This update from the St. Arnold Brewing Company website http://www.saintarnold.com/
Tours are every Saturday at 1:00
ALL TOURS ARE NOW AT OUR NEW LOCATION: 2000 LYONS AVE. NEAR DOWNTOWN HOUSTON, TX.
Come visit Texas' Oldest Craft Brewery, Saint Arnold Brewing Company! We have public tours EVERY SATURDAY at 1:00pm. The cost for the tour is US $7.00. No reservations are required, there is a beer tasting after each tour, and all paid attendees receive a souvenir tasting glass.
Friday, October 30, 2009
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Houston's World Cup (Soccer) Bid Could Mean Massive Positive Economic Impact
Multiple sources reported on this topic, including this write up from the Houston Business Journal:
Winning the 2018 or 2022 FIFA World Cup could be very lucrative for Houston and the nation, according to a study released this week by the USA Bid Committee Inc.
The study, conducted by the economic practice at AECOM Technology Corp. (NYSE: ACM), forecasts that being selected as the host country in either of those years could result in a $5 billion economic impact nationwide. In addition, preparation for and operation of the tournament could lead to the creation of between 65,000 and 100,000 new jobs.
The study also estimates 5,000 to 8,000 jobs would be created in each host city during the event’s operation.
Thirty-two stadiums in 27 cities, including Houston’s Reliant Stadium, are in the running to be included in the U.S. bid. The final bid will include between 12 and 18 stadiums.
The total economic impact projected for any one host city ranges from about $400 million to $600 million at today’s dollar value, according to the study. That figure is based on 12 host cities staging five to six matches each.
The USA Bid Committee is responsible for putting together the pitch to host the prestigious soccer event, with the final submission due to FIFA, the international governing body for soccer, in May 2010.
Houston soccer fans can do their part to promote the city by going to a Web site created by the committee at http://www.gousabid.com/Houston.
Winning the 2018 or 2022 FIFA World Cup could be very lucrative for Houston and the nation, according to a study released this week by the USA Bid Committee Inc.
The study, conducted by the economic practice at AECOM Technology Corp. (NYSE: ACM), forecasts that being selected as the host country in either of those years could result in a $5 billion economic impact nationwide. In addition, preparation for and operation of the tournament could lead to the creation of between 65,000 and 100,000 new jobs.
The study also estimates 5,000 to 8,000 jobs would be created in each host city during the event’s operation.
Thirty-two stadiums in 27 cities, including Houston’s Reliant Stadium, are in the running to be included in the U.S. bid. The final bid will include between 12 and 18 stadiums.
The total economic impact projected for any one host city ranges from about $400 million to $600 million at today’s dollar value, according to the study. That figure is based on 12 host cities staging five to six matches each.
The USA Bid Committee is responsible for putting together the pitch to host the prestigious soccer event, with the final submission due to FIFA, the international governing body for soccer, in May 2010.
Houston soccer fans can do their part to promote the city by going to a Web site created by the committee at http://www.gousabid.com/Houston.
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Nolan Ryan's Record Setting Strikeout Victim Becomes New Astros Manager
Brad Mills has been hired as the new manager of the Houston Astros. Mills, previously the bench coach for the Boston Red Sox, was introduced yesterday by Ed Wade, Astros General Manager, in a press conference at Minute Maid Park. Houstonians may remember Brad Mills as being Nolan Ryan's 3509th career strikeout victim, lifting Ryan past Walter Johnson as the all-time Strike Out King.
Mills played for the Montreal Expos from 1980 to 1983, and has coached extensively in the minor leagues. He worked with Terry Francona in Philadelphia as an assistant base coach with the Phillies. When Francona left Philly to join the Red Sox organization (American League) in 2004, he took along Mills, whom he appointed bench coach.
Mills succeeds Cecil Cooper, who was fired on Sept. 21 and replaced on an interim basis by Dave Clark, the team’s third-base coach. Clark will maintain a position on Mills' staff for the upcoming season. Mills lack of current knowledge of the National League players and teams was not seen as a real detriment since he had prior experience in both the major and minor league systems with National League teams.
Mills played for the Montreal Expos from 1980 to 1983, and has coached extensively in the minor leagues. He worked with Terry Francona in Philadelphia as an assistant base coach with the Phillies. When Francona left Philly to join the Red Sox organization (American League) in 2004, he took along Mills, whom he appointed bench coach.
Mills succeeds Cecil Cooper, who was fired on Sept. 21 and replaced on an interim basis by Dave Clark, the team’s third-base coach. Clark will maintain a position on Mills' staff for the upcoming season. Mills lack of current knowledge of the National League players and teams was not seen as a real detriment since he had prior experience in both the major and minor league systems with National League teams.
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Katy Freeway Lands Houston's First Toys "R" Us Superstore
This from several sources, including language from the Houston Business Journal:
Toys “R” Us Inc. has returned to the Katy Freeway with the opening of the first “R” superstore in the Houston market.
The Wayne, N.J.-based retailer opened a new 65,000-square-foot store at 9730 Katy Freeway, on Oct. 23.
The new store combines the merchandise assortment of a full-size Toys “R” Us store and a Babies “R” Us store, offering a single location for parents to find toys for kids and everything they need for a baby.
Following Hurricane Ike, the company closed its 45,000-square-foot Toys “R” Us store at 9655 Katy Freeway, due to substantial damage caused by the storm.
The Houston “R” superstore is the fourth of its kind to open in Texas, with others located in Allen, Irving and Dallas.
In addition, Toys “R” Us has opened a “Holiday Express” store in The Galleria mall as part of an expansion plan that includes more than 80 Holiday Express temporary Christmas stores in malls and other shopping centers nationwide, and more than 260 Toys “R” Us Holiday Express shops within the company’s Babies “R” Us stores.
Toys “R” Us Inc. has returned to the Katy Freeway with the opening of the first “R” superstore in the Houston market.
The Wayne, N.J.-based retailer opened a new 65,000-square-foot store at 9730 Katy Freeway, on Oct. 23.
The new store combines the merchandise assortment of a full-size Toys “R” Us store and a Babies “R” Us store, offering a single location for parents to find toys for kids and everything they need for a baby.
Following Hurricane Ike, the company closed its 45,000-square-foot Toys “R” Us store at 9655 Katy Freeway, due to substantial damage caused by the storm.
The Houston “R” superstore is the fourth of its kind to open in Texas, with others located in Allen, Irving and Dallas.
In addition, Toys “R” Us has opened a “Holiday Express” store in The Galleria mall as part of an expansion plan that includes more than 80 Holiday Express temporary Christmas stores in malls and other shopping centers nationwide, and more than 260 Toys “R” Us Holiday Express shops within the company’s Babies “R” Us stores.
Monday, October 26, 2009
Shell Oil Eco-marathon Competition Coming to Houston in March, 2010
Shared information from Houston Business Journal and Shell Oil Website
The Shell Eco-marathon Americas will be held in Houston next year, the first time the event has taken place outside Southern California since it began in 2007. For the website with all the information and rules, click here:
http://www.shell.com/home/content/ecomarathon/
The 2010 event will also mark the first time the race — in which student-built, energy efficient vehicles compete to travel the farthest using the least amount of energy — will be held on a road track. “Bringing the Shell Eco-marathon to our hometown of Houston provides the student teams with an all-new setting to stretch the boundaries of fuel efficiency,” said Marvin Odum, president of Shell Oil Co.
The eco-marathon has been around since its inception in Europe at a Shell research lab in 1939. The modern event was born in France in 1985. In 2007, the Americas event kicked off, and in 2010 Asia will also play host to its own eco-marathon.
Teams from the University of Houston, Lamar University in Beaumont and the University of Texas-El Paso were among 44 North and South American teams comprised of more than 500 students who participated in last year’s event, in which Laval University of Canada won the Prototype category with a vehicle that achieved more than 2,700 miles per gallon. In the Urban Concept category, for cars more likely to see mass production, Mater Dei High School of Evansville, Ind. took the grand prize with 433 mpg.
The 2010 Shell Eco-marathon Americas will be held at Discovery Green from March 26 to March 28
The Shell Eco-marathon Americas will be held in Houston next year, the first time the event has taken place outside Southern California since it began in 2007. For the website with all the information and rules, click here:
http://www.shell.com/home/content/ecomarathon/
The 2010 event will also mark the first time the race — in which student-built, energy efficient vehicles compete to travel the farthest using the least amount of energy — will be held on a road track. “Bringing the Shell Eco-marathon to our hometown of Houston provides the student teams with an all-new setting to stretch the boundaries of fuel efficiency,” said Marvin Odum, president of Shell Oil Co.
The eco-marathon has been around since its inception in Europe at a Shell research lab in 1939. The modern event was born in France in 1985. In 2007, the Americas event kicked off, and in 2010 Asia will also play host to its own eco-marathon.
Teams from the University of Houston, Lamar University in Beaumont and the University of Texas-El Paso were among 44 North and South American teams comprised of more than 500 students who participated in last year’s event, in which Laval University of Canada won the Prototype category with a vehicle that achieved more than 2,700 miles per gallon. In the Urban Concept category, for cars more likely to see mass production, Mater Dei High School of Evansville, Ind. took the grand prize with 433 mpg.
The 2010 Shell Eco-marathon Americas will be held at Discovery Green from March 26 to March 28
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Houston, TX Chosen to Host O'Reilly AutoRama 50th Anniversary
Houston will be behind the wheel as the O’Reilly AutoRama revs up its engines for the event’s 50th anniversary from Nov. 26 to 29.
The event, presented by Super Start Batteries, is one of the largest and longest-running indoor car shows in the United States. This year it will feature a salute to the past five decades, as well as a line-up of custom cars, motorcycles, racecars, tuners, trucks and family entertainment at the George R. Brown Convention Center.
“I’m proud that AutoRama has become such an important part of the culture in Houston that we’re now celebrating our golden anniversary,” said Bob Larivee Jr., chief executive officer of Championship Auto Shows Inc., the group putting on AutoRama.
Featured cars will include the legendary Zinger Corvette and Volkswagen, the Hudson Hornet from the hit movie “Cars,” “El Tiki” from the pages of Ol’ Skool Rodz and the “Ratical Rod” street coupe. The top show cars in North America will also be on display as part of the International Show Car Association Championship Finals.
A new addition will be the GlowoRama, when a collection of art cars will drive down Avenida De Las Americas in front of the GRB on Nov.
The event, presented by Super Start Batteries, is one of the largest and longest-running indoor car shows in the United States. This year it will feature a salute to the past five decades, as well as a line-up of custom cars, motorcycles, racecars, tuners, trucks and family entertainment at the George R. Brown Convention Center.
“I’m proud that AutoRama has become such an important part of the culture in Houston that we’re now celebrating our golden anniversary,” said Bob Larivee Jr., chief executive officer of Championship Auto Shows Inc., the group putting on AutoRama.
Featured cars will include the legendary Zinger Corvette and Volkswagen, the Hudson Hornet from the hit movie “Cars,” “El Tiki” from the pages of Ol’ Skool Rodz and the “Ratical Rod” street coupe. The top show cars in North America will also be on display as part of the International Show Car Association Championship Finals.
A new addition will be the GlowoRama, when a collection of art cars will drive down Avenida De Las Americas in front of the GRB on Nov.
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Houston Named as #4 Best City for Retirees by Forbes Magazine
The Houston-Sugar Land-Baytown metropolitan area ranks No. 4 on a new list by Forbes of America’s 40 “recession proof” retirement cities.
Forbes said it considered such factors as average income for seniors, current and expected home prices, job-growth predictions through 2014, the cost of living and median monthly housing cost.
The Houston area ranked 33rd for home price change predicted for 2009-2014, 21st for number of sunny days, 18th for income of residents 65 and older, 15th for median home price, 13th for median monthly housing cost and fourth for both cost of living and job growth predicted for 2009-2014.
Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Marietta, Ga. took the top ranking and was followed by Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, and Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, Fla.
Austin-Round Rock shared the No. 5 slot with St. Louis, Mo., while San Antonio came in at No. 10.
New York finished last among the 40 cities, with Milwaukee and Boston rounding out the bottom three.
Forbes said it considered such factors as average income for seniors, current and expected home prices, job-growth predictions through 2014, the cost of living and median monthly housing cost.
The Houston area ranked 33rd for home price change predicted for 2009-2014, 21st for number of sunny days, 18th for income of residents 65 and older, 15th for median home price, 13th for median monthly housing cost and fourth for both cost of living and job growth predicted for 2009-2014.
Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Marietta, Ga. took the top ranking and was followed by Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, and Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, Fla.
Austin-Round Rock shared the No. 5 slot with St. Louis, Mo., while San Antonio came in at No. 10.
New York finished last among the 40 cities, with Milwaukee and Boston rounding out the bottom three.
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
My Houston, TX Blog in a Wordle
I put the URL of my blog into the Wordle (www.wordle.net)and the link below is what appeared. Very cool, huh?
http://www.wordle.net/show/wrdl/1247320/My_Blog_in_a_Wordle
http://www.wordle.net/show/wrdl/1247320/My_Blog_in_a_Wordle
Rice University to Teach & Invest
Reported by Greg Barr, a Senior Reporter, at the Houston Business Journal:
Rice University forms investment company
A new internal company will oversee financial investments for Rice University. The Rice Management Co. will be headed by Scott Wise, who has been appointed president of the new entity. Wise was previously vice president for investments and treasurer at the university.
Although the company is part of the university and not a separate legal entity, it has its own bylaws and a separate board of directors appointed by the Rice Board of Trustees. It replaces the board’s investment committee. The company has 13 investment professionals and three administrative support staff members. Although the majority of its board will be Rice trustees, several external advisers will be elected.
Jim Crownover, chairman of the Rice Board of Trustees, said a number of Rice’s peer institutions have formed similar companies to manage their endowments. Some of Wise’s other administrative duties will be handed over to other university employees so he can concentrate on investment decisions.
“The performance of the endowment is crucial to Rice’s long-term success,” he said, noting that the endowment accounts for about 45 percent of the university’s annual budget. “The Rice Management Co. will allow us to have a more focused approach to governing and managing the endowment. It will also allow us to tap the experience and skills of top investment professionals across the country by bringing in outside members to the board of directors.”
Rice’s endowment fund was worth $3.6 billion as of June 30.
Rice University forms investment company
A new internal company will oversee financial investments for Rice University. The Rice Management Co. will be headed by Scott Wise, who has been appointed president of the new entity. Wise was previously vice president for investments and treasurer at the university.
Although the company is part of the university and not a separate legal entity, it has its own bylaws and a separate board of directors appointed by the Rice Board of Trustees. It replaces the board’s investment committee. The company has 13 investment professionals and three administrative support staff members. Although the majority of its board will be Rice trustees, several external advisers will be elected.
Jim Crownover, chairman of the Rice Board of Trustees, said a number of Rice’s peer institutions have formed similar companies to manage their endowments. Some of Wise’s other administrative duties will be handed over to other university employees so he can concentrate on investment decisions.
“The performance of the endowment is crucial to Rice’s long-term success,” he said, noting that the endowment accounts for about 45 percent of the university’s annual budget. “The Rice Management Co. will allow us to have a more focused approach to governing and managing the endowment. It will also allow us to tap the experience and skills of top investment professionals across the country by bringing in outside members to the board of directors.”
Rice’s endowment fund was worth $3.6 billion as of June 30.
Monday, October 19, 2009
Houston Rodeo Concerts to Include Jonas Brothers, Brooks & Dunn, and Tim McGraw
This blast from the Houston Chronicle (www.chron.com)
Heartthrobs -- country and otherwise -- lead the list of 2010 Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo performers.
Today's quartet of early performer announcements include the Jonas Brothers (March 7), Tim McGraw (March 8), Brad Paisley (March 11) and retiring duo Brooks & Dunn (March 20).
RodeoHouston runs March 2-21. The full lineup will be announced Jan. 11, 2010.
The Jonas Brothers: The unstoppable sibling trio makes its second RodeoHouston appearance after drawing 72,475 fans last year. Joe, Nick and Kevin also sold out an Aug show at Toyota Center. Will next year's show be another record-breaker? Or has JBros fatigue set in? We're betting on the former. (March 7.)
Tim McGraw: The strappingly sensitive crooner is making his fifth RodeoHouston appearance. He previously took the stage in 1996-97, 2003 and 2008. A new album, Southern Voice, is in stores Tuesday. (March 8.)
Brad Paisley: It's also RodeoHouston No. 5 for Paisley, who's an ace at mixing aw-shucks ballads with wry, intelligent songwriting. See American Saturday Night, his eighth studio album. Paisley's sets are loose, lively and a nonstop parade of colorful guitars -- with paisley designs, of course. (March 11.)
Brooks & Dunn: The veteran duo has played every RodeoHouston since 1992 and is always a solid draw. But RodeoHouston 2010 promises to be a special gig. Kix Brooks and Ronnie Dunn announced in August that it's "time to call it a day" after the Last Rodeo Tour, which includes the local date. Expect an all-time high in paid attendance.
Season tickets are on sale now and start at $302 (plus a $15 handling fee).
Mini‐season tickets go on sale at 8:30 a.m. Tuesday and are offered in two "options." Option A includes the Jonas Brothers and McGraw; option B includes Paisley and Brooks & Dunn. Each package includes nine performances and ranges from $132-$171. Seating is in the upper and loge levels.
Black Heritage Day (March 5) and Go Tejano Day (March 14) are not included in Mini-season ticket options. Individual tickets go on sale Jan. 16.
For ticket information, call 832-667-1080, visit the ticket windows on the second floor of Reliant Center or go to the RodeoHouston site. Season and mini-season tickets are not available at any other outlets.
Heartthrobs -- country and otherwise -- lead the list of 2010 Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo performers.
Today's quartet of early performer announcements include the Jonas Brothers (March 7), Tim McGraw (March 8), Brad Paisley (March 11) and retiring duo Brooks & Dunn (March 20).
RodeoHouston runs March 2-21. The full lineup will be announced Jan. 11, 2010.
The Jonas Brothers: The unstoppable sibling trio makes its second RodeoHouston appearance after drawing 72,475 fans last year. Joe, Nick and Kevin also sold out an Aug show at Toyota Center. Will next year's show be another record-breaker? Or has JBros fatigue set in? We're betting on the former. (March 7.)
Tim McGraw: The strappingly sensitive crooner is making his fifth RodeoHouston appearance. He previously took the stage in 1996-97, 2003 and 2008. A new album, Southern Voice, is in stores Tuesday. (March 8.)
Brad Paisley: It's also RodeoHouston No. 5 for Paisley, who's an ace at mixing aw-shucks ballads with wry, intelligent songwriting. See American Saturday Night, his eighth studio album. Paisley's sets are loose, lively and a nonstop parade of colorful guitars -- with paisley designs, of course. (March 11.)
Brooks & Dunn: The veteran duo has played every RodeoHouston since 1992 and is always a solid draw. But RodeoHouston 2010 promises to be a special gig. Kix Brooks and Ronnie Dunn announced in August that it's "time to call it a day" after the Last Rodeo Tour, which includes the local date. Expect an all-time high in paid attendance.
Season tickets are on sale now and start at $302 (plus a $15 handling fee).
Mini‐season tickets go on sale at 8:30 a.m. Tuesday and are offered in two "options." Option A includes the Jonas Brothers and McGraw; option B includes Paisley and Brooks & Dunn. Each package includes nine performances and ranges from $132-$171. Seating is in the upper and loge levels.
Black Heritage Day (March 5) and Go Tejano Day (March 14) are not included in Mini-season ticket options. Individual tickets go on sale Jan. 16.
For ticket information, call 832-667-1080, visit the ticket windows on the second floor of Reliant Center or go to the RodeoHouston site. Season and mini-season tickets are not available at any other outlets.
Friday, October 16, 2009
Everyone Grab Their iPhone & add the Houston Zoo Application
This from the Houston Business Journal:
Different kinds of animals tend to exhibit interesting social behaviors. Now the Houston Zoo hopes its human guests will take to a new iPhone application that taps into social networking Web sites.
The Zoo iPhone application — available at no charge — displays guests’ locations on the zoo grounds using real-time GPS coordinates and allows visitors to access photos and videos of exhibits and animals and access daily “Meet the Keeper” presentations. The application home page also includes a link to a live Twitter stream.
The Houston Zoo is one of only two zoos in the world, along with the Woodland Park Zoo in Seattle, to offer the locator application.
“We wanted the application to be a personalized guide for our guests, giving our visitors instant information about all the zoo has to offer so they can make the most of their visit,” said Kelly Russo, Houston Zoo director of interactive marketing.
Different kinds of animals tend to exhibit interesting social behaviors. Now the Houston Zoo hopes its human guests will take to a new iPhone application that taps into social networking Web sites.
The Zoo iPhone application — available at no charge — displays guests’ locations on the zoo grounds using real-time GPS coordinates and allows visitors to access photos and videos of exhibits and animals and access daily “Meet the Keeper” presentations. The application home page also includes a link to a live Twitter stream.
The Houston Zoo is one of only two zoos in the world, along with the Woodland Park Zoo in Seattle, to offer the locator application.
“We wanted the application to be a personalized guide for our guests, giving our visitors instant information about all the zoo has to offer so they can make the most of their visit,” said Kelly Russo, Houston Zoo director of interactive marketing.
Thursday, October 15, 2009
College Football's Texas Bowl Boosts Profile with Big 12 & Big Ten Connections
This from a file story in the HBJ:
The value of the Texas Bowl brand will move higher in 2010 now that the college football game will include teams from the Big 12 and Big Ten conferences.
Next year’s game will also have a higher-ranked Big 12 team, getting the fifth choice among bowl-eligible teams from the conference after the Bowl Championship Series lineups have been announced. Since its start in 2006, the Texas Bowl has had the seventh pick among eligible Big 12 teams.
Big 12 and Big Ten officials committed this week to a four-year agreement with the Texas Bowl through 2013.
“When we took the bowl over in 2006, the vision was clear: to bring two teams from BCS conferences to Houston on New Year’s,” said Heather Houston, Texas Bowl manager. “This dream is now a reality with today’s announcement.”
This year’s game at Reliant Stadium, produced by Houston-based Lone Star Sports and Entertainment and set for broadcast on ESPN, is set for 2:30 p.m. on Dec. 31, and will feature Navy against a Big 12 team to be determined.
Of the three Texas Bowls held so far, Texas Christian University’s 20-13 win over the University of Houston in 2007 attracted the largest crowd, with 62,097 in attendance.
The value of the Texas Bowl brand will move higher in 2010 now that the college football game will include teams from the Big 12 and Big Ten conferences.
Next year’s game will also have a higher-ranked Big 12 team, getting the fifth choice among bowl-eligible teams from the conference after the Bowl Championship Series lineups have been announced. Since its start in 2006, the Texas Bowl has had the seventh pick among eligible Big 12 teams.
Big 12 and Big Ten officials committed this week to a four-year agreement with the Texas Bowl through 2013.
“When we took the bowl over in 2006, the vision was clear: to bring two teams from BCS conferences to Houston on New Year’s,” said Heather Houston, Texas Bowl manager. “This dream is now a reality with today’s announcement.”
This year’s game at Reliant Stadium, produced by Houston-based Lone Star Sports and Entertainment and set for broadcast on ESPN, is set for 2:30 p.m. on Dec. 31, and will feature Navy against a Big 12 team to be determined.
Of the three Texas Bowls held so far, Texas Christian University’s 20-13 win over the University of Houston in 2007 attracted the largest crowd, with 62,097 in attendance.
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Houston, TX Received Small Business Accolade from Fortune Magazine
Houston may have a bad reputation for its hot weather and heavy traffic, but when it comes to starting a small business, the city is one cool kid.
Fortune Small Business has ranked the Bayou City No. 4 among the top large metro areas for business start-ups.
Fortune raves about Houston’s ability to weather the current recession, the addition of 500,000 new jobs over the past five years, and the city government’s work on curbing pollution, diversifying the economy and investing in public transportation. And of course, there’s the Texas Medical Center and the city’s ranking as the largest municipal purchaser of green power in the country, according to the Environmental Protection Agency.
However, Fortune did bring up that pesky Mother Nature issue, and the fact that businesses are now having a tough time finding hurricane insurance.
But, weather didn’t stop Fortune from naming tornado-prone Oklahoma City as the best city for starting a small business. Despite its weather issues, OK City received kudos for its low foreclosure rate as well as the large number of local investors just itching to lend money. Rounding out the top four were Pittsburgh and Raleigh, N.C.
Fortune Small Business has ranked the Bayou City No. 4 among the top large metro areas for business start-ups.
Fortune raves about Houston’s ability to weather the current recession, the addition of 500,000 new jobs over the past five years, and the city government’s work on curbing pollution, diversifying the economy and investing in public transportation. And of course, there’s the Texas Medical Center and the city’s ranking as the largest municipal purchaser of green power in the country, according to the Environmental Protection Agency.
However, Fortune did bring up that pesky Mother Nature issue, and the fact that businesses are now having a tough time finding hurricane insurance.
But, weather didn’t stop Fortune from naming tornado-prone Oklahoma City as the best city for starting a small business. Despite its weather issues, OK City received kudos for its low foreclosure rate as well as the large number of local investors just itching to lend money. Rounding out the top four were Pittsburgh and Raleigh, N.C.
Friday, October 9, 2009
Houston CityCentre Development to Host "Foam on the Range" Beer Festival
Food and Vine Time Productions will host a “Foam on the Range” craft beer festival on Oct. 23 at CityCentre Houston near Interstate 10 and the West Sam Houston Parkway.
More than 25 handcrafted beers will be available for sampling and local restaurants will also be on hand to offer optional food items.
Entrance to the craft beer festival costs $15 which includes beer, brew knowledge, high rise living model tours and live music.
The event is part of “Zest in the West,” a three-day festival featuring a variety of food and drink events that supports scholarships for participants of the non-profit West Houston Leadership Institute, which trains and develops leaders in the community.
More than 25 handcrafted beers will be available for sampling and local restaurants will also be on hand to offer optional food items.
Entrance to the craft beer festival costs $15 which includes beer, brew knowledge, high rise living model tours and live music.
The event is part of “Zest in the West,” a three-day festival featuring a variety of food and drink events that supports scholarships for participants of the non-profit West Houston Leadership Institute, which trains and develops leaders in the community.
Thursday, October 8, 2009
Houston, TX in the Ranks of Best Sports Cities
As reported by the HBJ from a Sporting News list:
Houston has climbed a notch in the annual rankings of the best sports cities in the country by The Sporting News (www.sportingnews.com/).
The Bayou City is ranked No. 11 this year, up from No. 12 in 2008, according to the magazine’s rankings, released Wednesday.
“People just don’t like either the Texans, Rockets or Astros. The fans here will support all the teams and really know what’s going on,” Texans wide receiver Andre Johnson told Sporting News. “I’ve been a Rockets season-ticket holder for six years. That’s the biggest thing I’ve seen that’s different than other cities. They just really love their sports and support the teams.”
Pittsburgh, which won back its title of “City of Champions” this year with the Penguins winning the Stanley Cup and Steelers winning the Super Bowl, regained the No. 1 ranking from Boston, which slipped to No. 3 this year.
The arrival of the palatial new Cowboys Stadium helped Dallas-Fort Worth claim the No. 9 slot, the highest ranking for a Texas city. San Antonio was further down the list at No. 25 with Austin at No. 38. Several other Texas cities were included in the top 100, including Lubbock at No. 63, Waco at No. 85, College Station at No. 86 and El Paso at No. 98.
This year’s Best Sports Cities list features almost 400 cities and towns in the United States and Canada, ranked by a system that assigns points to a variety of categories, including a city’s number of teams, their regular-season won-lost records, playoff berths, bowl appearances and tournament bids, championships, applicable power ratings, fan fervor, attendance and more.
Houston has climbed a notch in the annual rankings of the best sports cities in the country by The Sporting News (www.sportingnews.com/).
The Bayou City is ranked No. 11 this year, up from No. 12 in 2008, according to the magazine’s rankings, released Wednesday.
“People just don’t like either the Texans, Rockets or Astros. The fans here will support all the teams and really know what’s going on,” Texans wide receiver Andre Johnson told Sporting News. “I’ve been a Rockets season-ticket holder for six years. That’s the biggest thing I’ve seen that’s different than other cities. They just really love their sports and support the teams.”
Pittsburgh, which won back its title of “City of Champions” this year with the Penguins winning the Stanley Cup and Steelers winning the Super Bowl, regained the No. 1 ranking from Boston, which slipped to No. 3 this year.
The arrival of the palatial new Cowboys Stadium helped Dallas-Fort Worth claim the No. 9 slot, the highest ranking for a Texas city. San Antonio was further down the list at No. 25 with Austin at No. 38. Several other Texas cities were included in the top 100, including Lubbock at No. 63, Waco at No. 85, College Station at No. 86 and El Paso at No. 98.
This year’s Best Sports Cities list features almost 400 cities and towns in the United States and Canada, ranked by a system that assigns points to a variety of categories, including a city’s number of teams, their regular-season won-lost records, playoff berths, bowl appearances and tournament bids, championships, applicable power ratings, fan fervor, attendance and more.
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Texas is a Place Where Folks Want to Live
This tidbit from the HBJ:
The Lone Star State is regarded as one of the most attractive states in the nation for people to live in, according to a
Harris Interactive poll.
Texas came in at No. 4 in the poll, which looked at where people want to live.
“The most popular states and cities where large numbers of people would like to live tend to attract tourists and business,” the report said. “They are places where people like to take vacations and where companies like to have their offices and factories.”
California ranked No. 1 for the sixth year in a row as the place Americans would most like to live. Florida came in second and Hawaii was third. Colorado rounded out the top five.
The poll of 2,498 U.S. adults was conducted Aug. 10 to 18.
The Lone Star State is regarded as one of the most attractive states in the nation for people to live in, according to a
Harris Interactive poll.Texas came in at No. 4 in the poll, which looked at where people want to live.
“The most popular states and cities where large numbers of people would like to live tend to attract tourists and business,” the report said. “They are places where people like to take vacations and where companies like to have their offices and factories.”
California ranked No. 1 for the sixth year in a row as the place Americans would most like to live. Florida came in second and Hawaii was third. Colorado rounded out the top five.
The poll of 2,498 U.S. adults was conducted Aug. 10 to 18.
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
Houstonians to Watch Military Aircrafts Excersises Today
The U.S. military has issued advanced warning that jet fighters could be scrambled in the Houston area on Oct. 6 as part of military exercises.
North American Aerospace Defense Command will conduct the flights in the skies over Southeast Texas. The pre-planned flights will take place in the late morning and early afternoon and residents should expect to hear and see NORAD fighter jets as they practice intercept and identification procedures.
Although exact flight plans were not divulged, a NORAD spokesman at Peterson Air Force Base in Colorado said Houston airspace “could be included” in the exercises.
NORAD has conducted exercise flights of this nature throughout the United States and Canada since the start of Operation Noble Eagle, the command’s response to the 9/11 terrorist attacks.
Another branch of the military was in the spotlight this year on the anniversary of the 2001 terrorist attacks when it conducted an anti-terrorist exercise on the Potomac River not far from the Pentagon where President Obama and others were gathered to commemorate 9/11.
CNN reported that shots had been fired without first determining the source, which was a U.S. Coast Guard training exercise. But the Coast Guard also drew some flak for not pre-announcing the exercises held on Sept. 11.
North American Aerospace Defense Command will conduct the flights in the skies over Southeast Texas. The pre-planned flights will take place in the late morning and early afternoon and residents should expect to hear and see NORAD fighter jets as they practice intercept and identification procedures.Although exact flight plans were not divulged, a NORAD spokesman at Peterson Air Force Base in Colorado said Houston airspace “could be included” in the exercises.
NORAD has conducted exercise flights of this nature throughout the United States and Canada since the start of Operation Noble Eagle, the command’s response to the 9/11 terrorist attacks.
Another branch of the military was in the spotlight this year on the anniversary of the 2001 terrorist attacks when it conducted an anti-terrorist exercise on the Potomac River not far from the Pentagon where President Obama and others were gathered to commemorate 9/11.
CNN reported that shots had been fired without first determining the source, which was a U.S. Coast Guard training exercise. But the Coast Guard also drew some flak for not pre-announcing the exercises held on Sept. 11.
Monday, October 5, 2009
Houston Well Represented in Race for the Cure
A record crowd turned out for the 19th Annual Komen Houston Race for the Cure on Oct. 3.
More than 32,000 participants were involved in the race, up from 30,000 last year.
So far, more than $2 million has been pledged toward the Komen Houston Affiliate’s goal of raising $3 million by Nov. 15.
The nonprofit Komen Houston Affiliate ofSusan G. Komen for the Cure was created in 1990 to provide innovative breast cancer education, screening and treatment projects for the medically underserved in southeast Texas. Since then it has granted $6 million for research nationally and $19 million for community grants in Harris, Fort Bend, Chambers, Montgomery, Brazoria, Liberty and Galveston counties.
Earlier this year, the Komen Houston Affiliate was ranked No. 1 for granting the most funds to its service area, topping 125 affiliate groups worldwide.
More than 32,000 participants were involved in the race, up from 30,000 last year.
So far, more than $2 million has been pledged toward the Komen Houston Affiliate’s goal of raising $3 million by Nov. 15.
The nonprofit Komen Houston Affiliate of
Susan G. Komen for the Cure was created in 1990 to provide innovative breast cancer education, screening and treatment projects for the medically underserved in southeast Texas. Since then it has granted $6 million for research nationally and $19 million for community grants in Harris, Fort Bend, Chambers, Montgomery, Brazoria, Liberty and Galveston counties.Earlier this year, the Komen Houston Affiliate was ranked No. 1 for granting the most funds to its service area, topping 125 affiliate groups worldwide.
Thursday, October 1, 2009
Two Houston Hispanic Community Leaders Win National Awards
Rice University professor Richard Tapia has received the annual Hispanic Heritage Award for Math and Science at a ceremony in the nation’s capital.Tapia, an engineering professor and director of Rice’s Center for Excellence and Equity in Education, was honored Sept. 29 at a star-studded ceremony on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C.
He was cited for his international reputation for research in the computational and mathematical sciences and is a national leader in education and outreach.
Born in Los Angeles to parents who emigrated from Mexico as teenagers to seek educational opportunities, Tapia was the first in his family to attend college. He was the first native-born Hispanic elected to the
National Academy of Engineering and in 2005, he earned Rice’s highest academic title, University Professor, becoming only the sixth person to earn the rank at Rice.Ten-time world champion boxer Oscar de la Hoya, whose Los Angeles-based
Golden Boy Promotions company owns 25 percent of the Houston Dynamo soccer team, received the Achievement in Sports Award, and was recognized for his accomplishments in the ring and his impact on the Hispanic community.“I feel truly privileged to be receiving this award,” said de la Hoya. “To be recognized along with such influential members of the Hispanic community is a great honor.”
The Hispanic Heritage Awards were created by the White House in 1988.
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