On behalf of the North San Antonio Chamber of Commerce, our Board of Directors, staff and countless volunteers, thank you for your membership and involvement. The first nine months of 2015 have been very successful for the North Chamber and we still have a number of great involvement opportunities and important issues in the final months of the year.        
 
November Elections
San Antonio has had a busy election year with the November 2014 general election, the May 2015 local elections and an unprecedented number of special elections in between. With so many initiatives, it is easy for voters to become fatigued and overlook important ballot issues. However, on November 3, 2015 there will be a significant statewide and local ballot initiative that directly impacts our community, as well as elections for local governmental entities like the San Antonio River Authority.
 
 The North Chamber Board of Directors supports two of these initiatives and encourages you to vote yes on November 3 for Proposition 7 and the North East Independent School District (NEISD) Bond.
 
On June 23, 2015, the North Chamber Board of Directors unanimously voted to support the passage of Proposition 7. Proposition 7 allows Texas voters to approve additional funding for highways throughout the state. During the 84th Texas Legislature, lawmakers approved Senate Joint Resolution 5, which would dedicate $2.5 billion in general sales tax revenue to the highway fund if approved at the November 3, 2015 election.
 
On September 22, 2015, the North Chamber Board unanimously voted to support the $499.95 million NEISD Bond. As described by NEISD website, “The 2015 Bond focuses on five categories: Safety and Security, Technology, Operations, Extracurricular and Facilities. The bond projects include adding security check-in vestibules, expanding the wireless network for technology devices, replacing the 60-year-old bleachers at Comalander Stadium, and expanding or replacing band halls and fine arts facilities at several middle and high schools. The largest category of the bond program, at nearly $226 million, includes replacing portable classrooms and campus facility renovations. In addition, the District anticipates that the bond will not increase the tax rate for at least five years.”
 
The North Chamber board encourages you to participate in these important ballot issues this November.
 
CFO Forum
Our next CFO Forum will be on Thursday, October 1, 2015 at Oak Hills Country Club. Over the past twelve years, the North Chamber has presented the CFO Forum luncheon program to inform attendees about accounting and financial best practices, relevant issues and industry trends. CFO Forum’s history of excellence attracts distinguished speakers, cultivates a consistent following of returning guest and has become the trademark for this knowledge series designed exclusively for CFO’s and support staff.
 
The theme for the October 1 CFO Forum is “5 Generations in the Workplace: How it Affects a Company’s Recruiting and Retention Efforts”. The topics discussed will include: Delayed Workforce Retirement Trend; Complexity of Multi-Generational Staffing; and Challenges of Talent Retention with moderator Cyndi Mergele with Padgett, Stratemann & Co., LLP.
 
The distinguished panelists for the program are:

• Tammy Mallaise, VP Employment and Labor Relations with Zachry Group
• John McGarrity, Executive Director Talent Programs Delivery with USAA
• Wayne Shirley PHR SHRM-CP Diretor of Human Resources with Frontier Enterprises

 
Registration information for the CFO Forum can be found at the Events Calendar & Registration page.
 
Community Leadership
One of the most important missions of the North Chamber is the support, development and recognition of business and community leaders. On September 23 we recognized Robin and Ernesto Ancira for their leadership, business achievement, community and community contribution during the 13^th Annual Salute to Excellence luncheon. For emerging leaders in local businesses who look to exemplars such as the Anciras, the North Chamber’s Leadership Lab, volunteer opportunities and various programs create an environment to foster involvement and professional growth. Applications for the 2016 Leadership Lab class are now available and can be downloaded here.
 
The North Chamber Board of Directors is comprised of individuals who are not only leaders in their companies and in the North Chamber, but who also serve on various other boards and commissions. Our 2015 Board includes an elected school board trustee, a planning commissioner, alumni association board members, non-profit board members, homeowner association, church officers and many other community volunteers. These Board members demonstrate that you can be successful in your professions while still giving back to greater San Antonio.   
 
Stay Involved
We offer many opportunities for you to join us at programs that will help you develop professionally, expand your business connections and learn about the latest local and national economic trends. We are your voice, and your participation makes the North Chamber a more effective advocate for our business members. Our many successes at the North Chamber this year are due to a great staff, hardworking volunteers, collaborative relationships with fellow chambers and the support of our business and institutional members.