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PRIMARY ELECTION DAY TOMORROW
Tomorrow is Primary Election Day in Comal County and across the state of Texas. Thirteen contested races are on the ballot in the county along with races for several statewide offices, including Governor. Be sure and exercise you rights and responsibilities by voting. A listing of county wide polling places can be found in the New Braunfels Herald-Zeitung and on KGNB’s website. The polls will be open from 7:00 am to 7:00 pm.
To vote, people will need to bring a voter registration card to their appropriate polling place. If someone doesn’t have a voter registration card, they will be asked to sign an affidavit that swears they are a registered voter and provide some other form of identification like a passport, a driver’s license, a birth certificate or a utility bill.
ONE QUESTION SURVEY BEGINS WEDNESDAY
The Chamber’s National Government Affairs Subcommittee would like to represent the membership better in 2010. A one question survey will be distributed starting this Wednesday and selections will enable the group to better inform members of national policy issues. The Chamber’s new public policy website, www.nbacts4business.com will also be customized once the Chamber knows your interests. A list of eighteen national issues is listed on the one-page survey. Members will be asked to “click” their top five. Help the Chamber narrow what can be focused on and accomplished in 2010.
LEGISLATIVE CONFERENCE THIS MONTH
The 44th annual Texas Legislative Conference will take place March 18 – 19 in the Civic-Convention Center. Texas Parks and Wildlife Chairman and Spurs Owner Peter Holt will be honored as the Texan of the Year at a reception on Thursday evening, March 18. A half-day conference will follow on Friday, March 19. Conference Chair and State Representative Edmund Kuempel will be “roasted” to conclude the conference. Tickets are available online at www.txlegislativeconference.com . This has been voted the best of its kind in the state each year and New Braunfels residents have a unique opportunity to stay close to home and hear about the issues of our times in an affordable manner.
GET WIRED TO CHAMBER NEWS
In the Chamber’s continuing efforts to utilize electronic communications and improve the profitability of members, a new texting service was unveiled at last Thursday evening’s business after hours Chamber mixer. This is a free member benefit and members have the option to receive updates, alerts and notices via text messages to their mobile phone. Text NBCC to 46786 and you will receive a welcome text message confirming your subscription. You can unsubscribe to this service at any time by texting the word STOP to 46786. Message and data rates may apply. Check with your service provider for more information. Click Here to sign up online
CHAMBER MEMBERS BETTER CREDIT RISK
The American Chamber of Commerce Executives have announced the publication of a new study detailing the credit scores and payment behavior of ten sample chambers across the country, comparing their member businesses with other regional, state and national business averages. According to the study, chamber of commerce members possess an average credit score of 629 compared to a 557 average score for businesses at large. Such scores play a significant role in attracting lines of credit and securing favorable terms from lenders and suppliers. According to ACCE President Mick Fleming, “From a credit standpoint, chamber members on average are better businesses, and as a result they have significant advantages in obtaining the funds they need. In this economy and the tight credit environment we are experiencing, that’s especially important.”
GENERATION WHY?
The NB Business University seminar last week explored Generation Why?. Born between 1978 and 1990, this year they range in age from 20 – 32 years old. This is approximately 20% of the population or 70 million people. This generation is three times larger than Generation X and by 2014 will comprise about 40% of the workforce. Social networking is huge to this group and more diverse than past generations. They demand planning and need structure, lack interpersonal skills but value getting along. Gen Yers will forgo extra money for time off and can be very productive but need flexibility. For merchants, to attract Gen Yers in your store be available 24-7, listen, and be creative. When hiring Gen Yers, be specific and flexible. Be on the look out for a YouTube video from the seminar.
SUMMER RULES TAKING SHAPE
At last week’s City Council meeting, new shuttle rules were adopted for the upcoming summer water recreation season. Those exiting the river will no longer be allowed to ride in the beds of pickup trucks as they depart and shuttle operations will have to comply with various commercial carrier and city safety rules. A moratorium on parking by permit new applications only will go into effect at the end of March through October. Lake levels at Canyon Reservoir are above the 909 mark and it appears water recreation in both rivers will be great for this summer season.
CVB GETS RELIGION
Your Convention and Visitors Bureau has been very successful in attracting major religious groups to the community since the opening of the expanded and remodeled Civic-Convention Center. The CVB is completing a data mining project for associations, non-profit and the religious meetings market for entities registered in Comal County. A campaign to bring those regional and state meetings that have chapters and/or members in our county is planned. In other C&VB news, river flow updates will be inserted on the Chamber’s visitor information page and updated and a regular basis. A text back service for those wishing to opt in to receive that information daily on their phones will be running prior to spring break. The Golf Fest entry deadline has been extended to this coming Friday. A market segmentation project is moving forward and the CVB hopes to have that project completed by May.
SMALL BUSINESS PERSON NOMINATIONS ARE DUE FRIDAY, MARCH 19
Small business person of the year nominations are due Friday, March 19. Selection is based on a business person’s successful operation of a company and evidence of significant contributions to the community. The nomination for is available at http://www.nbcham.org/smallbusiness or by calling 830-625-2385. Small Business Week will be recognized in New Braunfels May 16 – 22. Randolph-Brooks Federal Credit Union will sponsor a reception honoring the Small Business Person of 2010 in May.
YLNB GRADUATION DINNER AND PROGRAM
Youth Leadership New Braunfels is a program of the Greater New Braunfels Chamber of Commerce, Inc. and sponsored by Leadership New Braunfels Alumni Association. The purpose of the Youth Leadership New Braunfels Program is to train students in leadership techniques and community awareness so they will become familiar with current issues, community resources, opportunities and other factors influencing the direction of their community’s future. The graduation ceremony April 16 will include a buffet dinner, recognition of the graduates and special guest speaker Clarence R. “Reggie” Williams whose career have included philanthropy director, business executive and military officer. YLNB ’10 marks the thirteenth year of the program with 387 graduates. The deadline to purchase tickets is April 8.
QUOTE OF THE WEEK
“Never insult an alligator until after you have crossed the river."
Cordell Hull
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