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Weekly News &
Business Resource Update
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This week's email includes:
- BusinessConnection Tradeshow Recap & Photos
- 1 New Member to Welcome
- An Invitation to our Next Business After Hours on June 6th at Adobe Walls Stoneworks
- More Upcoming Ribbon Cuttings, Ground Breakings, Council Meetings & Events Happening Soon
- SSBI Partner Content from Bank of America -- Keeping Finances on Track When Switching Jobs
- Text Message Reminders about Networking Events
- Additional Business Resources & Opportunities Including:
- Brickly Newsletter | May 28
- Visit Amarillo Newsletter | May 28
- Chamber Job Bank -- List Your Job Openings For Free
- Online Community Calendar - Promote Your Events
- A List of Chamber Events Happening in 2024
- SSBI Partners
- A Tip About Email Scammers
- CGI Digital Offers Video Content to Chamber Members
- 2023-24 Board of Directors
- 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
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Thank you to all of our BusinessConnection sponsors, exhibitors, and attendees for your part in helping us have a successful event last week. We loved seeing everyone network among the more than 250 exhibitors and thousands of attendees. And the 20+ Tradeshow Food Court participants served up some of the best food and drinks ever. We even sold a record number of Opportunity to Win tickets to help raise additional funds for the Chamber through our Southwest Airlines ticket giveaway. Mark your calendar for May 15, 2025 for next year's BusinessConnection Tradeshow. You won't want to miss it!
Click here or on an image below to view, print or download more photos from the event in our online Flickr album.
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Welcome to this New Chamber Member | | |
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The Rustic Leopard
Terrie Flores
2806 Duniven Circle
Amarillo, TX 79109
(806) 433-9643
therusticleopard.com
Retail Fashion Accessories
We are your ONESTOP SHOP for every need! From outfits Sizes S-3x, sheets, and Topanga Laundry Detergent.
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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. | |
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Mark Your Calendar for Next Business After Hours at
Adobe Walls Stoneworks on Thursday, June 6th
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"Business After Hours" are FREE business networking events for current and future members of the Amarillo Chamber of Commerce that include free food, drinks, networking and door prizes. Click here for more information and photos of past events, and look for the event on Facebook and invite your friends! | |
Chamber Events Coming Up Soon | |
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WEDNESDAY, MAY 29
Board Meeting: Chamber Board of Directors**
12:00 p.m.
Chamber Board Room
Closed Meeting--Board Members Only
More Information: Lindsey, (806) 342-2006
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WEDNESDAY, MAY 29
Council Meeting: Membership Council**
3:30 p.m.
Amarillo Club
Closed Meeting--Council Members Only
More Information: Lindsey, (806) 342-2006
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THURSDAY, MAY 30
Club Meeting: Round-Up Club Luncheon**
11:45 a.m.
Macaroni Joe's at 1619 S Kentucky
Closed Meeting--Council Members Only
More Information: Sydney, (806) 342-2019
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TUESDAY, JUNE 25 -
THURSDAY, JUNE 27
Chamber Event: Membership Extravaganza
Reed Beverage - 3701 SE 25th
The Chamber Staff along with volunteer Event Chairs and teams will be recruiting new members during our 2 1/2 day membership building event. Stay tuned for more information on this fun event that will potentially grow the chamber with lots of new members.
More Information: Lindsey, (806) 342-2006
NOTE: The Chamber office will be closed Tuesday through Thursday for this event. No ribbon cutting or ground breaking events will be scheduled during this week due to staff availability.
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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.
**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.
* 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.
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Keeping Finances on Track When Switching Jobs | |
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There’s much more than salary to consider when weighing a job offer – including location, benefits and the financial ramifications of leaving your present employer. Each could significantly impact your long-term financial security.
Q: When taking a new job, will I give up an annual bonus, equity compensation or deferred compensation from my old job?
If a portion of your current compensation is tied to an annual bonus, equity compensation or deferred compensation plan, such as a retirement or stock option plan, you may have to forfeit those assets when taking a new job if they aren’t vested or exercised.
Q: How do I compare benefits at both jobs?
Understand not only what benefits are available but also what you qualify for. A pay hike is important, but if you lose access to benefits, you may end up worse off. For example, losing a company-funded pension or switching to a company with a smaller matching amount might negatively impact your finances in the long term. Other benefits to consider are healthcare coverage, disability income insurance and life insurance.
Q: Are there unanticipated costs that could affect my net income?
If a job involves relocating, look closely at housing costs and tax rates, as these can significantly impact your net income. See if your new employer might be willing to cover relocation costs and ask your financial advisor to help calculate what your net income and cash flow might look like in a different area.
Q: What should I do with my existing retirement plan account?
Depending on your financial circumstances, needs and goals, as well as prior retirement plan design, you may be allowed to leave the funds in its existing account, roll the balance into a traditional IRA or Roth IRA, roll over your 401(k) account to an account under your new employer’s plan, or even cash it out. The best course of action for your situation will depend on your account balance, the investment options and fees in your old and new accounts, your tax bracket and more.
Q: Could the job change affect my investment strategy?
Overall, job transitions present an excellent opportunity to meet with your advisor to assess your progress toward specific financial planning goals and to consider potential adjustments.
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Breezy Adams
First Vice President, Resident Director - Wealth Management Advisor
Merrill Lynch Wealth Management Amarillo
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Q: What should I do with my existing retirement plan account?
Depending on your financial circumstances, needs and goals, as well as prior retirement plan design, you may be allowed to leave the funds in its existing account, roll the balance into a traditional IRA or Roth IRA, roll over your 401(k) account to an account under your new employer’s plan, or even cash it out. The best course of action for your situation will depend on your account balance, the investment options and fees in your old and new accounts, your tax bracket and more.
Q: Could the job change affect my investment strategy?
Overall, job transitions present an excellent opportunity to meet with your advisor to assess your progress toward specific financial planning goals and to consider potential adjustments.
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SSBI Partner Content: Click here for more information from Bank of America,
or click here to email a representative directly.
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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.
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Sponsored Content. Click here or the ad above for more information.
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Additional Business Resources & Opportunities | | |
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BRICKLY NEWSLETTER FROM BRICK & ELM MAGAZINE | May 28
This week's newsletter includes information on:
- Finalists Announced for City Manager Position
- Local Focus
- Is ASARCO Reopening in Amarillo?
- 108th District Court Judge Runoff Election
- Business Improvement Grants
- WTAMU Welcomes New “Thunder”
- Interactive City Map to Help Improve Roads
- In the Current Brick & Elm
- Chip Chandler’s “Can’t Miss”
- Eye on Amarillo
- 150th Anniversary of Second Battle of Adobe Walls
- Local Obituaries (4th Week of May)
- and More
Click here to read the entire update.
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THE AMARILLO WEEKLY EDIT | May 28
The Amarillo Weekly Edit is produced and distributed by the Amarillo Convention & Visitor Bureau (CVB) that maintains the VisitAmarillo.com website. This weekly newsletter includes upcoming events and things to see and do in Amarillo.
- Fitness @ KT Black Route 66 5K Walk/Run
- Happening this Week
- On-Going Exhibits / Shows / Workshops
- Impressionists Immersive Exhibit
- CCC Cattle Drive & Parade Photo Contest
- Stay in the Know
- and More!
Click here to read the entire newsletter.
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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.
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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.
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Chamber Events Planned for 2024 & 2025
All events are tentative and subject to change.
Watch the online calendar for more details and updates.
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2024
6/6/24 - Adobe Walls Stoneworks
7/11/24 - KT Black
7/25/24 - Chamber Open Golf Tournament
8/8/24 - Tri-State Exposition / Fairgrounds
8/22/24 - Business Excellence Awards Celebration
9/5/24 - Amarillo National Bank
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
2025
1/9/25 - Bomb City Distillery
1/23/25 - Street Toyota
2/11-13/25 - Panhandle Days in Austin
2/20/25 - Amarillo Botanical Gardens
3/20/25 - Home2Suites by Hilton (Thirty-Nine 23 Management, LLC)
4/10/25 - Happy State Bank
5/8/25 - Hampton (Hosted by RAM Hotels)
5/15/25 - 32nd Annual BusinessConnection Tradeshow
6/5/25 - Adobe Walls Stoneworks
7/10/25 - Cactus Cove Inn & Suites
8/7/25 - Tri-State Exposition / Fairgrounds
9/4/25 - Casey Carpet One
9/18/25 - FirstBank Southwest
10/2/25 - 29th Annual Chamber Barbecue Cook-Off
10/16/25 - Reed Beverage
11/6/25 - WTAMU Amarillo Center / NWTHS / Scarborough Specialties
12/4/25 - 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.
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Thank You 2023-24 Supporting Small Business Initiative Partners | |
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The Chamber is thrilled to recognize our sponsors that stepped up to be part of the Supporting Small Business Initiative for 2023-24. 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, 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.
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A Reminder to Check the Address BEFORE You Click Links or Open Attachments | |
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WE HATE SPAMMERS! Here's a reminder to always check before you click on any attachments or links in emails that look like they are sent from the Amarillo Chamber. BEFORE you click on html links or attachments, hover over the name that sent the email so that you can see the actual address that sent the email. Just because the name says "Amarillo-chamber," the email address was not one of our staff members. And if the email shows our name but the email address is not one shown below, delete it and mark it as junk. Any other sender claiming to be the Chamber is fake or a scammer and you should never click links or provide personal information. Even if it looks like an invoice, those would only come from one of the email addresses below.
or
Please add our emails to your address book and mark us as a safe sender. If you are unsure if an email you received that looks like it was from us is real or not, don't hesitate to give us a call at 806-373-7800. Be diligent and help us keep your information and computer networks safe.
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CGI Digital Offers Video Content to Chamber Members | |
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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 Roofing
- REV Realty Group of Fathom Realty - Frances Frost
- San Jacinto Christian Academy
- Triangle Realty
- West Texas A&M University
- West Texas Medicare Group
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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. | |
Chamber Partner CGI Communications Offers
Advertising Options to Members
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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.
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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.
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See our Staff Directory with photos, direct phone numbers and more
on our Contact Us page of the website.
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2023-24 Chamber Board of Directors | |
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EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
Spanky Assiter
Chair
Assiter Auctioneers
Richard Constancio
Chair-Elect
Shiver-Megert & Associates
Julie Imke
Finance Chair
Harrington Academic Hall
WTAMU Amarillo Center
Dusty Doyle
Membership & Quality of Life Chair
Casey Carpet One
John Luciano
Past Chair
Street Volkswagen
Jason Harrison
President & CEO
Amarillo Chamber of Commerce
Wes Wright
Business Chair
Wright Law TX, PLLC
Ed Nichols
Governmental Affairs Council Chair
O'Brien-Marsh, LLC
Brice Sheets
Ag & Natural Resources Chair
Alpha Media
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DIRECTORS
Blaine Baker, Crown House Insurance
Patricia Bara, M&R Liquor
Brad Baldridge, Xcel Energy
Kevin Carter, Amarillo EDC
Sonja Clark, Bell
Julie Doty, Nothing Bundt Cakes
Tony Ensor, Amarillo Sod Poodles
Andrew Freeman, City of Amarillo
Skylar Gallop, Elevate Amarillo President
Michael Gonzales, Atmos Energy
Andrew Hall, Amarillo EDC
Jody Holland, Jody Holland Training & Speaking
Matt Irwin, Insurica DFB
Karen Isern, Amarillo National Bank
Wade King, AgTexas Farm Credit
Kevin Kuehler, FirstBank Southwest
Jack Light, Cumulus Media
Brent McClure, KFDA NewsChannel 10
Joby Mills, Happy State Bank
Lindsey Murphy, Agent Construction Services
Brady Ragland, Tri-State Expo
Chris Rhynehart, Rhynehart Roofing
Wendi Swope, Double U Marketing
Trevor Williams, Reed Beverage
Sean Wright, GVH Distribution
Colby Yeary, Pantex
Ryan Zimmer, A-1 Rocket Industries
Learn more about our Board of Directors
on our website.
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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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