Abilene Chamber of Commerce - Chamber Connection

THE ABILENE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

The Mission of the Abilene Chamber of Commerce... to develop and promote the economy and quality of life in the Abilene area.

CALENDAR 11/08

Leadership Abilene 2013 Education Program Day 7:45 a.m. TSTC Abilene 650 Highway 80 East

11/09

Farm & Ranch Club Breakfast Speaker: Ray Etheredge 6:45 a.m.Towne Crier Steakhouse

11/13

MAC Team Dyess Support Committee Meeting 3:30 p.m. Chamber Board Room

11/13

Membership Development TEAM Meeting 8:30 a.m. Chamber Board Room Abilene Industrial Foundation Board Meeting 10:00 a.m. Chamber Board Room

11/14

Abilene Business Council Board Meeting 8:30 a.m. Chamber Board Room Agriculture Committee Meeting 11:30 a.m. Chamber Board Room

November 2012

2 0 1 2 CI TI ZEN O F TH E YEAR

Congratulations to Kenneth L. Burgess for being named Abilene’s 2012 Citizen of the Year!

Pictured R-L: Kenneth L. Burgess, 2012 Outstanding Citizen of the Year and Joe Crawford, 2011 Outstanding Citizen.

See story on page 2.

H-E-B Feast of Sharing Community Dinner Tuesday, December 11, 2012 at the Abilene Civic Center Volunteers Needed Call 211 or go to: www.acallforhelp.info/cms/AbileneFeastofSharing

Leadership, Education, Workforce Development Committee Meeting 4:00 p.m. Chamber Board Room

WAK E UP W EDNESDAY

BUSI NESS A F T E R H O URS

11/20

Abilene Cultural Affairs Council Board Meeting 11:00 a.m. Depot

December 5, 2012 8:00 – 9:00 a.m.

11/22 11/23

THANKSGIVING HOLIDAY Chamber Offices Closed

Abilene Civic Center Conference Room 1

Thursday, December 6, 2012 5:30 – 7:00 p.m.

11/27

Abilene Convention and Visitors Bureau Board Meeting 10:00 a.m. Depot Hispanic Business Council Luncheon Partner: Aaron’s 11:30 a.m. El Chico Restaurant 4310 Buffalo Gap Rd. (Mall of Abilene)

11/28

ACOC Board of Directors Executive Committee Meeting 8:30 a.m. Chamber Board Room

11/29

Hispanic Business Executive Committee Meeting 8:30 a.m. Chamber Board Room

Sponsored by

Sponsored by

at Mark your calendar to attend for great networking, information and PRIZES! Bring a guest, chamber prospect and extra business cards.

4250 Ridgemont Drive (See insert for reservations.)

2012 C ITI ZEN OF THE YEAR - K ENNETH L. BURG E S S Kenneth L. Burgess was recognized as Abilene’s 2012 Outstanding Citizen of the Year at the Chamber’s Annual Membership Meeting and Banquet at the Abilene Civic Center on October 2nd.

Commerce. He served as a member of the Texas Tech University Chancellor’s Council and on the advisory council of the West Texas Coalition for Innovation & Commercialization.

Mr. Burgess was given the honor in recognition of his vast contributions to the Abilene Community. The award was presented by Joe Crawford, recipient of the 2011 award.

Mr. Burgess has been described as a quiet and effective leader who repeatedly steps forward to share his time and talent to projects and programs that make Abilene a better place to work and live.

He graduated from Springlake-Earth High School and Texas Tech University with a degree in Animal Production. Mr. Burgess served as a pilot in the U.S. Air Force, primarily flying B-47’s during the Korean conflict.

He and his wife, Sue, have three sons – Ken Jr. and his wife, Cathy; Greg and his wife, Sherry; Brad and his wife, Suzanne. They have 7 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren. All three of his sons followed him into the banking industry.

Mr. Burgess entered the banking industry in 1967.

In 1988, he formed a group of investors to purchase Security State Bank in Abilene, which grew to include locations in Abilene, Merkel, Comanche, Brownwood, Big Spring and Gorman. In 1998, Security State Bank was sold to American State Bank, based in Lubbock.

Since retiring from banking in 1999, Mr. Burgess has served as president of Rain Dance Capital, Inc. which was created by local investors to promote the growth of new businesses and jobs in Abilene.

Mr. Burgess has served as Board Member and Chairman of the West Texas Rehabilitation Center and the Development Corporation of Abilene. He has served on the boards of Abilene Regional Medical Center, Texas Tech Foundation and the Abilene Chamber of

The Abilene Citizen of the Year Award has been given annually since 1946 to a person or persons who has made an impact on our great city. Individuals and organizations were invited to nominate someone they thought contributed in an outstanding manner to the betterment of the Abilene community over the last year, several years or a lifetime in determining the award.

Kenneth L. Burgess and family.

Thanks to the following table sponsors who helped make the October 2nd Annual Membership Meeting & Banquet a success:

GOLD TABLE SPONSORS

SILVER TABLE SPONSORS

AEP Texas Abilene Regional Medical Center Arrow Ford Mitsubishi, Inc. Ann & Grady Barr / Lila & Bill Senter Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas Cisco College Condley and Company, LLP Davis Kinard & Co., PC Dodge Jones Foundation Eagle Aviation Services, Inc. Enprotec / Hibbs & Todd, Inc. First Financial Bank First Financial Bankshares, Inc. Lawrence Hall Abilene Hardin-Simmons University Hendrick Health System Mansefeldt Investment Corporation McMurry University Prosperity Bank Billye & Glynn Ray/Sharon & Tom Riley Rentech Boiler Systems Sears Methodist Retirement System, Inc. Small Business Development Center Star Dodge-Chrysler-Jeep-Hyundai Suddenlink Communications The Tittle Luther Partnership/Parkhill, Smith & Cooper, Inc. United Supermarkets, LLC West Texas Rehabilitation Center

Abilene Aero Abilene Banking Center Coleman County State Bank Abilene Christian University Abilene Independent School District Abilene Reporter-News Chase & Walls, PLLC Disability Resources, Inc. The Dyess We Care Team Elliott-Hamil Funeral Home Goodwill – West Texas Hendrick Home for Children Lone Star Ag Credit Mall of Abilene McMahon, Surovik, Suttle, P.C. SzeChuan Chinese Restaurant Senter, REALTORS ServiceMaster by A-Town Hi-Tech Cleaning & Restoration United Way of Abilene

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Texas Tech University Chancellor Kent Hance provided the keynote address at the Chamber banquet.

2012-13 Chair, Katie Alford, thanks 2011-12 Chair, Dr. Doug McIntyre, pictured with his wife, Amy, for his year of service leading the Chamber.

LEADERSHIP ABILENE 2013 CITY/COUNTY GOVERNMENT PROGRAM DAY The class then travelled to the Taylor County Jail for a brief tour, followed by a tour of the Juvenile Justice By: Jay Hardaway, LA2013 Center. The class returned Leadership Abilene 2013 held to Safety City for a tour City/County Government Day of the facilities there, and on October 11th. The session participated in a discussion began with breakfast provided by Wesley Smith of Chick-fil-A on leadership from former at North Abilene at the new Abilene Police Department Training Abilene Chief of Police LA2013 Class members Academy, where the students learned about police training and Melvin Martin at the Melvin Martin riding an AISD School procedure, including information on the SWAT team and Bomb Center for Children’s Safety - Police Bus to Safety City.

Squad. Following that, the students toured the City of Abilene’s Education Center at Safety City. Gail Water Treatment Plant and the Environmental Lab; in these Russey, Abilene Parks and Recreation sessions the students learned about the sources of the city’s water board member gave the class an overview of the parks with supply and the processes used to treat the water. The class then our City. The class ended their day with a Q&A session with toured the Abilene Fire Department Training Academy with Fire Abilene City Manager Larry Gilley, Taylor County Judge Division Chief Weldon Wilkerson. Following the tour, the class Downing Bolls, Jr. and Taylor County Appraisal District had lunch, provided by Jason’s Deli, and participated in a Q&A Chief Operating Officer Gary Earnest. with Abilene Mayor Norm Archibald, Abilene City Councilman Stormy Higgins, Taylor Thanks to Wesley Smith of Chick-fil-A at North Abilene for County Commissioner providing breakfast and Jason’s Deli for providing lunch.

Chuck Statler, and Snacks and drinks were provided by Elliott-Hamil Funeral Abilene Planning and Home. Special thanks to Sharon Earnest ’06 – Chair, Zoning Board Member Leadership Abilene 2013 and the program steering commitTim McClarty. tee for arranging a great day – Chair, Jim Miller ’06, Toni Brown ’11, Wanda Gutierrez ’10, Ben McAnally ’12, B.J. Prichard ’08 and Dan Thompson ’05. The class would also LA 2013 Class members in front of the like to thank Vicky Smedley from the Abilene Chamber of new Bomb Squad truck.

Commerce. The next Leadership Abilene session will be the Education Day Program on November 8th.

Chair, Sharon Earnest ’06, Condley and Company, LLP

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ABILENE CULTURAL AFFAIRS

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AG RICULT U R E C OM M I T TE E The Farm and Ranch Club met on Friday, October 12th, at 6:45 a.m. at the Towne Crier Restaurant. Gerry Cates, President of Texas Range Minerals, explained how he uses various minerals as supplements in cattle food sources. Pasture lands can be analyzed to determine what minerals are missing or low and then use these supplements to target the areas of deficiency which aides in producing better quality livestock.

The next meeting will be on Friday, November 9th, at 6:45 a.m. at the Towne Crier Restaurant. Ray Etheredge, Etheredge Cattle Company, will talk about the outlook of the cattle industry.

Members of the Farm & Ranch group watch as Mr. Cates explains and demonstrates the differences in solubility of various minerals.

2013 Texas Farm – Ranch – Wildlife Expo Exhibitor contracts are now available. Best booth rates if paid in full by November 15th. Sponsorship opportunities are also available. Contact Debra at the Chamber 677-7241 or dmorotini@abilenechamber.com.

Sponsored by

If you have ideas for future programs, please contact Debra Morotini, dmorotini@abilenechamber.com or 677-7241.

MEMBERSHIP GROWTH •

If you know of a business that is interested in becoming part of the Abilene Chamber of Commerce, contact Vicky Smedley vsmedley@abilenechamber.com or call 677-7241.

•

In addition to becoming part of the Abilene business community ALL NEW MEMBERS will receive the following advertising offers...

Provides an exclusive print offer to ALL NEW MEMBERS of the Abilene Chamber of Commerce.

Offers discounted advertising to ALL NEW Chamber Members.

HBC MONTHLY LUNCHEON Hispanic Business Council Luncheon at

Take the opportunity to engage with other businesses and expand your contacts.

Tuesday, November 27th 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

4310 Buffalo Gap Road Call Kathy at 677-7241 or e-mail at klee@abilenechamber.com Thank You to our Annual Lunch Partner

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M IL ITARY A F FA I R S C OMM I T TE E Welcome to the new Military Affairs Committee member who joined last month: Dr. Gary Goodnight, Ear, Nose and Throat Specialists of Abilene; Ginger Owens, Big Brothers Big Sisters. Know someone interested in joining the Military Affairs Committee? Contact Debra Morotini at 677-7241 or dmorotini@abilenechamber.com.

Military Happenings

317th Airlift Group Closes a Chapter in History

Dyess Celebrates 65th Birthday The ceremonial cake was cut by the Airman with the least amount of time in service, 2nd Lt. Christina Salinas, and the Airman with the longest time in service, Chief Master Sgt. Roger Shaw.

Dyess held the 65th U. S. Air Force Birthday Ball on September 14th.

Brigadier General (Ret) Jonathan George, who served as the 7th BW Commander from January 2003 to August 2004, was the guest speaker. General George’s speech focused on maintaining today’s force and staying ahead of the future.

“You’re part of the greatest military organization the world has ever seen,” George said, “Nobody can get there faster or bring more firepower than the United States Air Force.”

Distinguished Visitors and MAC Trips The Air Mobility Command (AMC) Civic Leaders program is designed to educated civic leaders from communities around the nation the message of the Air Force that can be shared accurately and efficiently. From September 5 – 7, 2012, on a trip to Scott Air Force Base, the civic leaders got to do just that.

MAC member, Greg Blair, met with General Mike Hostage, Commander Air Combat Command (ACC), at Langley AFB September 10th – 11th along with other ACC civic leaders. General Hostage reviewed several issues important to the USAF MAC member Scott Senter is preand ACC such as the F-35 paring to board a C-130J during a Lightening II Fighter, KC- 46 simulated insurgent attack.

Refueling Tanker and long range strike bomber, all of which remain the Air Forces’ top priority programs. Other discussions included the FY 2013 budget, sequestration, Total Force Integration, the F-22 Rapture Fighter oxygen issue, and the need to generate savings by eliminating excess ACC infrastructure. While there, Greg Blair was also elected to chair the ACC Civic Leaders Commander’s Group for the upcoming year.

On September 13th, Brigadier General Lee K. Levy, II, Headquarters Air Mobility Command Director of Logistics, delivered the 23rd C-130J model to the 317th AG. Page 6

The last C-130 Hercules stationed at Dyess pass a C-130J model before takeoff Sept. 26, 2012, at Dyess Air Force Base

317th Airlift Group Closes a Chapter in History On March 31, 1975, the C-130H model era began when Dyess received the first C-130H Hercules to roll off the Lockheed Martin assembly line. Over the next two years Dyess would eventually attain 52 more aircraft. Throughout the next four decades of service, Dyess’ C-130H models have left their mark on almost every corner of the earth from performing humanitarian support missions in Haiti and Pakistan to combat support in nearly every U.S. operation since 1983. The Hercules built a reputation for being the nation’s airlift workhorse and for the last 37 years, Dyess’ C-130H’s and its Airmen have built a legacy in the Air Force. That legacy came to end September 26th as the last two C-130H models, tail numbers 1667 and 2063, departed for Little Rock AFB, Arkansas. Captain Christopher Dorough, a young pilot whose father flew the very first C-130H into Dyess The last C-130 Hercules stationed at Dyess in 1975, commanded the final C-130H fly past the air traffic to depart Dyess - bridging the gap control tower Sept. between generations and closing the 26, 2012, at Dyess Air book on the H model at Dyess.

Force Base, Texas

317th Airlift Group Dedicates Multi-Purpose Hanger U.S. Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison participated with the 317th AG during the official grand opening of the new 2-Bay Hangar at Dyess AFB on September 5th. The new hangar includes fire wall separation between the bays and appropriate ventilation systems for any type of aircraft maintenance. The new 57,000 square foot facility provides a multipurpose hangar that can accommodate both C-130 and B-1 aircraft in support of Dyess’ global reach and global power missions.

U S Sen. S Kay K B ill H t hi U.S. Bailey Hutchison and Airmen from the 317th AG cut the ribbon during the official grand opening of the new 2-Bay Hangar.

B USINE S S M E R C A D O 2 0 1 2

Thank you to t he f o l l o wi ng Spo ns o r s !

Media: TV: Media: Radio: Media: Billboard: Mini Posters : Tickets: Grand Prize Drawing: Shirts: Exhibitors Lounge: Mercado Eve: Special Recognitions: Exhibitors Lounge: Entertainment:

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KRBC-TV/KTAB-TV & Suddenlink Communications Townsquare Media Suddenlink Communications RAM Business Forms & Printing Services State Farm Insurance and Financial Services Mall of Abilene, Sam’s Club and Outback Steakhouse Creative Graphic Solutions Mansefeldt Investment Corporation AT&T, Craft Design and Arroyo Catclaw Digital Prosperity Bank United Supermarkets and Aaron’s Sales & Lease Ownership Texas Tech Small Business Development Center, Kinder Hearts Home Health, LLC and Taylor Electric Cooperative, Inc.

ECONOMIC INDICATORS

Ever wonder where Abilene gets their numbers concerning economic impact; well here’s your chance to participate and make a difference!

The Economic Census is the U.S. Government’s official five-year measure of American business and the economy. It is conducted by the U.S. Census Bureau, and response is required by law.

Published data cover more than 1,000 industries at the national and local level, 15,000 products and services, every state, every county, 10,000 cities and towns, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Island Areas. As part of the U.S. Census Bureau’s mission to measure America’s economy, this Economic Census covers the year ending December 2012.

Economic Census Information You Can Use at www.business.census. gov. This fall, 2400 businesses Page 8

in Abilene, TX will receive 2012 Economic Census forms from the U.S. Census Bureau. Selected companies will receive forms in November, but most will get them in December.

Federal Reserve Board Chairman Ben Bernanke has called this census "indispensable to understanding America's economy." Taken every five years, the Economic Census "assures the accuracy of the statistics we rely on for sound economic policy and for successful business planning," said Bernanke.

There are a lot of interesting facts from the last Economic Census, available about our area at www. business.census.gov. Examples there illustrate how Census Bureau economic statistics are used by local businesses for marketing and planning, as well as by government agencies and researchers.

AB ILENE CONVENTI O N AND VI SI TO RS BUREAU

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M E M B E R S HI P S E RV I C E S Use the Chamber website: www.abilenechamber.com to be a part of businesses growing together in our community. Go to “Membership Directory” then do a search by category or keyword to locate businesses that have the products or services you need.

CHECK OUT THE QR CODE on your 2012 Membership Decal or here for new and exciting things happening within the Chamber.

Chamber Referrals . . . 8,853 website “hits” of Chamber members during September.

Membership Renewals . . . Thank you to all members who renewed their membership investment during the month of October. We appreciate your ongoing involvement and support of all the programs and services we are able to provide because of YOU! Chamber Overview . . . A quick one-hour overview of the Chamber, its programs and affiliates for members and anyone interested in learning more about the Abilene Chamber of Commerce. Next session: December 18, 2012 – 8:00 a.m. in the Chamber Board Room – 174 Cypress Street, Suite 200.

REDCOAT events during September – five. Thanks to all businesses and their Redcoat Representatives for continuing to support businesses at their Ribbon Cuttings. Kent Wooliscroft (Farmers Insurance Group) is our Redcoat Chair for the 2011-2012 year and David Hare (Wisteria Place) is Co-Chair.

Congratulations to our latest winners! Business After Hours sponsored by Abilene Dental, Dr. Christie Leedy, on September 20th was full of entertainment and networking. The lucky $50 cash winner for pre-registering and being in attendance was Kristina Jones (Stronger Organizations). Door prize winners were: Ricardo Gutierrez (RGF Insurance Agency), Liz Phariss (Kinder Hearts Home Health) and Darla Yarbrough (Courtyard and Residence Inn). Thanks to the Abilene Dental Team for a great evening!

Wake Up Wednesday! Sponsored by Cumulus Broadcasting was held September 26th. Alecia Linahan (Residence Inn by Marriott) was the lucky winner of $50 cash for pre-registering and being in attendance.

Door prize winners were: Amanda Pyeatt and Kary Anthony (Kelly Services), Melissa Murphy (Abilene Regional Airport), Kim Bosher (Star Family of Dealerships), Ben Abidi (Sam’s Club), Donna Click (Mr. Gatti’s), Shelby Moutray (Holiday Inn Express), Rusty Boren (On Target Promotions) and Ricardo Gutierrez (RGF Insurance Agency). Thanks Jim, Chris and the Cumulus Crew for a great morning!

HBC Monthly Luncheon was held at Abuelo’s Mexican Food Embassy on September 25th. The door prize winners were Poncho Perez (City of Abilene) and Eddie Rivera (St. Paul United Methodist Church).

Thanks to Abuelo’s for great service and food!!

HOST WAKE UP WEDNESDAY! Promote your business during this one hour networking opportunity where people pass out business cards, make contacts, win door prizes, and eat breakfast, all at the same time. Contact Kathy Lee at 325-677-7241.

Thank YOU for Supporting

B di locally l ll and d kkeeping i our ddollars ll By ttrading local we have seen increases in sales tax revenue. Let’s continue to grow our local economy by Trading where we are paid!

Invest in our Community!

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R E D C O AT S A B O U T TO W N

Grand Opening: Denice Bailey - State Farm Insurance, 2301 South Danville

Grand Opening: CK Seafood Steak & Grill 3398 North 1st Street

1 Year Anniversary: Wholly Cow Burgers Rings & Things, 829 North Judge Ely

Grand Opening: First Financial Bank - Antilley 1801 Antilley Road

Grand Opening: Sweets du Jour Bakery 726 South Legget Drive

New Location: Texas Sport & Spine 4351 Ridgemont Drive, Suite A New Pediatric Playground: West Texas Rehabilitation Center 4601 Hartford

Grand Opening: The Winery at Willow Creek 4353 South Treadaway Blvd.

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MEMBER TO MEMBER NEWS Please note - current membership information can be found on our website: www.AbileneChamber.com click “Membership Directory”

Congratulations and Welcome . . .

•

Rusty Beard of Beard Law Firm has been elected to the board of directors for the Texas Association of Defense Counsel. He will serve as a director of District 4, which includes a portion of West Texas, from 2012-2014.

Chris Evatt, senior vice president, is the branch manager for the new First Financial Bank on Antilley Road.

The Marquette, Michigan Board of Light & Power has chosen Milsoft Utility Solutions’ engineering analysis software for its system planning and operations.

Lori Butler is the new general manager at Quality Inn – 1758 East I-20.

The National Marine Manufacturers Association recently presented Tigé Boats with its eighth consecutive award for excellence in customer satisfaction. Tigé is the longest-standing inboard manufacturer to receive the award.

Wild West Kia of Abilene has sold and is now Kia of Abilene. Ron Nelson is the new general manager.

• • • • •

Sympathy . . .to Kenneth Lain and family on the death of his brother, Larry Lain; to JV and Gerald Johnson and family on the death of JV’s mother, Ophelia Park Bilbrey; to Suzanne and Blake Woodall and family on the death of Suzanne’s mother, Peggy Carter Cooke; to David Collins and family on the death of his wife, Ada E. Collins; to Rudy and Donna Fernandez and family on the death of their daughter-in-law, Randi Chrishel Fernandez; to the Melinda Eve Brittain Cunningham family on her death; to the John Dickson Ferguson, Jr. family on his death and to the Habitat for Humanity group on the death of Cole Worley.

ADVERTISING OPPORTUNITIES • • • • •

Chamber Website Banner Ads Newsletter Ads/Inserts Weekly Connection - Eblast Monthly Events/Sponsorships and MORE!

Contact Sandra Minnick for more information at 325-677-7241 or sminnick@abilenechamber.com.

Did you know? When consumers know that a business is a Chamber member, they are more likely to think favorably of it and are more likely to purchase goods or services from that company.

Periodicals Postage Paid Abilene, TX USPS-003-796

The Chamber Connection Published monthly by the Abilene Chamber of Commerce Editor, Sandra A. Minnick

THE CHAMBER CONNECTION (003-796) is published monthly by the Abilene Chamber of Commerce 174 Cypress, Suite 200 Abilene, Texas 79601 Phone (325) 677-7241 Periodicals postage rate is paid at Abilene, Texas.

Subscriptions: $5.00 yearly POSTMASTER: Send address changes to THE CHAMBER CONNECTION PO Box 2281 Abilene, Texas 79604

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