The Veterans Business Association, in partnership with the Greater El Paso Chamber of Commerce, is hosting a summit on Small Business.
Subject areas to be covered include business opportunities from: Legislative Update of the 81st Texas Legislature; El Paso Economic Development; Empowerment Zone; Central Business Association; Ft. Bliss Opportunities, and more. Please join us and bring your comments, questions, and suggestions for improving the future of Small Business in El Paso.:
Topic: Future of Small Business in El Paso
Date: Saturday, June 13, 2009
Time: 9am-1pm
Place: 1359 Lomaland, (Cactus Room), El Paso, TX
Cost: None to attend
$25 for Vendor Table
Contact: Bill Sparks at (915) 629-2052
We will have a series of speakers to discuss the State and Future of Small Business in El Paso, and the impact on our small business community. This is a great opportunity to look at forecasts for the future of the El Paso small business sector.
To register, or for more information, please contact Bill Sparks at (915) 629-2052, or email at: hwsparks@sbcglobal.net
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Hunt building company named
3rd largest multifamily builder
COMPANY IS 24th LARGEST OWNER
EL PASO, TEXAS – (June 11, 2009) – Hunt Building Company, an affiliate of El Paso, Texas-based Hunt Companies, Inc., ranked third in Multifamily Executive (MFE) magazine's 2008 "Top 50" Builders list. The publication names the Top 50 Owners, Managers, and Builders in the multifamily housing industry, and also ranked Hunt as the nation’s 24th largest owner among the Top 50. MFE magazine annually ranks U.S. building companies based on number of units built or owned, gross revenue, and project type. The annual list is also published in Builder Magazine.
"We are pleased that Hunt Building Company has once again been listed in the Multifamily Executive 'Top 50' Builders and Owners lists” said M.L. Hunt, President of Hunt Building. We have appeared on these lists for a number of years, and we believe it’s a testament to the dedication and hard work of all of our employees.” Hunt also said that the MFE Top 50 list indicates the strongest multifamily building companies in the industry. “This is a ranking we are especially proud of, since it took measure of builders and owners in 2008 -- a very difficult year for many in the real estate and construction areas. We are very proud to be named in the nation’s Top 50 in both the builder and owner categories.”
In 2008, Hunt Building started construction of 3,476 multifamily units, located primarily in the northeast, south, and western U.S. The company owns 38,879 units across the nation, up 2% over ’07. Hunt’s revenues in building and ownership were up 13% over the previous year.
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DOL Forum
The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) in partnership with the El Paso Community College, the El Paso Society for Human Resource Management (EPSHRM) and The Greater El Paso Chamber of Commerce will host a free Informational and Outreach Forum, with 90-minute workshops to assist employers and answer questions regarding workplace laws administered by DOL.
A brochure is available online in pdf format at elpaso.org
The Forum will be held from 7:45 a.m. to 12:45 p.m., July 17, 2009, at the El Paso Community College, (EPCC) Administrative Service Center, 9050 Viscount, Building A, El Paso, TX 79925.
7:45 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. Registration
8:30 a.m. to 9:15 a.m. Overview of DOL Agencies
9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. 1st Workshop Session
11:00 a.m. to 11:15 a.m. Break
11:15 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. 2nd Workshop Session
Workshops will run concurrently at 9:30 a.m. and 11:15 a.m. Employers interested in attending should complete the enclosed registration sheet. Participants can attend one workshop per time period. Employers may have more than one representative attend; however, each person must complete a registration form indicating workshop preferences. Admittance is free and spaces are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. Therefore, please send or fax your registration as soon as possible, but no later than July 9, 2009.
What: DOL Forum
When: 7:45 a.m. to 12:45 p.m., July 17,
Where: EPCC Administrative Service Center, 9050 Viscount, Bldg A
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Local Businesses Receive National Recognition
El Paso, Texas, June 10, 2009 –The borderland is represented nationally as nine local businesses are included among the fastest growing Hispanic businesses in the nation and a local advertising agency is named the Advertising Agency of the Year. The nationally recognized companies will be celebrated at the Annual Sol de Oro Celebration on July 23, 2009 beginning at 5:30 p.m. The event will take place at Butterfield Trail Golf Course, located at 1858 Cottonwoods Dr.
On June 1, 2009, nationally acknowledged magazine, Hispanic Business Magazine, featured the fastest growing Hispanic businesses in the nation. Among the 500 companies, the borderland was well represented with the inclusion of 9 Hispanic businesses. Local companies include in the prestigious list are Fred Loya Insurance, RMPersonnel Inc., Bravo Southwest L.L.C., dmDickason Personnel Services, Miratek Corporation, Pro-Auto Dealers, Integrated Human Capital and RHO Logistics Inc. Las Cruces also had representation on the prestigious list from Zia Engineering & Environmental Consultants LLC.
In addition, Sanders\Wingo Advertising Inc. was honored by Black Enterprise Magazine as the 2009 Advertising agency of the Year, competing against advertising agencies from all over the United States.
“These businesses are a great example of local entrepreneurial success and a prime example to follow,” said Cindy Ramos-Davidson, CEO of your El Paso Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. “The companies being recognized nationally began locally as small businesses. These reputable businesses are now a source for employment and growth for our community and represent the potential and excellence of our city.”
This year, Hispanic Business Magazine celebrates 27 years of highlighting national Hispanic businesses in the prominent list. Companies from the region ranked as following: Fred Loya Insurance #18, RM Personnel #147, Bravo Southwest LLC # 152, Pro Auto Dealers Inc #191, dmDickason Personnel Services # 283, Miratek Corporation #288, Integrated Human Capital dba Human Capital International #337, RHO Logistics Inc #364, and Zia Engineering and Environmental Consultants #413.
The local companies are among the 79 Hispanic businesses from the state of Texas that made the list. El Paso is listed among the top five cities from the Lone Star State with most Hispanic businesses mentioned in the Hispanic Business 500. Houston topped the list with 16 businesses; Dallas was second with 14 followed by San Antonio with 9 businesses. El Paso filled the fourth slot with 8 businesses and Laredo occupies the fifth position with five businesses.
According to Hispanic Business Magazine, the borderland businesses in the list together make valuable contributions to our community. Collectively, the nine companies provide employment to 5,825 people with an estimated economic impact of $514,020,000.
The El Paso Hispanic Chamber of Commerce will recognize the outstanding labor of the regional businesses that with the vision and perseverance are highlighting the borderland community.
“The growth and success of our local businesses empower our community. The ten local businesses are testimony that our businesses can compete and can raise the bar nationally,” added Ramos-Davison.
For more information about the local companies named among the top 500 Hispanic businesses in the nation or the Sol De Oro Awards, please contact Daniella Jordan at 566-4066 or djordan@ephcc.org. To view the list of the Hispanic Business 500 visit http://www.hispanicbusiness.com/research/500/.
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Dispensing Fun at the Children’s Hospital at Providence
El Paso – June 9, 2009 - Mad Science® of El Paso will present a special science show at the Children’s Hospital at Providence 2001 N Oregon St., El Paso, TX 79902, on Monday, June 15, 2009 at 2:00 PM. Chief Mad Scientist, Dr. Ken Cheung, will present fun science that creates recreational diversions for the hospitalized children.
Mad Science® and Starlight Children’s Foundation® understand that when a child has a chronic or life-threatening medical condition, a family’s life as they know it comes to a halt. To brighten their lives, a little each day, Mad Science has teamed up with Starlight to benefit children in our community. Parents when registering their children for Mad Science after-school programs and summer camps may make donations toward Starlight Children’s Foundation®.
Kelly Duke, VP of Marketing & Advertising, Sierra Providence Health Network said, “Seriously ill children miss out on the fun during the summer when their healthy friends are enjoying camps. We are thrilled that Mad Science volunteers to bring the fun science to the Children’s Hospital to cheer up the children.”
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Aztec Economic Woes Continue
Initial estimates for the first quarter of 2009 indicate that the Mexican economy declined
by 8.2 percent from the same period in 2008. The leading economic indicator index of
INEGI, the national statistics institute, points to additional economic contraction in the
coming months. The Consensus Mexico survey results are in agreement with the INEGI
barometer.
Panelist projections for real gross domestic product point to a comparatively steep
decline. The current consensus forecast calls for a real GDP decrease for Mexico of -4.8
percent for the year as a whole. A broad spectrum of individual projections is reported for
private consumption. While one forecast calls for slight growth, other panelists anticipate
declines ranging from less than one percent to approximately six percent. The consensus
outlook is for Mexican consumers to reduce spending by 3.0 percent.
Economic stimulus outlays are expected to cause government consumption to increase in
2009 at a consensus rate of 2.5 percent. As business cycle conditions remain unstable in
2009, sharp declines in total fixed investment will likely be observed. The protracted U.S.
recession will continue to be a drag on Mexico’s export economy. Amidst this economic
climate, imports and exports are both expected to shrink at double digit rates by the
panelists.
There is little unanimity within panelist expectations for inflation. Consumer price
increases of 4.5 percent or less are predicted by two forecasters, while others expect
increases in excess of 6 percent. The consensus projection suggests that consumer prices
are likely to increase by more than 5.5 percent in 2009. In spite of the troubles facing
Mexico, the consensus outlook for the peso has improved this quarter with the annual
nominal peso per dollar exchange rate now at 13.63. The forecast for 28-day Treasury
Certificates (CETES) now predicts a 6.3 percent rate of return for all of 2009.
The current consensus forecast calls for the Mexican economy to recover only moderately
in 2010. GDP and private consumption are projected to exhibit increases of 1.6 percent
and 1.3 percent, respectively. Government spending is expected to grow more slowly in
2010 as counter cyclical spending is cut back. As global economic prospects improve, fixed
investment is expected to help lead the recovery in 2010. Not surprisingly, Mexico’s
import and export sectors are also projected to recover. Consumer price inflation is
projected to decline to 4.6 percent for 2010, in part due to stable import prices. That
outlook results from a stronger Mexican peso, which is expected to appreciate moderately
to 13.60 P/$. The panel expects monetary policy to continue to be relatively neutral as the
28-day CETES yield is forecast to remain at 6.3 percent in 2010.
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Two New Direct Flights from El Paso International Airport from United Airlines
El Paso, Texas – June 9, 2009 – El Paso International Airport (EPIA) announces that United Airlines will be adding two direct flights from EPIA to Chicago O’Hare International Airport effective September 2, 2009.
“We are pleased that the direct flights to and from Chicago O’Hare will provide passengers with additional flight service options,” said Monica Lombraña, A.A.E. Director of Aviation.
United service to Chicago O’Hare International Airport begins September 2, 2009 with the following flights:
El Paso Departures: Chicago Departures:
Departs El Paso 7:20 a.m. Departs Chicago 10:36 a.m.
Arrives Chicago 11:15 a.m. Arrives El Paso 12:49 p.m.
Departs El Paso 1:20 p.m. Departs Chicago 5:55 p.m.
Arrives Chicago 5:15 p.m. Arrives El Paso 8:08 p.m.
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Calendar Listings for Upcoming GECU Free Seminars
June 9-23, 2009:
Raising Money-Smart Kids
Get your kids on the best financial path for their future. Learn how to teach your kids the basics of saving, spending, and financial responsibility. Join us for this free seminar on Tuesday, June 23, 2009 from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. at the GECU Viscount Lobby at 7227 Viscount Blvd.
Make your reservations today by calling (915) 774-6092 or sign up online at www.gecu-ep.org and click on “Upcoming Events and Seminars.”
***
Free Bill Pay Workshop
Save time and money by learning how to use GECU’s free bill pay service. Bring your bills and begin to control your monthly payments. Join us for the free workshop on e-payments on Tuesday June 23, 2009 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the GECU Operations Center at 1225 Airway Blvd.
Make your reservations today by calling (915) 774-8226.
***
Free Seminar: Understanding Credit
Discover what lenders are looking for when approving credit. Learn what impacts your ability to qualify for credit, how credit is scored, and the influence money management has on your credit standing. Join us for this free seminar on Thursday June 25, 2009 from 6:00 – 7:30 p.m. at the GECU Operations Center at 1225 Airway Blvd.
Make your reservation today by calling (915) 774-6092 or sign up online at www.gecu-ep.org and click on “Upcoming Events and Seminars.”
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Google News Alert for: el paso
Western Refining sells off notes?Trading Markets (press release) - Los Angeles,CA,USA?Ron White, an investment adviser for Raymond James Financial Services office in El Paso, said Western had to put a high interest rate on the notes to sell ...
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SECRETARY NAPOLITANO ANNOUNCES SOUTHWEST BORDER TASK FORCE
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M.—U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Janet Napolitano announced today the formation of the Homeland Security Advisory Council (HSAC) Southwest Border Task Force, a diverse group of national security experts charged with examining the Department’s efforts along the U.S.-Mexico border and providing advice and recommendations directly to the Secretary.
“This task force, comprised of law enforcement, elected officials and national security experts from around the country, will advise the Department on key issues facing communities along the Southwest border,” said Secretary Napolitano. “I have asked this group to present me with concrete recommendations to address the complex challenges we face in this region, and their collective expertise will be a critical asset as we work to secure the border while facilitating legal travel and trade.”
The new task force underscores DHS’ emphasis on Southwest border security in response to ongoing drug cartel violence in Mexico. Secretary Napolitano asked the 20-member group to focus on two major challenges: ensuring rigorous inspections processes at ports of entry while facilitating commerce; and assessing the practical consequences of border violence and DHS’ response to communities along the Southwest border.
The group held its inaugural meeting today at Sandia National Laboratories in Albuquerque, N.M., and is chaired by current HSAC chair and former CIA and FBI director Judge William Webster. The vice chairs are Jim Jones, former ambassador to Mexico and White House Chief of Staff, and Lupe Trevino, sheriff of Hidalgo County, Texas.
HSAC consists of experts from state, local and tribal governments, first responder communities, academia and the private sector and consults directly with Secretary Napolitano on homeland security issues.
The Southwest Border Task Force members include:
Richard Dayoub is President and CEO of Greater El Paso Chamber of Commerce. Dayoub previously was owner, president and CEO of a large regional travel company for nearly 30 years.
John Cook is Mayor of El Paso, Texas. Cook formerly served as president of the El Paso Health Care Facilities Financing Corporation and El Paso Housing Finance Corporation.
William “Bill” Webster (Chair) is a retired partner at Milbank, Tweed, Hadley, and McCloy. He previously served as Director of the CIA and FBI. Judge Webster is a member and chair of DHS’ Homeland Security Advisory Council.
James “Jim” Jones (Vice Chair) is Chairman and CEO of Mannatt Jones Global Strategies. He is a former U.S. Ambassador to Mexico, U.S. Congressman from Oklahoma, and White House Chief of Staff.
Guadalupe “Lupe” Trevino (Vice Chair) is Sheriff of Hidalgo County, Texas. He currently serves on the State of Texas Homeland Security Office Mass Migration Committee and on the Executive Committee of the Texas Radio Interoperability Coalition.
Ruben Barrales is President and CEO of the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce. He served in the White House for five years as deputy assistant to President George W. Bush, where he was the President’s liaison to state and local elected officials.
Andrea Bazan is President of Triangle Community Foundation. She serves as Chair of the Board of Directors of the National Council of La Raza, and is a member of the Leadership Council of Hispanics in Philanthropy.
Robert “Rob” Bonner is a senior principal of the Sentinel HS Group, a homeland security consulting firm. He is also a partner of Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher, LLP. Bonner served as the first Commissioner of U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
Ray Borane served as Mayor of Douglas, Ariz., from 1996-2008. Borane was also an FBI Special Agent and served as a Policy Advisor to the Governor of Arizona on border and immigration issues.
Raymond Cobos is Sheriff of Luna County, N.M. Cobos served as Detention Administrator and Undersheriff in Luna County prior to being elected Sheriff in 2006. Cobos is also a volunteer with the GED Tutor Literacy Program.
Jeffrey Davidow is President of the Institute of the Americas. He has served as the U.S. Ambassador to Mexico, Zambia, and Venezuela and as Assistant Secretary of State.
Victor Flores is Director of Executive Projects at Arizona Public Service. He is currently a member of the State of Arizona Transportation Board, serves as president of the Arizona-Mexico Commission Board of Directors, and sits on boards at the Valley of the Sun United Way, the Children’s Action Alliance and Vision Quest 20/20.
Francis “Pancho” Kinney is Vice President for HNTB Federal. Kinney was previously DHS Deputy Director of International Affairs. Kinney is a Border Trade Alliance Board Member and Infrastructure Committee Chair.
Melvyn “Mel” Montano is a retired Major General in the U.S. Air National Guard and former Adjutant General of New Mexico.
Kenny Montoya is a Major General and Adjutant General for the New Mexico National Guard. He is also president of the State Armory Board and provides oversight for the New Mexico Civil Air Patrol.
Ned Norris, Jr. is Chairman of the Tohono O’odham Nation. Prior to his election, he worked with the Tohono O’odham Gaming Enterprise as Director of Marketing and Public Relations, Casino Manager and Director of Community Relations.
Maria Luisa O’Connell is President and CEO of Border Trade Alliance (BTA). Prior to joining BTA in 1998, she was a financial analyst at Bank One International Corporation, and also worked for the National Federation of Merchants of Colombia.
Ralph Ogden is currently serving in his fourth term as Sheriff of Yuma County, Arizona. Ogden is a member of numerous local organizations and serves as Chairman of the State of Arizona Homeland Security Coordinating Council.
Evelyn M. Rodriguez is a physician and President and CEO of Rodriguez Health Consulting Services, LLC. She is a former captain of the U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps and worked on pharmaceutical drug safety at the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
Robert “Bob” Ross is President and CEO of the California Endowment, a health foundation established in 1996 to address the health needs of Californians. He previously served as Director for the San Diego County Health and Human Services Agency.
Jerry Sanders is Mayor of San Diego. Previously, Sanders served as San Diego Chief of Police from 1993-1999. After leaving the Police Department, Sanders became the CEO of United Way. In 2002, Sanders was appointed to the American Red Cross Board of Directors.
For more information about HSAC, please visit www.dhs.gov/hsac.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Les Rankin
Thomason Hospital
915-521-7838 phone
LRankin@ThomasonCares.org
Hospital District Studies Initiative to Offer Health Benefits Coverage to Small Employers
On Wednesday, June 10, Dr. Jose Luna of the El Paso County Hospital District’s ad-hoc 3-Share committee will hold a press conference to kick-off a community study about providing health coverage to the working uninsured with a 3-Share plan. The press conference will be held at Access Remodeling and Construction Co., 1709 Montana Avenue, at 10 AM.
A 3-Share plan is a health benefits program that is not insurance, but is like one in that it is offered to employees through employers. The program is called a 3-Share because the cost of the monthly premium is divided or shared three ways- between the employer, the employee and another source such as state, federal or local funding. Three-Share plan benefits generally include primary care visits, hospitalization, pharmacy coverage, and other care.
At the conference, Dr. Luna will introduce and explain the 3-share concept and the potential for the El Paso small employer community. The Chair of the 3-Share ad-hoc task force will give an overview of the community study and invite small employers and employees to participate in the process.
Employer and employee participation in the study is important. This local input will help shape the 3-Share plan so that it will be designed to meet the specific health needs of the El Paso community. Upcoming opportunities for employers and employees to participate include a 3-Share presentation and question and answer session on June 17th and employer and employee focus groups on June 23rd to design the El Paso health benefits package.
Texas has the highest rate of uninsured in the nation, with the highest rates occurring along the US-Mexico border, as well as in metropolitan areas. As opposed to the common misperception, the majority of the uninsured in Texas are employed, and almost one-half of these uninsured work at small firms that employ 25 people or less. The 3-Share plan is specifically designed for small businesses that employ 2-50 people.
The 3-Share plan has been offered in communities nationwide since the late 1990’s, but was first introduced in Texas last July. Galveston developed the first 3-Share plan in Texas, while Houston, Austin, Dallas, and Brazos Valley will enroll participants in their programs later this year or early next year.
For additional on the 3-Share program or how to participate in the study, please contact Les Rankin at LRankin@ThomasonCares.org
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