(Community Matters) Attended today’s luncheon on small business which is a series in advance of PeopleFund’s Conference on Economic Opportunity, formerly known as the East Austin Economic Summit
Today’s luncheon – sponsored by Capital One Bank – was a panel discussion about opportunities and threats in today’s economy. Leadership Austin’s Heather McKissick moderated. Panelists included PeopleFund’s director of lending, Jaime Noyola, UT’s Hopeton Hay, BookPeople owner & AIBA rep, Steve Bercu, GACC Vice Chair for Small Business, Debbie Johnson and Adrian Neely, Triad Building Maintenance Owner & a PeopleFund board member.
Lots of discussion between panelists and the 20 or so attendees who included Rep. Mark Strama, Mayor Leffingwell’s Chief of Staff Mark Nathan, Pike Powers, Capital One Bank’s Laura Mathieu, Suzi Sosa, Greenling’s Mason Arnold, MiniDonation’s Leo Ramirez, Capital City Chamber’s Dr. Chiquita Eugene, Margo Weisz, Hispanic Chamber’s Linda Medina, Collider Media’s Bryan Jones and several others. Discussion ranging from availability of strong labor/intellectual capital, leverage from buying local, stimulus dollars (don’t count on), hyper competitiveness and leaning up preparing for the economy’s return as well as niche opportunities in this market.
Community Matters 