Serving You 6-27

Community Betterment | Convention & Visitors Bureau | Economic Development

Economic Indicators | Membership Services & Outreach | Public Policy

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CITY URGED TO SEEK IDEAS ON RIVER ISSUES

Chamber board members last week carried a message to City Council members and the Mayor….seek the advice and council of local experts in attraction management and crowd control. River traffic on the Comal River is more and more dominated by those using their own equipment. The current City river management model for parking, revenue, capacity, shuttling and litter is based on the majority of visitors utilizing outfitters. For the upcoming July 4 holiday weekend, various new crowd management techniques are being implemented. Practically the entire state is in an exceptional drought and are heading to water attractions to cool off.

NB 2020 GOALS MAKING HEADWAY

NB 2020 goals were created at the 2009 Board Planning Retreat and this past fall board members utilized the all-member annual survey to identify top rated priorities to work on this year. At last week’s chamber board of directors meeting, chamber officers and committee chairs gave a progress report. Nine of the sixteen NB 2020 goals have seen progress and seven of those original goals were specifically identified for special efforts this year. Progress has been made in five of those seven year-to-date. The goal of supporting local business start-ups will get a huge boost when UTSA’s Small Business Development Center opens October 1 in downtown New Braunfels. Another NB 2020 goal is to have a localized metropolitan planning organization. The City, along with Seguin, Guadalupe County and Comal County are working to make this a reality. Water supply communications are moving ahead with work with NBU on water issues education. Expansion of the CTTC is moving forward by the Mayor’s Higher Education Task Force with a presentation to the City Council planned for July 25.

STATE CHAMBER CONFERENCE UNDERWAY

The 105th Annual Texas Chamber of Commerce Executives annual conference is taking place currently in Las Colinas. Chamber President Michael Meek is representing the Chamber at the conference. At press time, TCCE Annual Media Awards were being bestowed. The Chamber submitted five entries including the Membership Information Guide, Serving You, the Chamber’s Social & Mobile Media Campaign, the Chamber Directory and the annual magazine highlighting the Year in Review and Plan of Action. Conference topics included the value of regionalism, finances, public education, and more. Meek served as the State Chairman of TCCE in 2003 -2004 and received the Marlin Hurley Award in 2009, recognizing outstanding careers in the Chamber profession.

REPRESENTATIVE MILLER ADDRESSES COMMITTEE

Representative Doug Miller addressed the Chamber’s Government Affairs Committee last Thursday morning in Honors Hall. Miller reviewed the outcome of the 82nd Texas Legislative Session as well as ongoing activities in the special session, set to adjourn this Wednesday. At press time, it was unclear whether or not a second called special session by Governor Perry would occur. The Chamber had twenty legislative priorities, established last fall by the Government Affairs Committee and adopted by the Chamber Board of Directors. So far, seventeen of the twenty issues turned out favorable, one unfavorable with two still in process in the special session. The committee will soon turn their attention to national legislative issues.

BUILD NB HOSTS GOVERNOR’S ECONOMIC TEAM

Seven members of the Governor’s Office of Economic Development and Tourism came to New Braunfels last Tuesday and met with local officials and Build NB staff. Representing the community was City Manager Mike Morrison, NBIDC Board President Tim Zipp, Comal County Judge Sherman Krause, and Economic Development Foundation Officer Mike Norris. The group emphasized our “Team” concept for recruiting and marketing new jobs and wealth to the community. A power point presentation was given to the guests regarding ongoing and future projects. The Governor’s team reviewed their positions and responsibilities and how their office can assist our community in their work with prospect recruiting. A two hour windshield tour of sites and developments was then provided. Approximately 60% of the leads that Build NB works is referred from the Governors office.

NOT TO LATE FOR SEMINAR TOMORROW

“The Essentials for Providing Premier Customer Service” will be held tomorrow at the Civic Convention Center. One session is available from 8:30 to 11:30am and a afternoon session is also available from 1:00 to 4:00pm. The cost is $69 for chamber members and $89 for future members. For five or more attendees, the price is lowered to $59. Registration is available online at www.nbcham.org/seminar. Seminar will be presented by Kevin Karschnik of iSpeak. Separate yourself from your competitors by servicing your customer better. Learn how to prioritize your time to follow through on customer inquiries and how to establish a customer service culture at your company. The seminar is sponsored by Hill Country Payroll and TCOR Insurance Management.

PICTURE YOURSELF A LEADER…

Want to learn about New Braunfels from the inside out? Do you want to acquire awesome leadership and team building skills in your personal, civic, and business life? Would you like to build new relationships and community contacts? Then the Chamber’s Leadership New Braunfels program could be just the ticket! Your year of adventure includes a team building retreat, learning the ins and outs of local government, generating dollars for the community, building and selling the image, the importance of volunteerism, local health and social services, and acquiring awesome leadership training. Don’t miss your opportunity to apply for the program today. Go to www.nbcham.org/lnb or call 830-625-2385 for more details. Picture yourself…a leader!

BOOTHS SELLING FAST FOR TRADE SHOW

“New Braunfels Business is Rockin’ Around the Clock” is the theme for the Chambers 23rd Annual Business Trade Show set for September 13 – 14. A record number of exhibitor booths have been planned and at press time only a dozen were still available. The show will feature exhibitors, entertainment, delicious food & beverages, seminars, silent auction and grand door prizes. Sponsorships are also available. To view current exhibitors and floor plan, confirmed sponsors and general show information go to www.nbtradeshow.com

COUNCIL CONVENES TODAY TWICE

The New Braunfels City Council will convene for a special meeting today to be briefed by Professor David Guinn concerning redistricting of City Council districts. Council will then reconvene in regular session beginning at 6pm with a presentation on river safety issues. The agenda includes an eleven-item consent agenda which includes approval of appointments to the CTTC Advisory Board, and ten-item action agenda which includes the second and final reading of an ordinance adopting a new flood prevention ordinance, approval of a resolution recommended by the NBIDC for funding a downtown public parking lease. Council will then go into closed session on four items. The meeting can be viewed on Time Warner Cable Channel 21.