Click here to view this as a webpage. If you missed our email on Tuesday, August 10th, you can view it here.
Weekly News &
Business Resource Update
Tuesday, August 17, 2021
This week's email includes photos from last week's Business After Hours at Nistler's Resplendent Garden, two new members to welcome, and photos and videos from the three ribbon cuttings we celebrated last week. Sign up now for another FREE webinar from Jody Holland and our SSBI Partners on September 2nd about the Top 3 Business Challenges in the Coming Year. Our SSBI Partner, Atmos, has an important reminder about calling before you dig, and we have several events coming up in the next two weeks. We already have more than 50 teams signed up for the barbecue cook-off, so if you want to promote your business and serve up some tasty food and drinks during the event, the signup link with details is below.
Check out the additional resources section for webinars, news, and events coming up that might benefit your business. 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
After Hours Last Week
Thank You to Nistler's & The Resplendent Garden for Hosting
Thank you to Ron & Suzette Nistler for hosting the Business After Hours on Thursday, August 12th at their beautiful Resplendent Garden event facility. Unfortunately, the wind and rain showed up uninvited and put an early end to the evening. Special thanks also go out to the vendors they had who provided food and drinks including Reagan's Brick Oven, Cheesecake HSTL, Party Wheels, and Budweiser of Amarillo.
Welcome to these New 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 373-7800.
‌
Nick's Trailer Shop
Nicholas Hernandez
4101 SE 25th Ave
Amarillo, TX 79103
(806) 336-6790
We provide repairs to semi-trailers.

Pawsh Pups Pet Boutique & Bakery
Jasmine Olvera
2623 Paramount Blvd Unit 5
Amarillo, TX 79109
(806) 803-1630
We offer organic baked pet treats and dog food. As well as pet merchandise such as collars, leashes, clothing etc. Watch for our Grand Opening on September 13th.
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. Contact Christy Bigler at (806) 342-2004 for more information.

NEW: You can now request your free Ribbon Cutting or Ground Breaking through the event request form online here.
The world is changing fast! Knowing what to prepare for and how to prepare puts your business ahead.

There are a host of challenges that we each face in business. With the uncertainty of 2020, there has been no shortage of things to fret about. But fretting doesn't fix anything. As we have researched the trends in challenges we are going to face moving forward, there are three specific challenges that stand out.

  • How do you tell the story of your business? Your story is the emotional appeal that gets to the heart of employees, potential employees, and customers.
  • How do you build your presence? Once your story is in place, building a presence through strategic marketing initiatives creates a flow of people wanting to learn more about your company.
  • How do you create certainty in the midst of chaos? The manner in which we lead and manage our people will determine their emotional state. That state determines their working style, drive, and stability moving forward.

When you conquer these 3 challenges, you prepare yourself for a year of victories instead of a year of reactivities.

Join us for this online event on September 2, 2021 from 9-10 CST!

Special thanks to our Supporting Small Business Initiative Partners for making this event possible and free of charge to our members.
SSBI Partner Content. Click here to email an Atmos representative directly or click on the graphic above to learn more about calling before you dig.
Upcoming Events Within Next Two Weeks
THURSDAY, AUGUST 19

Ribbon Cutting: Moreland Real Estate Group
12:00pm
6900 I-40 West, Suite 275
More Information: Landon, 420-9948
THURSDAY, AUGUST 19

12:30pm
6900 I-40 West, Suite 151
More Information: Jennifer, 382-5380
FRIDAY, AUGUST 20

Ribbon Cutting: Silver Dollar Speedway
1:30pm
400 SE 58th Avenue (West of Tradewind Rd. on 58th Ave.)
More Information: Jamie, 670-0064
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 3

Ribbon Cutting: Contagion Athletics
10:00am
8210 W Amarillo Blvd.
More Information: Angela, 599-4200
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.
** Calling all Barbecue Cooking Teams **
Show Off Your Skills on Thursday, October 7th at the
25th Almost Annual Good Times Celebration Barbecue Cook-Off
Does your business have a group of professional, amateur, or corporate cooks that are enthusiastic about barbecue that wants to show off their grilling and smoking skills? Why not represent at the 25th Annual Barbecue Cook-Off scheduled for Thursday, October 7, 2021. Registration is now open to Chamber Member businesses to reserve a cooking space at the event as an event sponsor. Get all of the details on the event, what is required of cooking teams, the costs of participating, and the signup form at https://www.amarillo-chamber.org/bbq-sponsorship-form.html. If you have specific questions about cooking teams, please contact Lindsey at (806) 342-2006 or email lindsey@amarillo-chamber.org.
Thursday, October 7, 2021
5pm-8pm
Tri-State Fairgrounds
Everything you love about this event will stay the same, except for the location. We are thrilled to have found a new location for this year at the Amarillo Tri-State Fairgrounds in the parking lot just outside of the Amarillo National Center arena. This new location will allow us to have some extra room to move around and accommodate our 80+ cooking teams and all of the attendees. Ticket prices will remain the same at $30 in advance and $40 at the gate, and still include all you can eat, drink, and network! All-inclusive tickets will go on sale at noon on August 16th through all Panhandle Ticket outlets.

Watch our website and social media for more barbecue cook-off information and a list of sponsors coming soon!
Annual Banquet & Business Excellence Awards
POSTPONED to December 9th
The Annual Banquet and Business Excellence Awards that was originally scheduled for Thursday, August 26th at the Amarillo Civic Center Heritage Ballroom has been postponed until Thursday, December 9th, and will be moved to the Civic Center Grand Plaza. We apologize for any inconvenience.

Check out the complete list of winners and get more information on our website. If you have questions about this event or reserving a table, you can contact Mary at (806) 342-2009.

If you know a young professional or outstanding business that should be recognized with an award, you can nominate someone for a 2022 Business Excellence Award anytime between now and next May 2022 through the webpage.
Additional Business Resources & Opportunities
CITY OF AMARILLO ZOOM Q&A WITH LOCAL PUBLIC HEALTH AUTHORITIES
August 17, 2021 | 4pm

As leaders, we want you to have the information you need to guide your organizations. The City of Amarillo is hosting a zoom Q&A session for you with Dr. Todd Bell, our public health authority, Dr. Brian Weis, Chief Medical Officer for NWTH, and Dr. Michael Lamenteer, Chief Medical Officer for BSA.
Passcode: 536505
TEXAS TECH UNIVERSITY HEALTH SCIENCES CENTER VIRTUAL TOWN HALL DISCUSSION
August 18, 2021 | 1230pm

The public is invited to participate in a virtual town hall discussion on COVID-19 vaccine effectiveness and myths from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. (CST) Wednesday, Aug. 18, via Zoom. “This is Your Shot: Vaccine Facts & Science,” will be hosted by the Texas Tech University System, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center (TTUHSC) and TTUHSC El Paso.

We will have experts from TTUHSC and TTUHSC El Paso. Participants can view the town hall at: https://ttuhsc.zoom.us/j/97343730987 and are encouraged to sign in at 12:15 p.m. due to limited seating, or you may watch it live-streamed from the TTUHSC Amarillo YouTube channel here.
FEDERAL RESERVE BANK OF DALLAS WEBINAR - ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENTS & IMPLICATIONS FOR MONETARY POLICY
August 20, 2021 | 10am

On August 20, join us for a virtual discussion on the economy and monetary policy featuring Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas President Rob Kaplan and Texas Tech University's Rawls College of Business Dean Margaret Williams from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Central. Take advantage of this valuable opportunity to learn more about the national economy, the Federal Reserve, and implications for Texas Tech.

Click here to register and get more information.
TAB WEEKLY UPDATE | August 9, 2021

The Texas Association of Business Weekly Update includes:

  • State Chamber Updates at the capitol and at headquarters
  • A message from the TAB President
  • Annual Policy Conference
  • Best Companies to Work for in Texas Gala
  • Texas-Mexico Summit on November 15th
  • Legislative Awards Reception on November 29th
  • New TAB members and more

 Click here to read the entire update.
MAIN POINT MONDAY FROM AMARILLO MATTERS | August 16, 2021

This week's newsletter includes information on:

  • The Lead: Vet School
  • State News
  • Local News
  • Sports Wrap: What's Next for High School Football Radio Broadcasts
  • Out & About - Community Events
  • and more

Click here to read the entire update.
BRICKLY NEWSLETTER FROM BRICK & ELM MAGAZINE | August 17, 2021

This week's newsletter includes information on:

  • Amarillo's population topping 200,000
  • Local Focus
  • Classes Begin at Tech Vet School
  • New Nonstop Flights from Amarillo
  • Xcel Energy is Top Clean Energy Provider
  • Chip Chandler's "Can't Miss"
  • Eye on Amarillo
  • Jason Burr Documents a Cattle Drive
  • 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.
Attention Members Who Joined Through Our Member Mania Membership Event June 22-24
If you are a new member who signed up during our Member Mania event June 22-24, we need you to update your Membership Listing so that your listing appears properly in our online and printed directories. You can request your login credentials to update your listing on your own by emailing Denise@amarillo-chamber.org, or we can update your listing for you with the following information:

  • business name
  • business address
  • primary contact person's name
  • billing address if different
  • phone number
  • website address
  • social media links
  • email address (this is for our use only and will not be printed or shared)
  • business category type (you can choose up to 3 categories to be listed in)
  • and 25-word description about your business

As soon as we get a more complete list of new members, we will share that list in this email in the coming weeks. Thank you for your patience as we work to get our more than 500 new members updated in our database so we can provide you with a more accurate listing.
Thank You SSBI Partners
Welcome to our newest Supporting Small Business Initiative Sapphire Partner, the WT Enterprise Center. Thank you for your commitment to the Chamber and our business community!
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.
9/2 - Top Business Challenges Webinar with Jody Holland
9/9 - Business After Hours at Amarillo Club
10/7 - Good Times Celebration® Barbecue Cook-Off at the Tri-State Fairgrounds
10/14 - Business After Hours at Casey Carpet One
10/28 - Business Leader Panel Discussion In-Person Seminar
11/4 - Business Webinar with Jody Holland
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
12/9 - 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.
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

VP of Membership & Business Development

VP of Communications & Marketing

Membership Director

Business Development Director

Database Administrator

Director of First Impressions

Communication & Marketing Assistant

Senior Consultant
See our Staff Directory with photos, direct phone numbers and more on our Contact Us page of the website.
2020-21 Chamber Board of Directors
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

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
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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