Out of 26 million Texans, you may have an idea to change the world. You may have had several ideas to change the world. But only a tiny minority of you pushed through the U.S. Patent office from application to successful patent. We've seen Texans change the world many times over. Jack Kilby did it with Texas Instruments in 1958 with the integrated circuit, causing the start of the digital revolution, which, in part, is why you can read these words over your electronic device.
Over the last few years, Texas Business has brought its feature: Texas Business Patent of the Day. This list is of the ones that were either extremely clever, odd or strange. One thing becomes apparent from these patents and the patent that runs daily in Texas Business—Texans have a unique mind set.
Though the history of the Corn Dog is disputed, the State Fair of Texas claims to have introduced the Corny Dog sometime between 1938 and 1942. As a paean to that invention that now sits in the freezer section of every grocery store in the southwest, here are the fried foods the State Fair of Texas has introduced, or tried to introduce, in the last seven years.
Dead Texas musicians live on every time you hear their songs. Their songs play everywhere, so the dead Texas musicians appear to be immortal. Here's the short list.
Don't get caught up with John Wayne religion. For one thing, he's not Texan. He's in some fine movies involving Texas, most notably The Searchers, but none of his movies can make the best cut of Texas movies. Here's the short list.
Unsung Texas Business Journalists Mention that one is a reporter, and there's a spark of interest. Mention that one is a business news reporter, and watch the eyes glaze over. Except to the players, business and economic journalists are unappreciated. While many wish to become sports reporters when they grow up, most do not realize that business journalists cover the Real Game. Mention that reporter covers business, and watch the eyes glaze over. A toast to these below on the short list and the numerous unnamed ones slogging away. Full Story » TexasBusiness.com
Best Texas Mexican Food: The Short List No, we're not going to debate the difference between Tex-Mex, Mex-Tex, Mexican and Texican food. Just know these establishments are the pinnacle of Texas Mexican fare. No brag, just fact. Full Story » TexasBusiness.com
Best Texas Burgers Texas Burgers. . While a hamburger is merely sustenance and gratification for a meal, the memory a good Texas burger can give rise to Homeric odes. The short list. Full Story » TexasBusiness.com
Texas Business reports: Lisa Ruth, marketing director for Satterfield & Pontikes Construction Inc. (S&P), has been selected by the Society for Marketing Professional Services (SMPS) Houston to serve on its board of directors as the chapter’s new education director.
Ruth was selected by the Nominations and Elections Committee for the chapter's new leadership team for the 2011-2012 term.
The selection of Ruth to the Education Director position signifies the committee’s candidate that represents the best individual and professional balance for the Board. Ruth has been an SMPS member for 8 years and will lend her more than 20 years of marketing industry experience to enhance SMPS education efforts.
“I hope to bring new ideas that will help to further develop and elevate the excellent programs that SMPS has in place,” Ruth stated. As Education Director, Ruth will be responsible for managing the chapter’s education efforts, including the quarterly Business Development Roundtable, which she currently co-chairs, and the monthly Lunch and Learn program, CPSM Boot Camp, and Coordinators Council Meeting.
Ruth also earned the designation of Certified Professional Services Marketer (CPSM) recently. A CPSM is an individual who has met a rigorous standard of experience and expertise in marketing professional services. She is among a growing number of professionals to be certified by the SMPS, which advocates for, educates, and connects leaders in the design and building industry.
The SMPS represents a network of 6,000+ marketing and business development professionals from architectural, engineering, planning, interior design, construction, and specialty consulting firms. SMPS Houston, founded in 1981, is one of the most active and respected chapters in the U.S. One of the top 10 chapters in the country, SMPS Houston has more than 230 members representing more than 170 firms in the built industry.
The Texas News Scrawl is a handy reference to storiesTexas Business recommends from other news sources. Some of the stories that Texas Business currently suggests include: Emcor agrees to $455 million deal for Texas company;Volkswagen to open dealership in Waco; American Airlines To Add More Seats To 737s, MD-80s; Police officer says helicopter from gun range endangering his cattle; Contractors get OK to build new Beaumont Army Medical Center;Midland looks to join spaceport race; UTEP’s solar-powered house to compete internationally; State Farm to shutter El Paso call center; Dallas-Based Media Company Sold In $1.5 Billion Deal Austin's film catering gurus learn how to make do in a changing industry. Spoiler alert: The answer is never pizza.Texas Comes North to Poach Business; and more.