March 9, 2021
NOMINATE YOUR FAVORITE SMALL BUSINESS FOR THIS YEAR'S SMALL BUSINESS AWARDS
You interact with hundreds of businesses each week. Now, think of those that are doing exceptional work, whose contributions to our community are elevating our region and who make your life just a little bit better. Got them in mind? Nominate them for the Small Business Awards Luncheon sponsored by America's SBDC at Texas Tech, Keep It Local Driven by First Financial Bank, Star Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram and Hyundai.

Deadline is March 31

NEW BUSINESS OF THE YEAR AWARD The New Business of the Year Award is to recognize a new business Chamber member operating for more than one year and less than three years that has gained an expanding positive reputation. Nominees must have fewer than 25 full-time equivalent employees. Judging for this award will be based on potential community impact, use of innovation and technology as well as business growth.

SMALL BUSINESS YOUNG ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR Chamber member, business owner who has owned their business for more than one year, under the age of 40 who has taken risks in business – started a new venture; expanded into a new area; taken on a difficult project; someone whose thinking is “outside the box”; an astute businessperson with a vision for the future.

THE COMMUNITY INVESTMENT AWARD is to recognize a local Chamber member business with fewer than 25 full-time equivalent employees, for its outstanding community service contributions such as special programs, partnerships, in-kind support of goods and services, employee volunteerism or other activities that have resulted in a positive impact on our community and citizens. Judges will consider all nominees for their impact, creativity, commitment and employee participation.

FAMILY-OWNED BUSINESS OF THE YEAR AWARD This award honors a family-owned and operated business with less than 25 full-time employees. The owner must also serve as a majority owner and operator or bear principal responsibility for operating a small business with at least 10 years. They must demonstrate increased employment opportunities for family members and non-family members.

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE $1.9T COVID BILL NEARING FINAL PASSAGE
The Senate approved a pandemic relief package over Republican opposition on Saturday that would provide $1,400 checks for most Americans and direct billions of dollars to schools, state and local governments, and businesses.

AID TO THE UNEMPLOYED
Expanded unemployment benefits from the federal government would be extended through Sept. 6 at $300 a week. That’s on top of what beneficiaries are getting through their state unemployment insurance program. The first $10,200 of jobless benefits would be non-taxable for households with incomes under $150,000.

Additionally, the measures provides a 100% subsidy of COBRA health insurance premiums to ensure that the laid-off workers can remain on their employer health plans at no cost through the end of September.
PROPOSAL AT ABILENE CITY COUNCIL MEETING COULD ALLOW CARRYING ALCOHOL WHILE WALKING AROUND DOWNTOWN
Abilene City Manager Robert Hanna will propose turning downtown into an entertainment district at this Thursday’s city council meeting. 

Council will be talking about giving residents money back after the unprecedented winter storm, helping Wylie ISD get some new water lines, and what residents would like to see in Abilene in the future.

First let’s get to your water bill. 

The council may approve a resolution to offer residents who had a leak during the winter storm a credit of two units of water.
ABILENE HOUSING REPORT
from Abilene Association of Realtors
WHAT WE'RE READING

States With Diverse Economies Prove Favorable for Investments

Texas has been the leading state for major construction and job creation projects for nine consecutive years, according to an analysis by Site Selection Magazine.


Anticipated Federal Restrictions Would Slow Permian Basin Production

Possible changes to oil leasing and permitting requirements governing federal lands could shift oil production, prompting a realignment of Permian Basin activity between Texas and New Mexico. Half of New Mexico’s production comes from federal acreage in the Permian Basin, and the anticipated actions would slow economic growth, adversely affecting that state's employment and tax collections.


Texas House reveals 7 priority bills to address winter electric grid crisis

On Monday, Speaker Dade Phelan (R – Beaumont) announced the House’s first seven priority bills that aim to protect consumers, and strengthen the state’s electric grid after the winter freeze in February left millions in the dark.
You don't want to miss these upcoming events for
your business.


MARCH 10 HOW TO DEVELOP A CAPABILITIES STATEMENT Everyone knows what a great resume can do you’re their career, but what about a great resume for your company? Come learn about the basics of developing a Capabilities Statement. A Capabilities Statement is the “Resume for your business” and it tells potential clients who you are, what you do, and how you are different from your competitors. You’ll learn to identify the key components of a capabilities statement and identify how a strong Capabilities Statement can help you do more business in the public sector. Register here.

MARCH 17 BUSINESS EDGE: Remote Work: Infrastructure Needs
Most companies in the last year were thrust into the decision to have more flexibility when it came to remote vs office work. In this month’s Business Edge, we’ll explore the infrastructure needs businesses need to be successful with our partners from Datroo Technologies. Register here.

MARCH 18 BUSINESS BEFORE AFTER HOURS SPONSORED BY TOLAR SYSTEMS, INC. Monthly evening social business networking event. Open to sponsor employees and guests, Chamber members and prospective members. Features a short presentation and update on Chamber activities. Register here.

MARCH 24 SECURITY AWARENESS Did you know your team is your first line of defense when it comes to your business’s cybersecurity? Learn how to boost your defenses by training your team on Security Awareness. This virtual webinar is free and open to the public. Register here.

MARCH 25 & 26, APRIL 1 & 2 ELEMENTS OF SUCCESSFUL PHILANTHROPY VIRTUAL TRAINING SERIES The Friends of the Texas Historical Commission are leading this series on development training suited for large and small organizations from any discipline with limited development staff. They will highlight the best practices while facilitating dynamic group interactions to help attendees build and strengthen their fundraising "tool-kit" so they can more effectively and sustainably achieve their mission. Click Here to learn more and Click Here to Register Now.

APRIL 13 GOVERNMENT CONTRACT TRAINING Have interest in working with the government? Want to learn more about proposal writing techniques and pricing methods? Join us for this full day workshop on April 13 8:00 am - 4:00 pm featuring Sandra Burns, CEO, and Greg Hansen, CFO, of Project Solutions, Inc (PSI). Register here.