SAN ANTONIO-Tomorrow, the Rouse Cos. and USAA will get the crews going on the long-awaited Shops at La Cantera. The northwest submarket center, part of a 1,677-acre development, is carrying a fall 2004 opening date.

AUSTIN-The 2002 combined revenues of the two Austin-based firms total $300 million.

AUSTIN-Austin layoffs hit 22,000 and construction spending dropped for the first time since 1989. Senior economist Keith Phillips tells the Greater Austin Chamber that the gloom and doom should ease in the second half of next year.

SAN ANTONIO-A recent report from UBS Warburg suggests San Antonio may be one of several cities looking at decreased convention business. That could very well pan out since there was just a slight uptick in October's comparison to October 2001.

AUSTIN-BlueStar Leasing of Houston takes over a 15,000-sf terminal and nine acres of ramp space in Austin and a new terminal with 81,000-sf ramp in Greeley, CO from Sterling Austin Aero. The takeover firm issued 5.31 million shares to close the deal.

AUSTIN-The noted Texas economist is suggesting the state take another look at the Smart Jobs program, an incentive eliminated by the legislature. That and a few other deal-making tips will be presented Wednesday to the Texas Economic Development board.

AUSTIN-More inspections and warranty changes are needed, says the Consumers Union in its latest report about the manufactured home industry in Texas. The state is suffering through a second year of sagging sales due to regulation changes.

ROUND ROCK, TX-The appliance chain's fifth store in the Austin area will be in the 187,547-sf Renaissance Square along Interstate 35 in the suburb of Round Rock. A sixth Central Texas store is on the drawing board.