top of page

PUBLISHED WRITING

Top
business
Business.png

An Austrian-based manufacturing company is eyeing New Braunfels for its new North American headquarters location, and the result could mean 200 local jobs with an average salary of $49,000 per year.

StingRay Records, owned by local physician Kevin Blair, is keeping the vinyl revolution alive in New Braunfels by offering a classic, nostalgic experience to customers.

As a new decade emerged in January, the United States celebrated 127 consecutive months of economic expansion. Despite this ten-year heyday in the rear-view mirror, many leaders in the business world expressed a grim outlook. 

​

Recurring revenue is a lucrative approach for any company working in the modern economy. Convince executives that a subscription revenue model is worth the initial investment.

Jan Kingsbury, a retired teacher and Comal ISD counselor, has been operating Spass Walking Tours of New Braunfels for five years. She said she was inspired to start her business after taking a trip with her four sisters.

Starting a subscription business often leads to an inevitable process of trial and error. That’s because it can take time and experimentation to fully realize what works and what doesn’t in your particular niche. 

city-gov.png
city-news

In 2008, the city of New Braunfels developed a 20-year master plan for its regional airport. Fast-forward a decade, and Robert Lee, director of the New Braunfels Regional Airport, says things have changed.

On May 4, citizens will vote on a $120 million bond package that, if passed, will fund projects in four areas of city life. If passed, streets would receive a bulk of the bond funding totaling $44.51 million. An additional $8 million will be contributed to streets projects from roadway impact fees.

Priorities for the 2019 legislative session were an item discussed during a special City Council meeting last week.

​

Since 2011, public power utility provider New Braunfels Utilities has explored the feasibility of incorporating an aquifer storage and recovery, or ASR, system that would allow for a large underground water storage area that could be accessed during times of drought or emergency.

Following today's Texas Supreme Court's decision, a disposable containers ban and cooler size ordinance will remain in effect on New Braunfels rivers.

​

A majority of the crowd at the March 25 New Braunfels City Council meeting was present to advocate for one cause—removing weed mats from Lake Dunlap. The weed mats are formed when aquatic vegetation lumps together as they move through waterways.

county-news
county-gov.png

Guadalupe County is moving forward with the beginning stages of a strategic plan that will help steer continued rapid growth in the region.

​

This year, Comal County hired Michele Valadez to fill its new grants administrator role. She is tasked with finding and applying for grants from federal, state and other entities to help lift some financial burden off the county’s taxpayers.

According to a new study released Wednesday night, rapid growth will continue in Guadalupe County during the next two decades, reaching a projected population of more than 284,000 by 2040.

With fast-growing populations, Comal and Guadalupe counties are feeling a strain on their court systems. For the first time since 1985, the Guadalupe County Commissioners Court passed a resolution to advocate for an additional district court.

At Thursday's Commissioners Court meeting, Engineer Tom Hornseth provided a reminder of the capabilities on the county’s website during times of flood risk.

The Comal County Commissioners Court convened March 21 for its regular meeting. Here are a few takeaways from the session.

​

ecommerce-tech
ecommerce-tech.png

If you’re looking to join the subscription economy, one of the most important things you need to do is make sure you’re technologically prepared for it. Because recurring revenue businesses operate online, you can’t afford to miss the target when it comes to your subscription technology.

Have you ever wondered, “What does CRM stand for?” If so, you’re not alone. The question gets asked more than 8,000 times on Google each month. That’s because CRM, or customer relationship technology, is becoming a household term. 

When it comes to eCommerce upselling, the old adage rings true: Timing is everything. While upselling can take place at any time during the buying process, choosing the right moment is a delicate dance, and each option comes with its own set of pros and cons.

​

If you are involved in an e-commerce venture, you know customer acquisition is only half the battle. Once you have won someone’s business, you must have a plan in place to keep it.

​

The eCommerce industry has been trending upward for many years, but data shows the COVID-19 pandemic has supercharged this growth. Now that the pandemic is more than a year old, many retailers are taking a look back at the lessons they learned. 

​

​

Is it really possible to incorporate a recurring revenue model into any business? We explore that question in this article, as well as the winning strategies you should implement once you’re there.

​

​

​

Education.png
eduation

As New Braunfels grows, the two school districts that serve the region also face unique challenges to keep up. According to New Braunfels ISD Superintendent Randy Moczygemba, New Braunfels High School was over capacity 2010.

With a growing local job market and expanding local collegiate opportunities, Ben Martin, assistant vice president of the Howard Payne University New Braunfels Center located at 4012 Loop 337, said more residents are opting to complete postsecondary education close to home.

School districts within Texas have paid more than $20 billion in recaptured taxes to the state since legislation was passed in 1993 that redistributes money from property-wealthy school districts to those that are considered property-poor.

With the passing of the November bond election behind them, 2019 will be a busy year for New Braunfels ISD as implementation begins. Here are some updates the district shared with Community Impact Newspaper regarding the bond package and more.

​

At its June 25 budget meeting the New Braunfels ISD board of trustees amended its proposed bond package that will be decided on by voters in November. The board added almost $11 million in bond projects.

​

After receiving an $8 million bill from the state for recaptured taxes last year, Comal ISD Superintendent Andrew Kim is championing school finance reform in the 86th Texas legislative session.

​

​

environment.png
environment

As one of the fastest-growing counties in the nation with 10,000 or more residents, according to Census Bureau statistics, officials say land conservation is a topic of concern in Comal County. Three area organizations have joined forces to find a solution.

Along the fault line that separates the Texas Hill Country from the Texas Coastal Plain, the largest freshwater spring system in Texas emerges from the ground in New Braunfels.

During fiscal year 2016-17, the city of New Braunfels recycled 10,550 tons of material.Residents in the city who have a utility account pay $4.26 per month for curbside recycling services, which saved the city $280,000 on disposal costs during the last fiscal year.

Following a six-month grace period, enforcement of an ordinance that prohibits feeding wildlife inside New Braunfels city limits begins March 10.

​

As the second fastest-growing county in the country according to U.S. Census Bureau data, Comal County, like others in the Hill Country, is coming face to face with industries that want to set up shop on land that is becoming more and more precious.

On Aug. 8 the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality approved an application from Post Oak Clean Green Inc., which hopes to incorporate a Type 1 municipal solid waste, or MSW, landfill on FM 1150 in Guadalupe County.

​

​

finance-calc.png
finance

The city of New Braunfels is on trend to close the year strong for tax revenue, according to a monthly local sales tax allocations report from Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar.

​

Food makes up a significant portion of everyone’s household budg, so one of the most practical ways to drastically reduce your cost of living is by being mindful of the money you are spending at the grocery store.

After receiving an $8 million bill from the state for recaptured taxes last year, Comal ISD Superintendent Andrew Kim is championing school finance reform in the 86th Texas legislative session.

A study conducted by economic research and consulting firm Community Development Strategies revealed the New Braunfels workforce struggles to afford housing locally.

food-dining

New Braunfels native Chad Niland got his first restaurant job as a dishwasher. One day, when the cook called in sick, Niland was asked to run the grill.

For the past four years, River Hofbrau & Beer Garden has been serving hot food and cold drinks at its riverfront location in New Braunfels.

Twelve years ago Mike Reimer noticed a “for sale” sign outside of the quaint metal structure known as Freiheit Country Store, and his daughter persuaded him to buy the property.

The New Braunfels Food Bank, which serves around 2,500 families per month, is facing a historic low for inventory.

​

Shawn Scroggin was with her four children at New Braunfels’ Landa Park when she met fellow mom Cassandra Lindemann. The two former teachers became friends, then business partners.

From fast food to fine dining, New Braunfels is filled with many restaurant options featuring cuisine from around the world. When a burger craving hits, check out these five local favorites. 

lifestyle-entertainment.png
lifestyle-and-entertainment
food-dining.png

Das Rec, the city of New Braunfels' new 77,000-square-foot recreation center, will open for business July 21. Stacey Dicke, director of New Braunfels Parks and Recreation, said the opening date will kick off a “no-cost” weekend where the community can try the facility out for free.

Poker is a favorite past time for gamers past and present. While digital poker is becoming more popular, the nostalgic activity remains a face-to-face sport as well.

Here are some facts on how poker evolved into the mind sport it is today. These tidbits may surprise you.

Super Mario Bros and Space War may be a distant memory, but they led the gaming industry into massive evolutionary success. Today, pixelated graphics and simple storylines have been replaced with embellished digital characters, intricate life-like scenes, and complex player-led scenarios.

In the modern world, gardens are being used for more than planting and harvesting. Adding comfortable elements such as decorative seating and lighting is an emerging trend.

Incorporating a game room in your garden is another fun way to spend time in your favorite outdoor space.

Some shoppers enjoy rummaging through clothing racks at the mall, but others prefer to browse new wardrobe options without leaving the house. Utilising eCommerce to spice up your closet comes with its challenges and risks. Here are a few smart strategies to implement into your online shopping routine.

Gaming demographics have seen a shift during the past decade. Today, more women are taking to the activity than ever before and professional gaming is becoming a realistic career option for females in a once male-dominated industry. 

medical

New Braunfels’ senior population  is growing. Numbers from the U.S. Census Bureau show New Braunfels saw a population increase of 5,385 residents between 2014-16, and 1,317 — or 24.5 percent — were 60 or older.

​

Local hospitals look to the year ahead with both institutions placing a focus on adding primary care providers to an area that is experiencing a shortage.

​

​

​

​

Apparently, there’s a big demand for living small. That’s according to Forrest Hardy, technology and marketing manager for Casata, an upcoming 66-unit micro home rental community in South Austin. 

With vacation rental websites like HomeAway, Airbnb and VRBO gaining popularity, short-term rental, or STR, properties have become a divided topic in Texas.

Those who have visited the Pearl District in San Antonio or the Domain in Austin have gotten a taste of the mixed-use lifestyle a local developer aims to bring to New Braunfels.

For the first time, Austin-based tech company SmartHauz.me has integrated its complete smart home system into a model home, and it is located in New Braunfels.

Many Central Texans have witnessed a year-after-year property-tax hike as the region’s growing market demand drives real estate prices up.

As the baby boomer generation enters its golden years, developers say more of them are opting for a lifestyle that includes all the bells and whistles.In New Braunfels, two amenity-rich senior-living communities are planned. 

​

What do transistor radios, mass-produced laptops, and LCD screens have in common? Besides carrying the tech label, their roots can all be traced to Asian countries.

With 31 teams in the United States and Canada, the National Hockey League is regarded as the world’s premiere professional hockey league. With dozens of players making their way across an ice rink on metal skates with clubs in hand, accidents are bound to happen.

As girls gain momentum in the world of gaming – particularly eSports – the industry is moving into more of a gender-neutral territory. 

Mind sports are based on intellectual ability rather than physical ability. Unlike physical sports, mind sports do not require the physical strength, agility or hand-eye coordination that traditional sports require. They do, however, demand strategy, skill and practice. 

With such an impressive reputation, the Eagles have great odds for a successful season. Who is the man behind the football mask? Here are five fast facts about Carson Wentz.

During the pre-season, NFL media draft analyst Jason Zierlein shone a spotlight on eight NFL newbies he believed had a good chance to be officially named the best defensive player in the league at the NFL Honors awards ceremony Feb. 2.

​

transpo.png
real-estate-development
sports
transportaion
medical.png
real-estate-development.png
Sports.png

Two times per year, the SEEK Exhibition, a contemporary fashion trade show, draws tens of thousands of visitors to Berlin. The next event, happening Jan. 14-16, will feature more than 250 brands offering the latest in streetwear, sneakers and more.

Merseyside is a metropolitan county along England's northwest coast. If you should find yourself on this piece of the planet, here are some destinations to hit while you are there. 

​

Before immersing yourself in a different culture, you’ll likely research the cuisine, customs and best places to stay. But have you ever considered looking into societal superstitions? If not, you may want to add them to your list. 

​

With 9 million residents and 300 languages spoken, London is a real paradise for creative entrepreneurs, students, art lovers and foodies. Every region has its unique quirks and little-known facts. Here are a few things you never knew about London.

Many British people love to indulge in competitive games. Whilst London’s gaming culture is alive and well, you can get in on the action by planning a road trip from Pontypridd to any of the UK’s premier gaming destinations. All of those listed here are less than three hours away by car.

Each year, tourists and locals flock to a small piece of Texas to experience the scene in Gruene. Located off of FM306 and Hunter Road in New Braunfels, the largely preserved Gruene Historic District shines a light on what once was.

Years of planning by city leaders for the expansion of Loop 337 has moved forward with a ground breaking ceremony on the estimated $42 million construction project.

​

The Alamo Area Metropolitan Planning Organization is updating its long-range multimodal transportation plan earlier than planned, an initiative officials say is being pushed ahead because of air-quality concerns.

travel.png
travel
bottom of page