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Editor’s Corner By: Penni Bentley, Senior Communications Director penni@amarillo-chamber.org We recently got to play tour guide to a couple hundred guests from across the state at the Texas Chamber of Commerce Executives State Convention. Chamber presidents and community leaders met in Amarillo June 22-25 to learn the latest in Chamber trends, social media, small business issues and more. In addition to showing them the business side of Amarillo, we showed them a really good time while they were in town. They went to see the play TEXAS and Palo Duro Canyon, and a group of spouses toured downtown and shopped in Wolflin and on Route 66. The highlight of the event festivities was a steak challenge at the Big Texan Steak Ranch. Our own Amarillo Mayor Paul Harpole led the charge for the Amarillo team made up of Jason Harrison, Andrea McClintock and Dan Quandt. Other 4-man teams included a West Texas Team (Chamber presidents from Midland, Odessa, Lubbock and Big Spring), a TCCE Board member team, and an Amarillo Media Meat-Eatin’ Maniacs made up of Les Simpson, Amarillo Globe-News; Brandy Sanchez, KAMR; Brent McClure, KFDA; and Anthony Pittman, KVII. The challenge was that each team member had to eat their salad, shrimp appetizer, baked potato and roll, and then help the team devour a shared 72-oz steak in the fastest time. The Amarillo Chamber couldn't be outdone, especially with Gary warning the team how “We HAVE to win this...we CAN’T lose!” and screaming “hurry up” the whole entire time. And in a little over 16 minutes, we came out victorious even if the staff and mayor looked a little green around the gills after. You really have to hand it to a mayor that does more than just show up for a photo op with a steak knife in hand. He really was the MVP of the team and there is no doubt we would not have won without him. He’s a great community leader, but if you ever find yourself in need of a professional eater in a competition, you want him on your team. As always, tell us how we are doing. Give us your suggestions, feedback, and input. Feel free to write on our Facebook wall. Get involved. We are YOUR Chamber.
Mark Your Calendar: 7/25
Chamber Open Golf Tourney
8/13
Mega Market
8/20
Celebrate the Arts
9/12
Good Times Celebration Barbecue Cook-Off
9/28
Shoot Smart. Shoot Straight. Chamber Challenge
10/24
Annual Banquet & Business Excellence Awards
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Stay up to date by frequently checking our Chamber and Community Calendar online You can even add your own events to the online
www.Amarillo-Chamber.org/Events The Chamber provides great networking opportunities year-round. Check out our online calendar for upcoming events your business could participate in, sponsor, or attend to gain exposure. You can even volunteer and become a Chamber Champion.
View more photos at: http://bit.ly/TCCESteakChallenge2013
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