Nov 24, 2020
GOVERNOR ABBOTT, DSHS ANNOUNCE COVID-19 VACCINE DISTRIBUTION PLAN
Governor Greg Abbott and the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) announced the guiding principles for Texas' COVID-19 vaccine allocation process, which will serve as a foundation for the state's initial distribution for COVID-19 vaccines expected as early as next month. These principles have been established by the Expert Vaccine Allocation Panel (EVAP), created by DSHS to make recommendations on vaccine allocation decisions, including identifying groups that should be vaccinated first to provide the most protection to vulnerable populations and critical state resources.  

"These guiding principles established by the Expert Vaccine Allocation Panel will ensure that the State of Texas swiftly distributes the COVID-19 vaccine to Texans who voluntarily choose to be immunized," said Governor Abbott. "This foundation for the allocation process will help us mitigate the spread of COVID-19 in our communities, protect the most vulnerable Texans, and safeguard crucial state resources." 

Texas will initially allocate COVID-19 vaccines based on the following criteria:

  • Protecting health care workers who fill a critical role in caring for and preserving the lives of COVID-19 patients and maintaining the health care infrastructure for all who need it.
  • Protecting frontline workers who are at greater risk of contracting COVID-19 due to the nature of their work providing critical services and preserving the economy.
  • Protecting vulnerable populations who are at greater risk of severe disease and death if they contract COVID-19.
  • Mitigating health inequities due to factors such as demographics, poverty, insurance status and geography.
  • Data-driven allocations using the best available scientific evidence and epidemiology at the time, allowing for flexibility for local conditions.
  • Geographic diversity through a balanced approach that considers access in urban and rural communities and in affected ZIP codes.
  • Transparency through sharing allocations with the public and seeking public feedback.

BUSINESS MERCADO 2020 CANCELLED
For more than a decade, Business Mercado has been the premiere event for the Hispanic business community in Abilene. Celebrating our culture, Mercado became known for its fun atmosphere while also promoting minority businesses and the minority consumer.

As is the case with nearly everything in 2020, we are having to adjust. The Hispanic Business Executive Committee and the Business Mercado Planning Team have made the difficult decision to cancel Business Mercado 2020.

The safety and wellbeing of our members comes first and we believe this decision does just that. However, business must go on, so rest assured that the Abilene Chamber and the Hispanic Business Council are constantly advocating for our members. We are working on solutions right now to keep our businesses top of mind.

In October of 2021, I hope you will be ready to ‘Bidi Bidi Bom Bom!’ Yes, we are carrying over our theme of ‘Your Business is Bidi Bidi Bom Bom!’

We look forward to continuing this rich tradition with you!

--Travis Ruiz, KTAB/KRBC/Telemundo, 2020-2021 Hispanic Business Council Chair
THANKSGIVING WEEK HOURS
The Abilene Chamber of Commerce will be closed November 25-27. We will resume normal business hours on Monday, November 30.
 
We wish you and your loved ones a safe, healthy, and happy Thanksgiving!

This year has been difficult for us all. Now more than ever, businesses in our community need your help. Instead of shopping big name brands this holiday season, we ask and encourage you to find gifts locally this holiday season. This act of kindness goes a long way!
 
Shop at Chamber member businesses listed in our business directory.
ABILENE CHAMBER CONGRATULATES NEW AIF EMPLOYEE ON COMPLETING BUSINESS RETENTION AND EXPANSION COURSE
New AIF employee Helen Usera completed the Business Retention and Expansion course. We are excited that Helen Usera has joined our team and are looking forward to working with her.
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DEC 1 BUY AND SELL A SMALL BUSINESS
Join SBDC Regional Director, David Smith as he discusses information on Buying and Selling a Small Business. Register here.

DEC 3 TEXAS CONFERENCE FOR EMPLOYERS PRESENTS LUNCHTIME LIVE!
Topics Include: Workers’ Compensation, Civil Rights in the Workplace, Office of Economic Dev., Employer Commissioner. Register here.

DEC 4 MAKE YOUR WEBSITE WORK FOR YOU
In this presentation, learners will discover how to create a search friendly website that drives user action and supports their goals. Whether launching a new website or sprucing up an old one, this workshop will help. Register here.

DEC 7 YOUTUBE FOR BUSINESS
Join CARES Act Coordinator, Kenny Heaton as he reviews the benefits of using YouTube for Business! Register here.

DEC 7 GROW WITH GOOGLE WEBINAR - MAKE BETTER BUSINESS DECISIONS WITH ANALYTICS - PART 1
Learn best practices and analyze trends about how customers engage with your business online, then turn these insights into well-informed, actionable decisions. Register here.

DEC 18 GROW WITH GOOGLE WEBINAR - MAKE BETTER BUSINESS DECISIONS WITH ANALYTICS - PART 2
Learn best practices and analyze trends about how customers engage with your business online, then turn these insights into well-informed, actionable decisions. Register here.