April 2009 - Alice Texas!

APRIL
2009
BUSINESS
Official Publication of the Alice Chamber of Commerce
business
tradition
Travis Jarrett selected Jr.
Citizen of the Year
Travis Jarrett said
there are no strangers
in Alice at least to
him. The 2008 Junior
Citizen of the Year,
Jarrett, was chosen
among 13 Alice High
School candidates who
all were equally very
talented students.
After receiving his
awards, Jarrett shared a few words with
the crowd present giving light to an incident where he had a flat tire on his car and
a gracious passerby stopped to assist.
“Alice is a great community. I’ve never
met a stranger,” Travis said “Alice’s community is one I can’t forget and I won’t.”
Jarrett shared another story about a trip to
Disney as a youngster where he was looking for a rare pin. His first encounter with
a park employee hurt his feelings. However, it was the second who showed him
the way to his future.
“It was because of this one person who
not only found me the pin I was looking
for but gave me a rare pin that was only
given to Disney personnel,” he said.
“Because of this person, it changed the
way I view things today.”
Jarrett’s future include going to college
getting his degree and possibly going to
work for a resort in Florida. As a high
school student, he ranks in the top percent
of his class while working part time at
Domino’s Pizza where he is one of the
See JARRETT, Page 10
service
community
agriculture
oil & gas
growth
Cloud named Citizen of the Year
Chamber board president Agapito “Gap” Alaniz presents Dr. Gary Cloud with the Alice
Citizen of the Year plaques.
When Dr. Gary Cloud walked in to
the KC Hall for the Alice Chamber of
Commerce 72nd Annual Banquet, he
knew one thing his business had been
nominated for an award. Little did he
know the night would turn out to be a
night he would not forget as he was
named the 2008 Alice Citizen of the
Year.
“I knew we had been nominated for an
award. I did not even know I had been
nominated for this award,” Dr. Cloud
said.
Truly appreciative of the honor, Dr.
Cloud thanked the community for his
support in his efforts that got him the
honor.
Dr. Cloud opened his optometry in
Alice more than 25 years ago. He holds a
Bachelor of Arts from Sam Houston
State and a Bachelor of Science from the
University of Houston.
Each Monday Dr. Cloud travels to
Mexico and nearby communities to examine children. He makes sure every
needful child with vision problems receive glasses. He has donated his own
equipment for a vision clinic and acquired truckloads of medical equipment
for Miguel Aleman area. He was also
SEE DR. CLOUD Page 3
2009
Chamber Leadership
Executive Committee
Gap Alaniz
President
First Community Bank
Yvette Johnson
Immediate Past President/VP-CVB
Individual Member
Nena Pitts
V.P. - Membership
CHRISTUS Spohn Hospital Alice
From the Chamber
I would like to take this time to congratulate the Chamber Board,
Staff and Ambassadors for putting on a wonderful evening at our Annual Chamber of Commerce Banquet, which has been described by
many as “impressive”, “excellent”, and “terrific”. This turned out to
be an event in which all of us witness a strong Alice community coming together to honor their great students and great community leaders.
Thanks to our auction prize donors, table sponsors, chamber members, and other contributors for making this annual banquet a successful event. Your
financial contributions and participation were greatly appreciated. This event would not
have been possible without your generosity and support.
Thanks.
Agapito “Gap” Alaniz Jr., Chamber Board President
Virginia Garcia
V.P. AJWC-EDC
WorkForce Solutions of the Coastal Bend
Rito Silva
GRAND OPENING
V.P. - Civic
Coastal Bend College
Hector Hinojosa
Treasurer
City of Alice
Board of Directors
Mark Alaniz
Love Chrysler Jeep of Alice
Dee Dee Arismendez
Home Interior Ind. Contractor
Mark Casanova
CHRISTUS Spohn Alice
Lawrence Cornelius
Century 21
Michael Day
Individual Member
Servando Garza
Coym, Rhemet & Associates
J.R. Gonzalez
Wells Fargo Bank
R. David Guerrero
Big House Burgers held a grand opening ceremony on Wednesday, March 25th. The
new restaurant is located at 1201 E. Main.
JWC Dist. Clerk
Robert Molina
State Farm Insurance - Robert Molina
Mirka Pena
This issue printed courtesy of IKON
Dixie Iron Works/MSI
Mark Toureilles
State Rep. Yvonne Gonzalez-Toureilles
Ex-Officio
Ray De Los Santos
City of Alice
Staff
Juan A. Navejar Jr.
Chamber Manager
Page 2
“Alice Business Today” published by the Alice Chamber of Commerce
CHRISTUS Spohn Alice celebrates 10th Anniv.
CHRISTUS Spohn Alice is celebrating a decade of service to the Alice community. On March 24th, the Alice hospital had its 10-year celebration.
In 1997, the Late Dr. Federico Dostal
and Dr. Mauricio B. Teixeira made a
very important telephone call to Sister
Carol Ann Jokerst, Vice President of
Mission Integration of Spohn Health
System. This call was instrumental to
the formation of Spohn Alice. The
Medical Community recognized the
need for a new facility with state of the
art equipment and services that would
improve the quality of patient care services for Alice and surrounding communities.
Later that year, Spohn Health System
acquired 16.76 acres from brother and
sister, N.W. Atkinson III and Clare Atkinson Murdock, in memory of their
grandfather N.W. Atkinson, M.D. and
their father N.W., “Little Doc” Atkinson,
both well respected men of Alice. The
site, located near the intersection of
Highway 44 and Airport Road offered
the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate
Word an excellent opportunity for future
expansion and the opening of their sixth
CHRISTUS Spohn Health System hospital – CHRISTUS Spohn Hospital Alice.
On December 17, 1997 ground was broken for the 49 bed hospital to serve the
needs of people in Jim Wells, Duval, Jim
Hogg, Live Oak and Brooks counties.
CHRISTUS Spohn Hospital Alice
opened its doors for patients in South
Texas and became a hub for primary
care, obstetrics, cardiac care, intensive
care and diagnostic and emergency services as well as health education, wellness and disease prevention initiatives
DR. CLOUD, From Page 1
helpful in the acquisition of a Women’s
Clinic, a Tuberculosis lab, two school
buses, two ambulances and soon a dental
clinic. Dr. Cloud is a member of the Rotary Club of Alice, a Coyote Cook, Focometer Project, Clinica De Los OjosMiguel Aleman, Mexico; a Four-time
recipient of the Paul Harris Award.
“I really appreciate this honor,” Dr.
Cloud said. “I hope to continue serving
the community.”
Joining the celebration were Margot Rios, Dr. Nirupama Patel, Newell Atkinson, Clare
Wonders and Mark Casanova.
and services, especially for children and
elderly on March 22, 1999.
CHRISTUS Spohn Hospital Alice was
the 2003 Touchstone Award Finalist in
the Best Practices Community Value category for its Jim Wells County Health
Families Project: Domestic Violence Program.
CHRISTUS Spohn Hospital Alice was
chosen out of a total of 85 Best Practices
entries.
In August 2003, CHRISTUS Spohn
Hospital Alice received the exciting news
that the hospital had been designated by
the Texas Department of Health as a basic
Level IV Trauma Facility.
On June 30, 2004, CHRISTUS Spohn
Health System finalized its purchase of
Triad’s Alice Regional Alice. The purchase transformed CHRISTUS Spohn Hospital Alice from a 73 bed facility to a 148
bed facility. Alice Regional Hospital was
renamed CHRISTUS Spohn Hospital Alice
and CHRISTUS Spohn Hospital Alice was
renamed CHRISTUS Spohn Laviana
Plaza. Laviana Plaza housed physician
offices and a 10-bed inpatient geropsychiatric unit. CHRISTUS Spohn Hospital
See HOSPITAL, Page 13
Your First Step to Success
Customized Training Available for the South Texas Workforce
Coastal Bend College
Alice Center
704 Coyote Trail - Alice, Texas 78332
(361) 664-2981 - Toll Free 1-866-891-2981 - www.coastalbend.edu
“Alice Business Today” published by the Alice Chamber of Commerce
Page 3
Alice Ambassadors
Melva Alegria
Dee Dee Arismendez
Nettie Cornelius
Michael De Leon
Manuel Galindo (Life Member)
Albert Gonzales
Cynthia Hinojosa
Melissa Jaramillo
Bruce Menking
Tem Miller
Rachel Munoz
Dene Murphey
Delma Palacios
Bruce Menking is presented the Alice Ambassador of the Year by Ambassador president
Rachel Munoz.
Nena Pitts (Life Member)
Marisela Perez
David Silva
Margaret Smith (Life Member)
Our Mission
Ellen Startz
The mission of the Alice
Chamber of Commerce
is to promote the economic
and community development
in Alice, Jim Wells County
and the surrounding trade area.
Jack Walker
Clare Wonders
Emeritus
Joe Ash
Ralph Gomez
Pedro Jasso
Johnny Rivera
Did you know the
Chamber/CVB has…Maps,
brochures, phone books, info
on attractions and other cities.
Page 4
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P r o d u c tio n T e s tin g
O f f s h o r e S e r v ic e s
B r a id e d a n d S lic k lin e S e r v ic e s
F r a c F lo w b a c k s
H y d r a u lic C h o k e M a n ifo ld s
F r a c V a lv e s
P ip e lin e “ P ig g in g ” S e p a r a to r s
C a p illa r y T u b in g S e r v ic e s
P - V - T L a b o r a to r y
P - V - T S im u la t io n s
H y d r o c a r b o n L a b o r a to r y
R e s e r v o ir F lu id S a m p lin g
P r e s s u r e T r a n s ie n t A n a ly s e s
C o r p o r a te H e a d q u a r te r s
1000 FE S C O Avenue
A lic e , T e x a s 7 8 3 3 2
3 6 1 -6 6 4 -3 4 7 9
w w w .fe s c o in c .c o m
“Alice Business Today” published by the Alice Chamber of Commerce
72nd ANNUAL CHAMBER BANQUET
Alice Heart Center named Small Excellence Award
Dr. Usman Qureshi and his wife moved to Alice in
1995. The practice opened on January 22, 1996 with
two employees and performed only minor diagnostic
testing in the office. Of the original employees,
Leticia Villarreal is still employed and supervises the
billing department. Administrative Assistant Amy
Amador was hired shortly thereafter and has been
with the clinic for 12 years. Dr. Suraj Kamat and his
family moved to Alice and he joined Alice Heart
Center in 1998.
The clinic now performs extensive diagnostic procedures including nuclear stress testing, echocardiography and ultrasound vascular studies, laser skin
perfusion pressure testing, lab tests and many other
services. Of all the employees, half have been with
the clinic for at least 5 years. Alice Heart Center
hired home grown Dixie Webb Rochester as their
first Nurse Practitioner in 2006 and last year added a
second NP, Michelle Carlson, who with her family
moved from West Texas to become a part of the staff
to care for the patients of Alice.
In the beginning Dr. Qureshi saw patients at his
office located on First Street but had to travel to Corpus to perform heart catheterizations since the Hospital was not equipped for the procedures. Working
together with Christus Spohn Hospital Alice, Drs.
Rodrigo Gonzalez Jr of Rushing & Gonzalez presents Jeanette Burris the Award.
Qureshi and Kamat started performing heart catheterization and other vascular invasive and interventional procedures in Alice in the new Catheterization Laboratory in year 2000.
Since then, thousands of patients have had extensive treatments performed and their quality of life improved through the partnership between
Alice Heart Center and Christus Spohn Hospital.
Coastal Bend College selected Large Excellence Award
Coastal Bend College - Alice Campus has been in its
current location of 704 Coyote Trail since 1989. It currently serves over 900 students at this location and surrounding high schools. CBC Alice employs 39 full time
and 16 part time employees.
Coastal Bend College is committed to the community
which it serves. It conducts the Annual Business Retention and Expansion Survey for the Jim Wells County Economic Development Council and hosted a Chamber Member Online Satisfactory survey for the Alice Chamber of
Commerce, hosted several non-profit organizations on
campus like the Alice HS TAKS boot camp, Alice High
School Senior Projects, Texas Department of Transportation, Community Action, and 4H. CBC also sponsors an
annual Dia Del Mariachi that celebrates the Hispanic culture. CBC Trio office has taken first generation college
students to field trips such as a trip to see the Houston
Astros, visit San Antonio Museums and a trip in conjunction with Jim Wells County Day in Austin.
CBC employees are active in the March of Dimes, City
of Alice Recycling efforts, Coastal Bend College Blood
Bank Center, Operation Brightside, Relay for Life, Jim
Wells County Leadership and sit on a variety of boards
and advisory committees throughout the county.
CBC also offers discounted tuition for High School
Bobbi Franke of Dixie Iron Works presents Dr. Rito Silva the Award.
juniors and seniors to assure access to college for all students. The college
sponsors admission and financial aid workshops to the Adult Education Center, college night to the community and invites community members to participate in Community Conversation to help establish the mission and strategic
plan for the college.
“Alice Business Today” published by the Alice Chamber of Commerce
Page 5
72nd ANNUAL CHAMBER BANQUET
EnDyn named Employer of the Year
Over 25 years ago, two individuals who worked
for Cooper Energy Services saw opportunities to utilize their engine and compressor experience with the
OEMs to “do their own thing.” The long established
oil and gas fields in South Texas presented an initial
opportunity for them to build on their experience and
flex their entrepreneurial spirit. Locating in Alice,
Texas, just north of the historic King Ranch was
ideal as Alice is considered the Hub of South Texas
and more importantly, the center of the South Texas
oil and gas industry. The original concept of the
company was a customer-centered business focused
on providing quality Superior and Ajax engine and
compressor parts to the region, nation, and the global
marketplace.
Jay Downes and Tracy Little, who had worked
together for the Superior division of Cooper, left in
1978 and formed Energy Dynamics, Inc.
(EnDyn.) Tracy, Jay, and his wife Rheba set up shop
in a single office that had space only for a desk,
phone, and a lot of confidence. It was a decision
that none of them have lived to regret. Today, EnDyn
has grown far beyond their expectations into a thriving global company respected for engineering and
manufacturing of OEM-quality parts (PowerParts®)
for Superior and Ajax engines and compressors.
EnDyn attributes their success to quality, customer
service, and innovation. “We don’t just duplicate
OEM parts, but improve upon them when the situation warrants,” says Tracy Little, President. “We’ll
re-design a part when we believe the part can be improved upon, such as we have done with cam followers, pilot fuel check valves and many oth-
Bobbi Franke presents EnDyn’s Tracy Little with Employer of the Year award.
ers.” EnDyn’s commitment to quality was the driving force for their 1994
ISO-9000 Certification, which the company still holds today.
Today, EnDyn features a 25,000 square foot parts facility, and, along
with 33,000 square feet of service and overhaul space and its manufacturing facility, boasts over 100,000 total square feet of manufacturing, service/repair, warehouse and office space, specializing in the procurement
and manufacturing of parts for the Superior and Ajax product line. EnDyn
also offers engineering and technical expertise, service and training for
these products. Through its network of agents and distributors, EnDyn has
grown from a South Texas operation into a worldwide provider of quality
parts and services. Domestically, EnDyn has 16 sales and service locations
which provide overhauls, re-manufacturing, installation and start-up, testing and troubleshooting, and maintenance inspection.
Congratulations all Chamber Award recipients
Byron W. Blair, P.C.
R
R
Certified Public Accountant
1315 E. Main, Suite 101
P. O. Box 211
Alice, Texas 78332
Office 664-6541
Fax 664-6544
Residence 664-4685
1200 E. Main
Alice
664-5446
361-661-1580 (24-Hour Fast Line
Free, Secure Internet Banking
www.prosperitybanktx.com
Cornerstone Member 2004
Page 6
“Alice Business Today” published by the Alice Chamber of Commerce
Page 4
Setting your company on cruise control
It doesn’t take much
time to find that the
cruise control is missing
on a rental car. So many
things today we take for
granted, such as; computers, remote controls,
wireless phones. What
Connie Jackson would we do without
Unique HR
them?
Business
It was only 20 some
Consultant
years ago, when some of
the “boys with toys” first
got their cell phones. Although they
looked at these devices as a luxury, little
did they know life would never be the
same again.
Today, the business world is changing
at a rapid pace and outsourcing has become a mainstream practice for many
companies. This practical service, in
most cases, is the best solution.
Is your business running on cruise
control, allowing you to maintain the
speed and course you wish? While cruise
control is great, you must always be on
the lookout for hazards and changes
ahead. Just like on the highway dangerous intersections might be up ahead or a
driver out of control could be ready to
intercept you at the next turn off. What if
the speed goes up and you’re still stuck
at 45 mph. Are you asleep at the wheel?
Wake up.
Need business growth?
You can only grow when you find the
right personnel - the personnel with the
right education, right attitude, and all the
right stuff. You can’t wait to run your
business until you find the right people.
Personnel are your main asset. Outsourcing services as the ones provided by a
staff leasing company provides this key
For a color version
of this newsletter visit
us at www.alicetx.org
element to growth now! Specialized
knowledge and skills are the required
benefits when outsourcing, which is why
companies generating $500,000 to $2
billion in revenue are very keen on outsourcing. Most always companies in this
range are examining these strategic
moves as their personnel lack the years
of experience and knowledge.
Outsourcing offers services and personnel already in place just waiting to
fill your business needs. Outsourcing
companies first provide you with a free
analysis to let you know what you
need . . . so you don’t even have to think
about compliance issues, tax laws, safety
needs, and a myriad of other sticklers
one encounters in running a business.
It is crucial during the process of outsourcing to decide specifically what to
outsource and from whom. Your outsourcing arrangement should be in black
and white as to how each party will communicate and the plan of action should
be point specific for your business. This
can make or break your plan of outsourcing. Outsourcing will be effective if
taken on in a appropriate manner. Your
return on investment might be nil if these
factors are not precisely mapped out.
Cash flow a problem?
You might have your own formula for
cruise control – with respect to running a
business. You’ve laid the groundwork,
implemented your business plan, and
believe it to be on course. Your staff is
well trained and motivated. You are on
course! You believe your expectations
will be realized consistent to your plan
of action. Oops, cash flow is off! It’s
time to renew your insurance, premiums
must be paid, and at the same time payroll taxes are due. Now, you are off
course – what’s the solution? A reactive
course is sketched out at this point. The
scalpel is sharpened and it’s time to
make some cuts.
When cash flow is a problem, it’s hard to
provide benefits for your employees.
Without a quality benefits program it’s
hard to maintain the type of employees
you wish to keep on staff. Outsourcing
delivers great benefit packages -pay as
you go, with no premiums up front. And
you don’t have to take the time to shop
for the best program; they deliver this
right to your doorstep.
Just like with your health insurance a
PEO (Professional Employer Organization) or staff leasing company will protect your company and assets providing
workers’ compensation insurance without advance premium payments, you pay
as you go.
Act now, you are responsible.
Act later you are reactive.
Once you execute a plan of outsourcing various services, you have delivered
the goods. With a outsourcing cruise
control, you know you’re speed and plan
of action is right on! This allows you the
freedom to focus on what you really
want to do – drive your business. Now,
this is cruise control at its best!
WELLS
FARGO
Wells Fargo is a proud
Cornerstone Member of the
Alice Chamber of Commerce
Alice Main
Alice Medical
601 E. Main Street
361-668-2400
1910 E. Main Street
361-668-1000
wellsfargo.com
FDIC Member
“Alice Business Today” published by the Alice Chamber of Commerce
Cornerstone Member 2004
Page 7
Chamber celebrates with 72nd Annual Banquet
The 72nd Annual Alice Chamber of
Commerce Banquet marked a new beginning for the Chamber. Aside naming
the Junior Citizen of the Year and the
Citizen of the Year, the Chamber set a
new precedence for future banquets with
its guest speaker.
“We wanted to do something different
this year,” banquet co-chairperson Virginia Garcia said. “We set new sights for
the Chamber at the beginning of the year
and the banquet proved we are willing to
make changes for the better.”
Guest speaker, Ret. Lt Gen Marc
Cisneros wowed the crowd with his key
note address.
Cisneros is a native of Brownsville
and grew up in Premont.
Growing up in South Texas, Cisneros
was involved in ranching and Future
Farmers of America. He earned a bachelor of business administration degree
from St. Mary’s University in San Antonio, followed by a Master of Arts degree
in public administration from Shippensberg State College in Pennsylvania and a
post-master’s equivalent from the United
States Army War College, also in Pennsylvania. In 1993, Cisneros was named a
distinguished alumnus of St. Mary’s.
Cisneros’ 35-year military career began as an ROTC Distinguished Military
Graduate commissioned in the Army
field artillery in 1961. He served two
combat tours in Vietnam and one in Panama, where he was recognized for limiting battle damage and casualties and
for helping to capture Gen. Manuel
Noriega.
Cisneros retired from the Army in
1996 and joined Fluor Daniel Inc. as
general manager of its Government Services Operating Company. He is a wellrespected leader of the San Antonio
community. In 1997, Cisneros was
named one of the “100 Most Influential
Hispanics” by Hispanic Business magazine. He was appointed by Gov. George
W. Bush to the state Jail Standards Commission and by President Bill Clinton to
the U. S. Military Academy Board of
Visitors. He also serves as a member of
the Council on Foreign Relations. He
was twice awarded the Distinguished
Service Medal--the Army’s highest
achievement award during peacetime.
Page 8
Alice Mayor Juan Rodriguez presents guest speaker Ret. Lt. Gen Marc Cisneros a few tokens of appreciation.
“It’s an honor to be in Alice,”
Cisneros said. “When I was in Kingsville
we used to compare Kingsville to Alice
and looking how much Alice has
changed since then, it is quite evident
here tonight Alice continues to grow and
flourish.”
Cisneros who is head of the Kenedy
Foundation, took the time to share the
importance of wind farming in South
Texas and the value it has to our economy during his address.
The night also belong to three individuals who have gone above and beyond in our community.
“Each year the Alice Chamber of
Commerce recognizes individuals who
been an asset to our local community,”
Chamber Manager Juan A. Navejar Jr.
said. “The Hall of Honor Award was
created to honor those citizens who have
participated in civic and social activities
over many years. These citizens must be
at least 50 years or older and may be
awarded the Hall of Honor Award
posthumously.”
The three individuals inducted into the
Hall of Honor were Bruce Menking, Dr.
Nirupama Patel and Nena Castillo Pitts.
Dr. Rito Silva with Coastal Bend College Alice and Chamber Civic Vice
President presented these awards.
“Bruce has been a longtime supporter
of the Alice Chamber of Commerce, the
Alice Ambassadors is a member of the
Alice Board of Realtors. For his great
deeds in the Alice community we honor
him tonight,” Silva said. “Dr. Patel has
been an inspiration to many families.
She is plays a vital role in March for
Dimes to assure funds are raised to help
with their worthy cause. Nena CastilloPitts serves on the Chamber Board,
March of Dimes, the Mother’s Club, Alice Ambassadors to name a few.”
This year the Alice Chamber of Commerce announced a new award to recognize businesses and its employers who
are currently serving on Active Duty.
“The Chamber understands the commitment and sacrifices it takes from both the
employer and the families when our servicemen and women are called to serve
our country,” Navejar said. “We are
proud of all our American Armed Service Veterans.”
Mark Casanova, Administrator
CHRISTUS Spohn Hospital Alice was
recognized as the hospital has three servicemen on active duty. The service
members are Sgt. Vince Bautista, US
Army; Junius Dural, Commander, US
Navy and First Sgt. Rick Valenzuela,
First Sgt. US Army.
“Alice Business Today” published by the Alice Chamber of Commerce
72nd ANNUAL CHAMBER BANQUET
Albert Gonzales receives the Our-going board member plaque.
Yvette Johnson receives a two-year of service award.
Bruce Menking is inducted into the Chamber Hall of Honor.
Nena Castillo-Pitts is inducted into the Chamber Hall of Honor.
The American Freedom Award is presented to Mark Casanova.
Christian Garcia is awarded the Lowell Hunt Memorial Scholarship
Thank you Banquet Sponsors:
Alice Heart Center
Carlisle Insurance
Humpal Physical Therapy
Mi Familia Adult Day Care
Prosperity Bank
Atkinson/Wonders
City of Alice
IBC
NSCL
Texas Champion Bank
Andrews Distributing
Covance Research
JWC Fair Association
Pheonix Global
Yvette Johnson
Boys & Girls Club of Alice
Dr. Gary Cloud OD
L&F Distributing
First Community Bank
JARRETT, From Page 1
youngest assistant managers.
His high school accomplishments include being a member of the Honors
Band, Jazz Band, Coyote Scholar, Recognized All “A” student, Varsity Tennis
Team, National Honor Society, AllRegion Band, State Qualifier - Parliamentary Procedures, Distinguish Scholar
finalist - Corpus Christi Caller Times.
Community service projects include the
Crossbar Coffeehouse Co-founder, First
United Methodist Vacation Bible
School, Hurricane Ike, hosting three
members African American Children’s
Choir.
The 13 students were selected by
teachers and counselors at Alice High
School. The candidates were Chelsea
Andersen, Jullianna Farias, Sara Frazier,
Alejandra Galindo, Adrienne Garcia,
Christian Garcia, Travis Jarrett, Adriana
Moreno, Rosa Ortega, Renee Ramirez,
Petra Perez, Trent Schulze and Travis
Whitty.
All of the candidates met before a
panel of judges who narrowed the field
down to six. Aside the panel of judges,
the six finalists met before the Chamber
board for the final selection was made.
Each student had to write an essay as
Travis Jarrett thanks his family for their support after accepting the Jr. Citizen of the
Year honors.
part of the selection process. The students are judged on their essays and
extra-curricular activities.
The 13 candidates also competed for
the Lowell Hunt Memorial Scholarship
presented by the Alice Echo-News
Journal for their essay competition. This
year’s Lowell Hunt Scholarship was
awarded to Christian Garcia.
Jarrett was also presented the Franke
Funke Scholarship by Wells Fargo Bank
during the banquet.
Thank you Banquet Sponsors:
Alice Jim Wells County EDC
Wells Fargo Bank
Coastal Bend College
Rushing & Gonzalez
Del Cielo Home Care
Alice Newspaper Inc
Dixie Iron Works
Saldivar Home Health
Auto
2701 E. Main
(361) 668-0441
FESCO
Brite Star, Ltd
EnDyn
Stewart Title
Home
Business
State Farm Robert Molina
CHRISTUS Spohn Alice
Rep. Yvonne Toureilles
Workforce Solutions
Life Health
1810 E. Main Alice
361-664-4348
1-888-664-4349
www.carlisleins.com
Cornerstone Member 2004
Page 10
“Alice Business Today” published by the Alice Chamber of Commerce
In order to accommodate entrepreneurs busy schedules the Del Mar College SBDC operates
a satellite office at Coastal Bend College - Alice. The Alice office services Jim Wells, Duval,
Brooks, Kleberg, Live Oak, McMullen and Kenedy counties. This office run by senior counselor Larry Ellis offers business counseling, training and procurement technical assistance to
the residents and businesses of South Texas. For more information on the Small Business Development Centers and Procurement Assistance, contact Larry Ellis at 661-1119 or check out
our website http://www.delmar.edu/sbdc
8 Keys to Excellent
Customer Care
Why is good customer service so important? In short, it's good for your business’ bottom line.
“Increased loyalty can bring cost savings in several areas: reduced marketing
costs, lower costs in contract negotiations
and order processing, reduced customer
churn expenses, increased cross-selling,
and more positive word-of-mouth, reducing acquisition costs,” according to the
article Emotional Intelligence Takes Customer Loyalty to a Higher Level by Michael Greenbaum. Following are ideas
that will help you show your customers
how much you really do care.
Communicate
Keep your customers informed. Regularly update them on the specifics of their
relationship with your company, recent
changes or news about your business,
and what's going on in the general marketplace of your industry. “One of the
most important things to communicate to
a customer is how they can use your
product or service more effectively,”
says Joanna Brandi, author of Winning at
Customer Retention, 101 Ways to Keep
‘em Happy, Keep 'em Loyal, and Keep
‘ e m
C o m i n g
B a c k .
Brandi recommends communicating via
phone calls, emails, newsletters, direct
mail, and postcards — all are valuable
(and proven to be successful) ways to
contact your clients.
Convenience
If you want people to keep coming
back to you, you have to make it easy for
them. Brandi summarizes the current
consumer mentality as “It’s 24/7, you’ve
got to give it to me where I want it,
you've go to give it to me when I want it,
you've got to give it to me how I want it.”
Simple changes you can make include,
not keeping customers on hold, reducing
the number of buttons people must press
when using an automated phone answering system to reach a service representa-
tive, and changing your voicemail to let
people know where you are and when
they’ll hear from you.
Do it on their timeframe
Ask customers when they need an
item or service, answer phones swiftly,
deliver packages promptly, and be sure
your Internet pages are up-to-date and
load rapidly.
Do it their way
We are in an era of mass customization. “Everybody wants it their own way.
Everybody wants to be able to feel like
what you’re doing for them is special,
even if it's not. It needs to look special
for that customer,” says Brandi.
How can you possibly keep up with all
of your customers' needs and desires?
Brandi suggests using a Customer Relationship Management system. These databases track essential information like
contact information, purchasing history,
and buying habits.
Consistent experiences
Yes, you want to surprise and delight
your customers, but you also want them
to know they can count on a certain level
of service from you every time. To accomplish this goal, you need to understand customer expectations and then
develop quality standards. Be assured, if
you provide exceptional customer service, people will talk.
Ask customers
Consider establishing a customer advisory board to learn more about your
customers' wants and needs. Asking simple questions like what's new in their
businesses, what's new in their lives, and
what would they like to see from your
company in the future can help you gain
valuable insight.
Recovery skills
Customers will remember their last
experience, according to Brandi, and
they may or may not give your company
a second chance, especially if you make
a mistake. “We have a small zone of tolerance for screwing up,” says Brand,
“but unfortunately, because of the pressure everybody's under, the customer's
zone of tolerance is shrinking.”
Sit down and think about everything that
could go wrong during a transaction with
your company. Decide how you would
solve each of these situations and then
get this information out to your employees. Empower your employees, so cus-
See ELLIS, Page 12
1600 E. Main Alice
“Alice Business Today” published by the Alice Chamber of Commerce
Cornerstone Member
Page 11
CONVENTION
AND VISITORS
BUREAU
Spring is here
and with the
time to start
planning your
summer vacations.
Convention
Traveling
& Visitors Bureau across Texas?
1-877-992-5423 The CVB Visitor Center located at the Alice Chamber of Commerce has Texas maps or can get you
information needed for your trips. We
have a great selection of brochures from
various sites in Texas. We also have
hunter and fisherman guidebooks as well
as some travel magazines in the lobby.
The Noon Lions Roadkill Cookoff
was a huge success with many visitors
from out of town staying in our local
hotels.
Each month we tabulate the number
of sessions received on the pages and
you would be amazed as how many and
where the hits are coming from.
In March the number of hits to our
webpage were 11,541 sessions to the site
indicating a small drop from February
with most hits coming from up north
from our Winter Texans. Among the targeted webpages was general information
GRAND OPENING
True Elite Fitness & Well held a grand opening ceremony on Wednesday, March 25th.
The gym is located at the Sagewood Mall.
about Alice, accommodations and sites.
Applications for 2009 project funding are
available at the Chamber of Commerce
and are due 60 days prior to event in order
to receive board approval for events to be
held in Alice. All requests must be presented to the Chamber board for approval
before granting assistance from the CVB.
Funding will be done a bit different this
year. Aside the application, the CVB will
require a business plan and proof of insur-
ance before awarding funding to assure
we are using proper documentation of the
hotel tax funding. Copies of a business
plan can be obtain by contacting the
Chamber of Commerce.
People walking through our doors are
asking for information on Alice, the area
or asked for phone books and maps of
Alice and Texas. Relocation/information
packets were smaller with 22 being sent
out in March.
ELLIS, From Page 11
tomers won’t be passed from one person
to the next to the next — a reality most
find very frustrating.
Really care
One of the top reasons customers will
stop doing business with you is because
they think you don’t care about their
business, says Brandi. She recommends
treating customers with compassion and
trying not to make them feel foolish.
Offering quality products and services is
just the start to making customers happy,
Greenbaum says “customers look for
positive, emotionally sensitive, and
memorable experiences. Delivering this
gives you a competitive edge over those
who merely offer high-quality service.”
Page 12
“Alice Business Today” published by the Alice Chamber of Commerce
The U.S. and the global economy
The current economic woes have affected economies
around the world.
When U.S. stocks
tumbled following the
collapse of investment giant Lehman
PAUL RYCROFT Brothers and troubles
on Finance
at insurance monolith
AIG in 2008, the devastation on Wall Street reverberated
around the globe. Within hours foreign
markets began a downward spiral, and
it’s been a roller coaster ride ever since.
Globally connected
There are a number of reasons why
Wall Street has a domino effect beyond
our borders. One contributing factor is
that over the years, as global trading and
foreign investments have increased,
world economies have grown increasingly interdependent. U.S. companies are
heavily invested in foreign markets, and
vice versa, making us all vulnerable to
international events that affect stock values, which can include everything from
political upheavals to natural disasters,
poor investment decisions, fraud and
more.
Overseas operations
The United States has also become
less financially insular as more U.S.
companies have expanded their overseas
operations. We’ve all read the media reports about manufacturing, customer service and technical support jobs flowing
over seas, further globalizing businesses.
Due to advances in technology and
financial infrastructures, businesses are
able to move more quickly. Reliance on
electronic financial transactions, which
enable lightning-fast debits and credits,
have removed buffers that once helped
delay and sometimes temper the reaction
of markets when the world traded at a
snail’s pace. Improvement in the transportation of goods has also helped accelerate
the interdependence of global economies.
Government efforts
The U.S. government is influential as
well. With influence comes control, and
the U.S. has prided itself on being an economic superpower for the last century.
According to the Federal Reserve, the U.
S. dollar is the most preferred transaction
currency around the globe, accounting for
half of the world’s foreign exchange reserves, and the U.S. Treasury would certainly like to keep it that way. The Federal
Reserve regularly conducts financial business with foreign countries to intentionally boost the value of the dollar.
If the fragility of the U.S. economy
gives you jitters, your concerns are not
unfounded. Our business community
needs to work harder than ever to ensure
innovation and free enterprise prevail,
create jobs and bolster demand for U.S.
goods and services. For the U.S. to continue to prosper, we need to excel in every
way, including productivity, foreign relations, fiscal policies, health care, education and more.
Despite recent events, history shows
the cyclical nature of the stock market and
points to a strong likelihood we will
weather this financial storm and come
out on the other side stronger. As fear
subsides, confidence should return and
help American businesses get back on
track toward rebuilding the U.S. economy and thereby improving the global
economy.
The strength of the U.S. economy depends on the willingness of consumers to
spend and invest in American businesses.
Talk to your financial advisor to discuss
your financial goals and your risk tolerance before you invest. You can diversify
your portfolio by choosing from an array
of U.S. and foreign investments that
match your risk tolerance and time horizon that are balanced to help you avoid
excessive exposure to one class of investments.
This column is for informational purposes only. The information may not be
suitable for every situation and should
not be relied on without the advice of
your tax, legal and/or financial advisors.
Neither Ameriprise Financial nor its financial advisors provide tax or legal advice. Consult with qualified tax and legal
advisors about your tax and legal situation. This column was prepared by
Ameriprise Financial.
Financial planning services and investments offered through Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc., Member FINRA &
SIPC.
© 2009 Ameriprise Financial, Inc. All
rights reserved.
HOSPITAL, From Page 3
Alice became the largest private-sector
employer in Alice and the largest health
care provider in Jim Wells County. With
the two campuses, it featured four operating rooms, two endoscopy suites, two cesarean section rooms, an 8-bed intensive
care unit, 6 labor-deliver-recovery rooms
and a newborn nursery, ER/trauma center,
pediatrics unit, cardiac unit as well as outpatient, diagnostic and surgical services
and physical therapy.
Alice opened its new SNF unit at Laviana Plaza on January 2007. This 22-bed
unit also included an activities room, gym
and 4 new offices.
“Your Only Locally Owned & Operated Bank In Alice, Texas”
Commercial
CDs
Auto/Boat
Checking
Safe Deposit Boxes
IRAs
664-8789 - 668-8831(24-Hour Customer)
Member
Consumer
Mortgages
24-Hour
Banking
801 N. Texas Blvd. Alice, Texas
FDIC
“Alice Business Today” published by the Alice Chamber of Commerce
Cornerstone Member
Page 13
LEADERSHIP JIM WELLS COUNTY
Leadership class
goes back to school
for lesson
Educating our youth is one of the most
important assets we can give our children. Getting a perspective of how the
Texas education system works in different aspects is what the Leadership class
learned in March.
The class began in Jim Wells County
at the Ben Bolt-Palito Blanco Independent School District where they met with
Superintendent Dr. Grace Everett. Dr.
Everett shared the inner workings of a
small town public school system prior to
touring the high school.
The class received a different outlook
to teaching methods at Alice Christian
School.
The Alice private school gave light to
the self-paced curriculum conducted at
the school. Students use modules for lessons prior to testing to a higher level.
Aside touring the classrooms the leadership class also toured the day care center as well.
Following lunch, the class headed to
learn about higher education at Coastal
Bend College where they were met by
Director and LJWC Alum Rito Silva.
The Class of 2009 toured Ben Bolt-Palito Blanco ISD.
The class received information on everything needed to prepare college at CBC.
Silva then gave a guided tour of the college.
The class’ final stop took them to St.
Joseph Catholic School for a different
perspective on education. The pre-kinder
to sixth grade parochial school. The class
was given the royal treatment from the
National Honor Society students who pro-
vided the tour of the campus to include
the playground areas.
The class will reconvene for the final
lesson of the year on May 14th when they
study the Criminal Justice system. Class
graduation is set for Monday, May 18th
at the Fairway Grill at the Alice Municipal Golf Course where alumni are invited to attend the ceremony.
The Alice Chamber of Commerce will be closed on Friday, April 10, 2009 in observance of Good Friday.
300 W. First Alice
361-668-8311
Border Title Group
“Excellence in Title Insurance”
1708 E. Main Street
Alice, Texas 78332
Phone: (361) 668-6024
Fax:
(361) 668-0086
www.bordertitle.com
Page 14
Manufacturing
Sales
Engineering
Service
Technical Support
Training
Repacking
Rental
www.endyn.com
Cornerstone Member 2004
“Alice Business Today” published by the Alice Chamber of Commerce
Thank You 2009 Alice Chamber of Commerce Members
A Rainbow Beginning
A&B Hearing & Audiology
AT&T
A&W Investments Sunset
Terrace
A-1 Quality Fence
Acetylene Oxygen Company
Adcock Pipe & Supply
AEP Texas
Alamo Lumber Company
Alamosa Animal Hospital
Alice Autoplex, Inc.
Alice Board of Realtors
Alice Body & Paint
Alicecalendar.com
Alice Cash & Carry
Alice Counseling Center
Alice Country Club
Alice Echo-News Journal
Alice Family Eye Center
Alice Fire Fighters Asso.
Alice Feeder Supply, Inc.
Alice Heart Center
Alice Housing Authority
Alice Mini Storage
Alice Motor Inn
*Alice Noon Lions
Alice Optimist Club
Alice Paint & Decorating
Alice Pest Control, Inc.
Alice Police Officers Asso.
Alice Radiator & Muffler
Alice Shoe Shop
*Amanda’s Country Classic
AMBIT Energy
Amerigroup Community Care
Ameriprise Financial
*Amy & Me
Andrews Distributors
Angel Care Ambulance
Astromatic Car/Truck Wash
Atkinson - Wonders
Avon Products
B&J Air & Pump
Baker Auto Sales
Ball-Montez Electric Co.
Barker, Paulette
Bedgood, R.E. & Sons
Best Western Executive Inn
Betty Allison Realtors. Inc.
Bob Hays Western Store
Bordeaux Apartments
Bowden Ford
BriteStar
Brush Country Bank
Brush Country Casa
Brush Country Claims
Buckhorn Mini Storage
*Burger Basket
Byron W. Blair, P.C.
C.A. Jackson, Inc.
*CAM Trucking Service
C.A.W. Company Inc.
Cameron Village Apts.
Carlisle Insurance Agency
Century 21 Hallmark
Chiles Sales & Service
CHRISTUS Spohn Hospital Alice
Church’s Fried Chicken
Claro Communications
CNI Communications
Coastal Bend Blood Center
Coastal Bend College
Coastal Community & Teachers
Coastal Community & Teachers
Credit Union
Coastal Plains MHMR Center
Community Action Corporation
Copy Center
Cornelius, Nettie
Cornerstone Baptist Church
*Corpus Christi Hammerheads
*Corpus Christi Hooks
*Corpus Christi IceRays
Covance Research Products
Cowley Supply Company
Coym, Rehmet & Gutierrez Engs.
CVS
Dairy Burger
Dan’s Processing Center, Inc.
Day, Michael & Melanae
Days Inn
Dean, Homer
*Del Cielo Home Health
Dee Dee C. Arismendez, Ind. Contractor Home Interiors
DeLaune Drilling Service
Devon Energy
Dixie Iron Works MSI, Ltd.
Dr. Alejandro Lopez
Dr. Bandeira Teixeira
Dr. Gary T. Cloud, O.D.
Dr. Roel Garza & Assoc. Family
Dentistry
Dr. William Nisimblat, M.D.
Edwards Furniture
EnDyn OMS, Inc.
*Especially For Me
Eye Care Optical
FESCO, Inc.
First Community Bank
First State Bank of San Diego
First United Methodist Church
Fleet Pride S.W. Region
Flournoy Production Company
Flowers Machine & Welding Co.
Frank’s Services & Equipment
Garza, Joe Frank
Richard J. Garza, P.C.
Gilbert’s Fine Jewelry
Goodwill of South Texas
GreyWolf Drilling
Guaranty Title & Abstract
Gulf Coast Federal Credit Union
H&S Constructors, Inc.
Half Hour Photo - Jackson
Enterprises
Halliburton Services
*Hampton Inn
Heart to Heart Homecare
Hispanic Heritage Committee
H.D. Machine & Welding
Holiday Inn Express
Homecare Dimensions
Hospitality House
Humpal Physical Therapy &
Sports Medicine
Hunter Petroleum
Hunter-Ash Oil Co.
Immanuel Lutheran Church
International Bank
of Commerce
Island Glow
Jasso Insurance
Jigger
JWC Fair Association
Joe’s Plumbing
Johnny’s Blooming Shop
Johnson, Yvette
Jolene’s Merle Norman
K.C. Hall
K&S Thread Services
Keetch & Associates
LHR Services & Equipment
L&F Distributors
La Copita Ranch
La Hacienda Pharmacy
*La Quinta Inn & Suites
Lack’s Furniture Store
Larry Clack’s Furniture
Lawrence B. Cornelius & Co.
Lemon & Gonzalez-Lemon
Loomis International
*Lone Star Motors
Lopez Finance
Love Chrysler Dodge Jeep
Maurices
Manpower
McCoys
McDonalds
McNinch, Leon CPA
*Mi Familia Adult Day Care
Model Key Shop
Murdoch Welding
NSCL
N&S Air Conditioning
Neff’s Plumbing Service
Nevill Business Machines
New York Life Insurance
New Sound Hearing Aid
Nortex Bakery & Fast Foods
North Point Computers
Page Water Well Drilling
Paladium Bowl
Panda Chinese Restaurant
Perez, Marisela
Phoinix Global LLC
Picture Perfect Sanitizing
Platinum Slickline Service
Plaza Four
Popeye’s
Port of Corpus Christi
PrimeAmerica Financial Srvs
Prosperity Bank
Raul Ramirez - State Farm
Ray Vess Jewelers
*RC Electric
*Rialto Jewelry
Richardson’s Water Well Drilling
Right of Way Service Inc.
Rios, Margot
Robert Molina - State Farm
Insurance
Robstown Catering
*Rosas Funeral Home, Inc.
Rush Truck Center, Alice
Rushing & Gonzalez
Saldivar Coastal Services, Inc.
Sandoval, Ruben
Scott Bearing Company
Scottish Inn
Schlumberger
Sears Authorized Dealer Store
Seidel, Whittington & Company
SERCO of Texas, Inc.
Sherwin-Williams
Silva, David
Small Business Dev. Center
SNBL USA, Ltd.
South Texas Blood & Tissue Center
South Texas Museum
South Texas Screening - Driving
School
Stewart Title Company
St. Elizabeth Catholic School
St. Joseph Catholic School
Star Light Limo Service
State Rep Yvonne GonzalezToureilles
State Sen. Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa
Steamatic of Alice
Steve Costley Advertising
Tasco Tool Service, Inc.
*Tesoro Loan
Texas Champion Bank
Texas Star
*The Menu Gazette
The Tint Shop
Third Coast Squadron
*Tiny Tots Day Care
Tractor Supply Company
Truckers Equipment
*True Elite Fitness & Well
Tutti Frutti Delight
Tyrone City Barber Shop
*Unique Staffing
*Universal Mortgage
United Medical Services
V.F.W. Post 8621
*VillageProfile.com
Walker, Jack
Wal-Mart, Inc.
Weiben Chiropractic Clinic
Wells Fargo Bank
Whataburger of Alice
WorkSorce Network Inc.
*Indicates new
2009 new member
U.S. POSTAGE PAID
Alice, Texas
Permit No. 41
PRST STD
Membership Benefits
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Two FREE classified listings in the Chamber website: www.alicetx.org
FREE Subscription to Alice Business Today, the official Chamber monthly newsletter
Annual Membership Directory/Buyer’s Guide listing all members, including a classified directory for
member businesses
Advertising opportunities in Chamber publications
to promote your business
Membership Services which include FREE Business Announcement/Ribbon Cutting Ceremonies,
Conference Room Rentals and Mailing Lists
Networking Opportunities through Chamber activities to make valuable contacts and promote your
business
Opportunities to get involved in the Chamber’s volunteer working committees to help build a stronger
economy and bright future for our community
Access to economic and statistical information
through the Chamber office
Support of a professional staff that works fulltime
for you and your fellow members
Alice Chamber of Commerce
612 East Main
P.O. Box 1609
Alice, Texas 78332
Objectives
The following objectives have been established by the Alice Chamber
of Commerce Board of Directors:
To identify and assist in obtaining funding to accomplish the objectives of the Chamber of Commerce.
•
To increase our membership and provide quality service for our
members.
•
To serve as liaison with all government, civic and educational
entities, and law enforcement agencies in Alice and Jim Wells
County.
•
To provide all proper assistance to any new firms, professional or
individuals seeking to locate in the Alice area.
•
To encourage and advance the growth of existing industries and
businesses.
•
For more information on how to get involved and benefit as a member
of the Chamber of Commerce, call (361) 664-3454, or stop by the office located at 612 E. Main, Alice, Texas.