Ambassadors

Tuesday , May 22nd , 2012

BSBACOC AMBASSADORS

Bulverde/Spring Branch Area Chamber of Commerce Ambassador Team
Denise Henk Frost Bank Ambassador Co-Chair	Denise D. Henk Private Banking Frost Banking, Insurance and Investments 21011 US Hwy 281 N Direct line: 210-220-6750 Email: denise.henk@frostbank.com In addition to serving as Co-Chair of the Ambassador Council, Denise is also a member of the Finance Council, the Membership Council and the Economic Development Council.

Dave Sears Sears Wealth Management Group Ambassador Co-Chair	Dave’s varied knowledge of large corporate and small business benefits makes him an understanding financial advisor. For more than 20 years he has been assisting his clients with their financial objectives and offering investment recommendations. Prior to starting the Sears Wealth Management Group of Raymond James & Associates, Inc., Dave served in the United States Marine Corps and is a veteran of the Gulf War. He also worked with ADP and Administaff where he specialized in meeting the needs of small to large business clients. Originally from Southern Maryland, Dave currently resides in San Antonio. Dave’s oldest son, Brett, is a biology major at Texas State University where he plays lacrosse. His youngest son, Ryan, just started kindergarten and enjoys water sports at Canyon Lake. Dave participates regularly with the Boerne, Bulverde/Spring Branch and New Braunfels Chambers of Commerce, San Antonio NAWBO and Community Bible Church.

Kristi Bannowsky Smithson Valley Physical Therapy	Kristi Bannowsky Physician/ Clinic Liaison Smithson Valley Physical Therapy 2395 Bulverde Rd, Ste 101 Bulverde, Tx 78163 Direct line: 830-980-6880 Email: kristi@smithsonvalleypt.com In addition to serving as an Ambassador of the Ambassador Council, Kristi is also a member of the chamber Membership Council, the local SV Rangers FFA Scholarship Council and the SV Rangers All Boosters Club.

Kathleen Banse Kathleen Banse State Farm Insurance	Kathleen Banse opened her State Farm Insurance Agency in August of 2006. She quickly became involved in the community, serving on the Capital Campaign Committee for the Bulverde/Spring Branch Library and on the Board of the Chamber of Commerce. For 2010, Kathleen served as the President of the Chamber. The Agency has been successful and over the last 5 years, Kathleen has continuously been in the Top 100 New Agents in multiple-line production. Additionally, she has qualified for Ambassador Travel, and the prestigious “Lone Star Leaders”. When not engaged in her business, or volunteering in the community, Kathleen enjoys time with her husband of 30 years, Gary, and is Mother of a “house divided”. One daughter attended Texas A&M University, the other attends the University of Texas at Austin. Her Aggie Volleyball Player graduated and played Internationally, and is now a Grad student at UIW. Her Longhorn made the Dean’s List and is in the LAH program. She is a proud Mom! Kathleen and her 3 licensed team members love the Bulverde/Spring Branch area which they consider the “front porch to the Hill Country”. Her office is open from 8:30 until 5:30 Monday through Friday with evening and Saturday appointments available. Kathleen states: “With over 110 different products and services, we can help almost anyone. State Farm offers auto, fire, life, and health insurance. Few people realize that State Farm also has a Bank and offers investment opportunities. Kathleen’s team is quick to tell their customers “Call in, Click in, Walk in, whichever you prefer, but if you’ll come by, we’ll have cookies”!!!

Sylvia Beatty Bulverde/Spring Branch Area Chamber of Commerce	Sylvia Beatty has been the Administrative Assistant for The Bulverde/Spring Branch Area Chamber of Commerce since March 2010. Sylvia works part time at the Chamber office on Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sylvia retired from Spring Branch ISD in Houston, Texas after 25 years where she was a Physical Education Teacher and Dance Team Director. She and her husband moved to the hill country in the summer of 2009 and live in the River Crossing community. During her teaching career, Sylvia was recognized numerous times as an outstanding teacher and educator. Her honors include being named the TAHPERD (Texas Association of Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance) “Texas Elementary School Physical Education Educator of the Year” in 2000, Spring Branch ISD Health Fitness “Teacher of the Year” in 1991, 1993, 1994, 2009, SBISD PTA School Bell Award in 1999 and the Westchester Academy for International Studies “Teacher of the Year” in May of 2009. In addition to serving as a Chamber of Commerce Ambassador, she is also on the Board of Directors of the Comal Education Foundation, and is serving on several committees’ in the River Crossing community.

Kelley M. Bendele SWBC

Karen Brkich The UPS Store	Karen Brkich represents The UPS Store in Spring Branch/Bulverde as well as New Braunfels and Floresville. Originally from Anaheim, California and moved to Texas 17 years ago when she worked for Marriott Corporate, then 2003 took on the UPS Store in Spring Branch and Director of Marketing Sales career. Karen has been a member of the Spring Branch community for 8+ years and is currently living in New Braunfels and loving every minute of Comal County.

Amber R. Burbage Hyatt Place S.A. North Stone Oak

Frances Collins The Bulverde Food Pantry

Mary Dockery Eagles Haven, Inc.	Mary Dockery’s primary early career was that of investing in the lives and growth of her children. Her long business career evolved over the years, from serving as legal assistant and administrative aid to an attorney and member of the Georgia House of Representatives, later into professional Real Estate sales. Her strong personal values systems, people skills and administrative abilities led her to Sales Manager and later General Manager of a cluster of Christian Radio Stations in San Antonio. Following retirement from the corporate world in 2002, she joined her husband Ken as full partner in their indoor environmental technology company, specializing in purification systems for indoor air, water technologies and green energy saving technology. Mary’s experience in sales, sales training, recruiting and communication has proven valuable in their business. Together for the first time in their lives, the sum total of all their business skill and experience is poured into their own business. Ken and his wife Mary are active in the community and in their church, Community Bible Church Bulverde. Their company, Eagles Haven, Inc, is a long time member of Bulverde/Spring Branch Chamber of Commerce. Ken and Mary have 5 grown children, 7 grandchildren and 1 great-grandchild.

Kasey Dorn Franklin Park Senior Living	A native Texan and transplant from Houston 6 years ago; Kasey has worked in the senior healthcare field for 5 years. Her fiancé’ is Steve who is the most supportive loving man who pushes her to achieve happiness in everything she does. She is a proud Mom of 2 handsome boys. Taylor; a dean’s list student serving as the Geology Club President at Texas State University and Bryce is a 4 year varsity baseball pitcher at Champion High School who has committed to continuing his baseball career at Seminole State in Oklahoma. She was the Co-host of a live call in radio show “A Senior Moment” in which callers received valuable information on senior services, senior care available and products to help with daily living. As the Director of Community Relations; she is committed in making Franklin Park Senior Living the first choice to bring a loved one who will need Independent living, assisted living and Dementia/Alzheimer s care. She is always available to answer any question you might have about aging gracefully… 210-884-4955

Phil Farrar Visalus Stars	Phil Farrar retired from his own agency offering all lines of insurance, real estate, mortgage lending, and claims adjusting. Some of these years he was Regional Manager for AFLAC in San Antonio/Austin and Delaware/Maryland’s Eastern Shore/Washington, D.C. He is a recognized business consultant, trainer, Notary Public, and Notary Signing Agent. He, and wife June, currently represent Visalus Sciences, the fastest growing home based business in North America. Visalus is a leader in meal replacement weight control including weight loss, weight gain, and proper nutrition for all ages. Visalus also offers a home based business opportunity for anyone wanting to make full or part time money. Their website is www.bodybyvi.com/junefarrar. They also market over 5,500 gift items on their website, www.mhagifts.com. Phil is a graduate of Louisiana Tech, member of Heritage Baptist Church, does supply music ministry to area churches, Eagle Scout, God and Country Award, proud of his family of four children and eight grandchildren. He also retired after 50 years as a sports official.

Nancy Hotaling Tom Hotaling Insurance

Bonnie M Jones HBI Business Solutions, LLC	Bonnie Jones HBI Business Solutions, LLC 20770 Hwy 281 N – Suite 108-430 San Antonio, TX 78251-7500 Bonnie and her husband, Jim, have co-owned HBI Business Solutions, LLC for 12 years. Before moving to Texas in 1995 from Troy, Michigan, Bonnie and Jim lived in her home state of Kentucky where they met. After leaving Grona, Bowles Insurance in San Antonio, she and Jim established HBI. Bonnie is an active member of Riverside Community Church and volunteers at the Hope Center/Thrift Store on 281N. She is excited to be a part of the Ambassador’s Team and looks forward to meeting more people in our business community.

Melissa Jones Melissa Jones Insurance Agency

Melissa Kim Holiday Inn North Hill Country Stone Oak	Melissa has been in the Hospitality industry for over 25 years in a variety of Restaurants and Hotels. She has been with the Holiday Inn in Stone Oak since September of 2010, just a few months after the Hotel opened for business and is the Director of Sales & Marketing. Melissa moved to San Antonio, TX in the Spring of 2005 and into her home in Converse, TX in the Winter of 2005 with her husband Lonnie Kim and just recently her niece Ashley. She has two 4 legged children, toy poodles, Ellie & Sammy and fosters rescue dogs with the C.A.R.E. Organization. She is involved with The American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life, Susan G. Komen Foundation, C.A.R.E. Organization, MDA, San Antonio Food Bank, Medina Children’s Home, the Salvation Army, many Chambers and Associations and has adopted soldiers and families for the holidays. She is from Akron, OH originally and attended the University of Akron before moving to Cleveland, OH for several years then to Texas. Melissa is an avid follower of The Ohio State University football team, the Cleveland Browns football team, the Cleveland Indians baseball team, and the San Antonio Rampage hockey team and watches them play every opportunity that she can. She also bowls on a league every Friday night and plays in a tournament in June in Las Vegas, NV.

Diana Krejci Smithson Valley Physical Therapy	Diana Krejci Practice OwnerSmithson Valley Physical Therapy2395 Bulverde Rd, Ste 101 Bulverde, Tx 78163Direct line: 830-980-6880 Email: info@smithsonvalleypt.com In addition to serving as an Ambassador on the Ambassador Council, Diana also serves on the Bulverde Run for the Hills 5K Committee, the Village of Bulverde Jubilee Committee and in children's ministry as a Sunday school teacher.

Kathy Masterson Bconnected Welcome Service	Kathy Masterson, owner of www.BconnectedUSA.com, has been welcoming new residents in San Antonio and surrounding communities for over 7 years! In the past she has held successful careers in sales with Abbott Laboratories, Vanderbilt Medical Center, as well as, marketing manager for large medical device company. Bconnected is a word of mouth marketing company helping newcomers get connected with the services they need in their area. This company combines her 20+ years of sales and marketing experience with her personal interests in helping new families connect in the community! Kathy lives in far north San Antonio with her husband, the senior pastor of Hope Church, and 2 teen girls!

Dannette Mitchell Jeffrey & Mitchell, P.C. - Business Attorneys	Dannette Mitchell, Business Attorney (830) 438-8935 dmitchell@sjmlawyers.com Born and raised in Southeast Texas, Dannette has lived and practiced law in the beautiful Texas Hill Country since 2002. After practicing in a downtown San Antonio firm for 8 years, Dannette happily gave up the 281 commute to downtown San Antonio and partnered with Ray Jeffrey, current Chair of the Bulverde/Spring Branch Chamber of Commerce Board, to open Jeffrey & Mitchell, P.C. in 2010. Jeffrey & Mitchell, a full-service business law firm located in Bulverde, focuses on helping business clients succeed in complex litigation and important transactions. Dannette concentrates her practice in the areas of corporate and general business law and real estate law. She has represented numerous clients on issues relating to corporate planning and formation, liability, contract drafting, real estate closings, sale of businesses and foreclosures. In the civil and commercial litigation area, Dannette’s experience includes landlord-tenant disputes, collection matters, breach of contract matters, insurance coverage and bad faith litigation, products liability, personal injury litigation, consumer DTPA and warranty litigation and creditor’s rights. From 2008 to 2010, Dannette served as City Councilwoman for the City of Bulverde. In addition to serving as an Ambassador, Dannette also serves as Chair of the Membership Council. She has also been involved in the San Antonio Livestock Show and Rodeo International Committee since 2005, as both a Member and former Secretary.

Drew Montgomery Stampede Solutions

Sylvia Parga Scott's Small Engine Repair	Sylvia has worked in the field of education for more than 30 years. She has been employed by Northside ISD for most of her professional career. She attended Trinity University and received her Master’s degree from East Texas State University with certification as an Educational Diagnostician. She enjoys working with special needs students, their parents, and teachers. She has done group counseling, developed individual educational plans, and led parenting groups. She has been active in her community by serving on the River City Christian School Board for six years. She enjoys reading, scrapbooking, and making jewelry. Sylvia and her son, Joseph, own and operate Scott’s Small Engine Repair, on Highway 281, North. Joseph, who has been repairing lawn mowers since he was 10 years old, attended St. Philip’s College and is a certified diesel mechanic. His specialty is repairing diesel engines, but he also works on ATVs, golf carts, mules, generators, power tools, and--of course--lawn mowers. They will be celebrating the business’ one-year anniversary in April of the coming year. Sylvia’s daughter, Cylinda, is an attorney who also helps the business by lending her professional expertise.

Rachel Richter St. Jude's Ranch for Children	Rachel Richter has 7 1/2 years experience working with youth of all ages. She has a BA in Human Development from Boston College, with an interdisciplinary major in Child in Society. She is a Licensed Child Care Administrator (LCCA) with the State of Texas. She has been with St. Jude's Ranch for Children for over 5 years and is currently serving as Residential Coordinator. St. Jude's Ranch for Children serves all abused, abandoned and neglected children and families, creating new chances, new choices and new hope in a safe, homelike environment. Rachel grew up in San Antonio and resides there with her wonderful husband, Matt. When she’s not working, Rachel enjoys cooking, going to concerts, and spending time with her family and friends. She is proud to be an Ambassador for the wonderful Bulverde/Spring Branch Chamber and looks forward to working along side you in the future!

Becky Schumaker	I’ve been a resident of River Crossing 7 years this May, being active in their community actives; Welcome Committee, Past Social Chair, Flicks for Chicks, Hands and Feet card group and member of the River Babes bowling team. I’m an active member of the Bulverde St. Paul Lutheran Church. I work at Steinmart (1604 and 281) as a “Boo” lady in the Boutique Dept . I’ve been a member of the Bulverde/Spring Branch Chamber 5 years and am looking forward to representing the Chamber as an Ambassador.

Tara Roussett St. Jude's Ranch for Children	Tara Roussett has 15 years experience working with youth of all ages. She has a BA in Interdisciplinary Studies from UTSA with a Specialization in Early Childhood Education. She is a Licensed Child Care Administrator (LCCA) with the State of Texas. She has been with St. Jude's Ranch for Children for almost 4 years and is currently serving as Program Director for the Bulverde Campus. St. Jude's Ranch for Children serves all abused, abandoned and neglected children and families, creating new chances, new choices and new hope in a safe, homelike environment. Working to change the lives of Foster children is Tara's passion. Tara not only works in the Bulverde/Spring Branch area; she has also lived in the community for 4 years along with her husband, Rodney, and two young children, Tyler and Raegan. She is proud to be an Ambassador for the wonderful Bulverde/Spring Branch Chamber and looks forward to working along side you in the future!

Erika Sykes Bulverde Hills Dental	Erika works at Bulverde Hills Dental and is in charge of varying administrative duties including billing, payroll, and technology. She also assists with insurance and scheduling responsibilities. She strongly believes in making all decisions based on “what is best for the patient”. After ten years in education, Erika joined her husband, Dr. Sykes. Erika and Dr. Sykes enjoy living and working in the Bulverde/Spring Branch community. In addition to being a Chamber Ambassador, she is also the secretary for the Board of Directors. She and Dr. Sykes enjoy spending time with their daughter, Barrett, and all of their animals.

Nicholas Valenti Platinum Wealth Solutions of Texas, LLC	Nicholas Valenti is a Registered Representative with Platinum Wealth Solutions of Texas, LLC, a financial services firm focusing on estate strategies, wealth accumulation, business strategies and executive benefits for both publicly and privately-held companies. As a financial professional he is uniquely qualified to address the diverse needs of high net-worth individuals. Nicholas provides recommendations for asset allocation, funding for education, retirement, life insurance and long-term care insurance. He works closely with business owners, executive teams and their advisors to help realize their financial goals. Education: Bachelor of Arts in Communication Albion College Albion, Michigan Professional Registrations: Group 1 Insurance License Series 6 Series 63 Personal Data: Nicholas is a resident of San Antonio, Texas. He enjoys Texas history and music, playing baseball and horseback riding.

Woody Woodward DW Beauty & More	Woody Woodward and his wife Dolly moved to Bulverde 7 years ago from Southern California. Woody is a retired General Contractor and now helps his wife Dolly with her Avon business. Woody can be seen around town with his trusty mate Roxy (his 4 year old boxer) delivering Avon books for Dolly ( between 600-800 books every 2 weeks). The Woodward's have been members of the Chamber of Commerce for the past 7 years. They make their home in the Berry Oaks subdivision and are very active not only in the Chamber, but also with the Bulverde Senior Center.

Rhonda Zunker Broadway Bank