October Chambergram - Pasadena

CHAMBERGRAM
October 2015
Lead. Serve. Grow.
Have you gotten your tickets to the Ultimate
Tailgate Experience?
www.pasadenachamber.org
MY CHAMBER
I have had the privilege of working in the
banking industry in Pasadena for over 40
years and have been active with the Pasadena
Chamber of Commerce for most of those
years. Through my involvement with the
Chamber I have learned leadership skills and
have developed close networks of personal
friends and business associates which have
been very beneficial to my career and personal
development. I consider it an honor to serve
on the Chamber Board of Directors and am
active on various Chamber committees. This
gives me the opportunity to give back to my
community.
Sherry Bufkin
Post Oak Bank
In This Issue
•
Upcoming Events—Pg. 5
•
New Members—Pg. 12
•
Legislative Affairs Update— Pg. 15
•
Annual Gala—Pg. 16
These students were able to visit with all the businesses that
were a part of the Partners in Education Business Expo. Read
more about it on page 14
“To promote economic development and community growth to ensure the prosperity of Pasadena’s businesses and citizens.”
Calendar of Events
Executive Board
We invite you to plan ahead and take part of the many exciting upcoming events your chamber has
planned. There is something for everyone and we look forward to connecting with you soon!
Cary Bass – Chairman
Bass & Meineke
Monica Waggett – Chair Elect
Doctors Outpatient Surgicenter
Rick Guerrero – Past Chair
ARG Real Estate
Jeanna Barnard
Bayshore Medical Center
Sherry Bufkin
Post Oak Bank
Kevin Jeter
Miles A/C
Valerie Revilla
New Dimensions Home Health
Board of Directors
Sherrel Brantley
Ichi –ban Trophy & Engraving
Greg Clary
Pasadena Rodeo Association
Bruce Dockall
Zachry
October
8
Membership 101
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Monthly Luncheon
29
Young Guns Lunch with Leaders
November
5
Taste of the Town
12
Business Foundations
19
Can Do Food Drive
19-21 McDonalds Texas Invitational
December
3
Annual Gala:
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Awards Luncheon
Celebrating 75 years of Chamber Leadership
Michael Gilbert
Chevron Phillips Pasadena Plastics Complex
James Guthrie
Thrivent Financial
Denise Jennings
LyondellBasell
Sam Jimenez
McDonald’s
John Mrozek
Texas Chiropractic College
Margie Pena
Pasadena Hispanic Business Council
Ken Phelps
Phelps Insurance
Anthony Tellez
Silver Eagle Distributors
Wayne Webb
Community Bank of Texas
Robert Whitley
Blasingame Whitley, Attorneys at Law
Ex-Officio Directors
Paul Davis
City of Pasadena
Kirk Lewis
Pasadena Independent School District
Pedro Garcia
Port of Houston Authority
Tammie Nielsen
Commissioner Jack Morman,
Harris County Pct. 2
Stephen Trnack
2 District
San Jacinto College
Pasadena Chamber of Commerce
Chairman’s Letter
I am happy to have had cooler weather these past few days; this kind of weather always prompts a new project around our house.
Usually it’s my wife prompting me for something she wants fixed. Fall is my favorite season, fall colors start coming in, cooler
weather arrives and the holidays and family gatherings start lining up.
Football season has finally started, so “Go Houston Texans”. Speaking of football our big event of the year is coming up soon. Save
the date; November 5th is “Taste of the Town” and its right around the corner. Rick Guerrero and James Alger are in full swing with
preparations for “The Ultimate Tailgating Experience”. Call the Chamber to get tickets or be a sponsor. Speaking on events, a
blessed event has also occurred. Cristina and Nate Womack welcomed the arrival of their daughter, Bailey on Sept. 30th at 5:29 pm. She weighed in
at 7lb. 15ounces. Both baby and mom are doing fine. Congratulations to both parents and we wish many happy years to follow this family.
Our luncheon will be held at Palms Banquet & Events Center on Oct. 16th. The Director of the City of Houston Department of Aviation, Mr. Mario Diaz
will be giving an update on Ellington Field and other transportation issues. We have 1 ribbon cutting scheduled on the 20th at Allen Genoa Storage
and several beautification events planned if you would like to come and visit with our Ambassadors. The Chamber folks are taking care of business
and I guarantee if you want to get involved they would love to have you. If you decide to get involved with The Chamber just call them at 281-4877871 and ask how you can help. “Have a great day and keep smiling”. The Pasadena Chamber is your source of information for Pasadena; please
visit our website for the complete calendar of events at: www.pasadenachamber.org.
Our Mission Statement
“To promote economic development and community growth to ensure the prosperity of Pasadena’s businesses and citizens”
Happy fall,
Cary Bass, Chairman of the Board
From the President
Members & Friends,
If you have not heard the news, our precious Bailey Diane arrived! She was born Thursday, September 30th, at 5:29 p.m. Bailey
weighed in at 7 lbs. 5 oz. and was 21” long. The Chamber staff is fully prepared to assist you during my absence, so just let them
know what you need.
As President and CEO of our Chamber, I remain as optimistic about Pasadena’s future as I am about little Bailey’s future. Business, community, education, and government are all working together to make Pasadena one of the best places to live and work. We are grateful for every member and
consider it an honor and privilege to work alongside you.
Many exciting events are coming up and I want to extend my personal invitation for you to participate. As we prepare for our Annual Gala and research the Chamber’s 75 years of leadership, our Board and staff are gaining more respect for the work that has been the foundation to our success.
Holocaust survivor Corrie Ten Boom wrote, “Memories are the key not to the past, but to the future.” We celebrate our past in order to look forward to
our future – together.
If anyone ever asks, “Why should I be a member of the Chamber?” I encourage you to share our Mission Statement: “To promote economic development and community growth to ensure the prosperity of Pasadena’s businesses and citizens.” Our mission isn’t just something we say. It’s
something we do every day on a consistent basis. With your help, we will see our mission accomplished.
For everyone’s future,
Cristina
Pasadena Chamber of Commerce
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On any given day, hundreds of families in Pasadena do not know where there next meal will come from. Fortunately,
there is a strong network of local non-profit organizations and food pantries in our city, and together, they are helping
to feed thousands of people each year.
In support of this effort, the City of Pasadena will host its annual Can Do Food Drive, in partnership with the Pasadena Chamber of Commerce and Pasadena Independent School District. The event will be held on Thursday, Nov.
19 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Pasadena Veterans Memorial Stadium (2906 Dabney).
All of the canned food and non-perishable food items collected will be distributed to food pantries and charitable
organizations in Pasadena. The recipient organizations are:
• The Bridge Over Troubled Waters, which feeds approximately 100 people, 3x per day
• Pasadena Community Ministry, which served nearly 7,000 families (more than 21,000 individuals) last year
• Salvation Army, which served 765 families in 2014
• Sarah’s House, which serves 17,000+ meals each year to its clients
• Society of St. Stephen (First United Methodist Church), which distributed more than 30,000 lbs. of food last
year
Since its creation, the food drive has provided tens of thousands of pounds of food to shelters and food pantries at
one of their busiest times of the year. Last year’s food drive set a new collection record, and this year, event organizers are hoping to surpass it.
To do so, we need your help! You can get involved in the Can Do Food Drive in many different ways:
• Donate canned food, non-perishable food items or beverages.
• Place one or more Can Do Food Drive collection boxes in your business location.
• Encourage employees to “adopt” the drive as their special charity this year.
• Make a monetary donation that will be used to purchase food for the five recipient organizations.
• Promote the event on your business marquee sign.
• Share the Can Do Food Drive flier with your business colleagues, post it in your office, and pass it along to
friends and family.
For more information call 281-487-7871 or 713-475-7259.
Thank you for your support! As you can see from the testimonies below, it does make a difference.
“The Can Do Food Drive provides so much more than just food; it provides hope! Hope that tomorrow will be better
than today.”
-- Sarah’s House
“We never thought we’d have enough groceries and resources. But we stepped out in faith, and we were blessed
with miracle amounts of support from our community. What a blessing!”
-- Society of St. Stephen (First United Methodist Church)
“It was overwhelming to see such an incredible outpouring of support and generosity from the community. A simple
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Platinum Partners
If you are interested in more information on how you can become a Platinum Partner please contact the Pasadena Chamber of Commerce.
Platinum Partner of the Month
Ernie's opened its doors in 1982 and has had 7 different locations in its nearly 34 years of serving the Pasadena area. It is
currently located at 1860 East Sam Houston Parkway South. Owned and operated by Ernie and Susan Zardeneta, it is only open
for lunch Monday thru Friday from 10:30 to 2:00pm. In addition, weekends and after hours we are open for private parties as well.
Ernie's has evolved with the constant changes of the restaurant industry. Its main source of income is the catering division which
is open 365 days a year which can cater up to 4,000 people a day.
Even with all the major chains that have moved into Pasadena we have been Blessed by so many of our loyal customers. From all
the staff at Ernie's we are committed to excellence in serving the Pasadena area for many years.
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Business
Honor
Roll
Platinum
Partners
We applaud these individuals, organizations, and firms that have renewed their financial commitment to the growth of our
community through their continued investment in the chamber. We appreciate each and every one of you.
Congratulations on celebrating your anniversary this month!
ABC Dental ..........................................................................................................................................................................................................7 years
Access Electric.....................................................................................................................................................................................................10 years
Air-Value, Inc. ......................................................................................................................................................................................................2 years
Amegy Bank of Texas ..........................................................................................................................................................................................29 years
BEI Engineers ......................................................................................................................................................................................................14 years
Blessed Dental.....................................................................................................................................................................................................3 years
The Boeing Company ..........................................................................................................................................................................................13 years
Brooks & Sparks, Inc............................................................................................................................................................................................4 years
Calpine Channel Energy Center...........................................................................................................................................................................14 years
Campbell/English Commercial Properties ............................................................................................................................................................27 years
DeLane’s Ad Specialties ......................................................................................................................................................................................14 years
Gabby’s Barbecue................................................................................................................................................................................................21 years
Gallagher Barmore a div. of Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. .........................................................................................................................................36 years
Gastroenterology Consultants, P.A. .....................................................................................................................................................................30 years
Gayesco International, L.P. ..................................................................................................................................................................................4 years
Gulf Coast Waste Disposal Authority....................................................................................................................................................................24 years
H.E.B. Food/Drug—Fairmont Parkway .................................................................................................................................................................15 years
Hart Products & Services, Inc...............................................................................................................................................................................20 years
Highpoint Insurance Group, LLC ..........................................................................................................................................................................6 years
Infintech ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................2 years
Integra Janitorial Services LLC.............................................................................................................................................................................20 years
Jus Passn Thru RV Park ......................................................................................................................................................................................15 years
JX Nippon Chemical Texas Inc. ...........................................................................................................................................................................23 years
La Quinta Inn & Suites .........................................................................................................................................................................................6 years
Massage Heights—Pasadena ..............................................................................................................................................................................6 years
Mattress Overstock #4, Inc...................................................................................................................................................................................5 years
McDonald’s—Spencer Hwy..................................................................................................................................................................................43 years
Memorial Hermann Southeast Hospital ................................................................................................................................................................5 years
Monterey’s Little Mexico.......................................................................................................................................................................................11 years
Pasadena Gold and Jewelry.................................................................................................................................................................................5 years
Pasadena Historical Society.................................................................................................................................................................................23 years
Pasadena Philharmonic Society...........................................................................................................................................................................26 years
Providence Town Square Apartments ..................................................................................................................................................................3 years
The Salvation Army..............................................................................................................................................................................................44 years
San Jacinto Harley Davidson ...............................................................................................................................................................................9 years
San Jacinto Museum of History............................................................................................................................................................................8 years
Sarah’s House .....................................................................................................................................................................................................12 years
Shades of Texas / Topsoil Texas .........................................................................................................................................................................13 years
Shell Federal Credit Union—Southmore...............................................................................................................................................................8 years
Skin Essentials Med Spa & Hair Salon .................................................................................................................................................................1 year
South Main Baptist Church...................................................................................................................................................................................30 years
State Representative Wayne Smith......................................................................................................................................................................3 years
Sulzer Grayson ....................................................................................................................................................................................................24 years
Texas Bay Credit Union .......................................................................................................................................................................................21 years
Twin Arts Dance Studio........................................................................................................................................................................................43 years
Underwood Hearing Aid Services.........................................................................................................................................................................5 years
Unlimited Visions Aftercare, Inc............................................................................................................................................................................7 years
Waste Management .............................................................................................................................................................................................42 years
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New Members
Welcome to the following members who have recently joined the Pasadena Chamber of Commerce! We invite you to call and
introduce yourself to each of them and learn how you might be able to do business with one another.
Allen Genoa Self Storage
Kim McLean
281-723*7671
www.agselfstorage.com
Lessons With Austin
Austin Jones
281-857-4075
Www.lessonswithaustin.com
Wada Engineering & Renewable Energy Technologies
Emmanuel Wada
832-860-2042
www.wadaengr.com
The Pasadena Chamber of Commerce is committed to providing our members a return on their investment through:
Networking Opportunities
Marketing Services
Community Involvement
Information Access
Workforce Development
Political Advocacy
Image Enhancement
Member Benefits
Membership investment levels and benefit packages are available online at www.pasadenachamber.org Call 281-487-7871 for
more details on how you too can become a member of the Pasadena Chamber of Commerce!
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Committee Corner
Looking for ways to maximize your membership? One option is to volunteer on a committee to
help plan and execute details for an upcoming fundraiser. See below for upcoming opportunities to serve!
Legislative Affairs Committee
The purpose of this committee is to establish a footprint for the Chamber in the political policy forum locally, state-wide and nationally.
The committee will be presented with information that area groups affiliated with the Chamber are supporting and the committee will then choose
which policies or agendas the Chamber will put its name and influence behind.
If you are interested in joining this committee, have questions or would like to submit agenda items for discussion please contact
Cristina Womack: [email protected].
Pasadena Hispanic Business Council (PHBC)
This committee assists, supports and empowers Hispanic businesses and community through entrepreneurial development and leadership. Enjoy
your summer!! Our next Breakfast Mixer is October 14, 2015. Visit our website at www.pasadenachamber.org for more details.
Young Guns: Targeting Professionals Under 40
“Under 40” professionals who plan, participate and host events tailored to meet the needs of young leaders in our community. They meet monthly,
the last Wednesday of the month at 10:00am alternating between Deer Park & Pasadena Chamber offices. Events for Young Guns are hosted
monthly and include Business-Over-Breakfast, Lunch with Leaders & Professional Power Hours. Our next event is a Lunch with Leaders on
October 22nd at Southern Komfort Kitchen.
Cultural Arts
Coordinates, promotes and brings awareness of cultural activities in Pasadena through relationships with local organizations including San Jacinto
Day Foundation, Pasadena Rodeo Association, Armand Bayou Nature Center, Historical Society, Philharmonic Society, and Pasadena Little
Theatre. They meet monthly, the 1st Thursday of each month at 8:30 am at the chamber office.
Classic Club
These members are retired business men & women who volunteer their time welcoming new members and awarding area businesses for
beautification projects. Beautification projects consist of 3 categories; Landscaping of the Month, Building of the Month and Renovations of the
Month. Below is the Beautification for the month of October.
Community Pregnancy Center of Pasadena
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The Medical Resort at Bay Area
Zion Lutheran Church
Community, Business and Education Learning to Work
Together at our Partner’s in Education Business Expo
On September 1, 2015, the skies were cloudy but spirits were bright for our first annual “Partners in Education” Business Expo.
The event was held at the Pasadena Convention Center as an ongoing partnership between business and education.
Morning sessions were conducted by both Pasadena Independent School District and San Jacinto College that allowed participants to gain information on how to do business with each entity. Session turnout proved beneficial for both attendees and
speakers. A great deal of networking and new business relationships were launched as a result of each session.
The “Lunch and Learn” provided speakers from the Chamber, PISD, and San Jacinto College painting a big-picture view of how
to do business with the largest educational partners in our community. Lunch time also offered networking opportunities between attendees in order to increase business for everyone.
The actual Expo started after the “Lunch and Learn” and hosted over 80 booths of both Chamber members and non-members
alike. Community and Chamber members visited the booths learning important facts about companies, non-profit organizations
and community groups in order to further enhance cooperative relationships for Pasadena’s children and families.
Our new format for the Expo allows the partnership between our Chamber and education to strengthen our community and was
a huge success! On behalf of our staff and Board of Directors, thank you for participating in this event and we hope to see you
next year!
2015 Partners in Education Business Expo
Learning how to do business with PISD and San
Jacinto College at the Lunch and Learn
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Our 9am Breakout Session was a packed house.
Thank you San Jacinto College!
Thank You to our Volunteers of Pasadena for participating in
our Partners in Education Business Expo!
Legislative Affairs Update
The Legislative Affairs Committee was formed in January 2015 in an effort to add value to membership in
the Chamber by advocating on behalf of Members in support of or against proposed legislation and ballot
initiatives that would have a direct impact on Members and the community.
Since that time the Chamber has undertaken the following actions in connection with certain bills and ballot
initiatives directly affecting Members:
♦
Distributed a letter to Members of the 84th Texas Legislature opposing Senate Bill 639 and House Bill
1653 relating to changes in the Texas Franchised Dealer Laws;
♦
Distributed a letter to Members of the 84th Texas Legislature opposing Senate Bill 182 and House Bill
365 relating to changes in rollback tax rates that would have restricted the home rule powers of local
municipalities;
♦
Sent a letter to Congressman Ted Poe expressing Members’ concerns that the Export/Import Bank
would not be reauthorized and urging him to support reauthorization;
♦
Passed a resolution in support of the San Jacinto College 2015 Bond Referendum;
♦
Passed a resolution in support of Proposition 7 to address Texas’ transportation infrastructure needs on
the November 3rd ballot.
The Committee is currently monitoring legislative action regarding reauthorization of the Export/Import
Bank and considering whether to take a position on four bond measures totaling $848 million the Harris
County Commissioner’s Court is placing on the November 2015 ballot relating to renovation and building,
park construction, construction of an animal control facility and flood control measures.
If you would like to participate on the Committee or if there is proposed legislation or a ballot initiative you
would like the Committee to consider, please attend the next Committee meeting on October 13, 2015 at
4:00 p.m. at the Chamber offices or contact Cristina Womack at [email protected].
RobertA.Whitley
Chairperson
Legislative Affairs Committee
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Celebrating 75 Years of Chamber Leadership
SAVE THE DATE
December 3, 2015
Pasadena Convention Center
7902 Fairmont Parkway
Pasadena, Texas 77505
Please mark your calendar for Thursday, December 3, 2015 for our Annual Gala. This year’s Gala celebrates 75 years of
Chamber leadership. The evening will offer opportunities to connect with today’s business leaders and the chance to reconnect
with former leaders. Past Chairmen of the Board and Citizens of the Year will be recognized allowing us to thank them for the
roles they played in establishing our roots. There will be a special unveiling that permanently honors these leaders who helped
build Pasadena’s history.
Consider this to be our personal invitation for you to join the celebration and learn more about the history of Pasadena Chamber
of Commerce. It’s been a great 75 years! We will provide more information in the weeks ahead.
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Taste Sponsors
Thank You to the following companies who have already secured their sponsorships for 26th Annual Taste of the Town!
Restaurants
Bayou City Wings
Bayshore Medical Center
Black Eyed Pea
Broken Yolk Grill
Carl’s Jr.
Casa Ole—Deer Park
CHI St. Luke’s Patients Medical Center
Chick-fil-A
Crazy Alan’s Swamp Shack
H.E.B.
Kroger
Mamaritas
Mamacitas Ballroom
McDonalds
Monterey’s Little Mexico
Napoli Italian Restaurant
Nothing Bundt Cakes
Olive Tree Mediterranean Grill
Panera Bread
Peter Piper Pizza
PISD—CTHS
Randy’s BBQ
Sam’s Club #8244
San Jacinto College Culinary
Savannah Café & Bakery
Southern Komfort Kitchen
Spanky’s Pizza
Whataburger
Willie’s Grill & Icehouse
Owners Club
Bayway Lincoln Volvo
Beck & Masten Buick GMC
City of Pasadena
Dixie Chemical
Faust Distributing Co., Inc.
Green Mountain Energy
InkSpot Printing
John O. Harris Interest, L.P.
LyondellBasell
Phelps Insurance
Port of Houston Authority
Power-Mark Resources
Shell Federal Credit Union
Silver Eagle Distributors, L.P.
Skin Essentials Med Spa & Hair Salon
Tarius Media
TDECU
Texas Citizens Bank
General Manager
BB&T
Texas First Bank
Offensive Coordinator
American Acryl
Chevron Phillips Chemical Company
Mosher, Seifert & Co. CPAs
Post Oak Bank
San Jacinto College District
Defensive Coordinator
ADS Customs Signs, Inc.
ARG Real Estate
Capital Bank
CHI St. Luke’s Patients Medical Center
Clark Freight Lines
Du-West Foundation Repair
Gulf Coast Educators Federal Credit Union
Ichi-Ban Trophy & Engraving
Pat Pesl
Mobley Industrial Services
Pasadena Rodeo Association
Pasadena Strawberry Festival /
San Jacinto Day Foundation
Project Joy and Hope for Texas
Texas Chiropractic College
Trustmark National Bank
Team Roster
Amegy Bank of Texas
ACU of Texas
Bass & Meineke
Bayshore Towers
Baywood Crossing Rehabilitation & Healthcare
Brotherton Properties
Massage Envy
Tailgaters
Neighbors Emergency Center
Frost Bank
Head Coach
Ethyl Corporation
McDonald’s
Thrivent Financial
Auction Donors:
American Acryl, Battleground Firearms, Burleson Florist, Casa Ole-Deer Park, Clark Freight Lines, Ditta Meat Co., Dorsett Brothers Concrete Supply, DoubleTree by Hilton Houston Hobby Airport, Enchanted Florist, Hampton Inn & Suite Pasadena, iT’Z Family Food and Fun, Judge Holly Williamson, LyondellBasell, Mayor Johnny Isbell, Miles A/C, Moody Gardens, Mr. Margarita, Natural Indulgence Therapeutic Massage, Nolan’s Men’s
Wear, North Pasadena Business Association, Northcutt Travel Agency, Pasadena Trailer & Truck Accessories, Pasadena Little Theatre, Pasadena
Philharmonic Society, Pasadena Rodeo Association, Photo-Xpression, Project Joy and Hope for Texas, Qualified Properties, San Jacinto Family
YMCA, Shell Pipeline, Skin Essentials Med Spa & Hair Salon, Tarius Media, Thomason’s Fine Jewelry
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Chamber Events
FACILITY INTERIORS, INC.
LIFE FIT PERSONAL FITNESS STUDIO
.
SURGERY SPECIALTY HOSPITALS OF AMERICA
TEXAS BAY CREDIT UNION
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How to Reach Your Chamber:
Cristina Womack
President / CEO
Janette Morgan
VP of Operations
Kim Tolleson
Event & Marketing
Coordinator
Roni Archer
Administrative
Assistant
4334 Fairmont
Parkway
Pasadena, TX
77504
281-487-7871
281-487-5530 (fax)
www.pasadenachamber.org
[email protected]
Monday—Friday 8:00– 5:00
In order to truly maximize your chamber membership, its imperative to know your member benefits! Each month look here to
find information on how you can take advantage of services, many are already included in your annual investment.
“
Did you know that part of your membership investment includes free job postings on our website for your company
or organization? Check it out by going to www.pasadenachamber.org. Look to the left side of the Home Page under
Quick Links. When you click on Member Jobs, you can follow instructions for posting your job openings.
Let us know if you need any additional assistance.
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