According to the Austin Chamber of Commerce, Austin “is a one-of-a-kind place that’s not just unique to Texas but to the whole country. It defies stereotypes: It’s progressive and fiercely entrepreneurial, pro-business and pro-environment. It’s easy going and hard working….Year after year the Austin area gets top marks for its quality of life. It’s the country’s 13th largest city with all the positive attributes of a smaller town: quality healthcare, low crime rates, affordable housing, outstanding schools, and a low cost of living. Its population offers skill sets that range from high-end technology design, development and marketing to back-office operations that help customers with everything from banking services to video game advice.”

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TASKS

Bastian was the guest of the Austin Chamber of Commerce on a multi-day FAM trip for economic development professionals and writers. During her non-stop meetings she learned about the key industries in the region, most notably Dell Computers and other high-technology firms, by visiting the offices and warehouses of many top employers.

 

Two non-business highlights: attending the annual SXSW (South by Southwest) Austin music festival in the VIP area, and seeing Austin by way of helicopter during a 40-minute tour that included a flyer-over of Michael Dell’s mansion home!.

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After the FAM trip, Bastian wrote a story about Austin’s key industries for  a national economic development magazine.

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SKILLS

Interviewing, writing, research, interpersonal communications at high-level meetings.

 

• Launch Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce

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