2015 Chamber Membership
Austin Chamber of Commerce 535 East 5th Street Austin, TX 78701 512.478.9383 austinchamber.com Michael W. Rollins, CCE President & CEO
For information on the Chamber’s program of work contact: Mike Berman SVP, Communications/Strategy mberman@austinchamber.com Charisse Bodisch, CEcD Acting SVP, Economic Development cbodisch@austinchamber.com Jeremy Martin, IOM SVP, Government Relations jmartin@austinchamber.com Jan Riepen CFO/SVP, Finance jriepen@austinchamber.com Drew Scheberle SVP, Federal/State Advocacy & Education/Talent Development dscheberle@austinchamber.com
The Austin Chamber tackles the biggest issues facing Austin, so you can focus on growing your business.
Vicki Segna SVP, Operations vsegna@austinchamber.com Michele Skelding SVP, Technology & Innovation mskelding@austinchamber.com Phyllis Snodgrass, IOM COO psnodgrass@austinchamber.com
535 E. 5TH Street Austin, Texas 78701 Main Line: 512.478.9383 FAX Line: 512.479.5054 austinchamber.com
Let me introduce you to the Austin Chamber of Commerce‌. On April 13, 1877, the Austin Board of Trade (now Austin Chamber of Commerce) was founded as a non-profit voluntary organization. Comprised of local business and professional men and women, this new board believed that united action could improve the economic health of Austin. They dedicated themselves to seeking opportunities that would develop the city and make it more attractive for business. We think our Founders would be proud! My Contact Information: Name_________________________________________________________ Direct Line____________________________________________________ Email_________________________________________________________
Top 5 Reasons You Should Join: 1
Build Your Market Share. Build customer loyalty, grow your business and achieve financial success with the help of the Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce.
2
Strengthen Your Team. The Greater Austin Chamber is your onestop resource providing job boards, recruiting tools, workshops and professional and leadership development to help you recruit and retain the best employees.
3
Achieve Business Excellence. From CEO Peer Advisory Groups and complimentary Business Counseling to Best Practice-Lessons Learned from the Top, there is no better place to learn about business success than among the successful business leaders who are members of the Greater Austin Chamber.
4
Support for Smart Policy on Local, State and Federal Levels. The Chamber continually monitors issues affecting your business and advocates on your behalf.
5
Connect with Your Community. It’s all about who you know and the Austin Chamber connects you with those that have answers to your questions and resources to help you grow your business.
Membership Levels CHAIRMAN’S ADVISORY BOARD
Total estimated value over $10,000 Minimum investment of $2,535 (company of 1-10 employees*) *For more than 10 employees; your investment is calculated on total number of employees
You have arrived. You understand the value of your investment in the local business community and understand that a strong business economy helps your business thrive and grow. The Austin Chamber’s Chairman’s Advisory Board level was established in order to provide access to CEOs and community leaders. Austin is fortunate to have a high number of CEOs and executives who are actively involved in the Chamber, business life and the community.
Includes all benefits listed under President’s Advisory Board & General Membership Levels found on the following pages plus: BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING Invitation to December Chamber Board of Directors meeting each year which wraps up the prior year and introduces the new board members for the upcoming year. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT RESEARCH Our award-winning economic development research team will provide one targeted data pull per your request. The report will be comprised of companies within a preferred geography, industry, employee range and/or other detailed criteria to serve as helpful leads in expanding your business. You also receive free copies of chamber research publications: Major Employer’s Directory, Biosciences Directory, Manufactures Directory, and Technology Directory, upon request. QUARTERLY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT BREAKFAST Invitations to quarterly Economic Development breakfasts where recent economic development activities are discussed with key investors in the Opportunity Austin program.
PRESIDENT’S ADVISORY BOARD
Total Estimated Value over $7,000 Minimum investment of $1,035 (company of 1-10 employees*) *For more than 10 employees; your investment is calculated on total number of employees
Your business is taking off! The Austin Chamber’s President’s Advisory Board Level is designed for the business that is looking to have a greater impact on the Austin community and reap greater benefits from your membership investment as a result. This membership level is designed to gain exposure to business leaders and key decision makers at a higher level, with a focus on access to critical industry intelligence and market research.
Includes all benefits listed under General Membership Level on the following page plus: COMPLIMENTARY MEMBERSHIP DIRECTORY A digital file of all Austin Chamber Member Companies (no emails) provided upon request. EXCLUSIVE INVITATIONS TO SPECIAL EVENTS Chamber Invitation to special events for only President’s and Chairman’s Level Advisory Board Members. PRESIDENT’S AND CHAIRMAN’S ADVISORY BOARD RECEPTIONS Invitation for you to join our leadership at quarterly high-level receptions. Short programs of interest on relevant topics are presented along with networking and interaction with fellow Advisory Board Members. SPECIAL RECOGNITION FOR PRESIDENT’S AND CHAIRMAN’S ADVISORY BOARD MEMBERS On the Chamber website, in the on-line searchable directory and at Signature events.
Membership Levels GENERAL MEMBERSHIP
Total estimated value over $5,000 Minimum investment of $535 (company of 1-10 employees*) *For more than 10 employees; your investment is calculated on total number of employees
Who you know and what they know may be your most valuable asset. Membership in the Austin Chamber brings you in contact with the region’s largest business resource, allowing you to build strategic relationships. Additionally, you will benefit from the wealth of information and growth opportunities exclusively provided through membership. Benefits of Membership include: Access to Information You and your employees receive unlimited subscriptions to specialized e-newsletters. Add all your employees’ email at no additional charge. ACCESS TO SAVINGS The Member2Member (M2M) discount program allows our members to offer discounts to and take advantage of offers from fellow member companies. Chamber Affinity programs also provide discounts on products and services for chamber members and includes several offers from prominent business partners. ADVOCACY Advocacy for pro-business legislation at local, state and federal levels of government. Chamber will monitor issues, advocate for those affecting the region’s business community and quality of life, and report back to the membership. CERTIFICATES OF ORIGIN Discounted Certificates of Origin, documents required for international shipping. CUSTOM PARTNERSHIP/SPONSORSHIP/ADVERTISING PACKAGE Are you looking for an affordable way to reach potential new clients, reinforce your brand or re-connect with existing clients? If so, consider a customized advertising and sponsorship package, tailored to your needs. DISCOUNTED MEMBERSHIP DIRECTORY General members can purchase a digital file of the membership directory at the discounted price of $300 (no email addresses included in directory). ($1,000 for non members). Those at President’s Advisory and Chairman’s Advisory level will receive this free of charge.
LEADERSHIP The Austin Chamber provides an opportunity to engage in the business community through specific committees, councils and task forces. MEMBER NEWS Send us your press release to promote your new hires, awards, new product offerings, new locations, etc. in our online member news room. NETWORKING Speed Networking, Business “Boost” Camp, Business Showcase, CEO Peer Advisory Groups, Chamber Membership Luncheons and Signature Events, Ambassadors, Committee Involvement and more. ONLINE OFFERINGS Post events, blog links, share info and post jobs and connect with over 4,000 professionals in our LinkedIn Group. PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT Free and discounted professional development and educational opportunities to help your company and your employees reach their potential. Timely and relevant information from a variety of subject matter experts. RECOGNITION AS A NEW MEMBER ON OUR LOBBY FLAT SCREEN Your company will be recognized in our Chamber magazine and on our Lobby Flat Screen. Additionally, your company will be highlighted as a new member for 3 months on our website. RIBBON CUTTINGS Announce your new location, new membership or company milestone by requesting a ribbon cutting. Chamber member volunteers and staff will attend to help celebrate your success. VISIBILITY Listing and a link to your Web site in our searchable online directory at austinchamber.com which has 21,000 unique visitors per month. Membership window cling provided annually for display. Cyber logo to promote your membership affiliation on your company’s website.
events overview SIGNATURE Events Expected attendance: 850-1,000+
Annual Meeting This annual event signifies the change in board leadership. We celebrate successes of the past year, look ahead to the new year, and honor the Austinites of the Year and Volunteers of the Year. Greater Austin Business Awards This event recognizes businesses and non-profit organizations for achievements, community contributions and milestones.
Mid-Sized Events Expected attendance: 250-800
Membership Luncheons State of Transportation Improving traffic and transit infrastructure in Austin is a top priority of the Chamber, as identified each year by regional business executives. This annual event serves as an update on progress. State of Education This annual event recognizes the Chamber’s progress on regional education initiatives, featuring speakers on education topics affecting the future of business in Central Texas. Economic Outlook The Chamber’s premier business and economic forecasting event of the year, providing lively economic analysis and predictions for the coming year. Specific Membership Meetings At least twice a year the Chamber hosts luncheons on timely topics important to our members. Procurement Fair Allows small businesses to meet individually with larger companies seeking to procure goods and services, such as state agencies, counties, cities, utilities, large headquarter businesses and more. BUSINESS SHOWCASE
The Business Showcase provides a focused way to build new connections, bringing our members together to showcase their businesses and network.
Targeted Events Expected attendance: 50-150
BUSINESS “BOOST” CAMP Lunch and learn seminars offering professional and business development advice delivered by Chamber member experts on a variety of subjects. Held on Fridays from 12 – 1:00 pm twice per month. CHAIRMAN’S & PRESIDENT’S ADVISORY BOARD RECEPTIONS A series of special events and receptions throughout the year exclusively for members who upgrade their membership investment to the President’s and Chairman’s Advisory Board Levels. CEO PEER ADVISORY PROGRAM This confidential and non-competitive program brings together small groups of member CEOs who meet three hours each month to focus on strategies to grow their businesses. GLOBAL CONNECTIONS: INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL The Austin Chamber offers group travel tours to global destinations, planning everything from travel and accommodation to meals and sightseeing. Various sponsorship opportunities are available. Destinations include China, Russia, Cuba, Italy and more. MEMBER ORIENTATION & RECEPTION Intended for both new and existing members looking to learn more about the benefits of their membership, Member Orientation and Receptions are held every other month. Chamber staff will highlight the many aspects and opportunities available to you. Attendees will have the opportunity to connect with fellow members, discover how to maximize their membership, and introduce their business in an upbeat atmosphere. SPEED NETWORKING A fun and exciting way to quickly connect with a large number of business professionals, this event is hosted at a variety of Austin locations. This year, we are hosting three evening Speed Networkings and three in the morning. INTERCITY TRIP Each year the Chamber leads a delegation of over 100 engaged and enthusiastic community and business leaders to a peer region to review best practices on priority community issues that Central Texas faces.
Engagement opportunities To learn how you can get involved with any of the opportunities below, please contact Meridith Schmittou at 512.322.5682 or mschmittou@austinchamber.com.
MEMBERSHIP AND SMALL BUSINESS Ambassador Committee The Austin Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors are the goodwill “arm” of the Chamber and thus are charged with extending the hand of friendship to new members by: • Welcoming new members to the Chamber via ribbon cuttings and events. • Assisting new members in maximizing the value of their Chamber investment. • Serving as a communication liaison between the Chamber and its new members. • Identifying and recruiting new members for the Chamber and the CEO Peer Advisory Groups. Membership Development Council • Guide the Austin Chamber’s membership recruitment efforts by recommending specific tactics or activities. • Provide oversight for membership activities and committees. • Assist in outreach and recruitment of new members targeted by the Chamber. • Support the membership department, as needed. Member Relations Council Assist the Chamber staff with the long term retention of members by: • Recognizing member anniversaries. • Developing focused efforts for higher level dues paying members. • Assisting in strategic outreach to increase member engagement. • Assisting in outreach on past due accounts Small Business Advisory Council • Develop coherent, powerful small business initiatives and programs by recommending tactics and activities. • Provide oversight for Small Business committees and programs. • Develop the structure and outreach for specific small business ad-hoc committees addressing specific target audiences.
Special Events & partnership Committee This volunteer group works to advance Chamber events and promote partnerships through key activities: • Strategize all aspects of the Chamber’s large scale events. • Assist in developing theme, design, content and entertainment. • Promote attendance and assist in securing sponsors. • Identify and outreach to potential partners for the Chamber Partnership Program.
Public Policy
Advocacy: Transportation Committee Meets generally on the first Thursday of the month at 4 pm
Meets monthly to hear from experts on projects and policy issues. Develops recommended positions for the Chamber Board on transportation issues. Proactively works to influence transportation policy that supports Opportunity Austin 2.0 objectives and economic vitality. Policy areas include: • Long Range Transportation Planning • Implementation of major projects • Enhanced transit facilities and service • State/Federal transportation policies and funding
BR&E / Technology
Air Services Task Force The Air Services Task Force engages the business community in assisting the City of Austin, through the Austin Bergstrom International Airport (ABIA), in increasing international and domestic air services from the Central Texas region.
Education & Talent Development Austin Partners in Education College Readiness Program Execute on plan to increase 15% annually college-readiness rate. College Readiness volunteers will guide small collaborative study groups of 3-4 students grouped by their specific academic needs to prepare for college entrance exams at select Austin ISD high schools. For more info, contact Veronica Cavazos, APIE College Readiness Program Coordinator at vcavazos@austinpartners.org or 512.637.0985 or visit www.austinpartners.org
Engagement opportunities Financial Aid Program Volunteers Assist college enrollment managers with community outreach by placing phone calls to students and parents/guardians to inform them of the importance of completing the FAFSA and the free, personal assistance available during the ‘Financial Aid Saturdays’, ultimately encourage them to attend at least one event. Skillpoint Alliance Participate in Skillpoint Alliance’s Annual College & Career Fair which provides an opportunity for thousands of juniors and seniors from regional high schools to explore career opportunities as well as obtain information on postsecondary education. For more info, contact Margo Dover, Executive Director, mdover@skillpointalliance.org, 512.323.6773 or visit www. skillpointalliance.org. Talent Council Develop talent and programmatic efforts to address high growth and demand needs in the talent pipeline. Ensure effective training programs exist to train or retrain residents for continually evolving employment sector.
Marketing & Communications Communications Council The Communications Council supports the Chamber marketing and communications functions of the Austin Chamber of Commerce. The Communications Council works to market not only the objectives of Chamber initiatives but also to promote the Greater Austin area through the Chamber brand.
international business Greater Austin International Business Coalition Goal: This committee meets every other month and is comprised of government, educational institutions, cultural groups, other chambers and business involved and interested in supporting international business activities. The purpose of the committee is to help Austin businesses connect with the world and to establish and strengthen relationships with economic development organizations in key countries.
Volunteer Opportunities (check all areas of interest)
Membership and Small Business
Ambassador Committee Membership Development Council Member Relations Council
Small Business Advisory Council Special Events & Partnership Committee
education
Austin Partners in Education (APIE) College Readiness Program Financial Aid Saturdays Event
Skillpoint Alliance College & Career Exhibitors Talent Council
Volunteer
Marketing & Communications
international business
Communications Council
Greater Austin International Business Coalition
BR&e/technology
Public Policy
Air Services Task Force
Transportation Committee
Name_________________________________________________________ Company_____________________________________________________ Email_________________________________________________________ Phone________________________________________________________ Today’s Date_____________________________
To learn how you can get involved with any of these opportunities below, please contact Meridith Schmittou at 512.322.5682 or mschmittou@austinchamber.com.
getting started MAKING the most of your chamber memberSHIP Member Orientation & Reception
Make plans to attend a Member Orientation & Reception at the Chamber offices. You’ll experience an in-depth explanation of Chamber benefits and resources, meet Chamber leaders and volunteers and make friends with dozens of other Chamber members.
Ribbon Cutting
Announce your induction into the Chamber with a special ribbon cutting event. Invite friends, family, fellow Chamber members, your local vendors and nearby businesses. This is an excellent opportunity to aim the spotlight at your business so consider offering incentives at the event that will encourage your guests to return as customers. Contact Meridith Schmittou at 512.322.5682 or mschmittou@austinchamber.com for more information.
staying informed
Welcome to the chamber network
Austinchamber.com
The Austin Chamber website is our portal to the world, averaging 17,000 unique visitors per month. As an information gateway to Austin, the Chamber website provides information on living, working and visiting the area as well as relocating, growing, or starting a business in Central Texas. The Chamber’s Media Center includes stories and headlines related to Austin business and economy.
MONTHLY EVENTS CALENDAR EMAIL
The Chamber Events Calendar is available to all members at the beginning of each month, and provides an overview of the next 3 months of Chamber events (as of calendar publication date). They are also available as a PDF at austinchamber.com/events.
online
Visit the Chamber’s website, austinchamber.com, regularly to stay current on Chamber events, member resources and business issues. Check your new listing in the online Member Directory to ensure your website, address and logo is correct. Make sure the email address for your directory listing is displayed correctly.
Custom Marketing
Are you looking for an affordable way to reach potential new clients, reinforce your brand or re-connect with existing clients? If so, consider a custom advertising and sponsorship package. Contact us at 512.478.9383 or memberinfo@austinchamber.com for more information.
Targeted Chamber Newsletters
Available to both members and the public at-large, the Chamber offers a variety of topic-specific newsletters. Sign up at austinchamber.com/subscribe.
How To promote your business At the Austin chamber
Post news and articles from your industry on our wall at austinchamber. com/facebook. Here, the Chamber posts news and events to keep our members current. Additionally, you can keep your calendar up to date when you join our Events, located in the navigation bar under our cover photo. Click “join” and share to let your contacts know about opportunities the Chamber provides.
For real-time updates on events and other Chamber happenings, or to make a recommendation about what to attend, follow the Austin Chamber Company Page at austinchamber.com/linkedinco. As a part of the Chamber LinkedIn Group, you are able to post your news, list job opportunities, and start discussions relevant to your business or special industry here. Request to join at austinchamber.com/linkedingrp. If you are serving in a leadership role with the Chamber, we’d love for you to note this on your profile. Please add your involvement in the Volunteer Experience section, NOT the Employment Experience.
Member News
Share information about your company’s achievements, events, and promotions by featuring them on the Chamber’s website Member News page. Members can also submit a YouTube-hosted video to our Media Spotlight page if your company was featured by a news or media outlet. For complete details, please visit austinchamber.com/membernews.
Go to austinchamber.com/twitter and follow @AustinChamber to receive breaking news, Chamber news, and event reminders. We will retweet members in moderation when you mention @AustinChamber in the tweet. Also, become a part of the conversation using our event hashtags, which will be tweeted leading up to sponsored Chamber events. For large events, the Chamber will live tweet using a specified hashtag for others to follow and comment.
How To Connect
with the Austin chamber online Chamber Blogs
Take advantage of Chamber experts, their involvement in the community, and Chamber announcements by subscribing to our blogs at austinchamber.com/blog. Available as RSS feeds, this tool provides updates and insights from all areas of the business community. Our divisional blogs include: Economic Development; Technology; Education/Talent; Public Policy; and Membership.
Flickr
View photos from most Austin Chamber events at austinchamber.com/flickr. Download images, add comments or share photos to make them part of your own albums.
Follow the Austin Chamber on Instagram as @AustinChamber for pictures from signature events, ribbon cuttings, workshops, conferences and more. Have a good picture from a Chamber event or from around the community that we should share? Email it to communication@austinchamber.com with a brief description along with your username.
Manage Your Directory Listing
Log in to the Members Only portion of our webpage to have access to your account and directory listing. You will be able to: • Change username/password and update your contact information • Upload social media links to your directory listing • Pay your bill online • Jobs Bank: Post your jobs here for free
Engage with the Chamber on Pinterest for a visual story of Austin. Share your pins on our boards, repin our pins, and before you know it, you’ll see the many ways this fantastic tool can help build relationships.
YouTube
Watch videos published by the Austin Chamber at austinchamber. com/youtube. Subscribe to receive email updates each time a new video is uploaded.
2015 Executive Board Chairman of the Board Gene Austin
President and CEO, Bazaarvoice
Communications Susie Ellwood
Publisher, Austin American-Statesman
Special Events & Partnerships Don Kendrick
Regional President & Business Banking Division Manager, Wells Fargo Bank Economic Development Phil Wilson
General Manager, Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA) Education Shaun Cranston
Senior Vice President, Brookfield Residential Finance Dave Martin
Vice President & CFO, Dimensional Fund Advisors Member Relations Paul Trylko
President & CEO, Amplify Credit Union
State Policy Fred Heldenfels
President & CEO, Heldenfels Enterprises Inc. Federal Policy Eugene Sepulveda
Chairman Elect Tony Budet
President & CEO, University Federal Credit Union
Immediate Past Chair Jack McDonald
Chairman & CEO, Upland Software
Membership Development Robert Nagel
President & CEO, Fox Service Company
Legal Counsel John Gilluly
Partner, DLA Piper LLP
Small Business Patti Winstanley
President, Aztec Promotional Group LP Talent Development Greg Garrison
Head of North American Talent Channels/Austin Site Leader, Google Regional Mobility John Garrett
Publisher & CEO, Community Impact Newspaper Technology Tony Ross
Senior Director of Americas Operations, Apple Members-at-Large Rudy Garza
President & CEO, GarzaBury
Catherine Morse
CEO, Entrepreneurs Foundation
General Counsel & Director Public Affairs, Samsung Austin Semiconductor
Regional & Local Policy Greg Hartman
Robert Watson
President External Affairs, Seton Healthcare Family Innovation Hugh Forrest
Director, South by Southwest Interactive Festival
General Manager, Hilton Austin
2015 Board of Directors Terms Expiring December 31, 2015
Terms Expiring December 31, 2016
Terms Expiring December 31, 2017
Paul Beverly President Gemalto
Josh Baer Executive Director Capital Factory
Brian Cassidy Managing Partner, Austin Office Locke Lord LLP
Elizabeth Christian President Elizabeth Christian Public Relations
Ray Almgren Vice President, Corporate Marketing National Instruments
Leon Chen Co-Founder & CEO Tiff’s Treats
Jerry Davis President & CEO Goodwill Industries of Central Texas
Jason Dial President & CEO Circuit of the Americas Dan Graham CEO, Owner BuildASign.com Heather Ladage Publisher Austin Business Journal Kendel Martin Vice President Accounting Luminex Corporation Patsy Woods Martin Founder &CEO I Live Here, I Give Here Melissa Anthony Sinn President AnthonyBarnum Public Relations LLC Ashok Vadgama President CAM-I Amy Villarreal Vice President & General Manager KEYE-TV/Telemundo Austin Phil Wilson General Manager Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA)
Doug Driskill Executive Director, Global Consumer and SMB Services Dell Susie Ellwood Publisher Austin American-Statesman Scott Flack Vice President of Leasing Live Oak Gottesman Gerardo Interiano Community & Government Affairs Manager Google Eric Loeffel CEO Compass Learning Michael Peterson Vice President, External Affairs AT&T Texas Nikki Salzillo Austin Market President Bank of America Jennifer Stevens President & CEO JHL Company & Rocca Productions Greg Vincent Vice President of Diversity & Community Engagement University of Texas at Austin
Paul Arcediano CEO R&R Limousine & Bus Denise Bradley Vice President, Communication & Community Affairs St. David’s HealthCare Rich Gergasko President & CEO Texas Mutual Insurance Company Neville Letzerich Chief Marketing Officer Websense Carlos Lopez South and Central Texas Office Leader HNTB Demetrius McDaniel Shareholder Greenberg Traurig Richard Rhodes President & CEO Austin Community College District Amy Updegrove Publisher Texas Monthly Ray Wilkerson President Ray Wilkerson Companies, Inc. Matt Williamson Managing Director The Beck Group James Wood Vice President & General Manager Sterling Acura of Austin
Thank you 2015 Pivotal Partners
2015 FOUNDATION Partners
2015 CORPORATE Partners
2015 small business champions
535 E. 5TH Street | Austin, TX 78701 | austinchamber.com