Chamber Honors Pat Forgione as 2008 Austinite of the Year
The Austin Chamber announced plans to honor Austin Independent School District Superintendent Pascal D. Forgione, Jr., Ph.D., as the Austin Chamber’s 2008 Austinite of the Year at its 131st Annual Meeting on February 4, 2009.
Dr. Pat Forgione has served as Superintendent of the Austin Independent School District since August 1999. Working with the District's Board of Trustees, Dr. Forgione has overseen continuously improving student academic achievement, the return to fiscal stability and a high bond rating for the district, two successful bond elections and improved community support for Austin public schools. In August Dr. Forgione announced his intentions to retire as AISD Superintendent in June of 2009.
Reserve your table by January 30 to ensure premiere seating at this sell-out event. Ticket prices are $55 for members, $70 after February 2, and a table of 10 for $600, $750 after February 2. Future member ticket prices are $90 or $1,000 for a table of 10. Purchase tickets HERE.
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Central Texas Economy In Perspective
by Beverly Kerr, Chamber Vice President of Research
Computer and electronic products accounted for 72% of the value of Austin’s exports in 2005 and 2006. If the ratio evident in the data available for the first half of 2007 holds for the year, that share may have dropped to 58%. South Korea, Austin’s largest export market, accounted for 20% of 2005 and 2006 exports, but that share may drop to 14% in 2007, based on data for the first half of the year.
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Navigating the Current Economy
On January 13 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Wyndham Garden Inn the South Austin Business Council will welcome keynote speaker Carl Stuart. Stuart, owner of Carl Stuart Investment Advisor, Inc. and Registered Investment Advisor, will give his perspective on the current economy. In 2008, Stuart was listed in Fortune Magazine as one of the top 50 independent advisors in America. This will be a great chance to hear how the economy got where it is now and what should be expected moving forward. This will also be the first South Austin Business Council event of the year and those wishing to purchase SABC tickets for the entire year will receive a special discounted price. Register Today!
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FAFSA Events to Kick Off in January
The Chamber’s education initiatives were established to help increase metro-Austin’s college enrollment rate by 20,010 more students by the year 2010. One strategy to help ensure students are able to go to college includes providing personal assistance with filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at scheduled Financial Aid Saturdays in order to help them secure the financial aid they may need.
Please contact Cyndi Contreras, Director of Education & Public Policy at ccontreras@austinchamber.com or 512.322.5644 if you are interested in engaging yourself or your organization in these rewarding volunteer opportunities. Visit www.austinchamber.com/collegeready.
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Chamber Partners With City For Traffic Study
As Austin’s roadways have become more congested, bumper-to-bumper traffic often lasts long after rush-hour has ended. The importance of finding a solution has led the Austin Chamber of Commerce to initiate a study in collaboration with the City of Austin.
The City of Austin will work with the Chamber to develop the Downtown Austin Circulation Study, an annual traffic count program and traffic data gathering report for the major arteries in Central Austin. Traffic count data will be gathered from January through March and the report will be completed in April. This much needed study will provide a greater understanding of the traffic dilemmas Austinites face on a daily basis. Based on the conclusions from the report, the City’s Transportation Department will be better equipped to generate innovative and location-specific solutions.
Contact Jeremy Martin for more information.
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Business Connections at Carmelo's Ristorante on January 7
Enjoy one of Austin’s oldest landmarks as you connect with businesses and develop new opportunities at the next “Business Connections After Hours” event at Carmelo’s Ristorante. This event takes place Wednesday, January 7 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. with appetizers and drinks being served. Carmelo’s combines authentic Sicilian dining with a romantic old world feel in a distinctive Austin atmosphere. Built in 1872, the "Railroad House" accommodated passengers traveling to other railroads and stagecoach lines. The bar and private rooms occupy the area of the original building, recorded on the National Register as a Texas Landmark. Don’t delay register today!
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Calling all Small Business Volunteers
Our newly formed Small Business Advisory Group will be having its second meeting to help plan out the year 2009. The Small Business Advisory Group is for those individuals looking to have a voice in the small business programs facilitated by the Austin Chamber of Commerce. This group assists the Chamber by providing an objective viewpoint on what programs and events would benefit our members with 50 employees or less. This council meets quarterly and reports to the Small Business Steering Committee with their findings. This council is open and free to all members and our next meeting will be on January 5 at the Chamber, 210 Barton Springs Road from 4 to 5:30 p.m. For more information or to sign up to attend please contact Dustin Woodhead at 512.322.5613 or dwoodhead@austinchamber.com.
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Why I Joined the Chamber...
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"To learn more about the Austin business environment, to expand our networking opportunities." Kimberlee Augustine, President— DMS & Associates, Inc.
Join now and start receiving the full benefits of the networking business community. Call 322.5618 or email Member Info.
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Check out new members and articles submitted by Chamber Members here.
Guidelines for submissions.
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