Lubbock Business Network -November 2017 Newsletter by Lubbock Chamber of Commerce

LUBBOCK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE NEWSLETTER

LUBBOCK BUSINESS NETWORK SAVE THE DATE!

Annual Meeting & Awards Luncheon Thursday, November 30th @ 11:30 A.M. Lubbock Memorial Civic Center, 1501 Mac Davis Lane Learn more on page 6.

Vol. 26 No. 11 November 2017

pg. 8

Is Your Business’ Online Safety at Risk?

Senate Votes to Undo CFPB’s Anti-Arbitration Rule

pg. 9

pg. 12

Lubbock Business Network

Thank you to our 5-Star Investors!

Lubbock Business Network

In the News this Month: Annual Meeting and Awards Luncheon............................................. 6 Meet the November Business of the Month, Acme Electric........ 7 Shop Small on November 25.......................................................................8 Is Your Business’ Online Safety at Risk?................................................ 9 Congratulations to the 20 Under 40 Recipients.............................10 Senate Votes to Undo CFPB’s Anti-Arbitration Rule......................12 Meet the September Ambassador of the Month...........................14

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 benefited the entire region and local quality of life. As the largest business federation on the South Plains, the Chamber represents nearly 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.

2017 Board of Directors Executive Committee Chairwoman Diannah Tatum, Sanford & Tatum Insurance Agency Chairman Elect Cory Powell, TTU Mentor Tech - Institutional Diversity, Equity and Community Engagement Immediate Past Chairwoman Beth Bridges, South Plains Mall Treasurer Abel Castro, FirstBank & Trust Co. Secretary Eddie McBride, Lubbock Chamber of Commerce Vice Chairman - Business Advocacy Scott Fagin, First United Bank Vice Chairman - Chamber Services and Member Engagement Chuck Walker, FirstCare Health Plans Vice Chairwoman - Communications and Public Relations Sharon Hyde Bass, Volunteer Center of Lubbock Vice Chairman - Community Development Gabe Vitela, One Guy from Italy - 50t Street Vice Chairwoman - Programs, Services and Events Kathy Oaks, American Cancer Society

Board of Directors

Share Your News! To submit an article about your business or to purchase Lubbock Business Network sponsorships, contact the Chamber at (806) 761-7000. Click here to visit our new website, log into the members only portal, submit events/job openings and much more!

Byrnie Bass, R. Byrn Bass, Jr., Attorney at Law Steve Beck, Covenant Health Alona Beesinger, Suddenlink Ron Betenbough, Betenbough Homes Kevin Bryan, Digital Base Productions Keith Bryant, Lubbock-Cooper Independent School District Fernando Bustos, Bustos Law Firm, PC Christi Chadwell, Young Professionals of Lubbock Renee Gonzales Davis, 4ORE! Golf Casey Doyle, Casey Carpet One Linda Gaither, WestMark Realtors-Gaither/Ratcliff Jeff Horn, Benchmark Business Solutions Chris James, United Supermarkets Brent King, UMC Health System Chris Lonngren, Schlotzsky’s Dana Madison, Calvert Home Health Care Dave Marcinkowski, Madera Companies Becky Palmer, Atmos Energy 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 System Dr. Berhl Robertson, Lubbock Independent School District Shannon Spencer, Girl Scouts of Texas Oklahoma Plains, Inc. Marcie Truby, Director’s Choice

Lubbock Business Network

Upcoming Events November 7 Legislative Appreciation Luncheon November 9 Young Professionals Twenty Under Forty Banquet November 10 Chamber University: Cybersecurity for your Business November 14 Young Professionals of Lubbock: Second Tuesday Networking sponsored by Lubbock Moonlight Musicals November 16 Business After Hours sponsored by J.T. & Margaret Talkington YWCA at Sun ‘n Fun November 30 Annual Meeting and Awards Luncheon Business After Hours sponsored by First United Bank

Business After Hours

sponsored by:

November 30, 2017 5:30 p.m.-7 p.m. 5802 4th Street 5

Lubbock Business Network

Reserve Your Seat for our Annual Meeting and Awards Luncheon The Lubbock Chamber of Commerce will host its Annual Meeting and Awards Luncheon on Thurs., Nov. 30, at 11:30 a.m. at the Lubbock Memorial Civic Center where the Chamber will honor its annual business award winners. This year’s award honorees include:

Ambassador of the Year: Danny Soliz, Workforce Solutions South Plains Sponsored by Twisted Root Burger Co.

Volunteer of the Year: Kathy Timms, Geiger Sponsored by Wayland Baptist University

Business Person of the Year: Chris Lonngren, Schlotzsky’s Sponsored by Parkhill, Smith & Cooper Business of the Year: Bayer CropScience - FiberMax

Entrepreneur/Small Business of the Year: Shara Konechney Sponsored by Reagor Dykes Auto Group

Thank you to our Annual Meeting sponsors! Presenting Sponsor:

Diamond Sponsors: Covenant Health, George McMahan Development, LLC Platinum Sponsors: Atmos Energy, FirstCapital Bank, Sanford & Tatum Insurance Agency Gold Sponsors: AimBank, Bustos Law Firm, P.C., Centennial Bank, Grace Clinic, Happy State Bank, South Plains College, StarCare Specialty Health System

This year’s featured speaker will be Cathi Hight, a Kaizen consultant and President of High Performance Group. Considered as the Membership Guru and the developer of The Member Retention Kit and A New Approach to Tiered Membership, Hight helps associations meet the expectations of their members. She provides realignment strategies that help associations of all Cathi Hight sizes manage constant change, deliver benefits that members value, leverage volunteer and staff resources efficiently, and effectively communicate the value of membership. With more than 20 years experience in performance improvement, Hight helps clients identify their real problems and solve them. She shares Kaizen principles of continuous improvement, making small and incremental changes, and improving customer experiences which bring about “good change” for internal and external customers. The cost of the luncheon is $50. Chamber members get a discounted price of $35. A table of eight may be purchased for $400 for a silver level sponsorship, $550 for a gold level and $1,000 for platinum level. Deadline to purchase tickets is noon on Mon., Nov. 27. To purchase tickets or for more information, visit LubbockChamber.com, call the Chamber at (806) 761-7000 or email Sheri Nugent at sheri.nugent@lubbockbiz.org. Silver Sponsors: Alderson Auto Group, Benchmark Business Solutions, First United Bank, Goodwill Industries of Northwest Texas, Lubbock Christian University, Lubbock Economic Development Alliance, Lubbock Independent School District, McMahon Vinson Bennett, LLP, Reese Technology Center, TXP Capital, Workforce Solutions South Plains Award Sponsors: Parkhill, Smith & Cooper, Reagor Dykes Auto Group, Twisted Root Burger Co., Wayland Baptist University Thank you to our Annual Report sponsors! Presenting Sponsors: FirstCare Health Plans, Prosperity Bank Diamond Sponsor: American National Bank

Meet the Chamber’s Newest Staff Member, Taylor Frick The Lubbock Chamber of Commerce announced last month the hiring of Taylor Frick as its new Customer Service Representative. She started her duties at the Chamber on Monday, October 23. Frick is a native of Lewisville, TX and graduated from high school there. Upon graduation she joined the U.S. Army and served for four years. During her time in the military she spent part of it deployed in Africa.

Frick moved to Lubbock two years ago and brings previous administrative and organizational experience to her Customer Service Representative position. She is the first person to welcome visitors to the Chamber as they walk in the front door or call the Chamber office. Frick handles the day-to-day front office duties of the administrative staff as well as assisting in all areas of the Lubbock Chamber.

Lubbock Business Network

Introducing our November Business of the Month, Acme Electric Company How has being a member of the Lubbock Chamber of Commerce helped to increase your business, relationships in the business community and/or community involvement? In our case, it’s the invaluable contacts with other construction industry businesses that have been the primary benefit. This allows Acme Electric to come into contact with local businesses looking for work that might otherwise be missed. We strive to develop and maintain the use of local companies for our project partnerships. It has also pushed us to continually update our practices in order to stay ahead of industry standards. Networking in Chamber events such as, the Hub City BBQ Cook-Off and the Chamber Golf Classic that have gotten our name out in front of other chamber members and given us the opportunity to tell them about Acme Electric. In turn, we have met many other members, learned about their company, and developed many friendships. When did Acme Electric join the Lubbock Chamber? Acme Electric has been a member of the Lubbock Chamber since the 1980’s! What is Acme Electric’s favorite part of being a member of the Lubbock Chamber? Acme Electric is proud of its ties to the Lubbock business community. Being a member of the Chamber means visibility in the city of Lubbock and it boosts our reputation as an active economic force.

In what way is Acme Electric most involved with the Chamber? Acme Electric’s major contribution to the Chamber is during the Hub City BBQ Cook-Off. We help set up the temporary electrical power needed for all the participants. Does Acme Electric have a favorite Chamber event? If so, what? Yes! We love being a contestant in the Hub City BBQ Cook-Off and have participated for a decade. It’s been great watching the participation and community interaction grow with each year. In 2016 we won “Best Ribs”, “Best Brisket” and “Best Other Meat” and this past year we won “Most Unique Cooker” . A little more about Acme Electric... Acme Electric is a family run business that was started in 1958 by Winston Brown. Today there are two generations of Brown family members working both in the headquarters here in Lubbock and in Fort Worth. Acme Electric completes commercial and industrial projects all over the state of Texas. Here at home, we are proud to have been the contractor for projects at Texas Tech University, UMC Hospital, and Covenant Health. Acme’s industrial division has provided major construction and renovations to the water/wastewater infrastructure both here in Lubbock and statewide. We like to believe that our water reclamation plant division will make a difference in water conservation efforts in years to come.

Amy Marquez Celebrates 10 Years at the Chamber! The Lubbock Chamber of Commerce is proud to recognize Amy Marquez for her 10 years of service to the Lubbock Chamber. On October 25, 2007, Marquez started her 10 year career with the Chamber as a part-time Data Entry Clerk. She has held various positions in the Chamber over the years with her most recent promotion to Community Development Director in 2014. Marquez is responsible for Leadership Lubbock, the Chamber’s premier leadership and community development program, which was created to help develop future civic leaders in our community. She also runs the Young Entrepreneurs Academy, also known as YEA!. This nationwide program is in its second year at the Lubbock Chamber and it teaches middle and high school students how to start and run their own REAL businesses. During Marquez’s time at the Chamber she has received multiple designations and is a 2013 Leadership Lubbock graduate. In 2011 she received her CCCE from the Center for Chamber of Commerce Excellence, a three-year program covering the fundamentals of Chamber management. Marquez also received the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Institute of Organizational Management (IOM) professional designation in 2015 and served as a class advisor for the Northeast Institute in 2016.

President/CEO, Eddie McBride (L) presenting Amy Marquez (R) with her 10 years of service plaque during a Board Meeting

Lubbock Business Network

Business Expo has Moved to January! The Lubbock Chamber of Commerce is excited to announce that our members favorite tradeshow has moved to January! The 2018 Business Expo is scheduled for January 19, from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. at the Lubbock Memorial Civic Center. If you are interested in either participating or sponsoring this event please contact you Chamber representative or Allison Cottrell TODAY at (806) 761-7000 or allison.cottrell@lubbockbiz.org.

Haily Assiter Promoted to Director of Communications and Public Relations The Lubbock Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce that Haily Assiter was promoted to Director of Communications and Public Relations. She began her new role at the Chamber on Monday, October 16. Assiter started her career at the Chamber almost four years ago as a Marketing Specialist and has contributed significantly to the Chamber’s design, creativity and video production. In this new role she will be responsible for all of the Chambers design, communications and messaging efforts via social media, web, digital, print, video and event promotions. Prior to her time at the Chamber Assiter worked with other non-profits and was able to

Small Business Saturday® is about more than just shopping at local stores. It’s about celebrating and sharing the small businesses that are apart of our everyday lives - from corner stores to food trucks to online boutiques. They’re the places we call our own and can’t imagine living without. It’s these businesses and the people behind them that make the Lubbock community unique and when they succeed, we all do. The majority of the Lubbock Chamber membership is made up of these small businesses and we encourage everyone to #ShopSmallLBK on

bring that knowledge and creativity with her to the Lubbock Chamber of Commerce. She will receive her Institute of Organization Management (IOM) designation, after completion of a fouryear nonprofit management training program, through the U.S. Chamber of Commerce in January 2018. Assiter is a Lubbock native and a 2010 Texas Tech University graduate where she received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism with a minor in Business. For questions regarding the Chamber’s communication efforts contact Haily Assiter at (806) 761-7005 or haily.assiter@lubbockbiz.org.

November 25th! Don’t forget to check the Lubbock Chamber online Business Directory before you shop and support your fellow Chamber members! If you are a small business and would like Small Business Saturday® marketing materials please click here to visit our Small Business Saturday® landing page and access the marketing materials . The Lubbock Chamber also has a variety of Small Business Saturday® giveaways if you are interested contact the Chamber today at (806) 761-7000.

Lubbock Business Network

Is Your Business’ Online Safety at Risk? Cybersecurity is essential for businesses and the workplace. Learn more about ways to stop online threats by attending our next Chamber University seminar: Cybersecurity for Your Business, on Fri., Nov. 10, from 8:30-11:30 a.m. at the J.T. & Margaret Talkington YWCA at Sun ‘n Fun. During the seminar hear from Sam Segran, Associate Vice President for Information Technology and Texas Tech University Information Officer; and Logan McLean, Director of Business Development for Simpatico Systems. This seminar will cover new, important cyber safety and security information for your business. The instructors will give you tips on how to eliminate risk factors, routing security and next-generation internet, privacy and anonymous communications: attacks and designs, denial of service (DoS) attacks and defense against them, IT security services and how to detect threats and eliminate them.

The Chamber University program 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. Chamber University is sponsored by Workforce Solutions South Plains and Wayland Baptist University. 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 Wed., Nov. 8. For more information on Chamber University, please contact Allison Cottrell at (806) 761-7000 or allison.cottrell@lubbockbiz.org.

Learn More About the Chamber at Chamber Basics! The last Chamber Basics - Pizza with the President of 2017 is on Tuesday, December 12 at 11:30 a.m., in the Wells Fargo Center at 1500 Broadway, second floor, in the San Jacinto Room. Chamber Basics is for more than just new members. This quarterly event is a great way for not only new members to get involved, but also for those who are a new employee of a long-standing member company or for those that want to learn more about all the Chamber has to offer. You’ll learn about the Chamber and meet other members as well as volunteers and staff. Plus you will have the opportunity to promote your business!

This event is FREE to attend and pizza is provided by One Guy from Italy - 50th Street. For more information, please contact Cathy Potter, Member Relations Director, by e-mail or by phone at (806) 761-7001. Click here to register or learn more about this event.

Thanks to the following sponsors for making this event possible: Simpatico Systems, LLC Wingate by Wyndham

GET YOUR BUSINESS IN THE SPOTLIGHT! PROMOTE YOUR BUSINESS ON OUR WEBSITE AND IN OUR E-COMMUNICATIONS!

LubbockChamber.com | Monday Memo Business Network Newsletter | YPL E-Blast For more information and pricing contact the Chamber at 806.761.7000 today! 9

Lubbock Business Network

Growing Community Leaders Congratulations to the 2017 Young Professionals 20 Under 40 Recipients The Lubbock Chamber of Commerce and the Young Professionals of Lubbock proudly announce the 2017 Twenty Under Forty award recipients. Robin Averhoff, Covenant Health Jennifer Bledsoe, Happy State Bank Jef Conn, Coldwell Banker Commercial Lindsey Diaz, Lubbock County Marcy Erwin, Craig, Terrill, Hale & Grantham, LLP Ashley Gonzales, Texas Tech University Michael Laughlin, Llano Estacado Winery Kristi Laverty, Parkhill, Smith & Cooper, Inc. Victor Le Gloahec, Covenant Health Alazar Martinez, Robinson, Burdette, Martin & Seright, LLP Nick Mears, Caprock Business Consulting Heather Newberry, United Supermarkets Andrew Paxton Tracy Pearl, Texas Tech University Stephen Schwieterman, Parkhill, Smith & Cooper, Inc. Neal Spradlin, Crenshaw, Dupree & Milam, LLP Lori Truitt, Payne & Truitt Chad Wheeler, Open Door Ryan Wilkens, Parkhill, Smith & Cooper, Inc. Sabine Wohlschlag, Volunteer Center of Lubbock

This initiative aims to recognize outstanding individuals under the age of 40 who exemplify leadership in their careers, while actively participating in the community. Award winners will be honored at a banquet on Thurs., Nov. 9, from 6:30-9 p.m. at the Texas Tech University McKenzie-Merket Alumni Center. To register for this event please contact Kyle Jacobson at (806) 761-7000 or by email at kyle.jacobson@lubbockbiz.org. Individual tickets are $45 and chamber members receive a discounted rate of $35. For more information about the Young Professionals of Lubbock, visit www.yplubbock.org.

Young Entrepreneurs Academy (YEA!) Kicks-off its Second Year!

The Lubbock Chamber of Commerce kicked off the Young Entrepreneurs Academy (YEA!) on Tues., Oct. 17, at the Texas Tech Innovation Hub, where the students will meet on a weekly basis. The program accepted 21 of the best and brightest middle and high school students with a keen drive to launch and run their own, real businesses. Throughout the year students will work in close cooperation with local business leaders, community leaders and educators who will use their personal experiences to demonstrate how to develop business ideas and objectives, write a business plan, pitch to investors, obtain funding, register with governmental agencies, establish e-commerce and a web presence, and more. By the end of the 30-week class, students will own and operate fully-formed and functioning businesses, which may be carried after their graduation from the program. The Young Entrepreneurs Academy is a national program offered to students in grades 6 to 12 by chambers of commerce, professional organizations, colleges and universities and public and private middle and high schools. For more information visit the Lubbock Chamber YEA! website.

Students listed in alphabetical order: Leyla Aguilar, Taylor Anderson, Kevin Bash, Davante Childers, Baden Curry, Evan Emery, Jairon Foster, McCaleb Hart, Lauren Lambert, Sydney Locke, Jacob Luna, Peyton McCloud, Vanessa Miller, Duncan Moore, Spencer Noall, Brook Payne, Amrita Ramesh, Aaron Ramos, Logan Sanders, Ruoxi (Anne) Zhao, Xin (Zia) Zhao

Lubbock Business Network

Celebrate the 2017 Leadership Lubbock Graduating Class! Please join us in celebrating the 2017 Leadership Lubbock graduating class on Wed., Nov. 15 at the Texas Tech University McKenzie-Merket Alumni Center. The reception will begin at 6:30 p.m. and the graduation program will begin at 7:15 p.m. Philip Archinal, Suddenlink Communications Sonia Arismendez, Peoples Bank Texas Haily Assiter, Lubbock Chamber of Commerce Robin Averhoff, Covenant Health Sarah Bevers, United Supermarkets Jerry Brewer, Lubbock Police Department Christopher Coke, WesternBank Lindsey Diaz, Lubbock County Matt Ernst, RAMAR Communications Laura Beth Fossett, Lubbock County Criminal District Attorney Chase Gentry, Great Plains Distributors Jacob Gray, Benchmark Business Solutions, Inc. Ben Hart, Texas Tech Federal Credit Union Ashton Haynes, RAMAR Communications Melissa Huse, TXP Capital, LLC Brandi Ivey, StarCare Specialty Health System Jessica Jolly Waits, FirstCare Health Plans Courtney Killian, RD Thomas Advertising Mike Lambert, Feed and Thangs Farm Store Stacey Lemons, Marsh & McLennan Agency, LLC - SW Region Yvonne Limon, Lee Lewis Construction, Inc. Zach Long, Field, Manning, Stone, Hawthorne & Aycock, P.C. Elizabeth Massengale, Texas Tech University Josh McKeever, Western Bank Carlos Mendoza, Llano Logistics/ United Supermarkets Murvat Musa, Reese Technology Center

Tanner Noble, Progressive Properties Charles Parks Andrew Paxton Myndee Bartee Brian Riedel, Prosperity Bank Kimmy Shatley, Lubbock National Bank Neal Spradlin, Lubbock Criminal District Attorneyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Office Andrea Wade, Officewise Furniture & Supply Peter Warrick, Atmos Energy Misti Welch, American Cancer Society Lair Wells, Robert Madden Industries Nathan White, Lubbock Police Department Ryan Wilkens, Parkhill, Smith & Cooper Inc. Mark Williams, Sanford & Tatum Marcus Wooley, Ferguson Enterprises Matthew Zimmerman, Bustos Law Firm, P.C. Contact Amy Marquez at (806) 761-7002 or by email at amy. marquez@lubbockbiz.org to reserve your seat today! Individual tickets are $25 or table of eight is $250. The deadline to register is Fri., Nov. 10. To learn more about Leadership Lubbock and view a list of the incoming 2018 class click here.

Lubbock Business Network Legislative Benefactor:

Voice of Business Senate Votes to Undo CFPB’s Anti-Arbitration Rule On October 24, U.S. Chamber PresiDistrict of Texas, Dallas Division. dent and CEO Thomas J. Donohue issued The legal challenge included the Texthe following statement following U.S. as Association of Business, U.S. Chamber Senate passage of H.J. Res. 111, disapof Commerce, American Bankers Associproving of the Consumer Financial Proation, American Financial Services Assotection Bureau’s (CFPB) anti-arbitration ciation, Consumer Bankers Association, rule: and Financial Services Roundtable. The “The U.S. Senate made the right call case rests on several grounds, including by voting today to undo the CFPB’s anti-arthat the rule violates the requirements bitration rule. Arbitration results in better of the Dodd-Frank Act because the CFPB and quicker outcomes for consumers, so we study was flawed and based on biased applaud both houses of Congress for taking data, and because the rule is harmful to Courtesy of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce action to pull back a rule that would have consumers. CFPB’s anti-arbitration rule benefited the class action trial bar at the is based on a highly controversial and expense of American consumers and busiflawed study that ignored the practical nesses alike. This move to rein in an overgrown and unaccountable benefits of arbitration, as compared to the court system where CFPB is a welcome one, and we eagerly await the president’s signa- cases between consumers and financial services providers can ture on this bill.” take years to be heard, for addressing the types of injuries that Earlier last month the Lubbock Chamber and 10 local Texas consumers most often experience. chambers of commerce joined several other business organiza- This is one of the many ways that Chamber is working totions in filing a legal challenge to the Consumer Financial Pro- ward a pro-growth, pro-business climate for job creators! Learn tection Bureau’s (CFPB) anti-arbitration rule in the Northern more about the Chamber’s efforts here.

LEGISLATIVE APPRECIATION LUNCHEON Tues., November 7, 2017 | 11:30 AM McKenzie-Merket Alumni Center

featured guests:

presented by:

Don’t miss the Lubbock Chamber of Commerce Legislative Appreciation Luncheon on Tues., Nov. 7, at 11:30 a.m. at the Texas Tech University McKenzie-Merket Alumni Center. The luncheon will feature State Senator Charles Perry and State Representative John Frullo. Call the Lubbock Chamber at (806) 761-7000 to make your reservation today. The cost of the luncheon is $50 and chamber members get a discounted price of $35. The deadline to register is Friday, November 3.

State Senator Charles Perry

State Rep. John Frullo

State Rep. Dustin Burrows

Thanks to our sponsors for making this event possible!

Presenting: Diamond: Parkhill, Smith & Cooper Platinum: AgTexas Farm Credit Services, Atmos Energy, Texas Tech University System, Wayland Baptist University - Lubbock Campus

Lubbock Business Network

Lubbock Chamber Joins Almost 300 Organizations in Letter Reiterating Business Community’s Support for Tax Reform In a letter sent to all members of Congress on October 31, 297 trade associations and state and local chambers of commerce expressed their support for tax reform and applauded the work of the House Ways and Means and Senate Finance Committees. The letter’s delivery coincided with a meeting attended by U.S. Chamber President and CEO Thomas J. Donohue and other business leaders with President Donald Trump and administration officials. The president thanked the business community for its engagement on tax reform and underscored his desire to have the legislation passed by the end of the year. Speaking about the forthcoming tax reform package, Donohue told the gathering, “The business community has been waiting a long time for an administration and president and a willing Congress to do what we haven’t done for many decades…We’re going to have some differences amongst the

business community on what should be the takeaways and the adds. But we just have to work on it.” The nearly 300 business groups who signed the letter to Congress agree, writing, “Completing the task will not be easy. We commit to working with you to achieve our shared goal of comprehensive, pro-growth tax reform. Anything less is unacceptable.” Donohue’s message and the message conveyed in the letter clearly demonstrate strong support and engagement from the business community on the important issue of updating our outdated tax code.

GO.VOTE.LUBBOCK Visit LubbockBusinessVotes.com our ELECTION HEADQUARTERS

Early voting ends November 3. Election Day is November 7. Officials attend Chamber’s State Legislative Forum and State of the Texas Tech University System Luncheon

(left to right): TTUHSC President Tedd Mitchell, Rep. James Frank, Senator Charles Perry, Chancellor Robert Duncan, President Lawrence Schovanec, Rep. John Frullo, Chamber Chairwoman Diannah Tatum, Chamber Chairman-elect Cory Powell and Chamber President/CEO Eddie McBride

Lubbock Business Network

Chamber Ambassador Program Meet Dan Baze, September Ambassador of the Month! Dan Baze, owner of the Dan Baze Agency, has been named September Ambassador of the Month. Baze relocated to Lubbock this past June and joined the Ambassador Program shortly after. Baze said he joined the Ambassador Program with a goal to build relationships with fellow small business owners in the Lubbock community. “As a returning Lubbockite who had been gone over 35 years, it is critical that I get to know other business owners and being an ambassador has really opened up that opportunity, “ stated Baze. The Dan Baze Agency opened its doors on June 1 of this year representing American National Insurance specializing in agriculture, small businesses and standard personal lines of auto, home, and life insurance. “I’m the chief cook and bottle washer, marketing expert, social network engineer and of course your friendly insurance agent,” joked Baze when asked what all his position entails as the owner. As an Ambassador Baze said his favorite events to attend thus far are the ribbon cuttings and business after hours, in which he believes is instrumental in developing business relationships. He also attended the Business Expo this past May and said it was very lucrative to his business. “The most rewarding part of being an Ambassador is the opportunity to be involved in the local business community on an almost daily basis,” Baze said.

As a veteran, Baze is interested in getting involved in any veteran related activities. We appreciate not only the time and commitment he has put into the Ambassador Program, but his service to our country as well. Again, congratulations to Dan Baze on his first Ambassador of the Month award!

Dan Baze receives his September Ambassador of the Month Award from Chairwoman Diannah Tatum at the October Board of Directors meeting.

Ribbon Cuttings & Groundbreakings – October Sponsored

by:

Aloft by Marriott 2901 Iola Ave.

Centennial Bank

re-branding campaign

CertaPro Painters of Lubbock

4413 82nd St., Ste. 207 14

Lubbock Business Network

Cleaning Services of Cornerstone Business Holdings Grove Campus Lubbock, LLC

Edge Concepts Office Park

Frios Gourmet Pops

Inspire Nail Salon

10305 Quaker Ave., Ste. 100

15219 Joliet Ave.

6305 82nd St.

10210 Frankford Ave. STE 110

Front Porch Floral

2614 FM 1585,Ste. 10

Goodwill Industries of Northwest Texas 50th Anniversary

Independent Stock Market

Katy & Co. Home & Gift

McDonaldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Grand Re-Opening

Silver Spur Tradeshows

United Supermarkets Kids Market

Vibeage Boutique

Workforce Solutions Workforce Solutions South Plains South Plains Career Expo Job Fair

6616 Milwaukee Ave., Ste. 700

inside the Science Spectrum, 2579 South Loop 289, Ste. 250

Fall - Gun & Blade Show

Breast Cancer Awareness Fundraiser

United Supermarkets 6321 4th St.

5201 4th St.

10305 Quaker Ave., Ste. 1100

Lubbock Business Network

Welcome New Chamber Members! AAAMD, LLC (806) 771-9446 5007 Ave. U Lubbock, TX 79412 Accounting & Bookkeeping Service

Foundation Health & Wellness, LLC (806) 687-9355 6701 Aberdeen Ave., Ste. 11 Lubbock, TX 79424 Chiropractors

Red Beard Engineering (806) 368-6375 1014 Broadway Lubbock, TX 79401 Engineers - Civil

Blissful Beauty (806) 785-5000 3315 81st St., Ste. G Lubbock, TX 79423 Beauty Salons and/or Barbers

JMR Construction & Coating Systems (806) 632-5167 2510 53rd St. Lubbock, TX 79413 Construction Companies-General Contractors

Sherwin-Williams Paint Store (806) 783-8968 9805 Slide Rd. Lubbock, TX 79424 Paints - Paint Supplies

Camp Gladiator (940) 452-5757 9185 Research Blvd. Austin, TX 78758 Health, Food & Wellness Products Chambers Engineering, LLC (806) 687-9999 5501 Spur 327 Lubbock, TX 79424 Engineers - Consultants Church on the Rock (806) 798-7990 10503 Slide Rd. Lubbock, TX 79424 Churches Cook’s Garage (806) 893-2491 11002 Hwy 87 Lubbock, TX 79423 Restaurants & Bars Edward Jones - Brett Chambers, Financial Advisor (806) 784-0004 3301 66th St., Ste. 100 Lubbock, TX 79413 Financial Services EV of Lubbock (806) 796-3991 6107 45th St. Lubbock, TX 79407 Appliance Sales & Service

Jules Minne Insurance Agency (806) 783-9519 10210 Frankford Ave. Lubbock, TX 79424 Insurance King’s Point Cove (325) 480-0777 6284 FM 2632 Brownwood, TX 76801 Real Estate Logical Technologies Inc. (806) 745-5551 5301 63rd St., Ste. D Lubbock, TX 79424 Computer - Solutions Lubbock Small Animal Emergency Clinic (806) 752-0999 5103 34th St. Lubbock, TX 79410 Pet Services McDowell Hill Services, LLC (806) 993-3341 6620 Milwaukee Ave., Ste. 500 Lubbock, TX 79424 Education - Children’s Educational Service PC Training Today (844) 728-7246 Technology

Texas Emergency Care Center (806) 701-5265 5202 82nd St. Lubbock, TX 79424 Emergency Services The Carlson Law Firm (806) 620-6840 2424 50th St. Lubbock, TX 79412 Attorneys True Title Company, LLC (806) 993-3000 5012 122nd St. Lubbock, TX 79424 Title Companies Truly Nolen Pest Control of Lubbock (806) 503-0867 8502 Urbana Ave., Ste. 100 Lubbock, TX 79424 Pest Control Willow Bend Mortgage (806) 228-7531 8605 Milwaukee Ave., Ste. 102 Lubbock, TX 79424 Mortgages