Roundtable: Human Capital Strategies for Better Schools
Want to learn about best practices in human capital and succession planning in education and business? Come to the Human Capital Strategies for Better Schools luncheon on Tuesday, September 14th, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Omni Austin Hotel Southpark......Read More

Central Texas Economy In Perspective
The Brookings Institute recently completed a study titled Export Nation: How U.S. Metros Lead National Export Growth and Boost Competitiveness. This study used an innovative new strategy to measure US exports, attempting to more accurately capture goods originating in the US and exported services, which differ from traditional export measures used by the Census Bureau and International Trade Administration.* The study compared exports in 2003 and 2008, and the results revealed that US exports grew 46% over this period, double the import growth rate, and Austin’s share of US metro exports has grown as well, with the Austin MSA exports growing 79.8% between 2003 and 2008, the 10th largest metro exporter (by dollar exported) in 2003 to the 26th largest metro exporter in 2008......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.

Financial Aid Saturday events provide personal assistance with filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Assistance is also provided to help students/families complete other financial aid applications as needed, including the Texas Application for State Financial Aid (TASFA) and scholarship applications, to help secure financial aid that may be needed to ensure students are able to go to college. Tax preparation services will be provided by Foundation Communities Community Tax Centers at select sites. Services at these events are free and open to the public. Be sure to spread the word to all students and families who may benefit from these services.