localoyalty - spring 2012
DESCRIPTION
LOCALoyalty - Spring 2012TRANSCRIPT
Doing BusinessAuSTin STyLe
MauDie’s tex MexThe gLuTen free CriTiC review
AuSTin MuSiC MAnwalt wilkins
yogawhAT’S gOing On in There?
Spring 2012 Issue
tina CannonAuSTinenTrePreneur SeeKS CiTy COunCiL SeAT
™
LOCALoyalty.comLOCALoyalty
611 South Congress Ave., Suite 340Austin, Texas 78704
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LOCALoyaltyc/o Booqoos, inc.611 S. Congress Ave. Ste. 340Austin, Texas 78704
JobsSalesCommentsAdvertisingArticle [email protected]
CO-FOUNDERS Marcos CancholaRaúl Calvoz Tina Cannon
PUbLIShERBooqoos, Inc.
EDITOR-IN-ChIEF
Raúl Calvoz
PRODUCTION EDITOR Chuck Miller
AD DESIgNERChuck Miller
DESIgNClutch Creative
PhOTOgRAPhyChuck Miller
CONTRIbUTINg WRITERRaquel Cordón Muro
© 2012 LOCALoyalty Magazine is published by Booqoos Inc. No portion of this work may be reproduced in whole or in part, including electronically or digitally, without the express written consent of the publisher. Editorial and advertising are for information purposes only and do not constitute advice. All rights reserved.
Buy Local. Be Loyal.
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Savings DirectoryFind LOCALoyalty discounts around town. More online!
ProfileAustin Music ManWalt Wilkins
Doing BusinessAustin Style.
Local FavoritesMaudie’s Tex MexThe Gluten Friendly Critic Review
Tina CannonAustin EntrepreneurSeeks City Council Seat
YogaWhat’s going on in there?
More SavingsAdvertising from your favorite local spots!
contentsSpring 2012
Maudie’s Gluten Free Tex Mex!
Various forms of Yoga revealed.
Local Songwriter, Walt Wilkins.
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Jalapeno Joesrestaurant
Savings Offer: 15% Off purchases of $10 or more
Savings Offer: 10% Off purchases of $10 or less
Savings Offer: Free chips and queso with purchase of LOCALoyalty card.4905 Airport Blvd.512.451.3326 3211 Red River 512.628.0288 jalapenojoes.com
gB Custom Floors flooring
Savings Offer: 10% Off Job Total 512.619.8957 gbcustomfloors.com
CityView Productions video production
Savings Offer: $500 Music Video (Shoot + Edit) 512.924.2329
austin PC experts computing
Savings Offer: Computer Tune-up 30% off (reg $70/now $49!) 4004 N. Lamar 512.472.8324 austinpcexperts.com
Maxwell Video services
Savings Offer: 10% off 30 second commercial!661.476.0397MaxwellVideo.com
Dogellosfood trailer
Savings Offer: 10% off hot dog or coffee 2401 San Gabriel 512.657.6508 Murals and More of austin services
Savings Offer: 10% off Home or Business Mural512.632.9171MuralsAndMoreOfAustin.com
Bender Bar & grillfood & Drinks
Savings Offer: 10% Off food purchase of $20 or more 321 W Ben White Blvd #300 512.447.1800benderbar.com
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el sol y la lunarestaurant
Savings Offer: Complimentary Appetizer w/$20+ purchase, no alc. 600 East 6th Street 512.444.7770P
the Hideout Pubfood & Drinks
Savings Offer: 10% Off food purchase of $20 or more 12164 N MO Pac Expy.512.821.9093thehideoutpub.com
Digital image ColorizationPhotography Services
Savings Offer: 50% Off Colorization & Image Enhancement facebook.com/chuckmillerdesigns 512.473.2821
Charles Martin Custom Homes custom homes
Savings Offer: Free MacBook Pro + Apple iPad with Custom Home Design 512.914.7256 crmartin.com
Rockin austin t-shirt Designs retail
Savings Offer: $23.09+tax per T-shirt Design (S-M-L-XL only) 512.473.2821 [email protected]
luis Banuelos, Musician music
Savings Offer: 10% OFF In-home Guitar Lessons
Savings Offer: 10% OFF Private Bookings
Savings Offer: 15% off Weddings
Savings Offer: $5 OFF CD - ONLY $10! AUTOGRAPHED CD!
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tombstone Bullies music
Savings Offer: $5 Off CD with purchase of LOCALoyalty Card!tombstonebullies.com
thistle Caferestaurant
Savings Offer: 10% Off Entree 3 Locations1501 S. MOPAC, A140 512.275.97771250 S Capitol of TX HWY Building 1, Suite 150512.347.1000 221 W. 6th, B110 - In the bottom of the Chase Tower 512.474.5222thistlecafe.com
Hey you gonna eat or what? food trailer
Savings Offer: $1 OFF 2 Delicious Sandwiches1318 S. Congress, Corner of S. Congress & West Gibson, 512.296.3547HeyYouGonnaEatOrWhat.com
Chris Ruiz,a technology Consultantservices
Savings Offer: 10% off Consulting Services. [email protected] 512.925.7690
goodie two shoes retail
Savings Offer: 10% Off $10+
1111 S. Congress Ave.512.443.2468
austin aDD wellness services
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way south Phillyfood trailer
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kebabaliciousrestaurant
Savings Offer: $1 Off When you buy 2 Kebabs Between Trinity and Neches3rd/Congress location open for lunch: M-F, 11a-3pm.7th/Trinity location open for dinner: Thurs-Sat, 9pm-3am512.468.1065austinkebab.com
Fashion Floorsservices
Savings Offer: $200 In-store Coupon
Savings Offer: 10% Off Installation of Flooring
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Phelps Propertiesservices
Savings Offer: Free iPad with home purchase!kevin@phelps-propertiescomAustin 78767512.825.8393phelps-properties.com
Bee Cave Veterinary Clinic services
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Savings Offer: 38% off a Dog Neuter - a $260 value for $160
Savings Offer: 33% off a Cat Spay - $240 value for $160
Savings Offer: 38% off a Cat Neuter - $160 value for $100
Savings Offer: $75 off animal dental3900 RR 620 S., Ste 103512.263.9029 bcvetclinic.com
Get discounts with your LOCALoyalty card at all these businesses.Even more discounts online at LOCALoyalty.com
Use your card all over Austin at all these
spots! (more online)
shore Club Restaurant & Barrestaurant
Savings Offer: 15% off Food. Ask for details! 16107 FM 2769, Volente512.258.5110shoreclubtx.com
Red Diversionsgames
Savings Offer: $10 off your total bill for Company or School Team Building Clue Pursuit Gamereddiversions.net
Capital Chevroletvehicles
Savings Offer: $100 off the total cost of your new or pre-owned vehicle6200 I-35 South512.444.8888capitolchevy.com
Matt Bowman studiosphotography
Savings Offer: 55% off Heirloom Family Treasure - Children’s Portrait 1911 East 15th Street 512.284.1594 mattbowmanphoto.com
on Budget Decorator interior design
Savings Offer: Save 65% on Decorator/Staging 512.294.0526
in Home Versatile Physical training by Debraweight loss
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Ray Rosenberg auto insurance specialistinsurance
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anita lane coaching
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Fire lake event Centerspecial events
Savings Offer: $500 dollars off 3 day Wedding Rental of Fire Lake Event Center!
Savings Offer: 50% off Paint Your Own Pottery 13317 Fitzhugh Road512.653.9653 firelakeeventcenter.com
aesthetica Med spaspa
Savings Offer:Purchase a PhotoFacial Treatment and Receive a FREE Maintenance Microdermabrasion ($80 value)
Savings Offer: Purchase a 5-step Therapeutic Microdermabrasion and Receive A FREE Chemical Peel ($80 Value)
Savings Offer: 30% off Cool Touch III Laser Treatment10001 Research Blvd # 135 512.271.2180 amedspa.com
Dr. Bendallmedical
Savings Offer: 50% off of House Call Visit and Exam. $110 Value for Only $55 (new customers) 2412 Ridgeview Dr. 512.901.9100 doctorbendalls.com
spellbound studios services/art
Savings Offer: 4 days of Reiki for the price of 3. Regularly $200 for only $150
Savings Offer: $50 off 1 hour tattoo session, regular price $150/hr, now only $100 2200 S Lamar, Ste C512.444.6069spellboundatx.com
Canine Hilton pets/boarding
Savings Offer: 10% off regular priced 20 day pkg of dog training and day boarding
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Ricky wilson Manufacturingjewelry
Savings Offer: 50% off Watch Battery valued at $10 or less
Savings Offer: 50% off Simple Gold Chain Repair512.467.6131 rwilsonmfg.com
sea of Beads jewelry/crafts
Savings Offer: 50% off Introductory to Jewelry Making Class
Savings Offer: 50% off Orange, yellow, and red beads for fall 2438 West Anderson Lane 512.533.9091seaofbeads.net
Moy yat kung Fu academy martial arts
Savings Offer: $20 for one full week of martial arts training at Moy Yat Kung Fu Academy. Includes a free t-shirt & semi-private lesson. 2105 Justin Lane Suite 111512.680.4535 txkungfu.com
south austin People spa/accessories
Savings Offer: 25% off our 2 oz. Meadowfoam night-time, anti-aging face cream. Regular price is $60, discounted price is $45. 503 Radam Lane512.373.7627 southaustinpeople.com
Delicious landscapes landscaping
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Caroline Mowry photography
Savings Offer: $50 off of the total price of your photo package
Savings Offer: $250 off of the total price of your wedding photography package 2208 S Lamar, Ste. C 512.589.7412 carolinemowry.com
Premeaux tattoo tattoo
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Central Metro Realty real estate
Savings Offer: list with us and receive $1000 back at closing
Savings Offer: $50 off fees for leasing with us.101 E Anderson Ln, Ste. 325512.228.8401 myaustinpad.com
evolve Personal Fitness & gym fitness
Savings Offer: 1 personal training session, 1week of unlimited gym membership, & $20 towards any addl. gym service of your choice...For Just $29! 5716 W Highway 290 512.358.8433evolvepersonalfitness.com
stunt Ranch Paintball paintball
Savings Offer: 25% off Paintball Experience! 13318 Fitzhugh Road 661.724.6863 hill13.com
Floor king north austinflooring
Savings Offer: $50 off flooring purchase of $100+ 10961 Research Blvd. 512.346.7034 floorking.net
keller williams - greg’s teamreal estate
Savings Offer: $500 toward your closing costs. 1921 Lohmans Crossing #100512.439.7597
special Fxfireworks
Savings Offer: $500 off Firework Shows valued at 3,495 or more 13317 Fitzhugh Road, 512.653.9653 weaddexcitement.com
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Get discounts with your LOCALoyalty card at all these businesses.Even more discounts online at LOCALoyalty.com
Get discounts with your LOCALoyalty card at all these businesses.Even more discounts online at LOCALoyalty.com
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science in the Movies film
Savings Offer: Save $100.00 on Stunt Camp! 512.653.9653 scienceinthemovies.com
tactical Choices self-defense
Savings Offer: $100 off Tactical CHL Class 512.653.9653 tacticalchoices.com
Foam u party foam
Savings Offer: $400 dollars off Foam Party 512.653.9653 www.foamu.com
to Have and Hold retail/bridal
Savings Offer: 30% off our custom “BRIDE” Dresses 300 Ash, Buda 512.965.5145 forevertohaveandhold.com
liza Janeretail
Savings Offer: 20% off918 Main Street, Bastrop 512.321.2910
sugar shackretail
Savings Offer: 20% off $20+ 114 Loop 150 W., Bastrop 512.321.3777
loblolly general goodsretail
Savings Offer: 10% off813 Main St., Bastrop512.308.1168pulleylight.blogspot.com
art Connectionsarts/crafts/jewelry
Savings Offer: 5% off $15+ 705F Pine Street, Bastrop 512.657.4275
Cripple Creekretail
Savings Offer: 10% off $20 or more (no local art, return w/in 30 days w/ reciept) 928-A Main St., Bastrop 512.632.7522
Barbara’s Cornerretail
Savings Offer: 15% off $20 or more (return for store credit) 920 Main St., Bastrop 512.332.6351
liberty glennretail
Savings Offer: 10% off $15 or more (not good with other offers, not good on already discounted items, returns with receipt for store credit) 1011 Main St., Bastrop 512.581.0501
white Morpha Fine art Restoration & galleryfine art restoration
Savings Offer: 10% off restoration (any type of fine art restoration)714 Chestnut St, Bastrop512) 549-3054
Bastrop Jazzercisefitness
Savings Offer: First month free with sign-up 612 Old Austin Hwy, Bastrop 512.988.1259
Bastrop County networking Directory & events Calendarspecial events
Savings Offer: 10% off new member registration 920 Main St., Bastropbasconet.org
wild thyme Herb shopretail
Savings Offer: 10% Off all teas, cocoas, and herbal tea blends, with $10+ purchase (all sales final)
Savings Offer: Free box of tea with any teapot purchase (all sales final) 1022 Main St., Bastrop 512.284.1151
telling your storyphotography
Savings Offer: 10% off historical photos1022 Main St., Bastrop512.581.2712
the Magpie trading Co.gifts/art
Savings Offer: 10% off (return for store credit) 705 Pine St., Bastrop 512.914.1281
apothecary’s Hallantiques/clothing/furniture
Savings Offer: 15% off $25 or more (does not include jewelry) 805 Main St., Bastrop 512.321.3022
Cherry Blossoms spaspa
Savings Offer: $10 for 15 minutes on Bio Mat 601 Chestnut, Ste. I, Bastrop 512.332.2600
Fat Cat accessoriesantiques/art
Savings Offer: $10 for $15 or more (returns for store credit) 920 Main St., Bastrop 512.321.0202
Piney Creek Candlesretail
Savings Offer: 10% off (not valid with any other offer) 922 Main St., Bastrop 512.321.7467
glitz-Z-Chixretail
Savings Offer: $25 off purchase $100+ 908 Main St., Bastrop
Jo Castillo artlegal services
Savings Offer: 10% off online or in gallery (not good with other offers) jocastilloart.com
Blue Donkey studio retail
Savings Offer: 20% Off All Wildflower Potter
Savings Offer: 20% Off All Roster Pottery1022 Main St., Bastrop 512.304.5332 bluedonkeystudio.com
Bastrop Picture Frame emporiumretail
Savings Offer: 10% off Wood Molding Frames926 Main Street, Bastrop 512.308.3464 BastropPictureFrame Emporium.com
Christopher a. Hammon, attorney at law, PllClegal services
Savings Offer: free consultation 1110 Main St., Ste A, Bastrop 512.549.3719
We support all the fine businesses of Bastrop.You should too.Go see them!
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Bastrop
Get discounts with your LOCALoyalty card at all these businesses.Even more discounts online at LOCALoyalty.com
Get discounts with your LOCALoyalty card at all these businesses.Even more discounts online at LOCALoyalty.com
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After almost ten years in the nashville music scene, walt wilkins made Austin his home. wilkins’ songs have been recorded by the likes of ricky Skaggs and Pat green, but it’s comparisons of his writing with the likes of John Steinbeck (County Standard Time) that give you a true sense of the true talent of this artist. Check out waltwilkins.com for show times – in Austin, of course!
WHERE I LIVE...The suburban outskirts of my hometown, Austin.
WHAT I DO...i play music about half of the days of the year, mostly with the band The Mystiqueros, and a fair amount by myself, and some with my talented wife, Tina.
WHERE I GO...Most of our time is in the great state of Texas, but we get out to other parts of the country more each year. it’s a great life. i dreamed of this as a kid, and the reality is better than what i dreamed.
WHAT I CAN’T LIVE WITHOUT...i started playing my songs myself 20 years ago, because i realized that no singers were going to show up at my apartment in Austin asking if i might have songs for them to record. now, i can’t imagine my life without the friends i play music with and the adventures these songs have brought me. And, i’ve been fortunate enough to have a fair number of folks record a few dozen of my songs.
WHAT ONLY MY CLOSEST FRIENDS KNOW ABOUT ME...when i’m home, i’m pitching baseballs to my son Luke, or hanging out with the family. Baseball is very near the center of our life, and playing catch with Luke is the best part of life.
WHAT I’VE LEARNED...i just turned 51, and i generally feel like i’m still about 20, loving what i’ve loved since i was a teenager: thinking about life and god, playing music, throwing a baseball around, trying to be a decent, productive guy, and having a cold beer now and again. Like right now, and i’ll probably have one again soon. i feel real lucky. Blessed, as they say.
Austin Music Manwalt wilkinsInterview: Alan Bates
LOCALoyalty 7WaltWilkins.com
Doing BusinessAustin Style
If you are reading this article, and you are in Austin, Texas, you should know that there is no better place in the world for you to be. Why?
According to CnnMoney, Austin is number 8 on the list of Best Places to Launch a Small Business. The only Texas city to score higher was houston. But then, who wants to live in houston? And that’s not me being snide. when you look at the big picture, and if you’re a believer in these “Best of...” lists, then you have to factor the opinion of Kiplinger Personal finance Magazine which ranked Austin, Texas number 1 on the list of Best Cities for the next Decade.
So, you are definitely in the right place, and at the right time. And, you happen to be reading LOCALoyalty, which means that you are interested in local businesses. have you thought of starting one? if you have, you should know that there are some excellent resources available to you in Austin.
SMALL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM
first, meet vicky valdez. Literally, go meet vicky. She is the Small Business Administrator for the Small Business Development Program at the City’s economic growth & Development Services Office. That’s a mouthful, but vicky and her team do a lot. it’s their job to help folks that want to start a
business. Or, if you already have a business and want to expand, they’ll point you in the right direction as well.
They do everything from technical assistance, business plan support, zoning and permitting assistance to helping you to connect with other resources, providing free classes and hosting mixers to help you to connect with potential mentors and investors.
Joy Miller, with SBDP suggests, “if you are looking to move your business into a location, call us. Tell us the address and planned use. we will figure out if there are any zoning or permitting issues. you really need to know before you starting talking to a landlord about leasing.”
how good is SBDP at what they do? well, the office has recently hosted visitors from germany, ireland and Moldova who have come to the to learn “best practices” that they can duplicate in their countries. And check out the insert for recent awards the organization has received. why so many accolades? “i have been a small business owner myself,” adds vicky. “in my twelve years with the SBDP, the one piece of feedback that we have consistently
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By: Angela Rae Lewkin
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received is that we always go above and beyond. That’s what we’re here for. A lot of times, we have the information or resources a business needs. But if we don’t, we’ll find you someone who does.”
AUSTIN INDEPENDENT BUSINESS ALLIANCE
if you are en established small business looking to grow, you need to connect with the Austin independent Business Alliance. As rebecca Melancon, executive Director of the AiBA, put it, “[The SBDP do] a really good job at what they do. They are there for earlier stage businesses. AiBA focuses on existing businesses.”
founded over ten years ago, the AiBA was the second independent business alliance formed in the united States. There are now over eighty such alliances across the uS and Canada,
AiBA focuses on educating the public about the benefits of buying from local businesses, in addition to publishing member and consumer newsletter and advocating local business issues at City hall. AiBA boasts over 350 member businesses in the Austin area.
AiBA has also worked to create iBiZ Districts. These are areas all over Austin that are defined by the independent businesses located in them as well as the unique feel of the neighborhood or area where they are located. Businesses in each iBiZ District work together to promote their district through cooperative advertising, social media, signage, etc.
EMERGING TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM
One final resource to keep in mind if you are thinking about business
ownership in Austin is eve richter, Coordinator of the City of Austin emerging Technology Program. The Program’s job is to increase jobs and investment in the technology sectors. if you are a techie looking to start something up, the eTP can help.
“i see our role as consultant, matchmaker and cheerleader. we’ve worked with companies at all stages, from ideation to post-revenue venture looking for funding or to grow their customer base,” says eve.
if you are a techie, and you haven’t met eve, it’s because you don’t leave the house (or garage). She is omnipresent in Austin at everything that has to do with start-ups or technology. Look for her at SXSw.
Austin is a great place to do business, and a great place to live. And, with all the resources available, there are no excuses. go start something up!
SMALL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM_______________________________________
AWARDS 2011
.2011 Liveable City Vision Award - Economy.2011 International Economic Development Council (IEDC) Awards - IBIZ Districts in Neighborhood Development Category.2011 International Economic Development Council (IEDC) Awards - SBDP Program in Entrepreneurship Category .2011 American In House Design Award (Getting Connected).2011 American In House Design Award (ElevateAustin).2011 American In House Design Award (Business Community Outreach - ABJ ad campaign - BSC, online mapping & SBDP)
LOCALoyalty 9
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ibuyaustin.com
MauDie’s tex MexThe gLuTen frienDLy CriTiC review
By: Raquel Cordón Muro
When we moved back to Austin from Europe in 2009, we were amazed at how much more gluten-aware Austin had become.
My first experience with that was at
Maudie’s Too, on South Lamar. finally
being back in Texas, at the top of my
list of things i couldn’t get in europe
and wanted to have was Tex-Mex. i
remember asking at Maudie’s, just
for kicks, if they had a gluten free
menu. i was amazed when they not
only brought me one, but also brought
me a sealed bag of gluten free tortilla
chips – the regular ones go in the
fryer with wheat products and there
is risk of cross-contamination.
now that we’ve been back in the States
for several years, i can tell you that
these folks know their Tex-Mex and
they don’t let gluten get in the way.
My favorite – because it’s just an
old standard, is the fajitas. Beef or
chicken, both are good. They come
with grilled onion, pico de gallo,
guacamole, sour cream and cheese on
the side. The Caldo, chicken soup, is
also a solid option; though it’s usually
a little low on salt for my taste, that is
easily remedied.
Of course, what Maudie’s is famous
for is their enchiladas. There are
a total of five different gluten free
sauces to choose from for your
enchiladas, although each type of
enchilada has a recommended sauce.
My favorite – Skinny Sheryl’s –
steamed corn tortillas, pulled chicken,
tomatillo sauce, lettuce and tomato
with grilled zucchini. Maudie’s
makes a great tomatillo sauce. These
enchiladas are simple, not your usual
kitchen-sink enchiladas, and really
allow you to enjoy the combination
of chicken, corn masa and tomatillo
flavors.
Maudie’s now has six locations in the Austin area. You can check them all out at Maudies.com. Be sure to ask for the gluten free menu, and eat smart!
LOCALoyalty 11
Establishment Gluten Free Menu Accommodate G-F URL Austin's Pizza X www.austinspizza.com
Che Zee X www.chez-‐zee.com Food for Life 100% G-‐F www.gfcfcuisine.com
Jeffrey’s Restaurant & Bar X www.jeffreysofaustin.com Madam Mam’s X www.madammam.com
Maudie’s X www.maudies.com Paggi House X www.paggihouse.com
Wildwood Art Café 100% G-‐F www.wildwoodartcafe.com Wink! X www.winkrestaurant.com
Gluten Friendly Favorites in Austin
To suggest others, email me at [email protected]
We are sitting in Tina Cannon’s office on South Congress. She’s just wrapping up a phone call.
Cannon is dressed in jeans, a grey sweater and cowboy boots. She’s wearing a Mickey Mouse watch. Hanging on the back of her office door is what looks like a recently pressed business suit. She’s drinking coffee.
Her office décor is simple and practical. Comfortable chair. Functional desk lamp. A huge desk with three phones on it. A few photos – friends, family, pets. There are some stacks of paper on the desk, but not that many considering that Cannon is running two businesses, serving as Entrepreneur in Residence at Texas State University, and recently announced that she is running for Austin City Council.
On the phone, Cannon is animated. She laughs heartily. She gestures with her free hand when she talks. And when she listens, she flips a pen in circles with one hand. She is a bundle of energy, all positive and upbeat. And, yes, her feet are up on the desk.
As she wraps up the call, she winks at me – time for our interview. She hangs up the phone, and tells me, “Okay. Everything to voice-mail. I’m all yours.”
How is the campaign is going?
“Awesome. We’ve gotten extremely positive feedback all around. And, we’re hearing a lot of people say that they want change at City Hall. They want more responsible government..
“Fundraising is going well. And, endorsements – I won’t get into details yet – but we are really going to blow the socks off this thing. My phone doesn’t stop ringing.”
You already have a full plate. Why run for office?
“Three reasons: transparency in government, economic development and fair representation.There are too many issues – Formula 1, Water Treatment Plant 4 – that have been mismanaged
by Council. I think there’s good intent there, in most cases, but poor execution. I want to bring some common sense back to city government.
“Don’t get me wrong, on a personal level, I like my opponent [Cannon is running in Place 5 against incumbent councilman and UT Professor Bill Spelman]. He’s a good guy.
“But, he’s an academic. He’s great on the theory, but there’s a lack of experience on the ground there that I can bring to the table. I’ve run a small business; I’ve struggled as an entrepreneur in Austin. I know those issues. There is a complete lack of advocacy for small business at City Hall. I want to change that.
“And, although I have a lot on my plate, I’ve made a pledge. If I am elected, I will resign all full-time employment. Council is a full time job, and I intend to treat it that way.”
Cannon started her career as an emergency medical technician. She has a B.B.A. in Accounting. In 1995, she left emergency care and worked for nine years in loss prevention and financial auditing, but it just wasn’t for her.
“I get numbers. And I’m good with them. They come easily to me. But people energize me.”
So, she started a restaurant with friends, the Lavaca Street Deli.
“It was great. It just took off. Quality food, great service. It went so well, we sold it.” She laughs. “We got a great deal. But, the guy that bought it changed everything – I think he tried to scrimp on the ingredients. You just can’t do that. People are smart; they know what they want. I told him, but he didn’t listen. I think he lasted four months.”
Cannon has since started several businesses, including PetsMD which was acquired by Pet360
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TinA CAnnOn
Austin entrepreneur Seeks City Council Seat
local politics
in 2011. She is a frequent panelist and lecturer on the subject of entrepreneurship, and a past columnist for CBS’s BNET.com. She is also an active mentor to young entrepreneurs.
She uses the Lavaca Street Deli story on me, as a teaching moment.
“There’s something you need to understand about business and government. Some businesses try to get away with disguising what they put in your sandwich. I don’t recommend it, but some businesses do it. So it’s up to you to know what you want and to protect yourself. Caveat emptor; buyer beware. Government isn’t allowed to do that.
“See, a lot of people confuse business and government. They think that the citizens are government’s customers. We’re not. We’re the owners. And as owners, we’re entitled to 100% transparency and accountability. We don’t always get that from our government, but that’s the mentality I want to bring to City Hall.”
Are you referring to the pending investigation of City Council?
[Spelman is under investigation for “secret face-to-face, round-robin discussions” about issues pending before City Council. These are potential violations of the Texas Open Meetings Act.
Despite being chided in writing by Mayor Lee Leffingwell regarding “a potential violation of the [Texas Open Meetings] Act,” Spelman continued his private communication with Council.*]
“No, not really. That’s all been covered in the press, and the process is moving along. We need to get that behind us. I want to run a positive campaign, focused on the issues.
“My point is just that government needs to be transparent – citizens need to understand what’s being done and why. It makes for greater citizen participation, and for better government – in my humble opinion.”
So, on the positive, what else should voters know about you?
“Besides transparency and business growth, I am all about common sense in government. I’ve met lots of great folks since I announced I was running. And the one common thread, the thing I always hear, is ‘why doesn’t council listen to us?’” Common sense answer – council is
not accountable to its constituents in large part because a very small number of people elect them.
“Did you know that only about 5-10% of the registered voters elect city council? That means that about 20,000-40,000 people decide who represents all of Austin. It’s appalling. Part of the problem is that we haven’t adopted some form of single member district structure to ensure fair representation. That’s high on my list of priorities.”
Do you think city elections should be moved to November?
“Absolutely. Having a special city election in May costs the City close to $1 million and serves only two groups, incumbent council members and the bundlers and lobbyists that are able to influence the election due to low voter turnout.”
The phone rings again, and I see that my time is up. We shake hands as she starts into her next phone conversation.
Making decisions as a voter is never easy. And there is no question that this political season is going to be like all of the others, too much information – and lots of “he said,” “she said.”
But, as I debrief the interview with a friend over lunch, I can’t help but wonder exactly what’s in my sandwich. And, I am pretty sure, that if Tina Cannon was running the place, I’d know exactly what I was getting.
City Elections will be held May 12, 2012. Early voting is from April 30 to May 8, 2012.
Political advertisement paid for by the Campaign to Elect Tina Cannon. This campaign has agreed to
comply with the contribution and expenditure limits of the Austin Fair Campaign Ordinance.
*Complete Austin Bulldog coverage of the investigation is available at theaustinbulldog.org, Open Meetings Investigation a Year Old Today.
By: Raquel Cordón Muro
you’ve seen the people carrying around the tube shaped pack. you’ve seen them congregating outside before and after a class. you’ve seen different locations popping up all over Austin. But what’s really going on inside?
well, i’ve been going to yoga classes for three months now, and the other day a friend asked me, “what kind of yoga are you doing?” well, i know what we do. But what exactly it’s called, i had no clue. how many could there be?
vinyasa yoga – This may also be called “vinyasa flow” or “flow.” This yoga emphasizes movement from one pose to the next. great variety of poses. each class is different. This is America’s most popular style of yoga.
Bikram yoga – This is yoga done in 105° heat and 40% humidity. But, the good news is that there are only 26 poses and a lot of alignment work. good for beginners if you are up for the heat.
hatha yoga – focuses on slow, gentle movements.
iyengar yoga – This is a type of hatha yoga, but uses lots of accessories, like straps, blocks, harnesses and cushions. it is really focused on alignment and is great for physical therapy.
Ashtanga yoga – This is sometimes called “Power yoga.” it is more physically demanding than most other types. Best suited to the already athletic or experienced students of yoga.
Kundalini yoga – This is kind of like Ashtanga, but more focused on the energy area in your lower spine called the root Chakra. expect lots of focus on your core.
Anusara yoga – This is probably what you think of when someone says “yoga.” it’s another type of hatha yoga that focuses on “heart-opening” poses. These classes have a community-type vibe and involve more instructor commentary in class.
There are more types of Yoga. These are only the most popular. Call around and find the one that’s right for you!
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