Brief Summary
This podcast episode of Austin Business News covers a range of topics, starting with the devastating floods in Central Texas and the community's response. It then transitions to business news, including small business grants from All State and Door Dash, and a look at the declining Tesla sales in Austin. The hosts also discuss disability pride month, share personal anecdotes, and highlight upcoming Austin LGBT Chamber of Commerce events and new members.
- Central Texas flood devastation and community support.
- Small business grants from All State and Door Dash.
- Declining Tesla sales in Austin and market competition.
- Disability Pride Month and representation.
- Upcoming Austin LGBT Chamber of Commerce events.
Intro and Flood Discussion
The podcast begins with the hosts, Cena, Amy, and Fiona, discussing the recent devastating floods in Central Texas. They express concern for those affected, particularly mentioning the impact on Camp Mystic and the surrounding areas. The hosts share personal experiences and recount stories of friends and family dealing with the aftermath, including evacuations and property damage. They also commend the community's efforts to provide aid and support to those in need, highlighting the contrast between local solidarity and the lack of broader assistance.
Small Business Grants
The hosts transition to discussing available small business grants. They highlight All State's partnership with the US Chamber of Commerce coalition to provide $25 million to black-owned businesses through 2028, and Door Dash's accelerator program for local restaurants, which offers training and capital. The hosts emphasize that these initiatives are strategic investments in economic growth and job creation, rather than mere charity. They celebrate the positive impact these grants can have on family-owned businesses and the local economy, noting that supporting small businesses is beneficial for Main Street, not just Wall Street.
Tesla Sales Data
The podcast addresses the recent decline in Austin-based Tesla sales. Tesla's Q2 delivery numbers have dropped by 13% compared to the previous year, with 384,000 cars delivered. Despite this, production continued, resulting in a stockpile of approximately 26,000 unsold EVs. The hosts attribute this decline to factors such as brand issues, Elon Musk's political activities, increased market competition, tax credit uncertainty, and general EV market fatigue. They note that while Tesla's stock paradoxically increased, likely due to low expectations, the company is focusing on robo taxis and battery power deployments. The hosts also discuss the impact of battery life on unsold cars and the increasing competition from companies like BYD, which offer more affordable and innovative EVs.
Horse and Buggy Protests
The hosts discuss the protests against horse and carriage rides on roadways, citing safety concerns and waste management issues. They share anecdotes about horse-related incidents, including a story about horses leaping over a wall and damaging a car. Fiona recounts her experience shoveling horse manure on her cousin's property in England, sparking a discussion about the necessity of cleaning pastures and the differences in farming practices.
Disability Pride Month
Fiona introduces Disability Pride Month, highlighting that 36% of LGBTQ+ adults in the US report living with a disability, compared to 24% of non-LGBTQ+ adults. She uplifts Shella Man, a deaf, genderqueer, transmasculine artist, model, and activist who made history as the first deaf transmasculine actor in a DC superhero show. Amy mentions the Disability In conference, which she has attended and spoken at, emphasizing its importance as the disability version of NGLCC.
Personal Anecdotes and Dating Life
Amy shares that she has supernumerary kidneys, meaning she has three kidneys. The conversation shifts to Cena's dating life, with Cena describing her picky preferences and reliance on friends to manage her dating app profiles. She recounts a recent date that went well and discusses her criteria for evaluating potential matches, including avoiding profiles with group photos or excessive negativity. The hosts humorously discuss dating app etiquette and the challenges of finding compatible partners.
Chamber Announcements and New Members
The hosts announce upcoming Austin LGBT Chamber of Commerce events, including a health and wellness committee meeting on July 9th, a rainbow ribbon cutting for Austin Emergency Centers on July 16th, and a monthly happy hour at Drinks Lounge on July 24th. They also promote the business opportunity summit on August 1st and the inner city trip to Seattle. Cena highlights the Pride in Local Music event on September 1st at ACL Live, encouraging attendance and corporate sponsorships. The hosts welcome new chamber members, including Dane Cannon from Frost Bank, RBFCU, Remedy Roofing, and Double Trouble, expressing excitement for their participation.
