Headlines for May 14, 2013
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Read the Central Texas Economy in Perspective Report
Austin Chamber Named a Top Economic Development Group in the U.S.
Site Selection Awards Chamber with Top Distinction
Site Selection Magazine presented their 2012 annual Global Best to Invest Report, naming winners via its Competitiveness Award, Global Best to Invest Locations, Top Economic Development Groups and Top Deals. These awards recognize the most successful regional, state and global efforts in attracting businesses, capital investment and job creation. Austin's economic development efforts, led by the Austin Chamber of Commerce and Opportunity Austin, received the distinction of being one of only two metropolitan areas to receive awards in multiple categories.
The Austin Chamber of Commerce was named a top Best to Invest U.S. Group for economic development, based on four objective categories: new jobs, new jobs per 10,000 residents, new investment dollars and new investment per 10,000 residents. Groups were then evaluated by subjective measures including innovation, leadership and customer service. Austin also received distinction as a Top North American Deal of 2012 for Apple's new center, with a $304 million investment and 3,635 jobs created. Read more here.
Is the Austin "Brand" at Risk?
Creative Business Industry Experts Explore What "Brand Austin" Means to the Local Business Culture
Austin is often promoted as the "Live Music Capital of the World," and has become known for its many festivals and events including ACL, SXSW, and US Grand Prix, just to name a few. Join the Austin Chamber of Commerce and Austin Music People as we bring together a panel of experts from the creative business industry to explore Brand Austin, what it means to the local business culture, our ever increasing resident population and our visitors–and whether we need to work now to protect the brand! Panel includes: Tom Meredith, Meritage Capital; James Moody, Mohawk Bar, FUN FUN FUN Fest, Transmission Entertainment, and Guerilla Suit; John Thornton, Austin Ventures; and Judy Trabulsi, GSD&M; Ross Ramsey, Texas Tribune, will be moderator. Register for this June 6 event here today.
World Trade Week Coming Next Week
Governor's Small Business Forum: Texas Global Business Summit
On May 22nd the Austin Chamber of Commerce and Office of Governor Rick Perry will be co-hosting the Governor's Small Business Forum: Texas Global Business Summit in partnership with the City of Austin, the U.S. Department of Commerce and the Texas Camino Real District Export Council. The summit will focus on opportunities for small and medium sized companies to do business globally. International trade and investment is an integral part of the Austin and Central Texas economy. The Global Business Summit will focus on key areas in international trade and investment by providing informative topics to help small and medium-sized businesses become successful in the global marketplace. Register here today.
3rd Annual International Business Awards
Join state and local officials, business and educational leaders as we celebrate international business and honor the members of the Texas Consular Corps. The Austin Chamber and Global Austin, with Mayor Lee Leffingwell and Secretary of State John Steen, will host the 3rd Annual International Awards on May 22. This black tie event will recognize World Trade Week – a national celebration of international trade – and will highlight the impact of international trade and investment on the Austin regional economy. Master of Ceremonies for the evening is Former Secretary of State Geoff Connor. Click here to register today.
Support an Independent Board for Austin Energy
Show Your Support to our City Council
The time to act on moving Austin Energy to an independent board is now. Austin City Council postponed consideration of item #15 until the May 23 meeting. The Chamber Board has adopted the following position: "The Chamber supports the value of public power and believes that owning our own financially stable and well-managed utility is a positive asset for our city. The Chamber supports further enabling legislation establishing independent oversight of Austin Energy." Please show your support for the approval of an independent Austin Energy board, accountable to our city council representatives. Send an email to our elected officials using the links on our blog and sign up in favor of item #15 any time before City Council considers the item at Thursday's meeting. You may sign up in favor at the kiosks in the lobby of City Hall (either wishing to speak or not wishing to speak).
Nominate Your Business for a Greater Austin Business Award Today
Nominations Now Being Accepted
Are you a local business who demonstrates successful corporate social responsibility to the community? Is there a local business you'd like to give that extra "Thank You" to for their outstanding customer service? Nominate your business for a Greater Austin Business Awards today! The deadline for nominations is Friday, June 7, at 5:00 PM – don't forget! Click here for more information on categories and for a list of last year's winners, then stayed tuned for more details about the big night coming this September. Let us know who want to see at the 2013 Greater Austin Business Awards on Twitter using #GABA2013.
Just Announced! Global Connections: Cuba this September!
Don't Miss Your Chance to Explore the World with the Austin Chamber
Weren't able to make the April trip to Cuba with us? We are getting away for another cultural trip to Cuba this year and you are invited! Escape your every day routine with this trip of a lifetime to Cuba brought to you by the Austin Chamber. There are also a few seats remaining for Russia this September. Don't wait! View the full itineraries here and then contact Jan Riepen at the Chamber to make your deposit today.
Information session on Cuba scheduled for Thursday, May 30th at 5:30 at the Chamber; please RSVP to Jan Riepen.
Let's Talk Environmental Compliance Issues
Information Technology Industry Council to Host Event on European Union Approaches
The Information Technology Industry Council (ITI) will be hosting an event at Dell's Round Rock Campus Thursday, June 6th to highlight environmental compliance issues. Speakers include Steve Andrews, Head of Environmental Regulation for the UK Department of Business, Innovation and Skills, and Chris Smith of the UK National Measurement Office, Matthew Bignell, Enforcement Officer with the U.K. National Measurement Office, attorneys from Beveridge and Diamond, and Holly Evans of Strategic Counsel LLC. Registration is now available here. For further information, please contact Holly Evans at h.evans1@verizon.net.
Capital Metro Wants Your Feedback
Fare Study Requests Your Input
As part of Capital Metro's commitment to be a transparent and fiscally responsible organization, they are reviewing their fare structure in an effort to create a simplified, equitable and sustainable system. So that they can explore various options, they have asked an outside expert to evaluate the fare structure and make recommendations. The findings of this fare study will be made public at the May 20 meeting of the Capital Metro board of directors. Click here for more information on how to participate.
A New Regional Air Quality Plan
Ozone Advance Preparing Recommendations Based on What You Tell Them
Ozone Advance seeks your feedback about what's going on with the local air quality planning efforts. Now through June 30, participate in this survey and they will prepare a set of recommendations for local elected offices, with a new regional air quality plan submitted to EPA before December 31. After you complete the survey you can sign up to receive updates at the same link. The Chamber encourages you to help Ozone Advance to spread the word and reduce your own emissions.
The Texas Enterprise Zone program is an economic development tool for local communities to partner with the State of Texas to promote job creation and capital investment in the state.
