Member News

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.

SAN ANTONIO (April 29, 2025) – The Emperor of Japan announced on April 29, the conferral of one of the highest awards the nation of Japan gives to a non-citizen of Japan, The Order of the Rising Sun with Golden Rays, to former San Antonio mayor and Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, Henry G. Cisneros. This award is a rank within the Order of the Rising Sun, which is Japan’s first national decoration, established on April 10, 1875 by Emperor Meiji for distinguished service to the state. The announcement of the award was relayed from the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Japan, Iwaya Takeshi through the Consul-General of Japan in Houston, Zentaro Naganuma. The award is presented for contributions to the advancement of Japan-U.S. relations. As Mayor of San Antonio in the 1980s, Cisneros began a formal relationship with Japan which included annual delegations to introduce San Antonio to Japanese business, governmental, educational, civic and municipal leaders. This relationship blossomed into a Sister City agreement with Kumamoto City in Japan, many civic exchanges, and business and trade investments which included the massive Toyota plant and supplier firms in San Antonio. In recent years Cisneros has served as Chairman of the Shirane Foundation, a nonprofit organization named for Baroness Naoka Shirane dedicated to sponsoring scholarships for American students to benefit from study tours in Japan. “I am deeply honored that the Emperor of Japan has conferred this recognition. I am gratified that it is awarded for actions that have benefited both our nations. It recognizes that exchange efforts initiated by leaders and citizens within communities can create sound foundations for international relations between nations. In San Antonio’s case, the residents of our city have benefited immensely from cooperation with Japan and the nation of Japan has benefited from its relationship with San Antonio. From mutual respect and sincere outreach can come good things for all sides. That should be the goal of ongoing relations between nations,” said Henry G. Cisneros. The relationship which Cisneros initiated with Japan has continued for four decades and has been sustained by every subsequent San Antonio city administration. Media Contact: Gisela Girard | 210.870.8656 ggirard@creativecivilization.com

Fiesta Flavors with a Purpose! This year, we’re celebrating Fiesta in a big way—and giving back while we do it! From April 14 to May 4, enjoy our special Fiesta Medal Menu, where every dish does more than satisfy your cravings. For each item ordered, $1 will be donated to the Fiesta San Antonio Foundation, supporting scholarships and programs like Miss Fiesta. Plus, when you order from the Fiesta Medal Menu, you’ll have the chance to collect our very FIRST limited-edition Fiesta medal! Every bite is a celebration—and a way to lift up the San Antonio community! ¡VIVA FIESTA!

April 10, 2025 - San Antonio, TX - Rock Solid Internet is thrilled to announce that it will be completing its transition to the VTXI Internet brand in the coming months. While Rock Solid Internet has operated as "a company of VTXI Internet" since being acquired a few years ago, this marks the final step in aligning our services, operations, and customer experience fully under the VTXI Internet name. The change will begin immediately and is expected to be fully completed by the end of May 2025. Customers can expect to see updated branding, including a new logo and refreshed communications, reflecting the VTXI Internet identity. Despite the name change, customers will continue to receive the same reliable local service, customer support, and high-quality internet they've come to trust from Rock Solid Internet. "We're excited to bring everything under the VTXI Internet brand," said Patrick McDonnell, Chief Executive Officer at VTXI Internet. This integration will allow us to streamline our operations, enhance the customer experience, and introduce even more innovative services in the future - all while maintaining the local, personalized support our customers value. Lori Andrade, Branch Manager of Rock Solid Internet, shared her excitement: "This is such a big moment for us - and I couldn't be more excited! Becoming VTXI Internet means even better service, more powerful tools, and a stronger network for our customers. We're bringing the best of both worlds together, and it's going to be amazing!" This rebranding process brings Rock Solid Internet customers into the fold of VTXI Internet, the largest rural broadband provider in Texas, covering an impressive 48,000 square miles across the state. VTXI has a proven track record of connecting rural communities and closing the digital divide through advanced fiber-optic and fixed wireless solutions. "This goes beyond a simple rebrand - it's focused on creating new opportunities and reinforcing our foundation," Andrade added. "VTXI's reach, resources, and mission to empower rural communities make this a huge win for our customers. We're building something truly special here!" The transition will be carefully managed to ensure a seamless experience, with no interruptions to service.

While San Antonio may not be known for white winters, a whole season of cooler temperatures and harsh weather can still render significant damage to your vehicle. As we get ready to welcome in the warmer months, there’s no better time to show your car some TLC. Agencia de Seguros de Accesso, LLC (A Abana Insurance) is here to remind you that April is National Car Care Month. Before we dive into a spring and summer full of driving, it’s important to invest time into properly cleaning and caring for your vehicle. Regular car maintenance is a great way to help extend the life of your vehicle and reduce the need for costly repairs later. Read on to discover five top-tier spring car maintenance tips: 1. Conduct a spring cleaning Spring cleaning is not just for your home! A winter filled with grit and grime can leave your car looking less than fresh. Any exposure to salt, sand, or moisture may cause damage to your car’s upholstery, paint, wheels, and glass. AutoZone recommends a thorough spring cleaning that includes a car wash, deep vacuum, and wipe down of all plastic and glass. Try using a microfiber towel and an interior car cleaner to ensure a deep clean, and don’t forget the trunk. If you don’t feel up to a DIY clean, simply head to your local car wash. 2. Check your tires Prolonged exposure to cold air can also cause your tires to deflate. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recommends inspecting your tires at least once a month and before any long road trip. Examine the tire treads closely and look out for any uneven wear or insufficient tread. The tread should be at least 2/32nd of an inch or greater on all tires. Remember to not inflate your tires to the pressure listed on the tire itself, instead look for the vehicle manufacturer’s recommended inflation pressure, which can be found in your owner’s manual and on a placard located on the driver’s door frame. 3. Inspect your wipers Spring signals the beginning of the rainy season in San Antonio, so it’s important to make sure your wipers are functioning optimally. Check the flexible rubber edge of each wiper blade for nicks and cuts. If you notice any damage or your wipers are leaving behind streaks after passing, it may be time to replace them. 4. Top off fluid levels Similar to your tires, your vehicle’s fluid levels can be greatly affected by fluctuations in both moisture and temperature. Fluids such as your coolant, engine oil, or brake fluid can suffer from moisture intrusion or contamination and lose their viscosity. Before any long car travel, check the color and level of the following fluids, or bring your vehicle to a licensed mechanic for a top-off: · Engine oil · Transmission fluid · Engine coolant · Brake fluid · Power steering fluid 5. Test your battery According to AutoZone, long bouts of cold weather can put significant stress on your car’s battery. If your car’s battery died over the winter or required a boost, its capacity may have diminished. Bring your car to a licensed mechanic to test and charge your battery before the summer season. For hybrid-electric vehicles, keep gasoline in the tank to support the gasoline engine. As we prepare for the wildflower blooms and rainstorms of a Texas spring, it is equally imperative to prepare our vehicles with routine maintenance. Beyond fluid checks and tire changes, securing the appropriate car insurance is a key part of responsible driving. Reach out to A Abana Insurance at 210-899-5401 to explore our diverse coverage options or receive a free quote today!

Join Us for Culinaria Restaurant Weeks!  From January 18 to February 1 , experience a specially curated fixed menu at Mambo Seafood: Lunch $20, Dinner $35. Dine in and make a difference! A portion of proceeds supports Culinaria and its mission. We can’t wait to serve you!

Potluck Hospitality is seeking proposals from qualified restauranteurs to design, develop and operate an all-day restaurant concept for the management of a full-service operation in San Antonio, TX located west of the San Antonio River from the Historic Pearl District. The concept will serve as an engaging destination for the Pearl neighborhood and local community, providing an unforgettable experience centered around food and hospitality. Our goal is to partner with a restaurant team that will collaborate on shared vision and support corporate initiatives to promote welcoming, safe, and joyful workspaces. Deadline: January 31, 2025

It’s the most wonderful time of year, and here at Agencia de Seguros de Accesso, LLC (A Abana) we can’t help but be swept up in the San Antonio holiday spirit. From festive parties to gift exchanges, the end of the year is a time of family, friends, and merriment. For many of us, this also means extensive travel. Last year alone AAA expected over 100 million Americans to drive to their holiday destinations. With so many drivers on the road and an uptick in traffic, it is crucial to prepare for your holiday journey. Follow some helpful tips for a smoother holiday drive. 10 Tips for Holiday Driving Inspect your vehicle before driving It can be tempting to hit the road without a full vehicle inspection, but the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recommends checking your car’s tires, headlights, brake lights, turn signals, emergency flashers, and interior lights prior to your departure. According to the NHTSA, as temperature drops so does tire inflation pressure. You can typically find the correct tire pressure for your car on a sticker inside the driver's door or in the owner's manual and on a label located on the driver’s side door frame. As per the NHTSA, it is advised to inspect your tires at least once a month and before long road trips, and if you witness any tire or mechanical issues take your car to a licensed mechanic. Get enough rest The holiday season means parties, and it can be easy to skimp on sleep. The Department of Homeland Security suggests getting a good night’s sleep before you drive. Plan your route ahead of time The last thing anyone wants on a long holiday drive is to scramble for directions. The NHTSA suggests pre-planning your route and accounting for rest-stop breaks and refueling. As per the NHTSA, check the weather conditions on the date of your travel and adjust your plan accordingly. If inclement weather is forecasted for your departure, consider changing your plans to avoid being on the road during a storm. Practice defensive driving The National Traffic Safety Institute states defensive driving is about “defending” yourself behind the wheel by taking a driving approach that focuses on safety and awareness. There will likely be more drivers on the road and possibly even inclement weather conditions. During the winter months it can be helpful to drive with extra caution and to try to anticipate potential hazards before they occur. Fuel your car during the day No one wants to end up stranded in the middle of the night sans fuel! The NHTSA suggests keeping your gas tank close to full whenever possible. If you know that your holiday journey is long, try to fuel up during the day so that you don't find yourself running low on gas late at night. Drive sober Eggnog, mulled wine, and spiked cider oh my! Holiday get-togethers can be filled with tasty (and potent) beverages. While the happiest season is certainly reason enough to celebrate, drinking and driving do not mix! It is against the law to drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs. The Department of Homeland Security advises designating a sober driver if you choose to drink or utilize a rideshare service. Pack an emergency kit and winter supplies No matter what time of year you are traveling it’s a good idea to store an emergency road kit in your vehicle. In addition to typical items such as a first aid kit, cell phone charger, and jumper cables, the NHTSA recommends keeping the following winter supplies on hand: Ice scraper/snow brush Traction aids such as sand or kitty litter Blankets Hand warmers Don’t drive distracted Changing the radio, texting while driving, or trying to divvy up your children’s snacks are all examples of distracted driving that should be avoided. Both the NHTSA and the Department of Homeland Security implore drivers to not drive distracted. Aim to limit potential distractions by paying attention to your surroundings and utilizing your phone's driving or ‘do-not-disturb’ mode. Mind your speed The NHTSA reminds drivers to obey posted speed limits during their winter travel. In case your holiday trip includes different types of roadways, heed all posted notices and adjust your speed accordingly. During this busy time of year law enforcement may be on high alert, so take extra caution and adjust your speed for poor weather conditions. Stow purchases or gifts in the trunk If your holiday driving includes shopping or delivering gifts for loved ones, it is advised to store your purchases or expensive items such as laptops, tablets, and purses in the trunk out of plain view. Gathering with friends, family, and loved ones is an integral part of the holiday season. If you plan on driving to spend the holidays together, A Abana Insurance wishes you a safe and joyous journey. Make your holidays a little brighter with quality coverage from A Abana Insurance this season. Call 210-899-5401 for a free quote today!