Vol. 20 No. 12 December 2012

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

Bill Hartsfieldpresident/ceo

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(See Membership Meeting, Page 12)

2012 Annual Membership Meeting & Awards GalaPresented By

The November 29th, 2012 Annual Ban-quet and Awards Luncheon highlighted and celebrated the year’s achievements, while honoring those who made it possible. Here are some highlights

Mackenzie Walker, 9, singing the National Anthem

Ambassador of the Year: Rex Andrews, Edge Concepts, presented by award sponsor Butch Davis of Parkhill, Smith & Cooper

Business of the Year: FirstBank & Trust, presented by Tim Collins, Chairman of the Board with Karen Crowell and Mike Bar-kley from award sponsor CEV Multimedia

presenting award to Barry Orr, CEOBusiness Person of the Year: Richard Parks, Covenant Health, presented by

FirstCare Health Plans

Business Person Hall of Fame: Ron Betenbough, Betenbough Homes,

presented by Suddenlink

Business Hall of Fame: The Price Group, presented by Suddenlink (award being

accepted by Phil Price)

December 2012 • Page 2 • Lubbock Business Network

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December 2012 • Page 3 • Lubbock Business Network

Website Views - 733,363

December

(See December, Page 5)

1 Imagine Lubbock Together Public Hands-on Design Session 9 a.m. – Civic Center 1501 Mac Davis Lane

2-4 Imagine Lubbock Together Open Design Studio 2 p.m. – Pioneer Condos 1204 Broadway

3 Ribbon Cutting for Abuelo’s Taqueria 11:15 a.m. – 4410 19th, Suite 120

4 Café y Pan Dulce 7:30 a.m. – Caprock Home Health 8806 University Ribbon Cutting for Sleep Number 11:30 a.m. – South Plains Mall 6002 Slide Road Young Professionals First Tuesday Networking 5:30 p.m. – Jason White Dentistry 4425 98th St.

5 Imagine Lubbock Together Work-in-Progress Presentation 6:30 p.m. – Cactus Theater 1812 Buddy Holly Ave.

6 Agriculture Committee Meeting 7:30 a.m. – LCOC Ribbon Cutting/Book Release for “eCouragements” by Dr. Gary Schwantz 4:30 p.m. – Studio West, 2801 26th

7 Ribbon Cutting for the Texas Aviation Heritage Foundation / Philip C. Price Greater Lubbock Area Chapter 10 a.m. – Silent Wings Museum, 6202 N. I-27 Transportation Committee Meeting 10:30 a.m. – LCOC Ribbon Cutting for Zach’s Club 11:30 a.m. – 7105 Kewanee

10 Ribbon Cutting for Visionmart Express 10 a.m. – 6802 Slide Rd.

11 Leadership Lubbock Health & Medical Day All Day Ribbon Cutting for Green Dazzle Baby 10 a.m. - 8004 Quaker, Suite E Ribbon Cutting for Acme Brick 4 p.m. – 7202 66th St.

12 New Century Leadership Medical Day All Day Glen Shepherd: “How to Supervise People & Lead a Team” 8:30 a.m. – Holiday Inn Park Plaza, 3201 S. Loop 289 Ambassador Monthly Luncheon Noon – Children’s Home of Lubbock

13 Executive Committee End of Year Lunch Noon Business After Hours hosted by Raider Ranch 5:30 p.m. - 6548 43rd St.

Wow, is it Decem-ber already? It seems like only last week that my year as Chairman of the Lubbock Chamber of Commerce began. I will have great memo-ries of this year and opportunities that have been given to me. I can only hope that you can reflect on the year with your families and businesses and feel the same.

The Lubbock Chamber has accomplished much throughout the year. Highlighted by a very successful Total Resource Campaign, a record setting Business Expo and Hub City BBQ, and the continuing Imagine Lubbock Together effort, we have worked to serve our membership and the city. These have been huge undertakings and very successful due the efforts of the many members and volunteers that give of their time and talents. We are very blessed in this community to have people with the care and commitment to make a difference. A HUGE thank you goes out to each and every one of you!

I also had a front row seat to watch the most

A message from the chairmanhard working and professional people I have had the pleasure of knowing: the Lubbock Chamber staff. Each and every member of this staff deserves our thanks and appreciation for their experience and expertise. There is a reason that we are both 5 Star Accredited and two-time Chamber of the year: this staff! Thank you for making it look easy!

We are blessed to live and work in Lubbock, Texas. We enjoy a business climate that is resilient and stable. We have business leaders that look past the immediate bottom line to ensure that long term goals and ideals can be reached. Our citizens care about the city and are willing to commit themselves to its success. I pray that God continues to bless us with these strengths for years to come.

I would like to thank all of you for the op-portunity to serve. I have received much more than I have given and I will always be honored by your support and friendship.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

In past years, South Plains Food Bank would store food in climate controlled ware-houses, often for up to a few months.

Now, the food goes straight from collection into the hands of those in need.

Vangelia Perryman, communications direc-tor for SPFB, said the food bank has a short-age and needs as much help as possible. This year marks the 30th U Can Share Food Drive which helps alleviate the problem.

In honor of the anniversary, this year’s goal is to raise $200,030 and to collect 500,030 pounds of food.

“We need all of the pounds we can get,” she said.

The past few years the bank has not met its goal, she said, but this year will be different.

Perryman said SPFB is utilizing businesses, and this strategy has become vital to the drive. The bank is encouraging companies to run drives and to take donations. Anything col-

lected until the end of December will count toward the goal totals.

“A lot of local businesses have really stepped up,” she said.

The food bank will be collecting from sites Dec. 3 – 8, when the drive is in full swing. During this week, all United Supermarkets will take donations. This is great, Perryman said, because shoppers can simply buy one item for themselves and another for the food bank without going out of their way.

“We say, ‘If your family likes to eat it, our families like to eat it’,” she said.

All items are appreciated, and Perryman said she especially recommends any kind of shelf stable protein like peanut butter or canned beans. The most important thing is to donate, as the bank is predicted to be short one million pounds of food.

“The community has always been great to get behind U Can Share and our other food drives,” she said. “We just want to make the goal.”

U Can Share Food DriveTim Collins

December 2012 • Page 4 • Lubbock Business Network

Sponsored by

Nine yea r s ago when Ma-rie Evans moved from California to Texas, it was a given that she would immedi-ately be joining t h e L u b b o c k Chamber of Commerce.

As a young entrepreneur in the educational supplies business in Sunnyvale, Calif., Evans learned how valuable a Chamber membership can be to a local business or an individual.

“It was a natural to join the Chamber when I moved to Lubbock,” she said. “I wanted to know what kind of businesses there were here and things to do.”

For the last 27 years, Evans has worked for marketing consulting firm Geiger.

After being a member of the Lubbock Chamber of Commerce for only one year, Evans was named Ambassador of the Year in 2005. However, that was only the beginning.

In 2006, she was named Vice-Chairman of the Ambassadors and then Chairman in 2007. She has worked on countless volunteer proj-

ects with the Chamber, as well as the Bean and Cornbread Day for Hospice and at the Silent Wings Museum. When the museum brought a chapter of the Texas Aviation Heritage Foun-dation to Lubbock, Evans was appointed the Chairwoman for the organization.

Although her to-do list is constantly grow-ing, she always makes time for family and friends.

Evans said the Chamber as a whole, as well as the Ambassador program, is beneficial to community members.

“It’s one thing to write a check, but to get involved is a different story,” she said. “(The Chamber) helps you find people you want to do business with because you trust them.”

Ambasador of the Month - Marie Evans

The 2013 Business Expo will be Thursday, May 9th, hosted by the Lubbock Chamber of Commerce at the Lubbock Memorial Civic Center from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Sponsorship opportunities will be pre-sented during the Spring 2013 Total Resource Campaign. A sponsorship in the Business Expo leverages branding and marketing op-portunities while benefitting from business to business networking with 209 exhibitors and approximately 8,000 attendees. Marketing for this event includes television, radio, news-paper and area billboards, as well as printed brochures and tickets which are mailed to all 2,100 plus members of the Chamber. Elec-tronic blasts sent via Monday Memo reach more than 4,000 individuals and the Chamber website averages 5,000 visits per month.

Already, 65 percent of all booths are reserved, so reserve your booth space today!

Visit lubbockbusinessexpo.com for an electronic registration form and an event map.

For additional information regarding Busi-ness Expo, call the Chamber at (806) 761-7000 or email info@lubbockchamber.org.

Business Expo Scheduled for May

December 2012 • Page 5 • Lubbock Business Network

(From Page 3)

December

Doing Business with people you know and trustLife & Health Division 806.745.8358

Property & Casualty Division 806.771.43686102 82nd St. #6 • Lubbock, Texas 79424 • www.ashmoreassociates.com

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

Will & Beth Ashmore

14 Legislative Affairs Committee Meeting 10:30 a.m. – LCOC

18 Young Professionals Committee Meeting Noon - LCOC Focus Lubbock Committee Meeting 3 p.m. – LCOC

20 Board of Directors Meeting 3:30 p.m. – Overton Hotel & Conference Center, 2322 Mac Davis Lane Board of Directors & Ambassadors Reception 5 p.m. – Overton

24-27 Chamber Offices closed for Christmas All Day

28 Chamber Offices will Re-Open 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

31-1 Chamber Offices closed for New Year’s All Day

Congratulations to Chamber Vice Presi-dent of Leadership Phyllis Jones for gradu-ating from Leadership Texas, a year-long program to teach and connect women across the state!

Throughout the year, participants attend five three-day conferences, each in a different Texas city. Jones said her class went to El Paso, Amarillo, Houston, Austin and Dallas. While there, the group visited landmarks and learned from top executives and city leaders.

“We heard from so many fabulous people,” Jones said.

Speakers throughout the series included Annise Parker, Houston’s first female mayor; Henry Cisneros, a former San Antonio mayor; and Southwest Airlines CEO Gary Kelly. Attendees also visited museums and other city attractions, and even helped with some worthy causes.

“It grows women leaders, and many of the graduates are hugely successful in politics, business and education,” she said.

This was the program’s 30th year, which Jones said was a great time to be a part of it. She was one of 116 attendees for the year and one of only two from Lubbock.

“Just by being in the class, we were repre-

Jones Graduates Leadership Program

senting our city,” she said. Next year, the program will stop in Mid-

land, but she said she hopes Lubbock will be on the map in the near future.

Jones is the second Lubbock Chamber of Commerce graduate from the program, after Vice President of Legislative Affairs Norma Johnson.

December 2012 • Page 6 • Lubbock Business Network

December 2012 • Page 7 • Lubbock Business Network

Wellness MattersWellness Matters An apple a day, as they say, will keep the doctor away. But when it comes to your health, it takes more. The Lubbock Chamber of Commerce is partnering with iaWellness to bring you tips to inspire a healthier you. Don't fall into the “All or Nothing" mentality this holiday season! We often �nd ourselves thinking that if we can't be perfect, we might as well not even try. This mentality needs to be shifted before the holidays hit us!Find alternatives to substitute for your time at the gym: • Increase the intensity of chores around the house • Rake the leaves or shovel the snow • Take walks after holiday meals • Dance to holiday music with your friends or familyFind balance with the holiday feasts: • Add a few extra vegetables to your plate • Have a side of fruit with your favorite dessert • Challenge yourself to make one of your holiday dishes healthier • Skip going back for secondsMost impor tantly, be okay with the holidays not looking exactly like your normal routine. Relax and enjoy being with the people you care about!

Glenn Shepard Seminars, one of our newest Chamber members, is providing Lubbock businesses an opportunity to take part in a special training event. Shepard will present the half-day seminar, “How to Supervise People and Lead a Team,” based on one of his six best-selling books, How to Manage Problem Employees.

In his 20 years as a business owner and writer, Glenn Shepard has developed a set of effective strategies for dealing with prob-lem employees. At the conclusion of this seminar, participants will have the tools to get their workforce back on an even keel by correcting salvageable situations and firing without fear when appropriate. In addition, Mr. Shepard will also be giving away lots of freebies at the event, including autographed

'How to Supervise People and Lead a Team' With best-selling author and speaker Glenn Shepard

copies of his latest book. Due to his special relationship with the

Lubbock Chamber of Commerce, Chamber members may attend this local event for only $129 per person. Prospective member tuition is $149.

This seminar has been approved by the Society of Human Resource Management and eligible participants may receive CPE and CEU credit.

The seminar will take place on Decem-ber 12, 2012, 8:00 a.m. to noon at the Holiday Inn Park Plaza, located at 3201 S. Loop 289. Click here to register for this valuable training opportunity by Dec. 11 or call the Chamber at (806) 761-7000. For additional information, contact Robin Raney at robin.raney@lubbockbiz.org.

December 2012 • Page 8 • Lubbock Business Network

The Lubbock Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors are a highly visible, prestigious group of volunteers who many times are the first faces you will see at a Chamber event. Comprised of men and women of widely diverse Chamber member businesses & or-ganizations, the group strives to assist in ful-filling the Chamber’s mission to “strengthen, promote & serve our member businesses.” They play an essential role in helping facili-tate Ribbon Cutting and Ground Breaking ceremonies. By giving of their time to help businesses grow and achieve successful results, the Ambassadors contribute to the overall economic health and growth of the Lubbock business community.

The Ambassadors are charged with ex-tending the hand of friendship to new and old members alike, with many providing a welcome at the Chamber 101 - Pizza with the President events for new and potential members. In addition, the Chamber Ambas-sadors act as greeters and hosts at Business After Hours by helping attendees with name tags, gathering business cards for drawings and making introductions. They help ensure members make business contacts and begin to participate in Chamber events by creating awareness of the many opportunities and benefits offered.

This valuable program helps build vol-unteer leadership which is exhibited too, when volunteer hours are given by assisting fellow Ambassadors with their events. For example, in the last couple of years they have volunteered with Casa’s for CASA, Children’s

A Special Thank You to the Chamber Ambassadors

The Lubbock Chamber of Commerce would like to thank the following sponsors for helping make the Ambassador program such a success.

Following is a list of the top 25 Ambassadors for 2012, based on points earned through November. Leading the way this year has been Chairman of the Ambassadors, David Putman (pictured) with LegalShield. He has been at 99% of Chamber events this year and has worked tirelessly for the organization. The Lubbock Chamber of Commerce appreciates so much the time and involvement these individuals and their companies give.

Name CompanyMary Whistler * U.S. Representative Randy Neugebauer’s OfficeRex Andrews * Edge Concepts/Metro L&L/Shaded Acres Tree FarmMolly Harris* Comfort KeepersMarie Evans* GeigerTraci Cheek Children’s Home of LubbockDanny Soliz* Workforce SolutionsKathy Timms Bates-Wells, IncCricket McWilliams itsQuestMyndee Pool Carpet TechAmy Rock Mary Kay – Amy Rock & Susan G. Komen for the CureShara Konechney* 10-20 BoutiqueSuzanne Cox Texas Tech University School of LawChristy Fisher Llano Estacado WinerySharon Holder PlainsCapital BankBryce Looney Comet CleanersBrooks Jay Alan Henry InsuranceKatie Gilbert Chaparral Jet CenterJacoby Madewell* Buffalo Wild WingsEdie Rische Insights B4 SuccessJessica Hall Overton Hotel & Conference CenterScott Cain FiberLightTony Garcia United SupermarketsPreston Weems* Tuff ShedDonna Borden McDonald’s

*Denotes 2012 Ambassador of the Month Winner

Home of Lubbock Fall Festival, Grape Days, March of Dimes, Wines & Vines Festival, the National Cowboy Symposium, and the Llano Estacado Wine & Clay Festival. In addition, the Chamber Ambassadors have served as the tour guides for the Red Raider Orientation tours facilitated by Visit Lubbock for parents of Texas Tech incoming freshmen.

Individual Ambassadors commit to attend-ing at least 4 events a month or 10 per quarter to stay active, but a high percentage of them

greatly surpass that commitment. Ambassa-dors earn points by attending monthly meet-ings, attending ribbon cuttings and ground breakings, participating in Chamber events, and volunteering for Chamber members’ events. The points are given out as one point per hour volunteered, with bonus points given for events held on Saturdays or when there are several events in one day. During the last year, the Lubbock Chamber of Commerce Ambas-sadors have volunteered over 5,000 hours!

Ambassador of the Month Sponsor Alan Henry Insurance Agency

Ribbon Cutting SponsorBates-Wells, Inc

David Putman

December 2012 • Page 9 • Lubbock Business Network

2012 BOARD OF DIRECTORS

CHAMBER STAFF

CHAIRMAN Tim Collins Collins Tile, LLPCHAIRMAN ELECT Carlos Morales Caprock Home Health Services, Inc.IMMEDIATE PAST CHAIRWOMAN Irasema Velasquez Velasquez Insurance & Worksite Benefits TREASURER Alona Beesinger SuddenlinkSECRETARY Eddie McBride Lubbock Chamber of Commerce VICE CHAIRMAN, BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT DIVISION Beth Bridges South Plains MallVICE CHAIRMAN, COMMUNICATIONS DIVISION Dan Jackson KCBD TV-NewsChannel 11 VICE CHAIRMAN, GOVERNMENTAL AFFAIRS DIVISION Jay Jacobus Scarborough Specialties, Inc.VICE CHAIRMAN, HISPANIC BUSINESS DIVISION Rudy Rosales Montelongo’s Mexican RestaurantVICE CHAIRMAN, LEADERSHIP DIVISION Peter Hur RFS Financial Services VICE CHAIRWOMAN, MEMBERSHIP DIVISION Polly Vann V-tech Environmental Services

BoARD ADMINIsTRATIoNMartin Aguirre Workforce Solutions South PlainsCathy Allen The Gibraltar GroupLarry Allen People’s Bankstephen Beasley Lubbock Avalanche-JournalRon Betenbough Betenbough HomesJohn D. Brock NorthStar Surgical CenterJeff Dane UMC Health SystemRenee Davis Alderson EnterprisesLinda Gaither WestMark REALTORS Karen Garza Lubbock Independent School DistrictGrace Hernandez Texas Tech Universitysidney Hopper United SupermarketsClayton Isom TAO Development GroupRobert Lacy PYCO IndustriesGabe Martinez Telemundo KXTQ-TV 46, Ramar Comm.stephanie Massengale Advanced GraphixBrandon Mulkey Chick-fil-A at South Plains CrossingRichard Parks Covenant Health SystemKeith Patrick American Cancer SocietyBill Patton Robison, Johnston & Patton, CPAsJoe Phea African American Chamber of Commerce - LubbockNorval Pollard City Bankshirley schleuse Lamar Outdoor AdvertisingDavid seim Happy State BankFrank silvas AflacGabe Vitela Texas Land and CattleMitch Watson First Bank & Trust Co.Gary Zheng Lubbock Power & Light

Eddie McBride, IOM, President/CEOSheri Nugent, IOM, Vice President-AdministrationRobin Raney, IOM, Vice President-Business DevelopmentPhyllis Jones, IOM, Vice President-LeadershipNorma Ritz Johnson, CCE, IOM, Vice President-Legislative AffairsConstance Barbian, Vice President-CommunicationsColleen Evans, IOM, Vice President-Membership ServicesDiana Fabing, Vice President-Hispanic Business DivisionAmy Marquez, Retention SpecialistAudrey DeLeon, Project & Research SpecialistPatsy Moffett, Customer Service RepresentativeKathy Bass, Administrative AssistantFaith Jurek, Hallie Davis, Sarah Harlan, Interns

1500 Broadway, Suite 101 Wells Fargo Center Lubbock, TX 79401 P 806.761.7000 F 806.761.7013www.lubbockchamber.cominfo@lubbockbiz.org

Business of the Month

Congratulations to DLT Enterprises, Taylor Farms, for being honored as the December Business of the Month! The farm is owned by its namesakes, Dan and Linda Taylor. The couple started out with Buster’s Gin, where they stayed for 35 years, setting records for the gin and earning the title of Ginners of the Year.

The two continue to operate their farm. They stay actively involved with the American Museum of Agriculture, their personal museum and the Lubbock Chamber of Commerce.

Their farm has been a member of the Chamber since the Taylors' time at Buster’s Gin, and in that time, the Taylors have become very involved with Chamber endeavors. For each of the leadership classes the Chamber hosts, the Taylors offer tours of the gin, the museum and gives a presentation on farming in the area. This year, the Taylors also provided an entire chuck wagon breakfast for the Leadership Lubbock class and committee.

“I get as much out of these leader-ship groups as, hopefully, they do,” Dan Taylor said.

He said he likes to see students learn-ing and even built an education room into Buster’s Gin.

“I’m passionate about education,” he said. “We want to help educate coming

Taylor Farms

generations.” Their work with agriculture may be

in their blood. Taylor said all three of his children received degrees in agriculture, and his grandchildren in college are pursuing related degrees at Texas Tech University.

Though he did have a daughter go to Texas A&M, the Taylors are firmly rooted in Lubbock. The couple met as students at Texas Tech, and though neither was from the area, they never left.

“We’ve made it our own,” he said. Taylor started his farming career with

10 acres and a restored tractor, which he still has as part of the museum. Despite all of his involvement, Taylor still finds time to spend with the land.

“I’m still farming,” he said, “just not as much.”

Mama Fu’s donated all money earned during the location’s training days to The Children’s Home of Lubbock. owner Kendall Howard, General Manager Jon Gillmore and Marketing Director samantha smith presented the check to Traci Cheek for $3,200 at the restaurant’s ribbon cutting on Nov. 5.

December 2012 • Page 10 • Lubbock Business Network

Ground Breakings & Ribbon CuttingsSponsored By

Hogland Office Supply 50th Anniversary

Maharaja5130 80th street

Mama Fu’s Asian House2531 82nd street

MS Construction5611 A Villa Drive

Natural Nutrition3225 50th street suite A8

Texas Boys Ranch social services Wing 2012 Holiday Happening Red, White and You Veterans Job Fair

U Can share Food Drive Walgreens3009 slide Rd.

Stripes1225 Quaker Ave.

The Little Gym5217 98th street

December 2012 • Page 11 • Lubbock Business Network

Howard Cowan

As of October 31, 2012, Howard Cowan, President of Cowan-Hill Bond Agency, Inc., a Lubbock, Texas insurance agency, has been appointed to serve a 3-year term as a Board mem-ber of TRIP, a national transportation research non-profit that promotes policies that relieve traffic congestion, improve road and bridge conditions, improve air quality, make surface travel safer and enhance economic productivity.

Will Wilkins, executive director of TRIP, said TRIP Board members like Cowan are critical to assuring TRIP research efforts focus on today’s sur-face transportation infrastructure and maintenance. “I am pleased to wel-come Mr. Cowan to the TRIP board of directors,” said Wilkins. “Howard’s experience and commitment will be an asset to the TRIP Board and will further TRIP’s mission to increase public awareness of America’s tremen-dous transportation infrastructure needs.” He added, “The surety bond industry was represented on TRIP’s founding board in 1970, and How-ard’s appointment will continue the fine partnership that was forged by our two organizations over 40 years ago.”

Upon hearing of his appointment, Cowan said he has always had a keen

National Transportation Research Group SelectsTexas Area NASBP Bond Producer as Board Member Submitted by National Association of Surety Bond Producers

interest in the powerful role of the nation’s in-frastructure sys-tem.

“Now that the 2012 election is behind us, it is imperative that s t a t e gove rn -ments and the national government address the critical issue of upgrading our nation’s transportation infra-structure,” Cowan said. He added, “A healthy transportation system is essential for our economy and for the quality of life of our citizens.”

Cowan has been active in many local construction, transportation, and surety organizations throughout his nearly 40-year career in the surety in-dustry that began when he joined the Safeco Surety Department in Dallas in 1973. Cowan, who has been an active participant in NASBP educational and legislative programs for 23 years, has served as Chair of the NASBP Finance Committee, Vice Chair of the Indus-try Relations Committee, Director of the Region 6 Steering Committee as well as a Texas state government affairs representative. In addition, Cowan has served four years on the Transportation Committee of the Lubbock Chamber of Commerce, two years as President

of the Texas Good Roads/Transporta-tion Association and currently serves as Vice Chairman of the Associates Division of the Associated General Contractors of Texas Highway, Heavy, Utilities, & Industrial Branch and as President of the Texas Surety Federa-tion.

December 2012 • Page 12 • Lubbock Business Network

The luncheon also included recognition of the 2012 Lubbock Chamber of Commerce and the 2012 Chairman of the Board, Tim Collins of Collins Tile. The 2013 Board of Directors and incoming Board Chairman, Carlos Morales of Caprock Home Health were welcomed.

The membership was congratulated on the Chamber being the only 5-Star Chamber of Commerce in Texas and only the second chamber of commerce in the nation to receive National Chamber of Commerce of The Year Award twice, having received this prestigious designation in 2008 and again in 2012.

Thank you to our generous sponsors: Annual Meeting Presenting Sponsor: Sud-

denlinkAnnual Meeting Diamond Sponsor:

George McMahan Development, LLC Annual Report Diamond Sponsor: Supe-

rior Health PlanAnnual Report Platinum Sponsor: Mc-

Dougal CompaniesAnnual Meeting Platinum Sponsors:

Atmos Energy, Citizens Bank, Teinert Com-mercial Building Services, and V-tech Envi-ronmental Services.

Award Sponsors: CEV Multimedia, First-Care Health Plans and Parkhill, Smith & Cooper

Annual Meeting Gold Sponsors: AimBank, Caprock Home Health Ser-

vices, City Bank, Coca-Cola Refreshments, Covenant Health, Freese and Nichols, Inc.,

Pictured left to right: Tim Collins, Chairman of the Board; Business Person of the Year Richard Parks, Covenant Health; Volunteer of the Year Rex Andrews, Edge Concepts; Business Hall of Fame The Price Group, Phil Price; Business of the Year FirstBank& Trust, Barry Orr; Volun-teers of the Year Connie Wharton and David Seim, Co-Chairs of Imagine Lubbock Together; Business Person Hall of Fame Ron Betenbough, Betenbough Homes.

Glasheen, Valles & Inderman, LLP, Happy State Bank, Lubbock County, Lubbock Na-tional Bank, PrimeWest Mortgage, StarCare Specialty Health System, Sysco West Texas, Inc. and Wells Fargo.

Annual Meeting Silver Sponsors:Bates-Wells, Inc., BBVA Compass Bank,

Benchmark Business Solutions, Betenbough Homes, Caraway, McMahon & Co., LLP, First Bank & Trust, First United Bank,

FirstCare Health Plans, LHUCA, Lubbock Avalanche-Journal, Lubbock Christian Uni-versity, Lubbock Economic Development Alliance, Lubbock Power & Light, Platinum Bank, Reese Technology Center, South Plains College, South Plains Sonic Management, Southwest Bank, Tao Development Group, The Price Group, TTU Office of the Presi-dent, UMC Health System, Workforce Solu-tions South Plains and X-Fab Texas.

(From Page 1)Membership Meeting & Awards Gala

Submitted by Mike RyanThis traditional-style evening MBA

program allows you to earn your MBA part-time in approximately 30 months without interrupting your career. The Rawls College of Business is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) and is pleased to offer this fully accredited MBA at an exceptional value.

Our state-of-the-art curriculum blends knowledge based on sound theory and re-search with a healthy mixture of hands-on learning. Students develop an array of both conceptual and analytical tools, allowing

The Evening MBA Learning Experiencethem to synthesize a comprehensive approach to problem solving. They acquire technical and quantitative knowledge they can imme-diately apply in their current career.

The program emphasizes the analysis and consideration of both quantitative and quali-tative issues in realistic business situations in the energy industry.

As we like to say “the best of academia meets the best of practice.”

General knowledge and Skills Developed: during the course of the evening MBA pro-gram:

● Understand business functions, how

they interact and how they contribute to organizational objectives in a global busi-ness environment.

● Determine current financial posi-tion and generating short- and long-term projections.

● Hone effective communication skills in the global community.

● Appreciate how contextual forces such as ethical, legal, and culture influences will (and/or should) affect business decisions.

● Integrate course content with real-life business situations

For more information, visit the website.

December 2012 • Page 13 • Lubbock Business Network

Focus Lubbock graduation – April 25, 2013New Century Leadership Graduation – April 30, 2013Business Expo – May 9, 2013Chick-fil-a LeaderCast – May 10, 2013Leadership Lubbock banquet – May 23, 2013Lubbock Day at the Capitol – May 25-26, 2013The 20 Under 40 banquet – May 30, 2013Hub City BBQ – September 26, 2013Business Mercado—October 10, 2013

Farm Show Breakfast – February 2013Community Prayer Breakfast – May 2013Cinco de Mayo Luncheon –May 2013Golf Classic –July 2013 Fiestas Patrias Luncheon –September 2013 Harvest Breakfast –October 2013Annual Meeting –December 2013

The Overton Hotel has built Lubbock’s Largest Gingerbread House in an effort to collect donations for the Texas Boys Ranch this holiday season.

Overton Hotel Executive Chef Patrick Tarantino and General Manager, Kurt Metcalf and the Execu-tive Director and staff of the Texas Boys Ranch of-ficially opened the Gingerbread House to the public this holiday season on Friday November 30th.

The house is available for anyone to view through December 31st. Donations to the Texas Boys Ranch can be made at the Overton Hotel’s main desk by purchasing a Gingerbread Man to live in the Gin-gerbread House, or by purchasing one of the Pecan Grill’s specialty desserts or specialty drinks.

Standing over 8 feet tall and 6 feet long, the gingerbread house is decorated with around 400 gingerbread “tiles” and 100’s of pounds of candy.

Lubbock’s Largest Gingerbread House

Save the Date! Lubbock Day at the Capitol 2013

Can we count on YOU? Make plans now to join us in Austin Feb. 25-26, 2013! Sponsorships are still available and a very limited number of rooms are still available at a great rate!

Every two years, a delegation of Lubbock community and business leaders travels to Austin to meet with legislators and discuss issues important to the Lubbock area economy. During Lubbock Day, we show our appreciation to our Lubbock area Legislative Delegation and their staff.

The Chamber will be hosting a Legislative Reception at the Sheraton Austin Hotel at the Capitol. More details to follow!

Thanks to our Lubbock Day Presenting Sponsor, Tao Development Group!

For more information on sponsorships or general Lubbock Day inquiries, please contact Norma Ritz Johnson, Vice President of Leg-islative Affairs, at (806) 761-7000 or norma.johnson@lubbockbiz.org .

Big Events for 2013:

December 2012 • Page 14 • Lubbock Business Network

Welcome to the New Chamber MembersPlease place this addition in your Chamber Business Directory and Resource Guide!

Please note – current membership information can be found on the Chamber’s online Business Directory. Members can be searched by category or keyword. Membership information can be verified online through the Members Only section. 10/16/2011 – 11/15/2012

A-1 Automatic Transmission4519 34th StreetLubbock, TX(806) 792-4319Automobile Repair

Captured Memories Personal Photo OrganizerLubbock, TX(806) 778-5152Photo Organizing/Management

Charles Medical Clinic3624 D 50th StreetLubbock, TX(806) 795-1431Clinics

Commercial Metals Company-Recycling 212 CR 5800Lubbock, TX (806) 746-5052Metal - Scrap

Conexion Communications LLCWolfforth, TX(972) 841-1036Consultants - Training

Destiny HomesPO Box 1419Wolfforth, TX(806) 789-2314Home Builders

EcoTrade12002 Trafalgar, St 305Lubbock, TX(806) 470-6572Commodities

Glenn Shepard Seminars6953 Charlotte Pike Suite 303/403Nashville, TN(615) 353-7125Educational Seminars

Guaranteed Biz Growth, LLCPO Box 53503(806) 318-1889Lubbock, TXBusiness Services

Hollyhocks3521 34th StreetLubbock, TX(806) 780-8787Giftware, houseware

Koetter Fire Protection510 13th StreetLubbock, TX(806) 744-0612Fire Alarm Systems

Mittal Medical Group, PALubbock, TX(806) 771-1166Physicians and Surgeons

Pavecon Ltd. 1112 NE Loop 289Lubbock, TX(806) 744-1092Asphalt and Asphalt Products

Powerhouse Restoration Services (806) 792-0569Fire and Water Restoration

Premier Sportsplex9000 MemphisLubbock, TX(806) 771-4263Health Clubs

Ravi Mart and Ravi’s Liquor 3314 4th Street(806) 687-6009Convenience Stores

Texas Aviation Heritage Foundation, IncLubbock, TX(806) 281-3181Non Profit Organization