Member News

(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.

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!