez The Lubbock Innovators Award Luncheon will recognize members of the Lubbock Chamber of Commerce for innovation in
technology, superior business practices and contribution to the marketplace. These awards will acknowledge unique contributions and advancements, promoting Lubbock as a superior place to do business, and may also highlight recipients of regional, state and (See Innovators, Page 3)
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February 2011 • Page 2 • Lubbock Business Network
Mega Marketing – February 23 – Register Today! “Networking” - It’s the name of the game for some businesses. What if you could do several weeks worth of networking in just one day? Mega Marketing is the answer! Imagine a one day event concentrated on networking and offering you the unique opportunity to present your company, its products and services to prospective clients. If you are looking for a way to increase your business contacts – and who isn’t? – this is the day for you! With just a short time commitment of one business day, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. (lunch included), you are guaranteed a generous return on your investment. Mega Marketing will be Wednesday, February 23, in the lower level conference room at the Lubbock Power & Light/Workforce Solutions building at 1301 Broadway, so mark your calendars and get signed up! The
cost is only $50 and brand new Chamber members may use their “coupon” for a discount (certain restrictions may apply). The concept is similar to “Speed Dating”; here’s how it works: You are seated across from another business person and each of you is given 1½ minutes to introduce yourself and your company. At the end of the 3 minutes you move on to another person and do it all over again. By the end of the session you will have marketed to as many as 50-60 new people. Space is limited and to ensure diversity, only two similar categories of businesses are allowed AND only one person per company is allowed. A maximum of 64 companies may participate. Remember, space is limited and you must register prior to the event to guarantee your
spot for Mega Marketing. Be sure to bring promotional materials and lots of business cards. Please call Colleen Evans at 761-7001 for reservations or email colleen.evans@lubbockbiz.org .
Attention Chamber Restaurants If you would like to be a Mega Marketing Lunch Sponsor, contact Colleen Evans at (806) 761-7001 or email colleen.evans@lubbockbiz.org . This is a great way to gain exposure by showing off a new menu item or your catering capabilities. You would need to provide enough food to serve between 12 & 15 people and your food category will be exclusive!
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February 2011 • Page 3 • Lubbock Business Network
C A L E N D A R OF EVENTS
February
3 Community Prayer Lunch Committee 4 p..m. – LCOC 4 Transportation Committee 9:30 a.m. – LCOC 7 Ribbon Cutting for Jack in the Box 9 a.m. – 98th and Slide
8 Chamber Employer Health Plan – Wellness Testing in Lubbock Farm Show Kickoff Breakfast 8 a.m. – Civic Center Banquet Hall Leadership Lubbock Committee 11 a.m. – LCOC Golf Classic Committee 3 p.m. – LCOC
Farm Show Kickoff Breakfast - Tuesday, February 8 The Chamber will host the Farm Show Kickoff Breakfast on Tuesday, February 8, in the Banquet Hall of the Lubbock Memorial Civic Center in conjunction with the annual Southwest Farm & Ranch Classic. Serving line opens at 7:30 a.m. and the program begins promptly at 8:00 a.m. This breakfast is sponsored by the Southwest Farm & Ranch Classic, the Thornton Agricultural Finance Institute and the Cotton Economics Research Institute. The speaker will be Jim Owen, Founder
and CIO (Chief Inspiration Officer) of the Center for Cowboy Ethics and Leadership and author of the books Cowboy Ethics: What Wall Street Can Learn from the Code of the West and Cowboy Values: Recapturing What America Once Stood For. Jim’s Wall Street career spanned 40 years, including 15 years as a partner with NWQ Investment Management Company in Los Angeles. Profiled in the Wall Street Journal as a leading Wall Street “rainmaker,” Jim has (See Farm Show, Page 4)
Innovators Awards Luncheon
10 Focus Lubbock Committee 3 p.m. – LCOC Business After Hours – Raider Ranch 5:30-7 p.m. – 6520 43rd 11 Legislative Affairs Committee 9:30 a.m. – LCOC 15 Leadership Lubbock – Economic and Business Day 16 Business Development Committee 11:30 a.m. – LP&L Building, 1301 Broadway, Second Floor Conference Room
(See February, Page 8)
i
RS AWA RD ATO OV N
17 Executive Committee and Health Care Co-op Board Meeting Noon – 1901 W. Loop 289, #9
(From Page 1) national funding. The Innovators Award committee will collaborate with representatives from Texas Tech University, Rawls College of Business, South Plains College, Reese Technology Center, Lubbock Economic Development Alliance, TTU Small Business Development Center, West Texas Coalition for Innovation and Commercialization, and the Texas Manufacturing Assistance Center to identify and evaluate innovative technologies, superior business practices and honor the years’ most promising technological ventures from the South Plains. Nominees must be a member in good standing of the Lubbock Chamber of OMMERCE C IN OF R Commerce. This award is open to new, emerging, and existing businesses as well as non-profit 2011 research projects. CK CHA BBO M BE LU
9 New Century Leadership – City/ County Government Day Ambassador Monthly Luncheon Noon – TBD
Companies may either self-nominate or be nominated by a third party. The third party nomination form and applications are available at the following: 2011 Lubbock Innovators Award Third Party Nomination 2011 Innovation in Technology Application 2011 Superior Business Practices Application Nominations and applications are due by the close of business, Thursday, February 10, 2011. The Awards Luncheon will be held Thursday, April 7, from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. at the Scottish Rite Center, located at 1101 70th Street. Nomination and event sponsorship information is available from the Lubbock Chamber of Commerce. For more information, contact Robin Raney, VP of Business Development at robin. raney@lubbockbiz.org.
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February 2011 • Page 4 • Lubbock Business Network
News from the High Plains Diversified Energy Corporation The High Plains Diversified Energy Corporation announced recently plans for two major acquisitions. On Dec. 30, HPDEC announced that it has signed an agreement with a subsidiary of Constellation Energy (NYSE:CEG) to purchase the Quail Run Energy Center, a nominal 550-megawatt natural gas combined-cycle generation facility located near Odessa, for $185.3 million. In January, the corporation announced that it has signed an agreement to purchase a 1,000-megawatt natural gas-powered electric generation facility located near Odessa, Texas, from PSEG Power, a subsidiary of PSEG (NYSE:PEG), for $335 million. Both acquisitions will be financed through the sale of municipal bonds, and both transactions are expected to close during the first quarter of 2011. Formed in 2008, HPDEC was created by the West Texas Municipal Power Agency (WTMPA) as part of a unique publicprivate partnership with Republic Power Partners, LP (RPP) to provide the WTMPA member cities of Brownfield, Floydada, Lubbock and Tulia, Texas with a reliable, low-cost portfolio of wind, natural gas, solar
and biomass electric generation. HPDEC intends to develop new transmission capabilities to deliver the electric power to its customer base. Through invest-
ments in infrastructure development, HPDEC will also help bring jobs and economic growth to the region.
Farm Show Kickoff Breakfast
(From Page 3) also been a prolific speaker and author on investment topics. In 2004, dismayed by the rash of corporate scandals and growing societal discord, Jim launched a second career as a social entrepreneur focused on ways to strengthen the foundation of shared values in American society. Inspired by his lifelong interest in Western history and lore, Jim coined the phrase “cowboy ethics” and wrote his book distilling the
Code of the West into “Ten Principles to Live By.” To date nearly 100,000 copies of the book have been sold. Tickets are $15 each for Chamber members and show exhibitors, and $25 for prospective Chamber members. Table sponsorships are available for $300. To register online, click here, or contact the Chamber at 806.761.7000, or e-mail info@ lubbockbiz.org. Registration/cancellation deadline is noon Friday, February 4.
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February 2011 • Page 5 • Lubbock Business Network
2011 BOARD OF DIRECTORS CHAIRWOMAN Irasema Velasquez Velasquez Insurance & Worksite Benefits CHAIRMAN-ELECT Tim Collins Collins Tile, LLP IMMEDIATE PAST CHAIR Joe Rapier Parkhill, Smith & Cooper, Inc. TREASURER David Seim PlainsCapital Bank SECRETARY Eddie McBride Lubbock Chamber of Commerce VICE CHAIRWOMAN, MEMBERSHIP DIVISION Stephanie Massengale Advanced Graphix VICE CHAIRMAN, BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT DIVISION Rick Boyd First United Bank VICE CHAIRMAN, GOVERNMENTAL AFFAIRS DIVISION Jay Jacobus Scarborough Specialties, Inc. VICE CHAIRMAN, LEADERSHIP DIVISION Carlos Morales Caprock Home Health Services, Inc. VICE CHAIRMAN, COMMUNICATIONS DIVISION John D. Steinmetz Vista Bank VICE CHAIRMAN, HISPANIC BUSINESS DIVISION Rudy Rosales Montelongo’s Mexican Restaurant HISPANIC BUSINESS DIVISION REPRESENTATIVE Juanita Mendoza Wells Fargo BOARD ADMINISTRATION Martin Aguirre Workforce Solutions South Plains Stephen Beasley Lubbock Avalanche-Journal Alona Beesinger Suddenlink West Texas Ron Betenbough Betenbough Homes John D. Brock NorthStar Surgical Center Darrin Camp Taco Bell/Pizza Hut Border Management Corp. Jeff Dane UMC Health System Karen Garza Lubbock Independent School District Yolanda Gonzaga Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center Gary Gregory Atmos Energy Grace Hernandez Texas Tech University Sidney Hopper United Supermarkets Peter Hur RFS Financial Services Clayton Isom TAO Development Group Dan Jackson KCBD TV-NewsChannel 11 Robert Lacy PYCO Industries Gabe Martinez Telemundo KXTQ-TV 46, Ramar Comm. Brandon Mulkey Chick-fil-A at South Plains Crossing Richard Parks Covenant Health System Joe Phea African American Chamber of Commerce - Lubbock Norval Pollard City Bank Shirley Schleuse Lamar Outdoor Advertising Kelvin Sharp South Plains College Michael Shonrock Texas Tech University Frank Silvas AFLAC-Laquita Carthel Regional Sales Mark Stiff Bates-Wells Promotional Products Gabe Vitela National Teachers Life Insurance Company Gary Zheng Lubbock Power & Light
CHAMBER STAFF Eddie McBride, President/CEO Sheri Nugent, IOM, Vice President-Administration Robin Raney, Vice President-Business Development Mary Jane Buerkle, IOM, Vice President-Communications Jorge Quirino, Vice President-Hispanic Business Division Phyllis Jones, Vice President-Leadership Norma Ritz Johnson, IOM, Vice President-Legislative Affairs Colleen Evans, Membership Director Amy Marquez, Administrative Assistant Norma Gomez Bulls, Customer Service Representative Britnee Davis and Audrey DeLeon, Interns
Finding and Keeping Top Performers A facilitated exchange of practical tips for workplace leaders as well as individuals involved in hiring Thursday, March 31, 2011
The Legacy, 1500 14th Street Choose between TWO identical sessions - 9 a.m.-Noon or 2-5 p.m. Hosted by the Chamber, Workforce Solutions South Plains, and KCBD NewsChannel 11 Need workers who are both able and motivated? Join a high energy, facilitated exchange to uncover successful strategies and tested techniques used by others in the Lubbock area to hire and retain top talent! Learn tips to attract, interview, select, motivate and retain top-notch employees. Explore generational differences and other nuances. Expect: High audience participation – because collectively we know more than any one individual. “Fun with a Focus!” – because our retention of knowledge is greater when we learn in a relaxed atmosphere. Practical tips that you can immediately implement – because that’s our main purpose for gathering! WHO SHOULD ATTEND? Workplace leaders as well as individuals involved in hiring. (Supervisors, team leads, managers, recruiters, and human resource staff.) HOW TO ENROLL Participants will choose from a morning or afternoon session, 9 a.m. - Noon or 2 – 5 p.m. Click HERE to register for the MORNING session.
Click HERE to register for the AFTERNOON session. The cost is $40 per person for Chamber Members and $45 per person for Prospective Chamber Members. Enroll now by calling the Chamber at (806) 761-7000. For group rates or for sponsorship information, contact Robin Raney at robin.raney@lubbockbiz.org. TRAINER BIO An energetic trainer who believes in audience participation, Michele D. Newsouse has delivered 400+ workshops, seminars, speeches and web events to groups of executives and professionals across the United States on matters such as strategic planning, networking, marketing, and negotiating. She has 250+ how-to and other nonfiction articles to her name, including pieces for national four-color leadership magazines and educational book anthologies. Since 2003, Michele is primarily fulfilling her need to encourage and serve others through her position as a Career Management Consultant for Right Management, an industry leader in career transition and organizational consulting. Her broad business background includes 5+ years as the owner of Covenant Professional Services, a company focused on administration, training and consulting services for nonprofits and associations. She has also worked in marketing, communications, office management, and analyst roles for both large organizations and small entrepreneurial businesses.
Save These Dates for these BIG events in 2011! May 12 –
Business Expo – Civic Center July 25 –
Chamber Golf Classic Hillcrest Country Club September 29 –
Hub City BBQ Cook-off Downtown Lubbock December 1 –
Annual Membership Meeting and Awards Banquet – Civic Center
2011 Winter Gala — February 12 The Hispanic Association of Women will host their 2011 Winter Gala on Saturday, Feb. 12, beginning at 7 p.m. The gala will feature cocktails, delicious food, and live entertainment. Tickets are $30 for individuals and $50 per couple. For more information, please call (806) 789-3228. Dress is semi-formal. Proceeds go toward scholarships.
February 2011 • Page 6 • Lubbock Business Network
ATTENTION Lubbock Chamber Employer Health Plan Participants!
Get a Comprehensive Wellness Check At No Charge! Enrollment in the awardwinning Chamber Employer Health Plan qualifies enrolled participants for Wellness Testing one time per Plan year at no extra charge to plan members! The next testing dates are (by appointment only): ● in Lubbock on Tuesday, February 8, at Covenant Lifestyle Centre, 21st & Joliet (East parking garage, Building 17, 6th Floor. FREE parking for 2 hours) ● in Plainview on Monday, February 14, at Covenant Hospital-Plainview; 2601 Dimmitt Rd (Max Gabriel Conference Room) Here’s how to take advantage of this benefit: ● Enrolled businesses and organizations with 10 or fewer enrolled employees and covered adult dependents who wish to participate in the testing can make an appointment for the upcoming Wellness Testing Opportunity on Feb. 8 in Lubbock or on Feb. 14 in Plainview (details below). ● Contact Covenant Health System Corporate Services at (806) 725-6543. Once an appointment(s) has been made, participants will receive specific instructions and guidelines as well as a questionnaire to complete prior to the testing opportunity. If you are a larger enrolled group with 10 or more enrolled employees and covered adult
dependents who wish to participate in the testing, Covenant will travel to your place of business to conduct Wellness Testing on a different date. Contact Covenant Health System Corporate Services at 806-725-6543 for more information. WHAT: Wellness Testing Event for Groups with Less than 10 Covered Participants. WHEN: In Lubbock, Tuesday, February 8 and in Plainview, Monday, February 14 (Appointment Only); Wellness Testing 7:00 a.m. until 10:00 a.m. (must be fasting); Cardiac Testing 7:30 a.m. until 3:45 p.m. HOW: By appointment only; Call Covenant Health System Corporate Services at 806-7256543 for appointments and more information about either location. WHAT IF: Your group has more than 10 Covered participants? Covenant Corporate Services can come to your place of business! Call Covenant Health System Corporate Services at 806725-6543 for more information. W H AT ’ S I N C LU D E D : (There are two wellness phases in the Wellness Testing Programs. If you want to do the Phase II Cardiac Screen, you MUST first participate in the Phase I Wellness portion.) Phase I includes Wellness Questionnaire; Blood Pressure Check; Cholesterol Evaluation
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What’s new? Plenty! New health plans are available for effective dates of JANUARY 01, 2011! For those Lubbock Chamber employers who have not taken advantage of the FirstCare program, now is the time to see how your company can benefit. Groups as few as 2 employees are eligible. steve@sypert.com y
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ic Antigen and Bone Density are covered by the Chamber Health Plan. Calcium Score is $145 out-of-pocket cost. *Current enrollment in Lubbock Chamber Employer Health Plan at time of testing required for all participants. Not enrolled in the Plan? Call FirstCare Sales & Marketing at 806-783-9654 today!
If you didn’t get your 2011 Business After Hours calendar in the mail, please make sure you download it from our website! Click here to see what businesses will be hosting BAH events this year! (Look for the link at the bottom.)
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February 2011 • Page 7 • Lubbock Business Network
Lubbock Day at the Capitol Takes Lubbock Business Interests to Austin The Chamber’s Leadership Lubbock and Focus Lubbock classes and committees, along with several Chamber member businesses, traveled to Austin in late January for Lubbock Day in Austin. The two-day trip also allowed some attendees to hear from Attorney General Greg Abbott, Representative Dan Branch, Justice Phil Johnson, and Bill Hammond, Texas Association of Business and Todd Staples, Texas Commissioner of Agriculture. Leadership Lubbock and Focus Lubbock had different itineraries from Lubbock Day participants, although they sometimes merged. The highlight of the trip was the Lubbock Day Legislative Luncheon, where Texas Gov. Rick Perry spoke to the group. Click here to read the Governor’s speech and view pictures and photos. Participants also enjoyed an evening at
Stubb’s BBQ, mixing and mingling with State Representatives, Capitol staff employees, Chamber of Commerce Board members, LISD Superintendent Dr. Karen Garza, FISD Superintendent David Vroonland and other representatives from Lubbock. This is a unique opportunity for the Chamber to bring business interests straight into the
Capitol. The Chamber appreciates State Reps. John Frullo, Charles Perry and Jim Landtroop and their staff members for their hospitality. The Leadership Lubbock and Focus Lubbock classes also toured the Bob Bullock museum and the LBJ library as well as guided tours of our State Capitol. Focus Lubbock student Alex Bingham, who is originally from Austin, said, “Playing tourist in my own town, I was surprised by the many discoveries that I was not aware about!” Leadership Lubbock participant Gabriela Manolache with the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center said, “Visiting Austin with LL filled me with such a sense of pride in my new adopted State of Texas. I learned so much about Texas-from the uniqueness of its constitution to the strong, determined character of its founding fathers and citizens. I am truly blessed to call Texas home.” Sponsors included:
Leadership Lubbock and Focus Lubbock: Senator Robert Duncan, Suddenlink West Texas, Crenshaw, Dupree & Milam, South Plains Mall and HMS Host Lubbock Day: Silver Sponsors: FirstCare Health Plans, Lubbock Regional MHMR; Table Sponsors: Lubbock Power & Light, Atmos Energy, Plains Cotton Cooperative Association/Plains Cotton Growers
February 2011 • Page 8 • Lubbock Business Network
Chamber Staff Members Attend Institute for Organization Management Two Chamber staff members recently attended the Institute for Organization Management, an intensive week-long nonprofit leadership training program held in January at the University of Arizona in Tucson. Eddie McBride, President and CEO, completed his third year at Institute. This professional development program of the U.S. Chamber is a comprehensive course of study consisting of four annual sessions focusing
Eddie McBride
on professional growth and development for the world’s largest business federation repreassociation, chamber, and other nonprofit senting the interests of more than 3 million professionals. businesses of all sizes, sectors, and regions, as Norma Ritz Johnson, IOM, Vice Pres- well as state and local chambers and industry ident-Legislative Affairs, served as a class associations. advisor. Institute’s class advisors play a pivotal role throughout the week, facilitating learning and building team spirit for their homerooms. Each advisor is an Institute graduate selected (From Page 3) by the Board of Regents to serve as an on-site resource for participants. “Institute participants are recognized across 21 Chamber Offices Closed for Presidents’ Day the country as leaders in their communities,” said Raymond P. Towle, IOM, CAE, the U.S. 22 Ribbon Cutting for Lubbock Manor Chamber’s vice president of Institute for Or 1:30 p.m. – 2101 Avenue Q ganization Management. “These individuals Business Expo Committee 4 p.m. – LCOC have the knowledge, skills, and dedication to achieve professional and organizational suc 23 Mega Marketing cess in the dynamic association and chamber 10 a.m. - LP&L Building industries.” 1301 Broadway, Basement Conference Room Since 1921, Institute has attracted association and chamber professionals from across 24 Board of Directors Meeting the country to its five university sites. During 10 a.m. – TBD the four years, most Institute participants at Ribbon Cutting for Texas Specialty Hospital tend the one-week sessions at the same site, 3:30 p.m. – 4302 Princeton building valuable relationships with others Business After Hours – Ferguson in the industry. Through a combination Enterprises of required courses and electives, Institute 5:30-7 p.m. – 6002 42nd participants are able to enhance their own 25 Focus Lubbock – City/County organizational management skills and add Government Day new fuel to their organizations, making them run more efficiently and effectively. 28 Business Mercado Committee 4 p.m. – LCOC Graduates of Institute receive the IOM recognition, signifying completion of 96 hours of course instruction in nonprofit management. In addition, participants can earn points toward the Certified Chamber Executive (CCE) or Certified Association Executive (CAE) certifications. Nearly 1,000 individuals attend Institute annually. Institute is a 501(c) (3) affiliate of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and is the A joint join venture of the Lubbock Chamber of Commerce and Visit Lubbock premier nonprofit professional development program for association and chamber professionwww.LubbockMap.com w als, fostering individual growth through interactive learning and networking opCall now to be included! Published locally by portunities. Word Publications The U.S. ChamPublicize your business to thousands of potential customers & receive maps to distribute. ber of Commerce is
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February 2011 • Page 9 • Lubbock Business Network
Business of the Month
Chamber Member Named to ETF Fund Committee
Randal “Randy” Hill of Baird, president and CEO of Lubbock Chamber member APT Advanced Trailer and Equipment LP, was one of 10 members recently appointed by Texas Gov. Rick Perry to the Texas Emerging Technology Fund Advisory Committee. The committee recommends proposals eligible for funding under the Emerging Technology Fund to the governor, lieutenant governor and speaker of the House, who then must unanimously approve funding for projects.
Hill is a member of the American Peanut Shellers Association, National Peanut Buying Points Association, Georgia Agribusiness Council, and the Abilene, Lubbock and Vernon chambers of commerce. He is also a board member of Christian Homes of Abilene and Disability Resources Inc. Hill received a bachelor’s degree from Abilene Christian University. He replaces Joel Fontenot of Dallas for a term to expire Aug. 31, 2011.
Theme Chosen for Business Expo By Audrey DeLeon Lubbock Chamber member Childress Photographic Group is the Chamber’s January 2011 Business of the Month. Childress has been in operation since 1974, when Jim and Sue Childress opened their company. Their vision is to take everything personally in order to connect with their clients. Childress Photographic Group is based on quality, dependability and Christian ethics. “This is an absolute honor,” John Childress said. “This is one of the neatest accomplishments we have ever had.” In 1993, John joined the company and is now the CEO and Vice President of Op-
erations. Shirley Wilson is the studio’s general manager and was recently honored for being with the company for 30 years. Ryn Dunn has worked for the company over 10 years and is the digital lab manager and in charge of the back end. “We cannot do what we do without our wonderful staff,” John said. Childress offers a wide range of photography including families, babies, school portraits, senior pictures, weddings, commercial and executive portraits. After pictures are taken, the staff edits and prints everything on site in their state of the art facility. The 5,000 square foot phys(See Childress, Page 12)
“Exchange Ideas, Explore Solutions” is the theme for the 2011 Business Expo, hosted by the Lubbock Chamber of Commerce at the Lubbock Memorial Civic Center from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Thursday, May 12. A sponsorship in the Business Expo leverages branding and marketing opportunities while benefitting from Business to Business Networking with more than 200 exhibitors and approximately 7,000 attendees. Marketing for this event includes television, radio, newspaper and area billboards as well as printed brochures and tickets which are mailed to all 2,100-plus members of the Chamber. Your name or logo would be presented on at least 5,000 printed brochures and 40,000 tickets. Electronic
blasts sent via Monday Memo and Thursday Updates reach more than 4,000 individuals and the Chamber website averages 5,000 visits per month. Exhibit space is limited, so please reserve your booth space today! “Restaurant Row” will return this year after a successful launch in 2010 with a dedicated section in the Pedestrian Mall available for food service vendors. Current sponsors include Workforce Solutions South Plains, RD Thomas, Suddenlink, Benchmark Business Solutions, Advanced Graphix, Bodyworks, Lubbock Power and Light, Hogland Office Equipment, Caprock Home Health Services, Switch I.T. Support, Ranch at Dove Tree, Childress Photography and Laser Magic.
February 2011 • Page 10 • Lubbock Business Network
Covenant Corner elor’s degree in psychology from Southwest Texas State University in San Marcos and a master’s degree in health care administration from Texas Woman’s University in Denton. He is a fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives. Thibodeaux is married to Lynnette, and they have two daughters. Live Longer, Give Stronger! Troy Thibodeaux Covenant Health System Names Troy Thibodeaux as New Chief Operations Officer
Covenant Health System is pleased to announce Troy Thibodeaux will become the new chief operations officer of Covenant Health System. As COO, Thibodeaux will oversee the operations of Covenant Health System, including Covenant Medical Center, Covenant Women’s and Children’s and Covenant Specialty Hospital. “Beyond his extensive experience in the health care industry, Troy possesses humility, wisdom, humor and a strong faith,” Richard Parks, president and chief executive officer of Covenant Health System, said. “I am convinced his leadership strengths and personal values will be a perfect fit for Covenant.” Thibodeaux’s career in health care system leadership spans 18 years. He comes to Lubbock from Longview where he served as the executive vice president and COO for Good Shepherd Health System. Prior to working at Good Shepherd, Thibodeaux was the vice president of operations for East Texas Medical Center located in Tyler. A committee comprised of a physician advisory group, Covenant’s administrators and Covenant’s Board of Directors chose Thibodeaux out of 200 applicants. Thibodeaux received his bach-
Covenant Health System extends an Invitation to area Small Business Owners to: Live Longer Give Stronger! Live Longer, Give Stronger is a nutritional campaign designed to improve the health of community by creating a Circle of Giving. Small Business Owners* will receive free health screenings and nutritional education with the donation of 100 healthy food items to the South Plains Food Bank. Additional Nutritional Education provided by Covenant will be given along with the Healthy Food Items to the South Plains Food Bank recipients, thus creating the Circle of Giving. If you are a Small Business Owner, and interested in improving the health of your employees, please submit the included application and faxs it to Carla McGee, RN @ 806.723.7095 or email it: cmcgee@covhs.org. And let’s work together to make this New Year Healthy and Happy! For more information,
please call Carla at (806) 7250643. Covenant Joe Arrington Cancer Research and Treatment Center Exclusively Offer New Breast Specific Gamma Imaging (BSGI) Covenant Joe Arrington Cancer Research and Treatment Center has acquired a new piece of technology, the breast specific gamma imaging, to be used in detecting cancerous cells in breast tissue. Lindsey Kennelly, manager of Covenant’s Arrington Comprehensive Breast Center, gives details about the camera and discusses its benefits.
ing BSGI will get an injection of an isotope that targets abnormal tissue in the breast. If abnormal tissue is present, the camera will be able to detect it because cancerous cells in the breast absorb a greater amount of the tracing isotope creating “hot spots” on the image. ● BSGI does not replace a mammogram, but will be used for patients with suspected abnormalities that are not being detected by a mammogram or an ultrasound. ● BSGI can see lesions that are independent of breast tissue den-
● BSGI is a tool to be used in conjunction with mammograms and ultrasounds. ● ACBC is the only breast center in the region to utilize this new and exciting technology. ● BSGI will enable radiologists to see abnormalities that do not show up on mammograms or ultrasounds. It differs from a mammogram because it is able to analyze denser breasts that a regular mammogram would have difficulty analyzing. ● Patients having an exam us-
sity and could possibly eliminate unnecessary biopsies. ● Proceeds from the JACC golf tournament and financial help from the Covenant Foundation allowed the center to purchase this piece of new technology. BSGI is a new tool, Kennelly says, that will benefit patients by enhancing the ability of doctors to detect cancerous cells in breast tissue and improve the process of diagnosing breast cancer.
UniFirst President Featured on CBS-TV Show ‘Undercover Boss’ UniFirst President and CEO Ronald Croatti recently was featured on the CBS-TV Hit Reality Show “Undercover Boss”! Viewers will the UniFirst CEO unloading and sorting soiled laundry, trying to sew emblems onto uniforms, and even attempting to press customer work shirts. You’ll be able to watch him do all those UniFirst jobs and much, much more!
Also, learn what Mr. Croatti discovered, observed, and felt about his “real life” experiences working undercover with actual UniFirst Team Partners at various UniFirst Locations. The Lubbock location of UniFirst has been a Chamber member for decades. We appreciate Jim Gonzales, General Manager of Lubbock’s UniFirst office, for telling us about this. Click here to watch the show!
February 2011 • Page 11 • Lubbock Business Network
Ground Breakings & Ribbon Cuttings Sponsored By
Experience Life Expanding into Downtown Lubbock By Audrey DeLeon Have you ever attended a church service at a bus station? Chamber of Commerce member Experience Life Church, will do that very soon. The church is adding a new location at the old TNM&O bus station at 13th and Avenue M. The new location is an addition to the current downtown revitalization project. The new building will include a children’s space with room for services in the 20,000 square foot terminal. Additionally, the two story garage will be converted into a 900 seat sanctuary. “This location gives us a great opportunity to reach Texas Tech and the rest of Lubbock including the east side,” Justin Atkins, executive pastor, said. ‘We hope to target all of Lubbock by extending our reach in the community.” Experience Life started three years ago with around 300 members. Now there are more than 3,000 members attending their original Southwest Sportsplex location. With the addition of the station, Atkins hopes this number will continue to grow. Experience Life has a younger membership base and Atkins is excited to see other members. The church would like to grow to 10,000 members in the next ten years. They are taking the first step in doing this by opening their new location, one of ten campuses they hope to open throughout West Texas. In the past two years, Experience Life has been ranked among the nation’s fastest growing churches. In September, Outreach Magazine ranked the church as the second fastest growing church in the nation. Atkins says this award is a result of God moving and gives all the credit to God. Experience Life is a casual and contemporary church that provides a place where people who feel they do not fit in at another church (See Experience Life, Page 12)
D’Vine Wine, 4210 82nd Street,
Girl Scouts of Texas Oklahoma Plains, Inc.
Suite #232 (Kingsgate North)
Annual Cookie Sales Kick-off
Lubbock ISD Monterey Baseball/Softball Complex, 66th & Ave P
Harrigan’s, 3801 50th Street (Memphis Place Mall)
Studio Flats at LHUCA, 511 Avenue K
Lubbock Chapter of SCORE-Counselors to Americas’s Small Business, 1205 Texas Avenue, Suite #411D
Lubbock ISD Baseball/Softball Complex, Westerner Field, 803 N. University
February 2011 • Page 12 • Lubbock Business Network
Childress Photographic Group (From Page 9) ical plant offers room for portraiture, product photography and a full range of lab services including canvas printing, full gallery wrap prints, photoshop services, instant enlargements and digital imaging. The company travels all over the country to take photographs. Their school division encompasses a large portion of the South Plains as well as schools in New Mexico, with hopes of expanding further. Childress photographs over 40,000 students a year. Todd James is in charge of the school division and has played an instrumental part in its success. Childress takes photographs of commercial locations such as hotels. Additionally, Childress has taken photographs of celeb-
rities and politicians including singer Randy Travis and former President George Bush. Later this month, Childress will photograph Texas Rangers player Josh Hamilton. Childress stays on the leading edge of what is cool and trendy in the industry. “For a long time we have been volume driven,” John said. “Now we want to get back to the artistic arena of photography.” Childress Photographic Group has been a Chamber member since 2000. They are located at 5015 University Avenue, A12. Their phone number is (806) 795-8004 and their hours are 9-6 p.m. and by appointment on the weekends. Visit their website at www.childressphotography.com.
Experience Life Expanding (From Page 11) can worship and feel comfortable. Currently six services are held at a skating rink and include technology such as multimedia presentations. “Our church is about hearing the gospel and allowing God to change your life,” Atkins said. ‘We try not to compare ourselves to any other church out there.” Last June, the city received a $1.5 million federal grant to help downtown development. With construction beginning this year, the entire plan is expected to take 12 to 15 years to complete. Rob Allison, assistant city manager for development services, says the Lubbock revitalization process is vital to preserving the heritage of the city. “Downtown is a place of com-
merce, business, shopping and eating,” Allison said. ‘We want downtown Lubbock to be a place to live, work and play.” Experience Life will become the second church to be located downtown. Allison says the addition of the church will give new residents and visitors who patronize downtown a place to worship, while successfully increasing the downtown population. “The church is a good asset to downtown,” Allison said. ‘Everyone involved in the revitalization project is working together to be successful.” Pastor Atkins says that being a member of the Chamber is another step towards helping the church fully integrate and participate in the community.
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February 2011 • Page 13 • Lubbock Business Network
TWC Launches Small Business Employee Training Program $2 million to support employers with fewer than 100 workers AUSTIN – Small businesses in Texas with fewer than 100 employees may now benefit from the workforce training initiative funded through the state’s Skills Development Fund. The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) announced today that $2 million has been dedicated to the Skills for Small Business program. The launch of this program is in conjunction with the Governor’s Small Business Summit today in Corpus Christi. “An investment in small businesses is an investment in the future of Texas,” said Gov. Rick Perry. “I applaud TWC for launching this program, which will sharpen employee skills and help more Texans realize their dream of growing their own successful businesses.” Skills for Small Business will provide tuition and fees for employees who participate in an existing course offered by two-year public community or technical colleges, or the Texas Engineering Extension Service (TEEX).
“More than 80 percent of the state’s businesses are small employers who need workers with the most current, in-demand industry skills,” said TWC Chairman Tom Pauken. “We are pleased to offer a specific program that will meet the needs of these small businesses.” Corpus Christi businessman Jerry Hunt of Dykema Architects Inc. recognizes the value of TWC’s Skills for Small Business program. “Small businesses know that skilled employees are our most valuable assets. By making these training dollars available to upgrade employee skills, Texas is showing its support for small business across the state,” said Hunt. This new program provides up to $1,450 for each newly hired full-time employee trained and up to $725 for each incumbent employee. An employee can participate once during a 12-month period. Businesses apply
directly to TWC for training at a local college. TWC will evaluate applications and, upon approval, fund the college for the requested training. For more information, visit the Skills for Small Business website at http://ssb. texasworkforce.org/svcs/funds/ssb.html or contact Workforce Business Services Project Development at (877) 463-1777. The Governor’s Small Business Summits are designed to educate the Texas entrepreneur and small business community on workforce development, start-up essentials, marketing businesses, hiring and managing employees, and training and growth opportunities. TWC, local workforce board and college representatives will be available at the Small Business Summits to help businesses complete an application and answer questions. For more information on the Governor’s Small Business Summits, visit www.texaswideopenforbusiness.com.
2010 REVIEW: A Strong Regional Workforce South Plains – It is at this time each year that Texas and U.S. business leaders reflect back on the nuances of past success and/or failures that have either assisted or impeded in the process of economic and workforce development…viewing and analyzing ‘snapshots’ of regional, state and national data produced by a variety of agencies and organizations. As the region’s Workforce Development Board, we are compelled to provide your readers with the snapshot of the area’s labor force, seen from our view. Year-end data produced by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported the Lubbock Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) civilian labor force grew in November of 2010 to 148,200. This is an increase from the 146,800 workers in November of last year, and an even greater increase from the 145,900 workers in October of 2009. Also worth noting is the fact that the area’s adjusted civilian labor force grew to an all-time high of 149,019 in April of last year. While the area’s unadjusted unemployment rate was shown to be 6.1 percent in November, this rate was significantly lower than Texas rate of 8.3 percent and the national rate of 9.3 percent. In fact, the Bureau reported that unemployment rates were higher than a year earlier in 182 of the 372 metropolitan areas. 180 metropolitan areas, including Lubbock, reported over-the-year increases in nonfarm payroll
employment while 176 reported decreases and 16 showed no change. The report indicated the South Plains regional 2010 occupational employment statistics showed growth among all industries, with the exception of the Trade, Transportation and Utilities, which reflected no change over the year, and the Government and Information Industries, both of which reported a slight decrease in annual employment. Total Non-farm wage and employment in 2010 continued to show steady growth, reaching 130,300 employed persons in October, up from 129,400 in 2009 and 121,900 in 2000. The Mining, logging and construction industry showed the greatest annual growth of 3.3 percent. This industry employed a total of 6,200 workers last year, up from 4,700 in 2000 and 6,100 in 2009. Other industry gains in the area were found among Financial Activities, Professional and Business Services, Education and Health Services, Leisure and Hospitality, and Other Services. These industries showed an average annual increase of 2.1 percent. Another indicator of the region’s strength
is the number of job seekers matched to jobs posted by area employers via www.WorkInTexas.com. In 2010, Workforce Solutions South Plains assisted over 26,000 job seekers with 20,000 of them being returned to the workplace. Of the 26,000 job seekers more than 2,700 of these job seekers were Veterans, while over 1,000 were ex-offenders re-integrated into the workplace, more than 400 were youth ages 14-21 and over 400 were recipients of Temporary Assistance for Needy Families subsidies. Additionally, over 6,000 children were subsidized by Workforce Solutions Child Care Services while the children’s parents or legal guardians were in school or training. Lastly, as a result of placing the region’s unemployed workers into sustainable employment, Workforce Solutions South Plains received the Texas 2010 Outstanding Performance Award for having placed more than eighty percent of the region’s unemployment claimants into jobs. These statistics prove that the South Plains region of Texas truly is a great place to live and work. Workforce Solutions South Plains looks forward to assisting in the continued growth of our economic climate by partnering with our area employers, community organizations and training providers. Martin Aguirre, CEO Workforce Solutions South Plains
February 2011 • Page 14 • Lubbock Business Network
Welcome to the New Chamber Members
Please place this addition in your Chamber Business Directory and Resource Guide! ABC-Advantage Benefits Connection 4601 50th Street, Suite 105 Lubbock, TX 79414 (806) 687-4111 Insurance American State Bank - Carillon (Windsong) 4002 16th Street Lubbock, TX 79416 (806) 784-4080 Banks American State Bank 4th & Vicksburg Branch 4827 4th Street Lubbock, TX 79416 (806) 784-4000 Banks American State Bank 66th & Indiana Branch 6500 Indiana (79413) PO Box 65020 Lubbock, TX 79464 (806) 767-6600 Banks American State Bank 82nd & York Branch 5120 82nd Street Lubbock, TX 79424 (806) 767-8200 Banks American State Bank 86th & University Branch 8232 University Avenue Lubbock, TX 79423 (806) 474-3000 Banks
American State Bank 98th & Quaker Branch 4505 98th Street Lubbock, TX 79423 (806) 798-9810 Banks American State Bank North University Branch 108 University Avenue Lubbock, TX 79415 (806) 767-7240 Banks Chapman Insurance Services PO Box 6553 Lubbock, TX 79493 (806) 787-2018 Insurance Andy Hines Insurance 8212 Ithaca, Suite E6B Lubbock, TX 79423 (806) 796-1272 Insurance Hulse Distributing Lubbock, TX 79414 (806) 797-3194 Food - Wholesale
Eric Minns, M.D., P.A. 3519 22nd Place, Suite B Lubbock, TX 79410 (806) 368-3632 Physicians & Surgeons Moose Magoo’s 8217 University Lubbock, TX 79423 (806) 745-5005 Restaurants Progressive Insurance Concepts, Inc. PO Box 6040 Lubbock, TX 79493 (806) 722-2110 Insurance RD&J, Inc. PO Box 53461 Lubbock, TX 79453 (806) 798-3137 Insurance Village Townhomes 532- A North Chicago Avenue Lubbock, TX 79416 (806) 795-0460 Apartments
Just Between Friends Lubbock, LLC Abernathy, TX 79311 (806) 787-0304 Clothing - Apparel-Children MD Ranch Lubbock, TX 79407 (806) 787-3090 Ranches
Please note – current membership information can be found on the Chamber’s online Business Directory. Members can be searched by category or keyword. Membership information can be verified online through the Members Only section. 12/16/2010 –1/15/2011