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Monday, October 6, 2008 Volume 10, Issue 40  

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Top Story
Sunrise Ridge Algae Selected As Emerging Technology Fund Recipient
The Austin Chamber of Commerce and the Central Texas Regional Center of Innovation and Commercialization (CenTex RCIC) announce that the State of Texas has chosen Sunrise Ridge Algae Inc. as the recipient of a technology commercialization award funded through the Texas Emerging Technology Fund (ETF). The Central Texas company will receive a $250,000 project award for the research, development and commercialization of algae biomass technology designed to be a renewable energy source and to remove waste water pollutants and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

“We are very pleased to receive this award from the State of Texas,” said Norman Whitton, CEO Sunrise Ridge Algae Inc. “It demonstrates the State’s long-term commitment to maintaining Texas’ position as energy supplier to the country, and their confidence in our company.”

[FULL STORY]
 
Featured Event of the Week
Developing Your Brand Identity
Whether you are a business owner looking for ways to stand out from your competition or you are an employee searching for ways to brand your own personal identity this will be a great opportunity to learn some new tools and techniques from Austin’s finest. Be there at the new AT&T Executive Education and Conference Center, 1900 University Avenue on Tuesday, October 28 from 5 to 7 p.m., to hear from some of Austin's sharpest and brightest marketing and public relations professionals. You'll hear about Milkshake Media's creation of the LIVESTRONG brand and TateAustinHahn's story of branding the Texas A&M Corps of Cadets intense program of discipline and dedication to 17-year olds looking to go to college. This next topic in the Building Blocks of Business series is sure to help you walk away with ideas to develop and increase your own brand identity. Register now.
 
General
Chamber Board Endorses Austin ISD Tax Rate Increase
The Austin Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors enthusiastically endorsed Austin ISD’s 2009 proposed budget to improve student readiness for algebra, college readiness and college enrollment, increase employee compensation and set in motion critical mid-term strategic and financial planning.

To fully fund this proposal, voters will have the opportunity to ratify the tax rate established by the Austin ISD Board of Trustees in a 9-0 vote. The proposed tax rate is 3.9 cents per $100 valuation more than the current tax rate.

The “Support Austin Teachers” political action committee (PAC) was formed to support passage of this tax rate initiative on the November 4 ballot. Visit SupportAustinTeachers.com for more information on Austin ISD Proposition 1.

[FULL STORY]
 
Twisted Pixel Announces New Game Development Studio in Austin
Twisted Pixel Games, LLC, an Indiana-based independent gaming studio focused on producing top-quality original titles for digital distribution on numerous gaming consoles, has announced its decision to relocate its game development studio to Austin.

In launching their new facility near downtown, Twisted Pixel plans to create 12 to 15 new jobs within the first three months, with plans for expansion to 25 jobs within their first three years.

[FULL STORY]
 
ABIA Adds Nonstop Flight to Puerto Vallarta
Ultra low cost carrier vivaAerobus has announced new nonstop flights between Austin and Puerto Vallarta, Mexico out of ABIA’s South Terminal will begin January 15. VivaAerobus started operations in Austin on May 1, 2008 with non-stop service to Cancun and Monterre and offers national and international flights providing comfort, quality and international safety standards at market leading low fares.

Austin-Bergstrom International Airport now has nonstop service to 42 destinations in the U.S., Canada and Mexico. A complete listing of all nonstop flight destinations from Austin and the airlines that serve them is available at www.abia.org.

 
Austin Call Center Industry Gets Recognized
TMC, a leading online telecommunications industry publication in the U.S., recently recognized the growth and potential of the Austin call center industry. "Austin, Texas: The Next Contact Center Haven," cited Austin's talent, quality of life and communications infrastructure as reasons for the area's healthy contact center industry. The article can be read in its entirety on the TCM web site.
 
Capital Metro New Fare Structure
The Cap Metro board recently approved a new structure for fares which will become effective October 13. Standard bus fare will be 75 cents and a day pass will cost $1.50. Express fare will be $1.50 and $3.00 for a day pass. Most other fares will also see a modest increase. To view the new fare brochure click here.

These fare increases are necessary in order for Capital Metro to continue to provide the level of service that Central Texans have come to expect and to help the Authority grow to meet the ever-expanding needs of our region. The first rate increase is part of a long-range financial sustainability plan to help Capital Metro pay for the rising costs of fuel and labor. For more information please visit www.capmetro.org.

 
Cap Metro To Present Update on MetroRail at NWBC Luncheon
The Northwest Business Council luncheon on October 15, at the Holiday Inn Northwest Plaza/Arboretum, will feature a discussion by Capital Metro on the status of the MetroRail. The MetroRail Red Line will run on 32-miles of existing freight tracks between Leander and Downtown Austin, providing convenient service for suburban and central Austin residents. The presentation includes a peek at the sleek new trains with their many modern amenities. The NWBC luncheon offers a great networking opportunity. Come meet the many new members that have joined the NWBC recently and strengthen your business connections with existing members. Cost is $20 for members and $35 for future members. (Future NWBC members must be active Chamber members to attend.) Register today!
 

Why I Joined the Chamber...
"To be a good corporate citizen, and participate in decisions which will help shape the future of Austin." Doug Karn, District Manager — United Forming, Inc.

Join now and start receiving the full benefits of the networking business community. Call 322.5678 or email Member Info.

 


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Upcoming Events

October 15
NWBC Luncheon MetroRail Update

October 16
New Member Orientation and Reception

December 1
Annual Econmic Forecast

December 9
State of Education in Austin

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Archives
Volume 10, Issue 39
September 29, 2008
Volume 10, Issue 38
September 22, 2008

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