MILITARY MATTERS

MILITARY INTEGRATION & DEVELOPMENT

Wichita Falls is home to Sheppard AFB, which is the largest, most diverse training base in Air Education and Training Command, and is the only Air Force base that is home to both technical and flying training. Sheppard AFB is responsible for the draw of 9,576 active duty and civilian personnel and their 3,300 dependents in the Wichita Falls area. An additional 3,300 military retirees also rely on Sheppard Air Force Base annually, as well. It’s safe to say that Sheppard Air Force Base brings a ton of new faces to our community every year!

The Wichita Falls community is proud to support those who serve and their families. The Chamber’s role includes bridging the gap between the Base and the community, supporting military families in all stages of life, and retaining Sheppard Air Force Base and its affiliates. Between programs for employment, community connection, military discounts, resources, advocacy, and more, we are answering the call to best serve our military affiliates now and forever.

MILITARY ECONOMIC IMPACT ON WICHITA FALLS

Kaycee Denny

Military Liaison

Email Kaycee

WICHITA FALLS CHAMBER MILITARY PROGRAMS

MILITARY ROUNDTABLE

Quarterly meetings for Base leadership and key community stakeholders regarding active duty, guard/reserve, veterans, and their families.

HIDDEN GEMS

Quarterly virtual and in-person tours and workshops for military spouses to welcome them to Wichita Falls and provide exposure to valuable community resources and assets. Join the email list (in footer) today.

EMPLOYMENT ADVOCACY

Communication with local employers of the benefits of hiring military affiliates as a unique talent pipeline. Employment opportunities shared with Sheppard MSPN, Sheppard Airman & Family Readiness Center, Sheppard Start, and Sheppard Heartlink.

SHEPPARD MSPN

Exclusive, free forum for professional development, community support, information sharing, and networking to address the unique challenges faced by past and present career-minded military spouses.

STAR SPANGLED SPONSOR

Military-friendly decal program for business organizations and individuals to say thank you to local military and their families and fostering a community of support. Higher-level sponsorships are available.

HOT JOBS LIST

Register to receive the weekly distribution email featuring the Chamber’s HOT Jobs with our local employers and businesses. Sign up here.

Military RESOURCES

AiT Spouse

AiT Spouse Employment Pathways

Resources

Our list of local employment opportunities and resources specifically designed with Airman in Training (AiT) military spouses in mind.

Resources

Our list of local employment opportunities and resources specifically designed with Airman in Training (AiT) military spouses in mind.

Resources

Our list of local employment opportunities and resources specifically designed with Airman in Training (AiT) military spouses in mind.

MIL BUSINESS

MIL-Business Connect

Looking to get your business better connected to affiliates of Sheppard Air Force Base? Check out this list of local advertising and sponsorship opportunities.

MilSpouse Pathways

MilSpouse Employment Pathways

Resources
Our list of local employment opportunities and resources specifically designed with military spouses in mind.

Military Resrouces

Local Military Resources

List of local resources for military affiliates in need of mental health support, at risk of being homeless, employment assistance and more. Information compiled courtesy of the Veteran's Coalition managed by Catholic Charities.

SBDC

Small Business Development Center

The Midwestern State Small Business Development Center (SBDC) is a sub-center assigned to the Northwest Texas Small Business (NWTSBDC) program. The (SBDC) program consists of over 1000 offices within the continental United States, Puerto Rico, Alaska, and Hawaii. The SBDC is a partnership program with the U.S. Small Business Administration. The professional staff at the Midwestern State SBDC is highly trained and willing to provide quality service and assistance to business owners and potential entrepreneurs. Training is offered through the SBDC on a scheduled basis and by specific request.
www.msusbdc.org

Boots 2 Business

Boots to Business

Boots to Business (B2B) is an entrepreneurial education and training program offered by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). The curriculum provides valuable assistance to transitioning Service members, veterans and their dependents whoexploring business ownership or other self-employment opportunities by leading them through the key steps for evaluating business concepts and providing the foundational knowledge required to develop a business plan.

Boots To Business

MSEEZ

MSEEZ - Military Spouse Economic Empowerment Zones

Established to connect military spouses with companies committed to hiring, MSEEZ are collaborative efforts among the local business, civic, and military communities that establish employment networks in municipalities around the country.

Hiring Our Heroes

When can I apply for The Circuit?

The application process opens in November and remains open until December 31st. Memberships begin in January and will continue through December.

How much does it cost to join The Circuit?

There is no cost to join The Circuit!

What are the age requirements to join The Circuit?

Members must be between the ages of 18 and 40.

What's the time requirement for members?

Members can expect to dedicate around 1-3 hours per month to various programs. This time can include one-on-ones with a mentor (1 hr/quarter), monthly programs (1hr/month), Chamber professional development programs (3-4 hours/quarter), open circuits (1-3 hours/quarter) and closed circuits (1-3 hours/year).

What are the age requirements to be a mentor?

There is no age requirement to be a mentor, but a minimum of at least 5-10 years of specific industry expertise is preferred.

What's the time requirement for mentors?

Mentors can expect to spend at least one hour per mentee per quarter in a one-on-one setting, to take place at the convenience of both the mentor and mentee. The mentor/mentee relationship is a one-year commitment, so mentors can expect to commit four hours per year.

How long are Circuit Advisory Committee terms?

Committee advisors serve one-year terms that run January through December of each year.

How are members matched to their mentor?

Mentors and members are matched together based off professional compatibility using a unique weighted matching system that takes into consideration industry, experience level, and areas of interest. This information is gathered when members and mentors join for the program through the registration form. After the initial assessment is finished, each match is reviewed bi-weekly by an internal match committee meeting. This committee will also review special cases, such as mismatches, ties and multiple matches to the same mentor.

How is the mentor matching system’s weights broken down?

When conducting the matching process, industries are weighted at one point, experience level is matched at two points and each of the three areas of interested at weighted at three points each. A match can receive up to twelve points total between the three above listed categories. A match is considered compatible at a 67% match or higher, which is eight out of twelve points.

How long will it take for me to be matched with a mentor?

New members can expect to be matched with their mentor within 10-15 business days after they register for the Circuit. Sometimes a new member will not have an obvious mentor match when they first join, promoting our mentor matching committee to actively recruit a quality match from the community for this new member. If this happens, the new member will be updated as new information is received.

Circuit Mentor Expectations

Being a Circuit Mentor gives you the opportunity to be a part of the future of Wichita Falls by cultivating and shaping our future leaders right now. If you’re looking for a way to give back to the community, this is it!

Here’s what our mentors can expect:

Meet with mentees a minimum of once a quarter.
Hold all confidential information in trust and strict confidence.
Assist mentees with professional growth and development by offering leading questions and advice, eliminating barriers, making connections, and being a reference when appropriate.
Maintain a professional relationship with the mentee.
Be flexible and provide the necessary support and advice to help the mentee succeed.
Make a one-year commitment to being matched with a mentee.
Inform the Circuit Board of any difficulties or areas of concern that may arise in the mentorship.

Be a Circuit Mentor

Full Name

Job Title

Organization

Organization Address

Years in Industry

Work Phone

Select Your Hard Skills Interests (First Choice)

Select Your Hard Skills Interests (Second Choice)

Select your Soft Skills Interests (First Choice)

Select your Soft Skills Interests (Second Choice)

Circuit Mentor Expectations Circuit Mentor Expectations I agree to the Circuit Mentor Expectations

Mentor Match Preference Mentor Match Preference Male Female No Preference

1 + 13 =

CIRCUIT MEMBERSHIP EXPECTATIONS

The Circuit program consists of eight planned events that will provide you with the knowledge and tools to become a successful leader. To ensure that Circuit members are receiving maximum benefit from the organization, we highly encourage members to be active participants in circuit programs, mentorship, and community activities as listed below:

Attend circuit membership programs.
Attend one (1) quarterly meeting with your mentor.
Attend a Business After Hours or Wake Up Wichita Falls Powered by the Wichita Falls Chamber of Commerce quarterly.
Attend BOSS Panel Discussions Powered by the Wichita Falls Chamber of Commerce at no cost to the member.
Physically or virtually attend a community event and share your experience with a photo on the Circuit Facebook page using the hashtag #CircuitWF.
Volunteer at a community event and share your experience with a photo on the Circuit Facebook page using the hashtag #CircuitWF.

Members will be matched with an industry mentor. As a mentee, you should:

Have a positive attitude and be respectful of your mentor.
Meet with your mentor a minimum of once a quarter.
Hold all confidential information in trust and strict confidence.
Maintain a professional relationship with a mentor.
Make a one-year commitment to being matched with a mentor.
Inform the Circuit Board of any difficulties or areas of concern that may arise in the mentorship.

Join the Circuit

Full Name

Date of Birth

Job Title

Organization

Years in Industry

Work Address

Work Phone

Cell Phone

Select Your Hard Skills Interests (First Choice)

Select Your Hard Skills Interests (Second Choice)

Select your Soft Skills Interests (First Choice)

Select your Soft Skills Interests (Second Choice)

Circuit Membership Expectations Circuit Membership Expectations I agree to The Circuit Membership Expectations

Mentor Match Preference Mentor Match Preference Male Female No Preference

1 + 4 =

About the Circuit

Beginning in 2012, Young Professionals of Wichita Falls (YPWF) was formed to offer innovative ways for professionals, 18-40 years old, in the Wichita Falls area to expand their professional network.

In 2019, YPWF determined that it wanted to transition the focus of its organization from social interaction to professional, leadership, and community development. The Wichita Falls Chamber of Commerce helped YPWF restructure into the organization now known as The Circuit.

In 2023, the program continues to evolve to help meet the needs of our young professionals.

Three Pillars:

The Circuit is focused on developing emerging leaders through mentorship, community engagement, and personal growth.

Mentorship: Every member is matched to an industry expert mentor. This professional relationship is formed on confidence and allows for mentees to receive one-on-one advice and direction from a trusted resource.

Professional Development: The Circuit creates leaders. Circuit members are able to attend exclusive Chamber events such as BOSS, Wake Up Wichita Falls, Business After Hours, and exclusive Circuit programs to work continuously on professional (and personal) development.

Community Engagement: Circuit members will be actively engaged in Wichita Falls by attending or volunteering in community events to gather current events information on community-based initiatives.

The Circuit is led by a volunteer advisory committee and is a program of the Wichita Falls Chamber of Commerce.