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Weekly News &
Business Resource Update
Wednesday, December 8, 2021
Due to an AWS widespread outage yesterday that affected our Constant Contact email provider, we were unable to send our weekly newsletter out on time. We appreciate our faithful weekly readers and apologize for the delay.

This week's email includes a reminder about Thursday's sold-out Annual Banquet & Business Excellence Awards and a recap of last week's Ag Lunch with the video from keynote speaker, David Wasserman, "Road Map to the 2022 Midterms & Beyond." You'll also find photos from last week's After Hours at Street Toyota and a reminder for our next After Hours coming up on Thursday, December 16th at Route 66 Auto Haus. We celebrated two ribbon cuttings yesterday, and we have 8 more to finish out 2021. If you didn't complete the Housing Survey last week, here's a reminder to give your input (and get your employees' input) for critical information to the city for planning for future housing needs and economic development. Get information on all of this and more below.

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
We are Celebrating Our Annual Banquet
& Business Excellence Awards on Thursday
We will hold our Annual Banquet and Business Excellence Awards where we will recognize our 2021 winners and celebrate our past year of events at the Chamber on Thursday, December 9th at the Civic Center Grand Plaza. The event will include a social hour with a cash bar starting at 6pm with dinner and the program starting at 7pm. This event is sold out thanks to our many generous sponsors shown below.
Special thanks to these VIP Gold Sponsors: Amarillo College, Amarillo Convention & Visitor Bureau, Amarillo Economic Development Corp., Amarillo National Bank, Atmos Energy, BOC Bank, Boyd's Equipment, Casey Carpet One Floor & Home, City of Amarillo, CNS Pantex, Family Medicine Center/BSA CareXpress Urgent Care, FBMC Benefits Management, FirstBank Southwest, FirstCapital Bank of Texas, Graham Brothers Jewelers, Happy State Bank, Insurica, Interstate Bank, Northwest Texas Healthcare System, Plains Dairy, Reed Beverage, Sharpened Iron Studios, Street Volkswagen of Amarillo, Team Insight & Associates LLC, Terra Accounting and Consulting PLLC, The Barfield Autograph Collection, WT Enterprise Center, and Xcel Energy. View a complete list of table sponsors on our website.
Ag Appreciation Lunch Recap & Video from Keynote Speaker David Wasserman, Senior Editor of The Cook Political Report
The Chamber was a proud supporter of the 2021 Texas Wheat Symposium and Ag Appreciation Luncheon that was held last week in conjunction with the Amarillo Farm and Ranch Show at the Civic Center Grand Plaza!

The keynote speaker was David Wasserman, senior editor of The Cook Political Report and one of the nation's top election forecasters. You can watch his keynote address, "Road Map to the 2022 Midterms & Beyond," by clicking here or the image to the right.

The event was made free of charge for attendees because of the generous support of the event’s sponsors, including Ag Texas, Attebury Grain, BNSF Railway, Capital Farm Credit, FirstCapital Bank of Texas, FirstBank Southwest, High Plains Water District, Plains Land Bank, Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Extension, Texas Cattle Feeders Association, West Texas A&M University Department of Agricultural Sciences, Xcel Energy and State Representative Four Price.
View more photos from the event by clicking here or an image above in our online Flickr album.
Thank You Street Toyota for Hosting our After Hours Last Week
Click here or an image above to view more photos from the event in our online Flickr album.
Join us for Another Free Business After Hours
on Thursday, December 16th at Route 66 Auto Haus
Click Here or the graphic above for more information on Business After Hours free networking events on our website, or click here to view the event on Facebook and invite your friends and colleagues.
Recent Ribbon Cutting & Ground Breaking Events

View more past event photos in our Facebook Album or on Instagram
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. Request your free Ribbon Cutting or Ground Breaking through the event request form online here.
Upcoming Events Within Next Two Weeks
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 8

Ribbon Cutting: Optimal Physical Therapy
10:30am
1616 S. Kentucky Street, Suite D-130
More Information: Aletta, (806) 699-6787
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 9

6:00pm - 9:00pm
Amarillo Civic Center - Grand Plaza
401 S. Buchanan
An evening to see what the Chamber has accomplished this year and to recognize the 2021 Business Excellence Award recipients.
More Information: Lindsey, (806) 342-2006
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 10

Ribbon Cutting: NuSpine Chiropractic
12:00pm
3505 I-40 West, Suite 250
More Information: Stephen, (806) 350-7430
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 14

Ribbon Cutting: DOMA
4:30pm
5305 West Interstate 40
More Information: Lorie, (806) 680-6340
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 16

1:00pm
Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum
2503 4th Ave Canyon, TX
This is a joint ribbon cutting with Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum and Education Credit Union in the Education Credit Union History Studio inside PPHM.
More Information: Lindsey, (806) 242-4917
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 16

4:00pm
2213 S Georgia
More Information: Makayla, (806) 354-1117
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 16

5:00pm - 7:00pm
8201 W. Amarillo Blvd.
Bring your business cards and be ready to meet some new people at this free networking event. There will be food, drinks, fun and lots of networking.
More Information: Ashley, (806) 342-2015
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 17
​
Ribbon Cutting: Sweets & Meats
3:00pm
3300 S Coulter, Suite 5
More Information: Ashlyn, (806) 626-4244
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 17
​
​4:00pm
3501 SW 45th Street, Suite T
More Information: Genna, (806) 355-3000
MONDAY, DECEMBER 20

Ribbon Cutting: Twin Peaks
12:00pm
2401 S Soncy
More Information: Leticia, (806) 513-7273​
See more upcoming ribbon cutting & ground breaking events on our Week's Sneak Peek page. 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. 
One More Opportunity to Give Your Input in this Critical
Amarillo Workforce Housing Study
The City of Amarillo in partnership with Amarillo Economic Development Corporation, Center City TIRZ #1, and Amarillo Association of REALTORS, is sharing this survey (link below) to enhance the city’s housing study currently underway. A variety of quality and affordable housing options is important for any community. This survey and the Needs Assessment will help Amarillo public agencies and the housing development industry better understand the community’s present housing situation. The results could lead to beneficial policy changes and potential new housing choices for the community and its workforce.

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/FHYZZ6Q - Amarillo Workforce Housing Survey (English Version)

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/78KY7GX - Amarillo Workforce Housing Survey (Spanish Version)

The results of this survey will be made available to the general public and community leaders. We are asking our Chamber members to please share this survey link with your employees. This survey is anonymous and confidential, and all information collected will be displayed in aggregate only. Your help will provide vital input from the community.

If you are interested in a unique survey link for your business, please email Michael Prats with Community Development Strategies at mprats@cdsmr.com. This would allow you to see the anonymous results of only your employees to better understand your specific workforce needs. Lastly, there are PDF versions of the survey for anyone that would prefer to print and fill it out. Click here for the English PDF or click here for the Spanish PDF. If you do have paper surveys completed, please email Andrew Freeman with the City of Amarillo at andrew.freeman@amarillo.gov and he will pick up the surveys to provide to the consultants. The survey will be open for a few weeks, so please have paper surveys completed in that time frame if possible.
Thank you for your time and participation in this effort. If you have any questions, please reach out to Andrew Freeman at the email above or at (806) 378-5285.
Survey in English
Survey in Spanish
Stay Tuned for our Chamber Membership Printed Directory in Spring 2022 -- Update Your Listing Now
Watch your email box later this month for ways to update and verify your membership listing in our database. In early December we will export that list to be printed in our 2022 Membership Directory. Be sure and check your listing and let us know of any changes that need to be made to your address, phone, website, and other information before December 6th to ensure your listing is accurate in this printed piece.

Christy Bigler will be emailing out verification forms soon, but you can look up your business anytime through our Online Directory. If something isn't quite right, call or email Christy at (806) 342-2004.

If you would like to get even more exposure in the Membership Directory, Relocation Guide, or printed City Map, contact Cramer Marketing for advertising options to supplement your listing at (806) 371-7310.
Sponsored Content. Click here or the ad above for more information.
Additional Business Resources & Opportunities
MAIN POINT MONDAY FROM AMARILLO MATTERS | December 6

This week's newsletter contains information on:

  • The Lead: The Panhandle Gave and Gave Big!
  • State News
  • Local News
  • Sports Wrap: Stratford Downs Wellington to Secure Semifinal Berth
  • Out & About
  • and more

Click here to read the entire newsletter.
BRICKLY NEWSLETTER FROM BRICK & ELM MAGAZINE | December 7

This week's newsletter includes information on:

  • Food Bank Kicks Off "Together We Can" Drive
  • Local Focus
  • "Tumbleweed Nightmare" after Sunday's High Winds
  • The Panhandle Gives Raises more than $5 million
  • Chip Chandler's "Can't Miss"
  • Eye on Amarillo
  • "Bitter Season" by Chera Hammons
  • and more

Click here to read the entire update.
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.

If you have questions about using the calendar, or what kinds of events are allowed, contact Denise at 373-7800.
Thank You SSBI Partners
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 2021-2022. 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 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.

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.
Chamber Events Planned for 2021
All events are tentative and subject to change.
Watch the online calendar for more details and updates coming soon.
12/9 - Annual Banquet & Business Excellence Awards
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. Watch for our 2022 event schedule coming soon!
COVID 19 Vaccine Offered Through City of Amarillo
The City of Amarillo Public Health Department is currently administering COVID-19 vaccines. Be sure to check the clinic hours, vaccine availability, or the Mobile Clinic location ONLINE before going.
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.
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 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
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
President & CEO

Executive Vice President

VP of Communication & Marketing

Membership Director

Business Development Director

Finance Director / Database Administrator

Director of First Impressions

Communication & Marketing Assistant
See our Staff Directory with photos, direct phone numbers and more on our Contact Us page of the website.
2021-22 Chamber Board of Directors
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

Chris Reed
Chair
Reed Beverage

John Luciano
Chair-Elect
Street Volkswagen

Spanky Assiter
Finance Chair
Assiter Auctioneers

Dusty Doyle
Past Chair
Casey Carpet One Floor & Home

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
Texas Farm Bureau Insurance

DIRECTORS

Tyler Andrews, Andrews & Associates / cat.man.du
Blaine Baker, Crown House Insurance
Scott Bentley, Amarillo EDC
David Bishop, Amarillo ISD
Kevin Carter, Amarillo EDC
Sonja Clark, Bell
Richard Constancio, Shiver-Megert & Associates
Michael Gonzales, Atmos Energy
Joe Graham, Graham Brothers Jewelers
Mark Hodges, FirstCapital Bank of Texas
Matt Irwin, Insurica DFB
Karen Isern, Amarillo National Bank
Wade King, Underwood Law Firm
Charles Leard, M&R Liquor
Sabrina Meck-Perez, Elevate Amarillo President
Jared Miller, Amarillo City Representative
Trent Morris, Workforce Solutions Panhandle
Lindsey Murphy, Education Credit Union
Darrin Murphy, Cal Farley's Boys Ranch
Joseph Peterson, Edward Jones
Brady Ragland, Tri-State Expo
Chris Rhynehart, Rhynehart Roofing
Brandy Sanchez, KAMR/KCIT/KCPN - TV
Doug Street, Affiliated Foods
Wendi Swope, Double U Marketing 
Ronnie Walker, Xcel Energy
Mikel Williamson, Happy State Bank
Sean Wright, GVH Distribution


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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