Dec 15, 2020
ABILENE CITY COUNCIL TO VOTE ON BUDGET CUTS
The Abilene City Council will vote Thursday on whether to not to approve budget cuts proposed for next year. Some of those cuts include ending support for the 211 helpline, a dental assistance program, the Adaptive Recreation Center, and a senior transportation program. City Manager Robert Hanna is already developing a partnership with United Way to continue the 211 helpline and plans to look for a nonprofit partner to take over services provided by the Adaptive Recreation Center. "The program isn't going to open up for fiscal year 21. It's just not,” Hanna said. "So, I think we have at least, if not more, ten months to work with community partners to continue the program through a nonprofit. That's really what I'm telling council that I will do and that's what I'm asking council to approve.” Hanna adds that it is a "needed" program and that while none of the recommended cuts were easy to make, these are services not typically provided by local governments. (Source: KACU)
TEXAS READIES FOR CORONAVIRUS VACCINE
This weekend, Texas received 224,250 doses of Pfizer's COVID-19 vaccine. The first week's allocation to Texas will be shipped to 109 hospitals in 34 counties. First in line for the vaccine, according to a state allocation panel, will be hospital staff working directly with coronavirus patients, long-term care staff working with vulnerable residents, emergency workers, and home health care workers.
To read more, click here. 
TEXAS GOVERNOR SAYS COMPANIES MOVING HEADQUARTERS TO THE STATE HAS TURNED INTO A ‘TIDAL WAVE’
Governor Greg Abbott reported that the pandemic's impact has caused a 'tidal wave' of businesses relocating their headquarters to Texas. Notable companies that have recently relocated include software giant Oracle, Hewlett Packard Enterprise, and real estate giant CBRE. Governor Abbott credits the state's heightened sense of independence and autonomy for its growing appeal to business leaders. 
To read more, click here.  
WHAT WE'RE READING

How Communities Can Attract and Retain Remote Workers

A 2018 Washington Post article focused on a Gallup Poll which found many urban residents would like to make a move to rural America: 27% said a rural area would be their ideal community, while only 12% responded that they prefer a big city. Due to the high cost of living in big metros (particularly housing) and stressors such as traffic and long lines, these findings aren’t that surprising (especially if the responder just sat in traffic for an hour only to arrive home to their monthly rent bill due).


10 Tips to Help New Business Owners Get Off to a Solid Start

When you’re getting a new business off the ground, it can be tough to find what areas to focus on. From networking to branding, there are plenty of tasks that require your attention. Luckily, members of the online small business community have been there. So they have insights to share that can help those just starting out. See their top tips from this week below.
You don't want to miss these upcoming event for
your business.

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.