local business

Last Of Perry Business Tax Cuts Goes Through With Key Oversight Provision

Ryan Poppe — Thu, 23 May 2013 17:16:36 +0000

A Democratic senator was able to add a last-minute provision to the last of Gov. Rick Perry’s business tax cut bills calling for more oversight and monitoring of the program.

Sen. Rodney Ellis, D-Houston, was able to add his provision to House Bill 500, which provides Texas small businesses with $600 million in tax cuts.

The attachment bill would have the Texas Comptroller review the businesses receiving a tax cut to be sure such cuts were effective.

Southside Street Project Boosting Growth For Area Schools, Businesses

Eileen Pace — Thu, 23 May 2013 16:02:55 +0000

The city has begun a major "complete streets" project on Villaret Boulevard, which spans east and west on the city's Southside.

Once completed, the $7 million project will double the width of Villaret Boulevard the length of Palo Alto College, a drainage system will be installed to prevent flooding in future storms, and there will be lighting, curbs, sidewalks, and bike lanes.

These improvements are needed to keep up with continued growth of Palo Alto, as well as housing and industry locating in that part of town.

The Source: Teen Pregnancy, Joske's & Genetic Counseling

Paul Flahive — Mon, 20 May 2013 17:09:50 +0000

In the first segment:

Texas ranks third in teen pregnancy nationwide and first in teen moms with multiple children. Even with the drop in teen pregnancy that the city has seen, what else can be done to empower teenage girls and address this life-changing issue?

Aerospace & Manufacturing Industries Still Have Jobs To Fill

Eileen Pace — Fri, 17 May 2013 16:14:18 +0000

Business and education leaders met this week about guiding more workers into the aerospace and manufacturing pipeline because there still are not enough workers to fill jobs available in San Antonio.

The meeting offered local aerospace and manufacturing business leaders the chance to speak with school districts and the Alamo Colleges about several pressing items:

Jump-Start Theater's Lease Expiring, Blue Star Looking Forward

Joey Palacios — Fri, 17 May 2013 15:00:09 +0000

For about the last 20 years the Jump-Start Performance Company could been seen on stage at the Blue Star Arts Complex, but now they are looking for a new home.

Jump-Start started producing it’s cutting-edge performances at the Blue Star’s theater space before there were First Fridays, before there was a Southtown scene.

That scene is now about to be without its most theatrical presence.

Gov. Perry Closer To Getting His $1.8 Billion In Businesses Tax Breaks

Ryan Poppe — Thu, 16 May 2013 19:29:08 +0000

A bill that provides $630 million worth of tax incentives has already made its way out of the House, and is now heading to the Senate floor for a vote.

The bill has been altered from its original wording, streamlining those benefiting down to one business group.

The Source: Business Incentives & The Book 'Debtors' Prison'

Paul Flahive — Thu, 16 May 2013 17:55:52 +0000

In the first segment:

When cities and counties try to attract big businesses, they have several tools in their toolbox. Tax abatements or breaks to businesses that bring jobs have become the new normal, so are they worth it?

Today we talk with Brian Kelsey, professor at the University of Texas, Austin and principle at Civic Analytics, and with David Marquez from Bexar County Economic Development about what these all mean and why cities and counties are going this route.

The Source: Business Friendly San Antonio

Paul Flahive — Wed, 15 May 2013 17:42:30 +0000

In the first segment:

San Antonio was given an A in terms of business friendliness by thumbtack.com. What does it mean to be business-friendly? And is it all that is cracked up to be?

Hispanic Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Ramiro Cavazos joins us to speak to the business environment here in San Antonio.

Technology Industry Thriving In The Lone Star State

Eileen Pace — Wed, 15 May 2013 17:25:28 +0000

Texas is making headlines in the tech industry as a report released today by the TechAmerica Foundation indicated that Texas is now second only to California in the number of high-tech jobs.

Latinos May Need More Than 'Miracle' To Prosper In Texas

editor — Fri, 10 May 2013 14:08:50 +0000

Story as it aired on KUT 90.5 FM

President Obama brought a message of economic recovery when he visited Austin yesterday, the first stop in his “Middle Class Jobs and Opportunity Tour.” Latinos in the U.S., however, are trailing behind the national average in unemployment. So how are they’re doing when it comes to finding work in the home of the “Texas miracle?"