Lubbock Business Network - May 2017 Newsletter

LUBBOCK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE NEWSLETTER

LUBBOCK BUSINESS NETWORK

May 11 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Lubbock Memorial Civic Center

Vol. 26 No. 5 May 2017 Community Prayer Luncheon

Blake Vaughn, CEO of Compass Phone Cases

Chamber Cheers Regulatory Accountability Act

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pg. 11

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Thank you to our 5-Star Investors!

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Lubbock Business Network

In the News this Month: May Calendar of Events............................................................................ .4 Community Prayer Luncheon................................................................. 6 Meet the May Business of the Month................................................. .7 Get to Know Board Member, Tim Perrin.................................................7 Meet Blake Vaugh, CEO of Compass Phone Cases........................11 Chamber Cheers Regulatory Accountability Act...........................12

A Message from the Chamber

S ince 1913, the Lubbock Chamber of Commerce’s mission of strengthening, promoting and serving its member businesses has positively benefited the entire region and local quality of life.

As the largest business federation on the South Plains, the Chamber represents over 2,000 members who employ ove.r 79,000 workers, and account for over $2 billion in annual household earnings in Lubbock and West Texas, all without tax dollars.

Each day, the Chamber strengthens, promotes and serves its member businesses through numerous programs and events.

The Chamber advocates on local, state and federal levels and offers diverse programs for both large and small as well as minority-owned businesses.

Share Your News!

2017 Board of Directors Executive Committee Chairwoman

Diannah Tatum, Sanford & Tatum Insurance Agency Chairman Elect

Cory Powell, TTU Mentor Tech - Institutional Diversity,

Equity and Community Engagement Immediate Past Chairwoman

Beth Bridges, South Plains Mall Treasurer

Abel Castro, FirstBank & Trust Co. Secretary

Eddie McBride, Lubbock Chamber of Commerce Vice Chairman - Business Advocacy

Scott Fagin, First United Bank Vice Chairman - Chamber Services and Member Engagement

Chuck Walker, FirstCare Health Plans Vice Chairwoman - Communications and Public Relations

Sharon Hyde Bass, Volunteer Center of Lubbock Vice Chairman - Community Development

Gabe Vitela, Twisted Root Burger Co. Vice Chairwoman - Programs, Services and Events

Kathy Oaks, American Cancer Society

Board of Directors

To submit an article about your business or to purchase Lubbock Business Network sponsorships, contact the Chamber at (806) 761-7000.

Click here to visit our new website, log into the members only portal, submit events/job openings and much more!

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Byrnie Bass, R. Byrn Bass, Jr., Attorney at Law Steve Beck, Covenant Health Alona Beesinger, Suddenlink Ron Betenbough, Betenbough Homes Kevin Bryan, Digital Base Productions Keith Bryant, Lubbock-Cooper Independent School District Fernando Bustos, Bustos Law Firm, PC Christi Chadwell, Texas Tech University/Young Professionals of Lubbock Renee Gonzales Davis, 4ORE! Golf Casey Doyle, Casey Carpet One Linda Gaither, WestMark Realtors-Gaither/Ratcliff Jeff Horn, Benchmark Business Solutions Chris James, United Supermarkets Brent King, UMC Health System Chris Lonngren, Schlotzsky’s Dana Madison, Calvert Home Health Care Dave Marcinkowski, Madera Companies Becky Palmer, Atmos Energy Bill Patton, Robinson, Johnston & Patton, CPAs Tony Pena, FirstCapital Bank L. Timothy Perrin, Lubbock Christian University Cathy Pope, StarCare Specialty Health System Vanessa Reasoner, Grace Health Systems Dr. Berhl Robertson, Lubbock Independent School District Shannon Spencer, Girl Scouts of Texas Oklahoma Plains, Inc. Marcie Truby, Director’s Choice

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Lubbock Business Network

Upcoming Events

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May 4 Community Prayer Luncheon Business After Hours: Casey Carpet One

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Ribbon Cutting: Italian Garden – 1 Year Anniversary – 10:30 a.m.

1215 Ave. J Hub City BBQ Team Leads – 4 p.m. – LCOC Groundbreaking: Bacon Heights Baptist Church (New Addition) 4:30 p.m. – 5110 54th St.

May 11 Business Expo Business After Hours: Lubbock Moonlight Musicals

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Ribbon Cutting: Small Business Expo – 8 a.m.

McKenzie-Merket Alumni Center – 17th St. and University Ave. Ribbon Cutting: TTUHSC - CMHC Montford Art Exhibit – 1 p.m.

3601 4th St. Business Expo Committee – 4 p.m. – Wells Fargo Center 1500 Broadway – Second Floor – San Jacinto Room

May 18 Young Professionals of Lubbock: Lunch and Learn - “Your Voice. Your Choice. Your Future.”

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Ag Committee – 8:30 a.m. – LCOC Community Prayer Luncheon – 11:30 a.m – Lubbock Memorial Civic Center – 1501 Mac Davis Lane Business After Hours: Casey Carpet One – 5:30 p.m.

6000 Spur 327, Ste. 200

May 20 YEA! Trade Show

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Ribbon Cutting: Lubbock Primary Care – 10 a.m. – 11007 Quaker Ave. Transportation Committee – 10:30 a.m. – LCOC

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Ribbon Cutting: Pizza Hut – 11:30 a.m. – 9830 Slide Rd.

May 23 YEA! Graduation

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Groundbreaking: Holiday Inn Express - Downtown – 10 a.m.

2115 Marsha Sharp Fwy. Ribbon Cutting: Racer Classic Car Wash – 2 p.m. – 10102 Slide Rd. YEA! Lesson 26 – 4:30 p.m. – Texas Tech Innovation Hub – 3911 4th St. Young Professionals of Lubbock: First Tuesday Networking – 5:30 p.m.

Louise Hopkins Underwood Center for the Arts (LHUCA) – 511 Ave. K

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Leadership Lubbock Committee – 3:30 p.m. – LCOC

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Ribbon Cutting: Business Expo – 9:45 a.m. – Lubbock Memorial Civic Center – 1501 Mac Davis Lane Business Expo – 10 a.m. – Lubbock Memorial Civic Center 1501 Mac Davis Lane Business After Hours: Lubbock Moonlight Musicals – 4:30 p.m.

Lubbock Memorial Civic Center – 1501 Mac Davis Lane

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Ribbon Cutting: Flatland Homes – 10 a.m. – 3912 125th St. Government Relations Committee – 10:30 a.m. – LCOC

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Ribbon Cutting: A Social Key – 4 p.m. – LCOC

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Ambassador Team Leads – 8:30 a.m – LCOC Ribbon Cutting: On The Border – 11 a.m. – 6709 Slide Rd. Golf Classic Committee – 4 p.m. – LCOC YEA! Lesson 27 – 4:30 p.m. – Texas Tech Innovation Hub – 3911 4th St.

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Leadership Lubbock Class Day – All Day Executive Committee – 12 p.m. – LCOC Ambassador Monthly Luncheon: South Plains Food Bank – 12 p.m.

5605 Martin Luther King Blvd.

Ribbon Cutting: Caprock Cardiovascular Center, LLP – 4 p.m.

4316 23rd St.

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Young Professionals of Lubbock: Lunch and Learn “Your Voice. Your Choice. Your Future.” – Sanford & Tatum Insurance Agency 5241 98th St. Ribbon Cutting: Carpet Solutions – 4:30 p.m. – 6211 114th St.

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Ribbon Cutting: Neighbors Emergency Center – 10 a.m. – 4337 50th St.

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YEA! Trade Show – 10 a.m. – South Plains Mall – 6002 Slide Rd.

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Ribbon Cutting: The Haute Gypsy – 4:30 p.m. – 2601 Salem Ave., Ste. 3

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Groundbreaking: Alliance Federal Credit Union – 3 p.m. – 2220 34th St. Hub City BBQ Committee – 4 p.m. – LCOC YEA! Lesson 29 – 4:30 p.m. – The Grand – Reagor Dykes Auto Group Green Building – 1215 Ave. J YEA! Graduation – 6 p.m. – The Grand – Reagor Dykes Auto Group Green Building – 1215 Ave. J

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Ribbon Cutting: LegalShield - Soaring Eagles – 11:30 a.m. - LCOC

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Board of Directors – 10 a.m. – TBD Ribbon Cutting: Blazing Grill Steakhouse – 4 p.m.

3701 N. Frankford Ave. Business After Hours: Centennial Bank – 5:30 p.m. – 6602 Quaker Ave.

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Ribbon Cutting: Timeless Custom Frames & Art Gallery – 11:30 a.m.

3501 50th St., Ste. 112 Young Professionals of Lubbock Committee – 4 p.m. – LCOC

May 25 Business After Hours: Centennial Bank

Young Professionals of Lubbock Networking hosted by:

511 Ave. K

May 9, 2017 5:30 p.m.-7 p.m. featuring Congressman Jodey Arrington

For a complete list of Chamber and member events, visit our calendar online at lubbockchamber.com/events.

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Lubbock Business Network

Business After Hours

sponsored by:

May 4, 2017 5:30 p.m.-7 p.m.

6000 Spur 327, Suite 200

Business After Hours

sponsored by:

May 11, 2017 4:30 p.m.-6 p.m.

1501 Mac Davis Lane (Civic Center)

Business After Hours

sponsored by:

Chamber Staff President/CEO Eddie McBride, IOM Executive Vice President Norma Ritz Johnson, CCE, IOM CFO/COO Sheri Nugent, IOM Vice President - Communications & Public Relations Tammi Boozer Vice President - Programs, Services & Events Christye Weld Community Development Director Amy Marquez, IOM Member Relations Director Cathy Potter Business Development Coordinator Brenda Richardson Communications Specialist Haily Assiter Event Specialists Allison Cottrell Korryn McMinn Government Relations Specialist Stevie Poole Kyle Jacobson Administrative Assistant/Office Coordinator Patsy Moffett Customer Service Representative KC Torres

May 25, 2017 5:30 p.m.-7 p.m.

6602 Quaker Ave. 5

Lubbock Business Network

Community Prayer Luncheon to Feature Stars from Movie: I’ll Push You Mark your calendars for this year’s Community Prayer Luncheon that will be held on Thurs., May 4, at 11:30 a.m., at the Lubbock Memorial Civic Center.

We are excited to bring you two phenomenal speakers in Patrick Gray and Justin Skeesuck, best friends who completed the 500-mile pilgrimage called Camino de Santiago. This was not your ordinary pilgrimage as Skeesuck lives life in a wheelchair due to a progressive neuromuscular disease. Over the past 20plus years, the disease has slowly taken away Skeesuck’s ability to use his arms and legs.

In the spring of 2012, Skeesuck learned about the Camino de Santiago and asked his lifelong friend, Gray, what he thought about tackling the ancient pilgrimage. Gray’s response was “I’ll push you.” Two years later, they started their 34-day journey.

Both Gray and Skeesuck are married and each has three children. They founded Push, Inc. where they help organizations and individuals realize they can achieve more, together.

The two have a film being made about their friendship and journey, which is scheduled to be released in early fall of 2017.

Musical entertainment will be provided by Kenzie Walker and the High Point Village Handbell Choir.

The luncheon serving line will begin at 11:30 a.m., with the program beginning promptly at 12 p.m.

Click here to see of feature on Gray and Skeesuck from the Today Show.

Thanks to our CPL sponsors!

Presenting:

Speakers Underwritten By:

Diamond: First United Bank, Happy State Bank Platinum: 7B Development, Deerwood Construction, Inc., FirstCare Health Plans, PrimeWest Mortgage Corp., Thrivent Financial, Wayland Baptist University - Lubbock, WestMark Realtors

Chamber Welcomes KC Torres as Customer Service Representative The Lubbock Chamber of Commerce has announced the full-time hiring of KC Torres as Customer Service Representative.

Torres had been an intern at the Chamber since September but officially started full-time on April 17.

A native of Mission, Texas, Torres is a December 2016 graduate of Texas Tech University where she received her Bachelor of Science degree in agriculture communications.

As the Customer Service Representative, Torres is the first person to welcome visitors to the Chamber as they walk in the front door. Torres handles the day-to-day front office duties of the administrative staff as well as assisting in all areas of the Chamber.

Torres and her fiancé, Jacob Woolsey, plan to marry in April 2018.

KC Torres Customer Service Representative 6

Lubbock Business Network

Introducing our May Business of the Month, Lubbock Police Department Homeless Outreach Team (H.O.T.)

How has being a member of the Lubbock Chamber of Commerce helped to increase your business, relationships in the business community and/or community involvement? Leadership Lubbock has become one of the cornerstone leadership training programs for the Lubbock Police Department’s commanders and supervisors. As well as opportunities for networking and relationship building with businesses and civic leaders throughout the community.

When did the LPD join the Chamber? The City of Lubbock joined the Chamber in 1990.

What is your favorite part of being a member of the Chamber? Maintaining and strengthening partnerships with the business community.

Lubbock Together meetings. H.O.T. has worked with this committee to partner with businesses in the efforts of downtown redevelopment. H.O.T was introduced to the community via the Chamber University Business Security and Safety Seminar. This event allowed H.O.T. to explain the role they would be playing in the police department and community in dealing with issues of homelessness in Lubbock. Many business contacts were made which provided a number of donation opportunities for H.O.T.

Does the LPD/H.O.T. have a favorite Chamber event? The Chamber University Business Security and Safety Seminar.

In what ways is the LPD/H.O.T. involved with the Chamber?

H.O.T. has attended/participated in a number of the Imagine

Get to Know Board Member, Tim Perrin Where do you work and what does your job entail? I work at Lubbock Christian University and as president I have the privilege of seeking to advance the university’s mission of changing lives. I’m honored to serve the outstanding faculty, staff, students, alumni and friends at my alma mater.

Finish this sentence: Never again will I… doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world.

How did you get involved with the Chamber and what keeps you involved? I got involved with the Chamber because I wanted to find ways to serve and strengthen our community. I can’t imagine a better way than through the Chamber, which so effectively represents the business community. I stay involved because of the great people!

What is your favorite event or program of the Chamber? I love the Chamber’s wonderful variety of events and programs.

The Chamber ambassador program is just one of the many Chamber programs I love for the way it effectively engages the business community.

What are some of your other community leadership roles? In addition to my service on the Chamber board, I also serve on the board of the Independent Colleges and Universities of Texas and on the LCU Foundation board of directors. My wife, Lucy, and I are members of the Broadway Church of Christ.

Tim Perrin President Lubbock Christian University 7

Lubbock Business Network

Business Expo: Superheroes! Take Part in the Action!

The 2017 Business Expo presented

by American National Bank will be held May 11, from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. at the Lubbock Memorial Civic Center. A private networking event for exhibitors only will be held from 9-10 a.m. and a ribbon cutting will be held at 9:45 a.m. to officially kickoff the event and open the doors to the public.

This year’s theme is Superheroes developed by RD Thomas, the official advertising agency for the 2017 Business Expo. This year’s event will focus on connecting businesses to local community heroes.

Hosted each year by the Lubbock Chamber of Commerce, the Business Expo showcases over 200 exhibitors and will welcome approximately 7,000 attendees throughout the day.

Back by popular demand, a variety of business seminars will be held throughout the day and are free to attendees of Business Expo. These seminars are designed to help businesses hone their social media skills, make sure their business websites are designed to increase revenue and learn how to solve common business issues and problems.

This year’s seminars are: 10:30 a.m. – “You Might Be Wasting Your Advertising Budget // The Digital Age” – Jerrod Shelton, Owner/Digital Media Director of Contract Cre8ive; 2:30 p.m. – “The Heart of It’s My Pleasure,” presented by Chickfil-A, Brandon Mulkey, Owner/Operator, Abie Rampy, Executive Director of Brand Excellence & Public Relations and Corie Williams, Director of Communications.

You won’t want to miss this year’s Business Expo! If you haven’t participated in the past, now is the year to consider having a booth at this very popular event.

There is still space available, so call Allison Cottrell at (806) 761-7000 or email her at allison.cottrell@lubbockbiz.org to reserve a booth!

Free tickets are available at the Chamber office until Wed., May 10. Tickets are $5 at the door the day of the Expo.

Thanks to our sponsors!

Presenting:

Emerald: Dunkin Donuts Baskin Robbins, Burger Fi, Tide Dry Cleaners Diamond: Chick-fil-A, Fox 34, RD Thomas Advertising, Suddenlink Communications, Time Forge Platinum: Benchmark Business Solutions, Bodyworks Family Sports Centers, FirstCare Health Plans, Lamar Outdoor Advertising, Workforce Solutions South Plains Signs: Advanced Graphix Gold: 4ORE!, AMA TechTel, European Wax Center Silver: Sam’s Club Banner: Caprock Home Health Services, Choice Media, Courtyard by Marriott Lubbock Downtown, Premiere Cinema, Racer Classic Car Wash, Raider Ranch, Truno Retail Technology Solutions Hospitality: Coca-Cola Refreshments, Sam’s Club

May 11 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Lubbock Memorial Civic Center 8

Lanyards: Switch I.T. Support

Lubbock Business Network

Total Resource Campaign Surpasses Goal

The 2017 Total Resource Campaign wrapped up this year’s campaign with a victory party at The Range on Tues., April 25, to celebrate another great success!

The group of volunteers, which were led by Chairman Marcus Young of United Supermarkets and Co-Chairman Mark WIlliams of Sanford & Tatum Insurance Agency, celebrated surpassing its goal by reaching $550,592 in sponsorships during the TRC this year.

The Chamber thanks the amazing volunteers for their hard work in securing sponsorships and getting new members during the last three months.

Even though the TRC has concluded, the Chamber still has sponsorships available for upcoming events in 2017.

Please contact the Chamber office at (806) 761-7000 for more information on available sponsorships.

Thanks again to our volunteers and members for their continued support of the Chamber. We look forward to many great events this year!

The Chamber would also like to thank the following members for their contributions throughout the TRC: Meeting Space and Food Sponsors Wayland Baptist University - Lubbock Campus J. T. Talkington YWCA at Sun ‘n Fun Montelongo’s Mexican Restaurant First Bank and Trust / PrimeWest Mortgage Campisi’s Restaurant Body Works Family Life Center Chop Chop Japanese Steakhouse Sanford and Tatum Insurance Agency Chick-fil-A Hilton Garden Inn Domino’s Pizza United Supermarkets Door Prize Donations United Supermarkets Piper Casey Carpet One J. Hoffman’s South Plains Mall Unifirst Nurse Finders Varsity Bookstore Lubbock State Supported Center Love’s Travel Shop Texas Tech University Cotton Patch Café Texas Tech Club Jason’s Deli U Dawg Graphics Nothing Bundt Cakes Overton Hotel & Conference Center Ashmore Inn & Suites Twisted Root Burger Co Aspen Creek Prestige Cleaners Inn of the Mountain Gods I Love Kick Boxing Clarion Hotel Racer Car Wash Southwest Aqua Sports Girl Scouts, Texas and Oklahoma Plains Diamontrique of Lubbock

Bobby Cox Receives Doc McPherson Award

Congratulations to Bobby Cox of Pheasant Ridge Winery for receiving this year’s Doc McPherson Award. Cox was honored on April 27 at the Lubbock Chamber of Commerce’s - A Taste of Texas: Wine and Food Pairing.

Cox has been in the wine-making business since 1972 when he made his first wine from blackberries picked along the SF Railroad right of way outside of Fort Worth and that was the beginning of a 44-plus year career, and counting, in the wine business.

Cox, a native of Lubbock, grew up in Fort Worth but returned to Lubbock to attend Texas Tech University, where he graduated in 1975 with a degree in business and horticulture.

In 1982, Cox and his wife, Jennifer, opened Pheasant Ridge. Over the years his wines received gold medals in all major American competitions. In 1996, the Coxes stepped away from Pheasant Ridge and Cox focused his knowledge and talents into vineyard management and development on the High Plains. In 2016, the Coxes came back to Pheasant Ridge and today he is making wine again.

We congratulate Cox on winning the Doc McPherson Award!

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Lubbock Business Network

Growing Community Leaders Meet Leadership Lubbock Member, Robin Averhoff Why did you apply for the 2017 Leadership Lubbock Class? I was asked to apply by my organization’s leadership team and was honored with the opportunity as I have heard what a great program Leadership Lubbock was from friends who are past graduates of the program.

What are some of your favorite Leadership Lubbock events to date? I’ve enjoyed everything as it’s given me the chance to get to know so many new faces. I have enjoyed each day and the programs that have been a part of them because they have given me new perspectives and insights on our city, but my favorite gatherings to date have been the L3 meetings. I have liked these because they allow for a smaller setting which helps us to get to know those in our class on a more personal level. At one of my L3 events, we were able to invite spouses to a happy hour and getting to bring my husband and meet other spouses was so much fun!

What do you hope to do to gain from the Leadership Lubbock Class? New friends and better overall insight of Lubbock and the industries that make up our community so I can promote and advocate for everything that makes Lubbock GREAT! Who do you work for? Covenant Health What is your position? Supervisor, Patient Experience Share some info about your family: I am married to my very best friend, KR Averhoff.

KR is a passionate dairy farmer and we are both proud to be a part of the greater agriculture community. We share a love for travel, people, and the Lord.

This April (4/2/17), we welcomed our first daughter to our family so we are currently loving our newest adventure together, and daily learning, how to raise our precious baby girl, Lynlee Ryan.

What do you feel is the most rewarding part of being part the Leadership Lubbock? It is such a honor to be a part of the program! Most rewarding for me is getting to know others from Lubbock who work in various industries across our community.

Why is the Leadership Lubbock program important to you?

For the chance to meet other Lubbock professionals who love Lubbock and value the opportunity to better themselves.

2018 Direc tor y Coming S oon We are preparing to publish our 2018 Lubbock Chamber of Commerce Business Directory and Resource Guide.

Thanks to your support, past directories are valuable resources. We look forward to the 2018 publication being better than ever. The Directory is an excellent opportunity to highlight your business both locally and across the United States, as directories are mailed to all current and prospective members and people inquiring about Lubbock.

As a Chamber member, your company is entitled to one listing in the alphabetical section by company and one in the classified section by type of business. The company will be listed in the Buyer’s Guide section under its primary classified listing only. However, if you wish to be listed under more than one area this option will be made available for purchase. Additionally, your company is also listed on the Chamber’s website, www.lubbockchamber.com, and on the mobile website for smartphone users as an additional membership benefit.

There is also an opportunity to purchase sponsorship space in the Directory. If you are interested in sponsoring or have any questions, please contact the Chamber at (806) 761-7000.

We appreciate your membership and look forward to working with you on the 2018 Directory.

Click here to view our online membership directory at anytime!

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Lubbock Business Network

YEA! Spotlight: Meet Blake Vaugh, CEO of Compass Phone Cases

Meet Blake Vaughn, CEO of Compass Phone Cases. Vaughn is one of 16 students among 12 businesses who pitched their businesses to local investors on Wed., April 5, at the Helen DeVitt Jones Auditorium and Sculpture Court. The local investors awarded startup money to all 12 businesses and Vaughn was chosen as the Saunders Scholars Semi-Finalist.

Vaughn will travel to Rochester, NY on May 5 to compete in the Saunders Scholars National Competition on May 6. This event serves as the 2017 National Semi-Finals Competition and the 2017 National Finals Competition, where the top students will be pitching in front of an elite panel of judges, hoping to be crowned as the Young Entrepreneurs Academy Saunders Winner.

Students will be competing for prestigious prize packages including college scholarships, business start-up services, and the 2017 Saunders Scholars National Winner will receive an all expense paid trip to America’s Small Business Summit, hosted by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce in Washington, D.C., September 11-13.

Vaughn is a seventh grader at Frenship Middle School who enjoys time with family and reading.

“Being an entrepreneur is great way to earn money for myself and charities,” Vaughn said.

Click here to APPLY for the 2017-2018 class!

Contact Amy Marquez at (806) 761-7002 to learn more!

YOUNG PRO FE ALS OF LU ION B SS

ypl

JOIN YPL TODAY!

contact Korryn McMinn at (806) 761-7000 to learn more!

Click here to meet some of the Young Professional of Lubbock members in our community!

CK BO

Attend Chamber Basics to Learn More about the Lubbock Chamber The next Chamber Basics: “Pizza with the President” is scheduled for 11:30 a.m., Tues., June 13, in the Wells Fargo Center at 1500 Broadway, second floor, in the San Jacinto Room.

Chamber Basics is for more than just new members. This event is a great way for not only new members to get involved, but also for those who are a new employee of a long-standing member company or for those who haven't been active in the Chamber.

You'll learn about the Chamber and meet other members as well as volunteers and staff. Plus you will have the opportunity to promote your business!

For more information on this free event, please contact Cathy Potter, Membership Realtions Director, by e-mail or by phone at (806) 761-7000. Registration is also available online by clicking here.

Sponsored by:

Pizza donated by: Pizza Hut

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Lubbock Business Network Legislative Benefactor:

Voice of Business Chamber Cheers Regulatory Accountability Act Introduced in U.S. Senate The Lubbock Chamber of Commerce is cheering the Regulatory Accountability Act (RAA) that was introduced in the U.S. Senate with bipartisan support from Senators Rob Portman (OH) and Heidi Heitkamp (ND). The introduction of the RAA is a huge step forward in making regulatory reform a reality in the 115th Congress.

“The business community asked the U.S. Senate in February to take action to make regulatory reform a reality and they did just that today,” said Diannah Tatum, Lubbock Chamber Chairwoman.

This milestone is due in large part to the participation in the multi-association letter that the Chamber was part of that

Mayor Pope and Rep. Burrows Join Chamber Government Relations Committee At its April meeting, the Lubbock Chamber of Commerce Government Relations Committee was joined by Lubbock Mayor Dan Pope and, by phone, Representative Dustin Burrows, to discuss updates from the 85th Legislative Session and City Hall.

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included trade associations and state and local chambers of commerce. The letter urged the Senate to introduce the RAA earlier this year and it received enthusiastic support from 616 cosigners from all 50 states.

The House passed the RAA with a bipartisan vote of 238183 on January 11, 2017. Congressman Jodey Arrington voted in favor of the legislation, an action for which the Chamber expressed its appreciation.

Lubbock Chamber members’ frustration with regulatory overload led the Chamber to take part in five lawsuits against the Environmental Protection Agency and U.S. Department of Labor in 2016.

New Bike Lanes in Downtown This Summer

Just a few years ago, more than 8,000 local residents came together to imagine what Lubbock would look like in the years to come. Filled with hope and optimism, they imagined a community with a booming economy and a bustling downtown filled with pedestrians walking and biking from shop to shop.

The City of Lubbock is taking yet another step toward fulfilling the community’s vision.

This summer the City will repaint the stripes along Broadway and ultimately connect Texas Tech University to downtown to the Canyon Lakes Park System. Cyclists will have a safe route to travel, and the new design will open up the roadway for drivers by creating a continuous two way turn lane and adding additional parking in some areas.

Roads are just as much an economic asset to the community as they are functional elements. Well-designed streets can generate higher revenues for businesses and higher values for homeowners, according to the National Association of City Transportation Officials. For this reason, the Lubbock Chamber of Commerce is encouraged to see the City’s investment.

The vitality of urban life demands a design approach sensitive to the multi-faceted role streets play in our community, which is why the City of Lubbock is implementing the first “Complete Streets” project in downtown Lubbock.

Complete Streets is a national model designed and operated to enable safe access for all users, according to Smart Growth America. They are specifically planned to make it easier for pedestrians to cross roads to access local shops, for cyclists to safely utilize the streets and to help buses run more efficiently.

However, with the changes in the way the roads are designed there will also have to come new driver awareness.

Keep an eye out for articles in future Lubbock Business Network additions about how you can take the most advantage of the new road designs.

Lubbock Business Network

Cotton Growing into New Sector: Environmental Cleanup Cotton, a longtime staple crop on the South Plains and major part of the region’s economy, is growing into a new sector: environmental cleanup following oil spills.

The Institute of Environmental and Human Health (TIEHH) at Texas Tech University has found that finer raw cotton in loose form performs best for absorbing oil, according to a study in the March/April 2017 issue of the AATCC Journal of Research published by the American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists (AATCC).

“The oil spill issue has become a global issue, as it affects human health and environment,” said Seshadri Ramkumar, lead author of the study and a professor in the institute’s Nonwovens & Advanced Materials Laboratory, where the research was conducted. “So far, most oil sorbents are synthetic-based, which also leads to problems in marine environments. Our goal is to enable a biodegradable and natural product to be an efficient and cost-effective oil sorbent.”

The study compared the oil absorption characteristics of finer and coarser cotton in loose, needlepunched nonwoven and hydroentangled nonwoven forms. Finer cotton in loose forms was proven superior for oil absorbency. The study showed the importance of cotton micronaire for oleophilic applications such as spill remediation. Among the important characteristics of cotton, micronaire – a measure based on cotton’s air permeability – is an indicator of its fineness and maturity.

The project was a collaborative effort between faculty in TIEHH and the Texas Tech Department of Mechanical Engineering, the Nonwovens & Advanced Materials Laboratory and the Southern Regional Research Center of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Research Service in New Orleans, where samples were prepared. It also involved a future generation of scientists in the research process with the

Fiduciary Rule Delayed 60 Days The U.S. Department of Labor announced a 60-day delay of the fiduciary rule in April and will conduct a review of how the proposed rule would affect Americans’ access to retirement investment advice.

In June 2016, the Lubbock Chamber of Commerce joined a broad coalition of business groups to challenge the rule. The rule exposes financial services providers to lawsuits, creates an entirely new regulatory regime for IRAs, limits the types of investment advice an adviser may provide, effectively makes DOL the primary regulator of financial professionals already extensively regulated by federal and state laws.

Ultimately, the fiduciary rule would limit access to retirement advice for both small businesses and their employees. Taking the time to review the proposal and understand its real-world effects, or perhaps even rescinding it, is a smart move by the Labor Department.

addition of Ronald Kendall Jr. and Luke Kitten. The two were seniors at Coronado High School and Lubbock’s Trinity Christian High School, respectively, during the study.

“We believe in preparing high school students to go into STEM fields,” Ramkumar said. “More importantly, we would like to work with the young generation from the producer community. That is the reason Luke Kitten, whose family owns Kitten Land Company, was involved. The work trained both high school and graduate-

level students.”

Ramkumar has worked to introduce cotton to the field of technical textiles for more than a decade. He is the creator of FiberTectTM, a nonwoven decontamination wipe capable of cleaning toxic chemical agents.

“The work done by Dr. Ramkumar and his team is to be commended,” said Steve Verett, executive vice president of Plains Cotton Growers Inc., which supports research in the Nonwovens & Advanced Materials Laboratory. “It is vital that we continue to explore new markets for cotton, and Dr. Ramkumar’s research has contributed greatly to the advancement of cotton, especially in the nonwovens sector.”

Ramkumar said the goal is to find industrial applications as well as new and value-added technical applications for cotton.

“One of the strengths of cotton research at Texas Tech is the connection with the local economic engine that cotton provides,” said Kater Hake, vice president of agricultural research at Cotton Incorporated, which funded the research. “Not only do researchers address local challenges and opportunities, but some such as Dr. Ramkumar, take this connection to the next level by engaging local students and communities in the research.”

Courtesy of Texas Tech University

The Lubbock Chamber of Commerce will be hosting a meet and greet for Jeff Moseley, the new CEO of the Texas Association of Business.

When: May 11 at 1:30 p.m.

Where: Lubbock Memorial Civic Center

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Lubbock Business Network

Chamber Ambassador Program Meet Eric Schaff, March Ambassador of the Month!

Congratulations to Eric Schaff for being named the March Ambassador of the Month. Schaff had been active with the Ambassador program three months prior to winning the Ambassador of the Month award. Schaff has never been awarded the Ambassador of the Month award and is hopeful it will not be his last.

“I became an Ambassador to learn more about local business and non-profit organizations,” said Schaff.

Schaff is a Total Resource Campaign (TRC) volunteer this year, is a member of Young Professionals of Lubbock and will be assisting on a few other committees throughout the year.

Schaff has been employed with Vista Bank for four months and he is a Loan Officer. Schaff said he enjoys helping individuals and small businesses achieve success.

Schaff said, “Being an ambassador is the single best way to keep your finger on the pulse of the Lubbock economy. The diverse group of organizations I have been introduced to gives me confidence that the best is yet to come.”

As an Ambassador there are several events to attend throughout the year such as ribbon cuttings for new members and businesses but Schaff said he enjoys the Hub City BBQ Cookoff the most.

Being an Ambassador can also bring many rewarding moments, Schaff believes that seeing the outpouring of support the Chamber offers impacts new start-up businesses for Eric Schaff receives his Ambassador of the Month Award from Chairwoman Diannah Tatum. the Lubbock area.

Outside of the Chamber, Schaff is a proud member of the Metropolitan Rotary Club of Lubbock. He currently serves as the President of South Plains Toastmasters and is the Treasurer for the Lubbock Economics Council.

Again, congratulations to Schaff for earning his first Ambassador of the Month award! We appreciate the time and commitment he has dedicated to the Chamber and our Ambassador Program.

Ribbon Cuttings & Groundbreakings – April Sponsored

by:

The Coffee Shop 1204 Broadway, Ste. 105

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Buddy Holly Hall of Performing Arts and Sciences 1300 Mac Davis Ln.

City of Lubbock’s Parkway Neighborhood Center 405 N. Marting Luther King Blvd.

Fight The Good Fight

Grease Monkey/Monkey Splash 10405 Slide Rd.

Lubbock Business Network

Ribbon Cuttings & Groundbreakings – April

The Home Zone 3225 50th St., Ste. B5

Hoof & Claw Men’s Spa 5901 63rd St., Ste. A

Huddle House 6616 Milwaukee Ave., Ste. 100

Lubbock Monterey Ambucs Wine Walk

Lubbock National Bank - Arbor Day Document Shredding with Goodwill Industries of Northwest Texas

Picoso’s Mexican Kitchen 7611 Milwaukee Ave.

Prestige Cleaners 6530 Frankford Ave.

Running2Rescue Kickoff Trinity Church

Strong College Students Moving 301 Paris Ave.

Tea2Go 4206 19th St., Ste. 100

Texas Boys Ranch Arena for Equine Assisted Therapy 4810 North CR 2800

Texas Cotton Ginners Association

Texas Farm Bureau 10615 Quaker Ave.

Twisted Spigot 411 University Ave., Ste. 100

Upbring’s Prelude to Spring Fling 1212 13th St., Ste. 102

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Lubbock Business Network

Voice of Hope - 10th Annual Walk a Mile in Her Shoes Walk 6002 Slide Rd.

Wingate by Wyndam 5214 2nd Dr.

Workforce Solutions South Plains Job Fair

Welcome New Chamber Members!

A Cup of Yo (806) 771-5767 6076 Marsha Sharp Fwy. Lubbock, TX 79407 Ice Cream, Frozen Yogurt & Desserts A Healing Touch Massage Therapy (806) 548-6061 5313 50th St., Ste. A2 Lubbock, TX 79414 Massage Therapists Adams Roof Tech, LLC (806) 928-6062 3132 Slaton Rd. Lubbock, TX 79404 Roofing Contractors Benchmark Mortgage (806) 12419 Quaker Ave. Lubbock, TX 79423 Bankers and/or Mortgage Banker Cornerstone Executives (806) 789-5048 2815 Bay West Blvd.

Horsehoe Bay, TX 78657 Management Consultants DJ Yeti (806) 549-5512 4608 52nd St., Apt. A Lubbock, TX 79414 Disc Jockey Services Exit Realty - Karen York (806) 787-5667 2405 W. Loop 289, Ste. 100 Lubbock, TX 79407 Real Estate

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Fight The Good Fight (806) 577-8471 4410 105th St., Ste. B Lubbock, TX 79424 Non Profit Organizations Flatland Homes (806) 241-7055 3410 98th St., Ste. 5 Lubbock, TX 79423 Building Contractors The Haute Gypsy (806) 544-9915 2610 Salem Ave., Ste. 3 Lubbock, TX 79410 Clothing - Apparel - Retail Inspire Nail Spa (806) 368-8010 3410 98th St., Ste. 7 Lubbock, TX 79423 Nail Salons and/or Manicures Lightspeed Event Rentals (806) 632-4750 1616 Texas Ave. Lubbock, TX 79401 Weddings, Parties & Special Events Planning and/or Catering Lubbock Dream Center (806) 793-3336 1111 30th St. Lubbock, TX 79411 Non Profit Organizations Lubbock Shuttle (512) 299-3983 Transportation One Guy from Italy - 50th St. (806) 791-1210 4320 50th St. Lubbock, TX 79413 Restaurants

Pick-Up Pals, Inc. (806) 794-7444 6810 Wayne Ave. Lubbock, TX 79424 Truck & Equipment Sales, Services, Etc Ranger Beverage, Inc. (806) 438-3315 1502 Ave. K Lubbock, TX 79401 Beverage Distributors Sandfighter Wines & Cellars (806) 786-9250 4001 S. FM 168 Ropesville, TX 79358 Wineries Sinkey’s Crossed Keys Package Store (806) 701-4055 429 Frankford Ave. Lubbock, TX 79416 Liquor, Beer & Wine T8 Fabrication & Design (806) 632-1353 6901 Upland Ave., Ste. 6D Lubbock, TX 79424 Home Accessories & Decor Timeless Custom Frames & Art Gallery (806) 771-2754 3501 50th St., Ste. 112 Lubbock, TX 79413 Custom Framing Triple T Pipe & Supply (806) 771-2040 916 N. Ave. U Lubbock, TX 79415 Utilities

West Texas Realtors (806) 785-6500 3233 63rd St., Ste. B Lubbock, TX 79413 Real Estate Wright Realty & Design (806) 318-9660 2405 20th St. Lubbock, TX 79411 Real Estate - Brokerage ZeeCO Productions (806) 789-5957 5601 Dartmouth St. Lubbock, TX 79416 Television/Film-Programming Production