October 2, 2014

@theChamber

Member Exclusive: SXSW Interactive Badges

The Chamber has once again negotiated a deal with SXSW Interactive for a members only group rate on 2015 Interactive badges. Walk-up rate badges are priced at $1,295, so buying early at the Chamber discounted rate is a golden opportunity. The price per badge will range between $700-900; depending on the final group size. If you are interested in taking advantage of this group rate, please let us know immediately by submitting this form. For more information regarding this offer, check out our blog.

Better Transportation is Good for Business - Vote Yes! this November

The Chamber supports two significant transportation propositions on the November ballot. Both the City of Austin and State of Texas voters will have the opportunity to invest in our vital mobility infrastructure. These propositions will fund high-priority construction projects in our heaviest traffic areas, as well as additional projects in the future. Unless we take action now to address our traffic problem, Austin's fundamental character will be permanently changed. We have a plan that will improve I-35 in the near future and accelerate improvements on 360, 1826, 2222, 620 and Parmer. Spend more time doing the things you enjoy rather than wasting it in traffic - Vote Yes! on both the City and State propositions. To contribute or volunteer in support of the City proposition, please visit www.letsgoaustin.org.

Working to Fit Austin's Needs: USPTO Dallas Satellite Office

Vikrum Aiyer, political appointee in the Obama Administration and Deputy Chief of Staff to the Under Secretary of Commerce for IP, visited Austin on Monday, September 29th. Aiyer spoke about the opening of the USPTO satellite office in Dallas and how this new office can tailor programming to fit the needs of Austin businesses and startups. We hosted two roundtables with Austin businesses, visited with the OTC office at UT at Austin, had a presentation at Pike Powers Lab, toured the Capital Factory, and had dinner with some of Austin's lead patent attorneys. This was the first of a few visits to Austin on his listening tour before the office opens in Dallas in fall 2015.

It's ACL Time Again; Plan Your Travel Accordingly

Over the next two weekends, Austin City Limits Music Festival will take place at Zilker Park.

Whether you plan to attend the festival or not, Capital Metro's best ways to get there is a great resource to plan your weekend travels around Austin. Make sure to check for detours along your normal bus routes during the next few weeks. For parking information and other methods of transportation to and from the festival, click here.

To San Francisco and Back: What We've Learned

Welcome back, delegates! Business and community leaders recently returned from our 11th Annual InterCity Visit -- this year, we traveled to San Francisco. The group met with several companies and leaders to learn more about innovation, affordability, creating a research-focused medical school and driving a workforce towards tomorrow's needs, among other important topics. Presentations will be posted soon, so watch our website for more information.

ACC is Offering Free IT Training for Qualified Veterans

The Austin Chamber and Austin Community College are co-sponsoring a free information session tomorrow. Veterans who are honorably discharged can apply to ACC's IT Courses offered by its Continuing Education Department and tuition is paid for by a grant through the Texas Workforce Commission. Click here for registration information.