Business Plan - Abilene Chamber of Commerce

THE ABILENE
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
The Mission of the Abilene Chamber of Commerce…
To develop and promote the economy and quality of life in the Abilene area.
“MEMBERS MATTER MOST”
2012
2013
BUSINESS
PLAN
1

“Members Matter Most”
INTRODUCTION
Looking back over this past year, the Chamber had a successful year with
Doug McIntyre serving as Chair. His leadership and vision to focus on “Businesses
Growing Together” attributed to that success. He is a great example
of the quality of business leaders that we have in Abilene and the Chamber
of Commerce.
Over this next year, I want to make sure that we focus on how important
our members are to the existence and continued success of the Chamber.
As a membership organization, we have to make sure that we are providing
a “return on investment” for our members. At the recent planning retreat,
the Board of Directors spent a lot of time discussing and brainstorming
about ways that we can make sure our members see and know what that
return is. We know that our “Members Matter Most”!
As a member of the Chamber, you are presented with many opportunities
to get involved. I encourage you to make a commitment over this next year
to attend a Wake Up Wednesday!, Business After Hours, one of the Redcoat
Events, HBC luncheons, a Farm & Ranch Breakfast, an Abilene Leaders of
Tomorrow event or any another Chamber-hosted event that you’ve never
attended or haven’t attended in a while. I can almost assure you that you’ll
meet someone you haven’t met before (or be reconnected with someone
you haven’t seen in a while) and you’ll be glad that you went.
On the following page are the major goals of each of our councils, affiliates,
and committees working on your behalf to add value to your membership.
They are led by our willing volunteers and talented staff.
“Thank You” for being a member of the Chamber. You make Abilene a better
place to live, raise a family, and work. By being a member, you allow
the Chamber to work on your behalf to promote buying local, support
Dyess, and promote tourism and quality of life – all of which are important
to Abilene’s success and future existence. Please let us know if there
is anything we can do to make your membership more valuable because
“Members Matter Most”!
Katie Alford
2012 - 2013 Chamber Chair
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• Membership will strive for membership growth and retention by
increasing Board of Directors’ and members’ knowledge of benefits of
membership to emphasize value added and return on investment.
• Abilene Business Council will re-focus attention on the importance of,
and benefits derived from, Chamber membership. ABC will increase
“value added” to members through focus groups and will re-energize
“ibuyBIGCOUNTRY”.
• Military Affairs will continue to support all troops and families, while
protecting the B-1 mission, sustaining the C-130J upgrades, pursuing
new missions and continuing to focus on infrastructure modernization.
• Governmental Affairs Committee will ensure communication
between legislative process and membership and will explore a
future legislative forum.
• Marketing Committee is taking a role in redesigning current
Chamber materials/publications that represent the forward movement
of the Chamber and its committees. As the voice of the local
business community, we will continue in our efforts to heighten awareness
for our members, Affiliates and community partners in and around
Abilene.
• Hispanic Business Council will continue personal outreach to increase
Chamber membership and grow HBC.
• Leadership, Education and Workforce Development will continue to
encourage, facilitate and coordinate areas of workforce, education and
business in support of each other by increasing the business community
involvement.
• Agriculture Committee will continue its focus on production of a
regional agribusiness publication to be used for awareness and education
of the economic impact of agriculture to the area. The committee
will also provide increased support to the Chamber for the annual Texas
Farm-Ranch-Wildlife Expo and continue its support and facilitation of
the monthly Farm and Ranch Breakfast. In addition to these areas the
committee will be pro-active in seeking new opportunities to increase
support and awareness of agribusiness in the region.
• Abilene Convention and Visitors Bureau celebrates forty-two years of
improving the quality of life in Abilene through travel and tourism. Aggressive
goals are set for 2013 to increase travel and tourism to Abilene,
and to improve the guest experience.
• Abilene Industrial Foundation in partnership with the Development
Corporation of Abilene (DCOA) will continue to foster job growth and
capital investment in our community. AIF will continue to encourage
retention, expansion and attraction of new businesses in and to Abilene.
• Abilene Cultural Affairs Council in collaboration with Abilene art organizations,
downtown businesses, civic groups and hundreds of volunteers,
will present the second C.A.L.F., “Can You See What I See” featuring Walter
Wick, June 13 – 16, 2013. In addition, the ACAC in partnership with
the Abilene Reporter-News, has raised funds to purchase the five bronze
sculptures, Lorax, Sam I Am, the Grinch, Horton and Yertle the Turtle to
place permanently in Everman Park as a major addition to the Abilene’s
Storybook Sculpture Project.
Ray Ferguson
Chair-Elect
Gary Grubbs
Treasurer
“Thank You” for being a member of the
Chamber. You make Abilene a better place
to live, raise a family, and work.
3 3

2012-2013 Board of Directors
Katie Alford
Community Foundation of Abilene
Bob Allen, III
Davis Kinard & Co., PC
James Berry
E. C. Tool & Supply
Kim Bosher
Star Dodge – Chrysler – Jeep - Hyundai
Gray Bridwell
Lydick-Hooks Roofing Co.
Travis Brown
Owens Machine & Tool
Downing A. Bolls, Jr.
Taylor County Judge
Heath Burns
Abilene ISD
Ron Butler
First Financial Bank Shares
Jesse Cardenas
Prosperity Bank
Kayla Christianson
IN-Focus Digital
Delores Cox
Abilene Regional Medical Center
Michael Dickenson
BRIERCROFT FIRE & WATER RESTORATION
Tim Dickenson
BRIERCROFT CONSTRUCTION & ROOFING
Carol Dupree
Cisco College
Billy Enriquez
Hispanic Leadership Council
Ray Ferguson
Condley and Company, LLP
Anthony Gallegos
United Supermarkets, LLC
Jason Gibson
Capital Farm Credit
Larry Gilley
City of Abilene
Gary Grubbs
ABI/Advantage Media
Cindy Haley
Goodwill – West Texas
Lanny Hall
Hardin-Simmons University
Nicki Harle
Texas Midwest Community Network
Luke Harwell
Baack Florist/Greenhouse
Dave Hedge
Abilene Reporter-News
Linda Hinshaw
Abilene State Supported Living Center
Ryan Holmes
Taylor Electric Cooperative, Inc.
Jennifer Kent
First Bank Texas
Susan King
State Representative
Gail Lawrence
Texas State Technical College
West Texas
Jody Lee
Lauren Engineers & Constructors
Joey Light
Wylie ISD
Shaun Martin
Junior Achievement of Abilene
Laurie McAdams
Mall of Abilene
Pamela McGrew
Mesa Springs Retirement Village
Doug McIntyre
Hardin-Simmons University
Mike McMahan
Abilene Chamber of Commerce
Brendan Messenger
C B S Insurance, LLP
Jim Miller
Proforma Promotions Group
Randy Piersall
Piersall-Benton Funeral Directors
Derral Reed
Home Instead Senior Care
Jack Rentz
Rentech Boiler Systems
Mary Ross
Workforce Solutions of West Central
Texas Board
John Russell
McMurry University
Risha Sanders
State Farm Insurance
Phil Schubert
Abilene Christian University
Wesley Smith
Chick-fil-A at North Abilene
Steve Stovall
Stovall, REALTORS
Glen VanHerck
7th Bomb Wing – Dyess AFB
Lanny Vinson
Abilene Ag. Service & Supply
Howard Ward
317th Airlift Group – Dyess AFB
Eddie Wheeler
French Robertson, TDCJ
Judy Wilhelm
TTU Small Business Development Center
Hester Woods
Black Chamber of Commerce
Tim Yandell
Big Brothers Big Sisters
Darla Yarbrough
Residence Inn by Marriott - Abilene
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ABILENE BUSINESS COUNCIL
MICHAEL DICKENSON
Chair
MISSION
Create a community entrepreneurial atmosphere that fosters
communication of ideas, educational opportunities and assistance
programs, including management expertise, technical assistance
and business guidance, in order to develop business relationships.
Recognize outstanding businesses that exemplify high standards.
PROMOTING FOR SUCCESS
Re-focus attention on the importance of, and benefits derived from,
Chamber membership. Encourage, support and empower Business Council
Members to personally and systematically engage Chamber members, deliver
the membership value message, and thank them for their investment
in the Chamber and community.
Continue the ABC focus meetings program as a way of developing business
relationships in small group settings, with an emphasis this year on
educating the business community about multi-generational workplace
survival and other timely issues.
Re-energize the “ibuyBIGCOUNTRY” campaign to continue promoting the
importance of purchasing locally.
Recognize businesses throughout the year that exhibit staying power,
create jobs, show innovation in the provision of their product or service, and
contribute positively to the community.
Abilene Business
Council Board
2012 – 2013
Katie Alford
Rob Allen, IV
Rusty Boren
Kim Bosher
Saundra Carriker
Michael Dickenson
Paula Fiel
David Hernandez
Sylvia Holcomb
Derick Hughes
Ben Jennings
Jennifer Kent
Luke Kittley
Kasey Kearney Lee
Mike McMahan
Melissa Murphy
Nancy Smith
Wesley Smith
Fran Stone
Chris Westbrook
Conduct the 29th annual Business EXPO, with an emphasis this year on
delivering to exhibitors and attendees an invigorating and fun educational
“experience.”
Recognize a business person of the year who has enjoyed long-term business
success, demonstrated the ability to overcome business challenges,
contributed significantly to quality of life, and exemplified Abilene’s strong
work ethic.
Recognize a 100+ employee business of the year that exhibits sustained
business excellence through leaders and employees who promote quality of
life and make significant contributions to the community.
Increase awareness of student, parent, faculty and military communities
on the importance of spending locally. Continue to deliver coupon and
discount programs wherever possible.
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AGRICULTURE COMMITTEE
MISSION
To have a positive impact on regional agriculture by increasing
awareness, understanding key issues and supporting the agricultural,
wildlife and natural resource industries through value added
projects, programs and events.
AG IN THE BIG COUNTRY AREA
Continue design and production of a “Big Country” agribusiness
publication emphasizing the impact of agriculture on Abilene and the
surrounding counties.
JASON GIBSON
Chair
Create, organize, and facilitate monthly programs (i.e., Farm and
Ranch Breakfast) related to agriculture, wildlife, and natural resources.
Provide increased support to the annual Texas Farm – Ranch – Wildlife
Expo including feedback on design/structure and aid in acquiring
sponsorships and exhibitors.
Dedication to an intentional and pro-active approach in providing
value to the agricultural community through a diverse, versatile, and
unified committee.
6

GOVERNMENTAL AFFAIRS COUNCIL
MISSION
Engage in political processes and issues of interest in our region.
Provide direction and resources to enhance Abilene businesses and
quality of life.
INFORMATION LEADS TO ACTION
Identify the impact of pending legislation and laws on local member
businesses as those issues emerge during 2013.
BOB ALLEN, III
Chair
Survey businesses on emerging issues and changing laws. Forward
business concerns to legislators’ attention and influence positive outcome
for Chamber member businesses.
Explore Problem Solving Opportunities with other West Texas Communities.
Conduct quarterly meetings with city, county, public school and
other local governmental leaders.
Attend local events, such as Town Hall meetings, to keep informed
about legislative issues.
Promote awareness and voter participation for the election year.
Increase access and content on the Chamber’s website to provide
members information on the impact of legislative issues.
7

HISPANIC BUSINESS COUNCIL
JESSE CARDENAS
Chair
MISSION
To facilitate the advancement of Hispanic businesses within Abilene
and the surrounding areas through promoting education, training,
advocacy and networking.
BUILDING BRIDGES
Continue to build the bridge between non-Hispanic and Hispanic
businesses in order to engage with one another and learn about the
benefits of each others’ services and products.
Build Chamber and HBC membership through active recruitment
efforts as we continue to work in conjunction with the Membership
Services Council to extend membership opportunities to the Hispanic
business community.
Continue with the networking luncheons which provide individuals
an opportunity to network and talk about their businesses.
Host the 5th Business Mercado expanding outreach to surrounding
areas. The theme for the 2012 event is “5 Years of Building
Bridges”. Continue to recognize a military service member with the
“Salute to Service Award” presented during Mercado Eve.
Continue to serve as facilitators in order to meet and promote the
mission statement of the Hispanic Business Council.
Hispanic
Business
Executive
Committee
2012 - 2013
Katie Alford
Neomia Banks
Linda Barfield
Marci Braden
Jesse Cardenas
Sammy Garcia
David Hernandez
Mike Hernandez
Kris Kowatch
Joyce Martinez-
Sledge
Mike McMahan
Pancho Perez
Robert Puls
Risha Sanders
Randy Teakell
Judy Wilhelm
8

LEADERSHIP, EDUCATION AND
WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT
MISSION
To focus on activities that promote building, retaining and retraining
the future workforce and leadership through connection with
business and education partnerships designed to enhance the quality
of education in the Abilene area and the economic growth and
development of Abilene.
PRODUCTIVITY THROUGH CONNECTING
Continue to encourage, facilitate and coordinate areas of workforce,
education and business in support of each other.
SHAUN MARTIN
Chair
Increase business community involvement.
Evaluate higher education and business community internships.
Continue to develop and grow future leaders through the Leadership
Abilene program and encourage post-grad involvement.
Reinvent Abilene Leaders of Tomorrow.
9

MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS
COMMITTEE
MISSION
To be involved in marketing the Chamber of Commerce as a business
resource to the Abilene community and look for opportunities to promote
the community’s assets to help facilitate the growth of Abilene.
PROMOTING FOR SUCCESS
Continue to develop Chamber website to include material below the “fold.” Add
additional features i.e., Chamber TV, testimonials from membership.
DELORES COX
Chair
Develop a Mobile Site for our website for easier access to Chamber information
by members and community.
Enhance our Social Media presence to promote the Chamber, our members, Affiliates
and community.
Create a Brown Bag Lunch Series teaching on various Social Media applications
utilizing member services that have the expertise in this area.
Research Webinars and conduct a test pilot to determine if they are right for our
market.
Update key marketing/educational pieces to retain and gain members.
Maximize the resources of the local media to communicate information about
the Chamber and events to the community.
Communicate “Good News” and other issues, i.e., Legislative, Education, Health
Care, etc. through the various Chamber media.
Establish a strong Advertising Strategy for generating revenue through our
communication pieces: the monthly newsletter, Chamber Connection, and the
Weekly Connection.
Work to develop a strong Sponsorship/Advertising Program that includes all
opportunities available through Chamber programs and events.
Continue to produce the annual Abilene Magazine ~ A Guide to Abilene for use
in marketing businesses in Abilene and attracting new businesses and newcomers
to our area.
10

MEMBERSHIP SERVICES COUNCIL
MISSION
Involve the membership in the growth and development of the
Abilene Chamber of Commerce and broaden the financial base and
support of the Chamber, its programs and its activities.
INFORMATION LEADS TO ACTION
Retain current members and increase potential members by looking
for opportunities to involve them in Chamber events/activities.
CINDY HALEY
Chair
Increase Board of Directors’ knowledge of benefits of membership to
emphasize value added and return on investment.
Continue to increase value and participation of the Redcoat Committee
and Ribbon Cutting events for expanded business-to-business
contacts.
Increase value of investment to our members by promoting them
through Social Media and at events.
Explore new benefits and services that can be provided to the membership
that will increase involvement.
Continue to expand diversity of membership by targeting business
sectors.
Hold monthly overview sessions for any member or potential member
to learn more about the Abilene Chamber of Commerce.
Conduct Wake Up Wednesday!, Business After Hours and other
networking/relationship building opportunities for the members and
potential members.
Produce an annual membership and business directory.
Conduct the annual Chamber Banquet and Membership Meeting.
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MILITARY AFFAIRS COMMITTEE
GRAY BRIDWELL
Chair
12
MISSION
Maintain the support for military presence and the strong relationship between
Abilene and its military community. Build support to protect and expand
the military mission in Abilene. Ensure Dyess and all our local service
members continue to play key roles in our national defense infrastructure.
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT: SUPPORT OF OUR
MILITARY - “ONE COMMUNITY - ONE FAMILY”
Protect B-1 mission from fleet reduction or elimination and sustain the upgrade of the C-130
mission through the continued C-130J deliveries.
Continue to pursue new missions and assist in mission realignment to Dyess including Next
Generation Bombers, Remotely Piloted Aircraft and any joint support operations that arise.
Remain actively engaged on BRAC issues that affect Dyess; identify any potential areas of
concern; participate in military commissions and BRAC meetings; work to spread the message
of Dyess’ military value in terms of capability and capacity.
Continue improvement of Dyess AFB infrastructure and facilities and create new strategy for
Military Construction funding.
Continue to maintain and build relationships in Congress, the Department of the Air Force
and the Department of Defense through attendance/presence at association meetings and by
encouraging visits to Abilene/Dyess AFB from these leaders.
Continue to engage with local Army Reserves, Texas National Guard units, and Reserve
Marine Corps through the new Armed Forces Reserve Center at Dyess.
Enhance support for Dyess families, particularly the families of those deployed.
Educate the Abilene community on benefits of military discounts and the promotion of the
advertising by using military discount stickers.
Increase membership attendance and award sponsorships for military award programs.
Conduct the 48th Annual World’s Largest Bar-B-Que to express appreciation to all area active
duty, reserve and guard military personnel, DoD civilians, and their families.
Promote increased activity for the Honorary Commanders Program which maintains and
establishes contact between Abilene and each commander at Dyess and other military units.
Continue to host the Busted Putter/Busted Racquet golf and tennis tournaments to build
camaraderie between the community of Abilene and the local military personnel.
Continue to sponsor the annual “Abilene Trophy” (Air Mobility Command Outstanding Community
Support Award) competition.
Continue to conduct quarterly membership meetings to informMAC members about military
related issues and to inform our local military about community-related activities.
Military Affairs
Executive
Committee
2012 - 2013
Katie Alford
Greg Blair
Gray Bridwell
John Brogan
Bill Ehrie
Kristina Jones
Mike McMahan
James Ross
Scott Senter
Joe Spano
James Webster
(Chair Emeritus)
Team Dyess
Support
Committee
2012 - 2013
Katie Alford
Rob Barnhill
Travis Brown
Bob Christopher
Lance French
John Havard
David Jones
Mike McMahan
Joe Spano
Kay Spiva

ABILENE CONVENTION &
VISITORS BUREAU
TIM YANDELL
Chair
Abilene Convention &
Visitors Bureau
Board of Directors
2012 - 2013
Like the analogy of the iceberg’s tip, the travel and tourism industry offers us as a wealth of
hidden values we often overlook. Tourism is first and foremost economic development. It is
an “export” industry that injects $421.6 million into Abilene. Second, it generates employment
opportunities creating and supporting 3,520 jobs. Third, tourism relieves our tax burden by
adding $7.4 million in local sales tax dollars and an additional $24.5 million in state tax revenue.
Without the impact of tourism, every Texas household would pay an additional $850 in
taxes to maintain existing services.
The last point I wish to make is simply this: the same quality and appeal that draw visitors
to our city will also enhance the quality of life for residents. Improving the quality of life in
Abilene through travel and tourism is the mission of the ACVB. The “building blocks” illustrates
my point brilliantly.
Build a place
people want to
visit, and you’ll
build a place
where people
want to live.
2012-2013 ACVB GOALS
Product
Development
Technology
Sales/Service
Build a place
where people
want live, and
you’ll build a
place where
people want to
work.
Build a place
where people
want to work,
and you’ll build
a place where
business has to
be.
Build a place
where business
has to be, and
you’ll build a
place where
people have to
visit.
• Initiate and support product development to increase meetings,
conventions and events to Abilene and to enhance the visitor
experience.
• Implement a hotel booking site on the website to generate hotel stays.
• Implement interactive tour itineraries.
• In partnership with the Expo Center, secure the Texas High School Rodeo
State Finals and Texas 4-H Horse Show;
• Partnering with Kent’s Harley Davidson, secure the HOG Rally for 2014; and
• Partnering with ACU, submit a proposal to secure the Lone Star Conference
Spring Festival.
Donna Albus
Katie Alford
Mike Breckenridge
Saundra Carriker
Kayla Christianson
Myra Dean
Michael Dickenson
Russell Dressen
Will Dugger
Jennifer Ellison
Jay Evans
David Gist
Traci Graham
Brian Green
Don Green
Gary Grubbs
Cindy Haley
Nicki Harle
Callie Harris
Dave Hedge
Michael Hernandez
Margaret Hoogstra
Charles Hughes
Betty Hukill
Weldon Hurt
JV Johnson
Rochelle Johnson
Brian LaCroix
Mike McMahan
Robert Morris
Lou Murray
Paul Pawar
Audrey Perry
Mark Powell
Grant Rampy
Jeff Salmon
Larry Sanders
Jim Tallant
Glen Webb
Tim Yandell
Darla Yarbrough
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ABILENE CULTURAL
AFFAIRS COUNCIL
MISSION
RANDY PIERSALL
Chair
To promote, encourage and support the Arts for Abilene, to marshal and adapt the
community’s resources to the needs of the artists of the community; to work with
and advise officials, agencies, organizations, schools and committees in supporting
activities; to seek to encourage the establishment of new art forms to develop
publicity and educational programs to carry out those other functions necessary to
enhance the image of Abilene as a center for the Arts.
Broadway in Abilene
Young Audiences
Paramount Children’s
Performing Arts Series
Community & Visitor Dev./
HeARTS for the Arts Grants
HeArts for the Arts
Cultural Tourism - Artfully
Abilene Marketing Platform
Artfully Abilene Art &
Culture Weekends
Children’s Art & Literacy
Festival (C.A.L.F.)
Storybook Sculpture
Project
Abilene Outdoor
Sculpture Exhibition
14
Sponsor a performing arts series, sold on subscription, to provide
Abilenians with an opportunity to view outstanding Broadway
shows.
Provide quality arts-in-education programs to young people to
develop their potential as creative and productive individuals. Train
and support 13 performing ensembles, serve 16,000 children.
Sponsor a performing arts series for children 4 – 10 years of age, to
provide children with an opportunity to see and enjoy some of the
best children’s theatre groups in the country, to build audiences for
the arts by getting very young children accustomed to going to the
theatre, and to donate tickets to agencies that serve children.
Assist local organizations in program development through a financial
assistance program to provide Abilenians and West Texans with
a variety of quality arts programming. Events supported attended by
more than 300,000 people.
Continue to solicit Hearts for the Arts donations to augment the
Grants. Host October Luncheon.
Develop the Artfully Abilene Marketing Platform to attract an increasing
number of cultural visitors through information disseminated
through: Artfully Abilene e-marketing newsletter; Abilene Scene quarterly
magazine; Abileneroadtrip.com website; promote artists and art
institutions through the Airport Exhibition Initiative.
Collaborate with art organizations and downtown businesses to
promote quarterly Art & Culture Weekends to encourage visitors on
weekends that include special art happenings.
Coordinate City wide C.A.L.F. festival featuring Walter Wick in the Summer
of 2013 featuring the Walter Wick exhibit “Gadgets, Gizmos and
Toys in the Attic.” Dramatic presentations, art activities, and a variety
of I Spy activities for kids of all ages.
Commission additional sculptures from the Seuss Sculpture Garden to
place in Everman Park.
Coordinate a weekend of sculpture with the installation of the Outdoor
Sculpture Exhibition, an exhibit by Paul Kittelson and Carter Ernst at
the ACU Gallery, Steve Neves at the Center for Contemporary Art, and
David Everett at the Grace Museum.
Abilene Cultural
Affairs Council
Board of
Directors
2012 - 2013
Katie Alford
Bob Allen III
Lawrence Bertsch
Leigh Black
Lora Lynn Christiansen
Donna Dougherty
Pat Dunnahoo
Lynne Haven
Carol Haynes
Jill Heaven
Nell Hedge
Courtney Jordan
Darrel Knight, Jr.
K.O. Long
Mishi Mathur
Vance McCracken
Angela McGlothlin
Mike McMahan
Kellie Miller
George Nichols
Amy Ozment
Randy Piersall
Carl Roeder
Clint Rosenbaum
Gail Russey
Dick Spalding
Randy Teakell
Eric Thomas
Sydney Thomas
James. D. Tittle
Trish Trifilo
Marilyn VanHerck
Mike Warren
Bill Wright

ABILENE INDUSTRIAL
FOUNDATION
MISSION
The mission of the AIF is to retain and expand existing business
and to attract new business all of which will create job
growth and capital investment in the Abilene economy.
RON BUTLER
Chair
FOCUS FOR 2012-2013
Focus on key sectors with the greatest potential for growth: energy, medical,
manufacturing/services, fabrication, bio-tech and software testing.
Focus on developing a qualified labor force by assisting in developing training
programs, promoting cooperative efforts among schools, colleges, and businesses
as well as seeking ways to train and retain local talent.
Focus on our local military and continue to support Dyess Air Force Base
through cooperation with the Military Affairs Committee. Maintain and grow
existing missions such as the B-1/C-130 while continuing to seek new missions
such as Remotely Piloted Vehicles (RPV) and Long Range Strike aircraft. Continue
assisting the military in developing and seeking funding for base infrastructure.
Continue to support local programs such as “ibuyBIGCOUNTRY”, “Fly Abilene”
and “Members Matter Most”.
Focus on the region by seeking cooperative efforts to promote the Big Country
and work with the Texas Midwest Community Network and others on programs of
mutual benefit to the region.
Continue to support improvements and growth of the airport while keeping existing
service as well as attracting new service and completing ongoing enhancements.
GOALS AND OBJECTIVES:
• Retain existing jobs
• Reduce unemployment
• Add new jobs
• Add new investments to our tax base
Abilene Industrial Foundation
Board of Directors
2012 – 2013
Katie Alford Russell Guthrie
Norm Archibald
Lanny Hall
Grady Barr
Dave Hedge
Jim Barr
Scott Hibbs
Yvonne Batts Seaton Higginbotham
Brian Bessent
Mark Horn
Charles Black Fred Lee Hughes
Greg Blair
Erik Johnson
Downing Bolls
Kristina Jones
Gray Bridwell
Kelly Kinard
Tucker Bridwell
Tim Lancaster
Richard Burdine
Peter Lauve
Heath Burns Raymond McDaniel
Ron Butler Mike McMahan
Paul Cannon
Jim McNeer
Wayne Carr
Dee Moore
Dewayne Chitwood
Buddy Napier
Dave Copeland DonMark Nickson
Rick Correll
Jack Rentz
Joe Crawford
Vicki Reynolds
Casey Curnutt
Ben Russell
Jason Darby
Jim Rose
Mike Denny
Mary Ross
Scott Dueser
John Russell
Mike Dunnahoo Darryl Schriver
Carol Dupree
Phil Schubert
Billy Edwards
Bill Senter
Bill Ehrie
Bob Surovik
Brian Etchison
Randy Teakell
Ray Ferguson
Jimmy Tittle
Albert Fuentes
Eric Thomas
Gary Galbraith James Webster
Larry Gill
Keith White
Woody Gilliland
H. C. Zachry
Gail Gregg
BOTTOM LINE: More jobs, increased tax revenues via capital asset growth,
decreased unemployment - all lead to a better quality of life for our citizens.
15

Keep In Touch with Your Chamber . . .
Abilene Chamber of Commerce
174 Cypress Street, Suite 200, Phone: 677-7241
Fax: ……………………………………………………………………………….677-0622
E-mail: …………………………………………………………info@abilenechamber.com
Web Site: ………………………………………………………www.abilenechamber.com
Mailing address for all listed is:
P.O. Box 2281
Abilene, TX 79604
Area Code is: 325
(unless otherwise noted)
CONNECT WITH US!
Mike McMahan, President …………………………mmcmahan@abilenechamber.com
Stephanie Burke, Admin. Assistant/Membership Coordinator
E-mail: sburke@abilenechamber.com
Kathy Lee, Director of Member Services
E-mail: klee@abilenechamber.com
Sandra Minnick, Director of Marketing & Communications
E-mail: sminnick@abilenechamber.com
Debra Morotini, Director of Military Affairs / Special Projects
E-mail: dmorotini@abilenechamber.com
Vicky Smedley, Director of Membership, Business, Leadership,
Education and Workforce Development
E-mail: vsmedley@abilenechamber.com
Frances Williamson, Vice President – Administration
E-mail: williamsonf@abilenechamber.com
Abilene Convention and Visitors Bureau
1101 North First, Phone: 676-2556/(800)727-7704
Fax: ……………………………………………………………………………….676-1630
E-mail: ……………………………………………………………info@abilenevisitors.com
Web Site: …………………………………………………………www.abilenevisitors.com
Nanci Liles, Executive Director
E-mail: nanci@abilenevisitors.com
Mallory Ashford, Visitor Services Director
E-mail: mallory@abilenevisitors.com
Wilma Butman, Office Manager and Website Development
E-mail: wilma@abilenevisitors.com
Lu Christopher, Receptionist
E-mail: info@abilenevisitors.com
Trish Dressen, Communications Director
E-mail: trish@abilenevisitors.com
Debi Schultz, Sports Sales Director
E-mail: debi@abilenevisitors.com
Pam Sites, Administrative Assistant
E-mail: pam@abilenevisitors.com
Jackie Tarpley, Convention Sales Director
E-mail: jackie@abilenevisitors.com
Hester Woods, Convention Services Director
E-mail: hester@abilenevisitors.com
Abilene Cultural Affairs Council
1101 North First, Phone: 677-1161
Fax: ………………………………………………………………………....……676-1630
Web Site: …………………………………………………………..…www.abilenecac.org
Lynn Barnett, Executive Director
E-mail: lynn@abilenecac.org
Bailee Harris, Receptionist
E-mail: bailee@abilenecac.org
Hollye Jaklewicz, Grants Administrator and Director
Children’s Performing Art Series
E-mail: hollye@abilenecac.org
Kimmy McNiece, Director of Broadway Series and Special Projects
E-mail: kimmy@abilenecac.org
Elizabeth McVey, Marketing Director
E-mail: elizabeth@abilenecac.org
Victoria Spangler, Executive Director Young Audiences
E-mail: victoria@abilenecac.org
Cover photots of Cypress Building and Dyess
Aircraft courtesy of Steve Butman Photography.
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Abilene Industrial Foundation
174 Cypress Street, Suite 300, Phone: 673-7349
Fax: ………………………………………………………………………………..673-9193
E-mail: …………………………………wehrie@abileneind.com or gary@abileneind.com
Web Site: ………………………………………………………...www.developabilene.com
Bill Ehrie, President
E-mail: wehrie@abileneind.com
Iris Kammerdiener, Administrative Assistant
E-mail: irisk@abileneind.com
Gary Robinett, Director Marketing and Industrial Recruitment
E-mail: gary@abileneind.com