Member News

CPS Energy is seeking applicants to fill the upcoming Board of Trustees vacancy in the Northeast Quadrant (2) of CPS Energy’s service area . The selected candidate will fill the Quadrant 2 seat that is currently held by Mr. John Steen, whose term ends January 31, 2026. The CPS Energy Board of Trustees will select a Trustee by majority vote. That selected nominee must then be considered and confirmed by San Antonio’s City Council. Applicants must submit applications online, via email, mail, or by hand delivering a hard copy to CPS Energy headquarters, 500 McCullough Avenue, by 5:00 P.M. on August 29, 2025. Interested applicants are invited to attend one of two informational sessions held by CPS Energy ahead of the application due date to learn more. Information about those sessions is below: Where: CPS Energy headquarters, 500 McCullough Avenue When:  August 12, 2025, at 12:00 P.M. Sessions will be livestreamed, and recordings of each session will also be available online for those who cannot attend in person. The application is available online at cpsenergy.com/trusteevacancy or in person by visiting any of CPS Energy’s Walk-in Service Centers. Learn more about the qualifications and application process at cpsenergy.com/trusteevacancy .

The San Antonio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce is proud to welcome Happy State Bank, A Division of Centennial Bank, member of the FDIC as our official Ribbon Cutting Sponsor! We are thrilled to partner with a company that shares our commitment to supporting local business growth and community engagement. As our newest partner, Happy State Bank will be featured at all upcoming ribbon cutting celebrations, helping us recognize and celebrate milestones with new and existing members throughout the year. Their generous support allows us to continue creating meaningful and memorable experiences for our business community. About Happy State Bank: Founded in 1908, Happy State Bank (now a division of Centennial Bank as of 2022) has a long-standing tradition of providing personalized banking services with a strong emphasis on community involvement. With locations throughout Arkansas, Alabama, Florida, New York and the great State of Texas, Happy State Bank offers a full suite of financial services and products for individuals, families, and businesses — all delivered with a smile and a focus on customer care with white glove service. Their mission is simple: "Happy employees make for happy customers." Please join us in giving a warm welcome to the Happy State Bank team! We look forward to a bright and successful partnership ahead.

VIA Metropolitan Transit (VIA) has issued an RFP for the Advanced Rapid Transit East/West Corridor (Silver Line). Needed are Architectural and Engineering Services. Salient Dates of the Procurement Process: July 15, 2025, 9:00 AM – 12:00PM Pre-Proposal Meeting followed by Bus Tour July 22, 2025, Last Day to Submit Request for Clarifications and/or Modifications to the Procurement/Contract documents. September 16, 2025, 2:00 PM Deadline to submit Statement of Qualifications and Proposal Package January 2026 Anticipated Award Date Brief Project Background and Description As a key element of the voter approved Keep San Antonio Moving (KSAM) Program, VIA is developing the ART East/West (E/W) Corridor Project (the “Project”). The Project is approximately 7.3-mile Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) line within the City of San Antonio (COSA), Texas. It extends from General McMullen Drive in the west, through Downtown, to Coca Cola Place in the east. The Project, with a Disadvantage Business Enterprise (DBE) Goal of 12%, includes transit-signal priority and is proposed to operate in a mixture of center dedicated lanes, curbside dedicated Business Access, and Transit (BAT) lanes, and in mixed traffic. Approximately 5.10 miles (70%) of the route would feature dedicated lanes, including 2.15 miles (30%) of center-dedicated lanes and 2.95 miles (40%) of curbside dedicated BAT lanes. The remaining 2.20 miles (30%) would operate in mixed traffic. Within the capital limits, the Project includes 18 new or modified station areas. Stations are planned to include amenities such as off-board fare collection, real-time arrival information, security cameras, lighting, and platforms for level boarding. In general, VIA plans to minimize significant ground disturbance or construction impacts in the downtown area by including stops with limited amenities. Sidewalk improvements are planned to provide pedestrian and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) access to the transit stations. Click to learn more: Silver Line June 2025 Virtual Meeting - VIA Keep SA Moving . To access the RFP and other critical information please use the - VIA Contract Opportunities link . For assistance on how to register as a supplier of goods and services for VIA do not hesitate to contact me. My email address is below. All questions regarding this RFP are to be directed to Jeremy Taub . He is the Contract Specialist assigned to this contract proposal. He can be reached at either 210-362-241, or Jeremy.taub@viainfo.net .

Summer is a great season for road trips, spontaneous getaways, and fun-filled family vacations. Whether you’re heading to a beach, exploring the mountains, or going on a camping trip, you may be thinking about how you can prepare your vehicle for the long drive. At Agencia de Seguros de Accesso, LLC (A Abana), we understand that getting ready to travel for the summer may come with complications and risks. Here are some useful tips that may help you when driving during the warmer months. Plan your route An important part of summer driving is planning your route. While impromptu road trips can be fun, it may be helpful to check road conditions, highway advisories, and the weather forecast before leaving town. If you’re traveling long distances, you may want to schedule regular breaks to stretch your legs and stock up on snacks. Try avoiding driving when you’re fatigued or sleep deprived since being distracted may be a serious safety risk. Remember, summer can be a peak time for travel, so you may want to plan for longer driving times. Potential traffic, especially if you’re heading to popular destinations, may result in driving for increased periods. Prepare your vehicle for the summer heat Depending on where you live, the summer sun and heat may be harsh on both you and your vehicle. Before heading out on your trip, it may be important to check your vehicle or have it assessed professionally. Some things to check may be: Tires: Hot weather can cause tire pressure to fluctuate, so checking tire pressure may be crucial. If you can’t do it yourself, a professional can check your tire pressure for you. Cooling system: Overheating may be a common issue when driving in the summer. To prevent this, you may want to check your coolant levels in your vehicle. It may be wise to find a mechanic that can assess your coolant level, check for system leaks, and replace the old coolant if needed. Battery: High temperatures can be tough on car batteries, so you may need a mechanic to check your battery and charging system before your road trip. Air conditioning: Not having operating air conditioning in your car can be a significant problem in the summer months. You may want to have your system checked or recharged if necessary. Stock your vehicle Though planning for a summer vacation may be exciting, it can also be important to stock your car in case of an emergency. Putting together a roadside kit may help you in the event of an accident. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, here are some things you may want to include in your emergency kit: Cell phone charger First aid kit Flashlight Flares Jumper cables Tire pressure gauge Jack for changing a tire and spare tire Water bottles Packing your car with some of these essentials may help you manage a roadside accident when you’re away from home. Review your insurance coverage before traveling Before you hit the road, you may want to review your car insurance coverage. Depending on your policy, auto insurance may help you avoid financial losses in the event of a covered accident. Here are some key coverages to consider that may benefit you: Liability coverage: This coverage can help pay for bodily injury and vehicle damage to another driver’s vehicle if you’re at fault. Collision coverage: This can help pay for damages to your vehicle after a collision, regardless of who is at fault. · Comprehensive coverage: This coverage can help pay for damages to your vehicle from certain non-collision incidents such as theft, vandalism, or natural disasters. Roadside assistance: This can be helpful if you find yourself stuck on the highway or somewhere far from home. Roadside assistance may help replace your tires or tow your vehicle if it can’t be repaired on the spot. At A Abana, we understand that spending summer vacation with your family and friends is important. If you’re taking a road trip across the states, reviewing or updating your auto insurance coverage may help you navigate certain driving accidents. If you have questions about your policy or need a personalized insurance quote, you can call an agent at 210-899-5401  Disclaimer: This material is for general informational purposes only. Products, services, and discounts referenced herein are not available in all states or in all companies. All statements are subject to the terms, exclusions, and conditions of the applicable policy. In all instances, current policy contract language prevails. Coverage is subject to individual policyholders meeting the insurer's underwriting qualifications and state availability. Other terms, conditions and exclusions may apply.

(June 2, 2025) The Masters Leadership Program (MLP) of Greater San Antonio is pleased to announce the appointment of Courtney Laverty as its new Executive Director effective June 2nd, 2025. Courtney is a seasoned nonprofit leader with more than 25 years of experience in fundraising, organizational strategy, and executive leadership. Her career includes roles within national networks such as United Way and CASA, as well as grassroots initiatives addressing teen mental health, youth in foster care, and mentoring. Laverty holds a master’s in public administration from Northern Illinois University and is a Certified Fund-Raising Executive (CFRE), underscoring her commitment to excellence in the nonprofit sector. Since relocating to San Antonio in 2015, she has engaged deeply with the local community through organizations like Impact San Antonio and Leadership Women Texas. “I’m honored to join the Masters Leadership Program and build on its powerful legacy of preparing exceptional board members to serve our region’s nonprofit community,” said Laverty. “San Antonio’s strength lies in its spirit of service, and I’m excited to work with alumni and community partners to ensure our leaders are equipped to make a meaningful, lasting impact.” ### Master Leadership Program -We prepare proven leaders for nonprofit board service through skills development and a firsthand view of strengths and challenges in San Antonio and surrounding areas.

Updates reflect executive promotions and a new regional structure for manufacturing SAN ANTONIO (May 20, 2025) – Fifteen months after becoming president of Toyota Motor Manufacturing Texas (Toyota Texas), Susann Kazunas has been promoted to group vice president, Production Engineering and executive engineering officer for Toyota Motor North America (TMNA). She is succeeded by Frank Voss , president, Toyota Motor Manufacturing Canada (Toyota Canada), who has also been named group vice president, Manufacturing Region 4 (Truck). Since joining Toyota in 2002, Voss has served as Vice President of Administration and Corporate Secretary at Toyota Kentucky, and multiple roles at Toyota Canada, including General Manager of Production Control and General Manager over Lexus Manufacturing. In addition to leading all production and administrative functions at the San Antonio plant, Voss will oversee Region 4, which also includes Toyota Motor Manufacturing Guanajuato, Toyota Motor Manufacturing Baja California and TABC. “My wife and I are excited to make San Antonio our home,” said Voss. “From our very first trip to the area, we felt the warmth and energy that make this city so special. We are looking forward to exploring the region—especially the beautiful outdoors and rich culture that make South Texas unique. I am honored to join the incredible team at Toyota Texas and am eager to contribute to our work at Toyota and to the broader San Antonio community.” Kazunas has been at Toyota Texas since 2019. In her new role, she will relocate to Toyota’s engineering headquarters in Georgetown, Kentucky leading equipment preparations and new model deployment for all of Toyota’s North American manufacturing facilities. Because building construction also falls under her purview, she will continue to monitor construction of the new rear axle assembly plant underway at Toyota Texas. “From starting as a production summer intern 32 years ago to becoming Toyota Texas president, and now GVP over all of engineering for TMNA, I am a great example of what is possible in a career with Toyota,” said Kazunas. “My family and I have loved our time in San Antonio, and I am overjoyed my new role will give me opportunities to come back to visit. I look forward to celebrating with the community when the rear axle facility opens next year.” This promotion comes on the heels of multiple high-profile honors in 2025, including the Texas Business Journals’ Texas 100 list of impactful Texans to watch in the year ahead and the San Antonio Business Journal’s South Texas Power Players list. Automotive News also announced this week that Kazunas is one of 100 Leading Women in the North American Auto Industry for 2025, one of the highest honors in the field. Voss’s role as group vice president of Manufacturing Region 4 (Truck) is part of a manufacturing operations organizational design to better serve Toyota customers, drive continued growth and advance

Mother’s Day is this Sunday! The clock is ticking to get mom that perfect gift! Our Mother’s Day Special has it all; charcuterie, sweets, flowers, your choice of wine or olive oil, a card and much more! Available for set-up or delivery through Sunday or pick-up during business hours! Use code "CHAMBER" for 5% off any purchase. While supplies last!

San Antonio. May 5, 2025 . Ron Nirenberg, outgoing mayor of San Antonio and a distinguished alumnus of Trinity University, will join the faculty this fall as the Calgaard Distinguished Professor of Practice in the Department of Communication, the University announced today. His 12-month, renewable appointment begins August 1, 2025.