The Fort Worth Chamberletter

Water Rivalry Depiction

In 1948’s film classic “The Treasure of the Sierra Madre,” an old prospector (John Huston) tells Humphrey Bogart and Tim Holt: “Next time you fellas strike it rich, holler for me, will ya, before you start splashing water around. Water’s precious. Sometimes it can be more precious than gold.”

That’s a script written for North Texas where planners are prospecting for water to serve North Texas’ needs that are expected to double by 2060.

Water is fundamental to quality of life and expectations of companies looking to relocate or expand here, said David Berzina, Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce executive vice president of Economic Development. “If water begins to appear on the radar screen as an issue in terms of availability or quality, the economic viability of any community would be jeopardized.”

For example, he said, “data centers, which are high-capital investment projects, need water to cool down the wide array of computer systems they use in their facility.”

Supplying water for public and private sectors in 11 North Texas counties with nearly 2 million people is a challenge met by Tarrant Regional Water District (TRWD).

The water district views the Kiamichi River in southeast Oklahoma as a practical future source of water, said Linda Christie, TRWD’s Government and Community Relations director. “Because of its proximity to our area, it is the most cost-effective and environmentally friendly option we have available to us.”

Kiamichi water flows into Hugo Lake then south to nearby Red River where it blends with extremely saline water that’s prohibitively expensive to treat, experts say. (See a map here.)

But TRWD’s efforts to access the Kiamichi and other water resources in Oklahoma have been stalled for years by Oklahoma’s Water Resources Board, protectionist legislation and Oklahoma-supportive rulings in federal court in the Western District of Oklahoma and the U.S. 10^th Circuit Court of Appeals.

Last year, TRWD took matters to the United States Supreme Court and was granted review of the 10^th Circuit’s view that Oklahoma can withhold water from Texas.

The road to the Supreme Court began in 2004 when Oklahoma passed laws that TRWD viewed as negating the 1980 Red River Compact (RRC). Under that agreement, Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas and Louisiana had equal claim (25 percent each, beyond a minimum flow) on the water in the Red River watershed between Denison Dam and the Louisiana border in areas not reserved for one state or another.

As Texas tributaries to the river do not account for Texas’ allocation, this meant that Texas would have to reach into another state such as Oklahoma to access its quota.

Central issues in Tarrant Regional Water District v Hermann, argued April 23, involve aspects of the Red River Compact and access to the Kiamichi. TRWD claims Oklahoma’s restrictive water-export laws are unconstitutional and violate the U.S. Constitution’s Commerce Clause and the RRC.

The Supreme Court invited opinion from the Justice Department’s Office of Solicitor General, which took issue with the 10^th Circuit and urged the Supreme Court to focus on RRC issues.

The court’s decision should be announced around mid- to late June, according to Washington, D.C., attorney Erik Jaffe who handled filing of an amicus brief in support of TRWD for the Fort Worth and Dallas Regional chambers, GFW Real Estate Council and Dallas Citizens Council.

“Typically,” Christie said, “the justices overturn the lower court decision 65 to 70 percent of the time. Those statistics and the fact the U.S. Solicitor General wrote a brief supporting our position are very positive.”

If TRWD prevails, she said, permitting processes with Oklahoma will begin immediately.

The case has drawn keen interest among interstate compacts across the U.S., particularly in the West where water has been a volatile issue, resulting in negotiation of more than 24 compacts between 1920 and 1980. Presently nationwide, interstate agreements govern 38 river basins.

Officials are concerned that if Oklahoma prevails in TRWD v Hermann, states will have authority to enact protectionist water laws that would unravel compacts such as RRC, resulting in “water anarchy,” as observers envision.

In that situation, “Texas will need to find sources from farther away,” Jaffe said, creating “more expensive water for businesses and residents.”

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

Digna Joseph & Juan Farah

by Digna Joseph

The Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce has been privileged to provide opportunity for two international student interns in the Economic Development and Marketing departments this spring. Hailing from the South American country of Venezuela and the Caribbean island Saint Lucia, they are current students at two of the foremost higher institutions in North Texas.

Juan Farah Yacoub

Juan Pablo Farah Yacoub is an intern in the Economic Development department of the Fort Worth Chamber.  An international student at the University of Texas at Arlington (UTA), Juan hails from the city of Caracas, Venezuela.  A Junior Economics major at UTA, he decided to intern at the Chamber because of his passion for both International Relations and Economics. Juan considers his time at the Chamber to be an amazing “learning experience.” He adds, “Doing research on protocol, being included in the international business committee meetings and interacting with Fort Worth business leaders has been a very valuable experience for me.”

Much of Juan’s time at the Chamber has involved working on the international protocol handbook, which requires him to research general information about countries, cultural information and economic trends.  “The work has taught me a lot about how to treat multiple cultures and about the trends in development for countries,” he said. “The greatest lesson I have gained from the experience is the realization that business in most countries in the world is very relationship-driven, hence the importance of emotional intelligence and adaptability to cultures.”

Juan is an accomplished tennis player whose talent for the sport led him to UTA on a partial athletic scholarship. His immediate future plans include working in the financial industry performing market analysis and investing. In the future, he would like to pursue an advanced degree in financial economics and ultimately hold a political position in his native Venezuela.

Along with his current commitment to the Chamber, Juan also plays for the UTA men’s tennis team and is a member of UTA’s Honors College and the Goolsby Leadership Academy.

Digna Joseph

Digna Joseph is the Communications and Events intern in the Marketing department of the Fort Worth Chamber.  An international graduate student at Texas Christian University (TCU), Digna hails from the town of Gros Islet in the small Caribbean island of Saint Lucia. She decided to attend TCU a year after receiving her Bachelor’s Degree in Mass Communication (Public Relations) from Grambling State University, because she believed TCU’ s Advertising/Public Relations program was very well-rounded, well-structured and provided an excellent opportunity to gain deeper knowledge and understanding of her field.

Digna sought an internship at the Chamber to gain more real-world experience in her field of Communications, with an emphasis on public relations and event planning.  “It truly has been an enriching experience,” Digna said. “Along with sharpening my communication skills, the greatest lesson I have learned is to pay attention to the details –sometimes the smallest detail can make the difference between a perfect press release or event and a disaster.”

Digna has edited, drafted and proofed Communication materials for the Chamber’s extensive membership and contacts, as well as corresponding with individuals seeking information about Fort Worth. She has also assisted with the execution of many Chamber events, and has included the Chamber’s young professional organization, Vision Fort Worth, as part of her final graduate project.

A 2^nd year graduate student of the Schieffer School of Journalism, Digna is only a few weeks away from graduation and admits to experiencing feelings of both excitement and trepidation. Her immediate future plans include working as a junior account planner or public relations specialist for a PR/Advertising agency. In the future she would like to head up the Public Relations/Strategic Communication department of a global agency focusing specifically on the nonprofit or entertainment sector.  Along with her current commitment to the Chamber, Digna is also a graduate assistant for the Schieffer School.

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Leadership Fort Worth is currently accepting applications for the Leadership Class, a program for established community leaders.

Through the Leadership Class, key leaders in their mid-30s and up have the opportunity to become engaged more fully in the issues that are impacting Fort Worth.  This program

• Exposes established leaders to the diverse needs and issues in the community
•  Creates connections between leaders and develops relationships to move projects forward
• Aligns personal passions and resources with vital issues to be addressed.

The Class of 2014 will start in September and continue through May, meeting monthly on Thursdays.  More information about the topics covered, specific meeting dates and overall impact is available at  www.leadershipfortworth.org.

Applications are available online and will be accepted through Friday, May 24th.  Those who apply by April 26th can take advantage of the early application fee, which is just $50 – a 50% discount!

Typically, Leadership Fort Worth receives more applications for their programs than they can accept.  Candidates should fill out the application thoughtfully, emphasizing community involvement rather than professional associations and honors.   Questions may be directed to LFW Program Director Jan Titsworth at (682) 554-2766 or jan@b2b-strategies.com.

Leadership Fort Worth Celebrates 40 Years of Making History

The anniversary party for LFW is May 9, 2013, at the Worthington Renaissance Fort Worth Hotel, 6;30 p.m. Sponsorships and tickets still available. Go to www.leadershipfortworth.org for details and / or to register.

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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Peloton Land Solutions, LLLP

In military parlance, peloton can refer to a tight-knit team of specialists. In Tarrant County, it’s the name of an engineering company with rapid growth as consultants in the land development and energy sectors.

Peloton Land Solutions (PLS), founded in 2010, fields more than 50 engineers, planners, surveyors, environmental scientists, landscape architects, GIS specialists and support personnel who focus on comprehensive land development services to residential, commercial, industrial, municipal and energy clients, including Hillwood, West Fork Ranch and D.R. Horton.

In March, the Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce honored PLS with the 2013 Small Business of the Year Award in the Emerging Business category.

Holding that distinction “is very rewarding,” said Peloton designer Russell Slovak. “I think the Peloton partners have created something pretty special, and I’m proud to be part of it.”

A critical success factor, as their name implies, involves effort “to make every issue, project or decision a team approach,” said Richard Payne, who founded the company with Patrick Smith and Aric Head.

“We utilize all resources both internal and external to accomplish the goal whether it’s the client’s goal of a successful project, moving into a new market, an employee’s goal of diversifying their experience … or an internal company initiative such as opening an office in a new area. We work together to make Peloton the best company for our clients, our employees and the community.”

There’s a special reward, said Senior Project Manager Randy Alexander. “The privilege of working for some of Fort Worth’s most sophisticated developers helps develop our talent and allows us to work on strategic ventures that affect large areas of the city.”

As a corporate citizen, Peloton’s involvement includes membership in the 35W Coalition. Employees participate in organizations ranging from Mayor Betsy Price’s Steer Fort Worth to the Greater Fort Worth Real Estate Council and the Fort Worth Chapter of Ducks Unlimited.

Red Productions

Red Productions practices an ancient art – visual storytelling. And a second ancient challenge – building a successful business.  They’re 21^st-century models of how to excel in both.

And they’re the winners of the Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce’s 2013 Small Business of the Year (SBOY)Award in the 1-10 Employees category.

“It’s such an honor for our team to receive this award,” said President and CEO Justin “Red” Sanders. “Fort Worth does a fantastic job of nurturing small businesses, and since we’re such a young company, it’s great validation to receive recognition from the Chamber.”

Established in 2005, Red Productions celebrated 2012 with advances that included expanded staff, release of an award-winning film (“Searching for Sonny”) and record-high revenue. Clients have ranged from the Dallas Cowboys, Coca-Cola and Alcon to Texas Christian University, from which most of the staff hold degrees.

Red Productions won top honors last year against network sports giants ESPN, NBC Sports, Turner Sports and CBS at the College Sports Video Summit in Atlanta, scoring the College Sports Media Award for Best Promo, PSA or Video Marketing Campaign in the National Networks/Professional division.

Their entry, “Revolution,” was a “jarring … thrill ride” promotional video made for TCU’s football program.

To achieve that level of work, SBOY judges noted, requires an exceptional blend of innovation, creativity and technology. Red Productions frees staff to apply their strengths and expertise via sophisticated technology to produce high-impact commercial and corporate work.

“We try to create videos that are not only beautiful but results-driven,” Sanders said. “Each project we undertake starts with an objective of getting the viewer to take a specific, measurable (action). That’s what good marketing should do — be so creative or so moving that you drive your viewer into action.”

Those resources are put to work as well in Red Productions’ community involvement, serving non-profit organizations such as Happy Hill Farm Academy and Lighthouse for The Blind of Fort Worth.

The Landscape Partners

Three landscape experts partnered in 2003 with a vision that has taken root in Fort Worth, Dallas County and Oklahoma City: “Leaving the world just a little better than we found it.”

With a core service of grounds maintenance, their company, The Landscape Partners (TLP), has won recognition nationwide and serves hundreds of clients. Their work for Cook Children’s Medical Center won the Texas Nursery and Landscape Association’s Grand Platinum Award for best maintained landscape in the state.

In March, TLP won the Fort Chamber of Commerce’s 2013 Small Business of the Year Award in the 51-150 Employees category.

The award honored everyone in the company, said President and CEO David Minor, who formed TLP with Executive Vice President Rick Onstott and former President Randy Ferrari, who retired this year. “I’m thrilled for our team who try every day to fulfill our purpose statement. It’s very comforting to know that they are able to receive recognition for doing just that.”

Keeping promises to clients keeps TLP’s edge razor sharp, said Minor, who also is Founder Emeritus of Texas Christian University’s Neeley Entrepreneurship Center. “I’d like to think it’s our passion for living our company mission every day of providing great quality, great service and great value to our customers.”

That’s “the old three-legged stool analogy,” he said. “We are stable and successful if we deliver on all three components of our mission.”

And that extends to everyone who’s any part of TLP – from external resources to employees and clients. They’re all in partnership with a detailed approach to business that follows best practices such as proactive communication, staff training and close commitment to customers’ needs.

Community involvement is a core commitment at TLP. Through their “TLP Gives Back” program, the company donates a portion of profits to nearly 200 client-designated health and human services organizations in the markets they serve.

These donors support the efforts of the North Texas region in keeping the National Cutting Horse Association’s three major events in Fort Worth.

Triple Crown Champion Membership

Burnett Ranch LLC

Fine Line Diversified Development

Southwestern Exposition and Livestock Show

Sundance Square

The Worthington Renaissance Hotel

Western Bloodstock LTD.

Grand Champion Membership

First Financial Bank of Weatherford

Luther King Capital Management

Weatherford Chamber of Commerce

Reserve Champion Membership

Bradford S. Barnes

Coalson Real Estate

First National Bank of Weatherford

Gerschel & Co.

Jerry’s GM Ltd.

Oncor Electric Delivery

Railhead Smoke House & Brew Cruise

Texas Christian University

Social Membership

Beggs Cattle Co.

Karen Murray

MEMBERSHIP:
Membership in the North Texas Cutting Champions Club is available to anyone who wants to support the efforts of the North Texas region in keeping the National Cutting Horse Association’s three major events in Fort Worth. The Champions Club’s mission is to ensure that these events never leave.

Call (817) 338-3301 today for complete details on how you can join this effort to enjoy the North Texas Cutting Champions Club and receive great benefits such as NCHA finals night tickets, Luxury Suite privileges, advertising opportunities and more!

Yolanda Henderson

Yolanda Henderson joined the Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce staff as a membership rep in October 2012. Prior to that, she worked at another chamber for five years and served in numerous membership organizations in the non-profit sector for 15 years.

A graduate of the American Institute of Commerce Business College, Yolanda admits to being attracted to the Fort Worth Chamber because she enjoys building new relationships and meeting new people. She credits her entrepreneurial spirit and confidence as helping her achieve her greatest career success.

Yolanda believes that the secret to success in any field is following one’s passion, and to let one’s hopes and not their hurts shape their future. As she puts it, “The word No, means NEXT.”  Yolanda, a native of the Dallas-Fort Worth area, is also a married mother of three and a grandmother of two, and likes shopping, reading and looking at model homes for decorating ideas.