Lubbock Business Network - September 2011 by Lubbock Chamber of Commerce

The Lubbock

Business Network Vol. 19 No. 9

September 2011

Colleen Evans Graduates from U.S. Chamber’s Institute for Organization Management Colleen Evans, Vice President of Membership Services for the Lubbock Chamber of Commerce, graduated from Institute for Organization Management (Institute), a four-year nonprofit management training program at Villanova University in Villanova, Pennsylvania. “Institute graduates are recognized across the country as leaders in their communities,” said Raymond P. Towle, IOM, CAE, the U.S. Chamber’s vice president of Institute for Organization Management. “These individuals have the knowledge, skills, and dedication to achieve professional and organizational success in the dynamic association and chamber industries.” Since 1921, Institute has attracted association and chamber professionals from across the country to its five university sites. During the four years, most Institute participants attend the one-week sessions at the same site, building valuable relationships with others in the industry. Through a combination of required courses and electives, Institute participants are able to enhance their own organizational management skills and add new fuel to their organizations, making them run more efficiently and effectively. Graduates of Institute receive the IOM recognition, signifying completion of 96

senting more than 3 million businesses and organizations of every size, sector, and region. In June of this year, Evans was also named a winner of the American Chamber of Commerce Executives Circle of Champions national sales contest. She ranked first in total number of new sales and third in new member dollars making her one of the best Chamber representatives in the nation.

Fiestas Patrias Luncheon Colleen Evans

hours of course instruction in nonprofit management. In addition, participants can earn points toward the Certified Chamber Executive (CCE) or Certified Association Executive (CAE) certifications. Nearly 1,000 individuals attend Institute annually. Institute is a 501(c) (3) affiliate of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and is the premier nonprofit professional development program for nonprofit professionals, fostering individual growth through interactive learning and networking opportunities. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is the world’s largest business federation repre-

Join the Lubbock Chamber of Commerce for lunch as we celebrate Mexico’s Independence and the rich history of Fiestas Patrias in Lubbock! The luncheon will be on Friday, Sept. 16, from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. at the Lubbock Memorial Civic Center. Cost is $15/person for members, $20 for prospective members and $100 for a reserved table of 8. For more information or to register, call the Chamber at (806) 761-7000. Presenting Sponsor:

(See Fiestas Patrias, Page 3)

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

call meghan at 765-7265 or visit iawellness.com

A Division of Insurance Asssociates Employee Benefit Company

4902 lakeridge drive

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

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

Bill Hartsfield president/ceo

September 2011 • Page 2 • Lubbock Business Network

September 2011 • Page 3 • Lubbock Business Network

We Have an App for That The Lubbock Chamber of Commerce is working on an exciting new project. Later this year, the Chamber will have a mobile application (app) compatible with Androids and iPhones, and even mobile web for Blackberry. As a member of the Chamber, you are automatically listed in the app which will be available to all members and the entire community. Users will be able to search for your

Fiesta Patrias (From Page 1) Diamond Sponsors:

Platinum Sponsors: Glasheen, Valles & Inderman, LLP Precision Body Works Fiesta Buy Here Pay Here Inc. Automax of Lubbock

business, access special offers and use the map tool to find your location. Beginning September 12th, you will also be able to speak with a representative about special sponsorship and premium opportunities for your listing. If you are as excited as we are and want to find out more information now, please contact Constance Barbian at constance.barbian@lubbockbiz.org or call 806-761-7008. More information will be available via www.lubbockchamber.com in the weeks to come.

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.

Harvest Breakfast The Lubbock Chamber of Commerce will host its annual Harvest Breakfast on Tuesday, October 4 at Plains Cotton Cooperative Association, 3301 E 50th Street. The serving line will begin at 7:15 a.m., and the program will begin promptly at 7:30 a.m. The featured speaker will be State Senator Robert Duncan. Tickets are $15 for Chamber members and $20 for prospective members. Reservations are required by 5 p.m. Wednesday, September 28. For more information or to register, call the Chamber at (806) 761-7000. Harvest Breakfast Presenting Sponsor:

Diamond Sponsor:

Platinum Sponsors: Capital Farm Credit; Texas Agricultural Coop Trust; AgTexas Farm Credit Services Pantone 5535 :: 100% & 40% Pantone Metallic 8380

Fonts: Trebuchet MS Regular & Blair ITC Medium

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

Doing Business with people you know and trust Will & Beth Ashmore

Life & Health Division 806.745.8358 Property & Casualty Division 806.771.4368 6102 82nd St. #6 • Lubbock, Texas 79424 • www.ashmoreassociates.com

September 2011 • Page 4 • Lubbock Business Network

September

C A L E N D A R OF EVENTS

1 Chamber Kick-Off Breakfast

7 a.m. – Merket Alumni Center Ribbon Cutting for Comfort Keepers “Stop Senior Hunger” program for Meals on Wheels 9:30 a.m. – 2304 34th St. Business After Hours – American State Bank 5:30 p.m. - 1401 Ave Q 2 TTU College Color Days & Kickoff Party Contest 7 New Century Leadership Committee Meeting 11 a.m. – LCOC 8 Ag Committee Meeting 7: 30 a.m. – LCOC Ribbon Cutting for Planet Fitness 11 a.m. - 3249 50th Street Community Prayer Breakfast Committee Meeting 4 p.m. – LCOC Ribbon Cutting for The Fox & Hound English Pub and Grille 4:30 p.m. - 4210 82nd St, Ste 240 9 Ribbon Cutting for Cowboy Symposium 9 a.m. – Lubbock Memorial Civic Center Transportation Committee Meeting – Kerry Miller PSC 1:30 p.m. – LCOC 3 Ribbon Cutting for J Ferg Roofing 1 & Foam 4:30 p.m. – 8802 Urbana 4 New Century Leadership Ropes 1 Course 8 a.m. 4:00– the Spirit Ranch Ambassador Monthly Luncheon 12 p.m. – Betenbough Homes, 6305 82nd St. 5 Leadership Lubbock Committee 1 Meeting 11 a.m. – LCOC Executive Committee Meeting 12 p.m. – LCOC

(See September, Page 6)

Football breakfast combines laughs and preview of Tech’s season By Walt Nett AVALANCHE-JOURNAL If stand-up comedy was about onside kicks, Tommy Tuberville and Kent Hance could quit their day jobs and headline on the Strip in Vegas. Neither Texas Tech’s head football coach nor the system’s chancellor showed any signs of giving up their day jobs any time soon Thursday morning at the Lubbock Chamber of Commerce’s annual football kickoff breakfast-pep rally at Texas Tech coach Tommy Tuberville speaks during the Lubbock Chamber of Commerce football kickoff breakfast on Thursday the Merket Alumni Center. at the Merket Alumni Center. (Zach Long) The routine started last season after Baylor and Iowa State Looking toward the Big 12 season, he ran back botched Texas Tech onside kicks for pointed to several very strong teams, saying touchdowns in back-to-back games. a national champion could come out of the Hance fired the first shot, saying while conference. he generally tried to not call plays for the Tuberville turned his thoughts away from Red Raiders, he’d suggested to Tuberville the football on the field for a moment and reonside kick probably isn’t working. flected on what Lubbock’s lifestyle has meant Tuberville said, “I sent the chancellor to a to his program’s recruiting efforts. special coaching camp for two weeks on the “I don’t know if you know what you were onside kick.” actually accomplishing,” he said, explaining The crowd of about 250 people loved it. the parents of many Tech recruits have spoken Later, the head coach offhandedly re- highly of Lubbock’s friendly ways in restaumarked he’d gotten a promise from Hance to rants and other businesses. add 40,000 seats to Jones AT&T Stadium, as He said he sends questionnaires out to the the chancellor led the laughter. parents and guardians of Tech’s recruits, and Onside kicks weren’t the only reason for said the answer frequently comes back along merriment. With so many new players on the lines of “this might be the friendliest place the Tech roster this season, Tuberville said, I’ve ever been to.” “We probably should give away the tickets Emceed by: John Zwiacher and Byrnie Bass for Saturday’s game and sell the programs for Sponsored by: Carpet Tech, Lubbock $100, because everybody’s going to be lost Regional MHMR, Holiday Inn Park Plaza, without one.” Ramar, FirstCare Health Plans, Heritage Oaks Tuberville counseled patience among the Nursing & Rehab, The Ranch at Dove Tree, Red Raider faithful for a relatively young team Southwest Bank set to take the field at 6 p.m. Saturday against Texas State.

WesTex Document, Inc.

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

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

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

Nuclear Quality Assurance (NQA-1) Certified

Our Business, Is Keeping Your Business - Your Business!

September 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 Martin Aguirre Workforce Solutions South Plains Stephen Beasley Lubbock Avalanche-Journal Alona Beesinger Suddenlink West Texas Ron Betenbough Betenbough Homes Beth Bridges South Plains Mall John D. Brock NorthStar Surgical Center Darrin Camp Taco Bell/Pizza Hut Border Management Corp. Jeff Dane UMC Health System Karen Garza Lubbock Independent School District Yolanda Gonzaga Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center Gary Gregory Atmos Energy Grace Hernandez Texas Tech University Sidney Hopper United Supermarkets Peter Hur RFS Financial Services Clayton Isom TAO Development Group Robert Lacy PYCO Industries Gabe Martinez Telemundo KXTQ-TV 46, Ramar Comm. Brandon Mulkey Chick-fil-A at South Plains Crossing Richard Parks Covenant Health System Joe Phea African American Chamber of Commerce - Lubbock Norval Pollard City Bank Shirley Schleuse Lamar Outdoor Advertising Kelvin Sharp South Plains College Michael Shonrock Texas Tech University Frank Silvas AFLAC-Laquita Carthel Regional Sales Mark Stiff Bates-Wells Promotional Products Polly Vann V-tech Environmental Services Gabe Vitela National Teachers Life Insurance Company Gary Zheng Lubbock Power & Light

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, Membership Director Amy Marquez, Retention Specialist Priscilla delaRosa, Administrative Assistant Norma Gomez Bulls, Customer Service Representative Britnee Davis and Audrey DeLeon, Interns

3rd Annual Business Mercado October 6th from 10 AM to 2 PM at the Lubbock Memorial Civic Center - Celebrating Business and Culture - Spotlighting Hispanic owned and Hispanic run businesses as well as businesses looking to connect with the Hispanic Market. The first Mercado was held in October of 2009 with 40 booths and 700 attendees. In 2010, we had 45 booths and 1100 attendees and we look forward to continuing the momentum in 2011. Booths available ($190). FREE tickets are available at the Chamber until noon on Wednesday, October 5. They are $5 at the door. For more information please contact Jorge Quirino at 761-7000. Presenting Sponsor:

Diamond Sponsor:

Platinum Sponsor:

Gold Sponsors: Automax of Lubbock State Farm Angela Hightower Income Tax Service Workforce Solutions South Plains Familia Dental Aim Bank Wells Fargo Susan G. Komen for the Cure South Plains Community Action Association Home Health Caprock Home Health Services

New Century Leadership Class of 2011-2012 Congratulations are in order for the incoming New Century Leadership Class of 2011-2012 that kicked off their year on August 30th. Forty-five students from 11 area high schools have been chosen to be a part of this Lubbock Chamber of Commerce leadership program. The 2011-2012 class will be the 14th class of its kind. We applaud all the students that applied for the program. The selection process is very tough because of the large number of

applicants from the numerous high schools. We wish that each student could participate but the class is restricted to 40-45 students. These students will be part of an eightmonth program that will orient them to the Lubbock community, local business leaders and continue to help them develop leadership skills. The students will also gain an appreciation of personal and community responsibility. (See New Century Leadership Class, Page 6)

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 Chamber of Commerce Chairwoman, Irasema Velasquez, welcomes the New Century Leadership class at orientation.

September 2011 • Page 6 • Lubbock Business Network

Generate Business Referrals

September

(From Page 4) 1 5 Focus Committee Meeting

As a Chamber member you are listed in our online business directory. From July 1st to July 31st, our online business directory generated 494,584 referrals to Chamber member businesses. It’s easy to make your ad stand out and gain even more exposure with our new Web Listing Enhancement Program! Click here to see what your Web directory listing could look

3 p.m. – LCOC Business After Hours - First Bank & Trust 5:30 p.m. – Abuelo’s 6 Fiestas Patrias Luncheon 1 11:30 a.m. – Lubbock Civic Center

0 Leadership Lubbock Ropes 2 Course Day 7:30 a.m. – Spirit Ranch Chairman’s Small Business Roundtable 5 p.m. – TBD

like (hint – scroll down a little!). For just $25/year, we can link your Web site through the Business Directory, and for just $60/year, we can not only link your Web site, but customize your listing to really make you stand out with borders and color. Contact Colleen Evans at (806) 761-7001 or colleen.evans@lubbockbiz.org for more details.

New Century Leadership Class (From Page 5)

Lubbock Christian High School

Christ the King Cathedral School

Patrick Pachiano Claire Vargas

1 Business Development Committee 2 Meeting 11:30 a.m. – 2nd Floor, LP&L Conf Room

Lubbock Cooper High School

Hannah Cleveland Mariah Contreras John Getz Jake Graves Chase Tidmore

2 Board Meeting 2 10 a.m. – TTUHSC Ribbon Cutting for MHMR Integrated Health Clinic at Sunrise Canyon 2:30 p.m. – 1950 Aspen Avenue

Lubbock High School

Coronado High School

Abder Amor Carson Boyd Haley Christensen Karly Garland Noah Hodson Alexi McCallick

3 Focus Lubbock Orientation * Ropes 2 Course 7:30 a.m.5:00 – the Spirit Ranch 6 Business Mercado Committee 2 Meeting 4 p.m. – LCOC

Kristen Alcorte Junior Tovar Osiel Valles

9 10th Annual Hub City BBQ 2 5 p.m. – West Parking Lot of Wells Fargo Center

Frenship High School

Hannah Evitt Hannah Reyes Shelby Sower Idalou High School

Bailey Thiel

Mai Dao Braden Frullo Lexi Gomez Maria Hernandez Katie Nichols Elizabeth O’Briant Brian Rodriguez Julie Song Monterey High School

Estacado High School

7 Head Cook’s Meeting – 2 Hub City BBQ 5:30 p.m. – First UMC

Branham Berkeley Kinsey Byrd Jon Ellison Nate Lockwood Bekah Ratliff Laura Rhodes

Courtney Evans Caroline McLaren MacKenzie Nuckolls Aubrie Robison Shallowater High School

Marcus Armstrong Chris Coulombe Caity Fritz Katelyn Pope Aubrey Servantez South Plains Academy

Sarah Duppenthaler Gaby Gonzalez

I’ve always wondered . . .

Does advertising work? . . . just did!

KOETTER FIRE PROTECTION

OF LUBBOCK, L.L.C.

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

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

806-744-0612 rsosebee@koetterfire.com

September 2011 • Page 7 • Lubbock Business Network

Volunteer Center to Support 9/11 National Day of Service & Remembrance The Volunteer Center of Lubbock invites the community to participate in the 9/11 Day of Service, Sunday, September 11, 2011. This day is to inspire millions of people to pay tribute on the 10th anniversary of 9/11 by voluntarily pledging to perform good deeds. Some of the agencies that have scheduled projects for the month of September to honor the cause are Community Partners of Lubbock, American Red Cross, and the Lubbock Boys and Girls Club. Rachel Larsen Flores, Volunteerism Coordinator with the Volunteer Center, is the contact person for any local agency interested in developing a project. She is also available to refer a person interested in volunteering. “The idea is to help people engage in acts of

compassion, honoring the 9/11 victims and survivors, as well as all those that rose in service in response to the attacks, including first responders, recovery workers, volunteers, public safety personnel, and members of the military, and all of their families,” Larsen said. Besides getting involved in a local service project, people can also post their tribute on www.911day.org, a national website dedicated to support this Day of Service. The Volunteer Center is also encouraging the community to volunteer with the Pledge to Serve campaign.

“By pledging to engage with the Lubbock community through service this year, we can help create a better Lubbock and inspire those around us to do the same,” Larsen said. Volunteers can pledge the hours they want to volunteer for the year on volunteerlubbock. org, and even log hours to track progress toward their pledge goal. To find out more about the many local volunteer opportunities for youth, adults, and groups, contact the Volunteer Center of Lubbock at 806.747.0551, visit www. volunteerlubbock.org (click VOLUNTEER CONNECTION), or attend the upcoming volunteer orientation Wednesday, September 7, 2011. Call the number above to RSVP or email rflores@volunteerlubbock.org.

Water-Smart Business – First United Bank, 66th & Frankford Congratulations to First United Bank at 66th and Frankford for being named the Chamber’s Water-Smart Business Award winner for Summer Quarter 2011 by the Lubbock Chamber of Commerce Water Conservation Council! First United Bank was recognized for their water-friendly landscaping at their 66th and Frankford location. Rick Boyd, President of First United Bank, said their plan to use water-friendly landscaping was an active effort to conserve water. “This year more than ever, water scarcity is an evident and serious issue,” Boyd said. “We want to do all we can to conserve this precious resource and that is why we are

installing water-friendly landscape at all our new and remodeled locations throughout West Texas and the Panhandle.” He said though still quite attractive, the landscaping is much easier and less expensive to maintain, as well as offering the benefit of having lower water bills. The vegetation is comprised of adapted plants recommended by West Texas SmartScape. If you are conserving water – inside or outside – at your place of business, or know someone who is, the Water Conservation Council would like to know, as you could be a candidate for this quarterly award! Please email norma.johnson@lubbockbiz.org or call (806) 761-7006 with your nomination.

First United Bank 66th & Frankford

September 2011 • Page 8 • Lubbock Business Network

August Ambassador of the Month Mary Whistler was named as the Chamber’s Ambassador of the Month for August. The award was presented to Mary by Brooks Jay representing the Alan Henry Insurance Agency at the August Ambassador Luncheon held at Whitewood Lanes. Mary is the Lubbock Office Manager and District Representative for U.S. Rep. Randy Neugebauer and has been a Chamber Ambassador for 5 years. A major role of her job, Whistler says, is being the “eyes and ears” for the Congressman in order to keep him abreast of the concerns of the people he serves, so becoming active in the Chamber and then becoming a Chamber Ambassador in 2006 was a natural fit to help fulfill her job responsibilities. “I am plugged into a network of people who represent a variety of businesses, giving

Mary Whistler

me a true sense of the pulse of the business community and insight on how they may be impacted by federal regulation,” she said.

Mary served as Ambassador Chairperson in 2010 and played a part in more than 100 ribbon cuttings and ground breakings. Her Chamber involvement extends into her participation on the Transportation, Business Development and Legislative Affairs committees and she is the Chair of the 2012 Community Prayer Breakfast committee. Whistler said that although she was hesitant at first about becoming a Chamber volunteer because of the time commitment, she has benefited from the professional and social relationships she has cultivated through her involvement. “The more I have given to the Chamber through volunteerism, the more I have received,” she said.

Leadership Division says ‘Thanks!’ A BIG thank you goes out to the Leadership Division committee members! Without these outstanding Chamber volunteers, the leadership programs would not be what they are today. Here are the dedicated leaders driving the committees for the 2011-12 class year.

: Bobby Cude, Chairman, Computer Transition Services, Inc. Chris Angerer, Lubbock Fire Department Wendy Armes, Armes Farms Ryan Curry, City Bank Scott Fagin, First United Bank Sally Post, Texas Tech University Josh Reno, Lubbock County District Attorney Chris Ritter, Liggett Law Group, P.C. Jeanna Roach, Betenbough Homes Amy Zientek, Visit Lubbock

Urisonya Flunder, Chairwoman South Plains College Angelina Cortez, Texas Tech University student

Cindy Harper, Associate Director, United Spirit Arena Candice Laster, Texas Tech University J.R. Morales, Caprock Home Health Services, Inc. Michela Proctor, Texas Tech Alumni Association Pam Prosser, TTUHSC Academic Affairs Josh Stephens, Lubbock Christian University Stephanie West, Texas Tech University Career Services

Sponsored by: Alan Henry Insurance Agency

Texas Tech University Career Fair

Overton Hotel & Conference Center, Sept. 14 Sherry Saffle, Chairwoman Ramar Communications Jon Mark Bernal, Texas Tech University Holly Kennedy Givens, Covenant Health System Ken Harlan, WestMark REALTORS Jay Jacobus, Scarborough Specialties, Inc. Chris Lonngren, Scholtzsky’s Restaurants Samantha McKay, Accolade Home Care/ Foundation Mgt. Russell Madison, Calvary Home Health Care, Ltd. Jared Squires, Kingdom Preparatory Program Carmen Vige, American State Bank

The Chamber would like to extend a special invitation to all local Lubbock businesses to be part of Texas Tech University’s 2011 Campus-wide Career Fair, hosted by University Career Services. The career fair will be held at the Overton Hotel & Conference Center on Wednesday, September 14, from 1-4 p.m. Local Lubbock businesses have consistently joined with organizations from across the country to participate in this annual event for more than 37 years. Tech students and alumni attend this event to meet with potential employers and discuss career goals, internships, and job opportunities. To register for the 2011 Texas Tech University Career Fair, go to www.careerservices.ttu. edu and click on the “Tech’s got Talent” ticket or call Janelle Zamora at (806) 742-2210 for registration details.

September 2011 • Page 9 • Lubbock Business Network

Business of the Month

STOP Senior Hunger: Hunger Action Month To celebrate the kickoff of the STOP Senior Hunger campaign, join Comfort Keepers of Lubbock along with several other companies in the community by encouraging people to donate specific food items for Lubbock Meals on Wheels’ weekend meal bag deliveries. STOP Senior Hunger which locally benefits Lubbock Meals on Wheels, is uniting across the country to raise awareness about the risks of senior hunger and malnutrition. Comfort Keepers of Lubbock wants to create awareness about the issue and to help the community and family members become more aware of the signs of this epidemic. “Hunger Action Month is in September, but seniors go hungry all year”, said Lisa Carson, RN, owner of the Lubbock Comfort Keepers franchise. Lubbock Meals

on Wheels provides meals to these seniors who have no other means to obtain weekend food. STOP Senior Hunger results from the Interactive Caregiving philosophy that gives Comfort Keepers clients a more healthy and meaningful quality of life. To get involved with the local efforts benefitting Lubbock Meals on Wheels, you can contact Kelley Pitts at (806)687-7800 or Lubbock@comfortkeepers.com. If you would like to learn more about the signs and information about the issues of hunger and nutrition facing seniors, visit comfortkeepers.com/lubbock-tx and click on the Serving Seniors grocery bag icon.

Lubbock Economic Development Alliance’s mission is to promote economic growth by creating high-quality jobs, attracting new capital investment, retaining and expanding existing business, and improving Lubbock’s quality of life. Recently, LEDA board of directors unanimously approved $661,500 in expansion incentives for five local companies. Those incentives, to be paid out to each company over five years, will support as many as 160 jobs and some $2.2 million in capital expenditures. The Lubbock Economic Development Alliance has also supported the Young Profes-

sionals of Greater Lubbock since 2006 with the goal to develop leadership, promote volunteerism, provide network opportunities, and to attract and retain local alumni. Since its inception, the growing membership base of YPGL has embraced Lubbock as a great place to work, live and play. In addition to First Tuesday Networking and Quarterly Lunch and Learn events, LEDA assisted the leadership team of YPGL with hosting 20 Under 40, an annual event that recognizes Young Professionals who are making a positive difference in Lubbock.

Volunteer Appreciation Week Mark your calendar. During the week of October 17th – 21st, the Lubbock Chamber of Commerce will celebrate the reason we are the successful, five-star accredited Chamber that we are… YOU! The Chamber would be

nothing without the dedication of its members and volunteers who spend hours helping us reach our mission. During the month of October, expect to hear from us about special plans for Volunteer Appreciation Week.

Sine Die Briefing with Senator Robert Duncan Senator Duncan addressed the Lubbock Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, Legislative Affairs Committee and Transportation Committee on developments resulting from the 82nd Session of the Texas Legislature and an outlook for future issues to be faced by the Texas Legislature on August 23rd. On July 28, The Lubbock Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors unanimously passed a resolution honoring Senator Robert L. Duncan (R-Lubbock) for again being named a “Texas Best” legislator

by Texas Monthly Magazine. Duncan has appeared on the list as a “Texas Best” legislator five of the last six times the list was published. The resolution specifically thanked him for “his statesmanship and his outstanding and dedicated service to the citizens of the 28th District,” as well as mentioned his being deservedly “respected and viewed by Colleagues from both sides of the aisle for his unique style of principled compromise in the best interests of West Texas and the entire state.”

September 2011 • Page 10 • Lubbock Business Network