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North San Antonio Chamber Members and Partners,

Thank you to our Government Affairs Council, sponsors, and guests for a successful State of the County. This was the first live event many of us have attended together for the first time in over a year. It was a great feeling to be with our members and partners after the challenging year we endured. We want to thank those of you that came and were appreciative of the compliments from many of you.

"Congrats to all who played a part in organizing this event. I thought Frank Burney did an outstanding job. His questions were thoughtful and engaging and the judge was incredibly authentic and honest. I really enjoyed the program. Thanks so much for all the hard work and preparation." - Laura Vaccaro (Valero)

"I second that. It was a great event!"- Armando Niebla (KFW) (in response to above comment)

Bexar County Judge Nelson Wolff shared insight on San Antonio's pandemic recovery and Bexar County's economic outlook in a discussion moderated by Frank Burney. Burney did a wonderful job asking the Judge provoking and thoughtful questions covering professional and personal topics. The Judge touched on San Antonio and Bexar County's response to COVID, including friends lost to the virus, University Health System's mass vaccination site, and its impact on the community. The Judge also mentioned some of his favorite projects throughout his professional career, including Bibliotech and Mission Reach, recognizing Councilwoman Viagran for her leadership on the initiative. He also highlighted Navistar, a San Antonio manufacturing vehicle production facility.

Trey Dawson, 2021 Chair of the North SA Chamber, once again touted the Spring 2019- Spring 2021 City Council Scorecard. He also announced the development of the North SA Chambers Civic Leadership Academy, a civic engagement program to identify and mentor diverse, business-minded professionals interested in running for public office at the local level. One of the Chamber initiatives is to enhance the influence of the business community and will do so by establishing this program. Stay tuned for more on this as we promote registration for the program to commence in 2022! Let us know if you or someone you know may be interested in participating.
Left to Right: Frank Burney (Martin & Drought), Chris Corso (Joeris), Gary Joeris (Joeris), Judge Nelson Wolff (Bexar County), Cristina Aldrete (North SA Chamber), Rob Killen (Killen, Griffin & Farrimond), Trey Dawson (Pape-Dawson Engineers)
Left to Right: Bexar County Judge Nelson Wolff with moderator Frank Burney (Martin & Drought)
North San Antonio Chamber State of the County event at The Grand Hyatt Downtown San Antonio.
North SA Chamber President & CEO, Cristina Aldrete
As Texas's 87th Legislative Session nears completion, Senate Bill 14 remains a priority bill we are closely monitoring. SB 14 relates to employment benefit mandates such as employee leave and predictive scheduling. Instead of regulations, employers need stability and consistency while rebuilding and recovering from the pandemic. SB 14 would help create needed clarity for Texas to get back to work. SB 14 was heard in the House State Affairs Committee on May 6, 2021, with public input on May 10, 2021.

Thank you to those that responded to the survey we sent out on behalf of the Texas Association of Businesses (TAB) to determine whether businesses are facing workforce challenges. Out of 177 businesses surveyed:
  • 70% of businesses currently have open positions to fill.
  • The majority of these businesses cited the $300/month federal supplements are hindering their ability to fill the vacancies.

What I'm Reading Today:

Let it Roar! | The Perryman Group | Dr. M. Ray Perryman

Sincerely,
Membership Video Series
We're grateful North San Antonio Chamber Members feel supported by our advocacy and the connection we have been developing with our members since 1974. Watch this short video to explore ways several businesses persevered through the pandemic.
Lisa Fullerton, A Novel Idea, LLC | Hunter Woolfolk, DOCUmation | Chris Corso, Joeris General Contractors
San Antonio's Summer Forecast
A discussion on tourism, the outlook for summer, and the city's recovery.

Join us for the return of Power Networking Breakfast with Guest Speakers:
Jesus Saenz, Director of Airports & Dave Krupinski, Interim CEO of Visit San Antonio
The Government Affairs Council serves as an advocate for Member businesses and their employees before municipal, county, state, and federal officials on political policy issues impacting the economic growth, quality of life, and financial health of local industries. The Council informs and educates Members on proposed initiatives, policies, and legislation which may affect the way business in San Antonio is conducted.
June 1| Government Affairs Council Meeting

Our next meeting is on June 1, 2021. Members interested in joining the Government Affairs Council may email Membership@northsachamber.com or register here.
Upcoming North San Antonio Chamber Events

May 21 | Joint City Council Candidate Run-Off Forum
June 9 | Joint Chamber City Council Welcome
Local & State Updates
May 14| Small Business Commission Priority Deadline Extended

PRIORITY DEADLINE EXTENDED! The City of San Antonio is seeking applicants for positions on the newly established Small Business Advisory Commission. The City of San Antonio needs to hear from our local business community. Apply today!
May 28 |SAWS seeking candidates for new Community Experience Committee

The focus of the CEC is to maintain a constant dialogue with our neighbors by educating and seeking feedback from a diverse group of community-oriented individuals on a range of topics to improve the overall customer experience. Members should be active in HOAs, trade groups, and community organizations so the information we share can be disseminated to others.
Federal Updates
May 20 | FEMA Registration for the Winter Storm

The deadline for FEMA registration for those affected by February's Winter Storm is May 20, 2021. Recovery resources are below.
The Infrastructure Council serves as a resource and strategic advocate for San Antonio regional infrastructure planning and development to improve the quality of life for our members and stakeholders.
June 9 | Infrastructure Council Meeting

Our next meeting is on June 9, 2021. Members interested in joining the Infrastructure Council may email Membership@northsachamber.com or register here.
The Workforce Development Council serves in an advisory role to assess, research, and design strategies that address workforce development challenges and opportunities. North San Antonio Chamber members are kept abreast on local workforce trends and demands, creating programs through collaborative partnerships to address workforce shortages.

Our next meeting is May 20, 2021, featuring an update from San Antonio's Economic Development Department. Members interested in joining the Infrastructure Council may contact the NSAC team at Membership@northsachamber.com or register here.
May 9 -15 | Governor Abbott Proclaims Small Business Week in Texas

Texas is BIG on SMALL Businesses. Small businesses play a crucial role in supporting our community and state's economy. According to the U.S. SBA, 9 out of 10 businesses in Texas are small and employ nearly half the state's workforce. Check out additional resources at the Governor's Small Business Resource Portal.
May 19 | SA Works Internship Youth Program

Calling all businesses! SA Works helps your business hire interns. Tap on the image below to register.
Now accepting applications | Program begins Summer 2021
Contact Chris Bugg at cbugg@northsachamber.com | 210.384.7721
Thank you to our 2019 Innovative Leadership Class! We're excited to be back in 2021!
May 26 | Sodalis Senior Living Ribbon Cutting
May 20 |National Stop the Bleed Day Virtual Training Class

Learn how to save a life! Participate in a free Stop The Bleed Training Class.
May 20| Tech District Reboot Rally

Enjoy free food, drinks, and treats from the acclaimed Pinkerton BBQ as we unveil a new Tech Bloc web platform for exploring all of the Live-Work-Play-Learn opportunities inside SA’s downtown tech district.
May 14 | Small Business for America's Future: State of the Economy

Join the Small Business Administration and White House for an update on the state of the economy including the American Jobs Plan and the American Families Plan and what they mean for your business.
June 9 | CivTechSA, powered by the City of San Antonio & Geekdom announces 2021 

CivTechSA 2021 Residency will provide opportunities for respondents to transform the City using technology and business ideas. CivTechSA Residency Program is a 12-week program where the City invites startups to solve civic challenges. A selection committee will choose three startups to embed inside of City Departments and collaborate closely with the City to build custom solutions for San Antonio. Applications close June 9, 2021.
May 31 | Application due Spectrum Reach advertising grants for locally-owned businesses
Opportunities
Chamber Access & Services
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Phone: 210.344.4848 | Email: membership@northsacchamber.com
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