|
|
Weekly News &
Business Resource Update
|
|
Tuesday, September 21, 2021 |
|
This week's email includes lots of information on our barbecue cook-off that's just 16 days away. We are thrilled to welcome 4 new members to the Chamber and we celebrated 2 ribbon cuttings last week. We have 2 more ribbons to cut next week, and then it will be all hands on deck the following week for the cook-off at the Tri-State Fairgrounds with move-in, Team Night, and the big event on the 7th. If you have a business plan and want to possibly win your share of $500,000, check out the ad for the WT Enterprize Challenge and attend one of their orientation meetings coming up later today or on the 30th, and get your application in by October 1st. Find out who were the last 6 winners in our Business Excellence Awards, and learn more about one of our SSBI Partners, INSURICA, in their spotlight article. The City of Amarillo recently announced a new flight to Austin on Southwest Airlines beginning in March 2022, and don't forget to check out the additional resources that may benefit your business. Find 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
|
|
We're Just 16 Days Away From the 25th Almost Annual Good Times Celebration Barbecue Cook-Off
Thursday, October 7th at the Tri-State Fairgrounds
|
|
We are just shy of 2 weeks away from our biggest event of the year...the Chamber Good Times Celebration Barbecue Cook-Off. We are thrilled to have more than 80 sponsors and teams lined up to participate and serve tons of great food and drinks. We couldn't do this event without the support of Reed Beverage, Tyson Foods, and United Supermarkets / Amigos / Market Street, and all the others. Check out the full list of sponsors here.
We announced the first winner who scored a pair of tickets to the event on our Facebook page last week. Check out the Facebook video we posted to learn who won and get more details and the planned changes to this year's event at the Tri-State Fairgrounds.
Don't forget to pick up tickets in advance and save $10 over the gate price. Tickets make great gifts for your employees, customers, or VIP clients. All-Inclusive Tickets for this fun event are on sale now at all Panhandle Ticket outlets including the customer service desks of area United Supermarkets/Market Street/Amigos, the Civic Center Box Office, or online at panhandletickets.com. Tickets are still just $30 in advance, and tickets at the gate will be $40 each.
If you love the Chamber and our events and want to possibly attend the event for free and work a little as a volunteer, we are now accepting volunteer applications. You can find out more about who is eligible to volunteer, the shifts we need, and submit an application through the online form. If selected, more instructions will follow in the coming days.
|
|
Welcome to these New Members |
|
Green Light Distributors
Mike Bartlett
7721 Pinnacle Dr
Amarillo, TX 79119
(806) 223-3669
We are a distribution company that provides services for the small to mid-size wine and craft spirits brands in the state of Texas.
Intrua Financial
Bradley Doyle
5601 Interstate 40 Ste 202
Amarillo, TX 79106
(806) 544-3609
Intrua means, truth in it all. Truth in every moment has shaped how we’ve been building financial futures for our clients. With more than a decade of experience, Intrua Financial goes beyond the expected to help families make the most of their finances. Thankfully, we know it’s more than just building wealth for you. It’s about building lives. We’ve always been, we are today and we’ll always be – in the moments™.
|
|
Republic Finance LLC
Cade Hogan
2615 Wolflin Village
Amarillo, TX 79109
(806) 414-1201
Republic Finance prides itself in identifying lending options that fit the unique needs of each of its customers and facilitating the loan application process.
We Mail America.com Texas
Brad Gonzales
5600 Bell St Ste 5
Amarillo, TX 79109
(806) 679-4123
We Mail America.com Texas specializes in reaching your perfect customer. We offer the lowest prices for direct mail campaigns along with the latest technology.
|
|
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.
|
|
Recent Ribbon Cutting & Ground Breaking Events
|
|
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.
|
|
Sponsored Content. Click here or the ad above for more information about the Tri-State Fair.
|
|
Upcoming Events Within Next Two Weeks |
|
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 29
4:00pm
11570 I-27 (Sundown Exit)
More Information: Stephanie, 358-8778
|
|
|
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 30
10:00am
14310 Soncy
More Information: Evan, (512) 589-1061
|
|
|
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 7
5:00pm - 8:00pm
Tri-State Fairgrounds at 10th & Marrs
More Information: Lindsey, 342-2006
|
|
|
SSBI Partner Content. Click here or the ad above for more information about the Enterprize Challenge or click here to email a representative directly.
|
|
Meet the Winners -- Business Excellence Awards |
|
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.
We featured each of our 30 winners over the past few weeks on our Facebook page and Instagram platform. Click on an image below to read more about these winners. |
|
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. |
|
Business Spotlight on SSBI Partner, INSURICA |
|
When did INSURICA Amarillo open?
Duncan, Fraser, and Bridges agencies in Amarillo and Pampa merged over 20 years ago to form DFB Insurance Group. The DFB Insurance Group merged with PIA Insurance Agency in 2014 to form one of the largest Independent Agencies in the Texas Panhandle. DFB and PIA both begin their operations in 1925 with client relationships and service being the driving force of their existence. The DFB Insurance Group joined INSURICA in 2017, providing clients with access to new and innovative resources delivered by the same local people on which they had come to rely. INSURICA employs over 600 people and has offices in Oklahoma, Arkansas, Colorado, Arizona, and California, as well as several Texas branches. We continue to look for new partners and “People Like Us” to help grow our business and better serve our clients' insurance needs.
What are your hours of operation?
Monday–Friday, 8:30AM–5:00PM
Tell us about INSURICA Amarillo, including the type of products or services you offer?
INSURICA values being more than a "middleman" to our clients as an insurance broker. By providing best-in-class insurance services to businesses and individuals in Amarillo and the surrounding areas, we are a part of our community and dedicated to our clients. While we can handle practically any insurance need, INSURICA stands out for our unrivaled expertise in a wide range of industries, including construction, energy, healthcare, manufacturing, education and more. In addition to a strong coverage program, some businesses may need advanced value-added services. INSURICA has the additional client services required by complex business operations including alternative risk, claims management, and loss prevention and control.
What are the Mission and Core Values of INSURICA Amarillo?
Our mission is straightforward: To manage risk for our clients, to build a rewarding environment for our colleagues and to produce an acceptable return for our shareholders. Integrity, family first, a positive attitude, and a feeling of purpose in what we do every day are some of the Core Values that INSURICA exemplifies.
INSURICA Amarillo Recognitions/Rankings/Partnerships
Best Places to Work - South Central 2019 & 2020
Rough Notes Marketing Agency of the Year – 2018
Independent Insurance Agents of Texas
Independent Insurance Agents of America
Assurex Global Partner
Council of Insurance Agents and Brokers (CIAB) Member
Testimonials/What are others saying about INSURICA Amarillo?
“I worked for a large family that has holdings in ranch land, real estate, oil and gas and they also have several employees. I work with several people with INSURICA and have worked with a couple of them for over 30 years. With all the insurance needs this family I work for have, my team and the others at INSURICA take the time, effort, and energy to insure we have the right coverage for all our insurance needs including health care. They make the process of dealing with insurance a pleasure instead of a burden. Not only do they take care of the family I work for but also take care of my own personal family insurance needs. I look forward to our continued relationship and thank you for all you do.” – Bob G., Finance
“I have been working with INSURICA for several years now, and I have to say they take care of the customer! Anytime I need anything I get it so quickly, such a pleasure. I have dealt with many other insurance carriers before INSURICA, and they cannot even compare. I appreciate all they do for me.” – Johnny D., Energy
“Our family business has been with INSURICA for as many years now as I can remember. It is important to us to have a reliable source for us to go to with our insurance questions, and without a doubt, we get that every time we call. We could not be happier with the service and care we receive with INSURICA and recommend them to everyone.” – Tori B., Manufacturing
Contact Information
INSURICA
301 S. Polk St. Suite 600
Amarillo, TX 79101
(806) 356-6000
|
|
SSBI Partner Content. Click here to visit their website or click here to email a representative directly.
|
|
Southwest Airlines Adds Daily Austin Flight Expanded Service at Rick Husband Amarillo International Airport to Begin in March |
|
September 16, 2021
AMARILLO – Amarillo travelers will soon have extra options that feature the state capital as Southwest Airlines, in conjunction with Rick Husband Amarillo International Airport, has announced new daily non-stop service to Austin.
The new expanded service to Austin begins March 10, 2022, to Austin Bergstrom International Airport. On Sundays through Mondays, the Austin flight will depart Amarillo at 6:10 a.m. and arrive in Austin at 7:30 a.m. The return flight will depart Austin at 7:55 p.m. and arrive in Amarillo at 9:20 p.m. On Saturdays, the flight will depart Amarillo at 11:05 a.m. and arrive in Austin at 12:23 p.m. The return flight will depart Austin at 12:25 p.m. and arrive in Amarillo at 1:50 p.m.
In addition to the new Austin non-stop service, Southwest Airlines is adding a fourth daily non-stop flight from Amarillo to Dallas Love Field beginning March 10, 2022. This additional flight returns Southwest’s number of non-stops to Dallas Love Field to pre-pandemic levels.
“This is exciting for Amarillo, and a reason for celebration as the travel, business, and entertainment opportunities for the city and the Texas Panhandle continue to grow,” said Amarillo Mayor Ginger Nelson. “As the Amarillo economy continues to expand, diversify and strengthen, we value working with partners like Southwest Airlines to expand their opportunities and service in Amarillo.”
“I can’t tell you how excited we are to not only get the daily direct flight back between Amarillo and Austin but on a non-stop basis,” said Amarillo Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Jason Harrison. “Austin is such a valuable destination, not only from a business standpoint and with our legislators convening there but for personal travel into the heart of Texas and all that has to offer those from the Panhandle and the Tri-State area.
“Southwest Airlines continues to be an irreplaceable partner with our Taking Flight – Amarillo Initiative. We appreciate their continuing dedication in maintaining and returning flights to and from Amarillo back to pre-pandemic levels, and now beyond, with the new Austin service.”
“We are looking forward to continuing to strengthen our intra-Texas routes, giving more Texans access to key destinations throughout the state and bringing more access to our growing network,” said Dave Harvey, Vice President of Southwest Business for Southwest Airlines. “Whether traveling for business or leisure, the expanded service from Amarillo will allow travelers to more quickly reach the people and places important in their lives, while experiencing Southwest’s famous hospitality.”
For more information, contact City of Amarillo Communications Manager Dave Henry at (806) 378-5219 or by email at David.Henry@amarillo.gov. |
|
Additional Business Resources & Opportunities |
|
|
|
WT ENTERPRISE CHALLENGE -- WIN A SHARE OF $500,000
Two Orientation Dates Remain: September 21 & September 30
Every year during the Amarillo EnterPrize Challenge, the WT Enterprise Center and the Amarillo EDC give multiple entrepreneurs a chance to win a share of half a million dollars! On top of that, participants will gain an investment-worthy business plan, with coaching and experienced mentorship. Be sure to attend one of the remaining orientations and visit www.AmarilloEnterPrizeChallenge.com for details! |
|
|
|
MAIN POINT MONDAY FROM AMARILLO MATTERS | September 20, 2021
This week's newsletter contains information on:
- The Lead: Big Moves in Local Banking
- State News
- Local News
- What We're Listening To
- Sports Wrap
- Out & About
- and more
|
|
|
|
BRICKLY NEWSLETTER FROM BRICK & ELM MAGAZINE | September 21, 2021
This week's newsletter includes information on:
- Hoodoo Murals Underway Downtown
- Local Focus
- Mathew "Bones" Hooks inducted into National Cowboy Museum
- San Jacinto Arts Project Deadline
- Happy State Bank Merges with Home Bancshares
- $2 Admission to the Discovery Center the Rest of this Month
- Chip Chandler's "Can't Miss"
- Eye on Amarillo
- The Public Library's New MakerSpace
- and more
|
|
|
|
WORKFORCE SOLUTIONS PANHANDLE JOB FAIR | October 5, 2021
Register TODAY for the 2021 Fall Amarillo Job Fair
EVENT DETAILS:
- Location: Amarillo Civic Center’s North Exhibit Hall, located at 401 S Buchanan
- Date: Tuesday, October 5th, 2021
- Time: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
- Booth Setup: Day of the event beginning at 8:30am
- Attendees: Over 1,500 job seekers attended the last in-person job fair
- Each employer typically sends 2 participants, but you are welcome to send more
- Register at https://wspanhandle.com/amarillo-job-fair-employer/
COST:
- Booth Price before October 1, 2021 – $100
- Booth Price on or after October 1, 2021 – $125
- Lunch will be catered by Jason’s Deli. The cost for each boxed lunch is $12.00.
PROVIDED:
- 8-foot table & chairs
- Breakfast snacks & coffee
|
|
|
|
SMALL BUSINESS CREDIT SURVEY - PLEASE RESPOND BY NOVEMBER 19
Small businesses are critical to the US economy. But data on small businesses is limited—especially data on how and why small businesses seek financing.
By taking the survey, small-business owners contribute to data that directly informs the Fed, federal government agencies, service providers, and others—ultimately benefitting their business and other businesses like theirs.
The survey takes 10 minutes to complete and is open to for-profit businesses with fewer than 500 employees. Responses are confidential, and small-business owners do not need to provide any personal information. Take the survey today—it closes on Friday, November 19. CLICK HERE to take the short survey.
Click here to email the Federal Reserve for questions.
|
|
|
|
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 New 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.
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
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
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
