The Lubbock
Business Network Vol. 19 No. 11
November 2011
Young Professionals of Greater Lubbock Merges with the Lubbock Chamber of Commerce The Lubbock Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors voted, Thursday, October 27, in favor of the merger with the Young Professional of Greater Lubbock (YPGL) after months of deliberation and discussions between the two groups. The YPGL organization was previously under the oversight of the Lubbock Economic Development Alliance since 2006. YPGL’s mission is to develop emerging leaders and attract and retain diverse young talent throughout the Lubbock region. “This merger is an excellent opportunity for not only Lubbock to continue to grow, but continue the growth of our young professionals,” said Irasema Velasquez, Chairwoman of
the Lubbock Chamber of Commerce. “The two organizations can partner together to increase professional and educational opportunities for young business professionals, Lubbock area businesses and aligned organizations.” The Lubbock Chamber of Commerce is exceptionally well prepared for this merger and
will continue to facilitate programs for Lubbock’s young professionals including existing YPGL programs such as Why Lubbock, Hire Lubbock, Enjoy Lubbock and 20 Under 40. Keith Patrick, current chairman of the YPGL steering committee said the new partnership will allow YPGL and the Chamber to position their members to take on meaningful leadership positions. Current YPGL members and all young professionals who are interested in taking advantage of the Chamber’s professional programs and networking events that support small businesses, are encouraged to contact the Chamber at 806.761.7000 or visit www. yplubbock.org or www.lubbockchamber.com.
Chamber Announces Specific Ballot Measure Endorsements for Nov. 8 Election
The 82nd Regular Session of the Texas Legislature approved 10 joint resolutions proposing 10 constitutional amendments to be decided by Texas voters on November 8, 2011. A document detailing each amendment, including background, support statements and opposition statements published by the House Research Organization can be found at this link.
Early Voting for the November 8 election begins October 24 and concludes November 4. Click here for locations, hours and more Early Voting information. November 8 Election Day Vote Center locations and other information can be found at this link. The Lubbock Chamber of Commerce reviewed, discussed and took action on amendments directly affecting business or industry. Specific Lubbock Chamber of Commerce
Endorsements on Business/Industry Related Measures Include: Proposition Number 2 (SJR 4) FOR SJR 4 would amend the constitution to authorize the Texas Water Development Board to issue additional general obligation bonds on a continuing basis for one or more accounts of the Texas Water Development Fund II, with the restriction that the total amount (See Election, Page 2)
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November 2011 • Page 2 • Lubbock Business Network
Election Endorsements county, and to pledge increases in ad valorem
(From Page 1) of bonds outstanding at any time does not exceed $6 billion. The proposed amendment would appear on the ballot as follows: “The constitutional amendment providing for the issuance of additional general obligation bonds by the Texas Water Development Board in an amount not to exceed $6 billion at any time outstanding.” Proposition Number 3 (SJR 50) FOR SJR 50 would amend the constitution to authorize the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board or its successors to issue and sell general obligation bonds on a continuing basis for the purpose of financing educational loans for students, subject to certain constitutional restrictions, including a restriction as to the maximum principal amount of bonds outstanding at any one time. The proposed amendment would appear on the ballot as follows: “The constitutional amendment providing for the issuance of general obligation bonds of the State of Texas to finance educational loans to students.” Proposition Number 4 (HJR 63) FOR HJR 63 would amend the constitution to authorize the legislature to permit a county to issue bonds or notes to finance the development or redevelopment of an unproductive, underdeveloped, or blighted area within the
tax revenues imposed on property in the area by the county for repayment of such bonds or notes. The amendment does not provide independent authority for increasing ad valorem tax rates. The proposed amendment would appear on the ballot as follows: “The constitutional amendment authorizing the legislature to permit a county to issue bonds or notes to finance the development or redevelopment of an unproductive, underdeveloped, or blighted area and to pledge for repayment of the bonds or notes increases in ad valorem taxes imposed by the county on property in the area. The amendment does not provide authority for increasing ad valorem tax rates.” Proposition Number 5 (SJR 26) FOR SJR 26 would amend the constitution to authorize the legislature to allow cities and counties to enter into interlocal contracts with other cities and counties without having to assess an ad valorem tax and set aside a specified amount of funds for the payment of costs under the interlocal contract. The proposed amendment would appear on the ballot as follows: “The constitutional amendment authorizing the legislature to allow cities or counties to enter into interlocal contracts with other cities or counties without
the imposition of a tax or the provision of a sinking fund.” Proposition Number 6 (HJR 109) FOR HJR 109 would amend the constitution to increase the amount of principal that is available for withdrawal from the permanent school fund each year and would also clarify certain references to that fund in the constitution. Increased access to the principal of the state public education trust fund would be based upon HJR 109 granting the authority to consider alternative market calculations when determining the amount of principal that is available for distribution to the available school fund. HJR 109 would also provide authority to distribute to the available school fund annual revenue from school fund land or other properties up to $300 million per year. The proposed amendment would appear on the ballot as follows: “The constitutional amendment clarifying references to the permanent school fund, allowing the General Land Office to distribute revenue from permanent school fund land or other properties to the available school fund to provide additional funding for public education, and providing for an increase in the market value of the permanent school fund for the purpose of allowing increased distributions from the available school fund.”
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November 2011 • Page 3 • Lubbock Business Network
CHAMBER 101 – Pizza with the Chamber President Sponsored by Xstream AutoClean The Chamber will host “Pizza with the Chamber President” – a Chamber 101 event. Bring plenty of business cards and prepare to grow your business network on Thursday, November 3, from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. at the Lubbock Chamber of Commerce, 1500 Broadway in the Wells Fargo Center. If you are a new Lubbock Chamber member or a new employee of a long-standing
member, having “Pizza with the Chamber President” is a great way to learn more about the Chamber, what we do and how you can get involved. This is also your opportunity to network with other new members, as well as volunteers and staff. The lunch will be held on the 2nd floor in the San Jacinto conference room and it is free to attend. To RSVP or request additional information, please contact Colleen Evans,
vice president of membership, at colleen. evans@lubbockbiz.org or by phone at (806) 761-7000.
Grant Award Brings Work Ready Communities Project to South Plains A workforce development grant from the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) will assist South Plains employers in recruiting and hiring workers from a pool of well skilled candidates. The awarded project, entitled “Rural Workforce Network Regional Cooperation for Capacity Building of Targeted Biotechnology/ Life Sciences-Medical Industries” (RWN), is the result of combined efforts among five Texas Workforce Solutions Network boards to create and implement effective strategies aimed at increasing the available labor pool of skilled workers. The purpose of the grant is to build capacity and create jobs in the following industries: Electrical Instruments Manufacturing, Medical Equipment & Supplies Manufacturing, Architectural Engineering Services, Management & Technical Consulting Services, Scientific Research & Development Services, Medical & Diagnostic Laboratories, Home Health Care Services, and General Medical & Surgical Hospitals. Funded through the Regional Cooperation and Capacity Building for Targeted Industries Program, the multi-regional project was awarded $499,942.00, of which $101,752 was provided to the South Plains region to implement Work Ready Communities. The project will provide National Career Readiness
Training and Certification using WorkKeys® skill assessment and testing. Widely accepted by thousands of companies worldwide, WorkKeys® is a proven, well established method to assess whether high school students are prepared for the current and future workforce. Developed by ACT, an internationally recognized assessment organization, WorkKeys® assessments and credentialing are based on objective and standardized results. More than 18,000 job titles, ranging from white-collar professional to blue-collar technical positions, have been profiled by ACT-authorized job profilers. Extensive research has been done on these jobs to identify the essential skills and skill levels for employee selection, hiring, and training. According to ACT’s findings, there are three skills that are highly important, and ultimately highly transferable, with each job. Participating students will complete skill assessments to earn the certificate which acknowledges their degree of workforce readiness in the following areas: Applied Mathematics – applying mathematical reasoning to work-related problems; Reading for Information – comprehending work-related reading materials, from memos and bulletins to policy manuals and governmental regulations; and,
Locating Information – using information from such materials as diagrams, floor plans, tables, forms, graphs and charts. “A recent American Management Association survey found that thirty-eight percent of job applicants taking employer-administered tests lacked the reading and math skills needed in the jobs for which they applied. And, information retrieval and problem-solving skills are highly relevant to our information-based business culture,” says Workforce Solutions CEO Martin Aguirre. “A solid foundation of these three skills is essential for developing a well-qualified workforce for South Plains employers. Creating a work-ready community, the WorkKeys® National Career Readiness Certificates will greatly assist in linking the region’s employers to area youth who have obtained these nationally accredited certifications.” David Vasquez, former Estacado High School principal, will serve as the Director of Business Talent Development for the South Plains region. Mr. Vasquez will work closely with participating high schools to promote the “Work Ready Communities” project, and direct student assessment, testing and credentialing activities, which include: (See Grant Award, Page 4)
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November 2011 • Page 4 • Lubbock Business Network
C A L E N D A R OF EVENTS 1 YPGL Lunch & Learn
November
Harvest Breakfast The Lubbock Chamber of Commerce hosted its annual Harvest Breakfast Tuesday, October 4th at the Plains Cotton Cooperative Association. 175 attendees had the opportunity to listen to State Senator Robert Duncan. Sponsors of the event include Bayer CropScience FiberMax, Vista Bank, Capital Farm Credit, Texas Agriculture Coop Trust, Ag Texas, First United Bank, Plains Cotton Growers, Inc., Southwest Council of Agribusiness, Plains Cotton Cooperative Association, Texas Tech College of Agricultural Sciences & Natural Resources, High Plains Underground Water Conservation District No. 1, Lubbock Electric Co., AimBank, South Plains Electric Cooperative, Inc., PYCO Industries, Inc., American Bank of Commerce.
12 noon – TBA First Tuesday Networking 5:30 p.m. - Llano Estacado Winery 2 - 9 Chamber Trip to China
2 Water Conservation Council Meeting 9 a.m. – Ramar Communications 98th & University Ribbon Cutting for Community Health Center of Lubbock East Dental Clinic 2 p.m. – 1826 Parkway Drive, Suite 500 3 Agriculture Committee Meeting 7:30 a.m. – LCOC Chamber 101 ~ Pizza with the President 11:30 a.m. – San Jacinto Room 2nd Floor Wells Fargo Bldg.
Grant Award Brings Project
4 Transportation Committee Meeting 10:30 – Conference Room Ribbon Cutting for Sun Adventure Sports 11:30 a.m. – 3225 50th St. Ribbon Cutting for Lubbock Arts Alliance 5:30 – 1717 Texas Avenue
(From Page 3) Provide WorkKeys® Readiness Indicator pre-assessments to participating high school juniors and out-of-school youth; Provide National Career Readiness certificates to high school seniors and out of school youth who successfully complete WorkKeys® Assessments; Link partnering employers to those students who receive certification through the Work Ready Communities project, ultimately assisting participating students in gaining employment. Mr. Vasquez said the overall benefits of the program are dependent upon the participation rate of South Plains high schools and employers. “The effectual value of this project cannot be achieved without the buy-in of the area’s high schools and the business community that will be employing these students in the future. To ensure the maximum participation rate throughout the South Plains region, we are diligently working to recruit area high schools
8 Groundbreaking for LIFE/RUN Centers for Independent Living 1:30 p.m. – 8204 Boston Avenue 9 Ambassador Monthly Luncheon 12 p.m. – Main Event Ribbon Cutting for Dorsey Construction 4:30 p.m. – 7423 82nd St. 10 Legislative Affairs Committee Meeting 9:30 a.m. – Conference Room Business After Hours ~ Stella’s 5:30 p.m. – 4646 50th Street 11 Chamber Offices Closed for Veterans Day
(See November, Page 6)
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and receive their commitment to participate in the Work Ready Communities project.” At the time of this release, Lubbock ISD, Shallowater High School and New Deal High School have committed to participate in the Work Ready Community project. Lubbock Cooper High School, Roosevelt, Idalou and Slaton High Schools are pending. “We commend Shallowater High School and New Deal High School for committing to testing all seniors on both campuses,” stated Mr. Vasquez. Partnering RWN Workforce Development Boards are Workforce Solutions West Central Texas, Workforce Solutions North Texas, Workforce Solutions Permian Basin, and Workforce Solutions Concho Valley. Workforce Solutions Concho Valley will serve as the fiscal agent on behalf of the Rural Workforce Network. Employers, school authorities and students who are interested in learning more about the Work Ready Communities project should contact David Vasquez at (806) 252-0067.
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November 2011 • Page 5 • Lubbock Business Network
2011 BOARD OF DIRECTORS CHAIRWOMAN Irasema Velasquez Velasquez Insurance & Worksite Benefits CHAIRMAN-ELECT Tim Collins Collins Tile, LLP IMMEDIATE PAST CHAIR Joe Rapier Parkhill, Smith & Cooper, Inc. TREASURER David Seim PlainsCapital Bank SECRETARY Eddie McBride Lubbock Chamber of Commerce VICE CHAIRWOMAN, MEMBERSHIP DIVISION Stephanie Massengale Advanced Graphix VICE CHAIRMAN, BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT DIVISION Rick Boyd First United Bank VICE CHAIRMAN, GOVERNMENTAL AFFAIRS DIVISION Jay Jacobus Scarborough Specialties, Inc. VICE CHAIRMAN, LEADERSHIP DIVISION Carlos Morales Caprock Home Health Services, Inc. VICE CHAIRMAN, COMMUNICATIONS DIVISION Dan Jackson KCBD TV-NewsChannel 11 VICE CHAIRMAN, HISPANIC BUSINESS DIVISION Rudy Rosales Montelongo’s Mexican Restaurant HISPANIC BUSINESS DIVISION REPRESENTATIVE Juanita Mendoza Wells Fargo BOARD ADMINISTRATION Workforce Solutions South Plains Martin Aguirre Lubbock Avalanche-Journal Stephen Beasley Suddenlink West Texas Alona Beesinger Ron Betenbough Betenbough Homes South Plains Mall Beth Bridges NorthStar Surgical Center John D. Brock Darrin Camp Taco Bell/Pizza Hut Border Management Corp. Jeff Dane UMC Health System Lubbock Independent School District Karen Garza Yolanda Gonzaga Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center Atmos Energy Gary Gregory Grace Hernandez Texas Tech University United Supermarkets Sidney Hopper RFS Financial Services Peter Hur TAO Development Group Clayton Isom PYCO Industries Robert Lacy Telemundo KXTQ-TV 46, Ramar Comm. Gabe Martinez Brandon Mulkey Chick-fil-A at South Plains Crossing Covenant Health System Richard Parks Joe Phea African American Chamber of Commerce - Lubbock Norval Pollard City Bank Lamar Outdoor Advertising Shirley Schleuse South Plains College Kelvin Sharp Michael Shonrock Texas Tech University AFLAC-Laquita Carthel Regional Sales Frank Silvas Bates-Wells Promotional Products Mark Stiff V-tech Environmental Services Polly Vann National Teachers Life Insurance Company Gabe Vitela Lubbock Power & Light Gary Zheng
CHAMBER STAFF Eddie McBride, 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,Vice President-Membership Services Amy Marquez, Retention Specialist Norma Gomez Bulls, Customer Service Representative Britnee Davis, Maelissa Gordon, Kacy Steele, Interns
1500 Broadway, Suite 101 Wells Fargo Center Lubbock, TX 79401 P 806.761.7000 F 806.761.7013
www.lubbockchamber.com info@lubbockbiz.org
Lubbock Homes for Heroes
West Texas Home Builders Association members are professionals promoting the housing industry through building and educating for the creation of better communities. They cover a 24 county region including Lubbock and represent approximately 500 members. Robert Wood, who is West Texas Home Builders Association’s president, said “networking with other people in the business” was his reason for getting this association started. Recently, the West Texas Home Builders Association and other donors across Lubbock were presented with the opportunity to build a home for Anthony and Jessica Villarreal. The Villarreals are the first recipients of a house in Lubbock from Operation Finally Home. This program provides mortgage-free housing for wounded and injured veterans of combat in Iraq and Afghanistan, or for widowed spouses and their families. As a group, the West Texas Home Builders Association felt like they had no choice but to build homes for Veterans. Since the
government can only do so much, they felt that they could all work together and accomplish this project for the veterans. Robert Wood said the most rewarding part of building homes for Veterans is asking a soldier why they think they need a home and they answer with “I just want my family taken care of.” It shows what selfless people they are. Wood’s most memorable moment of the Villarreal’s home was having the privilege of walking them in to their new home for the first time. “It’s a moment I will never forget”, he said. Since completing the home for the Villarreals, the West Texas Home Builders Association is limited to a case by case basis and is only able to do one project per year. As of just a few months ago, they started their own Lubbock Homes for Heroes. So far the community has really stepped up. Wood said the Lubbock Homes for Heroes is a charity that we should all get behind. Around Veteran’s Day, West Texas Home Builders Association will be announcing their next veteran in a very special venue, so be sure to watch for it!
Wellbeing: The Five Essential Elements A strong sense of well-being is important to the employee and the employer, and can even affect the employer’s bottom line as individuals with high levels of wellbeing get sick less often. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics and a study published in 2003 in the Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, the average sick day in the U.S. costs a business about $348 in lost productivity. When adjusted for weekends and non-working days and because some work does get done on sick days, the cost is still approximately $200 per sick day. Known for thorough research and analysis, the Gallup team spent years studying wellbeing to find out what it is, how to increase it, and the effect upon the workplace. They surveyed people in more than 150 countries; partnered with leading economists, psychologists, sociologists, and physicians; and highlighted their findings in the New York Times and Wall Street Journal bestseller Wellbeing: The Five Essential Elements. Wellbeing is defined as the fulfillment of five distinct factors: Career Wellbeing: how you occupy your time -- or simply liking what you do every day
Social Wellbeing: having strong relationships and love in your life Financial Wellbeing: effectively managing your economic life Physical Wellbeing: having good health and enough energy to get things done on a daily basis Community Wellbeing: the sense of engagement you have with the area where you live Join the November 16th Business Development Committee for a Wellbeing presentation by Jay Killough - Director, University Career Services and Certified Strengths-Based Educator. The meeting will be held in the second floor conference room at the LP&L Building located at 1301 Broadway. Registration includes lunch at a cost of $10 for chamber members and $12 for prospective members. The buffet line will open at 11:45 and the program will be from Noon to 1 p.m. Click here to register online or call the Chamber office at (806) 761-7000 by Friday, November 11th. The November Business Development Committee meeting is sponsored by V-tech Environmental Services.
November 2011 • Page 6 • Lubbock Business Network
November
(From Page 4) 15 Leadership Lubbock
Agribusiness Day 7:30 a.m. – TBA Ribbon Cutting for Holiday Inn Park Plaza 4:30 p.m. – 3201 S. Loop 289 16 Business Development Committee Meeting 11:30 a.m. – 2nd Floor, LP&L Conf Room Ribbon Cutting for Junior League Holiday Happening 4:30 p.m. – Lubbock Memorial Civic Center 17 New Century Leadership Medical Day 8 a.m. – TBA Ribbon Cutting for Home Instead ~ “Be a Santa to a Senior” program 10 a.m. – 6501 University Executive Committee Meeting 12 p.m. – LCOC Focus Committee Meeting 4 p.m. – LCOC 18 Ribbon Cutting for Salvation Army Red Kettle Bell Ringers Kick-off 1 p.m. – Market Street, 98th & Quaker 4-25 Chamber Offices Closed 2 for Thanksgiving 22 YP Committee Meeting 12 p.m. – Conference Room 30 Ribbon Cutting for Bacon Heights Baptist Church 5 p.m. – 5011 54th Street
2011 Annual Membership Meeting & Awards Gala presented by Suddenlink West Texas The Annual Banquet highlights and celebrates each year’s achievements, while honoring those who made it possible. Keynote speaker Linda Alvarado made history as the first Hispanic owner of a Major League Baseball team. As co-owner of The Colorado Rockies her role is also significant as it marked the first time that any woman was involved in a bid for ownership of a Major League team. Linda is also the owner of Alvarado Construction with 35 years of experience in large multi-million dollar developments. The dinner will be Tuesday, December 6th from 6:30 – 8:00 p.m.at the Lubbock Memorial Civic Center, with a cash bar opening at 6:00. Live music will be provided by Jazz Alley. Awards will include Ambassador of the Year; Volunteer of the Year; Business Person of the Year; Business Person of the Year; Business of the Year; Business Person Hall of Fame; Business Hall of Fame; and the 2010-2010 Parental Partner Award. Thank you to our generous sponsors of the 2011 Annual Membership Meeting & Awards Gala: Presenting Sponsor:
Suddenlink West Texas Diamond Sponsors:
George McMahan Development, LLC Teinert Commercial Building Services Centerpiece Sponsor:
College Flowers Platinum Sponsors
Coca-Cola Refreshments Lakeridge Estates Lubbock National Bank Parental Partner Award: Parkhill, Smith & Cooper
Annual Report Sponsor:
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. UMC Health System TTU College of Human Sciences Silver Sponsors:
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 Platinum Bank Reese Technology Center South Plains College Southwest Bank Sysco West Texas, Inc. The Price Group TTU Office of the President Wells Fargo X8Environmental, Inc. Z S Brady & Co. Tickets! – Individual tickets are available for the event $50 for Chamber members and $75 for prospective members. A table of eight may be purchased for $400 or a table sponsorship is available for $650. Click here to buy tickets! For more information contact the chamber at (806) 761-7000 or email robin. raney@lubbockbiz.org.
McDougal Companies
Save these Dates for BIG events in 2011! November 2 – Chamber Trip to China November 3 – Chamber 101 December 6 – Annual Meeting and Awards Gala – Civic Center For more information on any of these events, contact the Chamber at (806) 761-7000, info@lubbockbiz.org, or www.lubbockchamber.com.
November 2011 • Page 7 • Lubbock Business Network
Suzanne Cox is Chamber Ambassador of the Month
Suzanne Cox, Development Officer at the Whitacre College of Engineering at Texas Tech University, was awarded the Chamber’s Ambassador of the Month. The award was presented to her at the Ambassador monthly luncheon. Cox was first acquainted with the Chamber of Commerce when she saw the positive effects that the Chamber bought to her parents, local Lubbock business owners at the time, and knew that it was something she wanted to be involved in. “I saw the value it brought to their business and the valuable business partnerships they gained, as well as great friendships,” Cox said. The first event Cox became a part of was the BBQ Cook-off committee. She has now worked her way up to Ambassador Team leader. She said the BBQ is her favorite event because she loves seeing the businesses come together for friendly competition and fun. “The BBQ Cook-off is my absolute favorite event of the Chamber because I and many, many others have worked so hard over the past
5 years and it is exciting to see how much it has grown,” Cox said. Cox’s favorite part of being an Ambassador is being able to represent Texas Tech in the local community, and seeing business owners and managers reactions at their ribbon cuttings. “It is so great to see them getting involved with the chamber and getting a kick over how many Ambassadors come to their openings,” Cox said. When she’s not volunteering her time around the city, Cox enjoys Texas Tech sports, entertaining guests at her home, and is kept busy by her 5-year-old daughter, Caroline. Being an Ambassador, Suzanne has seen firsthand the difference the Chamber can make not only to small businesses, but large corporations as well. She gives nonmembers these words of advice, “The networking opportunities are unlimited, and it is a wonderful way to get your business out in front a large group of people.” Sponsored by
Suzanne Cox
LISD Board of Trustees: The Best in Texas! The Lubbock ISD Board of Trustees was honored as the top school board in the state at the Texas Association of School Administrators/Texas Association of School Boards (TASA/TASB) Convention in Austin on September 30. The LISD board was named as one of five honor boards last month and then
was selected as the 2011 Outstanding School Board. A panel of nine superintendents from across Texas made the selection after a detailed application and interview process. Gonzalo Salazar, superintendent of Los Fresnos Consolidated ISD, chaired the selection committee and said the committee was
impressed by the LISD Board of Trustees’ commitment to students and resolve to make the right decisions, even when they are difficult. He was also quoted as saying, “They’ve made changes that have had a positive impact and they are fearless in their pursuit of excellence for the children of Lubbock ISD.” James Arnold, LISD board president said, “We are humbled by this award and appreciate the recognition for the hard work done by this board and superintendent; however, we recognize we still have more to do. Our work will not be done until all of our campuses succeed and every child reaches their potential.” Dr. Karen Garza, LISD superintendent said of the honor, “This prestigious recognition is very much deserved. The board is committed to our core mission of graduating all students college/career ready.” “I admire and respect the amount of time and energy the trustees devote to this important work. It is an honor and privilege to work with this outstanding group of leaders,” Garza added. On Monday, November 7, the Lubbock Chamber of Commerce will host a news conference and reception honoring the board for their achievements. The news conference will begin at 4:30 p.m. followed by a reception from 5 – 6:30 p.m. at the American State Bank Conference Center, 1501 Ave. Q.
November 2011 • Page 8 • Lubbock Business Network
Bison antiquus, one of four bronze sculptures of the ancient mammals that roamed the Lubbock Lake Landmark 10,000 - 12,000 years ago.
Staff members at the Lubbock Lake Landmark protect fragile bones in plaster before transporting them to the lab for study.
Celebrating 75 Years of Discovery: Lubbock Lake Landmark Twelve thousand years ago, the landscape was vast, lush grasslands, home to the giant bison, Colombian mammoth, and camels that meandered through the valley we know as Yellowhouse Draw. Just as animals were drawn to the water present at the Lubbock Lake National Historic Landmark, so were the earliest huntergatherers known as Clovis Man. For hundreds of generations, people have come to Lubbock Lake located on North Loop 289 at Indiana Avenue. Today, the clues they left behind are the focus of the ongoing preservation, research, and interpretation that has been overseen by the Museum of Texas Tech University since 1936. Celebrating 75 years of discovery this year, the Landmark has an international reputation that attracts national and international volunteers each year to assist Landmark staff in ongoing excavations. “For thousands of years, people, plants, and animals on the Southern High Plains used the water resources in the draw until those resources went dry in the early 1930s,” explains Dr. Eileen Johnson,
Director of the Landmark. “Years of sediment covered the traces of human activity until 1936, when the city of Lubbock dredged the meander in an effort to revitalize the underground springs. And that led to the discovery of one of the largest, most complex and longest continuously inhabited hunter-gather sites in the New World.” The Landmark also is the location of the beginning of our modern city. Pioneer George Singer built a general store there in 1883 to serve travelers and cattlemen using the existing trails of Native Americans and the U.S. military that crossed near the waters of Long Lake, as it was known in the 19th Century. Within a few years, Singer would move his store to the courthouse square in the new town of Lubbock. Originally thought to cover only 5 acres around the ancient lake, scientific investigations have revealed the size of the archaeological sites and areas at Lubbock Lake to be much, much larger. The significance of the Landmark is reflected not only in its size, but also in the amount of resources it contains.
Best Performing Schools Lubbock ISD’s Automotive Technology program at the Byron Martin Advanced Technology Center (ATC), 3201 Avenue Q, was recently chosen as fourth in the nation and among the top five Best Performing Schools out of the 350 institutions in the Automotive Youth Educational Systems (AYES) national program. The award was announced at a special event Thursday, October 27 at 6:30 p.m. in the auto tech
lab at the ATC. Parents and the public were invited to attend. AYES is a partnership among participating automobile dealerships and select secondary automotive technology programs. It is designed to encourage high school students to consider careers in retail automotive service and prepare them for entry-level career positions or advanced studies in automotive technology.
Through 75 years of exploration, only 5% of the historical record has been unearthed meaning that the Landmark will continue to add to the scientific record of early man in America for years, if not generations, to come. Today, the Landmark is a 335-acre archaeological and natural history preserve that is open to the public 6 days a week. Visitors may learn about the history of all of the cultures that have inhabited the Landmark through exhibitions at the Robert A. “Bob” Nash Interpretive Center, or explore that natural prairie environment on 4.5 miles of walking trails. Special programs commemorating the 75th anniversary will continue through December in addition to the celebrations, festivals, special events, classes for children and other programs that occur each year. The Lubbock Lake National Historic Landmark is open to the public TuesdaySaturday, 9 – 5 p.m., and Sunday, 1 – 5 p.m. Admission is free. For further information call 806 742 1116 or visit the Landmark on the web at lubbock.lake.musm.ttu.edu or on Facebook.
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.
November 2011 • Page 9 • Lubbock Business Network
Students Have “Ag in the Bag” Over 1,200 students and 75 teachers from 4th grade classes in LISD attended the annual Ag in the Bag program Tuesday, Oct. 11, Wednesday, Oct. 12 and Thursday, Oct. 13. Held in the Livestock Arena at Texas Tech University, Ag in the Bag is an educational experience hosted by the Lubbock Chamber of Commerce Agriculture Committee. It is aimed at exposing students to various aspects of the agricultural industry. Sessions began at 9:30 a.m., and students visited stations featuring peanuts, corn, beef, sheep and goats, water conservation, cotton, food science, and the Mobile Dairy Classroom. Stations lasted about 15-20 minutes and supplemental experts educated students about the importance of agriculture in our everyday lives and where our food and fiber originate. Lunch was served each day during the program, and students learned how agriculture
is involved in everything they eat. Planning for Ag in the Bag began in June and intensified in September and October. It is the only multi-day event, locally, that the Lubbock Chamber of Commerce hosts. Norma Ritz-Johnson, event coordinator for Ag in the Bag said that without the help of enthusiastic and dedicated volunteers, this program would not be possible. “This was initiated by the chamber several years ago, and agriculture volunteers have taken it to the level that it is at now,” RitzJohnson said.
Because of sponsors and volunteer help, Ag in the Bag is completely free to its participants. Sponsors include Bayer CropScience, Texcraft Inc., Hurst Farm Supply, South Plains Electric Cooperative, Inc., Capital Farm Credit, The Altman Group, Plains Cotton Cooperative Association, High Plains Underground Water Conservation District No. 1, Lubbock County Farm Bureau, Plains Cotton Growers, Texas Corn Producers Board, Texas Peanut Producers Board, United Sorghum Checkoff Program, Gandy’s Dairies, AgTexas Farm Credit Services.
Band Prepares for Tournament of Roses Parade Marching in the Rose Parade is a remarkable experience that band members remember and treasure for a lifetime. Participating bands not only march the nearly 6-mile parade route, but also have the opportunity to bring national recognition to their school, school district and community at large. Known as America’s New Year Celebration, the annual Rose Parade features spectacular floral floats that are completely covered with natural materials. Approximately 1 million spectators line the parade route, while tens of millions watch the television coverage in more than 200 international territories and countries. The Rose Parade is broadcast on several national channels including ABC and NBC. Lubbock, Texas, will have the opportunity to take center stage as the All-Lubbock ISD Marching Band, representing Coronado, Estacado, Lubbock and Monterey High Schools, has been invited to march in the 2012 Tournament of Roses Parade. Obviously, this is a
once in a lifetime opportunity for our city, as well as the students who have been selected for this tremendous honor. In order for all our students to attend, it will require the generous support of our entire community. It is anticipated that it will cost roughly $500,000.00 to send this contingency of fine musicians to represent Lubbock on January 2, 2012. If you are interested in supporting the band, please visit www.roses.lubbockisd.org, or donations can be mailed to by December 1, 2011: All Lubbock Marching Band Lubbock ISD Attn: Will Burks 1628 19th St. Lubbock, TX 79401 We hope we can count on you as the Lubbock ISD band students begin their “March for the Roses.”
November 2011 • Page 10 • Lubbock Business Network
TRC Volunteers Set Sail
A Total Resource Campaign markets sponsorships of your organization’s programs, events, publications and electronic media, as well as recruits new members. In an organized eight weeks, volunteers were able to secure a considerable amount in sponsorships for July 2011 – June 2012 Chamber events. Recognition and fun campaign events provide an exciting environment for all volunteers. To kick start their efforts to raise money, all volunteers were given the incentive of a 5-day cruise if they reached their monetary goal. The cruise set sail October 10. Three volunteers who attended the cruise sat down to give their thoughts on volunteering, the Chamber and their cruise experience. Q: When did you first become involved with the Chamber? Chris Ramirez, Suddenlink: 2011- I first became acquainted with the chamber from TRC. Q: How long have you been a part of TRC? Andrea Wilson, Price Group: This was the inaugural year, therefore my first year Q: What is your involvement in TRC and how did you start volunteering? Jennifer Frager, Suddenlink: I was a team leader recruited by Chairwoman of the 2012 Total Resource Campaign, Alona Beesinger. AW: I was a Team Leader. I was asked to
participate by one of my clients, and thought this might be a great networking opportunity. Q: How does volunteering for TRC tie your organization to the Chamber? JF: Suddenlink is very active in the community and gives regularly via sponsorships. AW: How does volunteering for TRC tie your organization to the Chamber? When I did well (or my co-workers did well) we were publicly recognized along with the name of our company. Also, when I made calls to other businesses, I was able to introduce myself and let them know where I worked. Q: What is the most rewarding part about volunteering for TRC? CR: The new relationships and friendships. AW: Of course for me the most rewarding part was being incented with the cruise, but I met some great new friends along the way. Q: Are there any incentives to volunteering for TRC? AW: Yes, there are monetary incentives to a certain level, and then you qualify for the trip. I was happy to receive both! JF: Yes, weekly recognition and money rewards, not to mention the cruise. Q: What was your reaction when you found out you raised enough money for the cruise? CR: I called my wife, and told her we going on a cruise! JF: I was so surprised! I really didn’t realize
that I had a chance to go as well. AW: I was excited because I didn’t actually set a goal to win the cruise. It was nice for my efforts to pay off. Q: What was the best memory made on the cruise? CR: The infamous Karaoke bus ride in Progresso. JF: I loved going as a group! We all had a great time and really connected with people. The beaches were a blast. I loved meeting up with the group in the evenings and doing karaoke and having drinks. Lots of laughing! Having basically no schedule was great. AW: I had an absolute blast on the cruise! We met some really great people from the TRC campaign that we’ll remain friends with outside of work, and as a group, we made some great memories for years to come! If you’re interested in volunteering for the 2012 TRC Campaign, contact the Chamber at 806-761-7000.
What Employers Can Do to Keep Their Best Employees Gary Ball The current economic climate has led to an interesting new trend in business. In a recent study by CareerBuilder, only 45 percent of employers saw employee retention as a problem, while 87 percent of employees are open to a new job opportunity or are actively seeking a new job. This extreme difference in the views of the current hiring situation shows that many businesses may be vulnerable to losing their top employees, and may not even know it. So what can businesses do to guarantee that their best employees won’t be leaving for greener pastures? There are several steps employers can take to make sure the most valuable employees in their company are going to be there long term. Improve the Work Environment
First, provide a work environment that gives employees respect, recognition, and feedback, with some fun mixed in every now and then for good measure. Top employees want to know they will be given one of
the basic aspects of the work place, respect. Remove this attitude from the office, and be prepared to see the very best of the team walk out the door quickly. A respectful work environment should include recognition for accomplishments and goals being met, but also feedback and constructive criticism to encourage growth. Most employees want to do a great job for their company, and desire to produce great results, so they deserve to be recognized for their efforts. Helpful advice on a project or tips on what to do before the next presentation helps employees perform better and feel like they are needed at work. And, a work environment with the occasional family day or ice cream social during a break lets employees know the company cares about them. Offer Training Opportunities
The next way to encourage the best employees to stay with a company is to offer training and learning options. Training can come in several varieties, including onsite computer or leadership classes, mentorship
programs, or reimbursement for classes at a local university or vocational school. In a survey of 1,400 chief financial officers, 29 percent planned on offering training or education in 2011, while 24 percent planned on offering a mentorship program. These additional learning opportunities not only help employees feel more committed to the company, but also provide businesses with employees who are better trained, loyal to the company and willing to go out into the community to talk about the great benefits they receive. Competitive Compensation
The final, and usually most talked about way to retain great employees, is to offer a competitive compensation and benefits package. The most obvious of ways to keep great employees is to pay them more, but in today’s economic climate, a pay raise may not be feasible for small businesses. But, that doesn’t mean there aren’t creative ways to offer the (See Keep Best Employees, Page 11)
November 2011 • Page 11 • Lubbock Business Network
LEDA honored for X-Fab wafer deal with Cymbet By Walt Nett AVALANCHE-JOURNAL The Lubbock Economic Development Alliance’s efforts to bring a major silicon wafer manufacturing project to the Hub City has been honored by the state’s economic development council as the best such “big city” effort in the state. The Texas Economic Development Council honored LEDA at its awards breakfast Thursday in Fort Worth with the Community Economic Development Award for cities of 100,000 or more. The other four finalists were Fort Worth, the Houston Port Region, San Antonio and San Marcos. It’s the first time the council has honored LEDA, according to TEDC files. The award was presented for LEDA’s efforts with local semiconductor maker X-Fab to land a manufacturing deal billed as mak-
ing Lubbock the world’s largest solid-state battery manufacturer. The deal, with Minnesota chip company Cymbet, was announced in December. “LEDA worked hard to make this partnership advantageous to not only X-Fab but also for the greater Lubbock community. It is an honor to be recognized by TEDC for the efforts LEDA put forward,” said John Osborne, LEDA’s chief executive officer. At the time, LEDA and X-Fab officials said the deal initially meant 77 jobs and $3.2 million in annual salaries locally, along with $12 million in capital expenditures. LEDA worked up a $900,000 incentive package that prompted Cymbet to select Lubbock for its EnerChip battery production operations even over the company’s headquarter’s city of Elk River.
Keep Best Employees (From Page 10) hardest working employees benefits other companies don’t have. The best employees know their company may not be able to give them a bonus or pay raise right now, but a small form of appreciation can make a big difference in their decision to search for a new job or stay in their current position. Consider offering a flexible work schedule one or two days a week. In a 2010 report from the president’s Council of Economic Advisers, a flexible work program that allowed 10 to 15 percent of its employee’s flexible hours helped increase retention rates by 15 percent. If it’s not already offered, a corporate wellness program – whether through an onsite work gym, weight management programs, company-paid gym memberships, or wellness activities like company sports teams in local intramural leagues –is a great way to help retain your top talent. A survey by the Principal
Financial Group showed that 53 percent of employees used company-offered weight-loss programs in 2010, compared to 28 percent the year before. The same survey also showed that 48 percent of employees participating in some form of company wellness programs were motivated to stay with their employer. The best employees will always be in high demand, but that doesn’t mean companies have to lose them. With a few, cost-effective programs and work environment changes, the best employees will be more committed to their employer and, because of their contentment in their role, can attract even more hard-working, dedicated employees. For More Information: Gary Ball, franchisee Express Employment Professionals 2701 81st Street Lubbock, Texas 79423 Gary.ball@expresspros.com
Business of the Month
Congratulations to Capital Farm Credit and South Plains Electric Cooperative, Inc. for being named the Chamber’s Businesses of the Month for November. Capital Farm Credit and South Plains Electric Cooperative, Inc. (SPEC) are being recognized for their outstanding support in this year’s Ag in the Bag program, a field day teaching 4th grade students about the elements of agriculture in their daily lives. The Chamber would like to thank these two businesses for their continued support, community involvement and for allowing volunteers Tanya Foerster of Capital Farm Credit and Lynn Simmons, SPEC, to dedicate their time and efforts to this program. “This event could not be possible without the leadership and dedication of these two volunteers,” Chamber president Eddie McBride said.
Capital Farm Credit Part of the nationwide Farm Credit System, Capital Farm Credit is the state’s largest rural lender. Since 1917, Capital Farm Credit has been helping farmers, ranchers, agribusiness firms, country homeowners and other rural property owners with all of their financial needs. Capital Farm Credit is cooperatively owned by their
customers, and since 1997, they have returned more than $400 million to their customers in capital through their patronage program and stock reductions, reinforcing their commitment to customers’ financial success. The Capital Farm Credit Board of Directors recently approved a $50 million cash distribution by retiring a portion of previously-allocated equities to be paid this fall. Combined with cash patronage paid earlier this year, Capital Farm Credit has returned record cash distributions, totalling $82 million in 2011. For more information about Capital Farm Credit, their patronage program and office locations, call 1.877.944.5500 or visit www.CapitalFarmCredit.com.
South Plains Electric Cooperative South Plains Electric Cooperative has been a Touchstone energy cooperative since 1998. They serve commercial, industrial, agricultural and residential customers with integrity, accountability, innovation and commitment to their community. South Plains Electric Cooperative, Inc. (SPEC) had its beginning on the evening of March 8, 1937, in Lubbock (See Business, Page 15)
November 2011 • Page 12 • Lubbock Business Network
Ground Breakings & Ribbon Cuttings
Adoption Covenant
American Heart Association Heart Walk
1304 16th Street
Sponsored By
Bybee’s 6911 Indiana Avenue
Edward Jones – Westin Tucker
Jenkins, Wagnon & Young, P.C.
Merrill Lynch - Pierce, Fenner & Smith
3428 B 34th Street
1623 10th Street
2510 Marsha Sharp Freeway, Suite 100
South Plains Community Action Eddie Richardson Head Start Center
South Plains Job Fair
The Buzz Coffee & Wine Bar
Unique Rabbit
We Think Pink
606 W Loop 289 #200
1110 40th Street
Thrifty Nickel 3845 50th Street
2024 Broadway
November 2011 • Page 13 • Lubbock Business Network
Souper Salad named 2010 Franchise of the Year Why eat at Souper Salad? The reasons are as endless as the 45-foot salad bar! The buffet’s impressive line-up serves fresh, delicious, create-it-yourself meals to hungry guests each day – many of whom have decided it’s just too hot to cook. You know the feeling! Still, a break from the heat of the kitchen (and summer sun) is just one reason that the fresh selections at Souper Salad are so wellloved by a diverse crowd... and not just the health-conscious! For diners young and old, Souper Salad is an easy, affordable, healthy experience that will having you feeling good coming in and going out. For just $7.24 plus tax, you can fill your plate with cold, crisp greens and veggies, sweet seasonal fruits and specialty salads like Apple Walnut, which features a mix of romaine hearts, sliced apples, bleu cheese crumbles and walnuts. Pile on another Souper Salad creation like Tuna Skroodle or Fettuccini Pasta salad and top everything off with your choice of more than 10 gourmet salad dressings, each chilled to perfection and bursting with flavor. Move to the potato bar, grab a piping hot baked potato or sweet potato and load it up with all your favorite fixings. It doesn’t end there! The options continue with scratch-made pizza and a separate bar for tacos, nachos and soups. Souper Salad’s wide variety of made-from-scratch soups are hard to turn down. With varieties like Chicken Tortilla, Brazen Mushroom, Broccoli Cheese, Pasta Tortellini and Tuscan Tomato Basil – just to name a few – who could resist! Many of these are great options for vegan or vegetarian guests, and several recipes are low in saturated fat, low in cholesterol or trans-fat free.
Still looking for something hot to complement your crisp, chilled salad? Marinated mushrooms and roasted veggies (squash, red and green bell peppers) are served every day, as well as warm breads like sweet cornbread, blueberry bread, gingerbread and garlic breadsticks. The entire menu at Souper Salad is always on rotation and everything is fresh cut and made-from-scratch in the kitchen. Don’t forget dessert! This buffet is all-youcare-to-eat! So go ahead, return to the salad bar for fruit, cottage cheese or pudding. Or treat yourself to a slice of strawberry shortcake or a vanilla soft serve ice cream cone. You won’t find an establishment with a better commitment to excellence – and Lubbock franchise owner Jamie Cofer promises that! Cofer brought what he calls an “upscale approach” to your local Souper Salad location a year and a half ago, after running a tight ship at Horseshoe Bay Resort in the Texas Hill Country for 11 years as Director of Food and Beverage. His experience and enthusiasm, combined with the attention-to-detail provided daily by an excellent staff, earned the newly-managed buffet the honor of 2010 Franchise of the Year. Additionally, the store received the 2010 Momentum Award, for exceptional guest count growth versus the prior year. If you haven’t
visited Souper Salad in a while, you must stop by and see the difference for yourself! In a hurry? No problem. Souper Salad to-go is perfect for your lunch hour and easy on your wallet. For just $5.73 plus tax, you can grab a container and fill it up. Unlike most salad buffets, you won’t be charged by the salad’s weight! It’s fast – just pay and go! And, there will never be a problem with your “order” because you get to choose. You can’t go wrong with Souper Salad. Kids love all the options, too, and parents love that it’s healthy. Plus, ages 3 and under eat free! The buffet also offers a Souper Senior Discount of 10% off. Visit Souper Salad today at 6706 Slide Road, behind On the Border restaurant. Hours are 11 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., Monday through Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Sunday. Article and photo provided by the Lubbock Avalanche-Journal.
Family Volunteer Day is November 19 The Volunteer Center of Lubbock invites all local nonprofits and families to volunteer on Family Volunteer Day, Saturday, November 19th, 2011. This national day of service is held the Saturday before Thanksgiving each year and is designed to showcase the benefits of families working together, to introduce families to community service, and to encourage those who haven’t yet made the commitment to volunteer as a family to do so. The Volunteer Center has been working with its nonprofit partners, and a number of
volunteer projects are expected to be available on this day or service. The Center encourages all individuals and groups, not just families, to participate in projects this year. Contact Rachel Flores at (806) 747-0551 or rflores@ volutneerlubbock.org for more information. Can’t make it to Family Volunteer Day? Visit https://volunteer.truist.com/vcol/volunteer any other day of the year! Create a volunteer account online, browse volunteer opportunities, register for the one that fits your interests, and get involved!
November 2011 • Page 14 • Lubbock Business Network
The Junior League of Lubbock Presents
Holiday Happening 2011 “An Enchanted Season” The Junior League of Lubbock invites you to experience “An Enchanted Season” at the 32nd annual Holiday Happening. The event runs from Wednesday, Nov. 16 through Sunday, Nov. 20 at the Lubbock Memorial Civic Center. Come experience holiday shopping with more than 130 vendors in two shopping areas. Aside from great shopping, Holiday Happening 2011 features several traditional events and a NEW Friday morning event for children.
Kingsgate Shopping Center will bring you upto-date with the latest fashions as you dine on brunch or lunch provided by Stella’s. Be sure to bid on the items in the silent auction as well! Ladies’ Day sponsored by Pat Ham Realtors. Complimentary Valet sponsored by Alderson Enterprises. NEW THIS YEAR! Ladies’ Day Chandelier Tables
$500 per table VIP Seating A Night to Sparkle Sneak Peek Premier Tables Service 2011 – Wednesday, Nov. 16 Exclusive Ladies’ Day gift Grab your friends for a “Sneak Peek” of Limited number of chandelier tables for this year’s shopping experience from 6 – 9 each seating p.m. Enjoy stroller-free shopping, a silent $500.00 per table of 8 auction, and cash bar. Hors d’oeuvres & Santa’s LIVE REINDEER will be at Holidesserts prepared by United Supermarkets®. day Happening on Friday Nov 18th & Saturday Entertainment provided by Chasin’ Dazies. Nov 19th! You will not want to miss the “Guessing for Glitz” benefit drawing, featuring stunning Breakfast with Santa PJs for Popjewelry from Sam L. Majors Jewelers! The Tarts – Friday, Nov. 18 Bring your little ones to meet Santa and event will feature sustainer-only shopping enjoy breakfast provided by Chick-fil-A® at from 5 – 6 p.m. this year’s new event. Pictures with Santa will Sneak Peek sponsored by Atmos Energy. be taken by Savant Photography, and there will Complimentary Valet sponsored by Las Brisas be the opportunity to meet a few of Santa’s Southwestern Steakhouse. closest friends….his reindeer! Holiday PJs Guessing for Glitz…Wednesday, are welcome here, and so are donations of November 16 Feeling Lucky? The highlight of Sneak Peek Pop-Tarts®! Enjoy entertainment by Joyful will be the Guessing for Glitz benefit drawing. Noise and get crafty with a take-home project! Your holiday pajamas are welcome & enCorrectly guess the number of items in the special container and have a chance to win a couraged here, as are donations of Pop-Tarts®, gorgeous amethyst ring and matching earring benefiting Food 2 Kids! You will not want to miss breakfast with set valued at over $1500. Guessing for Glitz will close at 9 p.m. Need not be present to win. Santa AND his LIVE Reindeer! Enchanted Elegance Ladies’ Day Breakfast with Santa Sponsor: Double T 2011 – Thursday, Nov. 17 Smiles, Dr. Nadene Tipton, Orthodontics Make it “Ladies’ Day” with your favorite for Children and Dr. Roger Tipton, Pediatric girlfriends and enjoy stroller-free shopping. Dentistry A style show provided by the merchants of Activity Sponsor: Betenbough Homes
Book your next golf event with Meadowbrook Golf Course. We have the best prices in town!!! Call now and reserve your event as weekends are already filling up for 2012. Here at our large 36 hole facility Meadowbrook hosts tournaments of any size from 10 to 300 people. We encourage boosters and charities to book with us as we give you the best price allowing you to raise more money for your cause. When booking your event mention you saw this add in the chamber of commerce newsletter and receive 10% off of the green fee and cart fee. With our great staff providing excellent service we can assure your tournament will be a great success. Call -806 765 6679 and ask for the Jonathan Parisi or email at jparisi@eaglegolf.com
Ages 1 & up No Reserved Seating
Breakfast with Santa Mischief and Magic – Saturday, Nov. 19
Your little ones’ eyes will light up with joy at the sight of Santa and his reindeer. Santa will be jingling and mingling as they enjoy breakfast provided by Chick-fil-A® and entertainment by Joyful Noise. Do not forget to have your picture taken with Santa by Savant Photography! On your way out, be sure to visit Santa’s reindeer and leave your letters for Santa in his mailbox! You will not want to miss breakfast with Santa AND his LIVE Reindeer! Breakfast with Santa Sponsor: Double T Smiles, Dr. Nadene Tipton, Orthodontics for Children and Dr. Roger Tipton, Pediatric Dentistry Activity Sponsor: Betenbough Homes Ages 1 & up No Reserved Seating Market Hall 2011
Find unique gifts for everyone on your list! Enjoy two shopping areas featuring over 130 merchants from around the country in one location! Market Hall General Shopping Hours: Thursday, Nov. 17 - 10 am to 7 pm (Stroller-free shopping all-day) Friday, Nov. 18 - 10 am to 7 pm (Photos with Santa by Savant Photography 9 am to 12 pm) Saturday, Nov. 19 - 10 am to 7 pm (Photos with Santa by Savant Photography 8 am to 1 pm) Sunday, Nov. 20 – 12 pm to 5 pm Holiday Happening is an annual fundraiser of the Junior League of Lubbock. Since it was founded in 1979, Holiday Happening has raised more than $4.6 million for the Lubbock community. Proceeds from this year’s event will be used to support the Food2Kids program, Kids in the Kitchen and other community programs. The Food2Kids program provides almost 900 weekly food sacks to children in the Lubbock Independent School District who would otherwise go hungry during the weekend. Kids in the Kitchen is an initiative that educates and empowers children to make healthy eating and lifestyle choices. For tickets and more information, call 806.445.9637 or visit www.jllubbock.com. The web site includes a full schedule of events, ticket prices and market hall hours.
November 2011 • Page 15 • Lubbock Business Network
U.S. Chamber Small Business Survey Just released are the findings from the Chamber’s third quarter Small Business Outlook Survey. The third edition of the quarterly survey revealed that small businesses remain uncertain about the economy and are hesitant to hire. A vast majority of respondents, 89%, believe the economy is on the wrong track, and just 17% plan to hire workers, down from 19% in July’s survey. What’s preventing them from hiring? Small business owners still find economic uncertainty to be their most-pressing concern (53%), but also worry about uncertainty from what Washington will do next (39%), and the healthcare law (33%). The survey also found that small business owners overwhelmingly support the Chamber’s jobs plan. Eighty percent think increased domestic energy production would be helpful to the economy, 74% think speeding up permitting and regulatory relief would be helpful, and 67% think the same about passing tax incentives. This survey is a reminder to leaders in Washington that businesses want pro-growth policies that will reduce uncertainty, boost economic growth, and get more people working. Small Business Survey
The small business outlook continues to decline and this quarter shows fewer employ-
ers expecting to add to their payroll in the next year, citing government regulation and economic uncertainty as top obstacles. The survey was conducted with 1,330 small business owners by Harris Interactive. The survey shows:
Nearly nine out of ten (89%) now believe the U.S. economy is on the wrong track Only 17% expect to add employees over the next year, down from 19% in July Small business owners continue to cite the health care law as one of their greatest challenges, with 41% pointing to it as a top concern, despite passage more than a year and a half ago. More than three-out-of-four say they would rather have Washington stay out of the way than provide a helping hand. 86% say they would rather have more certainty from Washington than more assistance (7%) to deal
with the economy. Small business owners see little to be excited about in the President Obama’s jobs plan. More than three-in-four small business owners have an unfavorable opinion of the plan and two-thirds have a strongly unfavorable view of the proposal. Owners of small business rate the individual elements of the Chamber’s six-point jobs plan as highly effective. Specifically, small businesses think that the individual elements—to produce more American energy, speed up the permitting process, and provide tax incentives that create jobs and the proposal that would expand trade—would all be effective ways to create jobs. To read a complete copy of the Q3 Small Business Outlook Survey, please visit: http:// www.uschambersmallbusinessnation.com/ community/quarterly-survey-2
Business of the Month (From Page 11) Junior High School during a county-wide Grange meeting with about 70 people in attendance. At the time, fewer than 30 of 2,700 farms in Lubbock County enjoyed the benefits of central station electric service. In the nearly 75 years following, the service area grew to 6,600 square miles, serving almost 48,000 active electric meters connected to more than 9,200 miles of line located in all or
part of 18 counties. System growth continues at about 2 percent annually with the heaviest growth area located in and immediately surrounding Lubbock. As a not-for-profit Touchstone Energy cooperative, their only goal is to provide safe, reliable electric service at the lowest possible cost. South Plains Electric Cooperative is also proud to be able to offer members value-added
services such as scholarships, energy efficiency advice, the Co-op Connections card and much more, all while keeping their rates competitive and service exemplary. Their members gave them at an 88 on a recent American Customer Satisfaction Index survey- 11 points higher than the utility industry average. For more information about South Plains Electric Cooperative, please visit http://www. spec.coop/.
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November 2011 • Page 16 • Lubbock Business Network
Express Employment Professionals Presents: A complimentary training webinar focusing on
Performance and Retention Negativity, power struggles, and gossip create drama in the workplace. And, since all drama contains a relationship component, it impacts teamwork, performance, and productivity – which ultimately results in absenteeism, lost customers, and increased turnover. On Thursday, November 17, Express Employment Professionals will host a webinar featuring professional speaker, trainer, and author, Marlene Chism. Join us to learn how to maintain your high-performing team and train them to have no complaints, no excuses, and no regrets. About the Speaker:
Marlene Chism is a dynamic business and motivational speaker and communications consultant who has the unique ability to reach across the boundaries of many types of audiences: from Fortune 500 executives, entrepreneurs, and business leaders to employees on the front lines. Marlene challenges and engages her audiences, inspiring them to “be more of who they really are, have more peace and prosperity, and do more of what really matters.” She is a philosopher and a dynamic storyteller with the ability to take complex subjects and universal principles and make them immediately applicable.
To register, visit: www.expresspros.com/webinarregistration
You will receive an email confirmation upon registration.
Brought to you by your Lubbock Express Employment Professionals. (806)745.2395 2701 81ST Street Lubbock, Texas 79423
WHEN: Thursday, November 17 10:30 – 11:30 a.m. CDT WHERE: Your Office, your computer There is no cost to attend. Please register by November 11th.
November 2011 • Page 17 • Lubbock Business Network
Welcome to the New Chamber Members
Please place this addition in your Chamber Business Directory and Resource Guide! AeroCare 6006 N. Cedar Lubbock, TX 79403 (806) 724-3306 Ambulance Service AFLAC - Frank Silvas 3519 50th Street Lubbock, TX 79413 (806) 928-4507 Insurance The Altman Insurance Group 5805 64th Street Lubbock, TX 79424 (806) 783-9575 Insurance AMBUCS - Lubbock Caprock Chapter PO Box 93871 Lubbock, TX 79493 (806) 787-6540 Non Profit Organizations American Differential 1302 50th Street Lubbock, TX 79412 (806) 741-1010 Automobile Repair & Service American Star Home Health Care Inc. 3809 22nd Street, Suite 2-D Lubbock, TX 79410 (806) 687-6547 Health Care - Home Health Services and/or Staffing
Gaylon Buxkemper Ag, Inc. (806) 828-3504 Agricultural Related Businesses Bybee’s 6911 Indiana Ave Lubbock, TX 79413 (806) 791-0655 Clothing - Apparel Women’s Caprock Discount Drug 2625 50th Street Lubbock, TX 79413 (806) 792-2713 Pharmacies-Drug Stores CLC College Prep Services PO Box 53308 Lubbock, TX 79453 (806) 438-0030 Education - Children’s Educational Service Edward Jones - Westin Tucker 3428 B 34th Street Lubbock, TX 79410 (806) 796-1581 Investments Glenn’s Painting (806) 535-2091 Contractors-Painting Hart Heating & A/C PO Box 2070 Lubbock, TX 79408 (806) 795-1207 Heating & Air Conditioning
Host & Toast 2703 A 26th Street Lubbock, TX 79410 (806) 799-3454 Giftware, Housewares, and/or Kitchenware
Midwest Physician’s Assistance PO Box 54136 Lubbock, TX 79453 (806) 438-4972 Physicians & Surgeons
Hub City Fieldhouse 11703 Indiana Ave. Lubbock, TX 79423 (806) 771-4224 Sports Facility Landmark Realtors (806) 548-3729 Real Estate
NAMMCO PO Box 3930 Lubbock, TX 79452 (806) 745-2785 Agricultural Equipment & Supplies
LegalShield - EscudoLegal 4011 34th Street Lubbock, TX 79410 (806) 548-3004 Legal Service Plans Lubbock Christian School 2604 Dover Lubbock, TX 79407 (806) 796-8700 Schools - Private, Pre-K, Kindergarten & Academic Lubbock Truck Sales, Inc. 1801 Slaton Highway Lubbock, TX 79404 (806) 748-1529 Truck & Equipment Sales, Marine Corps Officer Selection Team 1001 University Ave. Ste 1015 Lubbock, TX 79401 (806) 747-1933 Government Agencies
Overstreet Investigations / Legal Support 1616 Texas Ave., Suite 4 Lubbock, TX 79401 (806) 577-7819 Private Investigations Pampered Chef - Team Uppbeat (806) 786-8239 Direct Sales Ricky Boyce Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning 7102 Santa Fe Drive Lubbock, TX 79407 (806) 798-2715 Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning Rock Solid Athletics 6029 45th Street Lubbock, TX 79407 (806) 795-7625 Gymnastic Instruction Sondra’s Song (806) 790-1962 Non Profit Organizations
Southwestern Electric Supply 2435 South Loop 289 Lubbock, TX 79423 (806) 745-6243 Electrical Equipment & Supplies Today’s College Deals 3223 S. Loop 289, Ste 124 Lubbock, TX 79423 (877) 770-9190 Advertising Sales & Promotion Truitt Web Development (806) 549-4794 Computer - Web Page Design Unique Rabbit 2024 Broadway Lubbock, TX 79401 (806) 744-6445 Furniture Utility Contractors of America 927 Highway 62 Wolfforth, TX 79382 (806) 866-9380 Contractors - Utility
Bei Capelli Salon Hospice of the South 4414 82nd Street Plains (79424) 1401 9th Street PO Box 98225 Lubbock, TX 79401 Lubbock, TX 79499 (806) 747-9484 (806) 319-9103 Hospice Care Beauty Shops and /or Salons Please note – current membership information can be found on the Chamber’s online Business Directory. Members can be searched by category or keyword. Membership information can be verified online through the Members Only section. 9/16/2011 –10/15/2011