Council Member Shery Cole and the Capital City African American Chamber of Commerce present "A Conversation with Black Elected Officials". A panel of elected officials will gather on Wednesday, Feb. 11 at 11:00 a.m. at the Omni Austin Downtown Hotel, 700 Lavaca, to discuss the priorities of each elected official and answer questions about challenges facing African Americans in Austin.

The Capital City African American Chamber of Commerce celebrated our first annual Austin Black Expo on Saturday, January 31, 2009.

The feedback has been strong and positive.  Well over 1,500 attendees were in attendance throughout the entire day and were treated to plenty of shopping, music and food from many vendors with their products and information. News 8 Austin captured video of the packed house and documented the enthusiasm everyone experienced being a part of the Black Expo.

We'd Like to Congratulate:

The open houses are open to the public and people can stop by at anytime during the event. Except for the Leander Open House, parking will be limited. Riding the bus or carpooling is encouraged.

Sign Language interpreters for the Deaf will be available. Any reasonable accommodations need to be requested 3 days in advance by contacting Nancy Crowther at (512) 389-7583 or nancy.crowther@capmetro.org.

Capital MetroRail Open Houses:

Leander Station – Saturday, Feb. 7
10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
800 N. US 183

Plaza Saltillo Station – Saturday, Feb. 14
10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
412 Comal Street
Bus routes: 4, 320

Crestview Station – Saturday, Feb. 21
10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
6920 N. Lamar Blvd.
Bus routes: 1L/1M, 101, 300, 320, 350
Access St. Johns for limited parking at adjacent development

MLK, Jr. Station – Saturday, Feb. 21
10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
1719 Alexander Ave.
Bus routes: 18
Limited parking next to station

Downtown Station – Friday, Feb. 27
2 p.m. – 7 p.m.
401 E. 4th Street
Bus routes: Many local and ‘Dillo routes

You’re invited to be a part of history as Capital Metro opens the first passenger rail service in central Texas. Capital Metro encourages you to save the date for the grand opening celebration of Capital MetroRail.

Saturday, March 28, 2009
Grand Opening & Ribbon Cutting
Downtown Station, on 4th Street between Neches and Trinity
The official grand opening of the Capital MetroRail Red Line will feature a ribbon cutting ceremony with special remarks, live music and other fun activities.

Station Celebrations
After the ceremony at the Downtown Station, festivities will begin at each of the remaining eight stations. Free rides on Capital MetroRail will be offered.

Monday, March 30, 2009
Capital MetroRail service begins.

Whether you're a novice investor or a seasoned veteran, you will be interested to know that Edward Jones is offering an investment class, and they would like to invite you to join them.

The class begins with the very basics of finances, including examining some of the most common reasons why people fail to meet their investment goals, some money management tips that can help make sure you don't fall into those traps and rules that every investor should know and follow.

Classes are every Thursday from 6:30 p.m. until 8:00 p.m at the Highpointe Amenities Center. Seating is limited to 10. There is a one-time workbook/material fee of $13. If interested in attending, RSVP to Trish Morgan at (512) 894-0665.