Former Ambassador James C. Oberwetter, President and CEO of the Dallas Regional Chamber said,

“We are indeed very sympathetic with the position of American Airlines, with its people and all of those who are affected by the restructuring process.

“ We believe that the plan, which American’s chairman Tom Horton has set out,  will successfully reconstitute the airline transforming it into an outstanding competitor which meets the needs for domestic and world-wide flights to and from the Dallas/Fort Worth area.

“The airline business is a very competitive one.  Other more recently formed or previously restructured airlines have had distinct advantages over American.  We are confident that American’s leadership team along with those who lead and comprise its workforce will find ways to overcome the challenges in the times ahead.

“We are a region of 6.5 million people, the fourth largest metropolitan area in the United States, and the fastest growing.   We can be exceptionally pleased that American Airlines has announced its plan to become a profitable, growing and even stronger member of the Dallas/Fort Worth metropolitan region and a great global world-class airline.”

(Aside:  DRC President Oberwetter serves on the board of the Greater Dallas Workforce Solutions board.)

The Dallas area is home to a large and diverse set of corporate headquarters, for good reason.  Our region has a tremendous set of assets that companies look for when choosing where to base.  We have much to sell, and our pitch is a good one, especially right now.

The U.S. economy and corporations are resetting.  The difficult business climates in California, Illinois and other key states are viewed in stark contrast to the operating environment in the Dallas area, and in Texas.  In the past few days, both leading corporate location magazines, Site Selection and Area Development, have named Texas the top State for doing business.

The Chamber’s strategic plan recognized this opportunity, and established the recruitment of corporate headquarters as a priority for our economic development program.  Already, populated by economic development investors, committees are assembled and working to identify, target and recruit best prospects in a highly organized fashion.

Manny Fernandez, KPMG, chairs the headquarters committee, which is further divided into four regional subcommittees; the West (chaired by Debra von Storch, Ernst & Young), Midwest (chaired by Phil Puckett, CBRE), the Sunbelt (chaired by Dwaine Saalman, Furniture Marketing Group), and the Northeast (chaired by Steve Good, Gardere Wynne Sewell LLP).

Working with committee members, staff has developed a model to identify prospects for recruitment.  The model scores corporations as candidates for a move here based on criteria that impact corporate headquarters location.  Beyond objective scoring, subjective analysis is applied to refine our targets and the methods for contacting each.  Our goal, of course, is to engage corporate executives and market this region as the place to be, and from doing so win those jobs, taxpayers, community investments and other uplifts caused when a company chooses to move here.

Our committees are providing an invaluable service to the search for new companies to move to Dallas and the region.   But it is important to note that some of our best prospects, and some move ins, have arrived through calls we have received from individuals and companies who have great contacts across the country.   We want to know of companies you are aware of that are serious about making a move.   Let us hear from you if you have solid leads, we will do the follow up and together we will help grow North Texas.

On behalf of the Dallas Regional Chamber, I am writing to urge you to voice opposition to a White House proposal to reduce the federal deficit by charging more taxes and fees to the U.S. airline industry and the traveling public.

Airlines lost fifty-five billion dollars over the last decade and will no doubt try to offset additional federal airline taxes by raising air fares or reducing service. Passengers will be left with fewer choices for when and where to fly. To many of our member companies, having the most service options and affordable pricing are imperative to the success of their businesses. They need these options to continue to keep and increase economic prosperity in our region.

Nearly eleven million U.S. jobs are tied to commercial aviation. U.S. airlines have already shed 160,000 jobs over the last decade. Further increasing federal airline taxes and fees would eliminate hundreds of thousands of additional good-paying airline jobs. Having two major airline companies headquartered in the DFW area means that many jobs would be lost here in our region, making this proposal of significant importance to Dallas Regional Chamber.

The airline industry, which is struggling in today’s economy, simply cannot take another round of new taxes without reducing service and losing jobs. I urge you to take all steps to ensure that this proposal is not included in any deficit reduction package that goes before Congress for a vote.

Thank you for your consideration, and please let me know if we can be helpful to your efforts.

Sincerely,

Amb. James C. Oberwetter
President and CEO
Dallas Regional Chamber

Dallas Regional Chamber President & CEO Jim Oberwetter has fielded a call from the President of the St. Louis Regional Chamber and Growth Association, Dick Fleming. Fleming wagered a case of Anheuser Busch products (made in St. Louis) to celebrate a World Series victory by the Arlington-based Texas Rangers or a case of Tums (whose global production is made next to Busch Stadium in downtown St. Louis by GlaxoSmithKline) if the Texas Rangers lose.

Oberwetter countered with a case of Kimberly- Clark Corporation’s (headquartered in the Dallas area) Kleenex ™ facial tissues for all the tears to arrive when the Cardinals lose and a case-equivalent of 7-Eleven, Inc.’s (headquartered in Dallas) Slurpee® drink  should the Cardinals pull off a victory.

Oberwetter  and Fleming are colleagues on the board of the American Chamber of Commerce Executives, and active baseball fans.  Prior to heading the Dallas Regional Chamber Oberwetter served as U.S. Ambassador to Saudi Arabia under President George W. Bush, and prior to becoming CEO at the St. Louis Regional Chamber & Growth Association, Fleming was CEO of the Greater Denver Chamber and their economic development organization.

For further information contact:

Lauren Parsons
Managing Director, Communications
Dallas Regional Chamber
lparsons@dallaschamber.org

Gary Broome
Vice President of Communications
St. Louis Regional Chamber & Growth Association
gbroome@stlrcga.org

The trip begins with a direct flight on Qantas Airways from DFW International Airport to Brisbane, Australia’s third largest city, and the capital of Queensland. Brisbane is home to the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, the Brisbane Botanical Gardens and an assortment of national parklands. With a population of over two million it is the largest economic center between Sydney and Singapore.

After leaving Brisbane the trip moves to Sydney, Australia’s largest and most famous city, which boasts attractions such as the world-renowned Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbor Bridge. One of the most culturally diverse cities in the world, Sydney has something to offer for everyone. With a population of over four million people, this city has plenty of opportunity for your next big business deal.

Along with airfare and hotel accommodations, this executive Australia trip offers attendees guided tours of several local tourist destinations and business meetings set up by the Chambers. Additional time is included in the itinerary to explore and sight-see on your own. Some meals, taxes and gratuities are also included.

For more information, including the full itinerary, pricing & booking, please visit: www.qantasvacations.com/dfwtrip

Don’t delay, visit the website & book your seat today!

Congratulations to the NBA Championship winning Dallas Mavericks.  It was a quadruple win:  1. A winning team of champions whose coaching and ownership are of equal championship quality; 2. A winning arena, (a big city project that pays off 17 years ahead of schedule); 3. Winning fans that love the Mavericks thru thick and thin; and 4. A global win, with players who have proudly put us on the international stage.   Hats off to the Dallas Mavericks.

It is time to vote for Mayor

On Saturday, the citizens of Dallas will choose their next Mayor to lead the city for the next four years. We are fortunate to have two fine candidates to consider in the run-off election.  David Kunkle and Mike Rawlings, just as Dallas did, rose from humble beginnings and they have worked hard, one in business, one in public service, to achieve great success.  They are great examples of the American Dream with compelling life stories.

Both recognize the importance of economic growth on our city’s continued success.  The next Mayor must maintain a strong business climate leading to growth of existing companies, new corporate relocation and to the creation of jobs.  Similarly our neighborhoods are vital elements which enhance the city’s greatness and they need attention as well.

These are challenging times throughout the country and here at home.  However, Dallas is positioned for growth due in large part to our low taxes and reasonable regulations.   We need to take advantage of the times and market our city’s attributes around the nation and the world.

In a runoff election, especially during the summer months, people simply forget to vote or become otherwise engaged and fail to do so.  It is extremely important that you cast a ballot in the Mayor’s race and in the District 12 council runoff (for those of you in Far North Dallas).  I look forward to working with the new Mayor and city council to take advantage of the opportunities before us.

Be sure to exercise your right to vote on Saturday, and encourage your employees to do so as well.  The polls will be open from 7am to 7pm.

It is our time to visit Australia

We are exceedingly pleased to announce that the Dallas Regional Chamber and the Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce will undertake a joint trade mission to Australia, October 21-31, 2011.  And, because you are a chamber member, you and yours are invited to come along! 

This first ever arrangement of its kind will showcase our two large cities, this entire region and its companies to our counterparts in Sydney and Brisbane, the Australian arrival and departure points for the new  Qantas Airways direct flights to and from “Downunder,” and DFW.

We intend to do some business in Aussie Land as we see the sights and have some fun as well.   Since we almost speak the same language, it will make it comfortable on those who prefer an “easy, safe and language friendly overseas experience,” with so much to see and do.

The planning for this trip has been underway for some time.  Qantas Vacations, Australia’s most prestigious agency, has been chosen as our premier travel host.  The trip website is active so visit www.qantasvacations.com/dfwtrip and you will see why we are so excited about the trip.  Use it to learn more, to ask questions and then to make your reservation.

Within the next day Chamber members will receive an email from us that provides you with details of the trip.  Suffice it to say that the two Chamber staffs have worked very hard to provide you with a fantastic trip at a most affordable price, $4,595 air and land and other benefits.  (One person has already asked, “You mean that really includes airfare?”)  Yes, it does include airfare!  Be watching for the email and then respond as soon as you can so Qantas will provide us with enough seats on what will be a most popular adventure.

DFW Airport is calculating that the arrival of Qantas here will boost the local economy by more than $200 million a year in tourism, new business and trade.  It is more than worth noting that the economy in Australia is booming, with business needs of all kinds. It’s a perfect time for North Texas businesses to explore new exporting avenues abroad, in a place that is suddenly much more convenient to access.

We urge you to take advantage of this opportunity to travel with some like-minded business men and women to the marsupial kingdom of the world.   It should be most enjoyable as DFW International Airport and Qantas now provide us with non-stop connections to another continent. Don’t delay, visit the website and book your space!

For more information on the trip, please contact Shannon Nail, email.

It’s not every day that DFW International Airport adds nonstop passenger service to a new continent, but starting this week Qantas Airways Ltd., Australia’s largest airline, begins its four times a week service from DFW to Australia.

This is an important event in the life of this tremendous economic development entity, DFW International Airport. Sitting between Dallas and Fort Worth, this immense engine of regional growth continues to provide global economic benefits as it draws us together more and more with each passing day.

The new flights are the first interior connections between the United States and Australia.  Before, we reached Australia largely from the West Coast.  There is no longer a need for U.S. travelers to pause in California. This new intercontinental route is said to be a “game-changer” by airport officials.

Part of the reason for these new flights has to do with the One World Alliance and American Airlines’ connectivity with it.   A relationship between the two carriers, coupled with the American Airlines hub at Dallas/Fort Worth, makes the airport extremely useful for mid-America and East coast travelers journeying to and from Australia.

Australian Ambassador to the U.S. Kim Beazley noted that the airport hub concept, which is great for air travel, is only one part of what this region might experience if companies from Australia start to see this area as the place where “they land.”  He pointed out, to an international gathering in Dallas, that the experience of Australian companies landing on the West Coast of the United States was that they situated their operations there, at the point of arrivals and departures.  Since that makes good business sense in California, surely it can only make better sense here.

The economic development department of the Dallas Regional Chamber will be working hard on the Ambassadors point, pursuing Australian companies abroad and on the coasts which now may see the Dallas region as a better place at which to locate their U.S. operations.  We will continue to provide and promote a business climate that is friendly; with lower costs of doing business, high quality workers and a most desirable place to live.

AusTrade, the Australian trade group, with which we met recently, talks of the booming Australian economy with unemployment under five percent and the need for U.S. ingenuity across a broad array of areas.   From their partnership with the U.S in the development of the Joint Strike Fighter, a Lockheed Martin project, to manufacturing, energy, and agriculture our businesses should find outstanding compatibilities.  Your chamber will be represented on a July 15-25^th inaugural mission to Australia to promote the development of air service by Qantas Airways at DFW International Airport.

This fall, October 21 – 31^st, the Dallas Regional Chamber and the Fort Worth Chamber will conduct a joint trade mission to Australia which may hold great interest for many of our investor members who wish to explore business export and import opportunities.   An announcement of the trade mission details will be made in the very near future.

This is the time to congratulate DFW International Airport and Qantas for concluding what has amounted to a 10 year project to get this service started.   Now it is up to us to do our part to ensure that the route is a successful one.

Australian Ambassador to the US Kim Beazley said today that Qantas Airlines arrival at DFW Airport was important not just because it will be a hub for air service but because DFW is a hub of high tech innovation with the potential of having Australian businesses work from the DFW area.   Hitherto, he said US West Coast connections meant many companies did business from “where they landed.”   Now he indicated, they will have another landing place, here at DFW.  This could be good for not only the airline business but for expanded business relationships and further investments in the United States.

The Ambassador addressed a breakfast crowd at an event held by DFW Airport, the Dallas Fort Worth World Affairs Council and the North Texas Commission.  The first Qantas plane arrives at DFW after the noon hour today.

Dallas Mayor Dwaine Caraway, in a presentation to the Ambassador after his speech “brought down the house.”   “Ambassador,” the Mayor said, “I am fresh out of keys to the city,” as the crowd laughed appreciatively at his self-deprecating aside.  “Please receive a commemorative Dallas plate.”  (The Mayor found himself in deep trouble earlier in the year with a presentation of a key to the City that caused him a good deal of embarrassment.)

At the board meeting on Friday, the Board of Directors unanimously approved a statement calling on the Legislature to utilize a considerable part of the remaining balance of the ‘rainy day’ fund to tackle the revenue shortfall issues for the next state budget.

The position, Education Funding and Flexibility, also calls for passage of legislation that would provide school districts needed flexibility in operational and management practices.

The Education Funding and Flexibility position states:
“The Dallas Regional Chamber recommends the Texas Legislature provide sufficient levels of state funding, resources and flexible management oversight to Texas school districts so they can meet the needs of all students and prepare them to graduate from high school, college and career ready.
The DRC urges use of a considerable part of the remaining balance of the Texas Economic Stabilization Fund (Rainy Day Fund) to tackle the revenue shortfall issues for the next biennium.

“While we oppose any reduction in the quality of education for Texas students, the DRC recommends that budget cuts for North Texas regional school districts go no deeper than seven percent of current state funding levels.  Any further loss of resources will endanger the region’s and the state’s critical objectives for a strong public education system and an educated and competitive workforce.  Major reductions in education funding will further harm the region’s economic viability.

“The DRC believes locally-elected school boards and district superintendents must be granted immediate and permanent authority to lead their school districts to accomplish key academic objectives through local efficient and effective management of human capital, operational practices and financial resources.  With this authority, local education leaders with the highest levels of expertise will be more accountable for operational and financial efficiencies and academic achievement for all students.”  

During the board meeting, Dr. Michael Hinojosa, superintendent of the Dallas ISD, briefed the board on the steps the District is taking to minimize the impact on the Dallas ISD, (and other districts all across Texas are called on to reduce funding).

Given the state’s severe revenue shortfall, Texas public education is projected to lose between $3 and $9.8 billion dollars in support over the next biennium.  The most current projections could mean losses for the Dallas Independent School District ranging from $86 to $150 million, if not more.

In a recent action oriented editorial the Dallas Morning News said: ‘Business leaders, ‘it’s time to speak out about Texas’ budget.’

We’re speaking out. The future of our students, the quality of our workforce, the kind of city and state we want to be is at stake.   It’s as simple as that.  We call upon legislators to use a significant portion of the Rainy Day fund and to pass House Bill 400 to give Texas school districts the resources and operational flexibility they desperately need to weather this financial crisis.

We have made it easy for you to write legislators to let them know of your support on these issues.   I urge you to visit the “take action” page of our website,  just a couple of mouse clicks will take you to a prepared letter which will allow you to tell your Legislator that business supports “rainy day” funding for public education.  There is a second letter you can use to ask your legislator to pass House Bill 400.

Finally, if you are following our regular updates (blogs, tweets, etc) you have seen reports from the five best practices education trips we have sponsored, some with the District, to Atlanta, Indianapolis, Denver, Los Angeles, and Houston.  In each city the business community has been actively involved in promoting innovation in their independent school districts.   There are some common themes that we have seen that boost performance.

Now the focus is to complete the Chamber’s plan of work and to begin to make a larger difference here.

It will be challenging and exciting for the Dallas business community to be involved in improving public education on a sustained basis.   If you subscribe to the proposition that “Education is Economic Development,” the Dallas Regional Chamber is the place for business to be.

Amb. James C. Oberwetter
President
Dallas Regional Chamber

The Legislature has begun to legislate and it is time for the voice of business to be heard.

Very few in the business community want higher taxes and a predicted shortfall for the two years ahead no doubt will mean reduced services. On top of that we now know that for the past two years the recession has taken its toll and that the current state budget is demonstrably short by at least $3.2 billion if not much more.

The House Appropriations Committee, chaired by Jim Pitts, has taken action to address the shortfall. It will recommend the use of the “rainy day” fund to pay the debt, not higher taxes. Texas doesn’t print money, and it doesn’t issue “chits,” it pays its bills.  Leaders lead and the chairman deserves commendation for taking this first step towards fiscally responsible action.

In late breaking news this afternoon, Governor Perry, leading efforts for efficiency in State government spending has agreed that the fund should be utilized at the $3.2 billion level.   Earlier reports suggested that up to $4.3 billion of the fund might be requested by the Appropriation Committee.

There are some members of the House who have yet to commit to using the rainy day fund. Part of the reluctance is philosophical and some of it is pragmatic. They do not wish to commit too early to using rainy day funds until they are certain that the state budget has been scrubbed absolutely raw for cuts.  (That scrubbing continues on the current budget as well as the one to come.)

The day of reckoning is here.  The fund must be tapped to pay the debt.

But, to use the rainy day fund the House of Representatives must find 90 votes in favor and that’s not easy, even if it is necessary, so…

We are asking you to “take action” by letting members of the Legislature know that the fiscally responsible thing to do at this point is to use a portion of the rainy day fund to retire Texas’ pending debt. The members need to hear from you.  We have made it easy for you to write (email) them on our “take action” page found in the Public Policy section of our website. Just a couple of mouse clicks will take you to an already prepared letter which lets members know that as hard as it is to do, they will do the right thing by using the rainy day fund to retire the debt.

As the session progresses pressure will no doubt build for further uses of the rainy day fund to ease the tremendous strains now on state agencies, including public educational institutions, to provide services we need, but with reduced funding.  Our various policy committees are studying these issues very closely as so much is a stake and will have recommendations later.

In the meantime there are two other action items which need the support of the business community now.

First, economic development.  We need your help to protect the tools which our economic development team regularly uses to attract new companies to Dallas and the region.  The Texas Enterprise Fund keeps us in the game and fully engaged on the playing field in the highly competitive world of corporate relocations.  Without it we (and Texas) will be sidelined.  That is not an overstatement, it is real.

Another tool, which has experienced some “process” issues, is the Emerging Technologies Fund, (ETF.) The ETF is an ideal economic development tool for this area because it is used to advance companies in the tech area, an area of great strength for the Dallas region.    We do not want to lose this valuable economic tool for “process” reasons.  The legislature and state leadership are engaged in finding a “process” cure.   We need to add our voices at this time to the efforts to keep the Emerging Technologies Fund in place.

You can write a letter to protect these two economic development tools to keep Texas competitive by clicking here.

Second, two road issues.

Road issue number one:   State Highway 183 is the southern approach to DFW Airport. Its traffic count is huge and growing. Even if we start right away we are five to seven years away from completion. Since public funding for improvements are not available for the build out, innovative financing mechanisms such as public-private partnerships are the remaining viable alternatives.

Road issue number two:   to address the serious bottleneck occurring between Dallas to Denton, there is the I-35 / Denton project, another access issue of great importance to all of DFW which also will need to be solved by a public-private partnership.  Click here to be taken to letters about those projects.

Our greatly improved public policy website allows you to edit and change the letters you send to reflect your style and your take on these issues.  And, it even allows you to create and address your own email letters to federal or state officials on issues of importance to your particular business.

We encourage you to visit the public policy website often to find new issues to write about to our state and federal officials.   Now is the time for officials to hear from you.