Get Up and Go

Even with solid economy, startup activity strong in Texas

When economic conditions deteriorate, the pace of entrepreneurial activity quickens. The Kauffman Foundation, a treasure trove of entrepreneurship-related information, released its national study of entrepreneurial activity in 2008.

As the Dallas Morning News noted in its article this morning, Texas ranked 13th overall. Out of the 15 largest metropolitan areas (of which DFW is 4th and Houston 8th), the Metroplex tied for 7th place with San Francisco with 0.42% (420 entrepreneurs per 100,000 population), and the Houston area came in 9th with 0.34%. [Ed. Note: I read the stats differently than DMN.]

The national average was 0.32%, so DFW was significantly above average. That information can be interpreted different ways, and may actually indicate a bit stronger economic situation in H-town and its environs since job loss is a major catalyst for individuals to start their own ventures. .:.

Texas Triangle 10-K Filings

2008-2009 Texas Triangle 10-K filings

• Austin metro 10-K filings
• DFW Metroplex 10-K filings
• San Antonio metro 10-K filings
• Houston metro 10-K filings

Texas' Top Social Media Minds

Newspaper names 25 winners

The Austin American-Statesman did its bit to promote Texas' technology community today, naming the 2009 Texas Social Media Award Winners.

Not surprisingly, the winners were weighted towards the capital city, but the winners represented a broad cross section. From Texas Railroad Commissioner Michael Williams to J.R. Cohen, owner of The Coffee Groundz in Houston.

In between there's a wide range of interesting social media entrepreneurs that are worth checking out. The overall winner will be announced at an awards banquet on March 15. The newspaper also makes available a list of the nominees for the award. .:.

Updates for Week of 01/18-01/24

Happenings in the Texas Triangle, the megapolitan region consisting of Houston, DFW, Austin and San Antonio.

1. Epic> Rise and fall of Texas' oil titans (Cullen, Richardson, Hunt & Murchison) in NYTimes Book Review <http://preview.tinyurl.com/bcctae>
2. Dealipedia> Omniflight Helicopters (Addison) sells ATL operations to Air Methods (CO) <http://preview.tinyurl.com/bpq4e8>
3. Brightside> Austin not losing tech co. HQ, it's gaining a CEO <http://preview.tinyurl.com/a9qc3s>
4. Energy> What scarce oil storage in Cushing, OK, means for crude prices <http://preview.tinyurl.com/7q6zvx>
5. CreativeClass> Pastor T.D. Jakes [Dallas] New Movie (www.imdb.com/title/tt0795438) Breaks New Ground <http://preview.tinyurl.com/8g2pw5>
6. Trends> 2009 Bodes Well for Texas Airlines American, Continental & Southwest <http://preview.tinyurl.com/7v7ao9>
7. MoneyTrail> PEHub.com says ex-Aldus Equity xecs forming LEA Advisors [Dallas] <http://preview.tinyurl.com/7cxpln>
8. Dealipedia> Extreme Homemakeover Builder Wall Homes [Arlington] Files Chap. 11 <http://tinyurl.com/9hnv62>
9. Dealipedia> Stallion [Houston] Reconsiders IPO <http://tinyurl.com/9rbacj>
10. Texaphiles> Bush returns to state he loves <http://apnews.myway.com/article/20090121/D95R6HTO0.html>.:.

Updates for Week of 01/12-01/17

Happenings in the Texas Triangle, the megapolitan region consisting of Houston, DFW, Austin and San Antonio.

1. Dealipedia Entry> Dallas-based Investor Buys Trucking Company <http://tinyurl.com/9tz5xb>
2. VC> Sterling Foods [San Antonio] acquired by TGF Management & Austin Ventures [$ND] <http://twitter.com/texastriangle/status/1119369433>
3. Energy: Anadarko Petroleum [The Woodlands] wins big [$10B] on fossil-fuel royalties <http://online.wsj.com/article/SB123180979081275855.html>
4. The Plan from La Mancha: Giants opposing T. Boone's wind 'n gas plan not imagined... <http://twitter.com/texastriangle/status/1116502985>
5. Video... So Long $147.27: Energy guru Daniel Yergin discusses outlook for oil-rich countries... <http://preview.tinyurl.com/6uupsh>
6. Trend... Caveat Austin: Cleantech valutations headed for reality check? ... <http://tinyurl.com/ayadkz>
7. Madoffs DITHOT (Deep In The Heart of Texas): Austin-based Pantera Petroleum funded by Bernie Madoff's sons and niece <http://preview.tinyurl.com/8telfh>.:.

Texas Triangle Sightings [1.3]

Interesting discussion thread on Richard Florida's Creative Class blog regarding Houston's place in the Texas Triangle versus being part of a Gulf Coast mega region. Tory Gattis at Houston Strategies was the instigator of this thought-provoking conversation. .:.

Texas Triangle Sightings [1.1]

Some new posts over at Houston Strategies by Tony Gattis, whose urban planning site regarding Houston is quite impressive.

• High-speed rail in Texas Triangle - Refers to article in The Houston Chronicle that argues for rail links within the TXT.
  
• Texas Triangle Top 10 Global Region - Discusses report publicized by Richard Florida, known for his work "The Rise of the Creative Class" that lists top 40 megaregions. .:.