Dec 11, 2020
NEW DEFENSE PLAN TO PRESIDENT CAPS B-1 BOMBER REDUCTION AT 4 OVER FIVE YEARS
Only four instead of 17 “combat coded” bombers are targeted for permanent retirement over the next five years, U.S. Rep. Jodey Arrington reported Thursday.

That plan is included in the 2021 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) that Arrington said has cleared the U.S. Senate and is on its way to President Trump.

Arrington said the plan could be vetoed, but “I think it’s significant that it passed the House and Senate, was conferenced and is on its way to the president.” If passed, however, it provides a more detailed blueprint for the Air Force. “Anything can happen in five years ... we’re going to have another NDAA and other bills, but let me tell you something, that is about as good as it gets,” Arrington said. “I am surprised.”
AMID COVID-19 RESTRICTIONS, ABILENE HOLDS 3RD-LOWEST UNEMPLOYMENT RATE IN TEXAS
The City of Abilene has apparently been able to maintain a relatively strong workforce through the pandemic, coming in with the third-lowest unemployment rate in Texas. 

“If Texas has one of the best unemployment rates in the nation, I would think that Abilene is right up there being one of the best unemployment rates in the nation,” said David Smith, regional director for the Texas Tech Small Business Development Center. 

David says that right now businesses are looking to hire instead of fire. 

“I talked to two small business owners, actually restaurant owners, and they have actually been looking for help and trying to find help, and have actually had a difficult time getting people to come back to work,” said Smith.  
ABILENE RESTAURANT BRACES FOR HARDSHIP AS STATE-ORDERED COVID RESTRICTIONS TAKE EFFECT IN BIG COUNTRY
The owner of Heff’s burgers says small businesses are being unfairly targeted in this second round of coronavirus restrictions, putting undue strain on owners already well-battered from months of shutdown and slow operations.

As Trauma Service Area D, which contains the Big Country and Taylor County, continues to exceed a COVID hospitalization rate of 15%, businesses must operate at 50% capacity and bars have been ordered to close per orders from Governor Abbott.

Brenda Heffernan, owner of Heff’s Burgers, says the impact of the restrictions will reflect where it matters most: in her bank balance and those of her employees.
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DEC 14 TXBIZ TALKS WITH LT. GOVERNOR DAN PATRICK With the 87th Session just around the corner, join us as we continue the TCCE Government Affairs series in a partnership event with the Texas Association of Business for a conversation with Lt. Governor Dan Patrick. In this session we will discuss the state's economy, legislative priorities and the Texas response to COVID. Register here.

DEC 15 CAN YOU WEATHER THE STORM? Tips on Budgeting, KPIs, and Reviewing Financial Statements, Tuesday, Dec. 15, 2 p.m. CT. Register here.

DEC 16 COMMISSIONER OF TEXAS EDUCATION AGENCY The TCCE Government Affairs series continues with a conversation with TEA Commissioner Mike Morath. Education and workforce remain key priorities for business and our state. COVID-19 has put new pressure on both the state budget and the state's education system. Learn how we will weather the storm and continue building great young people and an excellent future workforce. Register here.

DEC 17 WHAT'S NEXT FOR GLOBAL TRAVEL Go behind-the-scenes with top luxury travel advisors for perspective on the current state of travel, what luxury guests are looking for in 2021, and how advisors are addressing guest health safety concerns. This powerhouse panel offers incredible insight into the global travel market as it evolves through the pandemic and into the future. Register here.

DEC 18 GROW WITH GOOGLE WEBINAR - MAKE BETTER BUSINESS DECISIONS WITH ANALYTICS - PART 2
Learn best practices and analyze trends about how customers engage with your business online, then turn these insights into well-informed, actionable decisions. Register here.

JAN 13 INTRODUCTION TO GOVERNMENT CONTRACTING The Federal Government spends over half of a trillion dollars on goods and services each year. States and local governments spend 1.5 trillion dollars on goods and services cumulatively each year. This webinar covers the basics of doing business in the public sector at all levels. Register here.