The North San Antonio Chamber of Commerce is committed to our mission of keeping Bexar County strong through the delivery of advocacy, networking, recognition, leadership and professional development programs. As we head into October, we look forward to recognizing deserving individuals both in our organization and the greater San Antonio community. We look ahead to our 43^rd Annual Gala, a Legislative Reception and to the results of a lawsuit filed against the U.S. Department of Labor.
 
Welcome to Wild South Africa
Save the date for a colorful night of celebration at Wild South Africa - the North SA Chamber’s 43^rd Annual Gala on Saturday, January 14, 2017 at the Marriott Rivercenter. This evening will celebrate the successes that we have accomplished in 2016 and my exit as your Chairman of the Board. It will also serve as the official installation of the 2017 Chairwoman of the Board and the 2017 Board of Directors. The evening will feature the presentation of the San Antonian Award to an honoree whose achievements, as well as charitable and civic contributions transcend his or her industry, career and immediate communities (stay tuned in October to hear this announcement).
 
While our year is certainly not over yet, I reflect back on 2016 with much pride and with much excitement for what is to come in 2017. I look forward to hearing the vision of your newest Chairwoman -  Phyllis Gallay, Director at Becton Dickinson and Company. To reserve your table for this special evening, visit the event registration page.
 
Lawsuit Against U.S. Department of Labor
The North San Antonio Chamber makes decisions based on what we think is best for our membership and for the business community. We aim to be a voice for businesses that might otherwise not be able to do speak out. For this reason, we stood alongside a decision in partnership with the U.S. Chamber of, the Texas Association of Business, more than 40 local chambers of commerce throughout the state of Texas and other business groups in Texas, and more than a dozen other sector-specific business groups to file a lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Labor seeking to stop the implementation of new overtime rules set to go into effect December 1, 2016.
 
Our reason for filing the lawsuit was that we felt the Department's unprecedented doubling of the minimum salary threshold for executive, administrative, or professional employees to be considered exempt from the overtime requirements (of the Fair Labor Standards Act) will have significant adverse effects on businesses, nonprofit groups and associations, and employees. The Department of Labor's new overtime rule will impose significant new economic costs and limit workplace flexibility, impede career and promotion opportunities, and make it harder for businesses and nonprofits to expand to meet the needs of their customers and constituents. The new overtime rule will be particularly damaging to nonprofit organizations, including trade associations and chambers of commerce, that will be subject to the rule. 
 
For more information, please contact Cristina Aldrete, VP of Business Development and Government Affairs at (210) 384-7730 or U.S. Chamber of Commerce John M. Gonzales, Director of Congressional and Public Affairs at (972) 443-6200. (Information provided by U.S. Chamber of Commerce)
 
Ambassador of the Year
On Wednesday, October 5, 2016 we will recognize 10 exceptional small business leaders in our community by various categories, Small Business Advocate of the Year – LiftFund, and the 2016 Small Business Leader of the Year (to be announced). In addition, we will be recognizing an individual who has gone above and beyond his service on our North SA Chamber Ambassador Committee. I would like to take the time to personally congratulate Jack Hathaway of Thompson Print Solutions for being recognized as our 2016 Ambassador of the Year (to be presented at the Small Business Leaders Awards ceremony). The Ambassadors Committee serves as the front line of the North SA Chamber and what we stand for. Their duty is to bring good will to members at Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting celebrations throughout the year as well as, serve as a resource to members needing information and to get more involved with our organization. I’d also like to extend a thank you to our 2016 Chair of the Ambassador Committee Jessica Delgado of Broadway Bank. When asked about Jack’s involvement, Jessica says, “Jack’s dedication to the Ambassador program uplifts the entire committee. He has had the highest participation on Ribbon Cuttings and he always serves as a great service center and friend to new and existing North SA Chamber members.” On behalf of the North SA Chamber Board of Directors, we thank you both for your service.
 
Legislative Reception
As we prepare ourselves for a Legislative year in 2017, the North SA Chamber is providing you with an opportunity to meet one-on-one with our Texas State Senators and State Representatives for an evening of cocktails, appetizers and personal discussion on issues that can affect you and your business in the 85^th Legislative Session. Registration and sponsorship for the event happening on Thursday, November 10^th from 5:30 – 8:00 p.m. at the IBC Bank Medical Branch is now open and available online on the Event Registration page.
 
Let’s Finish Strong
As we start to fix our eyes on a new year ahead, I encourage you to continue to stay involved. Start planning now for what events you would like to participate on and sponsor. The North SA Chamber continues to serve as your voice in advocacy and as a service center to move you and your business forward.