By Maxine Shapiro, KERA 90.1 business commentator
Dallas, TX – Out and about in North Texas. What's new and what's coming. I'm Maxine Shapiro with KERA Marketplace Middays.
Last month, Tyler launched its new $15 million structure at Tyler Pounds Regional Airport. The architects even included more stringent safety devices before the government required them. But the airport that used to fly 80- to 90,000 passengers a year lost its second carrier Continental Express during last year's cutbacks. So now American Eagle has eight flights a day from Tyler to DFW International. These props fit about 33 passengers. It's considered one of the best hubs for American Eagle, with 82% capacity. Tyler likes to joke it's a 29-minute flight with a 20-minute taxi. That's probably on a good day.
It's ironic how it works. In struggling economic times, charitable organizations see a greater demand for their services. Regrettably for the same reasons, the money needed to support these organizations is not coming in. It was reported in the Star-Telegram, for example, that United Way of Tarrant County has the same goal this year as last. They fell short by $600,000 last year. March of Dimes of North Texas also fell short of expectations. But the good news, though corporate contributions are down, individual interest and participation is on the rise. Good for us.
And Thursday September 19th marks the seventh annual Women's Business Conference. It's brought to you by the Greater Dallas Chamber and many loyal corporate sponsors. Trust me, you do not have to be a woman to experience the inspiration, motivation and education that I've gathered over the last four years. This year's keynote speakers will be Erin Brokovich, Linda Ellerbe and other speakers whose names might not ring a bell but whose praises you'll be singing by the end of the day. And isn't this nice, you get CPE credit too. Check it out at dallaschamber.org. For KERA Marketplace Middays, I'm Maxine Shapiro.
Marketplace Midday Reports air on KERA 90.1 Monday - Friday at 1:04 p.m. To contact Maxine Shapiro, please send emails to mshapiro@kera.org.