Puerto Vallarta, Mexico - There's always so much going on in Puerto Vallarta and around Banderas Bay, it can be difficult to keep up with it all. So we've put together a brief overview of some of this week's headlines from local Spanish language newspapers, breaking Mexico news stories, and a couple of upcoming local events you won't want to miss.

Jalisco Increases Employment Opportunities

Although in some areas of Mexico it seems that the job market has not turned around, it is a different story in the State of Jalisco. According to the Ministry of Economic Development (Sedeco) 33,907 new jobs were created in the state from January to July 2013, up 8,070 from the 25,837 new jobs recorded over the same period last year. And the achievement is of major importance, as job growth in Jalisco surpassed the national level, standing at 2.51 and 1.87 percent, respectively. In this regard, the head of the Sedeco, José Palacios Jiménez, said that this growth represents 11.2% of the national total, a result that is "the product of the actions of businesses that have faced new challenges and relied on the economic development policies of this government." He stressed that Jalisco, with 1,383,564 registered workers has the nation's second highest employment rate, according to a census taken by the Mexican Institute of Social Security (IMSS).

San Sebastián Paper Balloon Festival

On Saturday, September 21, San Sebastián del Oeste will host their second annual Hot Air Paper Balloon Festival. Organizers expect that this year's festival will bring a slew of visitors to this charming town, located only 80 minutes from Puerto Vallarta along the Mascota-Guadalajara highway. Everyone is encouraged to create their own paper balloon and come out to join the fun. A registration table will be in place at 4 pm in the main plaza for participants to sign up for the festivities, which begin promptly at 5 pm. Members of San Sebastian's Servicios Turísticos and special guest judges will determine the top 3 winning balloons, based on creativity, flight length and altitude. If you just want to come out and enjoy the show, there will be booths selling food, drinks and souvenirs set up in the town plaza. Given the success of last year’s event, those who plan to stay overnight should make their reservations soon. Hacienda Jalisco offers accommodations in several room sizes and on multi-level floors, as well as several room and dining packages, so there are prices accessible for all budgets.

Mexico's Tech Startups Look To Overcome Barriers To Growth

In the past decade, Mexico's tech industry has flourished, growing three times faster than the global average. Most of that growth has been fueled by demand from the United States. But as Mexico's startups strive to make it in foreign markets, they say they need more engineers and ways to finance their growth. Softtek, Mexico's biggest technology services company, spans four continents and provides software support to a client base that includes Fortune 500 companies. But it's not all about IT support and services. It's also about creating original software. While big Mexican companies like Softtek are doing business with big corporations worldwide, it's a lot tougher for smaller startups to score foreign clients. There's no version of Silicon Valley in Mexico — at least, not yet. One of the biggest challenges for tech startups is financing. Mexico's banks are not small-business friendly. However, a bill meant to reform the banking system is currently making its way through the Mexican Congress. Meanwhile, Mexican universities are nurturing the country's future entrepreneurs.

Mexico Plans Major Push for Pacific Coast Region

Mexico is looking to create a new tourism powerhouse on its Pacific Coast. Earlier this year, the Puerto Vallarta and Riviera Nayarit regions started promoting themselves as a single destination dubbed "Vallarta-Nayarit." The initiative kicked off with a joint advertising campaign from the Puerto Vallarta and Riviera Nayarit tourism boards. The campaign is designed to pack a punch, with a $10 million investment for cross-platform marketing in North America. The sum includes a $2.5 million contribution from commercial partners in the U.S. and Canada, according to Guillermo Ohem, general director of the Puerto Vallarta Tourism Board. Tourism officials have high hopes for the campaign. They envision an additional 135,000 passenger arrivals from North America annually as a result of the campaign. If realized, those numbers would contribute an expected $100 million to the local economy. Airlift to the area is already on the rise, and the new campaign is expected to prompt airlines to add still more service. The Puerto Vallarta and Riviera Nayarit tourism boards will continue to work independently. They will, however, continue to explore new ways to market both destinations as one. Click HERE to learn more and watch the Vallarta-Nayarit promotional video.

Upcoming Events in Puerto Vallarta and around Banderas Bay
Click on titles for more information

• VBG Rain Forest Environmental and Conservation Festival

• Alas en Libertad Bottle Caps for Cancer Campaign

• Kaiser Maximilian Offers Vallarta a Taste of Greece

• Vallarta Nayarit Gourmet Weekend, October 17-20

Don't forget to vote for your favorite Puerto Vallarta restaurants in our 2013 Best of Banderas Bay Awards, right HERE on BanderasNews.com. We'll be collecting your votes in categories ranging from 'Best Breakfast' to 'Best Margarita' through December 31st, and the Puerto Vallarta restaurant with the most votes in each category will be named 'The Best of Banderas Bay' at an awards ceremony in early 2014. Click HERE to vote NOW!