The first Engage Breakfast of 2013 will take a look into Austin's job market and the keys to maintaining and improving the city's current job climate.
"In the wake of the national election and with the inauguration right around the corner, I think everyone is focused on the economy and on what job creation means," said Heather McKissick, CEO with Leadership Austin, a nonprofit organization organizing the event. "Part [of the discussion] is to unpack why Austin has weathered this storm well, but I think it's important we remain cautious as well as optimistic, and maintain that foothold that we already have."
McKissick said timing also was a factor in selecting jobs as the topic for the first breakfast of the new year.
"I think the beginning of the new year is when we're thinking about opportunities," she said. "I think that's a great time to look at growth of all kinds."
The panel includes Tamara Atkinson, deputy executive director with Workforce Solutions Capital Area Workforce Board; Ray Almgren, vice president of product marketing of core platforms with National Instruments; Gary Farmer, chairman of the Greater Austin Economic Development Corp.; and Hall Martin, a director with Texas Entrepreneur Network. The discussion will be moderated by KXAN-TV anchor Brian Sanders.
"I hope employers will take away some new ideas and strategies about maximizing the resources that Austin has to offer, employees will leave inspired, and job-seekers will also be motivated that there are a lot of possible opportunities in Austin, Texas," McKissick said. "This conversation is designed to point out these opportunities."
Tickets for the event are available and cost $25. A discount for Alumni Association members is available. For more information or to buy tickets, visit www.leadershipaustin.org/programs/engage.