Austin Chamber Endorses Austin ISD 3.9 Cent Tax Rate Increase
Last Thursday, the Austin Chamber Board of Directors enthusiastically endorsed Austin ISD’s FY2009 proposed budget and 3.9 cent per $100 valuation tax rate increase to pay for a modest 3% pay increase for employees. On the average taxable valued $233,000 home, the tax increase due to this higher rate will cost...Read More

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 view added opportunities for Chairman’s or President’s Advisory Boards’ members, click here or contact Erin Chambers at 512.322.5678 or echambers@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.

The Community Education and Austin Community College (ACC) Progress Reports are part of the Chamber’s “20,010 in 2010” initiative to increase enrollment in higher education by 20,000 students by 2010. Visit the Education & Talent Development page to learn more about the initiative and to view the progress reports.