Headlines for October 2, 2012
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Board Nominees Proposed for 2013
In accordance with its election bylaws, the Greater Austin Chamber Board of Directors Nominating Committee has proposed a slate of 12 candidates to serve 3-year terms, beginning January 1, 2013. The membership has 10 calendar days from today to make additional nominations. Any member in good standing can make additional nominations by submitting in writing a nomination to the President that contains the signatures of 25 members in good standing. If there are no additional nominees, those nominated shall be deemed elected. Click here to see the Candidates.
Are the Roads Feeling a Little Crowded on Your Commute?
Register Now for State of Transportation 2012
Did you know that almost 50% of the region's employment is located in four employment hubs – the urban core, NW Austin, Round Rock, and San Marcos – with almost 30% of the employment in the urban core. Also, over 88% of the people who work in Austin's urban core live outside of the urban core employment hub resulting in major congestion during the peak hours. That's a lot of cars driving in and out during peak hours.
Join the Chamber, Senator Kirk Watson, and Keynote Speaker Phil Wilson, the Executive Director of TxDOT for the State of Transportation 2012 on October 10. Learn about measures being developed to combat peak congestion and be there for the release of the Chamber's inaugural Mobility Report including the 2012 Commuter Congestion Maps.
Limited space is still available; register today. Follow the transportation conversation at #SoT2012.
Leadership in Education Critical:
Chamber and Partners Co-host Austin ISD Trustee Debate
On this November's ballot, 4 of 9 Austin ISD Trustee positions will be up for election. The Austin Chamber of Commerce, along with the Greater Austin Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Capital City African American Chamber of Commerce and Austin Kids First will co-host a televised debate on October 10th, 5:30pm - 7:30pm, at the Austin ISD Board Room, 1111 W. 6th Street. Watch the debate live on the AISD network. RSVP to dscheberle@austinchamber.com
Austin is Top 10 for "America's 50 Best Cities"
Businessweek ranks Austin No. 8 on its "American's Best Cities" list citing our Universities, tech talent and festivals as features. Read the full story here. What makes Austin the best for you? Let us know on Facebook.
Small Business, Big Opportunities at ChamberFest 2012
With approximately 38,000 small businesses calling Austin home, there's no doubt that Austin is business friendly. Now you can connect directly with other businesses at our new business Expo, ChamberFest 2012 on October 23. Show off your business, have some local eats from six Chamber Restaurants and build a network for your business success. Registration is not necessary; however, a business card is required to attend.
A few exhibitor booths are available. For a full list of Exhibitors and participating Restaurants, as well as to purchase a booth, click here.
Join ChamberFest 2012 on Facebook and be part of the conversation on Twitter with #ChamberFest.
Chamber Supports Proposition 1 on November Ballot:
Improving Access to Medical Care in Travis County
On November 6, Travis county residents will vote on "Proposition 1," a measure to improve access to medical care for families and to support a new medical school. If the Proposition 1 referendum is successful, the additional revenue, together with additional matching federal funds, will provide the necessary local investment for the new medical school and other needed facilities and resources. Our Board of Directors has voted unanimously to support the Central Health "Proposition 1" initiative and we urge that you do the same.
Don't Be Locked Out of the Process:
Let Congress Know What Start-Ups Need
Entrepreneurship is one of the few issues seeing movement in Congress and legislators are introducing and passing bills that will directly affect the ability of Austin startups to do business. As part of Austin Startup Week, the Chamber and its event partners, Contract Gurus and Third Base, invite you to attend a "Startup the Conversation with Congress," on October 11, from 3-4 p.m., at the Omni Hotel. The event will allow Chamber members and entrepreneurs to advise the U.S. Senate on pro-startup policy. A startup meet-up/reception will be held for attendees immediately following the panel at Capital Factory/Austin TechLive. Register today.
Keeping Ahead of the Curve:
Chamber Website Enhancements Underway
The Chamber loves working with its members to keep our award-winning website, austinchamber.com, at the forefront of innovative design. This week we launch an enhanced Economic Development section to better reflect our key industries and the thriving ecosystems that make Central Texas a prime region for business growth. Watch for additional design and navigation upgrades to the site in the coming months.
State of Education Addresses Disruptive Education
How does technology impact learning and job growth? Join us as Keynote Speaker Stephen Felice, President and CCO of Dell, Inc., talks about how disruptive technology is influencing the learning process at the 7th Annual State of Education on November 28. The event features a review of the Chamber 2012 education initiatives, and a discussion of the 2013 Texas Legislative agenda. Also, recognition will be awarded to the best high school for highest college application rate, highest FAFSA submission rate, and highest college/career readiness rate. In addition, the Chamber's not-to-be-missed annual Austin Human Capital Award winner will be announced. Early bird tickets are available for $40 through November 12. Register here today.
The Presidential Campaign and Our Economy:
Follow National News with our Keynote Speaker for Economic Outlook
Jennifer Forsyth, National Editor of The Wall Street Journal, will take a look at the impact the presidential campaign had on the economy as the keynote for Chamber's annual 2013 Economic Outlook on Dec. 6. But you don't have to wait until December for news and insights, you can follow the national economic news coverage with Jennifer and her reporters on Twitter, @ForsythJenn; @DavidMWessel; @GeraldFSeib; @WSJ. Register now for Early Bird Attendee Tickets, available for $45 until November 11.
Tour Greece with Chamber CEO Mike Rollins
Stand at the center of classical history with the Austin Chamber CEO, Mike Rollins, and other Chamber Members through our Global Connections in March 2013. Experience the Acropolis, Dionysus Theatre, the Temple of Olympian Zeus, and take in the panoramic views from the Aegina Island then relax at the Electra Place Hotel Athens in the center of Plaka. Space is limited; reserve your spot with Jan Riepen today.
The Austin metro population expanded by 41% from 1999 to 2009, while Texas grew at a rate of 21% and the nation at 10%
