Houston Northwest News MARCH APRIL 2007

Houston
Northwest News
MARCH
APRIL
2007
The Official Publication of the Houston Northwest Chamber of Commerce
Successful Businesses • Thriving Community
Inside This Issue:
Good Signs in The Great Northwest
Focus on F.A.C.E.
Cy Creek Cultural Arts
14511 Falling Creek Dr.
Suite 205
Houston, Texas 77014
281-440-4160
www.HoustonNWChamber.org
Partner’s Corner . . .
Welcome to our
Newsmagazine!
Dear Friends,
Over the past year, the Chamber has surveyed its
members on the information they’d like to see
published in the monthly newsletter. Based on this
member feedback we proudly launched the newest
version of the Houston Great northwest with our
January-February issue. The old monthly newsletter is
now a bi-monthly newsmagazine designed to bring
you information more focused on the community
developments that impact your business, the cultural
offerings the community has to offer, and feature
articles designed to provide valuable information on
owning and running your business.
We are excited about updates on two projects that can
positively impact your business: Buy Nearby and
Proud Member Logos. In our last issue, we
announced the “Buy Nearby” campaign, a program
that encourages individuals and businesses to make
their purchases in our local community. We now have
a
“Buy
Nearby”
domain
name:
www.WeBuyNearby.com This location guides you to
credible business resources.
We are also proud to announce the
introduction of the “Proud Member”
Proud Member Chamber logo. Many of you were
placing these words on your websites, print
advertisements and flyers, so we responded to this
need. Members will receive an email with an electronic
file of this logo that can be used on members’ websites
and printed publications. There is a special logo for
Founder’s Council members, Chairman’s Council
Members and Chairman’s Circle members. We have
logo standards, so if you are unsure of placement or
use, just give Sandy Barton, Marketing and Special
Events Director, a call. If you do not have an email
address, please arrange to pick up your logo file on a
diskette from the Chamber.
The new year will bring more changes to the
communications the Chamber provides as a benefit of
your membership. Very soon will also begin receiving
a monthly e-newsletter which contains more “inside”
Chamber info than you’ll see in bi-monthly
newsmagazine. We’ll provide you the same, great
coverage of all the events that occur during any
Chamber month, and you’ll have it in your hands on a
more timely basis via email! Look for this new, great
service coming early in 2007!
As always, the Chamber values your feedback. Please
contact Sandy Barton at the Chamber with comments,
questions or concerns regarding any aspect of
Chamber publications! Call 281-440-4160 x3 or email
[email protected].
In addition, we will be ordering plastic “clings” with
these logos to give to you for placement on the
window or door of your business. The Proud Member
logo speaks volumes about the caliber of your business.
This is just one of the ways we want to support you as
a valued member of our Chamber.
Those of you who have membership plaques with the
old logos, may trade theirs in by coming to the
Chamber. Check first to be sure we have the stock
available!
Family Tour and Cruise
Specialists
Lastly, be sure to join one of the many active Chamber
committees. Go to www.HoustonNWChamber.org
and click on “Get involved” and then click “2007
Committees”. Committee work is a great exercise in
leadership and group dynamics and it is the way things
happen in this community.
Caribbean
Alaska
Thank you for your interest and membership.
Yours in Successful Business,
13845 Breck St.
Houston, TX 77066
713-284-6677
Europe
$
25 OFF
Hawaii
Tommy Ripley
Barbara Thomason
Chairman
President
www.HoustonNWChamber.org
any tour or cruise
booking of $500 or more
on select vendors with this ad.
Expires 06/30/07
2
March/April 2007
FM 1960 /Cypress Creek Area -
Good Signs in Northwest Houston
business that made wonderful use of the 60,000
square foot space and fulfilled a need for fun, family
oriented entertainment in northwest Houston.
There are a lot of good signs in the northwest
Houston – Cypress Creek area! There are signs of
new development and redevelopment at almost every
turn – signs that business is good in this area, with
prospects of better times to come.
At a time
when
we
could focus
on the some
“bad” signs in
northwest Houston, we may be better served by
recognizing those business owners around us who are
working to improve the quality of life for everyone in
the community – businesses and residents alike.
Take a look around – at almost every corner there is
building going
on: new shopping
centers,
new “The economic medical facilities,
b e a u t i f u l environment in a p a r t m e n t
this area of
complexes, new
r e s i d e n t i a l
Houston hasn’t
housing. All this been this strong points to a strong
commercial real since the boom of estate environment
in
northwest the early ‘80’s” Houston. “ T h e
e c o n o m i c
environment
in
this area of Houston hasn’t been this strong since the
boom of the early ‘80’s,” according to developer
Brenda Pennington of Brenda Pennington
Commercial Real Estate. “People are interested in
investing dollars, lots of dollars, in this area. The
only reason people do that are because the prospects
for a solid return are good.”
Business in northwest Houston couldn’t be better –
and there are a lot of good signs to prove it!
SCORE representatives on-site!
Every Tuesday morning representatives from SCORE
“Counselors to America's Small Business”, America's
premier source of free & confidential small business
advice for entrepreneurs, are available for walk-ins and
appointments in the Chamber offices, 14511 Falling
Creek Dr, Suite 205, Houston, 77014.
Good sign. Right?
In the fall of 2003, Encore Bank celebrated the
opening of its current Champions private client
office. Encore selected the Champions area to open
one of very first offices because, “we recognized the
area was a thriving community where local business’
and individual clients would appreciate the unique
banking atmosphere.” By late spring, they will
relocate to their newly constructed site at the corner
of Champions Forest and 1960. Their new building is
located at what was once the site of an old gas station,
redeveloping what was once a community eyesore
into a beautiful new facility ready to serve the
businesses and residents in northwest Houston.
Formed in 1964 to help small business flourish, SCORE
is a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit organization providing a public
service to America by offering small business advice and
training. SCORE's volunteers have more than 600
business skills. Volunteers, including working/retired
business owners, executives and corporate leader share
their wisdom and lessons learned in business.
Don’t let this opportunity slip by! Take advantage of this
wonderful resource provided FREE to all businesses.
Another good sign, don’t you think?
When Wal-Mart relocated to a new, larger store on
West FM 1960, many in the community were
concerned about the potential negative effect of their
former location being vacant for an extended period
business owners
of time. Local
voiced concern
over
the
Business in
potential decline northwest Houston of
property
values,
the couldn’t be better – p o s s i b l e
increase in crime and there are a lot in the area, and
of good signs to
the pure negative
aesthetics of so
prove it!
large a property
b e c o m i n g
rundown while
unused. As it
turns out, the community didn’t need to worry long
because of Mr. Robin French of FEC Holdings, who
redeveloped the space into what is now Houston’s
Incredible Pizza Company, a busy, bold, viable
www.HoustonNWChamber.org
3
March/April 2007
According to Nanci Decker, director of the Cypress Creek
Foundation for the Arts and Community Enrichment
(F.A.C.E.), nine of the performing arts groups came together
last year to form the Northwest Houston Visual &
Performing Arts Alliance. The Alliance is comprised of:
Cypress Creek F.A.C.E., Ace Theater, Applause Theater,
Cypress Creek Christian Community Center (The Centrum
and the Forum), Playhouse 1960, Texas Repertory Theater,
Houston Family Arts Center (HFAC), Houston Dance
Theater (Ballet) and The Pearl Fincher Museum of Fine
Arts, Cypress Creek.
Business SWAT Team Announced
The Houston Northwest Chamber of Commerce
primarily consists of small businesses that may not have
the resources to call upon experts to help them through
time of trouble or the pains of growth.
The Business SWAT Team program was designed to
address that specific need. SWAT, or Shared Wealth and
Talent, is chaired by Janie Aud-Riney, Momentum
Printing and Graphics, Inc. and consists of a steering
committee whose members include Ron Chlebo, 2
Develop, Don Doggett, SCORE, Cecil Malone, Action
International Business Coaching, Tom Ryon, Capital One
Bank and Barbara Thomason, Houston Northwest
Chamber of Commerce.
Decker said, “Too many people don’t realize the amount and
the quality of the performing arts we have right here in
northwest Houston. They don’t need to go downtown.”
F.A.C.E. brings entertainers for people of all ages to the
Community Center.When asked if F.A.C.E. has programs
especially aimed at Senior Citizens, Nanci Decker said, “Yes,
we have a number of older citizens who have discontinued
their tradition of going downtown for first class
entertainment. At first, they came to certain programs; now
they buy our season tickets. It is for them that we started the
Promenade Series in 2005. It has evolved to being a Tuesday
afternoon, once a month delight. Many of them, seeing the
same faces each month, have broadened their base of
friendships with people who once were strangers. Currently
we have 200 patrons.”
Small businesses are challenged to stay on top of the many
demands of managing their businesses and must stay
strategic in their thinking. The program’s purpose is to
provide a fast-response support system for small
businesses in the northwest Houston region whether they
are Chamber members or not. The Team will meet with
business owners/managers to assess the business and plan
for the future.
Businesses may opt to work with a SWAT Team as a form
of “Business Wellness Check-up” or may need more
immediate, critical assistance.
Each business
owner/manager that participates in the program will agree
to a set of goals and action plans that they will develop
with the project team. Once the action plan has been
completed, the Business SWAT Team will offer the
participating business referrals where they can seek
additional assistance. Ultimately, the Team’s goal is to
help businesses succeed.
Besides all the fantastic entertainers that F.A.C.E. brings in
people of all ages and tastes in music, they will be introducing
a Family Series, offering young families free Saturday
morning presentations. In November 2006, F.A.C.E. gave
children, ages pre-kindergarten thru 6th grade, the
opportunity to see the opera “Babes in Toyland.” Yes, Opera!
Decker, smiling at the surprised reaction that brought, and
said, “They thoroughly enjoyed it.” They learned about
opera, what distinguishes it from other performances and the
history of opera. And they got all this in their own
community. Decker mentioned that watching her own
children’s interest and knowledge of all types and ranges of
the performing arts blossom to unexpected levels has made
her very aware of how much children need just the kind of
educational advantages our cultural district provides for them
– right here at home.
We invite you to call the Chamber today to learn more
about this exciting new program!
Culture Times Nine Focus on the Cypress Creek
Foundation for the Arts-FACE
For high school level students, there is an annual chorale
event. A professional conductor is brought in to direct. Last
year it was Craig Jessup, of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir
and this year it will be Charles Bruffy, choir director from
Kansas City. 300 vocalists will be on stage, at the Centrum.
F.A.C.E. has been asked to hold a second chorale event in
2007 because so many more students want to participate.
By Janet Rolston
Everyone has heard about the Cypress Creek Cultural
District. Of course you have! You have just let it slip by you
because the word “culture” suggests uncomfortable clothes
and driving downtown; that shows you have not been
paying attention. Culture is nearby, culture is comfortable,
culture is affordable and with the probability of seeing
many of your friends at your choice of entertainment, you,
too, can enjoy lots of enjoyable evenings.
www.HoustonNWChamber.org
So let’s FACE it - people of all ages find the joy that the
performing arts offer right here in their own community. We
have it all and can save time and gas getting to it, in the
Cypress Creek Cultural District.
4
March/April 2007
Thanks for the Memories!
Thank you to our 34th Annual Chamber Awards Gala Sponsors:
We’d like to thank our incoming board, all of our awardees, our sponsors, live and silent auction donors and
attendees for a fun-filled, successful event!
Special thanks to:
Walk of Fame Sponsors
Brenda Jackson, Financial Consultant
Ripley Mufflers & Brakes, Inc.
Counts & Bonacci, LLP
Cuppy's Coffee & More
Deborah Hroch & Associates, LLC
Hester & Patel, PC, Attorneys At Law
Ian's Bakery, Inc.
Rapha Wigs
Ideas in Motion
Pella Windows & Doors
Lawrence G. Hoole, PC, CPA
MAEA 1st 'N' 2nd Chances, Inc.
AllOver Media Houston
Sue Pellegrino Real Estate Residence Doctor
Mint Homes Inc.
HPC REIT
Amergy Bank - 1960
Red Carpet Sponsors
Macori, Inc.
Tomball Regional Hospital
The Oscar Sponsors
North Harris Montgomery
Community College District
HNTB
Partner's Bank of Texas
Hewlett Packard
Table Sponsors
Amegy Bank
Brookside Funeral Homes
North Harris College
Kikis & Co.
Centerpoint Energy
1960 Sun
Woodforest National Banks
Sam Houston Race Park
Weingarten Realty
CapitalOne Banks
KSF Orthopedic
Hasta La Pasta
Willowbrook Malls
Morgan Stanley
Constable Ron Hickman
AT&T
www.HoustonNWChamber.org
In Kind Sponsors
Fastsigns
Momentum Printing & Graphics, Inc.
Brothers Lighting
All Sports Trophy
Movie Tavern
Tuscany Florist and Café
5
March/April 2007
The Cypress Creek Cultural District supports the arts and communities in the
Cypress Creek/FM 1960 area and promotes the expansion of those venues and
the addition of new venues. Schedules of upcoming performances and events is
a new regular feature of our newsletter.
Cypress Creek F.A.C.E.
Disney’s High School Musical
Youth Special Performance
A Streetcar Named Desire
(Foundation for the Arts & Community Enrichment)
Directed By Daria James
February 24 – Mar 4
Saturdays & Sundays @ 2:00 pm
Mon Feb 26 & Sat March 3 @ 7:30 pm
Performance: November 9th - 17th
Location: Ace Theatre
Holiday Show
Performance: November 30th December 22nd
Location: Ace Theatre
Fridays & Saturdays at 8:00 PM
Oct. 5th - Oct. 27th, 2007
6823 Cypresswood Dr.,
Spring, TX 77379
281-440-4850.
www.cypresscreekface.org
Leahy
Honk, Jr.
8 p.m., Saturday, March 10, 2007
April 21 – May 4
Directed By Teri Clark
Canadian Brass
On Golden Pond
8 p.m., Saturday, April 21, 2007
May 31 – June 16
Directed By Gary Kreitz
Applause Theatre Company
3320 FM 1960 West
Houston, Texas
(713) 867-3465
www.symphonynorth.org
6608 F.M.1960 W.
Houston, TX
281-440-4111
www.applausetheatre.com
Early Spring Concert
September 1 – 8
April 15, 2007
4:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Footloose
Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays May
11, 2007 thru May 20, 2007
The Best Christmas Pageant Ever
Late Spring Concert
Alice in Wonderland
Seussical
July 28 – August 11
The Pirates Of Penzance
Texas Repertory Theatre Co.
4243 Stuebner Airline,
a half-mile north of FM 1960
281.583.7573
www.texreptheatre.org
The Compleat Works of
William Shakespeare Abridged
February 14th - March 3rd, 2007
Preview night 14th and 15th
Opening night 16th
Wednesday & Thursday - 7:30pm
Friday & Saturday - 8:00pm
Sunday - 3:00pm
The Glass Managerie
March 28th - April 14th, 2007
Preview night 28th and 29th
Opening night 30th
A Funny Thing Happened on the
Way to the Forum
May 9 - 26, 2007
Preview Night: 9th & 10th
Opening Night: 11th
Wednesday & Thursday - 7:30pm
Friday & Saturday - 8:00pm
Sunday -3:00pm
May 20, 2007
4:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Dinner Theatre Production
December 1 – 15
Young Artist Concert
16200 State Highway 249,
Houston, Texas 77086
281-453-0290
www.houstonfac.com
Percussion One
February 3 Only
2:00 pm And 7:30 pm
17011 Bamwood,
Houston, Texas 77090
281-587-1020
Playhouse 1960
For more information go to:
www.ccculturaldistrict.org
6814 Gant Rd
Houston, TX 77066
281-587-8243
www.playhouse1960.com
Clue, The Musical
Performance: April 13th - May 5th
Location: Ace Theatre
Tom Sawyer
A Flea in Her Ear
Performance: May 18th - June 3rd
Location: Ace Theatre
Dial M For Murder
Performance: Oct. 12th - Nov. 3rd
Location: Ace Theatre
Fridays & Saturdays at 8:00 PM
Mar. 9th - Mar. 31st, 2007
AshenhART Galleries
Wisdom of Eve
6640 Cypresswood Drive, Suite 105
Spring, Texas 77379
281-251-1024
Fridays & Saturdays at 8:00 PM
Apr. 20th - May. 12th, 2007
DaVinci Artists Gallery
Summer Musical
Fiddler on the Roof
Performance: July 20th - August 11th
Location: Ace Theatre
Fridays & Saturdays at 8:00 PM
Jun. 1st - Jun. 24th, 2007
Special Sunday Matinee at 3:00 PM
Jun. 17th & 24th
Performance: August 10th - 26th
Tickets: $10, Seniors And Students $10
Location: Puffabelly's Old Town Spring
315 W. Main Street
Tomball, Texas 77375
281-516-9595
Thoroughly Modern Millie
Fridays & Saturdays at 8:00 PM
Jul. 13th - Jul. 29th, 2007
Special Sunday Matinee at 7:00 PM
Jul. 22nd & 29th
Jungle Book
Performance: September 7th - 23rd
Location: Ace Theatre
Chapter Two
Rumors
Fridays & Saturdays at 8:00 PM
Aug. 24th - Sept. 15th, 2007
Performance: June 15th - July 7th
Location: Ace Theatre
www.HoustonNWChamber.org
Mondays & Thursdays 6:00 pm-7:30 pm
March 19 thru April 26, 2007
Showcase performance on April 26th
June 24, 2007
4:00 pm - 6:00 pm
ACE Theatre
Summer Melodrama
Houston Family Arts Center
Fridays & Saturdays at 8:00 PM
Nov. 23rd - Dec. 16th, 2007
Special Sunday Matinee at 3:00 PM
Dec. 9th & 16th
Symphony North of Houston
Northwoods Presbyterian Church
Irish Tenor Ronan Tynan
Mother's Day Weekend
8 p.m., Saturday, May 12, 2007
Annie
6
6
March/April 2007
CHAMBER HAPPENINGS. . .
New Member Orientation - January’s New Member Orientation,
held at he Chamber offices,
boasted a large group of
exciting new members! After
the new members had a chance
to enjoy breakfast and an
session
with
orientation
Chamber President Barbara
Thomason, we all were treated
to a rousing game of
Networking Bingo! A special
warm welcome to all of our
newest members.
Networking Breakfast - January’s
Networking Breakfast, hosted by
Kasia Sienko and Chateau Polonez,
12612 Malcomson, Houston, 77070
was a stylish affair, thanks to the
wonderful turnout, Carol Iverson’s
birthday celebration and Art
Barasch’s enthusiastic leadership. Our thanks to the entire Chateau
Polonez family of hosts for their hospitality. Contact Kasia Sienko
or Janet Schroeder, Chateau Polonez at 281-655-5656.
New Member Profile - January
New Members George and Mimi
Dahdouh of Cleopatra Palace
Banquet Facility & Catering Co.,
3355 FM 1960 W, Houston, are
featured in our January New Member
Profile. Cleopatra Palace specializes in
helping people plan their weddings
and banquets in two hours instead of
two years! Contact George or Mimi at
(281) 537-1966 to see how they can help you with all the needs of
your special event.
Networking Breakfasts are held the 4th Tuesday every month, and
locations rotate. You don’t need to own a restaurant to host a
networking Breakfast! Interested? Contact Chair Art Barasch,
281-207-1943.
January Luncheon - January’s luncheon at the Fontenot Grand
Mansion, 5807 Spring Stuebner Rd, Spring, featured speaker John
Beddow, publisher of the Houston Business Journal. Also honored
was Woodforest National Bank as our newest Founder’s Council
member. Our special thanks to sponsor Houston’s Incredible
Pizza Company!
Ambassador of the Year Honored Richard Bench of Bench and Associates
Allstate Agency is the 2006 Ambassador
of the Year! Richard was honored at our
Gala Awards Show for his dedication and
presence at almost all of the Chamber
functions during 2006. He represents the
best that all of our Ambassadors bring to
the community. Thank you, Richard, for
the countless hours you’ve given to
represent the Chamber in our
community! Contact Richard at Bench and Associates Allstate
Agency, 17425 Stuebner, Spring, 281-379-5500.
February Luncheon - February’s luncheon at Shirley Acres, 217
Woerner, Houston, featured a panel of ISD superintendents,
moderated by Mr. Ray Laughter, NHMCCD. Our special thanks
to Dr. Jim Cain, Klein ISD,
Dr. Ralph Draper, Spring
ISD and Ms. Nadine
Kujawa, Aldine ISD for
sharing
their
wisdom
regarding the future of our
local schools and for
graciously fielding questions posed by many of our attendees. Also
honored was Mr. Dexter Stewart who was
awarded the $500 Striving for Excellence
Scholarship donated by Thelma Scott of
MAEA 1st & 2nd Chances. It requires
student achievement in academics,
community service and one who has a
documented disability. The Excellence in
Education Award, whose criteria is that
organization that promotes career
awareness, teacher shadowing, academic
integration and innovative education, was awarded to the Carl
Wunsche
Sr.
High
School-Career Academy
in Spring ISD. Receiving
this award was Ms. Debi
Koch, principal. This
award is presented and
generously sponsored by
Sylvan Learning Center, represented by Rena Beadle.
January Volunteer of the Month is
Dennis Brantley, 360 Development,
LLC, 281-880-5341. Many thanks to
Dennis for the countless hours he’s
given the chamber and the
community!
February Volunteer of the Month
is Sue Pellegrino-Wolf, Sue
Pellegrino Real Estate, 4018
Dickson, Houston, 77007, 281440-8511. Thank you Sue for the
many hours and hard work you
put into making our 2007
CHamber Awards Gala a
smashing success!
Many thanks to our luncheon sponsors Eraser Dust, Sylvan
Learning Center and Tom Stewart State Farm Insurance.
www.HoustonNWChamber.org
7
March/April 2007
✂
RIBBON CUTTINGS
Athlete’s Foot
Faithbridge United Methodist Church
19507 IH-45 N., Ste 518, Spring 77388
Contact: Barb Wells (281) 528-9022
1800 Stuebner Airline Rd., Spring, 77379
Contact: Patti Malott (281) 320-7588
Butler’s Pantry
First Service Credit Union
1974 FM 1960 W., Houston, 77090
Contact: Linda Wollebak (281) 893-4353
9621 W. Sam Houston Parkway N., Houston, 77064
Contact: Alisha Wade (281) 447-1584
Carlisle Homes - Twin Falls
Liberty Fitness
6949 Hamilton Falls Lane, Spring, 77379
Contact: Rose Ahyte (281) 374-8610
10850 Louetta Rd., Ste 700, Houston, 77070
Contact: Susie Higgins (281) 376-5656
Conservatory Senior Living
McLeod USA
8303 Cypresswood Dr., Spring, 77379
Contact: Catie Mackrell (281) 370-3102
12009 North Freeway, Houston, 77060
Contact: Andrew Horn (713) 343-5108
Curves
Wachovia Home Loans
9940 Louetta, Spring, 77373
Contact: Ann Metzger or Carlene Jackson (281) 370-1933
9720 Cypresswood, Ste 190, Houston, 77070
Contact: Renee Semones (281) 894-3047
www.HoustonNWChamber.org
8
March/April 2007
give you feedback but space out the interviews over two
or three different days to judge any changes in their
mood or reactions. Make sure your interviewing team
consists of .
Hiring The Right Sales Person
Is Critical For Your Business!
By Tammie Jeffers, CTS, Anchor Staffing
Picking the right sales team will be the most important
decision a manager can make, so plan ahead, gather your
team, then discuss with them all of the qualifying factors
prior to hiring your next new mouthpiece for your
company.
Good sales people are like small children. They are
friendly, know what they want and are creative about getting
it. They have no fear and do not accept “no” as a final answer.
Do these qualities fit your current sales team?
Sales is probably the most important part of your
business if you are planning to grow. Although each staff
member plays a vital role in keeping you in business, you
need strong sales in order to obtain NEW business and
grow.
Basically, there are two types of sales professionals in
today’s business world. Farmers and Hunters. Here are
some traits of each ‘personality type’.
Scenic Cities Starts Here
The Houston Northwest Chamber of
Commerce is pleased to enjoy a close
CENIC association with Scenic Houston and
CYPRESS CREEK Scenic
Texas. The Neighborhood
AREA
Revitalization Committee in partnership
with Scenic Texas is working to develop a special
recognition to spotlight businesses and organizations
that promote aesthetic improvements. This recognition
will be piloted in northwest Houston and then evaluated
and introduced in other locales. The program is
generically called “Scenic Cities” but when launched in
a community, it takes on that community’s name. For
example, in the future we may see: “Scenic Northwest
Houston”, “Scenic Humble”, “Scenic Friendswood” and
“Scenic Baytown”, etc.
S
Farmers – Usually take a ‘softer’ approach toward sales
and do not easily know how to spot a strong lead. They
are great at nurturing the ‘relationship’ but cannot
‘close’ the sale. They are great at calling existing
accounts but in general go after the “low” hanging fruit
or the easy sale instead of the BIG accounts.
Hunters –Know how to “hunt” for the business, identify
leads, chase the account, and close the sale. They are
great at getting things started but terrible at maintaining
relationships. Always competitive, they need big
commissions, or bonuses because they like shiny new
cars, traveling, big houses, and the ‘prestige’ of the
position. These people are not usually team players and
want things done their way, with a quick turnaround, &
minimal problems.
S
We were fortunate to identify a local
talent to develop a “Scenic Cities”
logo. It is seen here as a prototype. It
was created by Mr. Mark Thayer of
Mark
Thayer
Graphic
Arts
[email protected].
Obviously both the farmers and the hunters possess
equally as important characteristics (some good, some
bad) however you should know how to find someone that
has the best qualities of both personality types.
At this time, Scenic Texas is drafting
criteria for the recognition and when
finalized, the Houston Northwest
Chamber will provide details
regarding the new program.
Prepare a personality inventory: -Decide the specific
traits you require for this opening. What results do you
want from this new hire? Keep the list in front of you
during the interview to help you remain objective.
Ask good questions: Give careful thought about the
questions you will ask during the interview and stick with
them. Here are a couple you can use: “What was the
hardest account you have ever landed at your last job? What
did you have to do to close it?” or “What is the one thing in
your life you have overcome or are in the process of
overcoming?” Good sales people overcome obstacles,
learn from their mistakes and are high achievers. They
are always challenging themselves
Involve others and never hire a sales rep after only one
interview. For a candidate to maintain the same “upbeat
and persuasive’ personality during multiple interviews
they must be genuine. Have others interview them and
www.HoustonNWChamber.org
9
March/April 2007
HOUSTON NORTHWEST CHAMBER OF COMMERCE -
Community Development Division
Division Chair: Regina Curry • Spring ISD • 281-898-4253
Education Chair: Irma Escontrias • 281-537-2832
Health Care Chair: Craig Day • 281-583-2342
Tourism Chair: TBA
Neighborhood Revitalization Committees Co-Chairs:
Enrique Lima • 832-797-1746
Bob Kincaid • 281-964-3081
Green Medians Chair: Barbara Schlattman • 281-444-0240
The Sign Coalition Chair: Camille Hamilton • 281-374-0006
Who’s Who . . .
Executive Committee
Directors at Large
Tommy Ripley
Tim Carmean
2007 Chairman
Ripley’s Muffler & Brakes, Inc.
Northwestern Mutual
Financial Group
Business Development Division
Division Chair: David Vaughan • 281-376-4781
Economic Development Co-Chairs:
Dennis Brantley • 281-880-5341
Milton Schopper • 281-690-0000
Small Business Chair: Mark Counts • 713-353-4754
Business SWAT Team Chair: Janie Aud-Riney • 281-580-4422
Buy Nearby Chair: Tommy Ripley • 281-444-3885
Business Expos Chair: Tom Ryon • 281-435-5550
Corporate Relations Committee Co-Chairs:
John Booher • 281-807-9462 x106
Brenda Jackson • 281-374-680
Darrell Pile
2007 Chairman-Elect
Tomball Regional Medical Ctr.
Craig Day
Fitness Together
Nanci Decker
Seth Sharr
Chairman Ex-Officio
Cypress Creek
Foundation
for the Arts (FACE)
Communications/Public Affairs Division
Division Chair: Ray Shotwell • 281-449-6511
Government Affairs-Transportation Co-Chairs:
Jack Searcy • 281-376-5538
Tom Kikis • 281-580-6750
Public Safety Committee Chair: TBA
Marketing Committee Chair: C. K. Stafford • 832-237-0181
Judge J. Kent Adams
Chairman Emeritus
Harris County, Precinct 4
Tim Duffy
Larry Hoole, CPA
Steve Hawkins
Treasurer
Lawrence G. Hoole, PC
Caldwell Watson
Real Estate Group
Royal Oaks Bank
Membership Division
Division Chair: Jane Price • 281-251-9400
Ambassadors Co-Chairs: Julie MacDonald • 281-251-9400
Business After Hours Co-Chairs: Jason Weeks • 832-265-3327
Networking Breakfast Chair: Art Barasch • 281-220-2736
Brenda Jackson
Secretary
A.G. Edwards & Sons, Inc.
Steve Hrncir
Special Events ~ Contact the Chamber • 281-440-4160
HNTB Corporation
Annual Chamber Awards Gala 2007 Chair:
David Hawes • 281-807-8789
Airport Festival 2007 Chair: Steve Hrncir • 713-357-2031
Epicurean Evening 2007 Co-Chairs:
Belinda Menasco • 832-375-2760
Mark Smith • 281-807-8710
Golf Tournament 2007 Chair: TBA
Women to Women Conference 2007 Co-Chairs:
Lexi Pippin • 713-459-2080
Ethel Emmons • 281-350-3939
Ray Laughter
Regina Curry
Ex-Officio
Spring ISD
Ex-Officio
N. Harris Montgomery
College District
Jane Price
Curves
Houston NW Medical Center
Rufi Natarajan
Mint Homes
Ray Shotwell
Bob Roy
Brookside Funeral Home
CenterPoint Energy
COUNCIL MEMBERS
FOUNDERS COUNCIL
Ryland Homes
Wal-Mart - 2920 at Kuykendahl
Woodforest National Bank
CHAIRMAN’S COUNCIL
1960 Sun • Amegy Bank
Brookside Funeral Homes & Memorial Park
CapitalOne • Continental Airlines • H-E-B Stores
Hewlett Packard • Houston Northwest Medical Center
NorthStar EMS, L.P. • Office Depot
Sam Houston Race Park • Tomball Regional Medical Center
Wal-Mart Supercenters • Weingarten Realty Investors
David Vaughn
Kwik Kopy Business
Center #117
Dr. David Sam
North Harris College
APPLAUSE
Jim Sanders
Special thanks to these Chamber members deserving recognition for special
items and services:
Hewlett Packard
14511 Falling Creek Dr., Ste 205
Houston, Texas 77014
281-440-4160
www.HoustonNWChamber.org
1960 Sun • Abby’s Café’ & Bakery • AllOver Media • FastSigns
Hewlett Packard • Kwik Kopy #117 • LULAC • MAEA
1st ‘N’ 2nd Chances, Inc. • Momentum Printing & Graphics, Inc
Something Different Tea Room • Super Suppers
Tom Stewart – State Farm Insurance
Joann Ziifle
Weingarten
Realty Investors
10
March/April 2007
www.HoustonNWChamber.org
11
March/April 2007
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