January 2016 Newsletter - Aransas Pass Chamber of Commerce

Aransas Pass Chamber of Commerce
Mission Statement To promote business, tourism, recreation,
Economic development and Improve the quality and
Standard of Living in Aransas Pass
130 W. Goodnight Ave, Aransas Pass, TX
(361) 758-2750
ARANSAS PASS POLICE DEPT.
January 2016 Member of the Month
January's Member of the Month Award was presented to
the Aransas Pass Police Department. Presenting this award
was the Harbor City Slicker team, members of the Chamber
and Board of Director’s. The AP Police Department and staff
were recognized for their outstanding contributions and
thanked for their continuous support of the Aransas Pass
Chamber of Commerce and the local community.
Ribbon Cutting—H & R Block Tax Office Aransas Pass
The Aransas Pass Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon cutting for the
local H & R Block Tax Office. You are invited to come into H&R Block tax
office in Aransas Pass, TX to meet with a tax professional who can handle
all your tax preparation needs. They'll find every last tax deduction
available so you get the most from your tax return. H&R Block has an expert tax professional that can make sense all tax needs and help you file
your taxes quickly and efficiently. Whatever your tax preparation needs
are, you'll find the help you need. Address: 442 S Commercial St, Aransas
Pass, TX Phone: (361) 758-2911
Ribbon Cutting—Number Mates Inc.
Number Mates incorporated in October 2015 and opened for Business in
Aransas Pass on Jan 15, 2016. Service provided include: tax returns for
nonprofits, businesses and individuals. The specialty services include:
retirement income, farms, rental properties, investment income
(dividends and interest income); capital gains, assistance in teacher expense deductions, employee business expense deductions, and self employed or small corporation or partnership tax returns. If you are concerned about healthcare law, Number Mates works with you to potentially waive the penalty, based on circumstances.
Fees for services can paid directly at their office and refunds received by
deposit on credit card, direct deposit or check from IRS. If short on cash,
fees for tax preparation may be paid out of your refund and a refund
check can be picked up at Number mates.
Open all year long, not seasonal, Number Mates is available to file extensions and handle IRS letters. Bookkeeping services are also available.
Hours: Monday to Friday, 10 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. and Saturday, 10 a.m. to
3:00 p.m. Sunday and after hours appointments are available. Address:
2231 S. Commercial St, Aransas Pass, TX Phone: (361) 758-3619
WELCOME NEW MEMBERS
TRI COUNTY EMERGENCY
NATIVE DAVE INC.
P.O. Box 320
MEDICAL SERVICES
Aransas Pass, TX 78335
P.O. Box 1378
361.549.2503
Ingleside, TX 78302
nativedave.com
361.776.0025
Steve Knight
Facebook.com/nativedave.com
We are glad to have new members join the Chamber!
We invite all members to become acquainted with these newcomers
Enjoy their services and refer them to others often
Visit your Chamber’s website for a listing of all Chamber Members at www.aransaspass.org
2016 ARANSAS PASS CHAMBER OF COMMERCE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Board of Directors & Officers
Rudy Abrego - AEP Texas; Bill Denton – Allen Samuels
Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram, Incoming Chairman 2017;
Debbie Aylesworth - Coastal Bend Red Book Directories, Past Chairman; Eric Blanchard – APPD Executive
Officer; Ramiro Gomez – Bakery Café, Executive Officer; Martin Salazar – HEB; Pat Fenton -Century 21
Real Estate, Inc; Dee Jae Sullinger – Sully’s Bowling
Lanes; Lisa Barker –Aransas Property Management;
Mike Reeves - Republic Services; Vic Medina, C.C.
Disposal Service Skid-O-Kan; Mark Kemp - APISD;
Sherry Tringali – Value Bank Texas; Brittney Hall,
Aransas Pass Progress Index; Liz Dorris – Coldwell
Banker Myers-Gallagher; Joe Zamudio –Aransas Autoplex; Kris Spears, Spears & Associates LLC; Martin
Del Los Santos- L & F Distributors; Jacob Quinatana –
Lexington Place Nursing & Rehab; Sarah Lee – AP Civic
Center; Bob Adcock — Main Stay Suites
79th Annual Banquet, Awards Dinner and
Installation of 2016 Officers and Directors
Themed, "A Night at The Oscars", the 79th Annual Banquet, highlighted and introduced newly installed 2016
Chamber Board of Directors and Officer’s to chamber members and their guests. Annual awards were presented to the best of our own. These well deserving, businesses and individuals received recognition at this gala,
for their significant roles that influence, impact and set precedence. Congratulations to the recipients.
The Harbor City Slicker of the Year Award -Sherri Tringali of Value Bank Texas
Small Business of the Year -Coldwell Banker Myers Gallagher
Business of the Year- Aransas Autoplex
The Corporate Industry of the Year -Allen Samuels Chrysler Dodge JEEP Ram
Citizen of the Year-Sylvia Mackie
The Live Auction of decadent, sweet desserts, baked and generously donated by chamber members, roses for a
year by Aransas Flower Cottage and a guided fishing trip from A Fishing Fantasy Guide Service & Outfitters,
brought in $5,000 Raising that number up higher, Allen Samuels Chrysler, Dodge, JEEP, Ram donated an additional
$2,500. A total of $7,500 for a grand donation to the Aransas Pass Little League.
The Chamber of Commerce would like to thank the volunteers, businesses, organizations and individuals. A special thank you to the table sponsors, to those providing silent auction items and extravagant desserts, making this
banquet a night to remember.
COMMUNITY JOB FAIR
Community Job Fair hosted by the Aransas Pass Chamber of Commerce was held Thursday, January 21, 2016
at the AP Civic Center from 9 am - 4 pm. Altogether, 15 employers looking for people to fill a void they currently have, within their workforce set up booths to share information with job seekers. To that end, well
over 350 persons seeking employment attended. Individuals looking for jobs were able to meet face to face
with companies looking to hire. Thank You to the Sponsors of this successful event: Aransas Pass Progress,
Value Bank Texas and Whataburger.
LEADERSHIP ARANSAS PASS
GOVERNANCE WITHIN THE COMMUNITY WE LIVE IN
Leadership Aransas Pass Class IV is well on the way to making a difference in the
community. Mary Downing Realtor, Coldwell Banker Myers-Gallagher facilitated January’s session, “Governance Within the Community We Live In”. Participants met at
City Hall and were welcomed by the City employees. The Class heard from a panel of
City and County Government speakers, including City Manager, Sylvia Carrillo; Council Member, Vickie Abrego; Municipal Court Judge, Henrie Morales; County Commissioner, Fred Nardini and County Navigation District Commissioner, Hector Rios. Each of the speakers provided
thorough knowledge of their positions and area of their governance within the great community we live and
work in. This session was designed to educate participants, introduce them to key business and community
leaders, bring awareness of community needs and learn the status of current issues, initiatives and endeavors.
The mission of LAP is to develop individuals of diverse backgrounds and strengths into cohesive group of lead-
WIN THIS JEEP
With only 500 tickets being sold the odds are in favor of you winning
In their first session this LAP Class began defining their class project and
fundraiser. The LAP program by-laws indicate the project must lend to
enhancing the community of Aransas Pass. In August they proposed to
enhance the median area, situated in front of AP City Hall and the Fire
Dept. During their discussions, it was apparent the class was intent on
bringing profound recognition to the students attending the schools of
Aransas Pass and priding the school district. Their focus is now on installing a grand statue of a Panther, the school mascot.
They intend to fund the project with a raffle that is currently underway. The 1st place winner of the raffle
drawing receives an automobile (either a Jeep Renegade or $15,000.00 off the price of a new or pre-owned
vehicle). 2nd place, receives a $5000.00 visa gift card. The Class also wants to install new flag poles and brandnew flags, in the same area. The worthwhile fundraiser is concluding within the next few weeks. To contribute
and for a chance to win these prizes please contact the Chamber to purchase your tickets. Credit cards, checks
and cash are accepted. Chamber phone number is (361) 758-2750.
INFORMATIVE LUNCHEON
The Aransas Pass Chamber of Commerce held the January
Luncheon at the AP Civic Center. Attendees were privileged to
hear from the guest speaker, Public Safety Director Chief Eric
Blanchard, Aransas Pass Police Dept., Chief.
The topic of discussion was "Open Carry", the new Texas Laws
regarding open carry handguns.
Chief Eric Blanchard explained the new law which allows licensed owners to openly display their weapons. Giving advice on
what they need to know about carrying handguns themselves
and also the cautions and conduct of others who are “open carrying”.
The new law also allows private businesses to implement their
own bans. He spoke to what all businesses should be aware of,
such as businesses must post separate signs for their bans on
both open and concealed carry.
Thank you Chief for keeping us informed.
BUSINESS AFTER HOURS
Third Coast Squadron Commemorative Air Force Hosted
Business After Hours.
Guest arrived at the museum, located at McCampbell Porter Airport located 3201 FM 3512, Hanger 11 Chamber Members learned more about Third Coast Squadron.
Business After Hours are great ways to build a
relationship with someone new, or connect with a past
colleague. All Members and guests are invited and
encouraged to these complimentary events.
The Adult beverages were compliments of L&F Distributors and the Squadron provided delicious foods and other drinks.
Squadron Phone #: 361.356.4918
Aransas Pass Chamber of Commerce
130 W. Goodnight Avenue 78336
(361) 758-2750