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Weekly News &
Business Resource Update

Tuesday, March 14, 2023

This week's email includes:


  • An Invitation to the Next Business After Hours at the WTAMU Amarillo Center with Special Co-Hosts Northwest Texas Healthcare System and Scarborough Specialties
  • 3 New Chamber Members to Welcome
  • Photos and Videos from 3 Recent Ribbon Cutting Events
  • BusinessConnection Pearl Anniversary Tradeshow Booth Reservations Now Open and Call for Food Court Participants
  • More Upcoming Ribbon Cuttings, Ground Breakings, Council Meetings & Events Happening Soon
  • A Short Taking Flight Survey Regarding Private vs Commercial Flights
  • City Release: New Southwest Airlines Flight to Houston in October
  • Text Message Reminders about Networking Events
  • A Special Testimonial from Welcome Pardner!
  • Additional Business Resources & Opportunities Including:
  • Main Point Monday eNewsletter from Amarillo Matters | March 13
  • Brickly eNewsletter | March 14
  • Spring Job Fair on April 11
  • Chamber Job Bank -- List Your Job Openings For Free
  • Online Community Calendar - Promote Your Events
  • A List of Chamber Events Coming in 2023
  • A Shout-Out and Special Thanks to 2 New SSBI Partners
  • and More


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. 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

penni@amarillo-chamber.org

www.amarillo-chamber.org

Save the Date for our Next Business After Hours at the WTAMU Amarillo Center Downtown on Thursday, March 23rd

"Business After Hours" are FREE business networking events for current and future members of the Amarillo Chamber of Commerce.  They include food, drinks, door prizes, and lots of mixing and mingling.


Click here to find this event on Facebook and invite your friends and colleagues, or click here to get more information including past photos and future hosts on our website.

Welcome to these New Chamber Members

 

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 (806) 373-7800.

Planet Fitness

Wendy Cox

3801 Olsen Blvd Unit A

Amarillo, TX 79109

(480) 536-6250

https://www.planetfitness.com/about-planet-fitness

No matter what you’re looking for in a gym, we’ve got a membership option made for you. All Planet Fitness members enjoy unlimited access to their home club and the support of our friendly, knowledgeable staff anytime you need it. PF Black Card® members receive additional benefits, including the ability to bring a guest for free and access to any of our 2,400+ PF locations.

Response Ready, LLC

Doug Hogan

5600 Bell St, Ste. 105 #234

Amarillo, TX 79109

(865) 298-3100

https://responsereadytraining.com/

Response Ready is here to provide you the knowledge and skills to take the necessary action in time of crisis. We offer medical, safety, and preparedness training courses that include CPR AED, First Aid, Basic Life Support, Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support, Pediatric Advanced Life Support, and many more. Our company is dedicated to serving the needs of all individuals, industries, and disciplines. We offer comprehensive, scheduled classes at our training locations, as well as the flexibility of bringing the training to your business or organization.


Special Spaces Amarillo

Carol McKinney

Amarillo, TX 79109

8066546191

https://www.specialspacesamarillo.org/

We are SPECIAL SPACES, a 501 c 3 non profit organization in Amarillo, TX. SSA was created by Carol McKinney to bless local kids ages 3-18 who are critically or terminally ill, special needs or have lost a sibling, by providing them with free room refreshes at home or the hospital. We realize some kids in this situation must spend more time at or away from home than other kids & it’s our desire for them to have a SPECIAL SPACE to enjoy wherever they are!

Recent Ribbon Cutting & Ground Breaking Events


View more past event photos in our Facebook Album or on Instagram


Click here or the image above to view or share the photo on Facebook,

or click here to watch their ribbon cutting video.

Click here or the image above to view or share the photo on Facebook,

or click here to watch their ribbon cutting video.

Click here or the image above to view or share the photo on Facebook,

or click here to watch their ribbon cutting video.

Reserve Your Booth Now at the 30th Annual BusinessConnection Tradeshow Happening Thursday, May 18th at the Amarillo Civic Center

We are excited to offer our longest-running annual event for members, so make sure you are a part of this one-day business-to-business tradeshow that connects nearly 300 businesses with thousands of other members and the general public. It's a great way to show off your products and services and see new trends in a number of different industries. Visit our website, or sign up as a sponsor to secure your space now and get tons of extra publicity and sponsor benefits.

Thanks to these sponsors who have already signed up: Gold Sponsors: Amarillo Economic Development Corporation, Amarillo National Bank, AW Broadband, and Double U Marketing. Silver Sponsors: 1-800-Plumber + Air & Electric, Andrews & Associates, Bell, City of Amarillo, FirstBank Southwest, Happy State Bank, Jenny Edwards Photography, KT Black, Polaris Healthcare, RedCap Staffing and Zip Print.

Get More Info & Reserve A Booth

Tradeshow Food Court

Are you a restaurant, caterer or food/beverage provider? Promote your products in the Tradeshow Food Court as part of our BusinessConnection Tradeshow on May 18th from 1130am-130pm. Attendees at the show will be able to purchase lunch tickets in advance for $10 each, or they will be $15 at the door. Food Court Tickets include a one-time entry for all you can eat samples from these participants while in the Food Court. (Note, to-go plates are not available and all food and drinks must be consumed within the food court area of the Regency Room.)


Thank you to these companies who have already signed up to participate. If you would like more information on showcasing your food or beverages in the Tradeshow Food Court, contact Lindsey at (806) 342-2006.

Food Court Participants:



Belmar Bakery

Chick-fil-A on Georgia

Desperado's Catering

Dominos

Embassy Suites/1887 Social House

Hoffbrau

HTeaO / Texas Tea

Joe Taco

La Fiesta Grande

Mr. Gatti's

Nothing Bundt Cakes

Sonic

Sweets and Meats

The Lost Cajun

Ye Olde Pancake Station

Yolo’s

Chamber Events Coming Up Soon
 
 

THURSDAY, MARCH 23


Club Meeting: Round-Up Luncheon**

11:45am

575 Pizzeria at 7710 Hillside Rd., Suite 700

More Information: Lindsey, (806) 342-2006

THURSDAY, MARCH 23


Ribbon Cutting: First National Bank

3:30pm

8700 FM 2219

More Information: Kara, (806) 759-1364

​Find this event on Facebook soon.


THURSDAY, MARCH 23


Chamber Event: Business After Hours at Harrington Academic Hall WTAMU Amarillo Center with Special Guests Scarborough Specialties & Northwest Texas Healthcare System

5:00pm-7:00pm

720 S Tyler

More Information: Ashley, (806) 342-2015

​Find this event on Facebook

FRIDAY, MARCH 24


Ribbon Cutting: Urban Air Adventure Park

3:00pm

7701 I-40, Suite 700

More Information: Kelsey, (504) 265-3955

​Find this event on Facebook

 

TUESDAY, MARCH 28


Council Meeting: Business Council**

11:45am

Chamber Board Room

More Information: Mary, (806) 342-2009

THURSDAY, MARCH 30


Ribbon Cutting: George Distributors Inc. / Miller of Amarillo

4:00pm

Loop 335 at Ross Osage

More Information: Duffy, (806) 336-8330

​Find this event on Facebook

FRIDAY, MARCH 31


Ribbon Cutting: Coppers House of Rage

1:00pm

6801 Bell St, Suite 800

More Information: Robyn, (806) 340-8630

​Find this event on Facebook

 

See more upcoming ribbon cutting & ground breaking events on our Week's Sneak Peek page or on our online calendar. If you would like more information on scheduling an event like this for your business, complete the online Ribbon Cutting Request Form.


* NOTE: We will help promote Ribbon Cutting or Ground Breaking events held outside of our normal business hours, however, we cannot guarantee the Chamber Staff or RoundUp Club members will be in attendance. 


**Meeting requires RSVP and is open to council/committee members only and is closed to the public. If you would like more information on the meeting or open council/committee seats, please contact the staff member listed.

Taking Flight Survey - Give Us Your Feedback on

Commercial vs Private Flights for Business Travel

Dear Business Leader, 


We at Taking Flight - Amarillo continuously strive to get a better understanding of your business’s economics, prospects and travel perspectives, as we continue to enhance the air service opportunities with our airline partners.  We want to thank you for your partnership and assistance in this endeavor. We must all continue to work together to see that the needs of your business, and our region as a whole, are represented in this effort.


During the pandemic and even now, the demand for “private flying”, whether private ownership flying or private charter flying has seen a significant increase in its role in air transportation. It is important for us to have a better understanding of this trend and if it is relevant in Amarillo & the Panhandle in general. Please help us in this important research by taking this brief 3-question survey. 


If you have any questions or additional thoughts, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me. Thank you for helping to support the Panhandle region and the Rick Husband Amarillo International Airport. 


Be safe,  

 

Jason Harrison

President & CEO

Amarillo Chamber of Commerce

(806) 342-2018

Click Here to Answer 3 Short Questions


Southwest Airlines New Houston Flight Begins in October

March 9, 2023


AMARILLO – Starting Oct. 8, Amarillo travelers will once again experience more travel options featuring Houston as Southwest Airlines, in conjunction with Rick Husband Amarillo International Airport, will celebrate the start of new Sunday only non-stop service to Houston’s William P. Hobby Airport (HOU).


Starting in October, the new expanded service to Houston – Hobby will operate seasonally on Sundays. Southwest (WN) Flight 3459 will depart Amarillo at 3:40 p.m. and arrive in Houston at 5:30 p.m. The return flight, Southwest Flight 2793, will depart Houston - Hobby at 1:10 p.m. and arrive in Amarillo at 2:55 p.m. Starting Oct. 8 the flights will operate on Sundays only.


With the return of HOU to Southwest’s portfolio of nonstop destinations from Amarillo, the portfolio will include, Dallas Love (DAL), Denver International Airport (DEN), Austin Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) and Las Vegas’s Harry Reid International Airport (LAS). Southwest’s strong network allows ample connections with as little as one-stop every day between AMA and many of the airline’s destinations including Houston.


“Southwest Airlines continues to show its commitment to Amarillo and the Texas Panhandle by providing a variety of options for travelers,” said Amarillo Mayor Ginger Nelson. “The return of Houston to the ever-expanding list of destinations for Amarillo travelers is another example of this commitment. As Amarillo continues to grow and prosper, the city needs an array of options for business and personal travel.


Southwest Airlines – as it has for decades - is helping Amarillo meet this need.” “We are proud of the continued partnership with Southwest Airlines and excited for the nonstop flight from Amarillo to Houston,” said Jason Harrison, president and CEO of the Amarillo Chamber of Commerce. “This returning service will not only help our community get into south Texas for personal and business travel but will allow our businesses an easy and efficient way to get to many destinations in both the Western and Southwestern United States and Mexico for business development and economic development growth efforts.”


“Southwest Airlines’ partnership with the Amarillo community is a testament to Southwest’s trust in our local leaders and the citizens of Amarillo who fly. Southwest understands that our community is growing and continually responds positively with new flights like the return of this one to Houston,” said Michael Conner, Director of Aviation for Rick Husband Amarillo International Airport. “I know the community will take advantage of this great opportunity and support the future of air service here in Amarillo.”


For more information, contact City of Amarillo Communications Manager Dave Henry at (806) 378-5219 or by email at David.Henry@amarillo.gov.

Do you love networking at our After Hours Events but sometimes forget they are happening? Opt in to our text message reminders by texting the word CHAMBEREVENTS (without a space) to 71441. We send reminders of the date, time and location 2-3 hours before the event starts. It's free, but standard text message rates apply if you don't have unlimited texting. We also send out registration reminders about bigger events coming up through this special keyword. It's a great way to stay in the loop.


Please note, if you would like to opt in for reminders about ribbon cutting events, text the word REDCOAT to the same number. Note, ribbon cuttings are open to the public, but in order to serve on our Roundup Club as a Redcoat Representative, you must apply online.

A Special Testimonial

March 15, 1981, DJ Stubben wrote her check to purchase a little newcomer service: Welcome Pardner! "Thanks to our community, sponsors and recipients: it’s grown to an interactive, direct mail marketing association!"


"One of the first things I did when I took over the business, was to join the Amarillo Chamber of Commerce. We’re still active members and honored to do so. Thank YOU!!!"


Congratulations on 42+ years, DJ! Thank you for your long-time commitment to the Chamber and our business community and for sharing our news with your subscribers!

Sponsored Content. Click here or the ad above for more information.
Additional Business Resources & Opportunities
 

MAIN POINT MONDAY FROM AMARILLO MATTERS | March 13


This week's newsletter includes information on:


  • The Lead: Planning for the Future
  • State News
  • Local News
  • What We're Listening To
  • Out and About
  • and more


Click here to read the entire update.

 

BRICKLY NEWSLETTER FROM BRICK & ELM MAGAZINE | March 14


This week's newsletter includes information on:

  • ANB Gives $2.5 Million More to Amarillo College
  • Local Focus
  • Energy Savings through Landscaping
  • Southwest Flight to Houston Resumes
  • Here Come the Calf Fries
  • Spring Break Lunch Program
  • Chip Chandler's "Can't Miss"
  • Eye on Amarillo - Will Ferrell
  • Big Swing: Tiger Flight Golf Club
  • and more


Click here to read the entire update.

 

REGISTER TODAY FOR THE 2023 SPRING JOB FAIR | April 11



Location: Amarillo Civic Center’s North Exhibit Hall, located at 401 S Buchanan St, Amarillo, TX 79101.

Date: Tuesday, April 11th, 2023

Time: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM

Booth Setup: Day of the event beginning at 8:30am

Attendees: Over 700 job seekers attended the last in-person job fair


Each employer typically sends 2 participants, but you are welcome to send more.


COST:

  • Booth Price on or before March 31, 2023 – $100
  • Booth Price on or after April 1, 2023 – $125
  • Lunch will be catered by Market Street. The cost for each boxed lunch is $10.00.


PROVIDED:

  • 8 foot table & chairs
  • Free Public Wi-Fi
  • Breakfast snacks & coffee



Register at https://wspanhandle.com/amarillo-job-fair-employer/

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.

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.


Please do not use this form to request or schedule a ribbon cutting or ground breaking event.


If you have questions about using the calendar, or what kinds of events are allowed, contact Denise at 806-373-7800.

 

Chamber Events Planned for 2023

All events are tentative and subject to change.

Watch the online calendar for more details and updates.

 

3/23/23 Business After Hours at Harrington Academic Hall WTAMU Amarillo Center with Special Guests

Scarborough Specialties & Northwest Texas Healthcare System

4/6/23 Business After Hours at Happy State Bank

5/4/23 Business After Hours at Sharpened Iron Studios

5/18/23 30th Annual BusinessConnection Tradeshow

6/22/23 Business After Hours at Adobe Walls Stoneworks

7/13/23 Business After Hours at Amarillo National Bank Skyline Conf. Room

7/20/23 Chamber Open Golf Tournament

8/10/23 Business After Hours at the Tri-State Exposition / Fairgrounds

8/24/23 Business Excellence Awards Celebration

9/7/23 Business After Hours at Casey Carpet One

9/21/23 Business After Hours at FirstBank Southwest Downtown Tower

10/5/23 27th Annual Chamber Barbecue Cook-Off

10/19/23 Business After Hours at Rockwood Furniture

11/9/23 Business After Hours at Four Points Sheraton (Hosted by RAM Hotels)

12/7/23 Business After Hours at Street Volkswagen


If you have questions about participating in or sponsoring any events, please call the Chamber at (806) 373-7800 or email chamber@amarillo-chamber.org.

Thank You 2023 Supporting Small Business Initiative Partners

We are excited to welcome two new partners to the Chamber's Small Business Initiative. Thank you to Ruby Partner Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center and Sapphire Partner KT Black for your commitment to the Chamber and our entire small business community.

The Chamber is thrilled to recognize our sponsors that stepped up to be part of the Supporting Small Business Initiative for 2022-2023. This 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 the year.


Please join us in thanking these generous underwriting partners that are serving the Chamber, our members, and the entire business community with their support. DIAMOND PARTNERS: Amarillo Economic Development Corporation, Amarillo National Bank, Atmos Energy, Happy State Bank, Northwest Texas Healthcare System, CNS Pantex, Reed Beverage, and Xcel Energy. RUBY PARTNERS: Amarillo College, Bank of America, Casey Carpet One, Southwest Airlines, and Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center. SAPPHIRE PARTNERS: Andrews & Associates / cat.man.du, AT&T, Avant Garden, AW Broadband, BSA Health System, Carson Wealth Management, Edward Jones, FirstBank Southwest, FirstCapital Bank of Texas, Insurica, and KT Black.


If you would like to know more about this program and the benefits of partnership, contact Jason Harrison or Ashley Gutierrez at (806) 373-7800.

Chamber Partner Cramer Marketing Offers
Advertising Options to Members

The Chamber has had a partnership with Cramer Marketing (formerly Data Flow) for more than 15 years. Cramer is great at helping us promote our Members in our Printed Directory and our community through our Relocation Guides and City Maps. We are proud to offer these high-quality publications to our members and people looking to call Amarillo home at no cost thanks to our generous supporters and advertisers. Sold, produced, and printed locally! If you would like to showcase your business in these great publications, give us or the Cramer Marketing team a call at (806) 371-7310.


Note: All members receive a complimentary business listing in the printed directory. Keep in mind the deadline for new and current members to be included in the 2023 Printed Membership Directory is December 2nd, so make sure your membership dues are current so you aren't left out of this important publication or if you know of a business who is not yet a member of the Chamber, tell them to sign up soon! Get more exposure for your business with a paid advertisement in one of the above mentioned publications.

Chamber Partner CGI Communications Offers
Advertising Options to Members
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 representatives and their team of associates 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 Zeke or Stacey at the contact information below.
Zeke Siembor
(585) 427-0020 Ext. 548 or (585) 301-5301
Stacey Siembor
(800) 398-3029 Ext. 538 or (585) 305-4909
Associates:
Corey Mulhern, Ken Wuest, and Maura Saraco
 
 
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.
Chamber Staff

Jason Harrison

President & CEO


Lindsey Arbeiter  

Executive Vice President


Penni Bentley

VP of Communications & Marketing


Ashley Gutierrez

Membership Director


Mary Garcia

Business Development Director


Christy Bigler

Finance Director / Database Administrator


Denise Rayford

Director of First Impressions


Sydney Frye

Communication & Marketing Assistant

See our Staff Directory with photos, direct phone numbers and more on our Contact Us page of the website.

2022-23 Chamber Board of Directors

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE


John Luciano

Chair

Street Volkswagen


Spanky Assiter

Chair-Elect

Assiter Auctioneers


Richard Constancio

Finance Chair

Shiver-Megert & Associates


Chris Reed

Past Chair

Reed Beverage


Jason Harrison

President & CEO

Amarillo Chamber of Commerce


Wes Wright

Business Chair

Wright Law TX, PLLC


Julie Imke

Membership & Quality of Life Chair

Harrington Academic Hall

WTAMU Amarillo Center


Ed Nichols

Governmental Affairs Council Chair

Brown Graham & Company, P.C.

 

Brice Sheets

Ag & Natural Resources Chair

Alpha Media


DIRECTORS


Tyler Andrews, Andrews & Associates / cat.man.du

Blaine Baker, Crown House Insurance

Brad Baldridge, Xcel Energy

Scott Bentley, Amarillo EDC

Kevin Carter, Amarillo EDC

Sonja Clark, Bell

Tony Ensor, Amarillo Sod Poodles

Michael Gonzales, Atmos Energy

Mark Hodges, FirstCapital Bank of Texas

Jody Holland, Jody Holland Training & Speaking

Matt Irwin, Insurica DFB

Karen Isern, Amarillo National Bank

Wade King, AgTexas Farm Credit

Charles Leard, M&R Liquor

Brent McClure, KFDA NewsChannel 10

Jared Miller, Amarillo City Representative

Joby Mills, Happy State Bank

Trent Morris, Workforce Solutions Panhandle

Lindsey Murphy, Education Credit Union

Joseph Peterson, Edward Jones

Brady Ragland, Tri-State Expo

Lindsay Reynolds, Elevate Amarillo President

Chris Rhynehart, Rhynehart Roofing

Doug Street, Affiliated Foods

Wendi Swope, Double U Marketing 

Sean Wright, GVH Distribution

Ryan Zimmer, A-1 Rocket Industries



Learn more about our Board of Directors

on our website. 


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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