Austin Area Research Organization (AARO) is a non-profit organization comprised of 80 business and community leaders. The AARO membership reflects the diverse base of the Austin region with representation from industry, real estate, finance, professional firms, the arts, and educational, religious, and charitable institutions.

Vision: AARO is the keeper of a dynamic strategic vision for Central Texas, and facilitator of projects important to that strategic vision.

Mission: AARO is an organization of business and community leaders committed to the economic and social well being of the Central Texas area. We believe that a healthy expanding economy is fundamental to the quality of life of the area's citizens. We also believe access to opportunity for all citizens; sound educational, cultural, health, safety and infrastructure systems; and the preservation of our unique natural environment are integral to our quality of life and to a healthy economy. AARO will focus on collaborative initiatives to address issues of a long-term nature, but will also engage actively in immediate issues with long-term implications.

The armillary as a tool dates back to the middle ages, about 1500 AD, during Copernicus’ time.

The armillary was used to discover, to study, to locate, to coordinate, and to teach.

The fundamental circles of the heavens represented by several interlocking, graduated rings, were believed to swivel around various axes within a skeletal sphere. The armillary permitted a direct reading of the position of celestial bodies by setting the rings to certain latitudinal and longitudinal coordinates.

By finding their bearings, these early pioneers discovered new structures of the universe, and better understood movements and eclipses. From these discoveries explorers began to see their world in three-dimensions.

The parallel to AARO?

Our region is made of many spheres of influence, communities, and jurisdictions. While our goals are more earthbound, we strive to get our best bearings by focusing on the long-term, setting sights on issues approaching the horizon. We hope to discover new and better structures; to study and understand movements; to watch for changes in latitudes and attitudes; to locate, and above all, to coordinate among all the spheres.

The logo is intended to be a distinguishing mark, useful not only in our communication, but above all in our coordination.