Headlines for September 4, 2012
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Read the Central Texas Economy in Perspective Report
23 Winners Recognized at the 2012 Greater Austin Business Awards
The Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce recognized 23 winners from 100 finalists at the 12th annual Greater Austin Business Awards at the Hilton Austin on August 30. In addition to the awards, the Non-Profit category winner, Health Alliance for Austin Musicians, received a $5,000 donation from Entrepreneurs Foundation and Blackbaud.
Board member Randy Cohen, CEO Ticket City, served as Master of Ceremonies as Awards were given in the following categories: Innovative Practices; Customer Service; Community Relations; Environment; Health & Wellness; Technology; Nonprofit; Chairman's Choice; and 'Most Uniquely Austin'.
Transportation Research in Austin's Backyard
Interested in transportation modeling and cutting edge transportation research? The Transportation Committee wants you to join them on Thursday, September 6 as speakers from UT Austin's Center for Transportation Research provide an overview of the role they play in the community and highlight their current transportation research. Speakers from CTR include Dr. Randy. B. Machemehl, Director, and Research Associate Dr. Jennifer Duthie.
Reserve your seat with Beth Ann Ray, VP – Regional Infrastructure.
Austin to Newark Non-Stop from Southwest Airlines
Southwest Airlines adds New York service with route AUSTIN-EWR (Newark) beginning Spring 2013. With a once daily flight, going from the Live Music Capital of the World to the Big Apple is just one plane away. Click here for more information about SWA's new routes.
"First-Class Ideas"
Austin named a Top Ten City for Technology Start-Ups
With $646 million invested in 2011 in 70 companies and 487 start-ups, the National Venture Capital Association ranks Austin #8 (based on dollars) for tech company start-ups, reports USA Today. South by Southwest, Dell, Photodex, BedandBreakfast.com and VacationRentals.com all contribute to Austin's tech rich community. Douglas Cole of Flagship Ventures credits the low cost of living as the major attraction to the talent these companies need.
Connect with the Austin Chamber for information on fostering the future success of our regional technology community.
State of Transportation 2012: Regional Plans & Commuter Congestion Maps
Find out what to expect from regional planning and see what this past year's reports say about peak congestion in Central Texas at the State of Transportation 2012 on October 10. The Austin Chamber will reveal updated Commuter Congestion Maps while Keynote Speaker, Phil Wilson, Executive Director, Texas Department of Transportation will report on major accomplishments in transportation since the 2011 Legislative Session. Also, Texas State Senator Kirk Watson, District 14, will provide updates for the region on Rider 42.
Additionally, TxDOT is working with the Texas Transportation Institute (TTI) to learn more about how people travel around Austin. Please tell them your opinion at www.austintravelsurvey.org. The results of this survey will be used to build and operate a better transportation system. The survey closes Saturday, Sept. 8.
Click here to register. For more information on last year's maps, transportation data, click here.
Texas Best Business Climate in the Nation
Texas' strong jobs climate and economic pillars continue to receive national recognition, most recently from Business Facilities magazine, which has ranked Texas' business climate best in the nation, and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce – National Chamber Foundation, whose Enterprising States study named TX a leader in job growth and one of the states most likely to grow. Read the U.S. Chamber of Commerce's full Enterprising States study here. View the Facilities' study here.
Apply Now for the 2013 SXSW Accelerator Program
The minds behind innovations and advancements in social media, mobile applications, web entertainment, music-related technologies and more come together to compete for your attention during the SXSW Interactive and Music Accelerator programs. Connect with other creatives and kick-start your career! The application deadline is Friday, November 9, so get started today. Click here for more information.
Capital Metro's Proposed January 2013 Service Change
Capital Metro is proposing changes on several routes in accordance with their Service Guidelines & Standards. These proposals will go before the Capital Metro Board of Directors on September 24, 2012. If approved, these changes would take effect Sunday, January 13, 2013. Visit capmetro.org/servicechanges/ProposedJanuary2013 for a complete list and maps of the proposed January 2013 service changes and details about how to give us your feedback.
For opportunities to provide input to Capital Metro's system, visit capmetro.icanmakeitbetter.com, email feedback@capmetro.org, or call 512-474-1200.
6 Seats Still Available for November Tuscany Trip!
The Austin Chamber invites you to experience Italy with other members, family and friends. Join us to see the beauty and culture Italy has to offer. This will be a truly unforgettable experience for you and your guests. Traveling with the Austin Chamber, family and friends will satisfy all types of vacationers, from sightseers, adventurers and even those wanting to learn about Italian business operations.
Coming in 2013: March – Athens, Greece; May – Cuba; and September – Russia. Call Jan Riepen, CFO/SVP – Finance, at 322-5640 for more information.
We're Planning for 2013 – Are You?
Gain exposure for your business and support the Chamber's mission to provide leadership that facilitates the creation of a prosperous regional economy and effect advocacy for its members. 2013 Pivotal, Foundation, and Corporate Partnerships as well as Event Sponsorships are available. Contact Brad Napp, VP – Investor Relations, for information.
The Texas Enterprise Fund is used primarily to attract new business to the state or to assist with the substantial expansion of an existing business as part of competitive recruitment. It is the largest “deal closing” fund of its kind in the country.
