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Saenz named executive director of TxDOT29-year veteran state employee works way up to top of agency
Amadeo Saenz (pictured), a state transportation engineer with 29 years of state experience, is the new executive director of the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT). Saenz, a native of Hebbronville, began his career with TxDOT in 1978 as an engineering lab assistant and worked his way up to the executive director position. The Texas Transportation Commission announced the promotion on Thursday. Saenz replaces Michael W. Behrens, who retired as executive director on Aug. 31. Behrens, a 37-year TxDOT veteran, served six years as head of the state's transportation agency. "Amadeo has the unique combination of experience, knowledge and skill necessary to lead TxDOT and meet the growing transportation challenge we face in Texas," said Ric Williamson, commission chairman. [more]TxDOT officials: No funds, no new road projects
Rising costs, shrinking federal funds and a ban on most private toll road deals could combine to force the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) to scale back construction projects, state transportation officials said this week. Without policy changes in the near future, Texans won't see any new road projects slated for next year, TxDOT officials told the Texas Transportation Commission during a public discussion of the agency's finances Thursday. The cuts will begin later this fiscal year, and by 2010 the state will essentially have no money for new roads, said Commission Chairman Ric Williamson. The projects affected will be those designed to build new roads or add lanes to existing roads. Projects already under contract and those designed to maintain or rehabilitate existing roads won't be cut. The reductions come at a time when experts are warning that Texas needs to spend more to fight worsening traffic congestion and air quality. A national study by the Texas Transportation Institute released last week revealed that rush-hour congestion in the Dallas, Austin and Houston areas are among the worst in the nation. Strategic Partnerships salutes Texas' Lone Stars
This week's salute is to John O'Brien, director, Legislative Budget BoardCareer highlights and education: I got a B.A. from Kalamazoo College, a small liberal arts college in Michigan. I'm a 1981 graduate of the LBJ School of Public Affairs at UT-Austin. I've worked at the LBB since 1989. What I like best about my job is: The budget is the broadest policy document the legislature deals with every two years, and there is so much to learn each session by working on the budget and observing the appropriations process. Advice I would give a new hire in my office: Talk with your colleagues when you have questions about your job. They are the best source of information on what it takes to get up to speed and become an effective team member. If I ever snuck out of work early, I could probably be found: on the hike and bike trail or at a movie. People would be surprised to know that I: I'm drive-through challenged. I can't remember what my kids want and rarely get the order right. Their laughter only exacerbates the situation. One thing I wish more people knew about my agency: The more you (agencies and institutions) help us understand your programs and financial needs, the more we can help the legislature understand those needs and make informed decisions. Each week, the Texas Government Insider profiles a key government executive or decision-maker. If you would like to suggest a "Lone Star," please email us at editor@spartnerships.com. Coby Shorter named Deputy Secretary of State
Coby Shorter III (pictured) of Austin has been tapped by Texas Secretary of State Phil Wilson to serve as Deputy Secretary of State. Shorter currently serves as director of governmental appointments in the office of Gov. Rick Perry. Wilson called Shorter a "dedicated and accomplished public servant" whose "experience and knowledge of government will be a tremendous asset" to the Secretary of State's office. Shorter also served as director for agriculture and conservation under then-Gov. George W. Bush, was director for agribusiness development at the Texas Department of Agriculture and was an aide to former U.S. Sen. Phil Gramm of Texas. Shorter is a graduate of Texas A&M University. As Deputy Secretary of State, Shorter will oversee the daily operations of the agency, including elections, business and public filings and border and Mexican affairs. There's good news, bad news for Texas teachers
There's good news and bad news for Texas teachers. The good news - the state is going to pick up the tab for fingerprinting and background checks required of public school teachers and other workers who are part of the public school system. The law calling for these checks was passed during the last legislative session, but the funding for the costs was stripped from the budget. This week, legislative leaders directed the Texas Education Agency to shift funding necessary to pay the $50 fee for fingerprinting and background checks. Until that happened, teachers and education workers were facing having to pay the fees themselves. Now to the bad news... Part of a new statewide teacher merit program that goes into effect during the 2008-09 school year will have to be paid for by the local school districts. Districts were notified this week by the TEA that to participate in the program, they must provide a matching 15 percent for the first year of the program, 25 percent for the second year and 35 percent for the third year. The program offers cash awards to teachers who improve student achievement. Some teacher groups say this will force districts to use funding for these incentives that might have been better used elsewhere. Web site gives more details of border fence plansThe first precise details of the proposed 102-mile border fence along the Texas-Mexico border show that the longest continuous spans would be in Cameron and Starr counties. The proposal includes 70 miles of fencing in the Rio Grande Valley and includes a 17-mile section that would trace along most of downtown Brownsville. The latest information was filed Monday on the Federal Register Web site by U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. According to the Web site, the fence would be a 16-foot-high structure that is ''aesthetically pleasing," but strong enough to withstand a crash by a 10,000-pound vehicle traveling 40 mph. The Rio Grande Valley would hold 70 percent of the nation's border barrier. The next location tapped to hold a high concentration of fencing is a portion of southern California, at just 12 miles. President George W. Bush signed the Border Fence Act in 2006, which calls for 700 miles of fencing along the Southwest border to control and deter the influx of illegal immigrants and contraband into the United States. Willerson leaving UT Health Science Center at Houston
Dr. James Willerson (pictured), president of the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, has announced he will step down when a successor is named and in place at the center. Willerson was named president-elect of the Texas Heart Institute at St. Luke's Episcopal Hospital in 2004, and will begin that leadership transition. Willerson will succeed famed heart surgeon Dr. Denton Cooley as president of the Texas Heart Institute. Willerson first came to Houston in 1989 as chair of the UT Medical School Department of Internal Medicine, a position he held until he was appointed president of the Health Science Center in 2001. A national search for Willerson's successor will be undertaken by a search committee. Faith-based groups plan event at TYC facilityNumerous faith-based groups will spend Saturday at the Gainesville State School, a Texas Youth Commission (TYC) campus, as part of the Global Day of Prayer and the 90 Days of Blessings initiatives. More than 40 churches and ministries from various denominations will participate. The day's activities will include a car and bike show, a fun area, special programs for youth and a staff appreciation event. The Gainesville school currently houses more than 300 males ages 13 to 20, most of whom have committed more serious crimes in the state. The event is geared toward inspiring the youth to live successfully and to take responsibility for their behavior. TxDOT offers $24.7 million for school route safety
More than $24 million in funding for 224 projects in 66 communities was approved by the Texas Transportation Commission this week relating to the Safe Routes to Schools program. The program is national in scope and includes state and federal funding to enhance safety in and around school areas. Some of the projects include sidewalks, pedestrian and bicycle crossing improvements, on-street bicycle facilities, off-street bicycle and pedestrian facilities and bicycling parking facilities. Some education and awareness programs also are funded. "Safety is our most important obligation to the public," said Carlos Lopez, Texas Department of Transportation director of traffic operations. "And children - as pedestrians and passengers - are our priority." To view the list of statewide projects, click here. TWC cites funding for foster youth transition centersThe success of the Houston Alumni and Youth (HAY) Center that assists youth in transitioning from foster care to employment and self-sufficiency has resulted in $1.4 million in funding from the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) to expand and enhance similar youth transition centers. The centers assist youth from ages 16 to 25. TWC has set aside $400,000 for the HAY Center, $600,000 for transition centers in El Paso and Beaumont and $400,000 for smaller urban and rural areas such as Temple, Belton and Killeen. Casey Family Programs, a Seattle-based foundation, has pledged an additional $550,000 to the HAY Center, which provides services that include GED preparation classes, computer lab classes, counseling, aftercare services and job placement training. Cain, Simpson named Texas Teachers of Year
A longtime math teacher at El Paso's Ysleta High School and a fourth-grade teacher in the Keller Independent School District this week were named 2008 Texas Teachers of the Year by the Texas Education Agency(TEA). Paul Cain (right), a 31-year veteran of the classroom, was selected as the 2008 Secondary Texas Teacher of the Year. For the past 18 years, he has been the chair of the Ysleta High School mathematics department. Grant Simpson (left), a fourth-grade teacher at Hidden Lake Elementary School, was selected as the 2008 Elementary Texas Teacher of the Year. He has taught at elementary schools in the Keller and Crowley school districts for the past five years. They were selected for the awards after being interviewed by an 11-member judging panel. They will be honored at a luncheon in Austin on Nov. 3. Camera project to improve security at TYCSurveillance cameras will be installed at all Texas Youth Commission facilities to improve security. The first phase of the massive $18 million project started this week at the Ron Jackson Unit in Brownwood, where 2,000 cameras are being installed in sleeping areas, bathrooms and medical facilities. The project is part of TYC's ongoing effort to ensure the safety of the young people being held in the facilities. Funding for the security project was approved in the last legislative session. UTSA seeks to build new $60 million sports center
Hoping to use $50 million from the city's hotel and rental car tax, the University of Texas at San Antonio has announced plans to build a $60-million sports complex that would include facilities for baseball, softball, tennis, track and soccer. The complex also could be used for intercollegiate and high school athletics, by the NCAA and other amateur sports organizations. With UTSA studying fielding a football team for the first time ever, the facility also could be used for football. The recommendation for the stadium was the result of Bexar County Judge Nelson Wolff (pictured) appointing committees to study projects that might benefit from the extension of the venue tax, which will be decided by voters in May. This recommendation is likely one of many recommendations the committees will hear. The proposed stadium is supported not only by the judge, but also by the San Antonio Sports Foundation and the San Antonio Hotel and Lodging Association, which sees the possibility of such a venue bringing in millions of dollars in tourist money. Two San Antonio private colleges, St. Mary's and Trinity University, are also exploring asking for funding. St. Mary's is looking at renovating V.J. Keefe Field and a baseball field while upgrading softball and soccer facilities. Trinity University has not put a proposal on the table yet. Nuclear reactor licenses sought for South Texas
NRG Energy and CPS Energy filed with regulators Monday for licenses to build two new nuclear reactors at the South Texas Project. The proposal calls for the first of the two new units to go online in 2014, when the state's burgeoning population is projected to begin exceeding the supply of electricity. The license application is the first since the 1979 accident at the Three Mile Island power plant in Pennsylvania halted plans for new reactors in the United States. The Nuclear Regulatory Commission expects applications for at least two dozen new licenses in the next couple of years as power companies attempt to take advantage of federal loan guarantees for nuclear reactors. NRG of New Jersey and CPS, a utility owned by the city of San Antonio, plan to spend approximately $5.2 billion to expand the Bay City plant, which currently has two nuclear reactors. Construction would create 4,000 to 6,000 jobs and result in some 800 new staff positions at the plant. NRG's other partner at the South Texas Project, the city of Austin's utility, hasn't decided whether to invest in the new reactors and isn't expected to make a decision for a few months. 'Keep Texas Moving' promotional campaign to continue
A Travis County judge Monday refused to halt a toll road promotional campaign funded by the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT). Toll road objector Terri Hall had requested a temporary restraining order to stop the multi-million dollar "Keep Texas Moving" campaign, asserting it violates a prohibition on state officials using their influence for political purposes. In denying Hall's request, District Court Judge Orlinda Naranjo (pictured) cited another law that allows TxDOT to promote the development and use of toll projects. The state had argued that the agency also has an obligation to educate Texans about its projects. There will be at least one more hearing on the state's motion to dismiss the lawsuit Hall filed last week. Hall said she will continue to fight against the use of highway funds to champion toll roads and the proposed Trans-Texas Corridor, a tolled network of superhighways. TWDB to fund $1 million in research projectsFunding or more than $1 million has been set aside from the Texas Water Development Board's (TWDB) Research and Planning Fund to fund research projects that support the Groundwater Availability Modeling (GAM) program. Contracts will be negotiated and executed before Jan. 31, 2008 for: development of structure for the Capitan Reef Complex Aquifer for $150,000; development of structure for the Gulf Coast Aquifer from the Brazos River to the Rio Grande for $300,000; development of a groundwater availability model for the Yegua-Jackson Aquifer for $400,000; and development of a groundwater availability model for the portion of the Seymour Aquifer in the Haskell County and Knox County area for $200,000. The GAM program has been funded by the state since 1999 as a means of providing information on the availability of groundwater for Texans and to ensure adequate supplies. NSF grant allows for expansion of UNT partnership
The University of North Texas will be able to expand its partnership in a software consortium thanks to a $10,000 grant from the National Science Foundation. UNT is part of a software consortium including the University of Texas at Dallas, the University of Texas at Arlington and Southern Methodist University. Dr. Krishna Kavi (pictured), chair of UNT's Department of Computer Science and Engineering, said the grant will allow for laying the groundwork so that other businesses and industries can join the research center. As part of the consortium, Kavi said, these industries will have "royalty-free access" to the research conducted at the center. Kavi said the consortium will conduct research for the federal government and industrial customer and will likely become a leading research alliance in the United States. New family wellness center opens at UT-AustinA family wellness center has opened at The University of Texas at Austin School of Nursing. The center provides primary medical care for low-income, uninsured people in Travis County. It also serves as a training ground for the university's nurse practitioner students. "The clinic will provide desperately needed healthcare to hundreds of Travis County residents who are without private insurance," said Dr. Lisa Doggett, the center's director. "By serving as a medical home to these patients, we also will help keep people out of emergency rooms, where care is far more expensive and less efficient." Doggett said the center is negotiating to become a city clinic early next year, which will allow the center to accept patients with city clinic cards. Attorney General Abbott urges school safety measures
Texas Attorney General Gregg Abbott (pictured) earlier this week urged school districts to implement new safety procedures to help prevent a Columbine or Virginia Tech-style shooting. Abbott recommended school districts adopt three security measures including developing campus emergency plans, establishing an anonymous incident reporting program and encouraging information-sharing among law enforcement, juvenile justice officials and school authorities. Beginning in September 2008, Texas school districts must report the results of their first campus security audits to the Texas School Safety Center. Texas law requires schools to conduct these safety audits every three years and practice their campus emergency management plans. Corpus Christi gives park to universityThe Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi campus is 42 acres larger, after the city this week donated neighboring South Guth Park to the school. University officials haven't said how they'll use the parkland. A new campus master plan will determine what will be done with the site. The park will be part of a university expansion off the island campus that is needed to meet the future needs of its growing student enrollment. The expansion requires formal approval from the university system board of regents. Naval research contract worth up to $1 billion to UTThe University of Texas' Applied Research Laboratories has been awarded a 10-year contract from the U.S. Navy worth an estimated $1 billion. The contract calls for the laboratories to develop and test sonar equipment, satellite navigation technology and other gear. The research unit has been a key developer of sonar and satellite equipment for the Navy for most of its 62 years in operation. Jennings joins UT Dallas management institute
Jennings, the former deputy director of inspections for the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board, has been appointed for a one-year term by IECG executive director Dr. Constantine Konstans. Three appointed to Texas State Board of RegentsThe Texas State University System Board of Regents has three new members. Charlie Amato of San Antonio, Ron Blatchley of Bryan and Michael Truncale of Beaumont were appointed to the board this week by Gov. Rick Perry. Ingleside group recognized as redevelopment authorityThe Ingleside Local Redevelopment Authority has received federal recognition that could lead to control of federal dollars for the redevelopment of Naval Station Ingleside. The base was designated for closure in the 2005 Base Realignment and Closure round and will close by Sept. 20, 2010. The authority is an eight-member group of two representatives each from the cities of Corpus Christi and Ingleside and the counties of San Patricio and Nueces. Of the base's more than 1,000 acres, the authority will be charged with planning the redevelopment of 155 acres. The remaining acreage will revert to the Port of Corpus Christi. Strauss donation will provide funds for UT global center
Former Ambassador Robert Strauss (pictured) and his Dallas law firm have donated $7.5 million to the center for global issues at The University of Texas at Austin. The center will study international issues. The center covers global issues and stresses four main areas to leverage the university's strengths: the United States' role in the world, technology, energy and the environment and global governance. The Robert S. Strauss Center for International Security and Law will be part of UT-Austin's LBJ School of Public Affairs. The Strauss donation is part of the $20-$25 million fundraising goal of the center. Strauss has a long career steeped in politics and served as ambassador to Russia under President George Bush. The center is already operating on the UT campus and projects are under way. "By engaging top scholars and collaborating closely with practitioners in government, business and the nonprofit world, the university can make a substantial contribution to the debate on world issues," said Strauss. Willacy County immigrant lockup expandingThe Willacy County Detention Center, located in Raymondville, is not only the country's largest facility for foreign detainees, it's also the area's top economic development project. The federal facility for 2,000 people is getting bigger, providing more jobs and opportunities for the tiny South Texas community. The original complex of 10 military-style Kevlar domes was built last year for $60 million in two months. Construction on a $49 million, 1,000-bed expansion already is under way. The addition will be a permanent brick building with a 500-person cafeteria and 96 isolation cells. The project has been fast-tracked by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the homeland security agency charged with immigrant detention. Sanchez to advise Paso del Norte Health Foundation
Former Texas Commissioner of Health Dr. Eduardo Sanchez (pictured) has been hired by the Paso del Norte Health Foundation to analyze and evaluate the status of health and healthy systems in the El Paso region and make recommendations to the foundation. Sanchez, director of the Institute of Health Policy at the University of Texas Health Science Center's School of Public Health in Houston, will work with the foundation's strategic planning committee to help develop a new strategic plan for the foundation. The former health commissioner is familiar with this type work after having assisted with the merger of a number of state health agencies into the current Texas Department of Health Services. The Paso del Norte Health Foundation is currently seeking a new president and CEO after Ann Paul resigned. She has been replaced temporarily by YWCA official Myrna Deckert. The search for a permanent replacement is not expected until next year. Technology may solve jail overcrowding problemThe population of the McLennan County jail has been hitting record highs in recent weeks, prompting county officials to turn to technology to solve its overcrowding problem. As an alternative to launching another expensive jail expansion project, officials are considering using ankle monitors for low-risk inmates. The monitors, which are linked to a global positioning satellite system, track defendants' locations and alerts authorities if they wander into prohibited areas. Approximately 100 inmates currently housed in the county jail could qualify for release using this method. The move would free up jail space and would save the county $880,000 annually in what it costs to keep inmates locked up. Corpus Christi's assistant city manager resigns
Ron Massey (pictured), Corpus Christi's assistant city manager for public works and utilities for eight years, has resigned his post to accept a similar job with the City of Jacksonville, N.C. His new duties begin Nov. 1. City Manager Skip Noe said he will appoint City Engineer Angel Escobar as interim city manager until a permanent replacement can be found. Tomball hires new city manager, public works directorJan Belcher, currently the deputy city manager of Lancaster, near Dallas, was hired this week as the new city manager for Tomball. Also, the City Council hired Sealy City Manager John Maresh to head the public works department. Belcher earned a bachelor's degree in business administration from West Texas A&M University. Before accepting her current position in Lancaster five years ago, she served in city management positions in Colleyville and Richardson. She replaces Ben Griffin who resigned in March. Her new job starts Oct. 29. Maresh graduated from Sealy High School and attended Blinn College. His new duties begin Oct. 24. Collaboration sought for funding Midland library
A proposed nearly $1 million library project in Midland is looking for partners to ensure the project comes to fruition. The Midland ISD is looking at either taking over the upkeep and operations of such a facility or possibly making it part of a future bond election as part of an early childhood education proposal, according to Superintendent Sylvester Perez (pictured). Officials also are looking into the possibility of Midland College being a participant in the project. Perez said the school district soon will begin discussion of its long-range facilities plan and the library could well be part of that. He said a partnership in creating the library would be "a real good joint venture." City officials already have agreed to provide paving, curb and gutter for the building site. The Friends of the Library would pay for maintenance and operations for one year and then donate the facility to the MISD. The library group also proposes building a learning center to assist area students with school projects, tutoring and computer lessons. Austin anticipates $200 million school bond issueAustin ISD officials, anticipating a bond election next year, have appointed a 21-member bond advisory committee to study the district's needs and make recommendations to the school board. Officials expect a nearly $200 million bond issue for 2008, with perhaps larger referendums in 2010 or 2011. Next year's bond proposal is expected to include three new campuses, upgrades and renovations, a performing arts center and land purchases. In addition to construction and renovations, the bond could include new school buses, energy upgrades, a technology center, kitchen renovations, heating, ventilation and air-conditioning system replacements and other items. Fort Stockton city government undergoes changes
In advance of selecting a new city manager, officials of the City of Fort Stockton have announced a number of changes in the city's management. The city attorney, who lives in Midland and works via telephone for the city, was fired. The position of director of city services will be phased out by the end of March 2008. A new position to handle human resources was created under the city secretary. City officials also announced the names of nine city manager candidates who will be interviewed beginning in October. They include: Rafael Castillo, Jr., Del Rio; Francisco Ordaz, Norfolk, Virginia; Richard C. Arellano, Austin; Roger D. Carlisle, Magnolia; Jerry W. Guillory, Godley; Deck Shaver, Jr., Amarillo; Gus H. Pappas, Ferris; Jeffery Scott Thompson, Aransas Pass; and James Davis Minor, Mineral Wells. Mayor Ruben Falcon (pictured) said the changes in the city positions are so more city employees will be answering directly to the new city manager. He also said a new assistant to the city secretary position is being created. Ambulatory center cited for $1 million grantThe new ambulatory surgery center at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio will benefit from a U.S. Department of Commerce $1 million grant. The center, which is expected to be completed by 2009, will create nearly 1,000 jobs in San Antonio. The 250,000-square-foot center carries a price tag of $95 million and will also be the practicing site for the medical school physicians. Several clinic operations in the area will be consolidated at the center. The facility will include nearly a dozen clinical areas. Montgomery ISD launches two mentoring programs
Two new mentoring programs have come online in the Montgomery ISD, for students in the MISD intermediate school and high school. Susan Michele (pictured), assistant superintendent of curriculum and instruction, said mentoring programs can help address specific needs of certain students and provide the assistance they need. The program, which will begin soon, will match students and adult volunteers, with the adults providing one-on-one coaching sessions to help students reach their goals. The program in the intermediate school targets fifth-graders having problems adjusting to their scholastic environment while the high school program is aimed at career development for top-rated students. Professionals in the careers these students have chosen will provide mentoring. If successful, MISD hopes to expand the two programs to include as many students as possible who would benefit from mentoring. Edcouch laying off 19 of its 21 employeesStrapped for cash, officials of the city of Edcouch, with a population of fewer than 3,500, is laying off 19 of its 21 city employees - but only temporarily. This week, the only two city employees who are reporting to work are two police officers, and only for daytime patrols. The rest of the city's workforce of nearly two-dozen will stay home. The reason? The city's $1.2 million debt and a lack of revenue, mainly due to declining property tax collections. The city was counting on income from construction permits to help meet its payroll, but that fell through. City officials hope to return 15 of their remaining 19 employees on temporary layoffs by next week, but four police dispatcher positions are expected to be eliminated. Hidalgo County law enforcement officers will help patrol the city at night and the nearby city of Elsa will provide police dispatch. Volunteers will be asked to help provide city services. Big Spring ISD investing $1.8 million in computers
Creating the "best possible learning environment" is the goal of the program, according to Superintendent Michael Downes (pictured). Downes said providing every high school student with a laptop allows even those who are economically disadvantaged to have access to the latest technology even at home. The school has hired a full-time technical coordinator and aide for the program and entered into a four-year lease arrangement for the laptops. Additionally, the campus has been made wireless so students can access the Internet anywhere on the campus. Howard Payne awarded Meadows Foundation grantHoward Payne University in Brownwood will use a $100,000 grant from the Meadows Foundation of Dallas to help renovate the historic Coca-Cola complex on its campus into a new art program facility and lecture hall. The hall in the building will be named for the late Dr. J. Waddy Bullion, a 1936 graduate of the university. Get your free copy of the Texas Government InsiderThe Texas Government Insider is a free weekly newsletter. If you are not a subscriber, or if you would like to sign up your friends or co-workers to receive a free copy, click here. |
A proposition that will benefit all Texans!
By Mary Scott Nabers, CEO of Strategic Partnerships, Inc. Rising fees and tuition rates have become the norm for state colleges and universities in Texas in recent years. As costs escalate, the financial burden often becomes a barrier for thousands of would-be college students wanting to earn a college education. More and more students are forced to take out loans to help pay for all the expenses that must be assumed upon entering college – fees, tuition, books, supplies, transportation, room and board. More than 50 percent of students with financial needs and 80 percent of students in moderate to higher-income levels take out student loans to help finance college expenses. And many of them are saddled with debt for years after graduation. For most, it takes years of sacrifice to pay off the education loans. [more]Stephens joins SPI's
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TxDOT plans briefings for small, minority-owned firmsSmall and minority-owned businesses in Texas seeking to do business with the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) and with the state will benefit from one of four upcoming TxDOT-sponsored briefings in locations around the state. The briefings will provide attendees with contracting opportunities and information on how to do business with Texas. There will be General Industry sessions that include specific information regarding doing business in the construction, goods and services, information technology and professional engineering service industries. Breakout sessions will cover small and minority-owned business certifications, resources for small business development, business marketing for state contracts and information on TxDOT toll projects. Each briefing will also include a Contracting Opportunities Showcase, an Industry Networking Session and a Reception. The registration fee is $25 per person. For more information and to register online, click here. Following are the dates and locations for the briefings:
Renewable Energy Roundup, Green Fair slatedThe 8th annual Renewable Energy Roundup and Green Living Fair is slated for Friday through Sunday, Sept. 28-30, in downtown Fredericksburg. With major funding from the State Energy Conservation Office and other corporate sponsors, the event features exhibits, demonstrations, workshops, live music, a natural organic food cafe and children's learning activities. Speakers will include Steve Diver, an organic growing specialist; Rick Piltz, the Washington whistle-blower on climate change research; and Greg Pahl, journalist and author. More than 50 other expert speakers will be on hand as well. To view the schedule of events, click here. For more details, click here. Executive Women in Texas Government sets conferenceCommissioner Hope Andrade of the Texas Transportation Commission and Claudia Stravato, executive director of Planned Parenthood of Amarillo and the Texas Panhandle, will be keynote speakers for the upcoming Executive Women in Texas Government 21st Annual Professional Development Conference. The conference will be from 7:30 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 19, at the Renaissance Austin Hotel. During lunch, attendees will hear from businesswoman Linda Larsen on "The 7 Principles of Powerful Persuasion: Mastering the Art of Getting to 'Yes!'" Other activities during the conference will include a silent auction, more than two-dozen exhibits and numerous networking opportunities. Proceeds from the silent auction will benefit the EWTG scholarship program. There also will be some 30 workshops that will provide participants with opportunities for hands-on learning and development of leadership skills for multiple career levels. The 2007 Woman of the Year presentation and reception will begin at 3:30 p.m. The conference is open to all professionals and is designed for those who work in Texas government at all levels or those in affiliated organizations that support the purposes of EWTG. For more information, click here. To register, click here. E-records conference offered in OctoberThose hoping to reach up to 300 Texas government officials involved in the management of electronic records and compliance can exhibit at the annual e-Records Conference on Oct. 30, 2007 at the Pickle Center in Austin. Hosted by the Texas State Library and Archives Commission and the Department of Information Resources, this one-day event provides an opportunity to meet staff from Texas agencies and universities who may be interested in content and records management products and services. The cost to exhibit is $350. The agenda focuses on implementing a program for effectively managing electronic records, including e-mail, instant messaging, wikis and blogs. The featured speaker is Jesse Wilkins, who has worked in the document industry for 12 years as a vendor, user and consultant. He has worked with public and private sector clients to develop strategies, design processes and implement systems to manage electronic records, e-mail and collaboration tools more effectively. For more information and to register, click here. |
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Accounting inspections expert Dennis Jennings (pictured) has joined the UT Dallas School of Management's Institute for Excellence in Corporate Governance (IECG) as director-in-residence.
The Big Spring ISD has begun its four-year, $1.8-million investment in laptop computers for its 1,200 high school students and 100 teachers. In addition to students having their own laptops for school work, the best part is that when the current crop of freshmen at the school graduate, they will be able to buy their laptops for $1.
