| The SBA Resource Guide for Houston can be a great | | | | best of the old ranching traditions in true Texas style. |
| source of information on local regulations and contacts. | | | | Everyone gets to have all the fun they can handle for |
| There is no state or local income tax for individuals. | | | | three weeks as they enjoy the parade, the concerts, |
| There is, however, a corporate income tax of $2.50 | | | | the petting zoos, and the carnival atmosphere. The |
| per $1,000 of taxable capital. The state sales tax rate | | | | World's Champion Bar-B-Que Contest is an event all |
| is 6.25%, and the local sales tax rate is 2.0%. | | | | by itself, and the livestock show is the largest show of |
| According to city-data.com, Houston's five largest | | | | its kind in America. Even if you never knew the |
| employers are Shell Oil, Harris County, Exxon Mobil, the | | | | difference between bull riding and bronco riding, you'll |
| City of Houston, and JP Morgan Chase. | | | | be on the edge of your seat during Rodeo Houston. |
| Located near the Gulf of Mexico, Houston's climate is | | | | SPORTS |
| mostly humid, with generally mild temperature ranges. | | | | NFL Football: Houston Texans (at Reliant Stadium) |
| The city is susceptible to hurricane activity. | | | | NBA Basketball: Houston Rockets (at the Toyota |
| Petrochemicals, oil and gas supply equipment, steel, | | | | Center) |
| industrial gases, cement, and synthetic rubber are | | | | MLB Baseball: Houston Astros (at Minute Maid Park) |
| some of the commodities produced in the Houston | | | | AHL Hockey: Houston Aeros (at the Toyota Center) |
| area. Financial services, information systems, and | | | | MLS Soccer: Houston Dynamo (at Robertson |
| scientific research are also prominent in the area's | | | | Stadium) |
| economy. | | | | If you like watching baseball from the comfort of your |
| TRADITIONS | | | | bedroom, try something new. Next time the Houston |
| Celebrating the legend of Sam Houston and the Battle | | | | Astros play a home game, go to the Alden-Houston |
| of San Jacinto is an important Houston tradition, | | | | Hotel, make sure they give you room 1008, and open |
| considering that the city was named after the man | | | | the drapes. You'll be able to watch the game in person |
| who led the Texans in winning their independence | | | | without having to leave the bed. |
| from Mexico and paved the way for Texas to | | | | TRIVIA |
| become part of the United States. | | | | "Inside the Loop" or "outside the Loop" can either refer |
| When presented with barbecued ribs, hot sauce, crab | | | | to the I-610 beltway or to whether or not something is |
| cakes, or locally grown anything, pronounce it the best | | | | in style, depending on the nature of the conversation. |
| you ever tasted. Likewise, if you get an invitation to | | | | Most Mexicans who travel will visit Houston at some |
| have a steak at Brenner's Steakhouse, or Texas | | | | point. |
| Creole cooking at Brennan's of Houston, don't turn it | | | | The region is so diverse in population that there is no |
| down. Local dishes are a staple of the Houston | | | | racial majority in Houston. |
| experience. | | | | Considering all the money that flows through Houston, |
| The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo is a source | | | | the city is still below the national average in terms of |
| of pride for Houstonians - they get to show off the | | | | cost of living. |