Austin Area Chambers Glimpse into Austin's 21st Century Economy

Austin Area Chambers Glimpse into Austin’s 21^st Century Economy
MECA and the City of Austin Host Sustainability Event Free for the Public

Austin, Texas (July 3, 2012) – The Multi-Ethnic Chamber Alliance (MECA), which is comprised of the Greater Austin Asian Chamber of Commerce (GAACC), the Capital City African American Chamber of Commerce (CCAACC), and the Greater Austin Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (GAHCC) will host a free environmental sustainability event, Austin’s 21^st Century Economy, on Thursday, July 19. In partnership with City of Austin Economic Growth and Redevelopment Services Office, the luncheon will be held at the Wyndham Garden Hotel located at 3401 South IH 35 from 11:00am – 1:00pm. 

“Opportunity in green technology is important to the Hispanic Chamber, and this event gives our members insights to the future market,” said Andy Martinez, president/CEO, GAHCC. “Sustainable alternatives will add to Austin’s economic growth.”

Focused on economic opportunities through green technology, the event will create awareness of the potential growth of this industry, as well as its job opportunities. Daniel Villao, co-author of the book, “Beyond Green Jobs: Building Lasting Opportunities in Energy Efficiency,” will keynote the event. The book describes how comprehensive, deep-green energy efficiency can bring the best benefits to the environment, while capturing snapshots of innovative programs throughout the country.

“Austin is a leading example of green and environmental practices nationally,” said Natalie Madeira Cofield, president, CCAACC. “ As we continue to pioneer in these areas, it is important that the city’s diverse markets are engaged and informed of the economic and environmental benefits in this key growth market.”

The forum discussion will revolve around sustainable transportation alternatives and current Austin programs that promote the use of sustainable practices. Forum moderator will be Jason Hill of Austin Water.

Featured panelists include Craig Eppling, General Motors Company, Edgar Ferrara, Circuit of the Americas, and Raissa Ferron, PhD.,University of Texas at Austin School of Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering.

To see the event agenda, please click here. If interested in purchasing an expo table for $125, please contact Vicky Sepulveda at vsepulveda@gahcc.org or (512) 462-4311.

About the MECA
The Multi-Ethnic Chamber Alliance (MECA), founded in 2002, has grown to be an economic development, educational and networking resource for minority and women-owned businesses and the community at large. MECA is working with the City of Austin Small Business Development Program to offer various group business training and courses, and one-on-one technical assistance to individual business owners and associates. MECA also helps businesses with MBE/WBE certification. MECA aims to help businesses to grow and to connect in the Austin Community.

About the GAACC
The Greater Austin Asian Chamber of Commerce serves as a catalyst and promotes economic growth of the Asian-American community through advocacy, connections and education with ties to Asia and Asian Americans. For more information, visit www.AustinAsianChamber.org

About the CCAACC
The Capital City African-American Chamber of Commerce promotes the development of African-American businesses and the expansion of the Greater Austin business community by providing resources, technical assistance, and leadership on policy issues that enhance economic growth and by promoting convention and tourism.  For more information please contact us at 512-459-1181 or visit www.capcitychamber.org.