Lubbock Business Network - June 2016 Newsletter

THE LUBBOCK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE NEWSLETTER

LUBBOCK BUSINESS NETWORK NEW

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What does it mean for your business?

More information on pg. 8

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Vol. 25 No. 6 June 2016 Business Expo was a Huge Success

10 States Join Chamber’s Lawsuit Against DOL

Chamber Announces New Lawsuit

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Thank you to our 5-Star Sponsors!

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Lubbock Business Network

In the News this Month:

Business Expo was a Huge Success....................................................6 Get Your Clubs Ready and Start Perfecting that Swing..............7 Learn More About the New Overtime Rule at Chamber U.......8 Young Entrepreneurs Academy is Accepting Applications... 11 Ten States Join Chamber’s Lawsuit Against DOL....................... 12 Chamber Announces New Lawsuit................................................. 13

A Message from the Chamber

S ince 1913, the Lubbock Chamber of Commerce’s mission of strengthening, promoting and serving its member businesses has positively benefitted the entire region and local quality of life.

As the largest business federation on the South Plains, the Chamber represents over 2,000 members who employ over 79,000 workers, and account for over $2 billion in annual household earnings in Lubbock and West Texas, all without tax dollars.

Each day, the Chamber strengthens, promotes and serves its member businesses through numerous programs and events.

The Chamber advocates on local, state and federal levels and offers diverse programs for both large and small as well as minority-owned businesses.

Share Your News!

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

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

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2016 Board of Directors Executive Committee Chairwoman

Beth Bridges, South Plains Mall Immediate Past Chairman

Jay Jacobus, Scarborough Specialities, Inc. Chairwoman Elect

Diannah Tatum, Sanford & Tatum Insurance Agency Treasurer

David Park, Atmos Energy Secretary

Eddie McBride, Lubbock Chamber of Commerce Vice Chairman - Business Advocacy

Michael Calvillo, Michael Calvillo Bail Bonds/The Butler Vice Chairman - Chamber Services and Member Engagement

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

Kathy Oaks, American Cancer Society Vice Chairman - Community Development

Cory Powell, TTU Mentor Tech - Institutional Diversity,

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

Scott Fagin, First United Bank

Board of Directors

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

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Lubbock Business Network

Young Professionals of Lubbock Tuesday Networking

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Ag Committee – 8 a.m. – LCOC Ribbon Cutting: Chick-fil-A – 9 a.m. – 8225 University Ave. Ribbon Cutting: Convergy’s – 1 p.m. – 3701 W. Loop 289

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Transportation Committee – 10:30 a.m. – LCOC Ribbon Cutting: Verizon Wireless - Mobile Destinations – Noon – 2312 19th St., STE 400

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Ribbon Cutting: Lubbock Moonlight Musicals Summer Series – Noon – 413 East Broadway

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Chamber University: DOL Overtime Rule – 8 a.m. – Reagor-Dykes Auto Group Headquarters, 1215 Ave. J Chamber Basics: Pizza with the President – 11:30 a.m. – Wells Fargo Building, 1500 Broadway, 2nd Floor – San Jacinto Room Leadership Lubbock Steering Committee – 3:30 p.m. – LCOC City Council Reception – 5:30 p.m. – Reagor-Dykes Auto Group Headquarters, 1215 Ave. J

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Ribbon Cutting: Blue & Co., LLC – 2 p.m. – 4920 S. Loop 289, STE 104 Ribbon Cutting: Creative Homes – 4:30 p.m. – 6831 82nd St.

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Ribbon Cutting: Mosaic – 11 a.m. – 5064 50th St. YPL Lunch & Learn: Preparing to Buy a Home 101– 11:30 a.m. – Wells Fargo Building, 1500 Broadway, 2nd Floor – San Jacinto Room Ribbon Cutting: VTM Graphics & Threads – 4 p.m. – 2614 FM 1585, Ste. 12 Business After Hours sponsored by Alamo Drafthouse – 5:30 p.m.

120 W. Loop 289

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Government Relations Committee – 10:30 a.m. – LCOC Ribbon Cutting: Century 21’s 40th Anniversary – 11 a.m. – 4718 S. Loop 289

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Ribbon Cutting: LAAHU 4th Annual Golf Tournament – Noon – Rawls Golf Course, 3720 4th St.

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Groundbreaking: Craft Development Co. – 10 a.m. – 58th & Memphis Golf Classic Committee – 4 p.m. – LCOC Young Professionals Networking – 5:30 p.m. – Back 40 Grill, 5214 98th St.

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Ambassador Luncheon sponsored by OfficeWise Furniture and Supply – Noon – 1301 13th St.

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Ribbon Cutting: Blo Blow Dry Bar – 4 p.m. – 4511 98th St.

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Ribbon Cutting: Tide Dry Cleaners – 10 a.m. – 4611 98th St., STE 200

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Young Professionals of Lubbock Steering Committee – Noon – LCOC

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Leadership Lubbock: Sports & Recreation Day – ALL DAY

120 W. Loop 289

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Ribbon Cutting: American Wind Power Center – 10 a.m. – 1701 Canyon Lake Dr.

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Executive Committee – Noon – LCOC Business After Hours sponsored by Synetra – 5:30 p.m. – 13029 Quaker Ave.

by:

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Chamber University Committee – Noon – LCOC

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Ribbon Cutting: School of Rock Showcase – 9:45 a.m. – 5402 4th St.

sponsored by

June 14th 5:30 p.m. - 7 p.m.

5214 98th St.

Business After Hours sponsored by:

June 9th 5:30 p.m. - 7 p.m.

Chamber Basics : Pizza with the President

d sponsore

Tues., June 7 | 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Wells Fargo Center, 1500 Broadway, 2nd Floor, San Jacinto Room

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Hub City BBQ Committee – 4 p.m. – Wells Fargo Building, 1500 Broadway, 2nd Floor – San Jacinto Room LCOC Board of Directors Meeting – 10:30 a.m. – Lubbock State Supported Living Center – 3401 N. University Ribbon Cutting: Lubbock Auto Auction’s 70th Anniversary – 2 p.m. – 1122 E. 34th St.

*LCOC = Lubbock Chamber of Commerce

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

Lubbock Business Network

20 1 7 D i rec to r y Co ming S oon We are preparing to publish our 2017 Lubbock Chamber of Commerce Business Directory and Resource Guide. Thanks to your support, past directories are valuable resources. We look forward to the 2017 publication being better than ever. The Directory is an excellent opportunity to highlight your business both locally and across the United States, as directories are mailed to all current and prospective members and people inquiring about Lubbock.

As a Chamber member, your company is entitled to one listing in the alphabetical section by company and one in the classified section by type of business.

The company will be listed in the Buyer’s Guide section under its primary classified listing only. However, if you wish to be listed under more than one area this option will be made available for purchase. Additionally, your company is also listed on the Chamber’s website, www. lubbockchamber.com, and on the mobile website for smartphone users as an additional membership benefit.

There is also an opportunity to purchase sponsorship space in the Directory. If you are interested in sponsoring or have any questions, please contact the Chamber at (806) 761-7000.

We appreciate your membership and look forward to working with you on the 2017 Directory.

Click here to view our online membership directory at anytime!

Business After Hours sponsored by:

June 23rd 5:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

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

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13029 Quaker Ave.

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Lubbock Business Network

25th Anniversary - Business Expo was bigger than ever!

The 2016 Business Expo was a huge success and we would like to thank our sponsors, exhibitors, volunteers and the attendees who helped make this the biggest event ever! Booths were sold out a few weeks before Expo with several companies on a waiting list prior to the event. Attendance was the highest in recent years, with just under 7,000 attendees flowing through the Civic Center to connect with exhibitors filling 212 booths.

For the second year, the Business Expo partnered with Chamber University to present business seminars throughout

the day focused on computer I.T., employee retention and website advertising. Those events attracted attendance from business professionals throughout the day. Once again, the “Headshot Lounge” was presented by Savant Photography, offering attendees the opportunity to purchase a professional photo for social media or websites at discounted price.

Most Innovative RD Thomas

Best First-time Exhibitor 806 Desert Customs Line

Best Staff Texas Boys Ranch

Best Dressed Carpet Tech

Most Fun Buffalo Springs Lake

Best Giveaway Racer Classic Car Wash

Best Interpretation of Theme The Price Group

People’s Choice Dunkin Donuts

Best of Show Hi-Fidelity

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Lubbock Business Network

Introducing our June Business of the Month, Harrigan’s Congratulations to June Business of the Month, Harrigan’s! They have been active members of the Lubbock Chamber since re-opening its doors in 2004 and we appreciate all that they do for the Lubbock community!

Harrigan’s has strong roots in Lubbock. The company first opened its doors in 1977 and in 2003 the large corporation that owned the successful restaurant underwent some changes causing the doors to close. Then a year later two local businessmen re-opened the popular restaurant’s doors with a ribbon cutting and a lot of excitement from the local community.

Harrigan’s has grown its accommodations over the years in Lubbock and they have also opened an additional location in Odessa. They have a private banquet room perfect for meetings and/or parties as well as large dining areas and a relaxing

“smoke-free” bar and lounge great for after work happy hours or to catch the latest game.

The Chamber has hosted many meetings, luncheons and events at Harrigan’s and has never been disappointed in the atmosphere or friendly service. They can provide almost anything you are looking for and we appreciate all that they do for the Chamber and our business community.

Again, congratulations on the well-deserved June Business of the Month award!

The Chamber is proud to congratulate Harrigan’s on the June Business of the Month achievement.

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

Get Your Clubs Ready and Start Perfecting that Swing!

The 2016 Annual Lubbock Chamber Golf Classic will be held on Mon., July 18, at Hillcrest Country Club! For the AM Flight, registration and breakfast will begin at 6:45 a.m. and tee times begin at 7:30 a.m. For the PM Flight, registration and lunch will begin at 12:45 p.m. and the tee times begin at 1:30 p.m.

Closest to the Pin AM: Regal Pet Resort

Thanks to our sponsors!

Straightest Drive PM: McCleskey, Harriger, Brazill & Graf, LLP

Presenting:

Birdie: George McMahan Development, LLC, Lubbock Economic Development Alliance, Prosperity Bank

Closest to the Pin PM: McCleskey, Harriger, Brazill & Graf, LLP Straightest Drive AM: Synetra

Sponsorships are still available! For more information, please contact Allison Cottrell at (806) 761-7000 or allison. cottrell@lubbockbiz.org.

ACE: 7B Building & Development, Atmos Energy, Bayer CropScience–FiberMax, Bimbo Bakeries / Mrs. Baird’s, Oberkampf Supply of Lubbock, Inc., Sanford & Tatum Insurance Agency, UMC Physician Services Drink Cart: Designscapes, LLC, FirstBank & Trust Co. Golf Ball: FirstCare Health Plans Prize AM: Alliance Federal Credit Union Prize PM: Grace Clinic Shirt: Greenstreet, Inc. Towel: Everyman Media Works Eagle: BuildRite Construction, Courtyard by Marriott Lubbock – Downtown, First United Bank, Llano Estacado Winery, Michael Berg Insurance Agency, Inc., Overton Hotel & Conference Center, Pavecon, Ltd., Short Insurance Agency, UniFirst

A few Teams are still available. Contact the Chamber ASAP to reserve yours at (806) 761-7000!

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Lubbock Business Network

Save the Date: Hispanic Heritage Luncheon, October 6 We are excited to announce that the Texas Secretary of State, Carlos Cascos, will be the keynote speaker at the Hispanic Heritage luncheon on Thurs. Oct. 6, at the Overton Hotel Sunset Ballroom from 11:30 a.m.–1 p.m.

Secretary Cascos was Governor Abbott’s first appointment after becoming governor and is the 110th Texas Secretary of State. The Secretary is a Certified Public Accountant, as well as a former county commissioner and judge. Less than two months into his new role as Texas Secretary of State, Carlos Cascos traveled to Mexico City to meet with foreign dignitaries and discuss international trade.

Born in Mexico, the Secretary became a U.S. citizen in adolescence, and brings a unique perspective to his position in the hopes of

bolstering Texas’ relations with Mexico and improving life along the state’s southern border.

The Texas Secretary of State’s office houses the states elections division and also oversees TexasMexico relations.

Who better to help us celebrate the Hispanic culture and diversity in our business community?

We look forward to hearing him and know you will too.

Tickets will go on sale on Aug. 25.

Sponsorships are still available! Call Christye Weld if you would like more information on sponsorships at (806) 761-7009.

Learn More About the New Overtime Rule at Chamber University!

The Department of Labor announced its new federal overtime regulations and the Lubbock Chamber of Commerce wants to make sure employers are in full understanding of the profound changes that will affect the workplace.

Register today to attend Chamber University: DOL Overtime Changes – What’s Your Plan, to get more information on the new regulations.

Chamber University will be held on Tues., June 7, from 8-10:30 a.m.at the Reagor Dykes Headquarters in downtown Lubbock.

The Chamber is informing the business community of drastic changes to the regulations that determine whether a “white collar” employee (executive, administrative, or professional) is eligible to be paid overtime for any hours worked beyond 40 per week. Currently, if these employees are performing the “primary duties” of their classification and paid a salary of more than $23,660 annually ($455/week), they are classified as exempt from being paid overtime.

The Final Rule, has increased that salary threshold to $47,476 annually ($933/week), and increases it annually. The Chamber has previously opposed these changes but unfortunately, they appear imminent.

The seminar will feature Ann Manning of the Underwood Law Firm. Manning is the managing shareholder of the Underwood

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Law Firm’s Lubbock office. She is Board Certified in Labor Employment Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization.

Manning’s primary concentration is education, employment and health law including civil litigation in these areas.

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

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

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

Changes to reservations may be made until 5 p.m. on Fri., June 3.

For more information on Chamber University, please contact Allison Cottrell at (806) 761-7000 or allison.cottrell@ lubbockbiz.org.

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

Lubbock Business Network

Get to know Board Member, Abel Castro

How did you get involved with the Chamber and what keeps you involved? I became involved in the Chamber when I returned to Lubbock in 2003 to work at FirstBank and Trust.

I think my second day on the job, Barry Orr asked me to play in the Chamber golf tournament. What a GREAT way to start a new job! A few years later, I was fortunate enough to participate as a student in Leadership Lubbock. That year-long program really enlightened me as to what goes on in Lubbock and what Lubbock has to offer its businesses and area residents. Now that I am on the Board, I look forward to helping in any and every way possible. Lubbock has been very good to me, my family and FirstBank, and this is an opportunity for me to give back. And of course, who doesn’t want to be associated with the NATION’S BEST CHAMBER??? A two-time Five-Star Accredited Chamber and Chamber of the Year!!!!

(formerly Lubbock Area Foundation) and have served on several other boards/committees including the Lubbock Water Advisory Commission, United Way, High Plains Community Capital and The LISD Foundation for Excellence Board(s).

Finish this sentence: Never again will I…well… never say never, right??? Never again will I get to suit up as a Red Raider baseball player (I do still have three years of eligibility….) I had a very short college baseball career, but loved every minute of it. Who knows? Maybe Coach Tadlock will see this and ask me to pinch hit with the College World Series on the line???…..NOT!!!!!

What is your favorite event or program of the Chamber?

I really enjoy the Chamber Business After Hours hosted by FirstBank and Trust at Abuelo’s in the Fall and then the Hub City BBQ and the Annual Chamber Golf Tournament. These are great opportunities to network with other business people in a laid back environment.

What are some of your other community leadership roles?

I currently serve on the Lubbock Victim Assistance Services Board, The Community Foundation of West Texas Board

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Lubbock Business Network

Growing Community Leaders Meet Leadership Lubbock Member, Chris Allen Why did you choose to become part of the Leadership Lubbock Program? Over the years, several LEDA and Visit Lubbock employees have participated in the Leadership Lubbock program and all have had positive experiences. I have wanted to be a part of it for a long time.

How long have you been associated with Leadership Lubbock? I have been in this current Leadership Lubbock class since January of 2016, but my employer has supported Leadership Lubbock classes, as well as many other Lubbock Chamber events, over the years.

What are some of your favorite Leadership Lubbock events that you have attended so far? I really enjoyed Lubbock 101 day in February. It gave me the chance to tour some local businesses and establishments that I might have never had the opportunity to learn about.

What do you feel is the most rewarding part of being in Leadership Lubbock Class? I believe the networking has been the most rewarding part of my Leadership Lubbock experience.

Not only did I know a few members of the class going in and have enjoyed catching up with them, but I also have met so many new professionals and have enjoyed getting to know them. Past graduates of Leadership Lubbock have been able utilize these professional connections to find jobs, and to help their businesses be more productive.

Why is the Leadership Lubbock program important to you?

I believe having the background on Lubbock is essential to working in our community, but I also know that the networking and relationships formed will be extremely useful in the future.

Staff at LEDA have reached out to past members of their Leadership Lubbock class when trying to gather information for our businesses. We have even hired staff as a result of a LEDA staff person knowing someone that they were in Leadership Lubbock with in past years.

What is your position? Director of Workforce Development and FTZ-260 What all does your position entail? I am responsible for positioning, coordinating, and driving the community and region to develop and attract talented and skilled workers that meets the needs of Lubbock’s current and future business and industry. I do this through facilitating an on-going dialogue about workforce development issues and opportunities while developing and utilizing affective, innovative and cutting-edge workforce development campaigns and programs. I am also responsible for directing the Foreign Trade Zone 260’s (FTZ 260) domestic and international marketing programs as well as all local FTZ 260 operations, customs compliance and security activities. I oversees that the Foreign Trade Zone goals, missions and objectives are carried out and represented in the local community.

How long have you been with your current company? I have been with LEDA now for over 9 years.

Share some info about your family. My husband is Bradley and I have a son, Colin, who attends South Plains College and is majoring in music. My stepson and daughterin-law, Taylor and Abby Allen, and their children, Maleigh and Everitt, live in Amarillo. My stepdaughter and son-inlaw, Kirbie and Stephen Howard, and their son, Thomas, live in Stillwater, Okla.

Who do you work for? Lubbock Economic Development Alliance (LEDA)

Join Young Professionals of Lubbock!

Applications Available Today!

Contact Amy Marquez P: (806) 761-7002 | C: (806) 317-0122 Amy.Marquez@lubbockbiz.org

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Lubbock Business Network

es i r o t s s s e c c u s Student re.

Learn more about YEA! he

Chad Bingo, CEO, Dogstar Pet Products, Rochester, N.Y.

Bingo has always had Chad Bingo, CEO, DogstarChad Pet Products, Rochester, NY a love for

Button has been featured on Good Morning dogs and making caring for them more America and in Walmart’s “Get on the Shelf” Chad Bingo has always had a love dogsenjoyable. and making caring them more fun and enjoyable.

In the funforand In theforAcademy, Bingo contest.

Bingo has two more Dogstar Pet Academy, Chad launched the Gotta Go Button, the fi rst product from his company, Dogstar Pet Products. launched the Gotta Go Button, the first products in development, the Waterback The Gotta Go Button “speaks” product for your dogfrom and letshis owners know when Fido’s “gotta The button company, Dogstar Pet go”!Leash and comes the Doggy Door Stand. Bingo is complete with a 2 week trainingProducts. system. The Gotta Go Button has been featured on Good Morning America The Gotta Go Button “speaks” for increasing production, managing overseas and in Walmart’s “Get on the Shelf” contest. Chad has two more Dogstar Pet products in development, your dog and lets owners know when Fido’s manufacturers and filling orders all from his the Waterback Leash and the Doggy Door Stand. Chad is increasing production, managing overseas “gotta go”! The button comes complete with dorm room! www.gottagobutton.com manufacturers and filling orders all from his dorm room! www.gottagobutton.com a two-week training system. The Gotta Go

Rachel Zietz, CEO, Gladiator Lacrosse, Boca Raton Chamber Chamber of Commerce, Florida Fla. Rachel Zietz, CEO, Gladiator Lacrosse, Boca Raton of Commerce, Gladiator Lacrosse was founded in in 2013Participating in seventh the YEA! Raton and lacrosse player, Gladiator Lacrosse was founded by then 13 year old gradeBoca entrepreneur 2013 by then 13-year-old seventh grade Chamber of Commerce program, Rachel Rachel Zietz. Like every player wishing to improve his or her game, Rachel’s coaches advised her to play entrepreneur and “wall lacrosse player, Rachel decided to start However, a business that of produced ball” and practice her shot as much as possible. the quality the products she purchased Zietz. Like every player to improve lacrosse equipment at an for usewishing in the backyard would not high-quality hold up to the weather outdoors and were expensive. his or her game, Zietz’s coaches advised her aordable price and Gladiator Lacrosse Participating in the YEA! Boca Raton Chamber of Commerce program, Rachel decided to start a business that to play “wall ball” and practice her shot as equipment was born. graduating from the YEA! was born. Since price and Gladiator Lacrosse produced high-quality lacrosse at anSince affordable much as possible. However, the quality of program in 2013, Zietz has been growing graduating from the YEA! program in 2013, Rachel has been growing her business isher currently a ninth-grade the products she purchased useschool in the is Florida. currently a ninth-grade student student and for attends in Fortbusiness Lauderdale, www.gladiatorlacrosse.com backyard would not hold up to the weather and attends school in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. outdoors and were expensive. www.gladiatorlacrosse.com

Eve & Liam Knight, CEO & CFO, The Spice Kidz

Click here to APPLY! For more information contact

Brother-sister business duo, Liam and Eve Knight, were accepted into the Young Entrepreneurs Academy class of 2014, hosted by the Greater Pensacola Chamber of Commerce, for an opportunity to turn their passions into a real business!

Amy Marquez at (806) 761-7000.

Liam, Eve and their family moved to America from Ireland a few years ago and had to adjust to some changes, most of all, the different kinds of food! Liam and Eve love to make curry, and when they discovered that their American friends had no idea what curry was, they were shocked! They were determined to start a Why did you chose to be everyone a member of the Where do you work? WC Land Services (WCLS) business to introduce to delicious and simple Indian Curry. www.thespicekidz.com

Meet Young Professionals of Lubbock Member, Kyle Carruth Young Professionals of Lubbock? YPL is a great organization that provides opportunities for individuals to network with like-minded Gabby Griffin, Gabby’s Tortillas, South Baldwin, AL colleagues in the area.

What is your position? Principal What is WCLS? A full service title operation

In 2012, high school freshman, Gabby Griffin turned her passion for fighting child hunger, neglect offering services to oil and gas companies, law abuse withmember? her talent forIbaking Tortillasand as a part of How long have youand been a YPL have tortillas when she launched Gabby’s offices, individual corporations/land owners.

Academy class in South Baldwin, Alabama. Gabby’s offers been a YPL member the for Young threeEntrepreneurs years.

Email:Tortillas wkylec@yahoo.com to learn more. homemade, organic, tortillas. For every pack of tortillas sold Gabby’s Tortillas donates two tortillas to athe localmost food bank and a portion of each sale goes to charities that fightHow against childhave abuse and What do you feel is rewarding part long you been with your current neglect.

Gabby was selected as the 2013 Saunders Scholars Semi-Finalist from the South BaldwinWCLS Chamber of being a YPL member? The networking company? I founded six of years ago.

YEA! class.

Just one year later, Gabby’s Tortilla’s is thriving and she has gone on to open her own café.

Commerce opportunities are the most rewarding, but I also Gabby now attends Faulkner State Community College and was awarded a full tuition scholarship to study culinary

Share some info about your family. I am married to my beautiful wife, Ann-Marie Carruth, and we have two incredible sons, Thatcher (five) and Baines (seven months). I have Habibe Hakiqi , Co-Founder, Bubble Tea Mania Why is being a YPL member important to you?

I believe that been very blessed in both my professional path and personal being a YPLBubble member advances my business and also affordsduring me her life.

Tea Mania was Habibe’s YEA! business, launched senior year in high school. additional opportunities to help advance the community.

Habibe matriculated into the University of Rochester as a double major in Economics and Political very much enjoy the "lunch and learn" series hosted by YPL.

Science and graduated with a truly distinguished college career—she was a Hajim Scholar, was elected to Phi Beta Kappa and the International Economics Honor Society, and was the recipient of the Young Women of Distinction Award, among others. In 2014 Habibe graduated from the Harvard Business School

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Lubbock Business Network Legislative Benefactor:

Voice of Business Ten States Join the Chamber’s Lawsuit Against the Department of Labor On May 10, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton came to the Lubbock Chamber to announce that the State of Texas and nine other states would intervene in support of the Chamber’s joint lawsuit challenging changes to a U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) regulation known as the “Persuader Rule”. The motion to intervene was filed by the State of Texas and the other states in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas in Lubbock on Tues., May 10. The Lubbock Chamber thanked the U.S. Chamber of Commerce (USCC) for filing a friend-of-thecourt brief supporting the lawsuit on Thurs., May 5.

In April the Chamber joined the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB), Texas Association of Business (TAB), National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), and Texas Association of Builders (Texas Builders) in filing a lawsuit in Lubbock Federal Court against the DOL challenging the constitutionality of the new regulations. These changes to the Persuader Rule potentially expose every employer to reporting requirements and disclosures.

“These regulations have significant implications for all employers, not just those faced with union organizing. We are grateful that the State of Texas and the U.S. Chamber are getting behind this legal effort,” said Lubbock Chamber of Commerce Chairwoman Beth Bridges. “As the voice of business in Lubbock, we take a firm stand on legislation and regulations that affect business, but took this issue to the next level based on the constitutional rights we believe are being violated in this regulatory change.”

Lubbock attorney Fernando Bustos of Bustos Law Firm, PC, is representing the Lubbock Chamber, NFIB, TAB, NAHB, and Texas Builders in the joint effort. Also representing the Lubbock Chamber, NFIB, TAB, NAHB, and Texas Builders are the Ogletree Deakins and Kemp Smith law firms.

Under changes to the Persuader Rule, a law firm, consultant, or even an industry association or chamber that has been deemed a “persuader” will trigger disclosure of fees paid by all clients for broadly defined “labor relations advice or services” throughout the year. Under this scenario, a single attorney, by performing any newly-defined “Persuader” work for one client, could trigger a required reporting of information on all of the clients for which that attorney’s entire firm performed even non-union-related labor and employment work.

“These filed reports are posted by the DOL and publicly available, making it possible for anyone to review how much an employer has paid over the course of a year for any human resources or labor related services.” said Bustos.

Joining the State of Texas in the motion to intervene are Arkansas, Alabama, Indiana, Michigan, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Utah, West Virginia and Wisconsin. Two other lawsuits have been filed challenging the DOL’s changes to the regulation in Minnesota and Arkansas.

The reception is open to the public and will recognize the newly elected mayor, newly elected and re-elected City Council members, as well as say farewell to those leaving office.

We will also host another reception in July to recognize the City Council members elected in the runoff.

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Lubbock Business Network

Chairwoman Beth Bridges Speaks Out on Changes to Overtime Rule

We are disappointed to see the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) issue this final rule regarding changes to overtime regulations. This doubling of the salary threshold was finalized without an extended comment period, and without taking the time to study the economic impact of such a profound change on employers of all sizes and industries. These new overtime regulations will hurt job and economic growth as well as the very employees the DOL claims this will help.

These costs of this regulatory overreach will disproportionally fall on those businesses, nonprofits, municipalities and institutions of higher education in areas with a lower cost of living such as Lubbock.

This higher salary threshold will mean many employers will have to reclassify some employees as hourly employees and

possibly pay them overtime. For many of our small businesses, and other employers including state and local governments, this will mean a disastrous financial hit, or reducing their ability to serve their customers.

These new regulations will likely have a negative effect on workplace flexibility and employee morale. Reclassifying employees will mean they will lose the ability to set their own hours, and to work from home or use electronic technology to handle their work since that time will be compensable and tracking it will be impossible. Many employees who have been reclassified consider it a demotion and resent the change. Even worse, we’ve heard from businesses that will cut their workforce to meet the new regulatory demands.

The Lubbock Chamber previously filed our official opposition to this change, and we will continue to work with our elected leaders and collectively as a business community to fight this change. Meanwhile, we stand ready to provide information and resources to our members to help them deal with this economic blow from the Obama Administration.

Chamber Joins Broad Coalition of Business Groups to Challenge Fiduciary Rule The Lubbock Chamber of Commerce has joined a broad coalition of business groups in a federal lawsuit filed in the Northern District of Texas yesterday to challenge a new, and very controversial, regulation by the Department of Labor (DOL) that will make it much harder for Texas businesses to help provide their employees with retirement security, and make it much more expensive and difficult for average Texans to save for retirement.

The Lubbock Chamber joined in the lawsuit by U.S. Chamber of Commerce, Greater Irving Las Colinas Chamber, Lake Houston Chamber, Financial Services Institute, Financial Services Roundtable, Insured Retirement Institute, Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association and Texas Association of Business, to challenge the legally-flawed regulation. The lawsuit can be downloaded from this link.

“Many businesses in Lubbock and throughout the country want to provide retirement security to their employees in order to attract and keep talented workers. Unfortunately, the DOL’s

so-called ‘Fiduciary Rule’ will make it much harder to do so,” said Lubbock Chamber Chairwoman Beth Bridges.

“These new and complicated regulations expose financial advisors to a new wave of lawsuits that will drive up the cost of retirement. The Rule also forces small businesses to re-think what retirement services, if any, they can provide to their employees.

That’s a bad deal for Texas businesses.

We believe that the regulation is unlawful and harmful to the economy. Our lawsuit seeks to protect Texans and other Americans who are saving for retirement.”

The latest legal challenge marks the fourth federal case the Lubbock Chamber is involved in, having previously filed as a plaintiff challenging the DOL’s Persuader Rule as well as involvement in two cases challenging EPA carbon and haze regulations.

The Humble Phone Call May Be the Killer App There's been a lot of commentary in recent years about the demise of voice and that millennials in particular prefer texting to talking on the phone. But it turns out that reports of voice calling's death are greatly exaggerated. In fact, certain types of calls to businesses are on the rise.

As CallRail reported in June 2014, small and mediumsized businesses experienced a whopping 24% increase in the number of inbound calls in a 12-month period. The trend held steady in 2015 as well.

Across every industry surveyed, call volumes have risen over the last two years. This increase is critical for local businesses, as studies have shown that calls are 10 to 15 times more likely to convert to revenue than web forms or emails.

So what's behind the resurgence of the phone call in the age of mobile messaging and data usage? More than ever,

customers expect instant answers. A Google study found that 70% of mobile searchers had used click-to-call technology to contact a business directly from search results. Over half (57%) of those who called said they did so because they wanted to talk to a live person.

The top reason given for using click-to-call, chosen by 59% of respondents, was "to quickly get an answer/accomplish my goal." Mobile searchers are starting to realize that answers aren't always on company websites, and that social media rarely provides instant answers. Consumers who want quick replies are going back to the phone because they know they'll get the information they want right away when they call a business.

So, be prepared to pick up the phone and give callers the answers they desire. Source: Streetfightmag.com, Dec. 17, 2015

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Lubbock Business Network

Chamber Ambassador Program

Congrats to Cindy Harendt, April Ambassador of the Month!

Congratulations to Cindy Harendt, April Ambassador of the Month! This is her first time to win this award, as she became an Ambassador the month before.

Harendt said she joined the Ambassador Program to help represent the company she works for and to learn about the businesses in Lubbock, as well as to help the Chamber welcome new and existing businesses.

“As a lifetime resident of Lubbock I enjoy knowing more about what is going on in the community. The Ambassador Program keeps you informed and it is a great opportunity to meet new people,” Harendt stated that is why being an Ambassador is important to her.

Harendt said she enjoys helping promote businesses in Lubbock through the ribbon cuttings, learning of new businesses and meeting new people at the various events are what makes being an Ambassador for the Lubbock Chamber so rewarding.

Harendt has been the bookkeeper for The Reproduction Company since 2012 and has various job duties including: accounts payable/receivable, reconciling bank statements and fill in receptionists to name a few.

“I enjoyed volunteering for Lubbock Uncorked and I look forward to getting more involved with the Chamber,” said Harendt.

Outside of her job and Chamber activities Harendt enjoys gardening, time with friends and attending church at First United Methodist.

Again, we want to congratulate Cindy Harendt on this award and thank her for her time and commitment to this program.

Beth Bridges (R), 2016 Chairwoman, presenting Cindy Harendt (L) with her Ambassador of the Month award.

Chamber Ambassadors celebrated “Red Nose Day” at their monthly Ambassador luncheon sponsored by Buffalo Springs Lake in May!

Congratulations to Team Putman!

April Team of the Month 14

Lubbock Business Network

Ribbon Cuttings & Groundbreakings – May Sponsored by:

25th Annual Business Expo

Advantaclean of the South Plains 9925 US HWY 62

College Signing Day

Creative Homes 3802 137th St.

Ilovekickboxing.com 9810 Slide Rd., STE 200

J.T. & Margaret Talkington

Lubbock Meals on Wheels 2304 34th St.

MDA Fill the Boot Campaign

Mike Fox Insurance 5910 130th St., STE 101

Ribbons & Bows Intimates 4414 82nd St. #216

SERVPRO 7477 CR 7000

Synetra 13029 Quaker Ave.

The Reproduction Company 2102 Ave. Q

Transitional Learning Center: Long-Term Care Program

Trinty Church “Running2Rescue”

West Texas Junior Golf Academy

YWCA at Sun ‘n Fun 6204 Elgin

4416 10th St.

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Lubbock Business Network

Welcome New Chamber Members!

123 Recycling (806) 543-4241 3210 41st St. Lubbock, TX 79413 Recycling

Craft Development Corp.

(806) 794-6800 5608 Norfolk Ave. Lubbock, TX 79413 Land Developer

RGS Flooring, LLC (806) 855-2550 725 B US 62/82 Wolfforth , TX 79382 Floor Covering

Alliance Insurance Agency (806) 792-0135 3307 82nd St. Lubbock, TX 79423 Insurance

Grout Works of West Texas (806) 790-8888 10505 Flint Ave. Lubbock, TX 79423 Contractors - Tile

Scentsy - Janie Rodriguez (806) 368-1472 2307 48th St. Lubbock, TX 79412 Candles

Brookdale Remington Park (806) 798-9871 5301 66th St. Lubbock, TX 79424 Assisted Living

Hilton Garden Inn (806) 776-3900 6027 45th St. Lubbock, TX 79407 Hotels & Motels

Shrinking Deb (806) 928-4497 2713 78th St. Lubbock, TX 79423 Health, Food & Wellness Products

Caprock Cardiovascular Center, LLP (806) 701-5858 4316 23rd St. Lubbock, TX 79410 Physicians & Surgeons - Cardiovascular (Heart)

Hub City Waste (806) 786-0039 4111 123rd St. Lubbock, TX 79423 Waste Management & Disposal

Verizon Wireless - Mobile Destination (806) 701-5757 2312 19th St., Ste. 400 Lubbock, TX 79401 Cellular & Mobile Communications

Lone Star Car Wash Systems (806) 687-2024 7320 82nd St., Ste. B Lubbock, TX 79424 Car Wash

Verizon Wireless Lubbock - South Plains Mall (806) 474-3691 6002 Slide Rd. Lubboc, TX 79414 Cellular & Mobile Communications

Lubbock Monterey Ambucs PO Box 53591 Lubbock, TX 79453 Non Profit Organizations

Wise Choice Counseling & Coaching (310) 766-4731 2315 56th St. Lubbock, TX 79412 Counselor

Chick-fil-A - 82nd & University (806) 748-3997 8225 University Lubbock, TX 79423 Restaurants - Fast Food Clear Channel Airports (610) 395-8002 7450 Tilghman, Ste. 104 Allentown, PA 18106 Advertising Cloud Training Services (806) 632-7047 PO Box 94686 Lubbock, TX 79493 Computer - Training

Maaco Collision Repair (806) 792-1570 5721 Genoa Ave. Lubbock, TX 79424 Auto Repair & Service

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