{Click here to view this as a webpage.} If you missed our email on Tuesday, September 5th, you can view it here.

 
 
 
Weekly News &
Business Resource Update

Tuesday, September 12, 2023

This week's email includes:


  • Photos from Last Week's Business After Hours at Casey Carpet One
  • A Second After Hours Planned for September at FirstBank Southwest Downtown Tower on September 21st
  • A Reminder about the Chamber Barbecue Cook-Off Happening in 23 Days...Tickets on Sale Now and Call for Volunteers
  • 3 New Members to Welcome
  • More Upcoming Ribbon Cuttings, Ground Breakings, Council Meetings & Events Happening Soon
  • A Slug Bug Car Show from SSBI Partner, Street Volkswagen
  • An SSBI Partner Guest Column from Bank of America on Relationships and Money
  • A Remembering 9/11 Video from SSBI Partner, Pantex
  • Text Message Reminders about Networking Events
  • CGI Digital Offers Video Content to Chamber Members
  • Additional Business Resources & Opportunities Including:
  • Amarillo Matters eNewsletter | September 11
  • Brickly eNewsletter | September 12
  • Chamber Job Bank -- List Your Job Openings For Free
  • Online Community Calendar - Promote Your Events
  • A List of Chamber Events Happening in 2023 & 2024
  • 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

Thanks to Casey Carpet One for Hosting

Last Week's Business After Hours

Click here to view, print, or share more photos from this event from our online Flickr album.

Join Us for Another Business After Hours at the FirstBank Southwest Downtown on Thursday, September 21st

"Business After Hours" are FREE business networking events for current and future members of the Chamber and include free food, drinks, door prizes, and lots of networking. Find the event on Facebook and invite your friends! Click here or the image above for more information on this and upcoming events.


Want to get text message reminders about After Hours events? Text CHAMBEREVENTS to 40691. Text message reminders go out 3 hours before the event start time.  

Barbecue Cook-Off is Thursday, October 5th

Team Spots are Sold Out

Event Tickets on Sale Now at Panhandle Tickets Outlets

The Barbecue Cook-Off on Thursday, October 5th is well on it's way to being the biggest and best yet. Check out our website for a list of sponsors and teams signed up. If you have questions about this event, email Lindsey at lindsey@amarillo-chamber.org or call (806) 342-2006.



Visit our website for more information, and check back often for the latest updates.

Want to be a BBQ Volunteer?

We rely heavily on dozens of volunteers to help us host this huge event. Our guests appreciate being able to enter the event smoothly and in a timely manner, which is why volunteers are critical to a good experience and positive first impression of the Chamber and our Barbecue Cook-Off.


We are looking for volunteers to work a shift for a little over an hour on Thursday, October 5th. Volunteers will help at the entrance gates with directing the flow of people, affixing wristbands, checking ID's, taking tickets, and more. Volunteers are then allowed to attend the event for free and enjoy all of the great food and drinks either before or after their 1 hour and 15 minute shift. Volunteers can wear their logo'd shirt and get some extra publicity for their business at this event while they work.


If you or some of your employees would like to be considered to serve, click the button below for more information on volunteer requirements, code of conduct, and available shifts. Please note that an application is not a guarantee you will be asked to serve, as space is limited. Denise will follow-up with all applicants with more information or a confirmation. You can contact Denise at 806-373-7800 if you have questions.

Apply to be a BBQ Volunteer

Welcome to these New Members

 
 

DeBault Title

Michael DeBault

1619 S Kentucky Ste C-370

Amarillo, TX 79102

(806) 425-3039

www.debaulttitle.com (Coming Soon)

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100095361244380

Real Estate Title Company.

Ideal Dental

Xandra Huseman

3629 Wolflin Ave

Amarillo, TX 79102

(806) 356-5002

www.myidealdental.com

Dental office with convenient locations. Open 6 days a week. All dental services under one roof. Now that’s ideal. We are here for all your smile needs.


Joe Tax & Business Solutions

Chau Tran

1008 E Amarillo Blvd

Amarillo, TX 79107

(806) 373-7044

www.joetaxusa.com

Tax Preparation and Business Services for Amarillo and Panhandle in Texas.

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 us a call at (806) 373-7800.

Chamber Events Coming Up Soon
 

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 14


Ribbon Cutting: GMA's Homemade Salsa

1:00pm

7693 Canyon Dr

New Business & Chamber Member

More Information: Mary, (806) 803-0850

​Find this event on Facebook

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 15


Ribbon Cutting: Woodforest National Bank

10:00am

4610 S Coulter

Located inside the Walmart Supercenter at 45th & Coulter.

Milestone Anniversary- 20+ Years

More Information: Tyson, (806) 352-9012

​Find this event on Facebook

 

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 20


Chamber Event: Head Cook's Meeting**

5:00pm

1000 S Polk (Chamber Front Steps)

One representative from each of our confirmed barbecue teams must be present at this meeting to get important updates for the event, sponsorship packets, and rules from the Health Department.

More Information: Lindsey, (806) 342-2006

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 21


Ribbon Cutting: DeBault Title

3:30pm

1619 S Kentucky, Ste C-370

Grand Opening

More Information: Michael, (806) 316-9826

Find this event on Facebook

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 21


Chamber Event: Business After Hours at FirstBank Southwest Downtown Tower

5:00pm-7:00pm

600 S Tyler St

Free Networking Event

More Information: Mary, (806) 342-2009

Find this event on Facebook

 

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 22


Ribbon Cutting: Box Drop of Amarillo

1:00pm

4515 S Georgia

New Ownership

More Information: Chris, (806) 433-3545

​Find this event on Facebook

 

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 22


Ribbon Cutting: Amarillo Netplex *

6:00pm

3723 SW 58th

Remodel / Expansion with New Pickleball Club

More Information: Lindsay, (806) 410-2053

​Find this event on Facebook


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

 

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 28


Ribbon Cutting: RockOne Realty

3:30pm

14422 FM 2590

New Location

More Information: Tara, (806) 599-9900

​Find this event on Facebook

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 29


Ribbon Cutting: Don Harrington Discovery Center

10:00am

1200 Streit Dr

New Space Exhibit

More Information: Kirk, (806) 355-9547

​Find this event on Facebook

 

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 4


Private Event: Team Night**

5:00pm

Tri-State Fairgrounds

This is a private event for our cook teams and their guests by invitation only. Wristbands are required for entry, and no tickets will be sold. No wristband, no entry, no exceptions. Be sure and purchase a ticket for the big event on Thursday at any Panhandle Tickets outlet for $30 in advance or they will be $40 at the gate the day of the event.

More Information: (806) 373-7800

 

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 5


Chamber Event: 27th Annual Good Times Celebration Barbecue Cook-Off

5:00pm - 8:00pm

Tri-State Fairgrounds

Get All-Inclusive tickets at any Panhandle Tickets outlet including the Civic Center Box Office, by phone at (806) 378-3096, or any area United Supermarkets, Market Street, or Amigo's for $30 in advance. Tickets will be $40 at the gate. Tickets include admission to the event, all the food and drinks, networking, and live music from Velvet Funk.

More Information: (806) 373-7800

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, Chamber Staff or RoundUp Club members will not 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.

SSBI Partner Content: Click here or the image above to learn more about the Street VW Car Show,

or click here to email a Street Volkswagen representative directly.

Relationships and Money -- How to Avoid Triggering Financial ‘Red Flags’ in a Relationship  

 

Alicia D. Martinez, Financial Center Manager

Bank of America in Amarillo

So, you have met someone who could be the one…! It’s an exciting point in a relationship. You are learning about them, what attracts you to them, and what drives them. But in the process, you could also unpack unexpected traits that might be less desirable. Distinguishing between a small annoyance and a larger ‘red flag’ is important early on in a relationship, including those that impact your financial stability and outlook. 


Identifying financial ‘red flags’ in a relationship and discussing money management can be uncomfortable, but they are top of mind for many couples and need to be addressed before things get serious. A recent Bank of America survey found that 56% of people consider financial red flags when looking for a romantic partner. Millennials (68%) and Gen Z (63%) are even more likely to keep an eye out for troublesome financial habits.

 

Whether you are wary of how your person of interest handles their own finances or find yourself struggling with your own, it is important to set yourself up for success for the long haul:

 

 

  • Not paying bills on-time and in-full every month. According to a recent Bank of America survey*, 60% of Americans view the act of missing bill payments regularly or not paying them in full as a major financial red flag. Not only is this an unsettling habit, but there is also a possibility of late fees once they miss the deadline. If you, or the person you are with, have trouble making payments on-time, create reminders to keep you on track or set-up autopay. Try your best to live within or below your means to continue on the path toward financial success. 


  • Not sticking with a budget. For 41% of Americans*, not sticking to a budget triggers a financial red flag. Budgeting is one of the fundamental ways to ensure financially responsibly. If you find yourself in this situation, make sure you set up a proper savings plan, as not having one is another red flag for 35% of people. Take a realistic look at where spending has increased so you know where to cut back and redirect funds into your savings.  


  • Not having an emergency fund. For 36% of Americans, not having an emergency fund is something that raises concern. Emergency funds can act as a financial cushion for unforeseen events like a recession, job loss, or for day-to-day issues like car repairs or medical costs. If you do not have an emergency fund, the goal is to save anywhere from three months to one year’s worth of living expenses—whatever you can manage. The first step is to create a savings rhythm that fits your current lifestyle, and then continue growing your emergency fund over time with regular contributions. Don’t forget to save in a separate account as a first line of defense to reserve your emergency fund truly for emergencies. 


Money and managing finances have long been known as one of the biggest dividers in a relationship. Having open and candid conversations about finances will save you both a lot of heartache down the road. If you are willing to communicate and make smart financial decisions, those ‘red flags’ could turn into green lights. 

SSBI Partner Content: Click here to visit their website,

or click here to email a Bank of America representative directly.

SSBI Partner Content: Click here or the image above to watch this tribute video,

or click here to email a Pantex representative directly.

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 40691. 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 be considered to serve on our Roundup Club as a Redcoat Representative, you must apply online.

CGI Digital Offers Video Content to Chamber Members

The Chamber is proud to continue our more than nine-year partnership with CGI Digital to offer video content to be featured on the Chamber's website to our members. CGI created a series of events for the Chamber to promote Amarillo as a great place to live, learn, work, and play to feature great parts of our community to visitors and those who may be considering relocating to the area. CGI representatives may reach out to you as a Chamber member to offer their products and services to you to be included in this program and to gain more exposure through our website. If you are considering video content for your business, we hope you schedule an appointment with a representative to learn more about the program and see if it is a good fit for your business.


For information on our partnership with CGI Communications for our Community Video Program, watch our 1-minute Press Release video from Chamber VP of Communications & Marketing, Penni Bentley. Learn more about our third-party advertising partners on our website.


​View our Community Video Tour here to watch the Chamber's videos and see list of current video partners. We are thankful to these companies who have already partnered with CGI Digital and the Chamber:


  • 7:12 Homes
  • Accent Embroidery
  • Amarillo Dental Associates
  • Amarillo Snuff Co.
  • Buxton Insurance
  • Champion BBQ Supply
  • Connie Taylor Group / Keller Williams
  • Education Credit Union
  • Experience Homes
  • EXP Realty - Sabre Cofer
  • Furman Land Surveyors, Inc.
  • GDI - Geospatial Data, Inc.
  • Gaut-Whittenburg-Emerson
  • Gee Family Farms
  • Grizzle Heating & Air
  • Happy State Bank
  • Highland Park ISD
  • Price Roofing Co.
  • Quality Assurance Rofing
  • REV Realty Group of Fathom Realty - Frances Frost
  • San Jacinto Christian Academy
  • Triangle Realty
  • West Texas A&M University
  • West Texas Medicare Group

Special thanks go out to local videographer, Lindsay Gomez with 41 Productions, for shooting most of the video content in the Chamber's Videos. We are also thrilled to have local chiropractor and voice-over actor, Dr. Jeff Williams of Creek Stone Integrated Medical narrating the Chamber's main videos in the program. You can check out more of his Voice-Over work here.

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

MAIN POINT MONDAY FROM AMARILLO MATTERS | September 11


This week's newsletter includes information on:


  • The Lead: The Future of Health
  • State News
  • Local News
  • Out and About
  • and more


Click here to read the entire update.

 

BRICKLY NEWSLETTER FROM BRICK & ELM MAGAZINE | September 12


This week's newsletter includes information on:


  • Amarillo Tri-State Fair Centennial Day
  • Local Focus
  • Habitat Hosting Classes for Aspiring Homeowners
  • West Texas Ranch Rodeo
  • WTAMU Announces First United Field
  • Chip Chandler’s “Can’t Miss”
  • EXCLUSIVE: Tri-State Fair Events
  • Eye on Amarillo
  • Making Wolfprints at West Plains
  • 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.


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 & 2024

All events are tentative and subject to change.

Watch the online calendar for more details and updates.

 

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

11/16/23 - Business After Hours at TownePlace Suites (Hosted by RAM Hotels)

12/7/23 - Business After Hours at Street Volkswagen


1/11/24 - Bomb City Distillery

1/25/24 - Street Toyota

2/22/24 - Amarillo Botanical Gardens

3/21/24 - WTAMU Amarillo Center / NWTHS / Scarborough Specialties

4/11/24 - Happy State Bank

5/2/24 - Window on a Wider World

5/23/24 - 31st Annual BusinessConnection Tradeshow

6/6/24 - Adobe Walls Stoneworks

7/11/24 - KT Black

7/18/24 - Tentative Chamber Open Golf Tournament

8/8/24 - Tri-State Exposition / Fairgrounds

9/5/24 - Casey Carpet One

9/19/24 - FirstBank Southwest

10/3/24 - 28th Annual Chamber Barbecue Cook-Off

10/17/24 - Reed Beverage

11/7/24 - Amarillo Sod Poodles

12/5/24 - 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

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, Adobe Walls Stoneworks, Bank of America, Casey Carpet One, Prosperity Bank, Southwest Airlines, Street Volkswagen, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, and TEEMS Manufacturing. SAPPHIRE PARTNERS: Andrews & Associates, AT&T, Avant Garden, AW Broadband, BSA Health System, Carson Wealth Management, Edward Jones, FirstBank Southwest, Insurica, and KT Black.


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

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 and the team associate may 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 Rich Yohonn at the contact information below.

Rich Yohonn

ryohonn@cgicompany.com

(585) 427-0020 Ext.394 or (585) 472-2008

Associate:

Rob Shea

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


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

West Texas A&M University


DIRECTORS


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

Blaine Baker, Crown House Insurance

Brad Baldridge, Xcel Energy

Kevin Carter, Amarillo EDC

Sonja Clark, Bell

Tony Ensor, Amarillo Sod Poodles

Skylar Gallop, Elevate Amarillo President

Michael Gonzales, Atmos Energy

Andrew Hall, Amarillo EDC

Mark Hodges, Prosperity Bank

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

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
If you were forwarded this email, please do not click the unsubscribe button below
if your email address is not the one visible.
 
 
Amarillo Chamber | Website
 
Facebook  Twitter  Instagram  Youtube