Lubbock Business Network - October 2016 Newsletter by Lubbock Chamber of Commerce

THE LUBBOCK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE NEWSLETTER

LUBBOCK BUSINESS NETWORK

OCTOBER 20 | 1 P.M. - 5 P.M.

BUSINESS MERCADO 2016 LUBBOCK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Vol. 25 No. 10 October 2016 Register for the YPL Lunch & Learn with Mayor Dan Pope

Chamber Joins Legal Effort Against Federal Overtime Law

Summer Water-Smart Winner Announced

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pg. 12

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LEARN MORE ON PG. 9

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Thank you to our 5-Star Sponsors!

Lubbock Business Network

In the News this Month:

Hispanic Heritage Luncheon ...............................................................6 Meet the October Business of the Month.......................................7 Business Mercado Booths Still Available..........................................9 Register for the YPL Lunch & Learn with Mayor Dan Pope..... 10 Chamber Joins Legal Effort Against Federal Overtime Law... 12 Summer Water-Smart Winner Announced.................................. 13

A Message from the Chamber

S ince 1913, the Lubbock Chamber of Commerce’s mission of strengthening, promoting and serving its member businesses has positively benefitted the entire region and local quality of life. As the largest business federation on the South Plains, the Chamber represents over 2,000 members who employ over 79,000 workers, and account for over $2 billion in annual household earnings in Lubbock and West Texas, all without tax dollars. Each day, the Chamber strengthens, promotes and serves its member businesses through numerous programs and events. The Chamber advocates on local, state and federal levels and offers diverse programs for both large and small as well as minority-owned businesses.

2016 Board of Directors Executive Committee Chairwoman Beth Bridges, South Plains Mall Immediate Past Chairman Jay Jacobus, Scarborough Specialities, Inc. Chairwoman Elect Diannah Tatum, Sanford & Tatum Insurance Agency Treasurer David Park, Atmos Energy Secretary Eddie McBride, Lubbock Chamber of Commerce Vice Chairman - Chamber Services and Member Engagement Abel Castro, FirstBank & Trust Co. Vice Chairwoman - Communications and Public Relations Kathy Oaks, American Cancer Society Vice Chairman - Community Development Cory Powell, TTU Mentor Tech - Institutional Diversity, Equity and Community Engagement Vice Chairman - Programs, Services and Events Scott Fagin, First United Bank

Board of Directors

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

Lubbock Business Network

Young Professionals of Lubbock First Tuesday Networking sponsored by:

510 13th St.

October 4, 2016 5:30 p.m. - 7 p.m.

Business After Hours

sponsored by:

October 27, 2016 5:30 p.m. - 7 p.m. 9410 Milwaukee Ave.

President/CEO Eddie McBride, IOM Executive Vice President Norma Ritz Johnson, CCE, IOM CFO/COO Sheri Nugent, IOM Vice President - Communications & Public Relations Tammi Boozer Vice President - Programs, Services & Events Christye Weld Community Development Director Amy Marquez, IOM Member Relations Director Cathy Potter Business Development Coordinator Brenda Richardson Communications Specialist Haily Assiter Event Specialists Allison Cottrell Korryn McMinn Government Relations Specialist Stevie Poole Event/Government Relations Specialist Kyle Jacobson Administrative Assistant/Office Coordinator Patsy Moffett Accounting Assistant Patricia Picon Customer Service Representative Jamie Sherrill Interns Mallory Barnett KC Torres

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

Business Network Newsletter | Monday Memo For more information and pricing contact Brenda Richardson at 806.761.7003! 5

Lubbock Business Network

Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month at the Hispanic Heritage Luncheon Join us as we celebrate culture and diversity in our community by welcoming keynote speaker, Texas Secretary of State, Carlos Cascos. Make your reservations for what is sure to be a sold out event! The Hispanic Heritage Luncheon will be held on Thursday, October 6, from 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. at the Overton Hotel & Conference Room in the Sunset Ballroom. Secretary Cascos was Governor Abbott’s first appointment after becoming governor. The Secretary is a CPA as well as a former county commissioner and judge. Born in Mexico, Secretary Cascos became a U.S. citizen in adolescence and oversees Texas-Mexico relations. The Secretary is working to bolster Texas’ relations with Mexico and improve life along the state’s southern borders.

The Texas Secretary of State’s office houses the states elections division and also oversees Texas-Mexico relations. Contact Kyle Jacobson for more information at (806) 761-7000. Thanks to our sponsors! Presenting:

Diamond: Mi Casita Care Center

Platinum: FirstCapital Bank

Celebrate Chamber of Commerce Week! Chamber Staff/Board of Directors Meet & Greet! 1 2 7 Mon., Oct. 17 | 4 - 6 p.m. | Chamber Office, 1500 Broadway, Suite 101 October 1 This week ONLY all new member application fees will be waived!

*Drawing for THREE $300 waived membership renewal vouchers* (bring a potential Chamber member and receive an additional entry)

Meet the 2016 Annual Meeting Keynote Speaker, Aaron Davis Aaron Davis was born and raised in Lincoln, Neb. and from the age of eight he was helping his Dad work in the evenings as a janitor in two of the town’s most prominent businesses. He learned the importance of having a Champion Attitude no matter what your role or title is. Through mopping floors, cleaning bathrooms, emptying out hundreds of trashcans nightly he learned that it’s not WHAT you do rather it’s HOW you do it! Davis doesn’t believe in just making his audiences “feel” better; rather he seeks to encourage and help them “Do” better both professionally and personally by stressing the importance of a Champion Attitude! He’s not just another speaker “telling” others how to be successful but he is in the trenches’ daily in his own firm Aaron Davis Presentations consulting and coaching and he is a partner in two other companies in the software industry. Davis has also spent time in both high school and higher education markets as well. No matter if it’s in sales, leadership, teamwork or customer service; corporate America or in the education sector; a champion attitude is a must! His speaking and consulting company, Aaron Davis Presentations, Inc., received the Chamber of Commerce “Outstanding Minority Owned Business” award and Toastmasters International awarded him the “Communication and Leadership Award”. He was also awarded by the Lincoln Business Journal as one of Lincoln’s 40 under 40-business achievement awards; and

also received the Key to the city of Lincoln by former Lincoln Mayor Colleen Seng. Davis has authored three books and co-authored two others that are changing the lives of thousands! He resides in Nebraska with his wife, Brooke, their two sons, Aden and Keenon, and one daughter, Niya. To learn more visit his website.

The Annual Meeting and Awards Luncheon will be held on Thurs., Dec. 1, at the Lubbock Memorial Civic Center where we will also recognize our annual award winners. Sponsorships are still available. For more information please contact Sheri Nugent at (806) 761-7000 or Sheri.Nugent@lubbockbiz.org.

Lubbock Business Network

Introducing our October Business of the Month, TTU Innovation Hub The Texas Tech University Innovation Hub, the premiere facility for young aspiring entrepreneurs, has been named October’s Business of the Month! Kimberly Gramm, Managing Director at the TTU Innovation Hub, said that being a member of the Chamber made the staff at the Innovation Hub feel welcomed and they have received a great deal of exposure. “The hospitality, kindness, and true leadership the Chamber has offered Texas Tech’s Innovation Hub and to me personally is second to none. As a partner we received excellent exposure by being a member and sponsor for our new programs,” Gramm said. The TTU Innovation Hub’s membership with the Chamber has also increased awareness of its 11 recently launched, new programs and Gramm is confident this awareness will continue to increase. “The insights gained with Chamber involvement will help us to know what our community needs and make certain we meet their need. The Chamber is part of the Tech family. We work together to solve problems and create opportunities for the benefit of businesses,” stated Gramm. The TTU Innovation Hub joined the Chamber because both organizations missions and goals are closely aligned. Gramm believes that the Chamber can help the Innovation Hub continue to support innovation, education, research and economic development to in turn support a strong community of businesses. “I am a big believer of paying it forward, so the Young Entrepreneurs Academy program is near and dear to my heart. We are partnered with the Chamber to deploy the first Lubbock YEA! after school program. This 30-week entrepreneurial boot camp is an exciting way to change the conversation at home and create a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship in Lubbock,” said Gramm.

Another activity the Hub and Chamber are partnered with is the KG Taskforce, a program that uses research to project future plans of success for the Innovation Hub. “The task force’s charter is to research innovation districts around the country and develop recommendations for Texas Tech University’s leaders to consider how to master plan the future of the Innovation Hub at Research Park. I am certain we will continue to do great impactful things to benefit not only our organizations, but the entire community,” Gramm stated. Gramm said her favorite part about being a member of the Chamber is the leadership the organization provides for businesses to ensure their success. “I think of the Chamber is the glue in our community. It is a highly respectable organization through the leadership and support it provides the heartbeat to standing on issues important to our community providing a voice and representing us when needed,” Gramm said. Gramm’s favorite Chamber event so far is the TTU Football Kickoff Breakfast. She said that it was such a huge success with the help of wonderful hometown emcees, Byrnie Bass and John Zwiacher. Again, congratulations to the Texas Tech University Innovation Hub on its October Business of the Month award. We can’t wait to continue our partnership with the YEA! program.

The Chamber is proud to congratulate the TTU Innovation Hub on its October Business of the Month achievement. The TTU Innovation Hub along with all the other businesses of the month for 2016, will be considered for the Chamber’s Business of the Year award, in December 2016.

McGavock Nissan Recipient of NISSAN GLOBAL AWARD McGavock Nissan Lubbock, is pleased to announce that they are again the recipient of the Nissan Global Award. The award is sponsored by Nissan Motor Company, Ltd., and is presented to an elite group of Nissan Dealers from around the world who are recognized for their commitment to sales, customer satisfaction and owner loyalty. Only 50 of more than 1000 Nissan U. S. dealerships are recipients of this prestigious award. This is McGavock’s tenth year to receive this Nissan award. Last year The Nissan Global Award replaced the Circle of Excellence designation and expands the award's recognition to one of international importance. The highly selective nomination and evaluation process results in an International collection of Nissan dealers that are proudly recognized as Nissan's “best-ofthe-best.”

“We are very pleased to receive the Nissan Global Award for the tenth time. We are very proud of the men and women who everyday strive to make our Nissan dealership not only the best in our markets, but in the United States and around the world. Without their dedication it would not be possible for us to receive this award,” said Steve McGavock.

McGavock Nissan Auto Group is a family owned and operated premier Nissan dealer with locations in Abilene, Amarillo, Lubbock and Wichita, KS. For the past 40 years, we have served West Texas and now, southern Kansas. McGavock’s experienced staff has a genuine desire to not just meet but exceed customer expectations. For more information regarding McGavock Auto Group contact: Randy Christian at 806-783-8484 or randy.christian@mcgavocknissan.com

Lubbock Business Network

Hub City BBQ Cook-off was a Smokin’ Success The Lubbock Chamber of Commerce would like to thank Suddenlink for being the 16th Annual Hub City BBQ Cook-off presenting sponsor on September 22. We had a record-breaking attendance of over 9,000 people in the streets of downtown Lubbock from all over the South Plains. “Big thanks to all the BBQ Committee members and volunteers that helped make this event a huge success. We couldn’t have done it without all of the Chamber volunteers that give their time and talents to help make sure this event runs smoothly and efficiently year after year. I also want to thank the teams that cooked, competed, networked and served the public

at the most unique event on the South Plains. I hope that everyone who participated in the Hub City BBQ Cook-Off had as much fun as I did,” stated Preston Weems, Hub City BBQ Chairman, of Family Power Sports. There were 93 teams that entered in this year’s competition, which included professional, corporate and amateur/student experience levels. Attendees enjoyed great BBQ and entertainment by Zane Williams and the School of Rock. To view pictures and/or videos of this event please visit HubCityBBQ.com or the Hub City BBQ facebook page.

CONGRATS TO THE WINNERS OF THE 2016 HUB CITY BBQ COOK-OFF! Amateur/Student – Brisket 1st – Pavecon Team 2 2nd – United Blood Services 3rd – BuildRite Construction Amateur/Student – Ribs 1st – WesTech Plumbing 2nd – Mr. Credit Solutions 3rd – LP&L Team 2 Amateur/Student – Other 1st – LP&L Team 2 2nd – Mr. Credit Solutions 3rd – WesTech Plumbing Amateur/Student – Dessert 1st – LEARN Inc. 2nd – Sonic (Sonic Spot #80) 3rd – Sonic (Sonic Spot #81) Corporate – Brisket 1st – AMA TechTel Communications 2nd – FirstCare Health Plans 3rd – Coors Banquet Team (Great Plains Distributors) Corporate – Ribs 1st – B&J Welding Supply 2nd – King-FM 3rd – Designscapes Corporate – Other 1st – Lubbock National Bank 2nd – Coors Banquet Team (Great Plains Distributors) 3rd – Gene Messer Chevrolet Corporate – Dessert 1st – Tigris Real Estate 2nd – Coca Cola Team 2 3rd – Coca Cola Team 1

Professional – Brisket 1st – Yates Flooring 2nd – Custom Homes by Robert Wood Team 3 3rd – Hub City Trucking Professional – Ribs 1st – Acme Electric Team 2 2nd – Custom Homes by Robert Wood Team 1 3rd – Forrest Tire Co. Professional – Other 1st – United Supermarkets 2nd – Yates Flooring 3rd – Custom Homes by Robert Wood Team 1 Professional - Dessert 1st – United Supermarkets 2nd – Custom Homes by Robert Wood Team 1 3rd – Pavecon Team 1 Most Unique Cooker Lubbock Professional Firefighters Smokey the Bear Mr. Credit Solutions Best Campsite Tigris Real Estate Worst Looking Thursday Morning Matador Motors

presented by:

Lubbock Business Network

Get to Know Board Member, Berhl Robertson How did you get involved with the Chamber and what keeps you involved? I have always been intrigued by the Chamber, but serving in small schools outside of Lubbock ISD, I never realized the depth of the work of the Chamber of Commerce. Shortly after I became the Superintendent of LISD, I was very fortunate to be asked to serve on the Chamber Board. I am impressed by the strategic planning that goes into fulfilling the Chamber’s mission to serve the business community. It is carefully planned and executed with fidelity. I also appreciate the support our Chamber gives to public education in the Lubbock area, and the relationships between the Chamber and the education community. If our public schools are not strong the business community will suffer and the Chamber understands that and works to keep our schools strong.

What is your favorite event or program of the Chamber? There are many programs offered by our Chamber, so more than one comes to mind. The Education Luncheon, Legislative Forum, Community Partnership Forum with LISD and all things related to supporting Texas Tech University. I can only imagine how the health insurance program has benefited so very many small businesses as well.

What are some of your other community leadership roles? I serve on several statewide education committees, as well as the Lubbock Area United Way Board, the Central Business District and Lubbock Business Park TIF Boards. Finish this sentence: Never again will I.....miss an event emceed by Bynie Bass … or listen to those who are continually negative, especially about the great place where we all live and serve.

Berhl Robertson , Jr., Ed.D Superintendent Lubbock Independent School District

BUSINESS MERCADO 2016 LUBBOCK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

OCTOBER 20 | 1 P.M. - 5 P.M. MCM ELEGANTÉ HOTEL & SUITES | 801 AVE. Q

Thank you to our sponsors!

Diamond: FirstCare Health Plans | Platinum: Mi Casita Care Center | Media: Magic 106.5, Telemundo Lubbock | Print: The Copy Outlet Gold: Caprock Home Health Services, Inc., Venture Connected, Workforce Solutions South Plains Board Administration

The Business Mercado caps off Hispanic Heritage Month, celebrating diversity in business and the Hispanic culture. We will spotlight Hispanic-owned businesses and companies looking to connect with the Hispanic market. This is a fun opportunity to learn more about local businesses, enjoy live entertainment and attend one of the two free business seminars available to attendees. Get your tickets today at the Chamber Office, 1500 Broadway, Suite 101. Tickets are free prior to the event and $5 at the door. For more information or to purchase a booth contact the Chamber at (806) 761-7000.

DON’T MISS OUR CHAMBER UNIVERSITY SEMINARS! 2 PM – “Digital Marketing – How to Cross Cultures and Save Money” with Christy Reeves, Owner of ICI Consulting 3:30 PM – “What do YOU Inspire in the Workplace?” with Dalton Jantzen, Executive Consultant/Owner of Salted Oats, LLC Click here to learn more about these seminars.

Lubbock Business Network

Growing Community Leaders Meet Leadership Lubbock Class Member, Sheila Dye Why did you choose to become part of the Leadership Lubbock? After living and working in the DFW area for 30 years, I moved back to Lubbock in October 2013 to assume the alumni relations leadership role at Lubbock Christian University. Lubbock had changed so much from when I was a LCU student between 1976 and 1980. There was nothing but fields outside of the Loop, Texas Tech had just over 23,000 students, St. Mary of the Plains Hospital and Lubbock Methodist Hospital were the only hospital options, and city census was 173,979. I applied to Leadership Lubbock so that I could establish helpful connections and learn more about Lubbock as it is today. What are some of your favorite Leadership Lubbock events to attend? I always enjoy touring and learning more about the local health care organizations because of my background in the medical industry. I liked our trip to Austin. I had not visited the Capitol since I was a high school student in San Antonio. What do you feel is the most rewarding part of being part the Leadership Lubbock Class? I have a greater appreciation for downtown Lubbock and why revitalization is an important growth strategy. The opportunity to meet and engage with professionals that represent various industries and businesses in Lubbock has been helpful to my assimilation back into the community. Why is the Leadership Lubbock program important to you? The program exposes participants to valuable connections, the current state the community in which we live, and the future vision for Lubbock at an accelerated pace. I feel fortunate to have learned so much in such a short time.

What is your position? Assistant Vice President, Alumni & Community Relations What all does your position entail? I am an active member of the LCU Executive Leadership Team and characterize my role as the alumni, former student, and future alumni friend raiser. Since October 2013, I have traveled approximately 36,000 miles across the United States to connect, reconnect, and engage members of our alumni community. I develop, plan, and execute alumni and future alumni strategies throughout the year, as well as plan and execute Homecoming Weekend. My role is also responsible for career services. How long have you been with your current company? Before coming to my current position at LCU, I completed 21 years of employment with Baylor Health Care System in Dallas. During my tenure, I worked across the 20,000 employee health system in human resources director and vice president roles. My husband, Howard, and I recently celebrated our 30th wedding anniversary. He is retired from the restaurant business. He takes care of me and likes to spend time working at our property in Aspermont, Texas. Our daughter, Whitney, is a 2010 alumna of LCU and currently holds the position of human resources manager at Tyler Technologies. She married a Lubbock native, LCU alumnus and basketball player, Tyler Kennedy. Our daughter, Brittany, a musical theater major, is a 2012 alumna of Millikin University in Decatur, Ill. The day after graduation we put her on a plane to New York, where she currently lives and pursues a career in musical theater. Our son, Trey, is a general business major at LCU and will graduate on December 10, 2016.

Who do you work for? Lubbock Christian University

Attend Young Professionals of Lubbock’s Lunch & Learn: “Serving your City” with Mayor Dan Pope & Becky Garza

Tues., Oct. 11 | 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. Click here to register!

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

Lubbock Business Network

Meet Young Professionals of Lubbock Member, Abie Rampy Why did you chose to be a member of the Young Professionals of Lubbock? I have always admired the dedication the Lubbock Chamber of Commerce has had to the City of Lubbock and its citizens. When Young Professionals was created I thought what a wonderful opportunity to collaborate with other young professionals building the foundation of their career as I had just begun at the time. How long have you been a YPL member? I have been a YPL member since 2011. What do you feel is the most rewarding part of being a YPL member? I believe one of the most honorable and sought-after awards in our community for young professionals is the 20 Under 40 award. This award showcases only 20 Lubbock professionals under the age of 40 in one year for their professionalism and service to the community. I remember being nominated for the 20 Under 40 award several years ago and with great anticipation of being selected as the final 20; I thought WOW, how cool is this. As they called the names that night of Lubbock’s 20 Under 40 I listened to the long list of character and competency each recipient had. My name was not called that night. I left the ceremony feeling incredibly challenged and driven to one day win this award. From that evening and beyond, I thought about the meaning behind the award and discovered it wasn’t so much the award I desired but the want to serve a community in a professional way and most importantly lead with a Servant’s Heart in all things and to all people I have the privilege of working with. This in itself has been incredibly rewarding and I owe it to the Lubbock Chamber of Commerce for providing me the opportunity of setting the stage for the kind of leader I wanted to be in this amazing city. In 2014, I was selected as one of the 20 Under 40 recipients, truly an amazing honor. Why is being a YPL member important to you? Lubbock has had a longtime challenge of retaining young talent after graduation, and this organization is a spectacular recruiting tool to assist in retaining graduates and allowing them to plant their roots in Lubbock. The group shows significant promise by cultivating a unique culture of local professionals who are

passionate about work and community service in Lubbock. I am honored to be part of this group that is dedicated to the next generation of professionals. It truly keeps the city growing. Where do you work? I work for Chick-fil-A at 69th & Slide and 82nd & Milwaukee. What is your position? I am the Executive Director of Brand Management and Public Relations. What all does your position entail? I am extremely fortunate to work for Chick-fil-A. I have had many positions in Lubbock and this position has allowed me to grow and develop as a leader in a way I never expected. My position allows me to connect the Chick-fil-A brand to the Lubbock Community as well as, allow me the opportunity to coach and build tomorrow’s leaders with an extraordinary team through our Leadership, Education and Development Programs. I am able to use my marketing expertise to motivate our employees to create raving fans and serve each guests with a Servant’s Heart. Chick-fil-A is more than a restaurant, it is the ultimate Leadership opportunity. How long have you been with your current company? I have worked at Chick-fil-A for more than five years. Share some info about your family. I have been married to my husband, Lance, for six years and we have a beautiful baby girl ,Lillian, and two dogs, Daisy and Rose. I am fortunate to be a Lubbock Native and follow in my grandfathers footsteps as an Advertising Professional.

Early voting begins on October 24 and ends November 4. Election Day is November 8. 11

Lubbock Business Network Legislative Benefactor:

Voice of Business Chamber Announces Support of 2016 “REVIEW Act” The Lubbock Chamber of Commerce has added its support to a nationwide letter from various industries urging Congress to pass H.R 3438. The resolution, also known as the 2016 “REVIEW Act”, would require that any rule imposing an annual cost on the economy of more than $1 billion (classified as a “high-impact” rule) on a particular industry to undergo judicial review before being implemented. Often, a costly regulation is enacted before judicial review only to be thrown out by a court after local governments, businesses, and non-profits have already paid to comply. “The REVIEW Act is an important step in curtailing farreaching regulations and ensures Washington rule makers are held accountable. The federal government cannot continue to

pad its pocketbooks by stealing from the American people,” stated Subcommittee Chairman Tom Marino in a September Press Release. The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) indicates that in recent years there have been about five regulations issued each year that would have an estimated annual impact on the economy of $1 billion or more. H.R. 3438 would require federal agencies to postpone implementation of these rules until the judicial review process is complete.

Chamber Joins Legal Effort Against New Federal Overtime Regulations The Lubbock Chamber of Commerce has joined a broad coalition of business groups in a legal challenge filed today to block the Department of Labor’s (DOL) new federal overtime regulations. The DOL’s rule is currently slated to take effect December 1. Along with the Lubbock Chamber, the legal effort includes the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, Texas Association of Business, National Automobile Dealers Association, National Association of Manufacturers, National Association of Wholesaler Distributors, National Federation of Independent Business, National Retail Federation and more than 50 other national and Texas business groups and chambers of commerce. “These new overtime regulations will hurt job and economic growth as well as the very employees the DOL claims this will help,” said Beth Bridges, Lubbock Chamber Chairwoman. The suit charges that, by setting an excessively high salary threshold for determining who qualifies as “executive, administrative and professional employees,” the rule departs from the intent established by Congress in the Fair Labor Standards Act and consistently administered by DOL for more than 75 years. Furthermore, DOL ignored regional and industry differences that have previously been acknowledged, resulting in a “one size fits none” salary threshold. The suit also argues that the provision to automatically update the salary threshold every three years without a rulemaking or taking input from affected parties is not authorized by the Fair Labor Standards Act or any other relevant statute. “We have heard from many of our members who are concerned that the new overtime rule goes too far,”Bridges stated. “The cost of this regulatory overreach will disproportionally fall on smaller businesses, nonprofits, municipalities and institutions

of higher education in areas with a lower cost of living such as Lubbock, and will reduce workplace flexibility and opportunities for career advancement.” In addition to the private groups’ suit, a coalition of 21 states including Texas filed a challenge at the same time reinforcing the range of entities that will have severe problems complying with this regulation. Both lawsuits were filed in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas.

Lubbock Business Network

Gary Adams, president of the National Cotton Council, will serve as the featured speaker at this year’s Harvest Luncheon. Adams assumed the position of President and Chief Executive Officer of the National Cotton Council in February 2015. He plays a key role in guiding the industry’s seven segments to reach consensus on critical policies affecting U.S. cotton, with the mission of helping all U.S. cotton industry segments compete effectively and profitably in global markets.

Presented by:

He also represents the U.S. cotton industry as a member of USDA’s Agricultural Policy Advisory Committee. Previously, Gary served onUSDA’s Advisory Committee on Trade from 2005 through 2011 and the NASS Advisory Committee on Agricultural Statistics from 2003 through 2009.

Thank you to our sponsors! Diamond: Prosperity Bank, Vista Bank Platinum: AgTexas Farm Credit Services, Capital Farm Credit, Hurst Farm Supply, Inc., Texas Agribusiness Insurance

Glazed Honey Ham Receives Summer Water-Smart Award The Lubbock Chamber of Commerce has announced that Glazed Honey Ham Co. has been awarded the Water-Smart Award for Summer Quarter 2016. Each quarter, the Chamber recognizes members who have implemented watersaving measures. The criteria to win can be anything from landscaping to rainfall capture systems to installing low-flow toilets and active promotion of water conservation. Glazed Honey Ham Co. has been honored because of its water conservation techniques. One of the main conservation methods includes landscaping with plants that grow well in the Lubbock climate and that do not require a lot of water. Glazed Honey Ham Co. also utilizes an automatic timer on its sprinklers and checks them periodically throughout the year to ensure they are working properly.

“We really like the appearance of this style of landscaping and we wanted to support water conservation efforts, so we met with our landscaper who developed and implemented it for us,”said Ginger King, Manager. “When you design your landscape around plants that thrive in our climate, you will have a beautiful landscape that represents how much you care about conserving our natural resources while saving time and money as well.” Glazed Honey Ham Co. has been a Chamber member since 1990 and has attended various Chamber events over the years. If you are conserving water – inside or outside – at your place of business, or know someone who is, the Water-Smart Task Force would like to know, as you could be a candidate for this quarterly award! Please email stevie.poole@lubbockbiz.org or call (806) 761-7000 with your nomination.

Lubbock Business Network

Chamber Ambassador Program Meet Nick Mears, August Ambassador of the Month!

Nick Mears. owner, Caprock Business Consulting, has been named Ambassador of the Month for August! Mears first joined the Chamber Ambassador Program in July of 2016 and this is his first time to receive this award. Caprock Business Consulting is a new local business valuation and consulting firm. Mears helps attorneys, estate planners, and local business owners with litigation support, estate planning, financial analysis and general business consulting. “I strive to provide the highest quality financial analysis and business valuation services available to help business owners make better decisions for their company,” stated Mears. Mears said he became an Ambassador shortly after he relocated to Lubbock to build relationships within the community and support local business. “I recognize the value of a personal relationship and take a hands-on approach to doing business,” Mears said. Mears believes that the most rewarding part about being an Ambassador is establishing relationships within the community and showing support for local business. “Being an ambassador is one way that I can give back to the community and show support for new and existing businesses. I believe that every business needs support from its local community and I am proud to be part of that community,” said. Mears.

Mears enjoys attending ribbon cuttings because he believes they are a great way to show support for local businesses. He also enjoys attending Business After Hours because it allows him to stay in touch with people engaged in the community. Outside of his duties as a Chamber Ambassador, Mears is involved with the Texas Tech Business Valuation Club and the National Association of Certified Valuators and Analysts. Again, congratulations to Nick Mears on earning his first Ambassador of the Month award! We appreciate his deadication to the Chamber and our community!

Beth Bridges (L), 2016 Chairwoman, presenting Nick Mears (R) with his Ambassador of the Month award.

Join the Ambassador Program! Contact Cathy Potter, Member Relations Director, for more information.

(806) 761-7000 | cathy.potter@lubbockbiz.org

Ribbon Cuttings & Groundbreakings – September Sponsored

by:

2016 World Congress on Ultrasound in Medical Education Conference 14

Always Tan Sun Center

7604 Milwaukee, #200

Campisi’s Restaurant 4414 82nd St., #218

Lubbock Business Network

CanTex Roofing & Construction, LLC

Carpenter’s Church Housing First Project

CarrieBlair.net

Communities in Schools New Office

DBS Kids

Freshii Lubbock

9813 Hwy 62/82

1903 13th St.

4322 Justice Ave.

7604 Milwaukee STE 600

LHUCA’s Plaza Stage & Amenties

Powerhouse Quality Flooring 725 B Hwy 62/82

South Plains Fair Children’s Barnyard Broadway & Ave. A

St. Benedict’s Chapel

Susan G. Komen’s Race for the Cure Registration

Texas Tech Parents Association

1946 Ave. Q, 3rd Floor

511 Ave. K

1615 28th St.

Lubbock Business Network

The Esplanade at City View

4525 Milwaukee Ave.

The Tailgate Sports Bar & Grill

417 Frankford STE 200

Upland Heights Elementary 10020 Upland Ave.

Welcome New Chamber Members! 4ORE! 6909 Marsha Sharp Fwy. Lubbock, TX 79424 Entertainment Capstone Cottages of Lubbock (806) 412-4545 1205 University Ave. Lubbock, TX 79401 Apartments First Bank of Muleshoe (806) 272-4515 202 S. First St. Muleshoe, TX 79347 Banks - Bankers - Banking Associations - Savings & Loans Flint Avenue (832) 928-0275 3101 27th St. Lubbock, TX 79410 Business Consulting & Services Healing Outreach for People Everywhere (806) 793-4673 1120 W. Loop 280, Ste. 227 Lubbock, TX 79416 Non Profit Organizations Potato Specialty Co. (806) 747-4633 2610 Ave. A Lubbock, TX 79404 Food Brokers - Distributors

Red Barn Ranch Retreat and Event Center (806) 863-2276 18311 CR 1640 Wolfforth, TX 79382 Banquets, Parties, Wedding & Special Events Center Serenity Nails & Spa (806) 799-1369 6076 Marsha Sharp Fwy., Ste. 600 Lubbock, TX 79407 Nail Salons and/or Manicures St. Benedict's Chapel (806) 535-4191 1615 28th St. Lubock, TX 79414 Non Profit Organizations Strong College Students Moving (806) 370-3700 301 Paris Ave. Lubbock, TX 79401 Moving and/or Storage The Legacy at South Plains (806) 686-4786 10711 Indiana Ave. Lubbock, TX 79423 Assisted Living The Silver Bullet (806) 795-4122 5145 Aberdeen Ave. Lubbock, TX 79414 Restaurants