April 2009 - Alice Texas!
Transcripción
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 • • • • • • • • • • • • • 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.