The BG Podcast

Latest Episodes:

Episode 112 - Discussing Community Healthcare with Perla Cavazos, Central Health Oct 28, 2020

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On today’s episode we speak with Perla Cavazos, Deputy Administrator, Central Health. Created by voters in 2004, Central Health works to deliver health care to the underserved and improve service and care for the uninsured in Travis County. Perla and Bingham Group CEO A.J. discuss Central Health's response to the COVID-19 pandemic and initiatives going into 2021. ABOUT PERLA Perla Cavazos was born and raised in San Benito, a small town on the Texas-Mexico border, and moved to Austin over 20 years ago to take a job advocating for affordable housing for people with low income. Since moving to Austin she has developed expertise in public policy, advocacy and government affairs with a focus on improving the lives of Texans who are most vulnerable. She joined the team at Central Health in July of 2016, and previously worked for Texas Legal Services Center, Texas Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy, and in the Texas Senate as a Senior Policy Analyst and Legislative Director. Perla has a BA from Stanford University and a Masters in Public Affairs from the LBJ School of Public Affairs at The University of Texas at Austin. LINKS: Central Health Site -> https://www.centralhealth.net LinkedIn -> https://www.linkedin.com/company/central-health-connection Facebook -> https://www.facebook.com/CentralHealthTX Twitter -> @CentralHealthTX ABOUT THE BINGHAM GROUP, LLC The Bingham Group, LLC is minority-owned full service lobbying firm representing and advising clients on government affairs, public affairs, and procurement matters in the Austin metro and throughout Central Texas. Link to Bingham Group Page -> https://www.binghamgp.com/ You can listen to this episode and previous ones on iTunes and Google Play at the links below. Please subscribe!

Episode 111: COVID-19's Impact on Austin's Tech Scene Oct 21, 2020

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On today’s episode we speak with Amber Gunst, CEO, Austin Technology Council (ATC). She and Bingham Group CEO A.J. discuss COVID-19’s impact on the Austin tech scene, as well as major state and local policy priorities/concerns going into 2021. ABOUT ATC As the unifying voice for innovation and technology in Central Texas, ATC includes leadership from startups and Fortune 1000 companies. Since 1992, ATC’s membership has represented the largest concentration of invested CEO’s compared to tech associations in other markets and represents the diverse tech community in and around Austin. LINKS: Austin Technology Council site -> https://www.austintechnologycouncil.org/ LinkedIn -> https://www.linkedin.com/company/austin-technology-council/ Facebook -> https://www.facebook.com/AustinTechCouncil Twitter -> @ATCouncil

Episode 110: Discussing City Governments with Prof. Sherri Greenberg, LBJ School of Public Affairs Oct 12, 2020

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On today’s episode we speak with Sherri Greenberg, a professor of practice and fellow of the Max Sherman Chair in State and Local Government at the LBJ School of Public Affairs. She and Bingham Group CEO A.J. discuss different local governance structures and their implications on civic engagement. BACKGROUND In July, Austinites for Progressive Reform launched with, among other initiatives, a call to adopt a mayor-council form of government, i.e. a strong mayor system. This would transfer the city manager’s duties to the mayor. The city of Austin is currently run under a council-manager system, with power and authority to set policy resting with the city council. The council in turn hires a nonpartisan manager who runs the city (including hiring and firing personnell). The city of Houston is the only major Texas city with a strong mayor system. Austinites for Progressive Reform is currently gathering signatures for a city charter amendment (Austin’s constitution) vote in May 2021. ABOUT GUEST: Sherri R. Greenberg is a professor of practice and fellow of the Max Sherman Chair in State and Local Government at the LBJ School of Public Affairs, and she is the Graduate Advisor for the LBJ School Master of Public Affairs Program. Additionally, she serves as Research Director of the Future of Work for Good Systems, A University of Texas Grand Challenge. Greenberg is the Chairperson of the Board of Managers of Central Health, a member of the Austin Convention Enterprises Board of Directors, a member of the City of Austin Regional Affordability Committee, and a member of the City of Austin Housing Investment Review Committee. Greenberg has served as a senior advisor to Austin Mayor Steve Adler. She was a Texas state representative from 1991 to 2001, and she chaired the House Pensions and Investments Committee and the Select Committee on Teacher Health Insurance. Her teaching and research interests include: technology policy, urban and state issues, public engagement, housing, transportation, health care, public finance, and campaigns and elections. Her recent publications are “Smart Cities: Serving the Outskirts”; Housing + Social And Economic Mobility. LINKS: University Texas Page -> https://lbj.utexas.edu/greenberg-sherri Austinities for Progressive Reform -> https://www.austinprogress.org/amendments You can listen to this episode and previous ones on iTunes and Google Play at the links below. Please subscribe!

Episode 109: Q4 2020 Update with Veronica Briseño, Chief Economic Recovery Officer, City of Austin Oct 08, 2020

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On today’s episode we speak with return guest Veronica Briseño, recently named Chief Economic Recovery Officer for the City of Austin. Most recently serving as Director of the Economic Development Department (EDD), her new role reflects the city’s continued focus on economic recovery due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Veronica and Bingham Group CEO A.J. discuss recent efforts by the city and Austin Council including the Save Austin's Vital Economic Sectors (SAVES) resolution and fund, and a coming local economic development corporation. ABOUT GUEST: Veronica Briseño has served the City of Austin, TX in various roles since 1999. Currently, she serves as the Interim Homeless Strategy Officer (HSO) coordinating the City’s homeless response activities with multiple departments. She transitioned transition into the top leadership role of the Economic Development Department effective in late June of 2019. LINKS: Leadership Changes at City of Austin Economic Development (BG Blog) -> https://www.binghamgp.com/blog/2020/9/18/new-economic-development-department-leadership City of Austin CARES Act Spending Framework -> https://www.austintexas.gov/edims/document.cfm?id=342068 City of Austin Relief Programs -> http://www.austintexas.gov/department/economic-development/programs City of Austin Business Expansion Program (Ch. 380 agreements)-> http://www.austintexas.gov/sites/default/files/files/Chapter_380_Policy_2018.pdf RELATED EPISODES: Episode 97: Talking Relief and Recovery with Veronica Briseño, Director of Austin's Economic Development Department -> https://www.bgmediagp.com/bgpodcast/episode97 Episode 60: Opportunity Zones with Christine Maguire, Redevelopment Division Manager at City of Austin -> https://www.bgmediagp.com/bgpodcast/episode60-opportunity-zones Episode 23: David A. Colligan, Acting Assistant Director Economic Development Department, on Austin’s economic incentives program -> https://www.bgmediagp.com/bgpodcast/2019/4/3/episode-23-david-a-colligan-acting-assistant-director-economic-development-department Episode 12: David A. Colligan, Acting Assistant Director Economic Development Department, on Economic Incentives for Real Estate Projects -> https://www.bgmediagp.com/bgpodcast/2019/4/2/episode-12-david-a-colligan-acting-assistant-director-economic-development-department ABOUT THE BINGHAM GROUP, LLC The Bingham Group, LLC is minority-owned full service lobbying firm representing and advising clients on government affairs, public affairs, and procurement matters in the Austin metro and throughout Central Texas. -> https://www.binghamgp.com You can listen to this episode and previous ones on iTunes and Google Play at the links below. Please subscribe!

Episode 108: Industry Update with Skeeter Miller, President, Greater Austin Restaurant Association Sep 24, 2020

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On today’s episode Bingham Group CEO A.J. speaks with Skeeter Miller, President, Greater Austin Restaurant Association (and owner of The County Line) Skeeter and A.J. discuss the state of Austin’s restaurant industry and the City Council’s recently passed Save Austin's Vital Economic Sectors (“SAVES”) resolution. The Greater Austin Resturant Association is a Bingham Group client. ABOUT SKEETER Don “Skeeter” Miller is the owner and president of The County Line, and is a 2014 inductee to the Texas Restaurant Association (TRA)'s Hall of Honor. Skeeter was attending The University of Texas when the County Line first opened in 1975. He was hired as their first dishwasher 41 years ago. Ten new restaurants later, Skeeter was named President and continues to have full responsibility of the day-to-day operations at all of the restaurants, as well as supervision of all franchise locations. ABOUT THE BINGHAM GROUP, LLC The Bingham Group, LLC is minority-owned full service lobbying firm representing and advising clients on government affairs, public affairs, and procurement matters in the Austin metro and throughout Central Texas. Learn more about us at: https://www.binghamgp.com You can listen to this episode and previous ones on all major streaming services. Please like, link, comment and subscribe!

Episode 107: Entrepreneurship and Resiliency with Musa Ato, Founder & President, League of Rebels Sep 09, 2020

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On today’s episode Bingham Group CEO A.J. speaks with Musa Ato (Ato), Founder and President, League of Rebels. League of Rebels is an Austin-based menswear brand established in 2009 from a strong passion for fine tailoring. Ato and A.J. discuss the brand’s development and expansion, pivoting in the COVID-19 pandemic, the entrepreneur mindset, and more. Among his other ventures, Ato is the Managing Director of Adolfin Group, a family investment holding company specializing in the retail, consumer packaged goods, logistics, agriculture, and tech investments (with a particular focus on African firms). He is also the producer of the Founders State podcast (https://www.foundersstate.com/), featuring discussions with business founders from business models, strategy, to maintaining their sanity. LINKS: Connect with Ato Linkedin -> https://www.linkedin.com/in/musaato League of Rebels (Flagship site) -> https://www.leagueofrebels.com ABOUT THE BINGHAM GROUP, LLC The Bingham Group, LLC is minority-owned full service lobbying firm representing and advising clients on government affairs, public affairs, and procurement matters in the Austin metro and throughout Central Texas. Learn more about us at: https://www.binghamgp.com You can listen to this episode and previous ones on all major streaming services. Please like, link, comment and subscribe!

Episode 106: 2020 Summer Closeout with Associate Intern Josh Sep 03, 2020

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On today’s episode Bingham Group CEO A.J. speaks with Associate Intern Josh about his experience working with the firm this summer. ABOUT GUEST: Josh Smythe-Macaulay is a resident of Council District 8) and a graduate of Austin’s James Bowie High School. Now a junior at Columbia University, he is studying Sociology along with being a student-athlete on the varsity football team. He has previously interned for Magic Johnson Enterprises. SEE ALSO: Episode 96: First Month Wrap Up with Associate Intern Josh -> https://www.bgmediagp.com/bgpodcast/episode96 LINKS: Connect with Josh on Linkedin -> https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshua-smythe-macaulay-931baa188/ ABOUT THE BINGHAM GROUP, LLC The Bingham Group, LLC is minority-owned full service lobbying firm representing and advising clients on government affairs, public affairs, and procurement matters in the Austin metro and throughout Central Texas. Learn more about us at -> https://www.binghamgp.com You can listen to this episode and previous ones on all major streaming services. Please like, link, comment and subscribe!

Episode 105 - Building a Communications Firm with Audrey Ponzio, CEO & Founder, APC Collective Aug 30, 2020

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Today's episode features a discussion with Audrey Ponzio, CEO & Founder of Austin-based APC Collective, an inclusive communications agency helping clients increase their reach, relationships and positive impact. Audrey and Bingham Group CEO A.J. discuss the impetus of APC's founding and lessons learned over the past five years (the firm recently celebrated its anniversary). The two also announce APC and Bingham Group's formal partnership leveraging their expertise to deliver comprehensive government and public relations coverage in the Austin metro. ABOUT AUDREY Prior to founding APC, Audrey spent nearly a decade with global public relations firm Edelman, rising from Account Supervisor to Senior Vice President. In this role she oversaw multicultural communications programs for major corporate brands and non-profits. She has a BS in Corporate Communications from the University of Texas - Austin, and an MPA from Columbia University. ABOUT APC COLLECTIVE APC Collective is an award-winning, woman and minority owned communications agency dedicated to developing holistic strategies centered in inclusive community engagement, sustainability and solution-oriented technologies that create positive impact for clients such as Sprint/T-Mobile, LUSH, Audible, Bumble, Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute, Texan by Nature, Teny, Voto Latino, Jarritos, American Campus Communities, and more. While founded in Austin, Texas, our Collective comes from all corners of the world and is rooted in service, empowerment and collaboration. LINKS Homepage -> www.apccollective.com Facebook -> https://www.facebook.com/apccollective Instagram -> @apccollective Twitter -> @apccollective LinkedIn -> https://www.linkedin.com/company/apccollective/ For feedback, questions, or comments email us at: info@binghamgp.com ABOUT THE BINGHAM GROUP, LLC The Bingham Group, LLC is minority-owned full service lobbying firm representing and advising clients on government affairs, public affairs, and procurement matters in the Austin metro and throughout Central Texas. Learn more at -> https://www.binghamgp.com You can listen to this episode and previous ones on all streaming platforms.

Episode 104: Entrepreneurship and Austin Development with Nhat Ho of Civilitude Engineers & Planners Aug 26, 2020

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Today's episode features Nhat Ho, Vice President of Austin-based Civilitude Engineers & Planners. The firm recently celebrated its 10th year anniversary and Nhat discusses (virtually) their growth and development philosophy with Bingham Group CEO A.J. As VP of Public Sector Work, Nhat manages multiple projects and clients, develops new business, and oversees Building Information Modeling and construction document production. His integrated civil and structural knowledge ranges from stormwater management systems, wet utilities, sports running tracks to retaining structures, building spatial arrangement and site integration. His land development experience includes site feasibility studies, zoning changes, subdivisions, and commercial site plans. In the Austin community he is a Past Chair of the Mueller Neighborhood Association, Board Member on the Umlauf Sculpture Garden & Museum, and a Commissioner on the City's Water and Wastewater Commission. Nhat holds a BS in Architectural Engineering from The University of Texas at Austin. He is a 2020 Austin Under 40 Awards finalist in the Architecture, Engineering and Construction category. This episode was recorded on August 14, 2020. REFERENCE LINKS: Nhat on LinkedIn -> https://www.linkedin.com/in/nhatho/ Civilitude Engineers and Planners -> https://civiltude.com/ Civilitude (IG)-> @civilitude Civilitude (Twitter) -> @Civilitude Civilitude (Facebook) -> https://www.facebook.com/Civilitude For feedback, questions, or comments email us at: info@binghamgp.com ABOUT THE BINGHAM GROUP, LLC The Bingham Group, LLC is minority-owned full service lobbying firm representing and advising clients on government affairs, public affairs, and procurement matters in the Austin metro and throughout Central Texas. Learn more at -> https://www.binghamgp.com You can listen to this episode and previous ones on all streaming platforms. We’d appreciate a review, comment and re-sharing. Subscribe today!

Episode 103: Discussing Austin’s Fiscal Year 2021 Budget with Council Member Jimmy Flannigan Aug 15, 2020

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Today's episode features returning guest Austin City Council Member Jimmy Flannigan (District 6). He and Bingham Group CEO A.J. discuss the Austin City Council’s unanimous August 13th vote for a $4.2 billion FY 2021 budget. The talk covers the reallocation of funding from the Austin Police Department, and the work ahead for Council. This episode was originally recorded on August 14, 2020. REFERENCE LINKS: Jimmy Flannigan for Austin District 6 (Campaign Page)-> http://www.jimmyflannigan.com/ The Clawback LIVE! (The CM’s weekly livestream show)-> http://www.jimmyflannigan.com/theclawbacklive Official City of Austin page for Council Member Jimmy Flannigan -> http://www.austintexas.gov/department/council-member-flannigan-biography Twitter: @JimmyFlannigan Facebook -> https://www.facebook.com/jimmyf RELATED EPISODES: Episode 92 : Processing with Austin Council Member Natasha Harper-Madison (District 1) -> https://www.bgmediagp.com/bgpodcast/2020/6/12/episode92 Episode 88: Austin Council Member Paige Ellis discusses the Healthy Streets Program -> https://www.bgmediagp.com/bgpodcast/episode88 Episode 80: Discussing Austin's Omnibus SXSW/COVID-19 Resilience Plan -> https://www.bgmediagp.com/bgpodcast/episode80Plan Episode 59: Land Development Code Draft 1 with Mayor Pro Tem Delia Garza -> https://www.bgmediagp.com/bgpodcast/episode59-mpt-garza Episode 53: Budget and Policy Talk with Austin Council Member Jimmy Flannigan -> https://www.bgmediagp.com/bgpodcast/episode53 Episode 30: Jimmy Flannigan, Austin City Council District 6, on 2019 policy predictions -> https://www.bgmediagp.com/bgpodcast/2019/4/3/episode-30-jimmy-flannigan-austin-city-council-district-6 Episode 29: Natasha Harper-Madison, Austin City Council District 1, on her 2019 policy priorities -> https://www.bgmediagp.com/bgpodcast/2019/4/3/episode-29-natasha-harper-madison-austin-city-council-district-1 Episode 1: Natasha Harper-Madison, East 12th Street Merchants Association President, on Austin's East Side Corridors Development -> https://www.bgmediagp.com/bgpodcast/episode1

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