Green Job Task Force Report Unveiled
The Austin Chamber of Commerce in collaboration with 12 area organizations, unveiled a first-of-its-kind report about the potential of Austin as a launching point for job growth and development in the green industries.

In February 2009 the Austin Chamber began efforts to coordinate a community wide approach to green job...Read More

Central Texas Economy In Perspective
Privately-owned housing units authorized by building permits data through May released earlier this month by the U.S. Census Bureau present the recurring mix of good news and bad news for Austin. On the one hand, the downward trend seen locally since 2007 persists. On the other hand, only four U.S. metros have permitted more housing units in 2009 than Austin: Houston, Dallas-Fort Worth, New York, and Washington -- metros ranging in size from 5.4 million to 19.0 million, compared to our 36th ranked metro of 1.7 million...Read More

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Opportunity Austin, the Chamber's economic development arm, unveiled the new phase of its growth strategy, Opportunity Austin 2.0. The business initiative was developed in order to continue Central Texas’ strong economic development growth and to more effectively compete with national and international communities in attracting and retaining talent and businesses. With Opportunity Austin 2.0, business leaders in Central Texas are reinforcing their steadfast commitment to improving the area’s work force, quality of life and business climate through aggressive, proactive programming. For more information click on one of the following links: News Release, Opportunity Austin 2.0 Brochure or www.OpportunityAustin.com. The 2007 Opportunity Austin Annual Report is available here.

The Chamber would like to recognize the generous contributions and thank GSD&M for the design and the University of Texas for printing the Opportunity Austin 2.0 brochure.

In late 2007 the Board reviewed a study of peer-to-peer chambers, consisting of 12 similar sized chambers nationally and the metro chambers in Texas to understand “best practices” in funding chambers. The peer-to-peer study was supplemented with interviews of existing Austin Chamber members. The study revealed that the Austin Chamber had the lowest base dues investment structure of all Texas metro chambers and many existing Austin Chamber members were interested in opportunities to invest higher dues in the chamber than required in return for recognition and opportunities to interact with peer investors including chamber board and staff. In response to opportunities to invest higher dues than required by the dues schedule, the Board authorized the creation of the Chairman’s and President’s Advisory Boards. To learn about added opportunities for Chairman’s or President’s Advisory Boards’ members, contact 512.322.5618 or memberinfo@austinchamber.com.

CURRENT MEMBERS
Chairman's Advisory Board
President's Advisory Board

The Greater Austin Chamber announces the creation and launch of www.AustinHumanCapital.com, a web site aimed at recruiting technology talent to the Austin region. This web site contains detailed information on the technology industry in Austin, fundraising sources for investors and venture capitalists, local and state resources for businesses and statistical information on living in Austin. This web site is a tool that technology companies and executive search firms can refer c-level executives to that shows the depth of technology in Austin, the area’s lifestyle and other amenities.

The Central Texas Angel Network (CTAN) aims to help local entrepreneurs gain access to capital to start their businesses. This initiative is directed at providing quality, early-stage investment opportunities for accredited Central Texas investors. CTAN will be an additional benefit to the entrepreneurs and young companies in the technology industry and non-technology sectors. By creating a network of high net worth individuals in Central Texas who are looking for investment opportunities, CTAN will work with the Central Texas Regional Center of Innovation and Commercialization (CT-RCIC), the Texas Technology Fund, and the Universities to identify opportunities in early stages of development.

As part of the Chamber's Education and Talent Attraction initiative, 20,010 in 2010, the Austin Chamber of Commerce has launched a new website CollegeReadyAustin.com to promote post-secondary enrollment in the Metro Austin area. The useful and information-packed website contains several features to help guide interested students through the tedious process of finding and applying for the right college or university.