Latest News
Austin HSEM Launches Regional Bomb-Making Materials Awareness Program
By Austin Journal | Apr 26, 2024
Austin’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management (HSEM) has introduced the Bomb-Making Materials Awareness Program (BMAP) in the capital area. The initiative, funded by the State Homeland Security Grant Program, aims to prevent domestic terrorism by educating businesses about potential threats related to explosive materials.HSEM Director Ken Snipes emphasized the importance of prevention and risk management, stating, “BMAP is one way our office is increasing capacity beyond emergency management response.” This program marks a significant step in enhancing...
Austin Small Business Week Celebrates Entrepreneurship and Local Business Community
By Austin Journal | Apr 23, 2024
The Economic Development Department is thrilled to announce a weeklong series of small business training sessions tailored for entrepreneurs, creatives, non-profits, and cooperatives during Austin Small Business Week from April 29 to May 3. These sessions are in person at the Economic Development Department office at 5202 East Ben White Blvd., Suite 300. Attendees will gain access to a diverse range of educational topics covering small business management, marketing, finance, and more. All sessions and events are open to the public at no cost."Austin Small Business Week...
Earth Day dollars: Austin Energy awarded part of a $250 million Solar for All federal grant
By Austin Journal | Apr 22, 2024
Austin Energy and the Texas Solar for All Coalition are celebrating Earth Day 2024 and a quarter-billion-dollar federal grant that will give millions of low-income households access to affordable and resilient renewable energy."We are incredibly excited about how this grant helps the City of Austin reduce pollution, create green jobs and directly benefit our historically disadvantaged communities as we create Austin’s clean energy future," expressed Austin Energy Vice President of Customer Energy Solutions Richard Génecé. He emphasized, "By focusing on expanding access to...
Austin-Bergstrom celebrates start of construction on key Journey With AUS expansion project
By Austin Journal | Apr 22, 2024
Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) marked a significant milestone with a groundbreaking ceremony for the West Infill and Transportation Security Administration (TSA) Checkpoint 3 Expansion project. The expansion, part of the airport's Journey With AUS program, aims to enhance the passenger experience and meet the growing demand for air service in Austin and Central Texas.City of Austin Assistant City Manager, Robert Goode, highlighted the importance of the project, stating, “As Austin grows, so does our airport. Near-term projects like this one will provide...
UT, ACC, Texas Institute for Electronics to Launch Semiconductor Training Center to Meet Industry Workforce Needs
By Austin Journal | Mar 28, 2024
A new partnership between The University of Texas at Austin, Austin Community College District, and Texas Institute for Electronics (TIE) aims to address the workforce needs of America's semiconductor industry by launching a Semiconductor Training Center in Central Texas. This collaboration seeks to bridge the gap in skilled labor within the semiconductor field by providing comprehensive education and training opportunities.President Jay Hartzell emphasized UT's commitment to advancing the semiconductor industry, stating, "UT has a rich history as a leader in the...
Red velvet cookie dough offers sweet holiday indulgence
By Austin Journal | Mar 19, 2024
Get ready to indulge in a journey that dances with festivity and delight.
Kozy's Ice Cream introduces bold new flavors with cheesecake and molasses
By Austin Journal | Mar 19, 2024
Kozy's Ice Cream has introduced a new range of flavors designed to offer a unique dessert experience.
City Council approves $28M in tree trimming funds for Austin Energy
By Austin Journal | Mar 13, 2024
The Austin City Council has approved a contract extension worth up to $28 million for tree trimming and vegetation management around Austin Energy's electrical distribution lines. The extension will last until the end of 2024 and is intended to address the depletion of funds from existing contracts, due to rate adjustments and multiple weather events.
Austin LGBT Chamber of Commerce announces 2024 board members
By Austin Journal | Feb 19, 2024
The Austin LGBT Chamber of Commerce recently unveiled its 2024 board members and expressed appreciation for the contributions of outgoing members. The organization plays a pivotal role as the main resource for the LGBTQ+ and allied business community in Austin.
SSOE Group announces opening of Austin office
By Austin Journal | Feb 19, 2024
SSOE Group, an internationally recognized architecture and engineering firm with a focus on semiconductor, electric vehicle, and battery manufacturing, has announced the grand opening of its new office in Austin. The office is located at 1701 Directors Boulevard and was inaugurated with a ribbon-cutting ceremony.
Amy's Ice Creams launches nostalgic s'mores kit for holidays
By Austin Journal | Feb 6, 2024
With the holiday season approaching, Amy's Ice Creams has introduced a new product aimed at evoking childhood memories.
Texas drivers saw 25% car insurance rate increase in 2023
By Austin Journal | Jan 23, 2024
The Zebra, a digital platform facilitating insurance policy comparisons, announced on Jan. 21 that drivers in Texas experienced an average surge of 25% in their car insurance rates between 2022 and 2023. This rate hike was greater than the inflation rate within the auto insurance industry, yet it fell short of the increases witnessed in several other states.
Abbott leads economic development mission to India
By Austin Journal | Jan 20, 2024
Governor Greg Abbott is currently visiting India, a Southwest Asian nation with a population of over 1 billion. The Office of the Texas Governor has characterized this visit as an economic development mission. The delegation from the Lone Star state will be in India for at least a week, meeting with company executives, business leaders, and government officials.
Austin Chamber of Commerce attends Happy Health & Wellness grand opening
By Austin Journal | Jan 15, 2024
The Austin Chamber of Commerce participated in a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Dec. 18, marking the grand opening of an integrative medical clinic, Happy Health & Wellness, in Oak Hill. The newly established wellness center aims to offer both traditional and integrative medicine to the Austin community.
Paxton: Texas has led the nation in the fight to hold giant tech companies accountable for monopolistic activity
By Austin Journal | Dec 28, 2023
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has announced a $700 million settlement with Google over anticompetitive practices. The agreement, which is supported by his counterparts in other states and territories, requires Google to pay $630 million in restitution, excluding costs and fees, to individuals who made purchases on the Google Play Store between August 2016 and September 2023 and were adversely affected by these practices, according to the state's top law enforcement officer.
Austin Chamber names 2024 board chair and chair-elect
By Austin Journal | Dec 15, 2023
The Austin Chamber has unveiled its board leadership for the 2024-2025 term. Rudy Garza, the President and CEO of GarzaEMC, is slated to assume the role of board chair in 2024. Meanwhile, Mark Ramseur, Managing Principal of Pape-Dawson Engineers, will serve as the chair-elect in 2024 before assuming the position of board chair in 2025.
AUS named Medium-Sized Airport of the Year
By Austin Journal | Dec 9, 2023
The city of Austin has announced that the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) has been named Medium-Sized Airport of the Year by CAPA - Centre for Aviation. This accolade underscores AUS's remarkable increase in passenger and airline activity during the post-pandemic period.
Austin and Chiang Mai sign New Sister City Partnership to boost trade, culture, and security collaboration
By Austin Journal | Dec 4, 2023
On November 12th, an important agreement was signed between the cities of Austin and Chiang Mai at Austin City Hall. Kirk Watson, the Mayor of Austin, and Nirat Phongsittithaworn, the Governor of Chiang Mai, initiated a partnership that aims to strengthen ties between these two diverse cities.
Abbott on upcoming Governor’s Small Business Summit in Houston: 'Texas offers more of these growth opportunities than any other state'
By Austin Journal | Dec 4, 2023
Governor Greg Abbott has announced that Houston will be the host city for the 2023 Governor’s Small Business Summit, an event designed to honor women business owners and entrepreneurs. This announcement was made by the Office of the Texas Governor, who noted that these summits serve as a platform to assist the state's small business owners and entrepreneurs with accessing necessary resources and information needed to establish their businesses.
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UFCU opens Georgetown branch
By Austin Journal | Nov 29, 2023
University Federal Credit Union (UFCU) announced the opening of its innovative and first-of-its-kind branch in Georgetown, Texas. This new branch offers a range of services, including a 24/7 drive-through and walk-up ATM, a self-serve coin-counting machine, safe deposit boxes, and personalized financial expertise. The branch opened with the aim of improving financial accessibility for both existing members and the wider community.