Community Betterment | Convention & Visitors Bureau | Economic Development

Economic Indicators | Membership Services & Outreach | Public Policy

ISSUE: 24 JUNE 21, 2010

CVB WORK POST FLOOD UNDERWAY

Possibly the greatest challenge following the Flood of 2010 is tasked to the Chamber's C&VB to convince potential visitors to keep their plans to visit the community this summer. Hundreds of stories about the flood reached circulation of over 200 million across the state and nation and photos taken have been placed on the World Wide Web via Facebook and other mediums that leave a lasting impression. To try and turn this around, a comprehensive campaign was approved by the C&VB Strategy and Steering Committee last Wednesday and parts of the plan are already underway. The CVB will "hit the road" and appear on multiple morning shows across the state before the July 4th holiday weekend and local residents are urged to go to their Facebook page and post positive recovery and "after" photos so that the search engines will begin picking up that versus the June 9 images. Residents can also go to nbcc@nbcham.org and we will post those images for you.

SCHENDEL HONORED FOR SUPPORT OF VETERANS

At today's Chamber Board of Directors meeting, John Schendel of the American Legion received a Chair of the Board Award in the field of veterans affairs. No more than six individuals are chosen for the Chair of the Board Award each year. Schendel joined the American Legion locally in 1992 following a twenty-three year career in the U.S. Air Force. He has held many positions there including Post Commander and works with other local veterans organizations in the county to assist veterans. Schendel is also known locally as the "Weather Guru" on KGNB Radio. Congratulations, Guru!

EDUCATION COMMISSIONER ADDRESSES CHAMBER BOARD

Texas Education Agency Commissioner Robert Scott was the guest speaker at today's Chamber Board of Directors meeting held at noon in Honors Hall. Scott is a graduate of New Braunfels Canyon High School and has appeared as the keynoter at many Chamber "Back to School" luncheons in the past. Scott updated Chamber Board members and guests on current activities at his agency. Scott was appointed head of the TEA by Governor Perry in 2007. The TEA overseas the states 1,200 school districts and charter schools. Scott's parents reside in New Braunfels and their home has water from the heavy run-off June 9. Scott talked about career and tech education, dropouts, student performance, the upcoming state session and HB 3.

NEWBRAUNFELS.TV DEBUTS

A web-based television channel just for New Braunfels debuted last Saturday. NewBraunfels.tv is a project of your Chamber in partnership with TIP Jar Productions and AMMO Advertising. The group will produce a live show every other Saturday morning from 9:00 to 11:00 am and viewers can log on to www.newbraunfels.tv and live chat during the show. Podcasts of the show are also available online. The Chamber's Convention and Visitors Bureau was looking for a way to give citizens and potential visitors an on-demand way to get information on the community. A goal of the NewBraunfels.tv is to be able to drive traffic to the Chamber's website and give local businesses added exposure. Log in, tune in and see what you think!

GET "EMOTIONAL" ABOUT SEMINAR

Wouldn't it be great if you could put the assets and information technology of the Gallup organization to work for your business? Well, that's just what is possible if you sign up for the latest NB Business University seminar set for Wednesday, June 30 at the Civic/Convention Center. "The Emotional Economy" is being presented by Jeff Tobaben, the managing partner of Gallup's Texas operations. Learn what's most important to your employees and to your customers, and how that translates into real profits for your business. During this half-day session you will have the opportunity to participate in discussions and activities that will help accelerate the profitability of your business. You can register online at www.nbcham.org/seminar . Registration and continental breakfast begins at 8:00 am with the seminar beginning promptly at 8:30 am. For over 70 years Gallup has been measuring what's on the hearts and minds of the world's population around issues including politics, the environment, and the economy.

HEALTH PROFESSIONS "FOCUSED"

The Texas Workforce Commission and your Chamber hosted two days of focus groups last week in Honors Hall with members of local healthcare facilities, the hospital, physicians, assisted living personnel, and rehabilitation centers. A Workforce Commission data specialist used the setting to interview the attendees on health career needs that they are currently experiencing. All those participating agreed that front office staff and skilled nurses and technicians are in a critical shortage in the New Braunfels and Comal County area. The information gathered with be used to present to state and local leaders as workforce training curriculum and sites for training will be expanded to correct these shortages.

FLOOD DAMAGE PERMITTING MEETING TODAY

The City will host a public meeting to discuss the permitting process for repair/reconstruction of flood damaged properties today at 6:00 pm in the Civic/Convention Center meeting rooms. Depending upon the location of the property, there may be critical FEMA guidelines that must be met in order to repair, rebuild or reconstruct any structure. Construction without proper permits and/or meeting FEMA guidelines could result in modification or removal of unpermitted or unauthorized work. A fact sheet summarizing the permitting process is available on the City's website at www.nbtexas.org .

ALMOST TIME TO BOARD THE BUS

Comal County Commissioner Greg Parker and the AACOG Regional Transportation Department have been working on a new bus route system for the community. The new routes may go into effect this fall. Parker, the Regional Transportation Director for AACOG and Chamber staff met last Thursday and reviewed the proposed routes. Alamo Regional Transit (ART) already provides transportation for area residents on demand. The new routes will serve local medical, retail and employers. Almost time to board the bus!

TRADE SHOW "STAYING ALIVE"

The Chamber's 22^nd Business Trade Show will be held at the New Braunfels Civic/Convention Center September 14 - 15. The Theme for this year's show is "Business in New Braunfels is Staying Alive". Eighty-six exhibit spaces will fill the exhibit hall and ballroom and only nine booth spaces are available. For information on these spaces as well as sponsorship opportunities contact Shana at 608-2805. Claim your booth and profits at the upcoming "Staying Alive" Business Trade Show!

TRUANCY COMMITTEE NOT ABSENT IDEAS

The Chamber's Business Education Partnership Committee met in joint session with their Truancy Subcommittee last Thursday in Honors Hall. Judge Charles Stephens chaired the meeting and the group heard from a Dallas-based truancy management company. The program presented may be considered as an option for local schools as attendance issues are addressed. The group is also addressing learning and reading problems as well as social and family related issues to work together to help students stay in school.

Quote of the Week:

"The difference between good and great is just a little extra effort."

Duffy Daugherty, former football coach

The Week Ahead:

Monday:

12:00 pm – Chamber Board of Directors

Tuesday:

7:30 am - Executive Committee

Wednesday:

9:30 am - IH-35 Corridor - Kyle

12:30pm – 1:00 pm - "Inside the Chamber" Radio Show

3:00 pm - Braunfels Foundation Trust