FEB 2011
1000 SOUTH POLK-AMARILLO, TEXAS
President/CEO Gary Molberg Are AISD Juniors Ready for the Real World? Finance & Administration The seventh annual Ready for the Real World was held on January 12, 2011 at the Amarillo Civic Center. Dianne McClish, VP Almost 1,800 AISD high school juniors from Amarillo High School, Caprock High School, Palo Duro Christy Bigler High School and Tascosa High School attended 30 sessions on Career Choices, Living on Your Own, Edu- Mary Garcia cation and Training Beyond High School, and Taking Care of Your Money. They also had the opportunity to visit different exhibits from various colleges and the military. Membership Andrea McClintock, VP Jonathan Sprinkles, motivational keynote Lupe Fasano speaker from Houston returned to kick off Linda Palmer this year’s event. Sprinkles uses humor and personal stories to motivate and encourage Communication students to believe in themselves and stay in Penni Bentley, Director school. http://www.flickr.com/photos/amarillochamber/sets/72157625684711999/
Business Development The purpose of this event is to give these & Governmental students the opportunity to better prepare Affairs themselves for college, vocational school or Jason Harrison, VP the workforce. Kim Woolsey We appreciate the many presenters who took Quality of Life & Arts time from their business to teach a session. Becky Zenor, VP This event is supported and generously spon- Lupe Fasano sored by: Amarillo Chamber of Commerce, K. Lynn Kiihn 1,800 AISD Juniors were entertained and enlightened by AISD, Xcel Energy, Mays Foundation, speaker, Jonathan Sprinkles before breaking out into Gilliland Family Foundation and the Jose- Convention & more than 30 education sessions. phine Anderson Charitable Trust. Additional Visitor Council Jerry Holt, VP assistance was provided by Schlotzsky’s, and Mindy Bradley New Day Productions. In this issue: Jutta Matalka
Eric Miller Chamber Open 2 Tina Teague Tiffany Redinger New Members 3,4,6 Rick Matchett K. Lynn Kiihn BusinessConnection 5 Dulcy Carden http://www.flickr.com/photos/amarillochamber/sets/72157625684711999/ Visitor Information Ribbon Cuttings 7 Center & Gift Shop Mary Ramirez, Manager CVC News 8 Helen Martinez Ann Beach Wellness 9 Kay Cochran Renewing Members 10 PO Box 9480 Amarillo, TX 79105 Mark Your Calendar 11 806.373.7800 Student volunteers help coordinate the event with AISD and 806.373.3909 fax the Chamber. Editors Corner 13 Amarillo-Chamber.org View more photos at: http://www.flickr.com/photos/amarillochamber/sets/72157625684711999/
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Presented by:
LA PALOMA & TASCOSA COURSES
Contact Becky or Lupe at 373-7800 Email: [email protected] or [email protected].
www.upshawbrownins.com/
www.upshawbrownins.com/
www.upshawbrownins.com/
3 Welcome New Members Thanks for Joining in January
3 H All Natural Beef Fax: (806) 335-2201 www.axigent.net Kathy Hommel & Autumn Baize http://www.buffalowildwings.com 2623 Paramount #3 Newest Location - convenient to Amarillo, TX 79109 the airport. Shuttle bus offered (806) 242-1952 within a 10 mile radius at no Fax: (806) 874-3983 charge. Nightly drink specials http://www.3hallnatural.com and happy hour from 4pm -7pm All Natural Beef - raised in Claren- don - from our family to your ta- Burdett Morgan Williamson & ble. All cuts or by whole, half or Boykin LLP quarter. We do it your way. Weston W. Wright 701 S Taylor, Ste. 324 LB 103 Amarillo Baseball Club, LLC Amarillo, TX 79101 Mark Lee & Jaylin Henderson (806) 358-8116 801 S Polk Fax: (806) 350-7642 Amarillo, TX 79101 http://www.bmwb-law.com (806) 242-4653 Commercial and residential real Fax: (806) 322-1839 estate, business formations and http://www.amarillosox.com transactions, and estate planning. Professional Baseball - The great- est show on earth in the Summer. Coulter Road Baptist Church Chris Robeson & Lori Wood Arden Ridge Apartments 4108 S. Coulter Jana South & Fabian Segura Amarillo, TX 79109 6302 Blake Ave. (806) 352-5287 Amarillo, TX 79119 Fax: (806) 352-5308 (806) 367-8772 http://www.coulterbc.com Fax: (806) 367-8774 http://www.ardenridgeapats.com dnk Formals Arden Ridge Apartments is more Diana Taylor & Karen Merchant than just a place to live...its in- 2921 I-40 West, Unit 600 spired living. We provide a great Amarillo, TX 79109 community to SW Amarillo. 806-570-4397 www.dnkformals.com Bartlett Enterprises, Inc. Locally owned dnk Formals in Tom Bartlett & Terrill Bartlett Amarillo's newest social occasion PO Box 67 and formal-wear shop. Located Canadian, TX 79014 in Amarillo's prestigious Wolflin 806-323-6444 Pointe, we are dedicated to Fax: (806) 323-9232 bringing a big city shopping ex- www.bartlettlumber.com perience closer to home.
Bennett Construction, LLC Ed Wright Cattle Co Bennett Lewis & Ben Bennett Ed Wright PO Box 19370 P O Box 10133 Amarillo, TX 79114 Amarillo, TX 79109 806-318-3932 (806) 355-3827 Fax: 806-318-3934 Fax: (806) 355-8756 www.bennettconstruction-llc.com Bennett Construction, LLC is a Epigee Wellness Centers Amarillo based residential and Kenneth Wingrove D.C. commercial General Contractor. 3113 Line Ave We specialize in remodeling, im- Amarillo, TX 79106 provements, additions, new con- 806-350-7882 struction, as well as ADA modifica- Fax: 806-350-7778 tions. www.epigeewellness.com Epigee Wellness is an alternative http://bit.ly/9HNof1 Buffalo Wild Wings medicine, chiropractic office. We Jerad Leaton & Rebecca Leaton focus on holistic health through 9511 East I-40 nutrition, exercise, allergy elimi- Amarillo, TX 79105 nation, neurology and specific (806) 335-2200 chiropractic care. www.axigent.net
4 Welcome New Members Thanks for Joining in January
Esparza Consulting, Inc. Jimmy John's Gourmet Edmond Esparza Sandwiches 8005 SW 34th Avennue K. D. Patel & Matt Snyder Amarillo, TX 79121-1042 2330 Soncy Road 806-352--2025 Amarillo, TX 79124 Fax: (806) 352-0656 (806) 354-9200 Business consulting in contract At Jimmy John's you will ex- negotiations, government certifi- perience ordinary sandwiches cations & registrations, feasibility in an extraordinary way, fresh, studies, quality control, safety fast and flawless all at a valu- manuals, bank loan packaging and able price. other business related assistance. KFR Tax and Financial FrazzleBerry Frozen Yogurt Solutions Macey Solano Keith Rosicker 6200 Hillside Suite 200 600 S. Tyler St. #906 Amarillo, TX 79109 Amarillo, TX 79101 806-418-2410 (806) 350-3395 [email protected] Fax: (806) 418-2429 Fax: (806) 350-3394 www.frazzleberry.com http://www.dfrtax.com http://xcelenergy.com/Minnesota/Company/Pages/Home.aspx We are proud to bring Amarillo it's We prepare individual and 1st Self Serve Frozen Yogurt business tax returns, provide Store. With flavors changing daily IRS audit representation, and and over 50 toppings, we have perform bookkeeping and fi- http://xcelenergy.com/Minnesota/Company/Pages/Home.aspx something for everyone! We have nancial services. free Wi-Fi and check in on Face- book and always receive a 10% discount. Proud to be locally owned.
Its So Bananas! Amarillo—Faces, Places & Open Spaces Kay & Jeff Flores 2010 Soncy The Chamber is pleased to be partnering with a publishing company to create a new coffee-table Amarillo, TX 79124 (806) 354-2010 book focusing on living and working in our unique region of Texas. This book will showcase the Fax: (806) 354-2011 lifestyle, the economy and the amenities enjoyed by nearly a quarter-million Texans who call the Flooring and fun to go. Specialty Amarillo area home. Featuring original photography and text by a talented local team of com- carpet, prints, vinyl, Stocking municators, Amarillo: Faces, Places & Open Spaces will be a legacy to be viewed and enjoyed for warehouse, blinds, shutters, chan- yeas to come. deliers, gifts, purses, flip flops, jewelry. 22 years flooring and The book will feature original color photography by Ralph Duke, an award winning photographer. design experience. Duke’s visual creations will accompany a vibrant narrative produced by Christine Wyly, a re- spected freelance writer and author of Amarillo’s Historic Wolflin District. For information on how you can have your business featured in this book as an Amarillo Partner, contact Dianne McClish at 342-2002 or [email protected].
www.kgncfm.com/
www.1009theeagle.com/
www.kgncam.com/
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http://bit.ly/egvqdv
Our members will once again have the opportunity to build their business at the Chamber’s annual tradeshow, Business- Connection, on Thursday, May 12th from 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. at the Amarillo Civic Center. The date is new, so up- date your calendar.
We have almost 300 exhibitors returning from BusinessCon- nection 2010 and are expecting another 75. Expect to see old and new exhibitors showcasing their businesses and ser- vices to thousands of potential customers at one of Texas’ largest business to business tradeshows – BusinessConnec- tion 2011. The Heritage Ballroom & North Exhibit Halls are already sold-out, so if you would like to reserve booth space in the South Exhibit Hall or to learn more about the trade- showhttp://bit.ly/egvqdv click here.
Complimentary tickets can be picked up by Chamber mem- bers from our office at 1000 S. Polk, from April 1st through May 11th. On the day of the show, there will be a $5 ad- mission fee anyone age 6 or older without a ticket, or atten- dees can present their company business card for free ad- mission. Questions about [email protected] contact Jason Harri- son or if you need assistance in reserving your booth online [email protected] Kim Woolsey. www.harrisfg.com/
www.harrisfg.com/ www.harrisfg.com/
6 Welcome New Members Thanks for Joining in January
Kushi Yama Fax: (806) 322-1292 Sharing Hope Ministry, Inc. Wellness by Design Tadamichi Tayama & Rico Tayama www.panhandlerac.com April Riggs & Vonnie White Dr. Briana Bender 3319 Interstate 40 West The mission of the Panhandle 3714 Julie St. 8910 W 34th Suite 300 Amarillo, TX 79109 Regional Advisory Council is to Amarillo, TX 79109 Amarillo, TX 79124 (806) 358-7799 provide the infrastructure and (806) 358-7803 806-356-1340 Fax: (806) 358-2901 leadership necessary to develop Fax: (806) 358-7803 www.wellnessbydesignchiropractic.com www.kushiyamarestaurant.com an inclusive trauma system within www.sharinghopeministry.org We are excited to specialize in the Asian themed restaurant. Trauma Service Area A. Assisting incarcerated and recently treatment of WOMEN! Chiroprac- released women in changing their tic is our PASSION and we can't Optimus Solutions Pathwayz Communications behavior through faith based ma- wait to make Amarillo HEALTHY in Maggie Taliaferro Paul Chapman & Kevin Ansley terials and the provision of a tran- 2011! 4400 SW 3rd Ave 4176 Canyon Drive sitional home and after care pro- Amarillo, TX 79106 Amarillo, TX 79109 gram. 806-553-0878 8063550551 www.opt-solutions.com Fax: (806) 355-0511 Vaughan Farms, Inc We work with individuals and or- www.pathwayz.com Dee Vaughan & Terri Vaughan ganizations to achieve bottom line Pathwayz Communications is a 5522 US Hwy 87 results. leading provider of business voice Dumas, TX 79029 and data services in Amarillo (806) 935-2580 Panhandle Regional Advisory including Business Ethernet Ser- Council vice, T1 Service ISDN PRI, DSL, Derek Vaughan & Scott and analog telephone service. Leatherwood 2920 Duniven Circle STE 5 Amarillo, TX 79109 (806) 322-1290
http://www.synetra.com/
http://www.synetra.com/
[email protected] http://www.synetra.com/
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Each month the Amarillo Chamber of Commerce celebrates with rib- bon-cutting and ground breaking ceremonies. The Amarillo Globe- News will publish photos these photos once a month in the Our Town section of the Wednesday edition or find them online at www.Amarillo.com
http://www.flickr.com/photos/amarillochamber/sets/72157626121326002/
Bio-Klenz Citizens Bank Curves for Women 806-290-5555 4121 S. Georgia 3440 Bell, #301D
http://www.flickr.com/photos/amarillochamber/sets/72157626121326002/
Executive Office Suites of Amarillo Sharing Hope Ministries / Patsy’s Place SWS Financial Services 5406 Winner’s Circle 2300 SW 7th Ave. 600 S, Tyler, Ste. 902
http://www.flickr.com/photos/amarillochamber/sets/72157626121326002/
Toot ‘n Totum Wellness By Design Wolflin Vision Clinic 7201 S.Western 8910 W. 34th 2481 I-40 West
Click here to download these pictures and more: http://www.flickr.com/photos/amarillochamber/sets/72157626121326002/
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www.visitamarillotx.com/ WELCOME THESE CONVENTION GROUPS TO AMARILLO
February 2011 Convention & Visitor Council 10-12 Texas High School Wrestling 600 2010-11 Year-To-Date Statistics Region I Tournament
Tourism 17-19 Texas USA Wrestling 900 State Youth Tournament Occupancy Rate 55.62%
18-20 The Ink Life Tour 106 Room Nights 336,720 Tattoo & Music Festival
Overnight Visitors 556,977 21-26 Kennedy Center American College Theater 750 Annual Festival Visitor Center Guests 2,028
94 Group Tours March 2011 12,333 Inquiries for Amarillo Information 4-6 Special Olympics 350 Overnight Travel Impact ($) $75,474,550 Regional Basketball Tournament Film Office 17-19 Assemblies of God West Texas District 1,000 Information requests 2 Youth Convention
Conventions
# of Conventions/Groups in Amarillo 19
Delegates 10,480
Room Nights 5,952
Delegate Spending ($) $5,438,925
Delegates Booked-Future Conventions 12,676
Delegate Room Nights Booked 5,835 http://www.visitamarillotx.com/eventsMeetingsWelcome.cfm
Communications / CVC Website
CVC Publicity Value $486,220
CVC Website Visitors / Month 25,432
CVC Website Page Views / Month 177,753 http://www.visitamarillotx.com/eventsMeetingsWelcome.cfm
www.artsinamarillo.com
www.artsinamarillo.com/ http://www.visitamarillotx.com/eventsMeetingsWelcome.cfm
www.ArtsInAmarillo.com
http://www.visitamarillotx.com/eventsMeetingsWelcome.cfm 9
Sensible Solution...an Alternative Coverage to Workers’ Comp For more info: [email protected]
To date well over 1,000 lives are covered in seven Amarillo provide information related to the three policies available to businesses that have chosen Amarillo’s Sensible Solution as Chamber member businesses. alternative coverage for workplace injuries. Amarillo’s Sensible Solution offers three different policies avail- The Amarillo Chamber of Commerce partnered with Jackson- able to Chamber members. Lloyd Insurance Management to provide “Amarillo’s Sensible Each policy contains differ- Solution”, an insurance choice for workplace related injuries ent pricing levels to fit any with lower premium payments as well as a vehicle for control- budget, thereby enabling not www.jackson-lloyd.com/ ling claims costs. This plan has been developed to protect the only large employers but small business interests of the membership by providing real insur- employers the ability to choose ance protection in an affordable way. their desired level of coverage for on-the-job injuries. Business Only one dozen of the local insurance agents are qualified to members can be assured that their employee injury claims will be treated by Amarillo hospitals and doctors with quality care that each employee deserves.
Policy highlights and an exclusive panel of local insurance agents are available on the Chamber website www.amarillo-Chamber.org under the HEALTH CARE tab and Workers’http://bit.ly/dy7f20 Comp Alternative quicklink. An exclusive panel of local insurance agents will assist the Chamber membership with sales and service.
The Chamber staff is excited by a new wellness program we started in January. It is a custom designed plan for the entire year with four quarterly initiatives and activities to reach spe- cific goals. Gary Molberg invited the staff to participate in the wellness program voluntarily and was delighted to have 100% participation on launch day.
One of the Chamber’s newest members, iPOW or in Pursuit Of Wellness, met with management to implement a compre- hensive wellness plan to promote employee health and fiscal viability in the years ahead. The wellness program uses a diverse group of wellness professionals designed to educate, engage, and motivate the Chamber employees toward healthy lifestyle behaviors.
Gary says “We (the Chamber staff) need to be the leaders in the business community because forward-thinking businesses can no longer afford to be passive in their management of healthcare expenditures. Having a local provider with onsite delivery and personal interaction with employees keeps the wellness program management to those who specialize in comprehensive wellness strategies. The Chamber’s long term goals include a healthy workforce and minimizing costs asso- ciated with absenteeism, medical claims, and health insur- ance premiums.”
As healthcare reform becomes a reality, it is imperative that employers adopt strategies to proactively contain healthcare costs. If you need more information, contact Dianne McClish at 342-2002 or [email protected] .
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41 Productions Connections Information LDF Food Group Inc. dba Security Specialist, Inc. Acme Brick Company Systems Wendy's Sleep Inn Airport Adele Bryan Insurance Cross Automotive, Inc. dba Liberty Tax Service - Bell Southwest Honda Advanced Pavement Meineke Car Care Liquid Siding of Amarillo State Farm/Bill McDonald Maintenance, Ltd. Curves for Women M & L Transfer & Storage State Farm/Shannon Brooks Affiliated Foods Diamond Business Services Managed Care Center, Inc. Sutherlands Allstate Security Industries, Inc Downtown Women's Center Mary Ann Piskun M. D. Sylvia Lowe—Honorary Life Alternatives for Healthy Living Dulaney Auto & Truck Parts Max Waste Management Member Amarillo Fairfield Inn and Suites Duncan & Boyd Jewelers Memorial Park Funeral Home Tascosa Brick and Fireplace by Marriott Dyer's Bar-B-Que & Cemetery Tascosa Overhead Door Co. Amarillo Family YMCA Endurance Auto Parts Merle Norman Cosmetics Texas AgriLife Research and Amarillo Globe News EZ Money Loan Services Midnight Rodeo Extension Center at Amarillo Amarillo Independent School Farmers Insurance Bryan Moss Body Shop, Inc. Texas Blue Lake Pools Inc District Tackett Agency Mr. Rooter of Amarillo Texas Panhandle Sports Network Amarillo Inventors Association Four Winds Construction Co. National Weather Service The Canyon Lands, LTD. Amarillo Media Systems Golden Apple Catering Nurses By Prescription The Fitness Lounge, LC Amarillo Women's Network Goodcare Health Services NuStar Energy The Hot Tub Doctor America Supports You - Texas Gore Creek Capital OHMS Cafe & Bar The Salon by Lora Brown American Heart Association Graham Data Supplies, LLC Panhandle Ear, Nose & Throat Top of Texas Square & Round American Laser Centers Grifols - Biomat USA Inc. Associates, LLP Dance Assoc. American Quarter Horse Assn Griggs Schooler-Gordon Funeral Paramount Baptist Church Triple A Lumber Angels of Care Pediatric Home Directors Pat Wallace Business Services U S Postal Service Health Guy’s Plumbing Heating & Air Perryton-Ochiltree Chamber of United Supermarkets Asarco LLC Amarillo Copper H. J. Dana Enterprises dba Commerce Upshaw Insurance Agency Refinery McDonald's Pete's Car Smart KIA Value Place Ashley Furniture Home Store Highland Park Village Pharis Structual Engineers Wayne McEntire DDS Ashmore Inn & Suites II, Inc. Hilton Garden Inn Amarillo Physicians Hearing Center Weaver Insurance Agency Atmos Energy Hoffbrau Steaks Physicians Surgical Hospitals Werner Law Offices b. Dolphus & Associates Holiday Inn Express South Pond Pest Control Western Builders B-B-Q Barn Holiday Inn Express-Airport Potter County Courthouse William J. Kemp, Jr. DDS Inc. Beal Insurance Agency Holiday Inn of Amaerillo Potter Randall County Medical Williams-Boyce Agency, LLP Bee Hive Homes of Amarillo Hooters Society Willis of Texas Ben E. Keith Foods Hudgins Crosier Sumpter, P.C. Precision Cartridge LLC Wise Hearing Solutions Bennett Sample Pumps Hummer's Sports Cafe Price Overhead Door Co. Inc. Zarges Aluminum Systems, LLC. Boxwell Brothers Funeral IHOP #1337 Pro Shooters Gun & Knife Directors Junior League of Amarillo Proffer Surgical Associates Burnette Law Firm, P.C. Keller Williams Realty Prudential Ada Realtors / Canyon News Keller Williams Realty/ Virginia Barbee Canyonview Estates Retirement/ Marie Abers Public Steel Inc Assisted Living KFDA NewsChannel 10 CBS Quick Quack Car Wash Caprock Home Health Services TV/DT Radio Online Chicago Title Insurance Co. KGNC/TPAB Museum Ricoh Choice Media Khoury's House of Carpets Royal Architectural Products Coalition of Health Services, Inc. Kirby Smith Machinery, Inc. Royal Limousine Service Comac Fixtures Inc Knoy Financial Group Rudd Palmer Inc. Community Options KVII-TV Scarborough Specialties, Inc. Lamar Outdoor Advertising Schakolad Chocolate Factory
11 http://bit.ly/9tdshG AMARILLO CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
The Chamber Annual Report is published by the Amarillo Chamber of Commerce, 1000 South Polk, Amarillo, Texas 79101. It is pro- vided free of charge to Chamber members. Address correspon- dence to Chamber Communications at the address listed above, or call 806.373.7800, fax 806.373.3909.
2010-11 Board of Directors Executive Committee
Chair J. Pat Richmond Chair-Elect David Hemphill President/CEO Gary Molberg Past Chair Laura Street http://bit.ly/9tdshG Finance Al Cunningham Membership Council Bob Murray Business Council Bill Jenkins Governmental Affairs Council Bill Harris Quality of Life Council Penelope Davies Ag Council Dr. James Clark Convention & Visitor Council Guy C. Vanderpool City of Amarillo Mayor Debra McCartt Commissioner Madison Scott http://bit.ly/9tdshG Directors
Fredia Allen Brad Martin Tim Archer Jeff Mitchell Roy Bara Shawn Morrison Sherman Bass Dr. Pat O’Brien David Craig Les Simpson Michael Cruz Janie Singleton Jill Dana Leah Ware Buzz David William Ware 3/27-4/2 TX Top to Bottom Press Trip Bob Garrett James Wester 4/19 Partners in Education George Herring Shane White 4/21 Golden Nail Awards J. Pat Hickman Ray Wilson 5/12 BusinessConnection ® Riley Hill Jeff Yarber Danna Krause 5/TBD Tourism Day
5/26 Top 2% Awards 6/2 Membership Blitz 6/TBD SpeedConnect at MegaMarket VisitVisit ourour websitewebsite at:at: 6/23 Summer Fiesta 7/28 Chamber Open Golf Tourney amarillo-Chamber.org/cwt/extAmarillo-Chamber.orgernal/wcpages/index.aspx 8/TBD Business Awards Banquet 9/8 Barbecue Cook-Off 10/13 Annual Banquet Penni Bentley, Editor [email protected] Mark Your 2011 Calendar: 11/TBA Ag Appreciation Luncheon
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1,407 Fans on http://on.fb.me/5DZVNHFacebook
519 Followers on http://bit.ly/hvluwjTwitter
4,108 Photos on http://bit.ly/ePVylzFlickr
Chamber Facebook: www.facebook.com/AmarilloChamber Note the Date Correction CVC Facebook (Tourism): www.facebook.com/AmarilloTravel.Tourism BusinessConnection ® CVC Facebook (Conventions): www.facebook.com/AmarilloConventions Chamber Twitter: http://twitter.com/amarilloChamber Thurs. May 12th CVC Twitter: http://twitter.com/amarillocvc More Info: Chamber Videos: www.youtube.com/amarilloChamber Kim or Jason Chamber Event Photos: www.flickr.com/photos/amarilloChamber/ 373-7800
www.actx.edu/ce/ www.amarilloedc.com/ www.entrepreneuralliance.org/ www.prpc.cog.tx.us/ www.incubationworks.com/ www.smallbusinessdevelopmentcenter.com/
13 Editor’s Corner By: Penni Bentley, Director of Communications [email protected]
It’s time to start thinking about the best business-to-business networking event in town...BusinessConnection on Thursday, May 12th at the Amarillo Civic Center. Where else can you see over 300 businesses in one day in one location? But you better have your comfy shoes and game face on, because this is serious networking.
I did a little research and BINGed the topic “networking tips” or “networking at tradeshows” looking for something useful to share with www.scottco.com/ you. Here are a few points I pirated and their websites so you can go and look up more information.
From: http://www.businessknowhow.com/tips/networking.htm
Keep in mind that networking is about being genuine and authen- tic, building trust and relationships, and seeing how you can help others.
Follow through quickly and efficiently on referrals you are given. When people give you referrals, your actions are a reflection on them. Respect and honor that and your referrals will grow.
From: Scott Ingram, founder of http://www.networkinaustin.com
Meet the exhibitors: The exhibitors at any trade show paid to be able to talk to you. Make an effort to visit as many vendors as you can. Learn about them and what they have to offer. You might also ask who their target market is, or who their ideal client is.
Make it fun!: Consider making a game out of your networking efforts. Try to meet at least one new person every 10-15 minutes. That’ll give you enough time to spend 5 or 10 minutes getting to know them. You’ll also have a few minutes left over to meet your next new friend. www.scottco.com/ Give people value, be a resource: Be listening for ways that you can help people. Direct them to the exhibitor you met earlier who might have a great solution for them. Tell them about the great drawing you just en- tered, and suggest that they do the same. Offer to introduce them to someone else you know at the event who you think they might be able to make a good connection with.
Use business cards: After you meet someone be sure to ask them for a business card. Take a couple of seconds to make a couple of notes about what you learned about them. Before handing someone your own business card you might want to write a quick note that will add value. Write the name of a website they might find useful (NetworkInAustin.com per- haps?), a book, another networking event. Anything that will make your card stand out, because you’ve show that you’re a valuable resource.
Follow-up: This is probably the most important tip of all. Your networking efforts at any networking event are unlikely to bear any fruit if you don’t take the time to follow-up with those you met. Be sure to make at least one, preferably two, contacts during the week following the show, with each person you met. A hand written note and a voicemail. A brief phone conversation and an e-mail. Just be sure to reconnect so you can truly begin building a relationship.
From: http://www.ehow.com/how_2064204_network-trade-show- www.scottco.com/ vendors.html
Leave your booth to network with others only when you have relief. If no one is available, try to network with vendors in booths around you or during setup and take-down. This is why it is a good idea to have more than one person staffing your booth at a trade show. Depending on the size of the show, one can stay at the booth and handle customers while another is off networking. www.scottco.com/ As always, tell us how we are doing. Give us your suggestions, feedback, and input. Feel free to write on our Facebook wall. Get involved. We are YOUR Chamber.