The Fort Worth Chamberletter

Students at NISD’s Tidwell Middle School work on their MacBooks.

From smartphones to digital games, technology’s a passionate part of many students’ personal lives, but it will fill their classrooms and future workplaces as well.

To build students’ and teachers’ high-tech skills, 23 Texas school districts – members of the Texas High Performance Schools Consortium (THPSC) – are part of a digital learning initiative that helps teachers engage students’ love of technology, employing high-tech tools such as electronic textbooks, cyber courses through the Texas Virtual School Network and more.

To familiarize the business community with digital learning and the statewide need for it, 75 local business leaders got a close look at the initiative in an April 9 program at Tidwell Middle School in Northwest ISD, where classrooms are equipped with student and teacher technology. The event also showcased initiatives at Irving and Lewisville ISDs. The three districts are THPSC members.

Sponsors were the Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce, Texas Association of School Administrators and the Washington, D.C.-based Committee for Economic Development, an independent, non-partisan think tank made up of senior corporate executives and university leaders.

Part of the program presented a policy brief, “Digital Learning: The New Frontier in Teacher Development.” The brief urges professional development for teacher transition from traditional role of disseminator of knowledge to instructional designer and facilitator with students using digital learning devices to research and master lessons on their own.

It’s all an essential step forward in assuring a future workforce that’s successful and competitive, said Chamber President and CEO Bill Thornton.

“Students need to be ready for the global, digital workplace,” he said, “and they need support and advocacy from the private and public sectors to make sure that digital learning becomes the standard in public education here and throughout Texas.”

Northwest ISD Superintendent Dr. Karen Rue emphasized the importance of recognizing that “the skills of problem identification, creativity and original thinking are all predicated on strong literacies in rigorous content areas. Digital resources allow students to replicate environments that allow them to develop these skills and others.”

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NBC5  interview with Northwest ISD Superintendent Karen Rue, Jon Gustafson of Lockheed Martin and Michael Petro of CED

http://www.nbcdfw.com/news/tech/Schools-Businesses-Team-Up-to-Put-Technology-in-Classrooms-202198891.html

2013 Newcomer Guide

The Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce recently unveiled Livability: Fort Worth 2013, a print and digital magazine newcomers, tourists and relocating businesses. All member company main reps should have received a complimentary copy in the mail in mid-April.

The magazine highlights the city’s quality of life, business climate, attractions and must-do activities. Articles focus on the city’s evolving food scene, resident perspectives from the Mid-Cities region and how many military personnel at Fort Worth NASJRB choose to make their homes here permanently. Other articles focus on the city’s thriving business climate, evident in the expansion of companies, such as GE Transportation, Alcon and Ferris Manufacturing.

Photography captures lifestyles and landmarks around Fort Worth, including new ones such as the tribute to President John F. Kennedy in General Worth Square downtown. Content also highlights  quality of place amenities that attract families, such as high-quality health care, top-notch schools, ample outdoor recreation and spectator sports.

Find similar and additional info about Fort Worth on Livability.com, a national website with information about 500 of America’s best places to live and visit. The website includes articles and photo galleries, maps, videos and demographic information provided by Onboard Informatics.

For the digital version of the magazine, which is optimized for iPads, tablets and other mobile devices, visit http://www.livability.com/fort-worth/tx/magazine.

Journal Communications publishes Livability:Fort Worth, a multi-part marketing program which has support from the Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce and targeted distribution through the chamber and area businesses.

To order additional copies for your customers or employees, go online to buy.fortworthchamber.com or contact Christine Gores at 817-338-3332. If you’d like to advertise in the 2014 magazine, contact Andra Bennett and she will forward your information to the publisher. Sales will begin on next year’s magazine in mid-June.

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Texas Capitol building in Austin

The Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce will put a seven-part, high-stakes agenda to work when the 83^rd Texas Legislature is gaveled into session at noon on Jan. 8.

With Fort Worth’s economic future at stake, the agenda is “a thoroughly vetted collection of positions on a broad range of topics,” said David Parker, AT&T vice president for external affairs in Fort Worth and chairman of the Chamber’s 58-member Governmental Affairs Committee.

The agenda focuses on “all legislative issues that are important to the business community such as economic development, transportation, public and higher education, health care and water,” said Matt Geske, the Chamber’s director of governmental affairs.

The Chamber will draw on major strengths and resources to move the agenda forward, said Geske, whose blog during the legislative session will follow developments.

“First, we have a tremendous Tarrant County delegation in both the House and Senate,” he said. “They are pro-business, pro-commerce legislators who have historically supported the Chamber and our missions.

“Second, we work with seven other metro chambers on very similar issues.” The Metro 8, as the group is known, consists of chambers in Fort Worth, Dallas, Arlington, San Antonio, Houston, El Paso, Austin and Corpus Christi.

The Metro 8 greatly expands the Fort Worth Chamber’s reach, connecting with “many more legislators than just our own in Tarrant County,” Geske said.

Additionally, Parker said, the Chamber’s agenda will gain advantage with support and advocacy from Chamber members, highly influential local leaders in government and business and “lots of helpful ‘eyes and ears’ in Austin during the session.”

Those resources, they said, will be invaluable, particularly in overcoming opposition to authorization of two measures that are vital to economic development here and statewide – the Enterprise Fund and the Economic Development Act.  “These dollars help us compete with other states to get jobs here in DFW,” Parker said.

Another urgent matter involves funding for the state water plan, Geske said. “In light of severe recent droughts and “without a funded water plan, we face uncertainties.

“In order to attract and retain companies, we must have a secure, reliable water source. It is estimated that the state could lose up to $116 billion of income annually by 2060 if we fail to meet our growing water needs.”

The Chamber’s membership can play a vital role in meeting legislative challenges, Parker said.

He recommends that members “stay informed throughout the legislative session and prior to it, make sure the Chamber and the Governmental Affairs committee are aware of important issues to you and the community, stay ready and willing to send correspondence to our legislative delegation who are there to represent us.

“My personal advice is to: (a) always fully read and understand the language and intent of legislation; and (b) use one’s own unique expertise and creativity to provide proposed solutions for this community, not just complaints or proposals that benefit you.”

Texas Legislature Online:

http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/

Fort Worth Chamber’s public policy information:

http://www.fortworthchamber.com/public-policy/

David Parker & Matt Geske

The Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce’s Government Affairs department and related committees are gearing for the 83^rd Texas Legislature that will convene in Austin on Jan. 8.

David Parker, AT&T vice president for external affairs in Fort Worth and chairman of the Chamber’s Governmental Affairs Committee, and Chamber Governmental Affairs Director Matt Geske discussed the Chamber’s legislative agenda and related matters in a Chamberletter Q&A.

1. The 83^rdLegislature convenes on Jan. 8. What are some steps the Chamber is taking now through December to prepare for that session?

Parker: Consulting with our membership and local leadership for their input/issues/concerns/ideas; proactively reaching out to our local legislative delegation and those in Austin who are critical to our issues; and utilizing our various Chamber committees to help craft positions on their specific disciplines that our Governmental Affairs committee then pulls together for our Chamber Legislative Session Position Statements. These statements were approved by the Chamber Board of Directors on 10/18.

Geske:  On October 18^th, the chamber’s Board of Directors unanimously approved our legislative agenda for the next session.  Our next step will be to reach out to our Tarrant County delegation, after the election, to discuss the issues critical to the business community in Fort Worth.  In addition, we are holding our Leaders in Government Legislative Preview with our legislators in December which will give our members a chance to meet our newest elected leaders as well as reconnect with our current legislators.

2. How do you describe the Chamber’s legislative agenda?

Parker: Broad and high-level on some topics and detailed/specific in some areas, but a thoroughly vetted collection of position statements on pro-commerce, pro-economic development, pro- Fort Worth community, and pro-education policies.

Geske: Our agenda focuses on all legislative issues that are important to the business community such as: economic development, transportation, public and higher education, health care and water.

3. How was the agenda formed?

Parker: The Chamber team develops the basic framework of issues, then provides to the various committees, receives positions and input from committees, then integrates that feedback into positions for the Governmental Affairs Committee agenda, who then debates/discusses/tweaks the issues, then approves the final version to go for a vote before the large board.

Geske: In the beginning of the process, we create a “skeleton” agenda based on relevant agenda items from previous sessions and allow our committees to add input that strengthens the overall statements.  The chamber vets the agenda through all of our committees (transportation, health care, environmental, governmental affairs).  After all input is taken from each of the committees, the governmental affairs committee makes any necessary revisions and then submits it for board approval.

4. What strengths and resources will the Chamber have in moving its agenda forward?

Parker: A strong, active pro-business legislative delegation here in North Texas; involvement and support of our members and influential local leaders; several current and potential Tarrant county chairs in the legislature; an engaged Governmental Affairs staff team; and a GA committee of experienced, knowledgeable members, along with lots of helpful “eyes and ears” in Austin during session.

Geske: First, we have a tremendous Tarrant County delegation in both the House and Senate. They are pro-business, pro-commerce legislators who support the Chamber and our missions.  Second, we work with 7 other metro chambers, “Metro 8,” on very similar issues.  Therefore, we are able to reach many more legislators than just our own in Tarrant County.

5. What’s an overriding concern, if there is one, that the agenda addresses?

Parker: Economic development dollars – we’ve got great ED leaders and guys like David Berzina who can flat lure business to this great area, but these dollars help us compete with other states to get those jobs here in DFW

Geske: The reauthorization of the Economic Development Act and the funding of the Enterprise Fund are two important economic development tools that could face opposition.  Both of these tools allow the state to attract and retain businesses, which in turn brings additional jobs and commerce.  Authorizing the Economic Development Act and the Enterprise Fund is one of the most important goals for the session. We are continually meeting with our Metro 8 colleagues (chambers in Fort Worth, Dallas, Arlington, San Antonio, Houston, El Paso, Austin and Corpus Christi) and meeting with staff and legislators on this issue.

6. The agenda addresses a diverse mix of leading issues, but what’s a particularly notable concern that’s addressed?

Geske: All of our issues are important to the business community, but funding the state water plan is a major issue facing the state.  The state went through one of the worst droughts in recent decades last summer and without a funded water plan, we face uncertainties as it pertains to water.  In order to attract and retain companies, we must have a secure, reliable water source. It is estimated that the state could lose up to $116 billion of income annually by 2060, if we fail to meet our growing water needs.

7. How can Chamber members help in moving the agenda forward?

Parker:  My recommendation is to stay informed throughout, and prior to, the Legislative Session, make sure the Chamber and the GA Committee are aware of important issues to you and the community, stay ready and willing to send correspondence to our legislative delegation who are there to represent US, and my personal advice is to: (a) always fully read and understand the language AND intent of legislation; and (b) use one’s own unique expertise and creativity to provide proposed solutions for this community, not just complaints or proposals that benefit only you.

Geske: We ask our members to become very familiar with the legislative agenda and be prepared to reach out to our legislative delegation when requested.  The outreach could include face-to-face meetings locally or in Austin with our legislators or crating letters or emails concerning legislation.  We also ask our membership to make us aware of legislation that could be damaging to their business.

Parents of students attended a June job fair.

Morningside Middle School’s gym saw more than basketball action this summer.

The school hosted a job fair that included resume reviews and employers on site to help students’  family members in Southeast Fort Worth find jobs.

The school, in partnership with the Fort Worth Housing Authority, Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce and the Southeast Kingdom Neighborhood Association, hosted a job fair on May 17 at the school located at 2751 Mississippi Ave. Twenty vendors participated and with 130 job-seekers.

The job fair’s goal was to “improve education by empowering parents with employment,” said Glenn Spoons, Go Center Coordinator for the Chamber’s Workforce & Education Department.

Carlos Walker, principal at Morningside Middle, and his staff provided a service and resource to help parents be better parents, said Spoons.

“Career fairs for students are common, but specifically for parents on a school campus may be a first for the FWISD,” she said. “It’s a great example of how schools can be involved in their communities and involve the community.”

Walker grew up in Morningside and became the school’s principal this year moving from vice principal at O. D. Wyatt High School. He’s now principal at Dunbar High School.

See additional feature in the Fort Worth Star-Telegram blog.

Ensuring local quality of life for future generations means deep support for public education — a cornerstone priority for the Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce and its members.

Vital Link students from Daggett Middle School and Daggett Montessori interned at the Fort Worth Chamber in June and assisted with various projects. (L to R) Doris Becker, Chamber; students Abraham Martinez, Sandra Carranza, Rod Simmons, Katelyn Aguilar, Lydia Vidales, Kendra Young, Charlie Nesser; and teacher Tracey Mince.

Chamber involvement in the Fort Worth Independent School District (FWISD) ranges from fundraising and assistance with school events to sponsoring an annual Math & Science Camp, scholarship programs and GO Centers in schools and elsewhere to help students plan for careers and college.

“We’re very proud of our longstanding partnership with FWISD,” said Chamber President and CEO Bill Thornton. “We want to help make sure that students have every possible opportunity to succeed and strengthen Fort Worth.”

The partnership has launched many initiatives such as Project C3 (Classrooms, Corporations, Community) in the ’90s that spawned the Vital Link program. This annual weeklong summer initiative provides half-day internships at participating local companies, many of which are Chamber members, for sixth graders entering the seventh grade.

The aim is to help students connect what is learned in the classroom with what is needed to succeed in the workplace.

Examples, Thornton said, include high-impact initiatives such as involvement by the Chamber’s five area councils, each of which has adopted a school, and employment programs such as Distinguished Employers of Fort Worth Teens (DEFWT) in which participating companies provide employment for students and encouragement to succeed at school.

More than 60 businesses, ranging from restaurants to retailers and entertainment venues, participate in DEFWT as a resource for the more than 25 percent of FWISD teen students who work in either part-time or summer jobs.

The businesses agree to adopt practices and incentives that not only require school attendance as a condition of employment but also maintain an active interest in a student employee’s classroom performance.

Among the Chamber’s South Area Council (SAC) education initiatives is a partnership with First Command Educational Foundation (FCEF) that annually presents a $1,000 college scholarship to a college-bound senior at South Hills High School, SAC’s adopted school. The recipient is a participant in South Hills’ Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) program. Twenty-eight Fort Worth ISD high schools are AVID sites.

“Our goal is to grow the program and support for these graduating seniors, encouraging recipients to further their education,” said SAC Chair Clint Sanders, business relationship specialist for Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital. “We hope to continue the program for many years to come.”

Go to www.fortworthchamber.com / Education to learn about all the Chamber’s long-standing education initiatives and area schools. 

List of Mentoring / Youth Services

Education Directory and ISD/SAT scores — 2011

Join the Fort Worth Chamber in China October 1-9, 2012 for a trip of a lifetime

The Chamber is launching a Chamber travel program that offers member discounts on low-priced tours to destinations worldwide.  More than 50 people have already signed on for the China trip and there is still room. Join us at an orientation meeting, Tuesday, April 10, 2012, 5:30-7:00 p.m. in the Chambers offices and learn more about our inaugural trip to China this fall. Space for the orientation is limited to 35 people so make your reservation today. Contact Brenda Dyer at 817-338-3399 to make your reservation.

Details:

Visit seven of the top ten travel destinations in China: Beijing, Suzhou, Hangzhou, and Shanghai. Stay in 4 and 5 star hotels, includes all meals, air travel from LAX to Beijing and back, English speaking tour guide and comfortable bus transportation to all cities. Go to http://www.fortworthchamber.com/china2012.html for more information.

• The special Chamber-member early-bird price of $2,199 and non-member early bird price of $2,299 is guaranteed with a $300 non-refundable deposit and application form received by  May 1, 2012.
• Non members add $100
• After May 1: member price $2,299 and non-member price $2,399 with $300 non-refundable deposit.
• Final payment due by 5 p.m. June 29, 2012

In the Works

Leading Edge Aviation Services’ new plant at Fort Worth Meacham Airport is gearing up to handle all of the painting on new 787 Dreamliner airplanes. The aircraft will be built by Boeing at its South Carolina factory. Star-Telegram, January 22, 2012

Bell Helicopter has announced it will soon unveil its new commercial helicopter, known until now as the Magellan project. The new project will officially be called the Bell 525 Relentless. The helicopter will be officially unveiled at the helicopter industry trade show in February. Star-Telegram, January 27, 2012

 Village Homes, based in Fort Worth, has started construction on the first phase of Museum West Townhomes. The project is a 12-unit project on Tulsa Way, one block south of Camp Bowie Boulevard in the city’s Cultural District. Star-Telegram, January 2, 2012

Costa Azul, located at 1521 N. Main Street, is gradually being turned into a replica of the popular Sundance Square saloon and burger joint Billy Miner’s. The newly renovated restaurant will change its name to Billy Miner’s Stockyards. Construction is expected to be completed by April or sooner. Star-Telegram, January 12, 2012

Mercantile Center is set to expand by two buildings in 2012. Mercantile Partners LP will break ground later this month on the two office/warehouse buildings at Mercantile Center. Each building will be 94,000 square feet. Fort Worth Business Press, January 13, 2012

Lockheed Martin, based in Fort Worth, has been invited by the government of South Korea to submit proposals for a next generation fighter jet. Lockheed Martin was invited along with Boeing and EADS to submit proposals for the contract. Among the planes likely to be in contention for the bid is Lockheed’s F-35 Lightning II. Dallas Business Journal, January 30, 2012

Hillwood Properties announced its plans to expand its Hillwood Multifamily subsidiary. The company plans to initially concentrate on delivering more than 3,000 units of multifamily product over the next 10 years within its 17,000-acre AllianceTexas master-planned development. Fort Worth Business Press, January 31, 2012

The 8.0 Restaurant & Bar will close February 24 and make way for a new, larger Flying Saucer Draught Emporium. The Flying Saucer will move in April and another restaurant will replace the Flying Saucer’s current location in the historic Land Title building. Star-Telegram, January 31, 2012

Expansions and Moves

Pop’s Burgers & Grill on Benbrook Highway is moving into the old Hot Tub’s Back Porch Grotto at 4413 Trail Lake Drive. Star-Telegram, January 10, 2012

 Multatech, an architectural and engineering firm, has expanded its office space by 3,929 square feet, bringing its total office space to 17,132 in the West 7^th office building. Star-Telegram, January 23, 2012

On the Dotted Line

Tugg Hill Real Estate Partners, based in Fort Worth, has joined Albanese Cormier Holdings in Beaumont to buy the Edison Plaza office tower in Beaumont’s central business district. Star-Telegram, January 2, 2012

Slack and Davis LLP signed a new lease at 100 Lexington in Fort Worth for 3,521 square feet of space. Fort Worth Business Press, January 13, 2012

Ovation Graphics LLC, based in Fort Worth, has purchased all of the business assets of Branch-Smith Printing Ltd. Under the terms of the purchase, Branch-Smith will retain the name that it has held for 102 years. Fort Worth Business Press, January 5, 2012

Conti Warehouses, a Fort Worth commercial real estate investor has bought the vacant former Target at 2600 West Cherry Lane in west Fort Worth and will redevelop the building for multitenant use. Star-Telegram, January 10, 2012

The Londoner restaurant and pub has signed a lease on 6,080 square feet in The Vue at 3201 S. University in Fort Worth. The site is the first location in Fort Worth and will be the fifth location in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex. The restaurant, slated to open in the summer of 2012 will occupy the entire retail space below the student housing unit. Fort Worth Business Press, January 19, 2012

Clothing retailer Urban Outfitters has signed a lease on 10,255 square feet of retail space at 2735-2737 West 7^th Street in Fort Worth on the corner of Foch and West 7^th. The store aims to be open before Christmas 2012. Fort Worth Business Press, January 19, 2012

Equify Financial has leased 4,490 square feet in the Heritage Commons I office building in Alliance. Star-Telegram, January 23, 2012

Novaria Group, based in Fort Worth, has acquired Fitz Manufacturing Industries, a supplier of precision aerospace components based in North Richland Hills. As part of the acquisition, Fitz Manufacturing will be renamed Fitz Aerospace. Fort Worth Business Press, January 25, 2012

 Del Taco has announced that it has signed a three-unit development deal with DT Restaurants of Texas in Fort Worth. Fort Worth Business Press, January 26, 2012

Openings

Woodshed restaurant is opening just off Fort Worth’s bike/jogging path near the zoo. The restaurant will feature barbequed meats from around the world and 25 craft and imported beers as well as two wines on tap. Star-Telegram, January 5, 2012

Jersey Mike’s opened a location at 14113 Trinity Blvd. The restaurant opened with a five-day fundraiser where coupon holders could get a free regular sub sandwich for a minimum $1 contribution. The company distributed an estimated 10 thousand coupons throughout the community prior to the restaurant’s opening. Fort Worth Business Press, January 17, 2012

Z’s Café, a family-owned and operated eatery and catering company in Fort Worth, hosted a grand opening of its second location at 1116 Pennsylvania Avenue on January 27 and 28. Complimentary food and drink were served. Fort Worth Business Press, January 27, 2012

Around Town

Pier 1 Imports Inc reported sales were up during the 2011 holiday season by 11.3% compared to 2010’s sales increase of 10.3%. Holiday sales have collectively increased more than 30% over the past three years, the company said. Fort Worth Business Press, January 5, 2012

 DR Horton Inc, based in Fort Worth, has posted a double-digit jump in revenue for its first fiscal quarter. The company reported an increase in both closings and orders. Fort Worth Business Press, January 27, 2012

Out of Town Reporting

Bell Helicopter, based in Fort Worth, is being awarded a $20,359,785 modification to a previously awarded firm-fixed-price contract for logistics products and services in support of the H-1 helicopter upgrade program. Vertical Magazine, January 4, 2012

Bell Helicopter is in negotiations with the Turkish National Police over the possible purchase of 15 of the company’s Bell 429 helicopter. UPI, January 9, 2012

Bell Boeing Joint Project Office has been awarded a $7,283,403 modification to a previously awarded fixed-price-incentive-fee V-22 multi-year production contract. Work on the project will be conducted in Philadelphia, Fort Worth, and Amarillo. Work is expected to be completed in October 2014. Southern Maryland Online, January 21, 2012

Lockheed Martin, Fort Worth, is being awarded a $7,024,566 firm-fixed-price contract for instillation of a commercial sensor and associated hardware to measure the oxygen concentration and pressure within the oxygen system. The result will be a real time display of oxygen concentration and a warning if oxygen partial pressure drops below a threshold value. The partial pressure of oxygen and hose pressure will also be data logged for use in post flight investigations. Defence Professionals, January 23, 2012

TPG Capital, based in Fort Worth, is under contract to purchase 12 million square feet of developed office and industrial properties in Florida from Flager development. South Florida Business Journal, January 27, 2012

Data provided by Strategic Insight Group
Intelligence Research Partner of the Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce

1. Texas Governor Rick Perry announced the state is investing $450,000 to Ferris Manufacturing Group through the Texas Enterprise Fund. Ferris Manufacturing Group has announced it will spend $5.5 million on a new headquarters office and medical product and manufacturing and distribution center in Fort Worth. The company reports that the project will create 100 new jobs. Fort Worth Business Press, December 8, 2011
2. Mercantile Center is set to expand by two buildings – both speculative – in 2012. Mercantile Partners LP will break ground on two office/warehouse buildings. Each building will be 94,000 square feet. Fort Worth Business Press, December 20, 2011
3. Alcon Laboratories Inc plans to begin moving about 400 employees into leased office space in west Fort Worth in March. The pharmaceutical firm will occupy 87,191 square feet at Wilcox Plaza at Green Oaks. Fort Worth Business Press, December 20, 2011
4. Fort Worth-based Pier 1 Imports reported third quarter sales up 8.2% from the 2010 third quarter. This translated into sales of $383 million compared to $354 million last year. Fort Worth Business Press, December 1, 2011
5. Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Co has been awarded a $4.01 billion military contract to provide 30 fighter jets to the Air Force, Navy, and the Marine Corps. Boston Globe, December 12, 2011

For more economic updates, visit here.

Mayor Betsy Price

Mayor Betsy Price will sketch her priorities and initiatives for Fort Worth when she delivers her first State of the City address Feb. 23 at the Fort Worth Convention Center.

Presented by Southwest Bank, the State of the City is the Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce’s largest annual event.

Price will bring a new approach – a candid Q&A format with attendees. She shared some advance thoughts with the Chamberletter. Here are excerpts:

1. What’s ahead for Fort Worth in 2012?

I think 2012 will be a good year – maybe a little bit of a slower year, but hopefully as strong as 2011. The City won’t have a robust budget. We have to get our spending and expenses in line, and that’ll be a challenge, but I think it’ll be a great opportunity for significant recruiting of business. We’ve got to get our emphasis back on building our tax base and working on our businesses. We have to start with that.

We have a task force that’s going to start thinking about a focus on international business. We hope to be working with the Chamber and the Convention and Visitors Bureau. When I was in China in early December, China told us they’d have $17 trillion to invest although their economy is slowing somewhat, too, but they know they have $70 billion to invest in the next five years, and they’re very interested in what Texas does and what we do — not only the energy piece, but they said they need engineers, architects; they want to come and look at how our economic development works. We’re much more efficient on heating and cooling of buildings than they are.

China is a big piece of our international trade outlook. Right now they’re very interested in our energy industry. They have three big shale plays discovered there, and they are talking to us because Fort Worth is at the heart of the U.S. shale play. There are bigger shale plays than here, but we’re the first in that (because of the Barnett Shale), and China is very positive about what our energy companies do here, and they want to know what the city has done and what the Chamber has done to help promote that.

We’re going to develop an outreach for international business. There are so many opportunities out there to promote Fort Worth. We’re going to talk about that in the State of the City report.

2. What’s at the heart of your State of the City report?

The basic messages: The City is committed to getting back into living within its means, getting spending to match expenses, promoting Fort Worth, growing jobs, bringing more industry here, and that we are committed as a city to helping our businesses get back to basic city functions and also that Fort Worth has got to focus on education. We have to help our partners in education. The community is going to have to talk about education at every level, but especially at the public level. And we can help our partners at the Fort Worth ISD and the other schools. We must get our focus back, get our private partnerships and our private industry involved in education. We’ve got to make it a priority. We’ll never have an educated workforce if we don’t. And we are not the school board and we will never be and don’t want to be, but we certainly need to be the tool to help raise community awareness.

3. What progress can be made this year in addressing City pension plan issues?

The pension plan (work) is a process. We didn’t get here overnight. We won’t get (solutions) all at once overnight. We’ve had our first round of negotiating with police – how talks will proceed. We’re committed to holding the line as to where the city contribution is now. It’s too high, but that’s where it is. I’m optimistic that the political will to find solutions is there. It has to be, but it won’t be solved overnight, and we need the community to be supportive of our moving forward on this.

4. To what extent can the city meet infrastructure needs this year?

We charged Doug Wiersig, our public works director, with an 18-month plan to deliver projects included in the recent bond programs going back to 2004. Those are streets and infrastructure all over the city. Get the current bond projects delivered and hopefully our citizens are going to see the City is serious about getting our infrastructure better. And at some point we may need to issue some additional debt to finish this process, but public works has got to get a business mindset about them and get the projects delivered. And then we’ll go to our citizens and ask how we can deliver the rest of what they want.

5. What’s on tap this year for your young leaders initiative, Steer Fort Worth?

Our young leaders are on fire. It’s really interesting because we asked some of them recently why are you so excited about this? They said no one has ever asked us specifically to get engaged with the city, asked us what we see when the city grows up and when we grow up. They really are fired up about it. They’ve picked four main topics – education, public transit, employment and urban development — and they’ll be working on them and reporting to the council as they go along on the development of their projects and then hopefully this summer they’ll be delivering some hard work they’ve done with some great ideas and maybe some solutions. They came out of the Brainstorm and the first meeting at Joe T’s. The group that’s helping facilitate it — Leadership Fort Worth — is excited. I’m pleased as can be. The key is to get these folks engaged at every level and keep the momentum rolling. And this group is very diverse.

6. What would you most like to be known for?

For getting the city open for business, user-friendly with a focus on education. I’d like to be known most for getting the city back into a business mindset. The city is a business, and we have to get back to delivering that basic business service within our means. We can’t ask people to go on funding us indefinitely (with operations) that they don’t all see are worthwhile.

7. You set a wonderful example of how to connect with people: you bike with them, you’re at events with them. What does that say about Betsy Price?

I hope it says that I’m engaged and interested and that we’re a healthy community that gets out and gets involved. (Mayor) Mike (Moncrief) always said: “The Fort Worth Way.” I find myself saying more and more: “This is your Fort Worth.” We’re the 16^th largest city in the nation. We have to figure out how to govern like the citizens of this city want us to. And that’ll be one of the State of the City messages: This is your Fort Worth. Get engaged. Tell us what you need.