Lubbock Business Network - January 2012 by Lubbock Chamber of Commerce

Vol. 20 No. 1

January 2012

Collins to Lead Chamber in 2012 The Lubbock Chamber of Commerce chairman for 2012 will be long time volunteer and member, Tim Collins. Collins follows Chairwoman Irasema Velasquez of Velasquez Insurance & Worksite Benefits, which she started more than a decade ago. “Irasema’s leadership in 2011 brought exciting changes for the Chamber such as merging with the Young Professionals of Greater Lubbock and leading a communitywide visioning effort,” said Eddie McBride, president and CEO. “We appreciate her tremendous support and service to the Chamber, and look forward to working with Tim Collins as we carry through with these efforts and look for new opportunities to serve our members.” Collins is the owner of Collins Tile & Stone which he and his wife started more than 25 years ago. Collins is a long-time Chamber member, volunteer and active board member and has also served the community through a variety of committees. “This organization adds value to its members through a variety of programs, and I know that there are several new programs in

2012 Board of Directors Include:

Tim Collins

development that will assist businesses of all sizes. I look forward to serving as the chairman,” stated Tim Collins of his upcoming leadership role.

Mr. Martin Aguirre Workforce Solutions South Plains Board Administration Mrs. Cathy Allen The Gibraltar Group Mr. Larry Allen People’s Bank Mr. Steve Beasley Lubbock Avalanche Journal Ms. Alona Beesinger Suddenlink Communications Mr. Ron Betenbough Betenbough Homes Mrs. Beth Bridges South Plains Mall Office Mr. John D. Brock NorthStar Surgical Center Mr. Tim Collins Collins Tile, LLP Mr. Jeff Dane UMC Health System Ms. Renee Davis Alderson/Mercedes Benz Ms. Linda Gaither WestMark REALTORS - Gaither/Ratcliff Dr. Karen Garza LISD - Administrative Offices Mrs. Yolanda Gonzaga TTUHSC (See 2012 Board of Directors, Page 2)

Beesinger to Lead 2012 Total Resource Campaign Alona Beesinger of Suddenlink Communications was named chairwoman of the Chamber’s second annual Total Resource Campaign (TRC) for 2012. Joining her and

serving as co-chair is Todd Reno of the Reese Technology Center. Also leading the campaign this year are five vice-chairs: Renee Davis, Alderson/Mercedes-

Benz; Jennifer Frager, Suddenlink West Texas; Marinda P. Heinrich, Atmos Energy; Greg Jones, American State Bank; Keith Patrick, (See Total Resource Campaign, Page 2)

iaWellness is a comprehensive corporate wellness solution that targets behavior and lifestyle changes in an effort to control healthcare costs. start your own health reform today!!

call meghan at 765-7265 or visit iawellness.com

A Division of Insurance Asssociates Employee Benefit Company

4902 lakeridge drive

| lubbock, tx 79424 | (p) 806.765.7265 | iawellness.com

Meghan Gandy, M.S., R.D., L.D. director of wellness

Bill Hartsfield president/ceo

January 2012 • Page 2 • Lubbock Business Network

Total Resource Campaign Leaders Announced (From Page 1) American Cancer Society. The TRC is an eight week campaign led by more than 100 Chamber volunteers. During this time, members are offered opportunities to promote their business via Chamber events and programs that take place from July

2012 – June 2013. Volunteers are able to assist companies with choosing from a variety of sponsorship options to meet individual marketing needs. The campaign kick-off is set for March 1, 2012, and concludes with a victory celebration on April 30. Members are invited to partici-

2012 Board of Directors (From Page 1) Mr. Gary Gregory Atmos Energy Ms. Grace Hernandez TTU Office of the President Mr. Sidney Hopper United Supermarkets, LLC Mr. Peter Hur RFS Financial Services Mr. Clayton Bruce Isom Tao Development Group Mr. Dan Jackson KCBD TV NewsChannel 11 Mr. Jay Jacobus Scarborough Specialties, Inc. Mr. Robert Lacy PYCO Industries, Inc. Mr. Gabe Martinez Ramar Communica tions, Inc. - Telemundo KXTQ-TV 46 Ms. Stephanie Massengale Advanced Graphix Mr. Eddie McBride Lubbock Chamber of Commerce Mr. Carlos Morales Caprock Home Health Services, Inc. Corporate Office Mr. Brandon Mulkey Chick-fil-A at South Plains Crossing

Mr. Richard Parks Covenant Health System Mr. Keith Patrick American Cancer Society Mr. Bill Patton Robison, Johnston & Patton, CPAs Mr. Joe Phea African American Chamber of Commerce-Lubbock Mr. Norval Pollard City Bank Mr. Rudy Rosales Montelongo’s Mexican Restaurant Ms. Shirley Schleuse Lamar Outdoor Advertising Mr. David Seim PlainsCapital Bank Mr. Frank Silvas AFLAC - Silvas, Frank Ms. Polly Vann V-tech Environmental Services Ms. Irasema Velasquez Velasquez Insurance & Worksite Benefits Mr. Gabriel Vitela National Teachers Associates Life Insurance Company Mr. Mitch Watson First Bank & Trust Co. Mr. Gary Zheng Lubbock Power and Light

pate in a number of ways. Be a part of the 2012 TRC and promote your company by acting as a volunteer, recruiting team members, securing sponsorships, providing assistance with reward sessions and providing giveaways. For more information about opportunities to volunteer, earn cash prizes or promote your company, please contact the Chamber at (806) 761-7000.

Alona Beesinger

Share Your News! Do you have something interesting to share with us about your business or one of your employees? Send it to us and we will do our best to include it in our monthly newsletter! E-mail constance.barbian@lubbockbiz.org or call (806) 761-7000.

ARE YOU IN THE LUBBOCK CLICK? More than 4,000 Chamber Members are just a click away when your business is advertised in the Monthly Chamber Newsletter

Affordable (Ads Start @ $55)

Always Available Current & Past Issues

Environmentally Friendly & Cost Effective for your Chamber Investment

Call Julie Terrell • 744.2220 jterrell@wordpub.com

• Exclusive to Chamber Members • FREE Ad Production • FREE Color

Deadline - 20th of month preceeding issue

January 2012 • Page 3 • Lubbock Business Network

Thank you to Ambassador of the Month – Molly Harris Molly Harris, owner operator of Advantage our sponsors! and Medical Staffing (Advan-

The Lubbock Chamber of Commerce and Imagine Lubbock Together committee hosted a luncheon, “Who will we be tomorrow?” - A Look into the Demographic Crystal Ball with State Demographer, Dr. Lloyd Potter. The luncheon shared insight into who will be Lubbock’s students, customers, patients, consumers, viewers, constituents, clients, listeners and neighbors. Dr. Potter was appointed as the Texas State Demographer in June of 2010 by Governor Rick Perry. He is Professor of Demography at the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) where he serves as Director of the Institute for Demographic and Socioeconomic Research and the Texas State Data Center. United Supermarkets Citibus Lubbock Association of Realtors Lubbock National Bank PlainsCapital Bank South Plains College

tage) for almost 9 years, is the Chamber Ambassador of the Month. Advantage is a staffing agency for the nursing field placing RNs, LVNs and CNAs in hospitals and nursing homes in Lubbock and the surrounding areas. Harris became involved with the Chamber when Advantage first joined in 2003. After attending a few functions she became involved with the Ambassador program and is still an extremely active member. “Being an Ambassador opens many opportunities to meet businesses that are new to our community, or that have a special reason to celebrate, so we attend their ribbon cuttings. The networking opportunities are endless, and the friendships priceless,” says Harris. She has and continues to serve on the Hub City BBQ and Business Expo committees.

In her free time she loves to play at the lake. When she’s not outside or at the lake, she can generally be found hanging out with her 2 “Scotties”, Lilly and Roxie.

Sponsored by

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

Doing Business with people you know and trust 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 2012 • Page 4 • Lubbock Business Network

2 Chamber Offices Closed for New Year’s Holiday

4 New Century Leadership Committee Meeting 11 a.m. – LCOC 5 Agriculture Committee Meeting 7:30 a.m. – LCOC Ribbon Cutting for 360 Boston Wellness 4:30 p.m. - 2709 26th St. 6 Visioning Steering Committee Meeting 8 a.m. - LCOC 0 Mercado Committee Meeting 1 4 p.m. – American State Bank 11 New Century Leadership Media Day All Day Ambassador Monthly Luncheon Noon – Ruby Tequilla’s, 8601 Univ. Business Expo Committee Meeting 4 p.m. – LCOC 12 Leadership Lubbock Committee Meeting 11 a.m. – LCOC Focus Lubbock Committee Meeting 3 p.m. – LCOC Business After Hours hosted by Carpet Tech 5:30 p.m. – 18th & Milwaukee 13 Visioning Steering Committee Meeting 8 a.m. - LCOC Legislative Affairs Committee Meeting 10:30 a.m. – LCOC 16 Ribbon Cutting for the Lubbock Transition Center 10 a.m. – 125 Chicago Ave. 17 State of the City Address 11:30 a.m. – Civic Center Hispanic Business Development Committee Meeting 4 p.m. – First Bank & Trust

(See January, Page 6)

Business Development – Succession Planning “Succession Planning” is the topic of the January 18th Business Development Committee Meeting. Open to all members of the Lubbock Chamber of Commerce, reservations are required and can be made online. The $10 cost for Chamber members and $12 for prospective members includes a hot lunch. This meeting is sponsored by Double T Cable Services. CEV Multimedia, Ltd. began on Gordon Davis’s kitchen table in 1984 and is a great example of American entrepreneurship. Their product is in approximately 25,000 classrooms, and they are the number one Career and Technical Education publisher for secondary education. 2011 brought a new division of the company called iCEV, which will bring

the same innovative approach to learning to the postsecondary and continuing education markets. Also in 2011, Owner Gordon Davis unveiled a succession plan to ensure success for CEV in perpetuity. Dr. Gordon Davis was recently honored with the 2011 Lubbock Chamber of Commerce Business Person Hall of Fame Award. Chaired by Michael Shaffer of Suddenlink Business Services and Co-Chaired by Geralyn Monticello of South Plain Community Action Association, this committee meets on the third Wednesday of the month for lunch. For additional information, contact Robin Raney at robin.raney@lubbockbiz.org or (806) 761-7009.

Chamber University Launches February 2012 Chamber University is an innovative business seminar series designed to address critical business topics and to offer tools to navigate and thrive in the ever-changing demands of the 21st century workplace, expanding current “essential knowledge” in the arenas of Technology (February 9th); Customer Service (March 6th); Marketing & PR (April 12th); Leadership & Management (May 4th); Accounting & Taxes (September) and Human Resources (October). Facilitators include subject matter experts, many from our local business community. This series of six seminars will take place February – November 2012. Platinum sponsors for Chamber University include Aim Bank, Double T Cable Services, Inc. and Lubbock Regional MHMR, with individual seminars sponsored by Suddenlink West Texas, Suddenlink Business Services, and Reese Technology Center. Envisioned by the Chambers’ Business Development Committee, Chamber Univer-

sity was developed as the 2010/2011 Class Project of Leadership Lubbock. Under of the leadership of Dr. Kathy Crockett from Lubbock Christian University, steering committee members include 2010-2011 Leadership Lubbock alumni John Osborne, Samantha McKay, Michelle McCallick and Lori Truitt as well as Geralyn Monticello, the Business Development Committee Co-Chair. Registration for the series is now open. Businesses and individuals may register for the entire series or select individual seminars. Discounts are available for companies registering for the entire series as well as for multiple attendees per company. For questions regarding Chamber University, please contact Robin Raney at (806) 761-7009 or robin.raney@lubbockbiz.org.

WesTex Document, Inc.

815 S. Gilbert Drive  Reese Science & Technology Center  Lubbock, TX 79416 CALL (806) 885-2906 or visit our web http://www.westexdocument.com

Secure Vault - Imaging - Destruction & Storage Services Lubbock Chamber Member Since 1997

West Texas’s most trusted source for meeting your record management needs. We offer professional storage, digital imaging, data center services, and secure destruction of any type of records; we can image and copy (printing) documents up to 24 x 48”; we offfer professional record archive services, Class 350 4-hour Vault storage and consulting for all of your professional RIM needs, including disaster recovery and business continuity services. Call or come visit us to learn more and tell us how we might help you.

Nuclear Quality Assurance (NQA-1) Certified

Our Business, Is Keeping Your Business - Your Business!

January 2012 • Page 5 • Lubbock Business Network

2012 BOARD OF DIRECTORS CHAIRMAN Tim Collins Collins Tile, LLP IMMEDIATE PAST CHAIRWOMAN Irasema Velasquez Velasquez Insurance & Worksite Benefits TREASURER Alona Beesinger Suddenlink West Texas SECRETARY Eddie McBride Lubbock Chamber of Commerce VICE CHAIRMAN, BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT DIVISION Carlos Morales Caprock Home Health Services, Inc. VICE CHAIRMAN, COMMUNICATIONS DIVISION Dan Jackson KCBD TV-NewsChannel 11 VICE CHAIRMAN, GOVERNMENTAL AFFAIRS DIVISION Jay Jacobus Scarborough Specialties, Inc. VICE CHAIRMAN, HISPANIC BUSINESS DIVISION Rudy Rosales Montelongo’s Mexican Restaurant VICE CHAIRMAN, LEADERSHIP DIVISION Peter Hur RFS Financial Services VICE CHAIRWOMAN, MEMBERSHIP DIVISION Beth Bridges South Plains Mall HISPANIC BUSINESS DIVISION REPRESENTATIVE Yolanda Gonzaga TTUHSC BOARD ADMINISTRATION Martin Aguirre Workforce Solutions South Plains Cathy Allen The Gibraltar Group Larry Allen People’s Bank Stephen Beasley Lubbock Avalanche-Journal Ron Betenbough Betenbough Homes John D. Brock NorthStar Surgical Center Jeff Dane UMC Health System Renee Davis Alderson/Mercedes-Benz Linda Gaither WestMark REALTORS Karen Garza Lubbock Independent School District Gary Gregory Atmos Energy Grace Hernandez Texas Tech University Sidney Hopper United Supermarkets Clayton Isom TAO Development Group Robert Lacy PYCO Industries Gabe Martinez Telemundo KXTQ-TV 46, Ramar Comm. Stephanie Massengale Advanced Graphix Brandon Mulkey Chick-fil-A at South Plains Crossing Richard Parks Covenant Health System Keith Patrick American Cancer Society Bill Patton Robison, Johnston & Patton, CPAs Joe Phea African American Chamber of Commerce - Lubbock Norval Pollard City Bank Shirley Schleuse Lamar Outdoor Advertising David Seim Frank Silvas AFLAC-Laquita Carthel Regional Sales Polly Vann V-tech Environmental Services Gabe Vitela National Teachers Life Insurance Company Mitch Watson First Bank & Trust Co. Gary Zheng Lubbock Power & Light

CHAMBER STAFF Eddie McBride, IOM, President/CEO Sheri Nugent, IOM, Vice President-Administration Robin Raney, Vice President-Business Development Jorge Quirino, Vice President-Hispanic Business Division Phyllis Jones, Vice President-Leadership Norma Ritz Johnson, CCE, IOM, Vice President-Legislative Affairs Constance Barbian, Vice President-Communications Colleen Evans, IOM, Vice President-Membership Services Amy Marquez, Retention Specialist Norma Gomez Bulls, Customer Service Representative Audrey DeLeon, Administrative Assistant Kacy Steele, Intern

1500 Broadway, Suite 101 Wells Fargo Center Lubbock, TX 79401 P 806.761.7000 F 806.761.7013

www.lubbockchamber.com info@lubbockbiz.org

Travel to Tuscany with the Chamber With its spectacular rolling hills and fascinating history, the Tuscan region of Italy is a must for any traveler. This leisurely journey allows you to unpack once and visit Florence, Siena, and San Gimingnano among others. Enjoy time at leisure to visit museums and cafes or take opportunities to visit the breath-taking Italian Riviera,

Lucca, Pisa, and the famed Chianti Region. Tuscany is more affordable & inclusive than you’ve ever dreamed! This trip will fill to capacity quickly, so book today. Travel is November 8 - 16, 2012. Contact the Chamber at 806-761-7000 for more information or to RSVP.

View our guide of optional tours.

View our complete guide to Tuscany including your detailed tour itinerary and pricing.

Highlights:

Itinerary

7 Nights in One Hotel Florence City Tour Statue of David Basilica of St. Francis San Gimingnano Siena Chianti Region (optional) Lucca & Pisa (optional) Portofino & Italian Riviera (optional) Inclusions:

Round trip Airfare Airline Fuel Surcharges/Fees International Business Exchange 7 Nights First Class Hotel 9 Meals (7-B, 2-D) Sightseeing per Itinerary Admissions per Itinerary Professional Tour Host Baggage Handling Hotel & Airport Transfers Transportation by deluxe air-conditioned motorcoach

Day 1: Depart USA Day 2: Arrive Italy Day 3: Experience Florence Day 4: Day at Leisure, Optional Tours Day 5: Siena, San Gimingnano Day 6: Day at Leisure, Optional Tours Day 7: Day at Leisure, Options Tours Day 8: day at Leisure Day 9: Depart Italy, Return to USA Optional Rome Extension

Day 9: Rome Day 10: Rome Day 11: Depart Rome, Return to USA

January 2012 • Page 6 • Lubbock Business Network

The Largest and Most Comprehensive Exhibition Ever Compiled on Leonardo da Vinci to Tour the World Coming to Lubbock DaVinci The Genius - on display at the Science Spectrum Museum January 21 to April 15, 2012. Da Vinci The Genius, the most complete and comprehensive traveling exhibition ever created on Leonardo da Vinci, will be on display at the Science Spectrum Museum beginning January 21st, 2012. Da Vinci The Genius demonstrates the

January

(From Page 4) 18 Business Development Committee Meeting 11:30 a.m. – LCOC 9 Agriculture Committee Meeting 1 7:30 a.m. – LCOC Chamber University Steering Committee Meeting 8:30 a.m. – LCOC Ribbon Cutting for Fuzzy’s Taco Shop 11:15 a.m. - 10101 Slide Rd. Executive Committee Meeting Noon - LCOC Community Prayer Breakfast Committee Meeting 4 p.m. – LCOC Ribbon Cutting for 20 Visioning Steering Committee Meeting 8 a.m. – LCOC Ribbon Cutting for Stripes Noon – 3220 Milwaukee Ave. 3 and 24 2 Focus Lubbock & Leadership Lubbock in Austin All Day 6 Board of Directors Meeting 2 10 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. - TBD 7 Visioning Steering Committee Meeting 2 8 a.m. – LCOC 1 Young Professionals Committee 3 Meeting Noon - LCOC

full scope of Leonardo da Vinci’s remarkable genius as an inventor, artist, anatomist, sculptor, engineer, musician and architect. It has taken over 10 years to create the exhibition, which features a vast array of full-scale machine inventions crafted from da Vinci’s personal codices (notebooks), as well as reproductions of his most famous Renaissance art, including the Mona Lisa, Virgin of the Rocks, and The Annunciation, amazing anatomical sketches, the preparatory drawings of the Anghiari Battle, and three-dimensional interactive presentations of the Last Supper, the Vitruvian Man, and the Sforza Horse sculpture that offer never before seen perspectives on these famous works. The many components on display in the Science Spectrum’s Exhibit Hall are intended to delight patrons of all ages. The inventions on display will focus on the following themes: Physics & Mechanical Principles, Civil Machines, Flight Studies Machines, Military Machines, Hydraulic Machines and Musical Instruments. Among the many inventions found in da Vinci’s codices, on display will be his visions for the glider, parachute, the precursor to the modern helicopter, the bicycle, forerunner to the modern military tank, automobile, submarine, ball bearing and gear systems, among many other amazing inventions that were far ahead of their time. Beginning January 21st through April

I’ve always wondered . . .

Does advertising work? . . . just did!

15th, Da Vinci The Genius will be open daily Monday through Friday, 10:00am to 5:00pm, Saturday, 10:00am to 6:00pm, and Sunday, 1:00 to 5:00pm. General Admission Ticket prices are as follows: $12.00 for Adults / $9.50 for Children (ages 3-12) & Seniors (60+) Group Rate Ticket prices are (groups of 10 or more): $10.00 for Adults / $8.00 for Children (ages 3-12) & Seniors (60+) * Tickets are available for purchase at the box office each day of the exhibition. Group reservations are accepted in advance by calling 806-745-2525 x234. For additional exhibition information visit www.davincithegenius.com. General public may also call 806-745-2525 or visit www. sciencespectrum.org. The Science Spectrum Museum and OMNI Theater is a local non-profit organization dedicated to science education.

KOETTER FIRE PROTECTION

OF LUBBOCK, L.L.C.

• Engineered Systems • Fire Suppression Systems • Alarm Systems • Fire Extinguishers RICK SOSEBEE 510 13th St. • Lubbock, Texas 79401

Word Publications • 1310 Avenue Q • Lubbock, TX 79401 • 806-744-2220

806-744-0612 rsosebee@koetterfire.com

January 2012 • Page 7 • Lubbock Business Network

2012 Farm Show Breakfast Presented By:

Celebrate the Grandeur and Beauty of Rural Texas with

Texas State Photographer

Wyman Meinzer February 7, 2012 7:30 a.m. Lubbock Memorial Civic Center

Hosted in cooperation with

Tickets: $25 (Chamber Discount Price: $ 15 ) Reservations Required: Please contact the Lubbock Chamber of Commerce at 806.761.7000

February 7, 8, 9 Lubbock Memorial Civic Center

ABOUT WYMAN MEINZER  Wyman Meinzer was raised on League Ranch, a 27,000-acre ranch in the rolling plains of Texas. Since then, he has traveled across the state many times to capture the first and last rays of sunlight as they kiss the Texas landscapes.  He started his career as a professional predator hunter. He transitioned into a research associate for the university and now teaches a senior-level course in Special Problems Photography at Texas Tech University in addition to his ongoing book projects and freelance magazine assignments.  Meinzer has a Bachelor of Science degree in Wildlife Management and was voted Outstanding Alumnus in 1987 by the department of Range and Wildlife Management at Texas Tech University. He also received the Distinguished Alumnus award in 1995 from the College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources. In 2009 he received the Distinguished Alumnus award from Texas Tech University in recognition of outstanding achievement and dedicated service.  For more information about Meinzer: wymanmeinzer.com

Thanks to Diamond Sponsor:

Platinum Sponsors include:

AgTexas Farm Credit Capital Farm Credit Lubbock County

Texas Agricultural Coop Trust

January 2012 • Page 8 • Lubbock Business Network

2011 Annual Membership Meeting & Awards Gala The December 6th, 2011 Annual Banquet highlighted and celebrated the year’s achievements, while honoring those who made it possible. The 2011 Honorees were: Traci Cheek Ambassador of the Year

Mary Whistler Volunteer of the Year

Angela Hightower Business Person of the Year

Betenbough Homes Business of the Year

Dr. Gordon Davis Business Person Hall of Fame

presented by

Thank you to our generous sponsors: Presenting Sponsor: Suddenlink West Texas; Diamond Sponsors: George McMahan Development, LLC; Teinert Commercial Building Services; Centerpiece Sponsor: Col-

lege Flowers; Platinum Sponsors: Coca-Cola Refreshments, Lakeridge Estates, Lubbock National Bank; Parental Partner Award: Parkhill, Smith & Cooper; Annual Report Sponsor: McDougal Companies; Gold Sponsors: Atmos Energy; Caprock Home Health Services; Citizens Bank; Freese and Nichols, Inc.; New Mexico Texas Coaches LLC; Glasheen, Valles & Inderman, LLP; Skyview Helicopters; South Plains Electric Cooperative, Inc.; Southwest Bank, UMC Health System; TTU College of Human Sciences; Silver Sponsors: Abuelo’s, American State Bank, Bates-Wells, Inc., BBVA Compass Bank, Benchmark Business Solutions, Betenbough Homes, Caraway, McMahon & Co., LLP; City of Lubbock, First United Bank, Lubbock Christian University, Lubbock Economic Development Alliance, Overton Hotel & Conference Center, Platinum Bank, Reese Technology Center, South Plains College, Southwest Bank, Sysco West Texas, Inc., The Price Group, TTU Office of the President, Wells Fargo, Workforce Solutions South Plains Board Administration, X8Environmental, Inc., Z S Brady & Co..; Table Sponsors: Angela Hightower Income Tax Services, Covenant Health System, Ramar Communications, Inc.

Caprock Home Health Services, Inc. Business Hall of Fame

Veronica Velez Parental Partner Award

● Ambassador of the Year presented by Alan Henry Insurance Agency, Inc. – Traci Cheek, Children’s Home of Lubbock ● Volunteer of the Year – Mary Whistler, Office of U.S. Representative Randy Neugebauer ● Business Person of the Year – Angela Hightower, Angela Hightower Income Tax Services ● Business of the Year – Betenbough Homes ● Business Person Hall of Fame – Dr. Gordon Davis, CEV Multimedia ● Business Hall of Fame – Caprock Home Health Services, Inc. ● Parental Partner Award presented by Parkhill, Smith & Cooper– Veronica Velez, Nat Williams Elementary, Lubbock ISD

January 2012 • Page 9 • Lubbock Business Network

Persistence, diversity leads to business success, Lubbock Chamber of Commerce’s speaker says Linda Alvarado, one of the nation’s most influential Hispanic business leaders, delivers the keynote speech at the banquet.

From the Lubbock Avalanche-Journal Few may guess what Linda Alvarado, one of the nation’s most influential Hispanic business leaders, does for a living. During her keynote speech at the Lubbock Chamber of Commerce’s annual awards banquet Tuesday night, she said some years ago someone told her one of the two problems with her construction business was: “When you walk into a room, you look like a woman.” Battling stereotypes has been a constant for Alvarado, who started a construction firm in Denver with three employees in 1976 doing curb and gutter projects to an organization that builds stadiums, high rises and similar big jobs. She’s also a founding co-owner in the Colorado Rockies baseball team, the first Hispanic to own a share of an Major League Baseball team, and the first woman to be part of a successful bid to found a franchise. “People have thought I was a banker, a secretary, a Realtor, an attorney, and when I’m in the office on a Saturday with my Rockies sweatshirt and a baseball cap, the cleaning woman,” Alvarado said. Alvarado’s talk, before more than 500 people, covered many topics, ranging from lessons she learned as a woman business owner in a male-dominated industry to the need to think quickly in a rapidly changing global economy. “I don’t look Hispanic; I’ve got blue eyes. And I don’t look like a contractor,” she said, noting the diversity in the audience of Hub City business owners. And understanding diversity, she said, is part of what’s made her company successful. “My job is to assemble a group of people who are good at what they do, passionate about what they do, and represent the ethical and professional standards of the company,” she said. And, she said with a joke about her own childhood, it starts with what Alvarado said her parents called “the leadership shadow.” “I was afraid of that shadow, because I thought it was a monster,” she said, adding it was an attitude from her parents about “what you do, how you do it, and how you say things. “It’s the ability to help others rise to ac-

Photo by Robert Suddarth

Linda Alvarado

complish and do great things,” she explained. She said persistence, a lesson she learned from her mother as a child in Albuquerque, helped her get a college job working in landscaping — a move that might have nudged her toward a career in construction. While a student at Pomona College in California, she said, she needed a job and applied for a landscaping job. The manager turned her down, explaining boys did landscaping while girls worked in food service. “Two weeks later, I came back and said, ‘I really need a job,’” she said, adding the manager tried to dissuade her by explaining it would be sweaty work with a lot of lifting, and she wouldn’t be able to wear women’s clothes and shoes. “I said, ‘I don’t have to go to the gym, I could wear Levi’s to work every day, and I can work with some good-looking guys, and you pay me?’” she said. The following summer, she wound up working on a construction site, and explained because the manager liked to play golf, he piled a lot of work on her desk. “He became something of a mentor to me, because he was lazy and wanted to play golf,” she said, adding the experience prompted her to take courses in estimating and other construction-related talents. Then, she said, she started to submit bids on projects and was thinking “maybe I could build a convenience store or a townhouse. So I wrote a business plan to see what I could do.” After starting a business and bidding un-

successfully on a few jobs, “I learned quickly not to sign my first name, but to use my initials, L.G. If I signed Linda, I wouldn’t make the first cut.” She gradually began to get jobs, and over time, those jobs have grown to such projects as convention centers and the stadium where the Denver Broncos play. A portion of her talk dealt with decisions about taking risks — such as her decision in 1992 to join the partnership group that would land the Colorado Rockies baseball franchise. When she discussed the opportunity with her husband, they talked about the risk and she came to the realization that “not taking the risk would be an opportunity lost.”

Save these dates for BIG events in 2012! Farm Show Breakfast – February 7 Chamber University, Technology – February 9 Chamber University, Customer Service – March 6 Chamber University, Marketing and Public Relations – April 12 Focus Lubbock Graduation – April 26 New Century Leadership Graduation – May 1 Community Prayer Breakfast – May 3 Cinco de Mayo Luncheon – May 3 Chamber University, Leadership and Management – May 4 LeaderCast – May 4 Business Expo – May 10 Leadership Lubbock Graduation – May 24 Golf Classic – July 23 Fiestas Patrias Luncheon – September 14 Chamber University, Accounting and Taxes - September Hub City BBQ – September Business Mercado – October 11 Chamber University, Human Resources - October Tuscany Trip – November 8 - 16 Annual Meeting – November/December

January 2012 • Page 10 • Lubbock Business Network

Lubbock Chapter of the Association for Women in Communications (AWC) Accepting Nominations for its Annual Celebrity Luncheon Awards Help give someone the recognition they deserve but never seek by submitting a nomination for the Association for Women in Communications (AWC) 2012 Celebrity Luncheon. The annual luncheon celebrates the positive contributions and achievements of those people who make Lubbock and West Texas a great place to live. AWC’s annual recognition of Headliners, Gold Medalists, the Louise Allen Award and the George Mahon Award will be decided through a committee selection process as well as input

from members of the community. Gold Medals are awarded to people who, over an extended period of time, have worked to improve the quality of life for a broad spectrum of those living in the Lubbock area. Headliners are presented to people whose achievements and contributions have received widespread positive recognition through the media.

The Louise Allen Award is presented to an entity that has exhibited outstanding corporate community service. The George Mahon Award for Extraordinary Public Service is only presented when AWC believes a person has dedicated his or her adult life to a broad array of public service efforts. It is awarded to an individual who “can’t say no” when asked

to engage in public service and whose service consistently results in accomplishments. In an effort to increase our submissions and provide a simpler, more efficient way for individuals to submit their information, we are happy to announce that an online form is now available on our AWC Lubbock website. This form can be found at http://awclubbock.org/AWC_ Lubbock/CL_Nomination_ Form.html. Nominations are due by Monday, Jan. 16.

Arbor Inn and Suites Partners with Stash Hotel Rewards Now Part of the Largest Point-Based Loyalty Program for Independent Hotels in the U.S. Arbor Inn and Suites today announced its partnership with Stash Hotel Rewards®, the largest loyalty program for independent hotels in the United States. Stash members can now earn and redeem points for free nights at one of Lubbock’s upscale hotels that guarantee the luxury, comfort and service that customers say consistently exceed expectations. “We are humbled to be a partner hotel of Stash Hotel Rewards. We feel this helps to level the playing field with the franchised hotels. It is also an added way to say thank you to all of our guests who stay with us frequently,” said Rob Meyer, owner/operator of Arbor Inn and Suites. Arbor Inn and Suites boast

some of the largest hotel rooms in Lubbock and is the only one that has balcony rooms overlooking a resort style pool. “Our philosophy is simple: We work hard to please you,” Meyer said. Guests of Arbor Inn and Suites can join Stash for free at www. stashrewards.com. Stash members earn 5 points for each dollar spent on eligible room rates and can redeem them at independent hotels across North America, including the Caribbean and Hawaii. Stash points never expire, and redemption is simple, without blackout dates or category restrictions found in many chain programs. Stash partner hotels also provide members with exclusive travel deals. Arbor Inn and Suites offers travelers an at-home experience with the largest, most comfortable rooms in Lubbock. It’s a family-owned hotel that guarantees a rich experience unlike the cookiecutter franchises. Established in 2005, Owner Rob Meyer

provides guests with personalized accommodations and welcome receptions that make them feel like they are in his home and not his place of business. Arbor Inn and Suites offers spacious hotel

rooms with an average of more than 450 square-feet equipped with full kitchens. The hotel is perfect for those in town to visit the Red Raiders or just to enjoy the Panhandle.

Business of the Month

Abuelo’s, a Lubbock Chamber of Commerce member since 2005, has received numerous national accolades as the top-ranked Mexican food restaurant, one of America’s top chains, and for offering great meals for less than $20. Escape to the courtyard under our beautiful sky, enjoy our inspired surroundings and savor the exceptional food and drink that is Abuelo’s signature. Being involved in our local communities is an integral

part of the Abuelo’s culture. Over the years, our restaurants and our employees have contributed countless meals, funding and volunteer hours in our communities across the United States. Working together with our community partners, we take pride in our efforts to enrich and support our neighborhoods while carrying out the Abuelo’s tradition of providing the rich, delicious flavors of Mexico.

January 2012 • Page 11 • Lubbock Business Network

Ground Breakings & Ribbon Cuttings

Bolton Oil Company – Service Center

Bacon Heights Baptist Church 5110 54th St

Blue Monkey Grill 2407 9th St.

6310 19th St

Caprock AMBUCS

Christian Brothers Automotive – Southwest

Dr. Eric Minns – Plastic Surgery

6207 82nd St.

Freebirds World Burrito

Managed Care 1715 26th St.

3519 22nd Place, Suite B

Golden Chick

Lubbock KIDS Dental

804 Ave. X

1504 Buddy Holly Ave.

McDonald’s – North University

Mother May I 2610 Salem Ave, Suite 4

102 N. University