Members, Partners and Friends,
A lot has happened since the end of 2020 nationally, within the state and our local region. Some highlights are a new administration, the 87th State Legislature convenes and the Texas Association of Manufacturers outline their top 10 legislative priorities for our industry. Regionally, our communities are tracking the pandemic and implementing plans to provide vaccines to the public – CDC, Gov. Abbott and City of San Antonio comment on COVID-19 to include latest on vaccinations. CPS Energy and SAWS lawsuits and petition drive updates.
There is a lot of information to convey so this edition will provide you links to the latest information. You can click on them at your convenience to get informed. As you know, our association is dedicated to being your voice and advocate, and keeping you informed.
Highlights:
- The Texas Legislature Convenes for its 2021 Session Tuesday. Five things to watch according to the Texas Tribune, January 11, 2021 – https://www.texastribune.org/2021/01/11/texas-legislature-2021/
- Texas Association of Manufacturers’ (TAM) Top 10 Policy Priorities for 87th “Texas must be Competitive Globally”, Tony Bennett, President/CEO, TAM. “Pandemic economic recovery, competitiveness and job growth are at the core of our priorities for the 87th Legislature,” said Tony Bennett, president of the Texas Association of Manufacturers. “From economic development and critical infrastructure to workforce readiness and equity in tax policy, we are calling on lawmakers to advance Texas’ global competitiveness.” Bennett noted that Texas is the #1 state for exported manufactured goods and remains the #1 state to do business. “Smart public policy has been the key in keeping Texas on top,” he said. – http://www.manufacturetexas.org/resources
- CDC Says In-Person Learning is OK, But Local Officials Say, “Not Yet” for San Antonio Schools, Texas Public Radio, January 26th– https://www.tpr.org/san-antonio/covid-19-tracker
- CPS Energy Wins Court Ruling to Stop Petition Calling for Leadership Overhaul – https://www.bizjournals.com/sanantonio/news/2021/01/08/cps-energy-beats-back-overhaul-attempt.html(subscription required)
- SAWS Drops Legal Action Aimed at Petition Drive, San Antonio Report, January 25, 2021 – http://sanantonioreport.org/san-antonio-water-system-drops-legal-action-aimed-at-petition-drive/?itm_source=parsely-api?itm_campaign=parsely_recommended_widget-3&itm_medium=site_widget&itm_source=parsely_recommended_widget&itm_content=widget_item-0
SAMA News:
Upcoming Webinars & Programs
- Should I Hire a Robot? Robotics & Automation Case Studies from Small Manufacturers
- February 11th, 8 am to 12 noon
- Join us for this interactive webinar and panel discussion.
- Click here to register: REGISTER NOW
- 16th Annual Employment Law Webinar
- February 24th & 25th, 8 am to 12 noon
- Employment Law in 2021: What’s New & What Remains the Same? HR and MCLE credits pending.
- Click here to register: REGISTER FOR THIS VIRTUAL EVENT
- Manufacturing Supervisor Certification Program (Virtual)
- Mondays/Wednesdays – March 15, 17, 22, 24, 29 & 31, April 5, 7, 12 & 14
- Certification curriculum targets first-line supervisors at manufacturing facilities with a comprehensive overview of supervisory principles
- Click here to register: REGISTER FOR THIS CERTIFICATION PROGRAM
- Webinar | What To Expect From OSHA in 2021
- Thursday, March 25, 2021, 9 am to 12 noon
- Click here to register: REGISTER FOR THIS VIRTUAL EVENT
I also want to mention the latest on our annual trade show and conference. As the world adapts to a “new normal” with COVID-19, SAMA has been taking proactive steps to implement virtual opportunities to continue our mission to our members – being the voice of the manufacturing industry in the greater San Antonio metropolitan area. We continue to work with our various committees to provide invaluable, high-quality networking opportunities, professional development, and ongoing educational opportunities. We have realized that we must adopt a more efficient, virtual, distanced engagement strategies and accompanying services to best support our members. This has become our “new normal”. With this in mind, SAMA and the Trade Show Committee is revamping the annual Trade Show and Conference to be a virtual event which will deliver uncompromised opportunities through proactive engagement aligned with SAMA’s continued message to COME and MAKE IT IN TEXAS!
This year the Trade Show and Conference will be a two-day event. It is scheduled to take place on May 12th and 13th using the virtual world of Virbela. Founded in 2012 by organizational psychologists, Virbela creates virtual environments that replicate real world dynamics and social interactions. Please visit the Trade Show page on our website to learn more about this event.
As you can see, lots has been happening. If you have any questions or information on your membership, or want to join SAMA, please let my staff and I know at sama@sama-tx.org or call us at (210) 979-7530. Please be safe and healthy!
