Click here to view this as a webpage. If you missed our email on Tuesday, April 19th, you can view it here.

Click here or on the graphic above to view more information about this event, and click here to find this event on Facebook and invite your friends and colleagues. Remember, these events are completely free to attend and open to all members and guests.

The Chamber management team and local community leaders are in Washington, DC this week to meet with key legislators and staff about issues that are important to business and industry in the panhandle. Companies represented are:

Group Social Event

Group Breakfast at Bechtel Offices

Meeting with NNSA & DOE Leadership

Meeting with Senator Cornyn's Staff

Meeting with Senator Ted Cruz

Meeting with Congressman Ronny Jackson & Staff

Group Dinner

Group Breakfast & Tour of the Bell AVLC

Group Meeting with Congressman Jody Arrington

Group Social Event

About DC Days: The Amarillo Chamber of Commerce and local business leaders will be the voice of our business community to government officials in Washington, D.C., on April 26-28, 2022, for DC Days. The purpose of DC Days in Washington is to meet with government officials to present federal legislative position reports on agriculture, education, energy, healthcare, and other industries, so they may make informed decisions that could ultimately have a positive impact on our business community. Government officials’ actions or inactions on key federal legislative issues can affect the economic strength of our business community. We greatly value your support as we begin to gather position reports from our membership. Please forward any positions that you are working on and any that you feel the chamber should take on your behalf to jason@amarillo-chamber.org.

Get more information on DC Days on our webpage.

In these uncertain times, Taking Flight - Amarillo is trying to get a better understanding of your business’s economics, prospects, and travel perspectives, as we begin to return to some sense of normalcy, post-pandemic. Both the airlines and local and federal governments are wanting to understand the tenor of our business community so that we can act quickly in restoring your air service needs at the Rick Husband Amarillo International Airport.

Please click the button below to answer a few short questions about your company's travel needs or plans for the future.

Danny Lawson

4301 SW 45th Ste 400

Amarillo, TX 79106

(806) 646-4688

Buddy's Home Furnishings is the fastest growing rental-purchase and lease to own company in the US. We provide the products you need with no long-term commitment and No Credit Check. We offer essential home furnishings, appliances, electronics and computers.

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.

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.

Chamber Event: DC Days in Washington

Washington, DC

The purpose of DC Days is to deliver a unified message to our legislators on important issues, such as the agriculture, arts, education, energy, healthcare, and workforce development.

More Info: Jason, (806) 342-2018

Ribbon Cutting: Scooter's Coffee 

11:00am

3445 S Western St

More Information: Dana, (806) 331-0132

Ribbon Cutting: Proffer Aesthetic Center

2:00pm

1611 Wallace Blvd

More Information: Caylar, (806) 352-4002

Council Meeting: Governmental Affairs Council**

11:45am

Chamber Board Room

More Info: Jason, (806) 342-2018

Ribbon Cutting: Maxivolt Corporation

3:00pm

9350 S Georgia St

More Information: Jeanette, (806) 371-0722

Ribbon Cutting: Red River Brewing & Distillery

4:30pm

3701 SE 25th Ave

More Information: Wendi, (806) 353-2911

Chamber Event: Business After Hours at Reed Beverage

5:00pm

3701 SE 25th Ave

More Information: Ashley, (806) 342-2015

Ribbon Cutting: Casey Carpet One 75th Anniversary

12:00pm

3500 W Interstate 40

More Information: Dusty, (806) 584-0468

Ribbon Cutting: Amarillo Economic Development Corporation 

10:00am

600 S Tyler St Suite 1600

More Information: Sabrina, (806) 379-6411

Chamber Event: 29th Annual BusinessConnection Tradeshow

10am-4pm

Amarillo Civic Center

401 S Buchanan

More Information: Mary, (806) 342-2009

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.

Check out our BusinessConnection 30-second TV Spot on our YouTube Channel, catch it on local news stations, or hear it while listening to your favorite local radio station.

Thank you to all of our media partners who help us spread the word about this event: 806 Sports, ABC 7 News Amarillo, Amarillo Globe-News/Amarillo Magazine, Alpha Media, ​​Cumulus, EdgeBow Media/Brick & Elm Magazine, High Plains Public Radio, KAMR Local News 4, KCIT Fox 14, Kingdom Keys Network, Route 66 Media, NewsChannel 10, ​Panhandle PBS / FM 90, Radio By Grace, ​Townsquare Media, Welcome Pardner!

Special thanks go out to Jack Light, Amy Presley, and the PBS/FM 90 Amarillo College students who provided the voiceover for our commercial! We rewarded them with some cookies from Ms. Piggys!

Click here for more information on our website.

Booths in the 2022 BusinessConnection Tradeshow are now open to all members, so if you have never participated in this event, don't wait to reserve your booth. Space is limited. Booths (10x10) start at just $300 each. Click here for more information on the show and to reserve your booth. If you have participated in the past and have not yet reserved your booth, click the link above or contact Mary Garcia at 806-342-2009.

BusinessConnection is the area's largest business-to-business tradeshow and it will be held on Thursday, May 19th at the Amarillo Civic Center. BusinessConnection will feature more than 250 businesses showing off their products and services under one roof.

This event will also once again feature the Tradeshow Food Court that lets attendees sample foods from a number of local eateries for one low price during the show. If you have a food, beverage or catering business and would like to promote your products at the Tradeshow Food Court, contact Lindsey Arbeiter at (806) 342-2006 for more information.

With Financial Literacy Month upon us, it’s a perfect moment to spend time brushing up on financial knowledge and finding answers to long-held questions. A recent Bank of America Better Money Habits survey found that while Gen Z is knowledgeable about basic financial concepts, knowledge levels start to decrease when it comes to topics more critical to securing a financial future – such as credit scores, paying down debt, applying for/managing credit cards, investing and saving for retirement.

At Bank of America, we believe that financial literacy is a key skill for the next generation, which is why we’ve compiled a list of tips on how they can improve their financial health or refamiliarize themselves with a variety of important personal finance topics including: credit cards, investing, saving, spending, and more.

One way to lighten your debt load is to practice responsible credit card habits. When using a credit card, make sure to pay off your balance on time and in full and only make purchases you can pay back. Spending within your means will leave more money at the end of every month and help reduce your debt. As an added bonus, spending less than your limit allows will also help you build a stronger credit score.

As you’re reviewing your financial plan, make sure you’re taking easy steps to get rewarded for all your everyday spending. Enroll in the loyalty programs of the places you shop with the most, including department stores, grocery, clothing stores, restaurants and more. As you spend, use a cash back credit card to get even more money back. Don’t forget to enroll in a banking rewards program. Your bank might reward you for your relationship: consider consolidating your finances with one banking institution to take advantage of that opportunity.

As the most internet-savvy generation, GenZ is best positioned to access and understand digital tools – and investing should be no different. With the increase in new, young investors to the market over the past year, Bank of America alone saw an increase of 525,000 new accounts on its Consumer Investments business in 2021, it’s more important than ever for young investors to brush up on their financial knowledge and use digital platforms that feature educational resources. For example, Merrill Edge Self-Directed’s Idea Builder helps clients find, validate and monitor their investing ideas that align with their priorities and values. Using digital tools is just one way that investors, both seasoned and new, can expand their financial literacy and become more confident investors.

Finding a financial institution that delivers digital tools combined with personal guidance can help you achieve your unique financial goals throughout your lifetime and as your priorities change. At Bank of America, we have invested heavily in digital solutions, such as virtual assistant Erica® and Life Plan®, which can help you easily and securely manage your finances however you choose all from one mobile app while increasing onsite expertise at our local financial centers for face to face financial planning discussions.

SSBI Partner Content. Click here to visit the Bank of America website or click here to email a representative directly.

Election Update! Did you know there's an election on May 7? There are four Amarillo ISD bond propositions that will improve ALL 56 campuses in every corner of our city on the ballot. The passage of Prop A is critical. Props B, C, and D would greatly enhance our children's educational experience. Please visit amarillokidsfirst.com to learn more.

Click here to calculate your investment.

Sponsored Content. Click here to email an Amarillo Kids First representative directly

or click here or on the image above for more information about this election.

Sponsored Content. Click here or the ad above for more information.

Please take time to exercise your right to vote in these important upcoming elections.

This week's newsletter contains information on:

Click here to read the entire newsletter.

This week's newsletter includes information on:

Click here to read the entire update.

Welcome to The Update, Texas Association of Business' weekly member-exclusive on what's happening in business, at the Capitol, and on The Hill. This week's newsletter includes information on:

Click here to read the entire update.

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.

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.

The Chamber is thrilled to announce and recognize our sponsors that are stepping up to be part of the Supporting Small Business Initiative for 2021-2022. 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.

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.

Watch the online calendar for more details and updates.

4/26 - DC Days in Washington

5/12 - Business After Hours at Reed Beverage

5/19 - 29th Annual BusinessConnection Tradeshow

6/9 - SSBI Partner Event

6/23 - Business After Hours at Hodgetown with the Sod Poodles

7/14 - Business After Hours at Amarillo National Bank - Skyline Room

7/21 - 23rd Annual Chamber Open Golf Tournament

8/4 - SSBI Partner Webinar

8/11 - Business After Hours at Hyatt Place

8/25 - Chamber Annual Banquet & Business Excellence Awards

9/8 - Business After Hours at ADVO - Hope to Opportunities Foundation

10/6 - 26th Annual Chamber Good Times Celebration® Barbecue Cook-Off

10/20 - Business After Hours at Optimal Physical Therapy Solutions 2

11/3 - Business After Hours at Amarillo Club

11/10 - SSBI Partner Event

12/1 - 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.

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.

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.

(585) 427-0020 Ext. 548 or (585) 301-5301

(800) 398-3029 Ext. 538 or (585) 305-4909

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.

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

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, AgTexas Farm Credit

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

on our website. 

                                                   –  Author Unknown