February 7, 2012
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Read the Central Texas Economy in Perspective Report
Austin a Top Finalist for the Intelligent Community of the Year Award
Austin is one of only two U.S. cities nominated for the 'Top Seven' list of Intelligent Communities according to Intelligent Community Forum (ICF), a think tank that studies the economic and social development of the 21st Century community. Austin made the list, in part, due to the way our community addresses workforce issues using innovative technologies, and because of our strong economic development strategies that resulted in a near $6 billion increase in regional payroll over five years.
Global Travel Opportunities with the Austin Chamber
Want to travel internationally but not worry about all the hassle and time it takes to properly plan? The Austin Chamber has two trips you can take this year – one to Tuscany, and one to China. The Chamber's first two trips to China sold out, and we expect these two trips to as well. The trips are open to both members and nonmembers. Reserve your space for the Chamber's Austin to China trip soon, as space is filling up fast. For pricing and information, contact Jan Riepen at jriepen@austinchamber.com.
Small Business Counseling through SBDC at the Chamber
The Austin Chamber encourages our small businesses to utilize the Texas State University Small Business Development Center (SBDC), which works with existing and startup small businesses to help them grow and compete in today's global economy. SBDC provides assistance during every phase of the business life cycle. A business advisor for the SBDC will be available at the Austin Chamber for a limited number of appointments. For information or to set up a free counseling session for your business, contact Amber DuPuy, Small Business Manager for the Austin Chamber of Commerce at 512-322-5684 or adupuy@austinchamber.com.
Curious about the City's Bond Development Process? Open House Tonight
Last year the Austin City Council established a Bond Election Advisory Task Force to identify and prioritize bond funding for capital projects that will advance the vision identified by the Imagine Austin comprehensive planning process. This begins the process of planning for a future bond election where Austin voters will get to decide whether the City should borrow money to fund specified city infrastructure, facilities, and other capital improvement projects or programs. There will be an open house tonight, Tues., Feb. 7 from 4:30 - 8:00 p.m. at the Palmer Events Center in which City staff will be available to answer questions regarding bond development. For more information and updates on the bond development process, visit: www.austintexas.gov/department/bond-development.
Volunteers Needed for Financial Aid Saturdays Effort
The Chamber seeks volunteers to assist with Financial Aid Saturdays events across 15 Central Texas school districts. The program helps high school seniors/parents complete federal and state financial aid applications to fund college enrollment. Contact Gilbert Zavala, Vice President of Education & Talent Development, at 512.322.5644 or gzavala@austinchamber.com to volunteer.
Public Hearing on Proposed Electric Rates
Citizens will have the opportunity to learn more about Austin Energy's proposed rate changes at a public hearing at City Hall on Thursday, February 9 at 4 pm. The utility is seeking the first increase and restructuring of its base electric rates in more than 17 years. Following initial public feedback, Austin Energy presented City Council with an updated proposal last week aimed at softening the impact of the rate increase while still providing core revenues needed to operate the utility. For more information on the proposed plan, read this overview.
Save the Date: Education Progress Reports Launch in April
As part of a Central Texas initiative to ensure that employers have the workforce talent they need to drive business growth, the Austin Chamber leads a regional effort to track K-12 school district performance and increase the number of students ready for and enrolled in higher education. The results of the 2011 Education Progress Reports will be unveiled at a luncheon on Monday, April 2nd from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Omni Austin Hotel Southpark, so save the date to learn how education impacts the business community and our region's economic prosperity.
CleanTX Forum: Developing the Clean Energy Corridor
The CleanTX Foundation brings the clean energy stakeholders from along the IH-35 Corridor together to discuss the initiative of "Developing the Clean Energy Corridor” Thurs., Feb. 16 from 5:30 – 8:30 p.m. at Austin City Hall. The Austin Chamber's Director of Clean Energy, Jose Beceiro, will be a panelist, discussing the necessary aspects of an ecosystem that attracts investment, capital, and talent to the region to ensure that central Texas emerges as the country's premiere clean technology hub. Full information, including registration, may be found here: http://www.cleantx.org/events/cleantx-forum-developing-clean-energy-corridor.
Upcoming Chamber Events
Over the past 15 years, small businesses have accounted for the majority of private-sector net job creation, says US SBA.
