Nov 18th through Nov 24th 2002
1) Your Chamber at Work
2) Government
3) Community News
1) YOUR CHAMBER AT WORK
The Education and Workforce Committee will meet Wednesday, Nov. 20 at 8 a.m. in the Boardroom.
Wednesday, November 20, 4:30 pm Ribbon Cutting for the Business Resource Center located at 400 S. Padre Island Drive, Suite 100. This is the collaborative efforts of the Hispanic Contractors Assn., Minority Opportunity Committee, Minority Business Development Center, Westside Business Assn. and The Black Chamber of Commerce.
Thursday, November 21 at 4:30 pm for Insalata located at 429 Schatzell. This is a new restaurant in the downtown area owned by Christy & Henry Reyes. Great Soups and Sandwiches!
Friday, November 22, at 11:00 am for the New Social Security Office located at 3801 S. Port at Crosstown between Horne & Port.
Friday, November 22, from 5:30 - 7:30 pm Chamber Mixer at Allen Samuels Chevrolet, celebrating their 10th Anniversary in Corpus Christi. Free networking event.
2) GOVERNMENT:
The Chamber will hold a reception in Austin for the TxDOT Commission and senior staff Wednesday night prior to our Thursday, November 21 presentation to the Commission. If you plan to be in Austin and would like to join us contact us for more information.
The Secretary of Defense released his letter on Base Realignment and Closure. He states that at a minimum BRAC 2005 must eliminate excess physical capacity, which perts scarce resources from needed defense capabilities. He goes on to state that BRAC 2005 can actually transform the Defense Department by reconfiguring current infrastructure into a more efficient and capable war-fighting infrastructure. This will mean a focus on opportunities for joint activity. Within 150 days recommendations will be made for specific functions to receive joint analysis. What will follow is a comprehensive infrastructure rationalization that includes a wide range of options for stationing and supporting forces rather than simply reducing the status quo.
The City Council will meet in a special session today to discuss wastewater and storm water issues and plans. They have a regular Council meeting planned for Tuesday starting at noon. The agenda includes discussion and revision of the Parks, Recreation and Open Space Master Plan and an overview of the 2002-2003 Capital Budget and Capital Improvement Plan. The Council will also adopt the City's legislative agenda for the 78th Texas Legislative Session.
State Senator Juan (Chuy) Hinojosa; Legislative Address for the Coastal Bend Region Luncheon
11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.; Wednesday, November 20, 2002; Omni Bayfront Hotel; $20.00 per person Table Reservation $225.00; Deadline: November 19, 2002; Call Anna M. Flores at 361-241-4535 for reservations.
The Navy League of the United States Corpus Christi Bay Area Council invites you to a recognition dinner honoring the Commanding Officer of NASCC Capt. Paula Hinger, USA on Thursday, November 21 at the Bay Club - NASCC; Cost: $15.00; RSVP: 866-1577. Remember to call and RSVP to get on the guest list at the security gate.
Note these important dates
January 14, 2003 - 78th Legislative Session Convenes
February 26, 2003 - Tentative Corpus Christi Day in Austin
March 14, 2003 - Bill Deadline Date
June 2, 2003 - 78th Legislature Sine die
3) COMMUNITY NEWS:
The Corpus Christi Metropolitan Organization (MPO) is holding public meetings to select projects for construction and improvement in the next three years. These meetings are being held to seek your opinion and support for the draft list of the streets, transit, and aviation improvement projects, the Draft Transportation Improvement Program (TIP).
The forthcoming meetings are on the following dates and locations.
1. Thursday, November 21, 2002, 10:30 a.m.: Port of Corpus Christi Authority, 2nd Floor, 1305 North Shoreline Boulevard
2. Thursday, November 21, 2002, 5:30 p.m.: Corpus Christi City Hall, Council Chambers, 1201 Leopard Street
3. Thursday, December 12, 2002, 1:30 p.m.: Port of Corpus Christi Authority, 1st Floor Board Room, 222 Power Street
The December 12, 2002 Meeting will be a public hearing conducted by the Transportation Policy Committee to review the suggested changes and approve the final Draft TIP.
Understanding Your Credit Report; Tuesday, November 19, 2002; 1:30 pm - 4:00 pm; Del Mar College (East Campus), Venters Business Bldg. Room 350; $15.00 Personal credit histories are having an increasing impact on business lending decisions. No matter how strong a borrower's business plan is, a poor personal credit history can prevent a business loan. The primary goal of this program is to give you the tools and knowledge needed to review your personal credit report periodically.
More than 60% of all personal credit reports have errors. When was the last time you reviewed your credit report for accuracy, and if you found an error, would you know how to correct it? This seminar will assist you with the following:
1. How to obtain a copy of your personal credit report.
2. How to read and understand your report.
3. How to properly rebuild poor credit.
4. How to repair incorrect credit.
5. How to understand credit "scoring".
SBA Contractor Programs for Disadvantaged Small Businesses; Thursday, November 21, 2002
1:30 pm - 4:00 pm; Del Mar College (East Campus), Venters Business Bldg. Room 350
No Charge The Small Business Administration and Del Mar College Small Business Development Center are pleased to announce a new series of workshops to be held the third Thursday of every month on SBA's programs for small contractors and entrepreneurs. The workshops are designed to give disadvantaged small businesses first-hand knowledge of the programs available to them for assistance in competing for federal contracts. The workshops will cover the following subjects:
¨ SBDC/PTAC Programs and Services:
¨ 8(a) Program: A business development program aimed at helping disadvantaged small businesses reach a point of self-sufficiency and competitive viability. The workshop will instruct businesses on obtaining 8(a) certification.
¨ SDB Program: A new program aimed at assisting small disadvantaged businesses competing for federal contracts by giving a "price evaluation adjustment" of up to 10% for SDB's bidding as prime contractors.
¨ HUB Zone Program: A federal program which provides federal contracting assistance for qualified small business concerns located in historically underutilized business zones.
¨ SBA Loan Briefing
IRS E-FILE WORKSHOP; Friday, November 22, 2002; 8:00 am - 2:00 pm; Del Mar College (East Campus), 101 Baldwin, Library Bldg. Room 433; Free of Charge All tax preparers are invited to attend this free session. Attendance at these workshops will qualify for Continuing Professional Education (CPE) credits. State boards of accountancy have final authority on the acceptance of inpidual courses. Workshop topics will include:
· Overview of SBDC/PTAC Services
· 2003 Filing Season e-file Changes
· ERO Responsibilities/Monitoring Issues
· 2002 Tax Law Changes
· EIC/Due Diligence
· Electronic Filing of W2's/SSA
Can't wait til the workshop? You can get access to tons of information about the e-file program by visiting our web site: www.irs.gov Go to the Electronic Services Section to get instant access to:
· E-file demographic and psycho graphic reports
· E-file marketing tool kit
· E-file technical publications
· E-file provider locator service
To register or for more information, please contact Zuzana at (361) 698-2220 or e-mail her at zzambrano@delmar.edu
You're invited to help celebrate our community's accomplishments in the last election. We are on the move -- moving forward and that's worth celebrating! The community is invited to join Forward Corpus Christi on the patio at the Executive Surf Club on Wednesday, November 20 from 5 p.m. till 8 p.m. or whenever . . . Appetizers and a cash bar will be provided. It's open mic night too!
A weekly e-mailed update for members of the Corpus Christi Chamber of Commerce
Please e-mail comments or suggestions to tniskala@theccchamber.org
