Member News

Marmon Mok Architecture is thrilled to announce Gopi Akalkotkar, AIA, LEED AP to the leadership team as a Principal. A former City Architect for San Antonio and a leader at other global and Texas-based architecture firms, Gopi brings a wealth of experience in healthcare, civic, commercial, and urban design projects. He is active in the ULI San Antonio Chapter and serves on the AIA San Antonio Chapter board. Gopi is a licensed architect and a member of the American Institute of Architects (AIA). He holds a Master of Architecture degree from the University of Texas at Austin and a Bachelor of Architecture from Mumbai University. Fun fact: he and his wife, Manjiri, were featured as one of the Power Couples in the San Antonio Business Journal.

The Starlite Organization For the Arts, in collaboration with the SA Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, will announce activities for the inaugural Hispanic Heritage Month celebration which will celebrate “All Things Latin” as we unite in RITMO. WHO: Starlite Organization for the Arts and the SA Hispanic Chamber of Commerce WHAT: We invite all members of the SAHCC and representatives of the local media to attend and promote the Festivities at the 1st annual International Latin Jazz & Arts Festival, taking place at the UTSA Downtown Campus-Bill Miller Plaza. Award winning nationally renowned talent and other activities to be announced. Business and civic leaders will be in attendance. A cocktail reception will follow at our headquarter hotel, Doubletree by Hilton across the street at 502 W Cesar E. Chavez Blvd, San Antonio, TX 78207 at 6:30 pm. WHEN: Tuesday, August 27, 2024 at 6:00 WHERE: UTSA Downtown Campus-Bill Miller Plaza 501 W César E Chávez Blvd, San Antonio, TX 78207 WHY: Proceeds from the festival will benefit the music and performance arts programs offered by The Starlite Organization For the Arts. (SOFTA) SPONSORS: New4SA, Fox29, CW35, Bexar County, City of San Antonio, KRTU 91.7 FM, Gonzaba Medical Group, Pepsico, Modelo/Silvereagle Distributors and other generous supporters. For a complete list of sponsors, please visit www.internationallatinjazzartfestival.com

Jon Hinojosa will vie for winner of Season 3 of the popular PBS cooking show.

In the world of small business, every asset counts, especially your vehicles. Whether you use a delivery van, a truck for landscaping, or any vehicle to keep your business running smoothly, purchasing insurance these assets is crucial. Commercial auto insurance is a vital component that can help your business operate more efficiently when it comes to covered accidents. What is commercial auto insurance? Commercial auto insurance is a specific type of insurance designed to protect vehicles used for business purposes. It helps your business assets by covering the costs of vehicle repairs resulting from covered accidents, theft, or vandalism. For small businesses that rely on vehicles for daily operations, having the right insurance is crucial to help maintain efficiency and avoid potential financial pitfalls. The importance of commercial auto insurance for small businesses Imagine running your business without access to your vehicle. Whether it’s a delivery van, a truck for transporting landscaping equipment, or a contractor’s work vehicle, your business likely relies heavily on these assets. Being caught in an unfortunate situation without commercial auto insurance can be detrimental to your operations and finances. Commercial auto insurance can be purchased for a variety of vehicles, from delivery vans to pick-up trucks. If a vehicle is used for business purposes, it qualifies as a business vehicle and should be insured accordingly. Personal vs. commercial auto insurance You might think that your personal vehicle insurance is sufficient when using your car for your business. However, personal auto insurance typically includes exclusions for business use. This means that if you have an accident while using your vehicle for business purposes, your personal insurance may not cover the damages. Commercial auto insurance is specifically tailored to address the unique risks associated with business vehicle operations, making sure that you’re adequately protected. Legal requirements and avoiding penalties Depending on your state, commercial auto insurance may be a legal requirement. Failing to adhere to these requirements can result in fines and even suspension of your license. Therefore, it's essential to understand and comply with your state's regulations regarding commercial vehicle insurance. Who needs commercial auto insurance? If you own a business or have a side hustle involving the use of your vehicle, you need commercial auto insurance. This includes contractors, painters, landscapers, HVAC repair services, and delivery services. Even if you only use your vehicle for business purposes once a week, commercial auto insurance is beneficial and necessary. Why is commercial auto insurance crucial? The importance of commercial auto insurance is clear. Accidents can disrupt your business operations, and the cost of vehicle repairs is continually rising due to inflation. Major repairs can be financially draining and potentially halt your business activities and your success. Commercial auto insurance can help avoid such financial strain. Having adequate insurance coverage for your business vehicle provides peace of mind. It allows you to focus on running your business without the constant worry of unexpected financial setbacks from accidents. Don't wait until it's too late. Invest in commercial auto insurance now to help secure the future of your growing enterprise. Seguros Avanza: Your partner in commercial auto insurance Seguros Avanza, a brand name for Infinity Insurance Agency, Inc., offers quick and easy auto insurance options to businesses at competitive prices. Our fully Spanish bilingual agents provide personalized service and customized coverages to meet your budget and business needs. Even with an international license or minimal driving history, Seguros Avanza can help! We serve more than 1,600 types of businesses and are ready to help you protect your business assets. Contact us today at 800-578-1414 for your free quote!

San Antonio, TX (July 1st, 2024) – Today, VenturePoint, a leading provider of flexible workspace solutions, announced the launch of its groundbreaking Corporate Membership program. Designed to empower San Antonio businesses with unparalleled adaptability and cost savings, this membership offers the perfect solution for companies navigating the ever-changing business landscape. Effortless Elasticity for Growth or Downsizing “Traditional office leases lock businesses into rigid spaces that can quickly become restrictive,” says Luis Escobar, President & CEO of VenturePoint. “Our Corporate Membership recognizes the dynamic nature of today’s business environment. With elasticity at its core, companies can easily scale up or down their workspace needs, adding or removing employees for less than $125 per person.” Unparalleled Choice and Flexibility VenturePoint’s Corporate Membership empowers employees by offering access to all four of their conveniently located workspaces across the city. This allows team members to choose the environment that best suits their needs on any given day, fostering focus, collaboration, or a change of scenery. Additionally, the month-to-month agreement eliminates the burden of long-term leases, providing businesses with unmatched flexibility. Focus on What Matters Most: Your Business VenturePoint takes care of everything beyond the workspace, allowing businesses to focus on what truly matters - driving growth and innovation. From furniture and supplies to snacks and coffee, VenturePoint handles all the mundane tasks, freeing up valuable time and resources. Adaptable Workspace to Meet Evolving Needs Gone are the days of static office furniture arrangements. The Corporate Membership allows companies to modify their workspace layout within 24 hours, ensuring it constantly evolves to meet the needs of their team. This fosters a dynamic and inspiring work environment that can adapt to changing project requirements and team growth. Significant Cost Savings VenturePoint Corporate Membership offers a compelling financial advantage. Members typically experience over 40% in cost savings compared to traditional office leases. With the flexibility to scale up or down as needed, businesses can further optimize their expenses, unlocking valuable resources for strategic investments. Join the VenturePoint Community More than just a workspace solution, VenturePoint offers a vibrant community of like-minded entrepreneurs and a supportive environment designed to fuel success. To learn more about VenturePoint’s Corporate Membership and unlock the elasticity your business needs, visithttps://venturepointsa.com/corporate-membership-lp/. About VenturePoint VenturePoint is a leading provider of flexible workspace solutions in San Antonio, Texas. They offer a variety of membership options, including co-working spaces, private offices, and meeting rooms, all designed to meet the needs of businesses of all sizes. VenturePoint is committed to creating a dynamic and collaborative environment that empowers businesses to thrive. Media Contact: Paulina Escobar Marketing Director paulina@venturepoint.us

Marmon Mok Architecture is seeking qualified HUB Certified MEP engineering firms to assist us with the MARC and May’s Cancer Center Hospital Outpatient Department Facility Upgrades through our UT Health San Antonio Clinical IDIQ. If your firm is interested in being considered to provide MEP engineering, please send your qualifications (relevant experience and a company profile) and a copy of your current HUB Certificate to Jennifer Soto at soto@marmonmok.com by May 30, 2024.

SUPPORT THE FUTURE OF THE ONLY MEXICAN AMERICAN CIVIL RIGHTS MUSEUM AND ARCHIVE IN THE U.S.! We invite you to join us in celebrating MACRI’s fifth anniversary, recognizing the accomplishments and future of MACRI and its role in chronicling and advancing Mexican American civil rights history in America. A Celebration Luncheon will be held on Wednesday, May 15, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Westin San Antonio North. Launched in 2019, the Mexican American Civil Rights Institute (MACRI) is the only national history initiative dedicated to preserving and disseminating Mexican American civil rights history. Based in San Antonio, Texas, the cradle of Mexican American civil rights.

With tax season upon us, many people are looking for expenses they can deduct from their taxes. Auto insurance might be one of the items you are questioning. Is auto insurance tax deductible? The answer is sometimes, but there are a lot of factors that play into this, and any questions should be addressed with a qualified accountant. Personal auto insurance is almost never tax deductible. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) considers auto insurance as a “personal expense”. This means you could not deduct your personal premiums from your federal tax return.

With deep roots in the greater San Antonio area, Ricardo Chavira, most known for his roles Netflix’ Selena and ABC’s past drama Desperate Housewives and Gabe Farias a longtime public affairs executive and radio & television sports broadcast veteran have launched a new consultancy group – Jaeger FC.