January 2011 Newsletter by Lubbock Chamber of Commerce

The Lubbock

Business Network Vol. 19 No. 1

January 2011

Velasquez to Lead Chamber in 2011 First Hispanic business person to be Chairperson of the Chamber

History again is made at the Lubbock Chamber of Commerce, with Irasema Velasquez becoming the first Hispanic to lead the organization. Velasquez follows Joe Rapier with Parkhill, Smith & Cooper, whose oneyear term as chairman ended December 31. “Joe Rapier’s leadership took the Chamber to the next level,” Eddie McBride, Chamber President and CEO, said. “We appreciate his tremendous support and service to the Chamber and look forward to working with Irasema Velasquez as we do more great things in 2011.” Velasquez is the owner of Velasquez Insurance & Worksite Benefits, which she started more than a decade ago. She first got involved in the Chamber in the mid-1990s when she was a regional manager for AT&T, and has remained involved as a small business because she benefits from the many Chamber programs and resources. Velasquez serves on advisory boards for the North & East Lubbock Community Development Corporation, Wells Fargo, Pathway Assembly, and she volunteers with United Way. She looks forward to maintaining a continual focus of inclusiveness in every sense of the word, and supports a high level of excellence in every area of the Chamber’s work. Retiring board directors include Sandy Henry, Science Spectrum; Randy Jordan, Cit-

Irasema Velasquez

izensBANK; Noe Valles, Glasheen, Valles and Inderman, LLP; Brad Moran, Ramar Communications; John Frullo, Midtown Printing & Graphics; and John Wilson, Citibus. Each of these retiring directors strongly supported the Chamber and the business community, and their contributions will positively impact the Chamber for years to come. The Chamber is appreciative of their service.

New board directors include Alona Beesinger, Suddenlink West Texas; Ron Betenbough, Betenbough Homes; Yolanda Gonzaga, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center; Sidney Hopper, United Supermarkets; Robert Lacy, PYCO Industries; Gabe Martinez, Ramar CommunicationsTelemundo KXTQ-TV 46; Richard Parks, Covenant Health System; Frank Silvas, AFLAC-Laquita Carthel Regional Sales; and Michael Shonrock, Texas Tech University. Returning board directors include Martin Aguirre, WorkForce Solutions South Plains; Steve Beasley, Lubbock Avalanche-Journal; Rick Boyd, First United Bank; John Brock, NorthStar Surgical Center; Darrin Camp, Taco Bell/JPM, Inc.; Tim Collins, Collins Tile; Jeff Dane, UMC Health System; Karen Garza, Lubbock Independent School District; Gary Gregory, Atmos Energy; Grace Hernandez, Texas Tech University; Peter Hur, RFS Financial Services; Clayton Isom, TAO Development Group; Dan Jackson, KCBD NewsChannel 11; Jay Jacobus, Scarborough Specialties; Stephanie Massengale, Advanced Graphix; Juanita Mendoza, Wells Fargo; Carlos Morales, Caprock Home Health Services, Inc.; Brandon Mulkey, Chick-fil-A at South Plains Crossing; Joe Phea, African-American Chamber of Commerce – Lubbock; Norval (See Velasquez, Page 2)

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January 2011 • Page 2 • Lubbock Business Network

C A L E N D A R OF EVENTS 5 New Century Leadership Committee

January

11 a.m. – LCOC Hispanic Business Development Committee 4 p.m. – LCOC

7 Ribbon Cutting for the Studio Flats at LHUCA 5:15 p.m. – 511 Avenue K 10 Hispanic Business Division Committee 4 p.m. – Montelongo’s 11 Café y Pan Dulce 7:30 a.m. – La Paloma, 4010 22nd St. New Century Leadership – Media Day Ribbon Cutting for LISD Baseball/Softball Complex 12:30 p.m. – Westerner Field, 803 N. University 12 Ambassador Monthly Luncheon Noon – La Paloma, 4010 22nd St. 13 Agriculture Committee 7:30 a.m. – LCOC Executive Committee Noon – LCOC Focus Lubbock Committee 3 p.m. – LCOC

(See January, Page 7)

Lubbock Day at the Capitol - Jan. 24-25 Have you registered for Lubbock Day at the Capitol yet? A very limited number of rooms are still available at a great rate! Make plans now to join us in Austin January 24-25, 2011! Sponsorships are still available. Every two years, a delegation of Lubbock community and business leaders travels to Austin to meet with legislators and discuss issues important to the Lubbock area economy (see below for agenda of events). Make plans to be a part of this valuable event, and CLICK HERE to secure your reservation for the Legislative Luncheon at the historic Stephen F. Austin Hotel on January 25. (Tickets are $45 for members and $50 for non-members. Table sponsorships, which include a table of 10, are available for $1,000).

*If you plan to attend, please MAKE YOUR ROOM RESERVATION as soon as possible. A very limited number of rooms are available at a special rate of $199 plus tax per night at the historic Stephen F. Austin Intercontinental Hotel. You can make your room reservations by calling (512)457-8800 and asking for the “Lubbock Chamber of Commerce” rate. Thanks to Our Lubbock Day Sponsors! Silver Sponsors: FirstCare Health Plans, Lubbock Regional MHMR Table Sponsors: Lubbock Power & Light; Atmos Energy; Plains Cotton Cooperative Association/Plains Cotton Growers For more information on sponsorships or on Lubbock Day in general, please contact (See Lubbock Day, Page 3)

Velasquez to Lead Chamber (From Page 1) Pollard, City Bank; Joe Rapier, Parkhill, Smith & Cooper; Rudy Rosales, Montelongo’s Mexican Restaurant; Shirley Schleuse, Lamar Outdoor Advertising; David Seim, PlainsCapital Bank; Kelvin Sharp, South Plains College; John Steinmetz, Vista Bank;

Mark Stiff, Bates-Wells, Inc.; Gabe Vitela, National Teachers Associates Life Insurance Company; and Gary Zheng, LP&L. The Chamber of Commerce looks forward to the leadership of the 2011 board of directors and to continue to strengthen, promote and serve its member businesses.

Business Property • Casualty • Bonds • Home • Auto Employee Benefits • Life • Health • Long Term Care

t s u r t d n a w o n k u o y e l p eo p h t i w s s e n i s u B g n i Do Will & Beth Ashmore

Life & Health Division 806.745.8358 Property & Casualty Division 806.771.4368 6102 82nd St. #6 • Lubbock, Texas 79424 • www.ashmoreassociates.com

January 2011 • Page 3 • Lubbock Business Network

Finding and Keeping Top Performers

A facilitated exchange of practical tips for workplace leaders as well as individuals involved in hiring Thursday, February 3, 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.

Lubbock Day at the Capitol (From Page 2)

Norma Ritz Johnson, VP-Legislative Affairs, at 806.761.7000, or norma.johnson@lubbockbiz.org . LUBBOCK DAY AGENDA (tentative & subject to change)

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

Dr. A.E. “Gene” Quest Jr Dr. A.E. “Gene” Quest Jr. went home to be with his Creator on November 25, 2010. Dr. Quest was a tremendous supporter of the Chamber and missed very few Business After Hours events. We will miss Dr. Quest’s sweet spirit at our events.

Monday, Jan. 24

• 5:30 p.m. Legislative Reception at Stubb’s, Honoring All State Legislators and Staff Tuesday, Jan. 25

Steve Sypert Insurance + Chamber of Commerce + FirstCare =

www.chamberhealthplan.com

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.

Click www.chamberhealthplan.com or call 794-9330 we look forward to telling you about “what’s wh new”! steve@sypert.com y

• 9:15 a.m. Group photograph: Capitol Rotunda • 9:30 a.m. Legislative Briefing: Old Supreme Court Room • 10:45 a.m. House Proclamation: House Chamber • 11:00 a.m. Senate Proclamation: Senate Chamber • 12:30 p.m. Legislative Luncheon at the historic Stephen F. Austin Hotel (RESERVATIONS REQUIRED. Click Here. Tickets are $45 for members and $50 for non-members. Table sponsorships, which include a table of 10, are available for $1,000.) • 2:00 p.m. Optional Personal Calls on Legislators (on your own)

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.

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January 2011 • Page 4 • 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

Texas Mutual Recognized as One of the 2011 Best Places to Work in Texas Lubbock Chamber member Texas Mutual Insurance Company was recently named one of the 2011 Best Places to Work in Texas, a list made up of only 100 companies statewide. The program is a project of TEXAS MONTHLY magazine, the Texas Association of Business (TAB), the Texas State Council of the Society for Human Resource Management and Best Companies Group. Best Companies Group managed the

overall registration and survey process in Texas and analyzed the data to determine the final rankings. Texas Mutual will be recognized and honored at the Best Companies to Work for in Texas awards ceremony on Thursday, January 27, 2011, as part of the Texas Association of Business 2011 Annual Conference in Austin, Texas. The rankings will also be released in a special advertising section of the February 2011 issue of TEXAS MONTHLY.

Cafe y Pan Dulce - January 11 Join the Chamber on Tuesday, January 11, for Café y Pan Dulce! This come-and-go networking event will be from 7:30-8:30 a.m. at La Paloma located at 4010 22nd St. Bring your business cards and be ready

to enjoy coffee and pastries with your fellow Chamber members! For more information, or if you would like to host a Café y Pan Dulce event, contact Jorge Quirino at (806) 761-7005.

CHAMBER STAFF

Tuesday, January 11 7:30-8:30 a.m. La Paloma 4010 22nd Street

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

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January 2011 • Page 5 • Lubbock Business Network

Peanut Butter Drive Wrap-up

Don Whittenburg, left, and Ted Higginbottom, second from left, presented David Weaver with the South Plains Food Bank (middle), Shelly Nutt Pitts with the Texas Peanut Producers Board, and Mike Metzig, Chamber Ag Committee Co-Chairman, with a significant donation to the Peanut Butter Drive co-hosted by the Chamber and TPPB.

The Lubbock Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with the Texas Peanut Producers Board, announced on December 13 that their Peanut Butter Drive raised enough money to donate more than 10,000 jars of peanut butter to the South Plains Food Bank. The Chamber and the TPPB conducted the drive during the month of November, which was National Peanut Butter Lovers Month. “This drive is a great way to encourage our members to purchase a product that very well could include West Texas peanuts, and, in turn, helps feed families,” Chamber Chairman Joe Rapier said. “Peanut butter makes one of the best food donation items because of its health benefits and long shelf life.” Donors contributed through the Chamber’s website, www.lubbockchamber.com. The Chamber

will purchase the peanut butter from Sunland Inc., a peanut processing facility in Portales, N.M. that uses Texas peanuts. The donation was boosted by a significant gift from Whittenburg Insurance of Lubbock, Seminole, Lamesa and Seagraves, and Jones and Lowe Insurance of Brownfield. Partners Ted Higginbottom and Don Whittenburg delivered the check to purchase more than 6,000 jars of peanut butter to the Chamber on November 29. The donation served as their company Christmas gift to their customers. In 2009, the first year of the drive, the Chamber and TPPB raised enough to purchase about one pallet of peanut butter, and one pallet was set as the goal for 2010. As of today, enough money has been raised to purchase more than six pallets. This goal was raised through (See Peanut Butter, Page 8)

KOETTER FIRE PROTECTION

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806-744-0612 rsosebee@koetterfire.com

January 2011 • Page 6 • Lubbock Business Network

Denimatrix Receives 2010 Award for Corporate Excellence Plains Cotton Cooperative Association’s (PCCA) subsidiary Denimatrix was awarded on December 17 the U.S. State Department’s prestigious 2010 Award for Corporate Excellence (ACE) in the small-to-medium enterprise category. The award was presented to PCCA President and CEO Wally Darneille at a ceremony in Washington, D.C., by U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton. Denimatrix, located in Guatemala City, is PCCA’s denim apparel production company. They were nominated by U.S. Ambassador to Guatemala Stephen McFarland for their corporate social responsibility and their environmental stewardship. A record 78 American companies doing business in other countries were nominated by U.S. Ambassadors around the world. Denimatrix was one of 12 finalists, including companies such as Cisco Systems, and Mars Corporation (who also were winners this year), Coca Cola, GE, Intel, PepsiCo, and Qualcomm. The award recognized Denimatrix for contributing to the development of the local economy, for reaching out to the community to help disadvantaged youth and the homeless

in Guatemala City, and for their environmental stewardship. The ACE award was established in 1999 to recognize the important role U.S. companies play abroad as good corporate citizens. The award also is a signal of the Department’s commitment to further corporate social responsibility, innovation, exemplary practices, and democratic values worldwide. Past recipients of the ACE award include Cargill, General Motors, Motorola, Chevron/Texaco, and Ford Motor Company. “We are extremely proud that Denimatrix has been chosen for this award,” PCCA President and CEO Wally Darneille said at the ceremony. “It is very fitting that they have been

honored for their corporate social responsibility and their environmental stewardship,” he added. “We believe that these values are critical to a company’s success,” Darneille said. “By providing a stable and desirable workplace, we can attract employees whose productivity will make them competitive in a global economy.” “This award means a great deal to us about the future as well as the past,” Darneille said. “It is a recognition of the dedication of several generations of PCCA stockholders to doing the right thing for present and future generations. When our apparel customers come to visit Denimatrix, one of the strongest impressions they take away is the sense of teamwork and of family that pervades our facility.” Founded in 2009, Denimatrix is a major manufacturer of high-fashion denim jeans with current capacity to produce 150,000 pairs of jeans per week. It is part of PCCA’s fully vertically integrated business model from field to fashion that includes the American Cotton Growers denim mill in Littlefield, Texas. Headquartered in Lubbock, PCCA also is the largest originator of U.S. cotton to textile mills around the world.

Future Bright for the US Agriculture in the Next Four Decades By Seshadri Ramkumar Texas Tech University Agriculture will be a growth industry in the United States for the next 40 years, said Joel Kotkin, an internationally recognized author on global, economic and social trends. Kotkin, a native New Yorker who now resides in California, is well known for his recent book, “The Next Hundred Million, America in 2050.” He recently visited Lubbock to deliver a lecture on Texas and North America in 2050 as part of Texas Tech’s Presidential Lecture & Performance Series on December 1. Accumulating and analyzing data from various sources such as the U.S. Census Bureau, USDA and CIA, Kotkin briefed the audience that the United States is the only advanced country with growing population. Population growth means growing need for food, fiber and fuel. He estimates that U.S. will have 400 million people in 2050, i.e., 100 million will be added in the next four decades. The growing population, available arable land, entrepreneurial spirit and younger population are some unique advantages the U.S. has which are not found even in developing nations such as China. For instance, the

labor force in the United States (people aged 15-64) will increase by 42 % between 2000 and 2050, where as China’s labor force will grow by only 10 %. In fact, senior citizens aged over 65 in the U.S. will decrease to 15 % of the total population in 2020. It was about 20 % in 2000. The arable land in the U.S. is 1.3 times that of China and the fresh water resources per capita is four times that of Asia. Per capita consumption of food is high in the United States and will also go up. Commenting on Karl Marx’s quote on rural life, “the idiocy of rural life,” Kotkin pointed out that it is obsolete today. With the advancements in technology, Joel Kotkin commented, “a farmer in rural area is as top as a trader in Chicago.” Kotkin’s comments on the rural life are positive for the U.S. agriculture industry. People’s attitude about rural life is changing with 35% of Americans now want to live in the country. The states that have agriculture, fuel and emerging manufacturing industry such as Texas and North Carolina are seeing a positive inward migration. In fact, Texas, which is the number one

state in cotton production, will be the largest populated state in 30 years. By 2020, Texas will replace California in high tech jobs, and my view is that agriculture also has a role to play. Kotkin, commenting on the U.S. trade surplus in agriculture, said that the best industry to be in the world in the next few decades is energy, food and fiber. His point on technology as the great equalizer is of great value to the agriculture industry as it enables a rural person to stay on top of the world buy using electronic gadgets. Along this note, a recent comment from the National Public Radio’s Senior Business Editor is worthy to note. On pointing out where growth opportunities will be in 2011, Marilyn Geewax on Sunday, December 5, indicated that the growth will be in renewable energy, organic and agriculture sectors. Growth seems to be positive for the United States agriculture industry for the next four decades. My take home message from Kotkin’s talk is as long as the U.S. agriculture industry keeps its eye on innovation, it will be a leader and will have a positive outlook for the next four decades to come.

January 2011 • Page 7 • Lubbock Business Network

University College Opens Registration to the Human Resources Management Certificate Program Registration is open for Texas Tech University’s Human Resource Management Certificate program offered in partnership with the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), a worldwide organization for professionals in all disciplines of human resources. Professionals who register for the program will be required to complete 40 credit hours of online coursework that represent six key components of human resource management. Individuals who successfully complete required coursework and testing will receive a certificate in human resources management and will be better prepared to take national certification exams in the discipline. Total cost of the program is $1,295, and national or local SHRM members are eligible for a $100 discount. The program is best suited for professionals in the human resource

field, but could also be beneficial for supervisors, accountants and attorneys if they work with human resources issues. The program requires meetings at Texas Tech University’s University College two Fridays each month during February, March and April, 2011. Instruction will take place from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. with several breaks. Topics covered in the program include “Strategic Management” and “Occupational Health, Safety and Security” among others. Courses are taught by leading professionals in the human resources field representing businesses like United Supermarkets, LLC and the American Bank of Commerce. Prospective students can register online or learn more about the program by visiting www.uc.ttu.edu or by calling 806.742.7202, ext. 270.

Ambasssador Update Congratulations to the top ten Ambassadors for 2010. These Ambassadors work tirelessly for the betterment of the Lubbock Danny Soliz Liz Tilson Shara Konechney Molly Harris Kathy Timms Shauna Riney Traci Cheek Marie Evans Lori Mize Amy Rock

business community while representing their own business. Thanks to all the Ambassadors who give so much of their time!

Workforce Solutions South Plains Massage Therapist ~ The Rock Health & Wellness Centers 10-20 Boutique & 40 Below Advantage Medical Staffing Bates-Wells, Inc Network Lubbock Children’s Home of Lubbock Geiger Express Employment Professionals Mary Kay Cosmetics & Susan G. Komen for the Cure

Colleen Evans, the Lubbock Chamber’s membership director, recently ranked second nationwide in number of memberships sold for 2Q 2010 and for the year to date, and ninth in dollar amount for the year to date in the American Chamber of Commerce Executives’ sales contest. She competed in a category with chambers of similar size nationwide.

December

(From Page 2)

14 Legislative Affairs Committee 9:30 a.m. – LCOC Transportation Committee 1:30 p.m. – LCOC Junior Ambassadors Dinner 6 p.m. – Civic Center Banquet Hall 17 Ribbon Cutting for Loza Chiropractic 11:30 a.m. – 3809 22nd St., Suite 2E 18 Leadership Lubbock Committee 11 a.m. – LCOC Ribbon Cutting for SCORE 4 p.m. – LCOC 19 Business Development Committee 11:45 a.m. – 1301 Broadway, Second Floor Conference Room Ribbon Cutting for Harrigan’s 4:30 p.m. – 3801 50th (Memphis Place Mall) 20 Board of Directors Meeting 3:30 p.m. – Texas Tech Club (East Side) 21 Chamber Employer Health Plan – Wellness Testing in Plainview

Ambassador Chairwoman Mary Whistler with U.S. Rep. Randy Neugebauer’s office speaks to Ambassadors attending the December luncheon at the Children’s Home of Lubbock.

Chamber Ambassadors donated toys to the Children’s Home of Lubbock, just one of the many community endeavors these dedicated volunteers participate in each year.

24 Lubbock Day in Austin Business Mercado Committee 4 p.m. – LCOC 25 Lubbock Day in Austin

Edward Jones Financial Advisor Sponsors Coffee Club Zach Holtzman, a local Edward Jones financial advisor, will be hosting a coffee club at 9:30 a.m. on Wednesday, January 12, 2011, at Schlotzsky’s, 3715 19th Street, Lubbock.

27 Business After Hours – National Travel-American Express 5:30 p.m. – 4314 S. Loop 289, Suite 100

January 2011 • Page 8 • Lubbock Business Network

Business of the Month

No matter the season, you’re sure to find that perfect gift at the Lubbock Chamber’s Business of the Month for December 2010 – South Plains Mall! Although several stores inside the mall also are members of the Chamber, the South Plains Mall Office as a whole has been a member of the Chamber since its opening in 1972. The mall is located at Slide Road and South Loop 289. For a store directory, click here. South Plains Mall also has a presence on Twitter and on Facebook. No matter the Chamber event, there’s probably someone from the South Plains Mall Office involved. Senior Manager of Marketing Beth Bridges currently serves as the chairperson for Leadership Lubbock. In addition, South Plains Mall Office employees have participated in numerous events, including the Business

Expo, Hub City BBQ Cook-off and the Chamber Golf Classic. Bridges said that being a member of the Chamber increases exposure for the mall. “While we don’t necessarily have an actual product to sell, we want to remind people about leasing opportunities – and, of course, coming to shop with our retailers,” Bridges said. “The Chamber is a great way to make and strengthen connections within the community.” Retail has rebounded in 2010, Bridges said, for many reasons including pent-up demand, a good cotton crop, and a strong overall economy. She said leasing activity should pick up in 2011, especially with national retailers starting to come back into play. But as for that elusive Macy’s? Unfortunately no, but the mall has focused on revamping their food court area, adding a pizza shop that already has (See Mall, Page 9)

Nominations Accepted for Annual Celebrity Luncheon Awards Lubbock Chapter of the Association for Women in Communications (AWC) Accepting Nominations for its Annual Celebrity Luncheon Awards The Lubbock Chapter of the Association for Women in Communications (AWC) is seeking input from the community as it begins its nominations process for the 2011 Annual Celebrity Luncheon to be held on April 19, 2011 at the Lubbock Memorial Civic Center. With the annual recognition of Headliners, Gold Medalists and the winner of the prestigious George Mahon Award, the Lubbock Chapter of the Association of Women in Communications celebrates the positive contributions and achievements of those people who make Lubbock and West Texas a great place to live. In our 26 year history, our annual Celebrity Luncheon has honored more than 350 individuals and organizations that enhance the quality of life and shine a positive light on Lubbock. The Celebrity Luncheon supports the AWC scholarship endowments in the College of Mass Communications at Texas Tech as

well as the professional development of members. Lubbock AWC invites nominations of both men and women. A nomination form can be downloaded at www.awclubbock.org. Nominations must be received by Monday, January 10, 2011. A list of previous recipients and a history of the Celebrity Luncheon can also be found at www.awclubbock.org. The Association for Women in Communications is a professional organization that champions the advancement of women across all communications disciplines by recognizing excellence, promoting leadership and positioning its members at the forefront of the evolving communications era. Disciplines represented within the association include print and broadcast journalism, television and radio production, film, advertising, public relations, marketing, graphic design, multimedia design, and photography. The list is continually growing as the profession expands into the newer media. For more information about the Lubbock Professional Chapter, visit www.awclubbock.org.

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 Want more information on any of these? Call the Chamber at (806) 761-7000!

Peanut Butter Drive

Office staff at the South Plains Mall includes (L-R): Joe Dunbar, Beth Bridges, Liz Lawler, Jack Boyster, Megan Renfro, Richard Hamilton and Pam Dulack.

(From Page 5) the support of the following businesses and individuals: Murfee & Sons, Inc.; Verett Farms, Inc.; Texas Peanut Producers Board; John Roley AutoCenter; The Drug Store, Haskell, TX; Short Farms; Whittenburg Insurance; Platinum Bank; AMBUCS - Downtown Chapter; Lubbock County Farm Bureau; Texcraft, Inc.; Aycock & Fowler Insurance; Dimmitt Sulfur Products, Ltd.;

Coldwell Banker Rick Canup – Velma Medina; Carole Blackwelder; John and Chloma Burk; Shelly Nutt; Lynn McGunegle; Eddie and Debbie McBride; Samuel Weaver; Becky Postar; Joe Hoelscher; Davon Cook; Pat Christensen; Kevin Buxkemper; Stan Gill; Rick Day; Scott & Erica Irlbeck; Mika Wyatt; Flora Fisher; Clif Burnett; Mary Whistler; Ada Pierce ; Nana Sinclair; and Kern Stutler.

January 2011 • Page 9 • Lubbock Business Network

Water-Smart Business

FirstBank and Trust – 98th and Slide

Congratulations to FirstBank and Trust’s FirstBank Centre at 98th and Slide for being named the Chamber’s Water-Smart Business Award winner for Winter Quarter 2010! The Water-Smart Business Award is sponsored by WaterMaster Irrigation. FirstBank and Trust was recognized for their water-friendly landscaping at their 98 th and

Slide location, although they have implemented this type of landscaping at their other branches. FirstBank Centre also was built to include other conservation techniques, such as automatic water faucets and a touchless, automatic flushing system for all toilets. The landscaping has a subsurface drip irrigation system. Andy Hartman, vice president of marketing for FirstBank and Trust, said their plan to use water-friendly landscaping was an active effort to conserve water. “We understand how precious water is in West Texas,” Hartman said. “We sure don’t want to waste it.” Although the landscaping required a significant initial investment, Hartman said those costs even out over time. He said maintenance is much easier and even less expensive with this landscaping, and water bills obviously are lower. “It’s a little more expensive

Photos courtesy of Andy Hartman

up front, but we’ll get that back ten times over in the life of the building,” he said. Hartman said that FirstBank and Trust has received positive feedback from customers on how nice the water-friendly landscaping looks. “People are starting to recognize whether you’re waterconscious or not,” he said, noting that similar landscaping is

already in the plans for their new 19th and Milwaukee location. If you are conserving water – inside or outside – at your place of business, or know someone who is, the Water Conservation Council would like to know, as you could be a candidate for this monthly award! Please email watersmart@lubbockbiz.org or call (806) 761-7008 with your story or nomination.

Lubbock Innovators Award Luncheon: ‘Promoting Lubbock as a Superior Place to do Business’ “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 invest-

ment 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.

South Plains Mall (From Page 8) opened and a couple more eateries scheduled to open in 2011. Shoppers will soon see changes in the seating area, too – both aesthetically and in size. “It’s been good to see people shopping,” Bridges said. “We’ve

seen good, steady growth.” Bridges said that the connections she has made through the Chamber have been very helpful. “I just encourage people, no matter the size of business or what their position is, to get involved,” she said.

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 national funding. The Innovator’s 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 Commerce. This award is open to new, emerging, and existing businesses as well as non-profit research projects. Companies may either self-nominate or be nominated by a third party. The Awards Luncheon will be held April 7, 2011. 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.

January 2011 • Page 10 • Lubbock Business Network

Ground Breakings & Ribbon Cuttings

Devault Floral

Familia Dental, 2402 19th Street

3703 19th Street, Suite A