Austin Texas Tops The Charts In Jobs - Leadership Austin Engage Breakfast

Leadership Austin hosted their monthly Engage Breakfast on January 15, 2012 at the Long Center.  The topic was "Topping the Charts: Austin's Job Creation", and it was an upbeat panel discussion about where the Texas Capital has been, where we are, and what is around the corner.

Panelists:

• Ray Almgren - Vice President of Product Marketing for Core Platforms, National Instruments
• Tamara Atkinson - Deputy Executive Director, Workforce Solutions - Capital Area Workforce Board
• Gary Farmer - Vice Chairman of Economic Development, Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce; President, Heritage Title Company of Austin
• Hall T. Martin - Founder and Director, Texas Entrepreneur Network

Moderator:

• Brian Sanders - Anchor, KXAN

Of course it is easy to have a positive conversation when your city is leading the country in jobs.  The November 2012 unemployment rate was 4.9 % in Austin, which beats the state (5.8%) and national (7.4%) numbers by quite a margin.  And we are leading in new jobs created over the top 50 metropolitan areas in the United States.

Austin is a city with both a robust start-up community, with half of all investments in Texas start-ups going to companies in Central Texas. And it is not just technology ventures, as we have diverse sectors including gaming, food trailers, packaged foods, etc....

We also continue to attract larger corporations to move their headquarters or open satalite offices in Austin.  256 companies have relocated part of their operations to Austin in the last nine years.  

But it has not always been a bed of roses.  Austin has seen the ups and downs economic trends over the past few decades.  We were hit hard in the early part of the 2000's due to the tech bubble and our over focus on the semiconductor industry in the 1990s.  Today we have a much more diversified economy, which is what positioned Austin to lead the way through the most recent recession.

The Chamber of Commerce and other organizations have worked closely with the city to help the region become a highly desired area for both companies and professionals to locate. New college graduates flock to Austin because of the creative, innovative and entrepreneurial spirit.  

However, our boom-town does have challenges.  Too many high school students are dropping out or not pursuing advanced education.  This means they are forfeiting the opportunities that are abundant in the area for skilled workers.  We need to do more to expose young people to opportunities.  We have too many available technology related jobs (over 2000 unfilled), while every service job posted receives 55 applications.

Austin continues to top all the lists (and has for the 21 years that I have lived in the community).  Yes, part of the reason we do so well is our wonderful landscape, weather, recreation ,etc.....  But the economic leadership that makes us the envy of cities across the world is not an accident.  We cannot take it for granted, as everyone is looking to compete for the talent and the jobs.  Fortunately, Austin has amazing companies, elected officials, organizations and volunteers who work tirelessly to keep up on top!/

Leadership Austin continues to bring great programs.  I attend the Engage Breakfast each month (when I am not out of town) because the audience is always left with new information and their minds are filled with ideas.  

Have A Great Day.

thom singer 

Non-Profit and Corporate Collaboration - Leadership Austin Engage Breakfast

The January 2011 Leadership Austin Engage Breakfast Series featured Justin Evans (Capital One Bank) and Matt Kouri (Greenlights for NonProfit Success) talking about how Non-Profits and For-Profit organizations can better work together.

The sold-out crowd packed the private meeting room at Chez Zee Restaurant. Attendees were a mix of those who worked for charitable groups and corporations.

Whether you work for a company, or are just a person sorting your own mail, you are constantly receiving envelopes with requests for donations to support some cause. In all economic conditions charities are seeking money to allow them to serve their constituencies.

Many philanthropies host big events where they seek company support, promising to provide the business with exposure to the community. These become "Logo-Soup Galas", where banner after banner of corporate logos cover the walls. In the end there are so many logos, that none are noticed.

So what?

In today's world a non-profit must do more than promise to promote a corporate sponsor on the website, invitation, and event brochure. Companies can do a better job of buying their own advertising. Better is to help link them to an experience that will bring along PR opportunities. The media does not "like" corporations, but they "love" charities!

Smart non-profits are working in partnerships to create unique experience based ways for companies to get noticed. American Express is running a very creative charitable campaign in conjunction with the hit TV Show Glee, and getting a lot of attention for their efforts (I have not seen these ads, but others in the audience nodded in agreement!).

Locally Sweet Leaf Tea donates 1% of their profits to local charities, and is always participating in positive charity events passing out their delicious teas and lemonades. This has become part of their culture, PR, and the experience of all who know them and buy their products.

Corporations that are not engaged with giving back are starting to experience a competitive disadvantage. People expect the businesses they hire, and where they work, to be good citizens. 62% of Generation Y want to work for companies that allow them to volunteer in a meaningful way. If your company is not paying attention to this you are missing out on recruiting and retention tools.

Austin has more charities, per capita, than just about any other city in the United States (the most in the Southwest). This means that non-profits are in competition with each other for a limited number of dollars. We are starting to see mergers of non-profits so that they can maximize their effectiveness, and create economies of scale. If two similar organizations become one, they might double their chance of winning the money that might be given to their cause!

The most interesting statistic I heard at this breakfast was that 75% of all charitable giving in the United States comes from individuals.... NOT corporations, churches or philanthropic foundations! (Did you know that? I did not!). This reinforces my own themes that "You Do Not Need To Be Rich To Impact A Charity" and ""Non-Profits Need To Get Beyond 'Elephant Hunting' When Seeking Donations".

I am leading a panel at the 2011 South by Southwest Interactive conference on this very topic (You Can Impact Charity Without Being Rich)..... if you will be at SXSW, I hope you will come and listen.

Have A Great Day

thom singer

The Great Reset - Richard Florida's Presentation in Austin

Leadership Austin and Capital One Bank brought Richard Florida to Austin for an engaging presentation at the LBJ School of Public Affairs on November 12th.

About 500 people attended the talk (leaving about 300 empty seats... which was a real waste, since this was a great event) where Florida shared his theories about the current recession and where we, as a society, go from here.

We are living in turbulent, trying and disruptive times, but we cannot fully realize or grasp the economic shift that is taking place because we are living through it. Florida pointed out that major changes in American life have happened before. While much attention in the press is given to the Great Depression, there was a more substantial long depression and cultural shift that took place in the late 1800s. We went from an agricultural society into the industrial revolution, and with that came massive change. Again, we are about to face a shift, what Florida calls a "Reset"..... and how we respond will be more important than ever.

Florida's first book, "The Rise of the Creative Class" chronicles the new leaders of our age which include those who work in science, engineering, education, computer programming, research, arts, design, media, healthcare, business and finance, the legal sector, and education. They make up 30% of the U.S. workforce, but are fairing much better in the recession, with only 5% unemployment compared to over 10% in other occupations.

Florida believes that everyone is creative, and that creativity is the core unit of our humanity. All industry should embrace the concept of the creative class. The gap between the haves and have-nots is getting bigger, and people see the successes in some sectors and they want what the "creative class" has achieved.

Some claim that those who make up the "creative economy" are elitist, but he disagrees. Florida does, however, challenges those in these expanding creative professions to stop saying others "don't get it", or pointing fingers.... and start leading. To successfully navigate the huge change that is coming, we need leaders!

"Place" is the cornerstone to much of Florida's theories. He believes that certain cities and regions will do better than others because they will adjust to the new norms rather than clinging to the ways of the past. Austin is one of those cities that is flourishing (compared to other places) because of the city's high levels of technology, talent and tolerance. As a region, the four major Texas cites can work together to prosper in the coming reset. The key to economic development is no longer just attracting large employers, but instead it is about "place-making". Cities and regions need to position themselves as attractive places for people to live and work, or they will go to other desirable places.

Americans navigated other tough times, and we were more prosperous following the 1800s and the 1930s. We moved from the farms to the cities. Then we moved from the cities to the suburbs. How we lived our lives morphed and eventually became common. We are due for similar changes again, and we have to be willing to go with the flow or be left behind. There will be people who will prosper in these tough times and new industries and institutions will be formed, while old ones will die off (this happened in the late 1800s and again in the 1930s).

Are you ready for the Great Reset? I suggest reading his new book "The Great Reset"

Have A Great Day.

thom singer

P.S. - Richard Florida is a great public speaker. I study those who present to audiences of all sizes, and many, ..... especially academics (Florida is a Ph.D), have great ideas and concepts, but lack the ability to communicate. My theory is that just because someone is smart or has done something great - it does NOT mean they belong on a stage. They must have speaking skills or they should stay home and write white papers. Richard Florida has both... wicked smart, and a first class speaker.

Richard Florida To Speak In Austin - Friday Nov 12th

Leadership Austin and Capital One Bank are bringing Richard Florida to Austin.

Keynote Address: "The Upside of the Downturn"

Sign up today for the opportunity to hear one the world’s most prolific thought leaders - Richard Florida - present strategies for leaders and communities to take advantage of this point in economic history and the coming rebound and growth.

Florida, author of The Great Reset and The Rise of the Creative Class, will customize a special presentation for the Central Texas region. His unique viewpoints will educate, inspire and motivate you about our future.

This is one event you do not want to miss.

Event Details

Friday, November 12
Presentation to begin at 4:45 pm
LBJ Auditorium at the LBJ Library & Museum (2313 Red River St)
Click here to reserve your keynote tickets

The tickets are FREE..... but you must make a reservation.

Have A Great Day.

thom singer

Leadership Austin Kicks of 2009 / 2010 Emerge Breakfast Series

Leadership Austin kicked off the new season for the monthly "Emerge Breakfast Series" with a standing room only crowd at Chez Zee Restaurant this morning.

The topic of Infrastructure: Decoding The Various Community Plans, featured Stevie Greathouse (principal planner for Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization - CAMPO) and Garner Stoll (assistant director, City of Austin Planning & Development Review Department).

Transportation planning is has a long term focus. The city is currently operating under a plan that was adopted in 1979, so as new plans are being considered, their impact will be felt for decades.

Both CAMPO and the City of Austin are currently seeking public input as they will developing new plans over then next 18 months. The values of the plans will come from the public interests more than they will from a "task force", and their decisions are important to all citizens of the Central Texas region.

If you are not familiar with the Leadership Austin Emerge Breakfast Series, you need to check them out. They bring important discussion topics to the floor, and allow for audience participation in the debate. For more information visit www.leadershipaustin.org.

Have A Great Day.

thom

Leadership Austin NOW Accepting Applications For the 2010 Class

Tonight I went to a recruiting event for Leadership Austin. I was a member of the 2008 Leadership Austin Essentials Class.... and it was one of the best experiences I have ever had.

Leadership Austin is a phenomenal organization that exposes local leaders to government, non-profit, health care, the arts, the environment, and countless other issues that impact the future of our regions.

During my year in the program I was able to meet and establish ongoing relationships with wonderful people whom I may have never otherwise met.

Below is a video that I shot at the closing retreat from the 2008 Leadership Austin Class. The deadline to apply for next year is coming up in mid-June. More info at www.leadershipaustin.org.



Have A Great Day.

thom

Leadership Austin Engage Breakfast - Poverty in Central Texas

January is "Poverty Awareness Month", and while not the cheeriest of topics to launch into the new year, it is worthy of our attention.

This morning's Leadership Austin Engage Breakfast Series hosted a panel discussion on the topic of Poverty in Central Texas at Chez Zee Restaurant. Panel moderator Jim Walker and panelists Frances Deviney (Director of Texas Kids Count) and Dan Pruett (Executive Director of Meals on Wheels and More) addressed the issues facing the poor in our region.

There is not enough talk in Austin about poverty. As a community we place much of our focus on music, arts, health and lifestyle. While these are the good things that make Austin, Texas one of the coolest cities in the world, we sometimes forget about those who are in the shadows of our society. A truly GREAT city is judged on how it treats its young, old, sick and poor.

Austin ranks near the bottom when it comes to money donated to charitable causes based on a per capita basis. 48th of the 50 largest cities in America (I have heard that our ranking is rising, but still in the bottom third). This is not acceptable for a growth oriented community that prides itself on a powerful entrepreneurial spirit.

Texas is a state with very low taxes, but that also means we have very low spending on programs to help those in need. We are the 2nd fastest growing state in the country, which means that more people are coming to our region who will need more services. Federal and state programs come up short as they focus on those living under the "official" poverty level (which is way way low income levels). But there are many people who do not qualify for government assistance, yet still need help.

We have amazing non-profit organizations in Central Texas, but if the current economic conditions worsen, there will be more people in need. As a community we need to be proactive in providing the safety nets for our fellow citizens.

Often those who work in the business community do not see poverty first hand, so they assume it is not a major problem in our region. But it is. Poverty is not just a numbers game on some government chart, instead it is a state of being for real families who live and work close to us.

As you plan your new years resolutions and goals, have you looked toward giving back as one of the items on your "To Do List"? Make a commitment to philanthropy in your community (regardless of what city you live in, there is need all around you). If you do not know where to start with giving back in Central Texas, check out "I Live Here, I Give Here" or send me an email and I will help you find other sources.

You can also join the Some Assembly Required - Philanthropy Discussion Group on LinkedIn.

Thank you to Leadership Austin for a great program. If you are not familiar with the Engage Breakfast Series, each month they bring together a panel of experts and address the pressing issues of our community.

Have A Great Day.

thom

They Laughed At The Younger Generation - Until It Was Their Turn To Rule The World

The November Leadership Austin Engage Breakfast tackled the topic of the "Changing of the Guard – Leadership Turnover in Central Texas". The event was held at Chez Zee Restaurant (a great place to meet and eat!) on Tuesday, November 11, 2008 and was sponsored by Aetna and Lee Hecht Harrison. Nearly 100 people were in attendance.

"Change" is in the air everywhere following on the heels of our historic presidential election. But successful change does not just happen by accident. The panel discussion focused deep on what the Austin area faces in the coming years as many of the top jobs across the city are already beginning to have new faces moving into the corner offices - and more seasoned leaders are scheduled to retire in the near future. Change is looming on the horizon, and it will forever impact our fine city.

The panel, which consisted of entrepreneurial legend, Kerry Tate (TateAustinHahn) and the uber-smart Matt Kouri (Greenlights for Non-Profit Sucess) kicked off with the statement of "SHIFT HAPPENS!". Clearly things are shifting in Austin as many of the areas top business, government and non-profit leaders are moving onto retirement or other assignments, and that is creating both challenges and opportunities throughout our community.

Each individual Austinite views their nostalgic picture of the "perfect Austin" as the day they arrived in town. For some that is the 1960s, 1970s, 1980s, 1990s or just a few weeks ago. For generations Central Texas has experienced fast growth and change, but the speed at which our key leadership roles are turning over in the current environment is unprecedented.

Ms. Tate, the youngest member of Austin's old guard, read a long list of well known pillars of the community who have or are soon to vacate their roles. Mr. Kouri added his view point of the state of the over 5000 non-profit organizations that make Austin one of the highest per capita cities in the country for active charitable organizations. These groups are also are facing a high churn in their executive director positions. Are our elders moving aside to make room for the next phase of leaders, or are they just leaving?

The answer goes beyond our Hill Country vantage point. Austin is reflective of the changes that are happening all over the United States. While Austin prides itself in bucking trends, in the case of the generational leadership changing of the guard, we are the perfect example of what is soon to be happening everywhere.

Our workforce across the globe is having never before seen changes as Generation Y and the Millennials move into the workforce. Human Resource consultants and others are perplexed with how the aging baby-boomers and their younger collages are handling the perfect storm of generational differences converging in the marketplace. The younger workers have different views of leadership, work, social life, family, politics, and of the world at large.

Change is constant, but at this rapid pace, what does Austin need to do to avoid just riding the wave of change?

There is risk, but this transition is exciting. Paying attention to the change and managing it is the key. Leadership is not a straight line, but instead it is an imperfect circle. A circle made up of dots and dashes that allow new players to enter when these "holes" appear. Thus when experienced leaders move on, there is an opportunity for someone new to come into the circle and make an impact on the individual organizations (businesses, non-profit, or government agency) and the entire community.

How can younger folks get involved?

Show up and show you care! Austinites have an un-natural love affair with Austin. You do not see the levels of civic pride and sacrifice to make a city great in other municipalities. This is what makes Austin so wonderful. Individuals must get past any selfish motivations when it comes to leadership and care for the good of the whole community. With the mentality of service there is always room for anyone to take a seat at the leadership table.

If organizations are still looking at old business models, they are being passed over. Austin is at the cutting edge of the technology shifts that are impacting all areas. Where national thought leaders are talking about the internet and social media changing the way companies and other organizations hire and communicate - we are already seeing Austin companies and indidviuals coming together, finding jobs and advancing their organizations through LinkedIn, Facebook, Twiter and a variety of other online facilities. The message to all types of organizations is to embrace the change.

Gen Y and the Millennials have a different mindset, and their presence is changing the face of how work gets done. They grew up with text messaging and email, but also were raised to feel special and want to be part of the process in the organizations where they work and volunteer. Their need to feel connected is not necessarily good or bad, it is just a different point of view. Savvy organizations realize this and are tapping into the talent and creativity that they bring to the table. They do not need to bring turmoil into the workforce, but instead have a lot to teach their more seasoned co-workers who are newcomers to much of the new technologies.

Local leaders of past generations had lives that more focused on our small geography. They understood the common heart and soul of each other's civic dedication. They personally knew and liked one another (even if they disagreed on specific issues). Many of the new leaders live and work in global companies and are connected to a variety of communities around the world. This allows them less time to be engaged in Austin specific issues, which means that many of our younger leaders may not have established histories of knowing other local leaders. When conflict occurs they cannot draw on a lifetime of mutual understanding. Instead this leaves them on opposite sides of what can appear to be a great divide. Knowing each other is important.

The antidote for this disconnect of those who will lead Austin into the next several decades are organizations like Leadership Austin, who can work to introduce, educate and inspire the new generation of leaders. With mutually beneficial goals, outcome based objectives and established friendships that foster understanding, tomorrow can be navigated with success and expertise that will continue to set Austin and Central Texas apart for other cities around the world.

This is an example the reality of the importance of your network. Leaders need to invest the time up front to establish and cultivate relationships with others who will look to serve our community as we continue to expand. Hiding behind the excuse of "being busy" is not acceptable. "Busy" has been embraced by our culture and is not going away. Everyone is busy, but leaders must make the time to connect with other leaders.

The real message of the morning was "Do not just observe the change - embrace it and help shape the future". For those who are called to lead, the opportunity is right now. Austin has room at the top for those who can (and will) create and manage our tomorrow.

Have A Great Day

thom