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Weekly News &
Business Resource Update
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This week's email includes photos from last week's BusinessConnection Tradeshow, a reminder about our 2021 Business Excellence Awards application deadline coming up on Friday, and an article from one of our Supporting Small Business Initiative Partners about energy rebates from Xcel Energy that might benefit your business. We are happy to welcome 1 new member this week, and you can find a photo of the ribbon cutting we did last week as well as what events are coming up in the immediate future. Mark your calendar for our next Business After Hours coming up on June 10th at Adobe Walls Stoneworks, and if you are a golfer, check out the date and information on our Chamber Open coming up in July. Don't forget you can post job openings in our Job Bank or events in our Community Calendar for free. You can get information on all of this and more below.
We will continue to monitor the COVID-19 situation and add new information and resources to our COVID Resource Page on our website that may be important to our members.
On behalf of our staff, Board of Directors, and the Amarillo business community, we want to thank you for your continued support of the Amarillo Chamber of Commerce, and we look forward to serving you now and in the future. Please let us know what we can do to help your business.
Penni F. Bentley
VP of Communications & Marketing
Amarillo Chamber of Commerce
1000 S Polk
Amarillo, TX 79101
806.373.7800
806.342.2005 direct
806.674.7334 cell
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Thanks to Everyone for Making our 2021 BusinessConnection® Tradeshow a Success
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Thanks for a great BusinessConnection 2021! We are so grateful for the businesses and members that participated in or came out to visit our business-to-business tradeshow last Thursday at the Tri-State Fairgrounds. Click here to view, print, download, and share photos from our online Flickr photo album, and we hope to see you at our 2022 tradeshow next May!
We are so thankful to our Gold Sponsors including the Amarillo Economic Development Corporation, Amarillo National Bank, and Amarillo Tri-State Exposition. Our Silver Sponsors include Andrews & Associates IT Solutions/ Premier Alarm Solutions, AW Broadband, Bell, Double U Marketing, FirstBank Southwest, Goodwill, Happy State Bank, Joe Marr Wilson Law Firm, Northwest Texas Healthcare System, Smile Workshop, and Zip Print. |
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Applications for our 2021 Business Excellence Awards
Due Friday, May 28th
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If you or your business was nominated for a 2021 Business Excellence Award, you should have received an application to complete and return to the Chamber no later than Friday, May 28th. Our winners will be announced later this summer and recognized at our Annual Banquet happening on August 26th.
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Downtown Athletic Club Trims Electricity Costs with
Xcel Energy LED Retrofit
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Amarillo’s Downtown Athletic Club has bulked up lighting efficiency throughout its facility while reducing monthly electricity costs through an Xcel Energy rebate program that encourages the use of LED illumination.
Some of the most noticeable changes at this busy downtown gym are on the basketball and racquetball courts where new LED lighting provides a brighter and more directed light, enhancing the workout experience, said Mike Hodge, building engineer for the Hodge Management Group (pictured right).
“It’s a win-win deal for us, especially with the rebate,” Hodge said.
A growing list of businesses and attractions across Xcel Energy’s Texas-New Mexico service area have taken advantage of LED rebates over the past few years, benefitting from the superior light of LEDs and the fact that they use at least 75% less energy than traditional lighting and last 25 times longer. Energy savings translate into lower monthly bills, which is especially appealing to large facilities where lighting is a large part of monthly energy costs. And though LEDs can be more expensive upfront, the rebate can be applied to make a retrofit more affordable.
“LEDs provide instant light at full brightness while emitting a more directed light using less energy,” said Bryan Whitson, product portfolio manager for Xcel Energy in Amarillo. “These benefits are even more apparent in a setting such as the Downtown Athletic Club because our eyes take in a large amount of visual information at once when we’re engaged in activities such as basketball and racquetball, and LEDs provide superior clarity.”
In addition to providing better light, LEDs also provide benefits such as:
- A reduction in lighting replacement and maintenance costs because new lamps and ballasts have a longer rated life.
- Improved air conditioning efficiency because updated electronic ballasts produce less heat than standard ballasts.
- A reduction in the number of light fixtures needed.
- The ability to install controls as part of a lighting system and use lights only when and where needed.
- Conservation of natural resources and a reduction in pollution as less energy is needed to operate LEDs.
Xcel Energy uses approved contractors to guide customers through the retrofit process and verify the potential savings from investing in energy-efficient lighting. The retrofit at Downtown Athletic Club has reduced the facility’s total electric demand and is expected to cut more than 140,000 kilowatt-hours of usage annually. Based on these projected savings, Downtown Athletic Club received a rebate of close to $12,000 to offset the cost of the retrofit.
Xcel Energy offers several efficiency programs that help customers save money by using electricity more efficiently. More information on these programs can be found at www.xcelenergyefficiency.com.
SSBI Partner Content. Click here to email an Xcel Energy representative directly or visit their website and find more information about their upgrade.
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SSBI Partner Content. Click here to email an Xcel Energy representative directly or click on the graphic above to visit their website and find more information about their upgrade.
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Welcome to this New Member |
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If you know of a business that is not a member of the Chamber, we always appreciate referrals. For more information on joining the Chamber and the costs and benefits, click here, or give our Membership Director Ashley a call at 373-7800. |
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Any Lab Test Now
Susan Bailey
201 Westgate Parkway West Ste L
Amarillo, TX 79121
(806) 331-3335
A direct access lab meaning we provide the doctor's order for any test you want. No appointment needed. There is no visit fee. A great resource for those with no insurance or high deductibles. Fast, friendly, affordable, and discrete service for all testing needs.
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Recent Ribbon Cutting Events
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Is your organization a new member of the Chamber? Is your business celebrating a milestone anniversary (10, 25, or 50 years) in business? Have you recently moved to a new location or undergone a major renovation? Will you be building a new location for your business? We can help you celebrate with a Ribbon Cutting or Ground Breaking event. Contact Christy Bigler at (806) 342-2004 for more information or to schedule your free event!
Please Note: Ribbon Cutting and Ground Breaking events are only held between the hours of 9am - 5pm Monday through Thursday or 9am - 3pm on Fridays. If you need to have an event outside of those days or hours, contact us about borrowing our big scissors or shovels and conducting your own.
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Upcoming Events Within Next Two Weeks |
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FRIDAY, MAY 28
9:30 am
3703 Wolflin
More Information: Gabe, 223-5048
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MONDAY, MAY 31
Memorial Day: Chamber Closed
We will be closed for the holiday and resume normal business hours on Tuesday, June 1st.
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THURSDAY, JUNE 10
5:00pm - 7:00pm
7410 Hillside
More Information: Ashley, 342-2015
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FRIDAY, JUNE 14
1:30pm
3450 S Soncy, Suite 400
More Information: Casey, 418-6752
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TUESDAY, JUNE 15
9:30am
1303 SE 3rd
More Information: Andrew, 418-2433
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10:30am
7480 Hillside Rd
More Information: Kaitlin, 731-7813
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Mark Your Calendar for Business After Hours
on Thursday, June 10th
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Get more information on upcoming After Hours on our website, and click here to join the event on Facebook and invite your friends and colleagues. |
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Chamber Open Golf Tournament is July 22nd at Tascosa Golf Club |
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We will soon be networking on the greens at the 22nd Annual Chamber Open Golf Tournament that will happen at the Tascosa Golf Club on Thursday, July 22nd. If you participated in this event in 2020 (yes, this was the only big event we held last year), watch your email in the coming weeks for information on renewing your sponsorship to participate and play this year or contact Denise at 373-7800 or denise@amarillo-chamber.org to commit. Any new teams or sponsorships will be put on a waiting list on a first-come basis.
Watch our website for 2021 tournament details coming soon! |
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Additional Business Resources & Opportunities |
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SBA VETERANS SMALL BUSINESS ADVISORY COMMITTEES TO HOST VIRTUAL PUBLIC MEETINGS JUNE 2 AND 3
WASHINGTON – The U.S. Small Business Administration's Interagency Task Force on Veterans Small Business Development (IATF) and Advisory Committee on Veterans Business Affairs (ACVBA) will hold virtual public meetings on June 2 and 3, respectively, via Microsoft Teams.
"Each quarter, our advisory committees convene to discuss the challenges faced by the veteran small business community as well as to recommend advice and policy changes for our Agency, Congress, the President, and other policymakers to ensure our Nation’s heroes are supported throughout their entrepreneurial journey," said Larry Stubblefield, Associate Administrator for the SBA's Office of Veterans Business Development. "We encourage veteran small business owners and stakeholders to join our meetings to provide public comment and learn how our committees are working to reduce barriers to entrepreneurship for veterans across the country.”
The IATF will meet on Wednesday, June 2, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. (EDT) via this Microsoft Teams link. To join the meeting by phone instead, use (202) 765-1264 and Conference ID: 979 863 534#
The ACVBA will meet on Thursday, June 3, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (EDT) via this Microsoft Teams link. To join by phone instead, dial (202) 765-1264 and enter the Conference ID: 804 504 248#
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CHAMBER JOB BANK -- LIST YOUR JOB OPENINGS FOR FREE
Is your company hiring? Did you know you can put job openings in our online Job Bank for FREE?
Check out our website and click the buttons for "Job Seeker" or "Employer" and you can either view job openings or post your own with an online form.
Have questions, contact Denise at (806) 373-7800. |
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ONLINE COMMUNITY CALENDAR - PROMOTE YOUR EVENTS
Are you holding a fundraising event, open house, or other special events you want to share with the public? You can add events to our Online Community Calendar for FREE. Click here to complete the online form and submit it to the Chamber. Your event will not be visible until our staff approves the event, typically within 1-2 business days.
If you have questions about using the calendar, or what kinds of events are allowed, contact Denise at 373-7800. |
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The Chamber is thrilled to announce and recognize our new sponsors that are stepping up to be part of the Supporting Small Business Initiative for 2021. This new program is designed to support the Chamber's efforts to serve our small business community better by offering programs, seminars, virtual events, and more for little to no cost to our members throughout 2021.
Please join us in thanking these generous underwriting partners that are serving the Chamber, our members, and the entire business community with their support.
If you would like to know more about this program and the benefits of partnership, contact Jason Harrison at (806) 373-7800 or jason@amarillo-chamber.org. |
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Chamber Events Planned for 2021
All events are tentative and subject to change.
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6/10 - Business After Hours at Adobe Walls
7/8 - Business After Hours at First United Bank (The Colonies)
7/15 - Building a Company Culture Seminar with Jody Holland
7/22 - Chamber Open Golf Tournament at Tascosa Golf Club
7/29 - Business After Hours at WT Enterprise Center (or Revolution at 800)
8/12 - Business After Hours at Nistler's Lawn & Landscape's Resplendent Garden
8/26 - Annual Banquet & Business Excellence Awards
9/9 - Business After Hours at Amarillo Club
9/23 - Business After Hours at Snow Bear Heat & Air
10/7 - Good Times Celebration® Barbecue Cook-Off at the Tri-State Fairgrounds
10/21 - Business After Hours at Casey Carpet One
10/28 - Business Seminar
11/4 - Business After Hours at The Nesting Place - Bushland
11/18 - Fall Mega Market
11/18 - Business After Hours at Fairfield/Four Points Downtown Amarillo
12/1 - Ag Appreciation Luncheon at the Amarillo Civic Center
12/2 - Business After Hours at Street Toyota
12/16 - Business After Hours at Rt. 66 Auto Haus
If you have questions about participating in or sponsoring any events, please call the Chamber at 373-7800.
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COVID 19 Vaccine Offered Through City of Amarillo |
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The City of Amarillo Public Health Department is currently administering COVID-19 vaccines. Immunizations will take place at the Amarillo Civic Center Complex (401 S Buchanan St, Amarillo, TX 79101) or through their Mobile Clinic.
Be sure to check the clinic hours, vaccine availability, or the Mobile Clinic location ONLINE before going. |
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Chamber Partner CGI Communications Offers
Advertising Options to Members
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CGI Communications has been a partner of the Amarillo Chamber for a number of years. CGI handles several advertising products offered to our members including website banner ads, community videos, ReviewTube reviews, and now has a new Magellan tool for voice activated website searching for text and videos.
Our representative, Al Forys, and his team will be reaching out to some of our members to offer more information about these tools that may be beneficial for your business.
Should you want more information on any of their products, reach out to Al Forys at the contact information below.
Senior Sales Executive
CGI Communications, Inc.
(585) 576-0947
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We try to alert you anytime a third party may contact you so that you know they are a trusted and legitimate partner of the Amarillo Chamber. You may see our complete list of advertising options and partners on the Advertising Opportunities page of our website. We encourage you to always check this site or contact Penni Bentley at (806) 373-7800 to verify our official program partners before giving out personal or financial information.
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President & CEO
VP of Membership & Business Development
VP of Communications & Marketing
Membership Director
Business Development Director
Database Administrator
Director of First Impressions
Senior Consultant
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See our Staff Directory with photos, direct phone numbers and more on our Contact Us page of the website.
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2020-21 Chamber Board of Directors |
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EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
Dusty Doyle
Chair
Casey Carpet One Floor & Home
Chris Reed
Chair-Elect
Reed Beverage
John Luciano
Finance Chair
Street Volkswagen
Michelle Reichert
Past Chair
CNS Pantex
Jason Harrison
President & CEO
Amarillo Chamber of Commerce
Brandy Sanchez
Membership & Quality of Life Chair
KAMR/KCIT/KCPN-TV
Wes Wright
Business Chair
Wright Law TX, PLLC
Leon Church
Ag & Natural Resources Chair
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DIRECTORS
Tyler Andrews, Andrews & Associates / cat.man.du
Blaine Baker, Crown House Insurance
Scott Bentley, Amarillo EDC
David Bishop, Amarillo ISD
Lew Bradshaw, Pat Davis Properties
Kevin Carter, Amarillo EDC
Ryan Chandler, Northwest Texas Healthcare
Richard Constancio, Shiver-Megert & Associates
Joe Graham, Graham Brothers Jewelers
Jason Henderson, Bell
Brady Hochstein, Elevate Amarillo
Mark Hodges, FirstCapital Bank of Texas
Julie Imke, WTAMU Amarillo Center
Charles Leard, M&R Liquor
Trent Morris, Workforce Solutions Panhandle
Ed Nichols, Brown, Graham & Company, P.C.
Joseph Peterson, Edward Jones
Stephanie Price, Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum
Aaron Sage, Sage Oil Vac
Doug Street, Affiliated Foods
Wendi Swope, Double U Marketing
Ronnie Walker, Xcel Energy
Peter Warrick, Atmos Energy
Mikel Williamson, Happy State Bank
Lance Wolff, Insurica DFB
Learn more about our Board of Directors
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The Chamber cannot guarantee your success or your profitability,
but it can guarantee the right business climate for you to succeed.
– Author Unknown
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