Other organizations served include the Texas Bankers Association, Weatherford Chamber of Commerce, Weatherford Utility Board and TCU Committee of 100. 

Allyson Baumeister, taking over as Treasurer and Chairman of Finance, joined Sanford, Baumeister & Frazier, P.C. in 2000. She serves business, individual, and trust clients in a variety of industries, including oil and gas, non-profit, construction, farm and ranch, and professional services.

Baumeister graduated magna cum laude with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree from Texas A&M University. She served as President of the Fort Worth Chapter of TSCPA (1999-00). Active in the Texas Society of CPAs serving on both committees and on the Board of Directors, she is also serving as Treasurer of the Executive Board, a key governing body, in 2003-05.

Baumeister’s awards include both the Texas Society of CPAs’ LoneStar Pathfinder award (2002) and Young CPA of the Year award (1996). She received Senate Resolution No. 329 from the Senate of Texas (1997) for the Young CPA honor. She also is the recipient of the Fort Worth Chapter of TSCPA’s Young CPA of the Year award (1994-95) and was a member of The Business Press’ 40 Under 40 (1996).  She was also recently honored by the YWCA of Fort Worth and Tarrant County in its 2003 Tribute to Women in Business.
 

	Albon Head, Chairman	Vernon Bryant, Vice Chairman	Allyson Baumeister, Treasurer

	Actor/comedian Steve Bridges impersonating President George W. Bush was the top secret speaker at the Chamber’s 123rd Annual Meeting. Some folks still think they heard the “real thing.”		Texas Secretary of State, the Honorable Roger Williams, far right, presented a state proclamation honoring Sundance Square as the Chamber's Spirit of Enterprise Award recipient. From left are Albon Head, Chamber chair; Bill Boecker, Johnny Campbell and Ed Bass representing Sundance Square.

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New State Law

Summary of New State Laws Enacted by the 79th Texas State Legislature Affecting Fort Worth Area Businesses

Economic Development
Support: Continued and expanded funding of the Texas Enterprise Fund to assist local recruitment and retention economic development projects.
Result: The Texas Enterprise Fund was appropriated $180 million for the ’05-‘06 biennium (SB 1). The Texas Emerging Technology Fund was created and appropriated $200 million per biennium (HB 1765).

Support: Local control of economic development incentive programs that are financed with local revenues.
Results: Local government property appraisal caps and revenue caps were defeated. (HB 784 and HB 1006, etc.) Legislation addressing tax increment financing reinvestment zones (SB 771) and legislation strengthening Chapter 380 economic development agreements passed (HJR 80).

Support: Continued implementation of the Texas Economic Development Act.
Result: The Texas Economic Development Act continues through the ’05-’06 biennium. Legislation extending the Act from 2007 to 2011 failed (SB 559).

Support: Repeal of Rider 11.
Result: Rider 11 was repealed (SB 10).

Support: Enhancement of major equine events.
Result: Legislation providing for state and local incentives supporting major equine and other events passed (SB 1253).

Support: Opt-in to the Federal Scenic Byways Program.
Result: Scenic Byways Designation Opt-in failed (HB 2051).

Education and Workforce Development
Support: A long-term solution to financing and reforming public education, achieving equity, accommodating growth and addressing costs associated with special populations. Support increased level and percentage of state funding for public schools. Revenue options and cost savings should not place disproportionate burden on businesses.
Result: Public Education and Tax Reform failed (HB 2 and HB 3).

Support: Increased higher education research funding. Support appropriations requests and special items for area universities. Support scholarship programs which increase access to public and private universities.
Result: Formula funding addressing growth and inflation at state colleges and universities was restored. However, new formula weights may reduce semester credit hour funding for engineering, nursing and teacher education. Community college funding was restored to at least ’04-’05 levels. The Research Development Fund received an appropriation of $43 million for the biennium. The Higher Education Assistance Fund received funding of $187 million plus an additional $87 million for ’07-‘08. Legislation providing state grants and loans, increasing access to higher education, passed (SB 1227). Tuition Equalization Grant funding was increased.

Support: Continuation and enhancement of the Skills Development Fund for job training.
Result: $40 million per biennium will be provided for Skills Development Fund (SB 1).

Environmental Quality
Support: Continued funding for the state-funded clean air grant program known as the Texas Emissions Reduction Plan (TERP) and extending the TERP Program through 2010.
Result: The Texas Emissions Reduction Plan was extended through 2010 (HB 2481) and funded at $232 million per biennium. The Dallas-Fort Worth area is now required to meet a more stringent federal “8-hour” ozone pollution standard by 2010. TERP grants will support efforts to meet the new standard.

Support: Continued funding for the Texas Environmental Research Consortium (TERC), an air quality research component of the TERP program.
Result: TERC will be fully funded at $23 million per biennium (SB 1). $5 million was appropriated as the state’s match for a federal/state air quality study known as the Texas Air Quality Study (TexAQSII).

Support: Enhancing the implementation and funding for the Low Income Repair and Replacement Assistance Program (LIRRAP) designed to repair or replace older, high-emission vehicles.
Result: LIRRAP implementation will be improved and funding levels are maintained at $8 million per biennium (HB 1611).

Support: Greater regulatory flexibility for Texas Commission on Environmental Quality evaluation of environmental compliance histories.
Result: Legislation providing compliance history evaluation flexibility failed (HB 86).

Health Care
Support: Restoring funding for Children’s Health Insurance Program and Medicaid Programs to address earlier funding reductions and increase access to federal matching funds.
Result: Significant restoration of CHIP funding with an additional $12.4 million for enrollment, full restoration of dental, vision, hospice and mental health benefits was accomplished (SB 1).

Transportation
Support: Increasing overall transportation funding.
Result: TxDOT funding increased overall approximately 24% (SB 1).

Support: Allowing for indexing of state motor fuel tax to an appropriate inflation index.
Result: Indexing motor fuel tax legislation failed (HB 5).

Support: Legislation providing for local option transportation tax (LOTT).
Result: Legislation providing for LOTT failed (SB 849).

Support: Reversing current diversions of transportation-related revenues to the state’s general revenue fund.
Result: Diversions continue. A Study Commission on Transportation Financing will be created to address future diversions and funding all modes of transportation infrastructure (SB 1713).

Support: Providing for Regional Commuter Rail Authority and allowing for a local option sales tax increase.
Result: Regional Transit Authority legislation failed; however, a Regional Transit System Review Committee was established to make recommendations to the 80th Legislature (HB 2702).

Workers’ Compensation
Support: Improving workers’ compensation system by reducing costs to employers, improving quality of medical care, and returning injured workers back to work sooner.
Result: Workers’ compensation reform passed creating managed care-type doctor networks and increased benefits. Abolished the Texas Workers Compensation Commission and shifted oversight to the Texas Department of Insurance (HB 7).

Telecommunications
Support: Policies to encourage telecom investment in new technologies and increase competition throughout the telecom industry.
Result: Legislation allowing for expanded telephone company services and updated telecommunications regulations failed (HB 789)

Civil Justice Reform
Support: Policies limiting lawsuits involving exposure to asbestos.
Result: Legislation limiting asbestos and silica exposure claims passed. (SB 15).

For additional information on the legislation summarized above or any other legislation considered by the 79th Legislature, please contact Tim Keleher, Vice President of Governmental & Urban Affairs at (817) 336-2491 ext. 264. log on to the Texas Legislature Online website at http://www.capitol.state.tx.us.
 

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Presidents Column

There has been a flurry of opinion pieces throughout Metroplex media of late both for and against the Wright Amendment – the statute that allowed expanded service from Love Field and promotes one of this area’s most valuable assets, D/FW International Airport. I know there are two valid sides to every argument, but let me weigh in on why I truly believe the Wright Amendment is right for Fort Worth.

The Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex is the largest metropolitan area in the United States not situated on a water port. The burgeoning growth and accompanying prosperity that the Metroplex is experiencing has not come about by accident; it can be directly tied to our port – D/FW Airport. As noted in many other opinion pieces, D/FW has boosted the North Texas economy with jobs through corporate relocations, business expansions, international commerce and tourism since it opened.

The impact of any proposed modification to the Wright Amendment, which precludes long-haul flights from Dallas’ Love Field, can only be speculated. Each side comes to the table, impact studies in hand, to either support their claims that lifting the Wright Amendment will benefit commercial aviation across the board or that it will sound D/FW’s death knell.

The truth is most likely somewhere in between, but it is the uncertainty that this community cannot afford. Commercial aviation across the country is in a slump. Virtually every major airline is facing major financial woes. Add to that mix the additional debt load taken on by DFW Airport in its recent renovation including the state-of-the-art “people mover” system and the fabulous new International Terminal set to open next month and the massive defection of Delta Airlines. This is no time to toy with the Wright Amendment.

This issue is about much more than the potential for low fares. Don’t be misled. Other cities around the country are making their opinions known on this issue because they want more Southwest Airlines flights from Dallas for the economic impact they produce in their own communities.

Fort Worth residents must understand that the trade-off for those potentially lower fares is the near certain loss of many long-haul flights from DFW. American Airlines has stated it will be forced to move many of its flights to Love Field to compete effectively with Southwest. Fort Worthians would have to drive to Dallas to take advantage of many of the convenient non-stop flights they now take for granted from D/FW. If the Wright Amendment is lifted, D/FW, our economic engine, will suffer loss of revenue at a time when they can ill afford the hit. A better option that would increase competition and result in lower airfares would be a move by Southwest Airlines to D/FW Airport which remains prepared to incentivize such a move. As of yet, however, they have been met with a stiff arm.

We in Fort Worth must realize that protecting DFW International Airport is in our best interest and that the Wright Amendment is right for our community. I urge everyone to contact our congressional representatives and senators stressing the need to keep it in place and thanking them for their steadfast leadership and support.

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Fast Trac

Fast Trac Financials: Need-To-Know Info
By Sunny Lowe

Fast Trac teaches entrepreneurs where the gaps are in their thinking through the tool of the Business Plan. Operating from a business plan changes the way a business is run. People who begin building a business plan immediately see things they did not see before, and often what they find is not what they were expecting.

One of the first things seen when building a business plan is gaps. One of the first gaps noticed is employees. The business has activities vital to its success that will not be done due to lack of people. All businesses need lawyers, bankers, accounting help, marketing, sales. Usually the starting business cannot afford to hire these people. To fill these necessary jobs, the new business owner often works multiple jobs to fill all the needs.

That might work in the beginning, but if one of these positions is not the business person’s strong suit, they often neglect it. They prefer to focus on their personal strengths, as well as technical strengths rather than business needs. The result is the business is limited in its growth potential right from the start.

Experts understand that building a business plan forces the owner to focus on the strengths the business has and what weaknesses remain. Seeing these positions as empty boxes to be filled motivates owners to fill them in creative ways.

Many small businesses fill these positions with help from consultants. Lawyers, CPAs, marketing and sales firms, even computer firms abound to help a small businesses with advice they can implement. Outsourcing is a way to get the business or technical help you need, without spending money on overhead or personnel. Also, you can purchase what you want, and then stop. The control is in your hands.

A second thing business planning reveals is the marketplace. It is amazing how many people go into business without doing even the simplest research, preferring to spend money in a doomed enterprise that they should have avoided.

Tools abound to help the small business work through these questions, including Hillsearch database, Dunn and Bradstreet, and other databases available through Fast Trac or through the library. Copious amounts of information can be gleaned about the industry you wish to go into -- customers and whether they pay, who is doing what in what industry and the like. Doing this research can be the difference between a successful enterprise and a quick trip to the poor house.

All these techniques are taught and available to the Fast Trac student. At the end of the class, the entrepreneur is well on the way to a real business plan through research about their market, good strategy, and help they didn’t even know they needed.

The Fort Worth Chamber asked a Fast Trac participant to chronicle the experience of going through the program, a four-month course focusing on different aspects of business as it relates to the small business owner. Our author is Sunny Lowe, vice president of the Computer Networking division of The Strickland Group, a Microsoft Partner in downtown Fort Worth.

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Update

Recap of Recent Economic Activity in Tarrant County

In the Works
The Westworth Redevelopment Authority recently got a big boost with the sale of 36 acres along Westworth Boulevard to Wal-Mart Stores. A Wal-Mart will anchor Hawks Creek Town Center, a planned $60 million retail center in the heart of a 400-acre redevelopment of land that was conveyed to Westworth Village when Carswell Air Force Base closed in 1993. The redevelopment plan includes the first multi-family project in Westworth Village. The Village at Westworth Circle, a 312-unit apartment complex, is nearing completion. Two of the 12 buildings have been turned over to developers, and 30 apartments are leased. Westworth Park, a gated luxury house and town house community across from Shady Oaks Country Club, with 107 lots, is well under way. Fort Worth Star Telegram, May 9

Hilton Head Properties, a real estate investment firm, is planning on expanding its operations into nine new cities, including Fort Worth. Hilton Head Properties is a privately held real estate investment firm specializing in the acquisition and owner-financed sale of single-family residential housing and long-term investment in multifamily projects nationwide. Fort Worth Star Telegram, May 9

European Skincare Institute and JKS International Salons have teamed to create a series of salons under the JKS banner. The first of the salons will open in the Ridglea Village Shopping Center, 6040 Camp Bowie Blvd., next to European Skincare's day spa. Another is under construction in Keller, and more are planned in Fort Worth, including downtown. Fort Worth Star Telegram, May 9

Martha Jenson of Pilot Point and Kim Slawson of Mansfield are planning to open a Mellow Mushroom franchise on Bluebonnet Circle this fall. Fort Worth Business Press, May 2-8

Fort Worth is planning to construct another urban village on the north side of the city, adjacent to the Fort Worth Cat’s stadium. The proposed village will include commercial and residential development as well as a museum honoring Fort Worth Cats greats of the past. Fort Worth Business Press, May 2-8

Comfort Keepers, a franchise that offers in-home, non-medical care services for aging adults, new mothers, and others who need assistance, such as companionship, light housekeeping and meal preparation, is planning to open a location in Fort Worth. Fort Worth Business Press, May 16-22

Expansions and Moves
The Leonard’s Museum, once tucked in the basement of the Tandy Center downtown, has a new home. Marty Leonard is leasing 1,600 square feet in Fort Worth Screen Printing's new building at 200 Carroll St., north of West Seventh Street on the near west side. Fort Worth Star Telegram, May 9

Onis Stone celebrated its move to a new location with a grand opening the beginning of May at 1116 E. Vickery Blvd. The family-owned company, with 16 employees, makes and installs granite, marble and Travertine countertops, vanities, and other stone, tile and slab components. Fort Worth Star Telegram, May 9


Under Construction
Work has begun on refurbishing a 15,000-square-foot industrial building off Foch Street that will be divided and leased as small offices and art studios. Fort Worth Star Telegram, May 9

Steele & Freeman, a Fort Worth-based general contractor, plans to complete shopping centers in Hurst and north Fort Worth by July 1: A 14,400-square-foot center at 1850 Precinct Line Road and an 11,900-square-foot center located at the southwest corner of Beach Street and North Loop 820 in north Fort Worth. Fort Worth Star Telegram, May 9

Jim and Gayle Pettit, owners of Butlers Antiques, are almost done renovating the former Pullium Pools building, a south side landmark at 2221 Eighth Ave., as a site for their business. Fort Worth Star Telegram, May 9

The second phase of upscale Pecan Place residential construction broke ground the beginning of this month as part of a major Uptown Fort Worth development. Fort Worth Business Press, May 2-8

A group of partnerships under the James R. Harris Company is nearing completion of the development of the 800, 900, 1000, and 1100 blocks of Foch Street as offices and art studios. The project was constructed in phases. Fort Worth Business Press, May 16-22

Local development and construction company Innovative Developers has announced it will begin construction on a 10,000 square foot medical spa called the Oakmont Professional Center. The site will be located at 7833 Oakmont Ave and will serve a variety of medical needs. Fort Worth Business Press, May 16-22

On the Dotted Line
Tarrant Technology Partners, a small-business technology-consulting firm and Benefitree Enterprises, which sells employee benefit plans and insurance, leased office space in the Foch South building off Foch Street. Fort Worth Star Telegram, May 9

A flooring store and a cleaning supply company have leased space at 5708 Airport Freeway. Floor Partners in Design, a flooring company that retails and wholesales residential and commercial flooring, has leased 12,600 square feet to operate a showroom, office and warehouse. EcoLab, a developer of cleaning, sanitizing, pest elimination, maintenance and repair products and services for the hospitality, institutional and industrial markets, has leased 4,125 square feet for storage. Fort Worth Star Telegram, May 9

Ridgmar Nail Salon has leased 1,050 square feet in the Alta Mere Crossing Shopping Center, 704 Alta Mere Drive. Fort Worth Star Telegram, May 9

Adams County Dairies has leased 10,000 square feet of distribution space at 8928 Oak Grove Road. Fort Worth Star Telegram, May 9

Bandera Imports, a wholesaler of rustic Mexican furniture, has leased a 10,000-square-foot showroom and warehouse at 3200 Curtis Drive. Fort Worth Star Telegram, May 9

Smithfield Archery & Outdoor Sports, a retail archery shop and indoor bow range, has leased 3,200 square feet of space in Beach Street Business Park, 3733 Beach St. Fort Worth Star Telegram, May 9

PC Building has bought the 700-square-foot office building at 1204 S. Main St. from Terry Restoration & Construction with plans to remodel it and offer it for lease. Fort Worth Star Telegram, May 16

Steven Pedro, a dermatologist, and his wife, Jerri Pedro, have bought an acre at 7833 Oakmont Blvd., where they plan the 10,000-square-foot Oakmont Professional Center. The center will house Pedro's dermatology practice; the Sci-Skin Spa, a full-service medical spa; Fort Worth Pharmacy; and the Oakmont Counseling Center. Fort Worth Star Telegram, May 23

Kleinfelder, an employee-owned company that provides management, engineering, environmental science and construction-related services throughout the western United States, has leased 8,576 square feet in Manhattan Plaza, 6850 Manhattan Blvd. Fort Worth Star Telegram, May 23

Allegiance Computer Recycling has leased 15,400 square feet of warehouse space at 6024 Dallas Ave. Fort Worth Star Telegram, May 23

Potbelly Sandwich Works has leased 2,300 square feet of space at 5000 South Hulen Street at Overton Ridge Blvd. The expected opening date is October 2005. Fort Worth Business Press, May 2-8

Openings
Flora Brewer of Paulos Properties opened the Lancaster Lofts. The building of 12 lofts and space for ground level retail is at 1324 East Lancaster. Fort Worth Business Press, May 2-8

The $43.1 million, 230,000 square foot Cabela’s, an outdoors/hunting superstore, opened in Fort Worth’s northern Alliance area on May 26. The location is expected to draw 5 million visitors in its first year – many of them from out of town. Fort Worth Business Press, May 23-29

Out of Town Reporting
The 12th Van Cliburn competition, at Bass Performance Hall in Fort Worth, may not decide any wars, but it is likely to generate careers.
Birmingham News, Alabama, May 29

The competition that launches classical music careers started May 20 and runs through June 5 in Fort Worth. Contestants from 13 countries will vie for monetary awards and international tours. The gold medal winner's prizes are worth more than $500,000 US in cash and performance fees. The Record, Kitchener-Waterloo, Ontario, May 21

Around Town
The 2005 Mayor’s Global Business Awards luncheon will be held June 29 at the Fort Worth Convention Center. Fort Worth Business Press, May 9-15

The Bank of America Colonial Golf Tournament was held mid May with an estimated 170,000 spectators. Fort Worth Business Press, May 16-22

The Van Cliburn International Piano Competition was held May 20 through June 5.  Fort Worth Business Press, May 2-8

Did You Know?
The opening of the Lone Star Dinosaurs exhibit propelled the Fort Worth Museum of Science & History decisively into the ranks of being one of the world’s great institutions of paleontology. Fort Worth Business Press, May 23-29

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

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Dateline Fort Worth...

Van Cliburn Competition Names Semifinalists

The jury of the Van Cliburn International Piano Competition has picked the 12 pianists who will advance to the semifinal round, the competition announced last night.The semifinalists are Ning An of the United States, Davide Cabassi of Italy, Jie Chen of China, Sa Chen of China, Ying Feng of China, Chu-Fang Huang of China, Alexander Kobrin of Russia, Gabriela Martinez of Venezuela, Roberto Plano of Italy, Wang Xiohan of China, Joyce Yang of Korea, and Maria Mazo, a Russian who now lives in Germany.

Seven of the semifinalists are women, a record for the competition, according to the Fort Worth Star-Telegram.

Five of the semifinalists have chosen to perform Sebastian Currier's Scarlatti Cadences and Brainstorm as part of their recital programs, making Currier the winner of the second American Composers Invitational, a competition-within-a-competition for contemporary composers. Others chose works by Daniel Kellogg, Jennifer Higdon, and Ruth Schonthal. Currier wins $5,000; Kellogg, Higdon, and Schonthal each recieve $2,500.

The semifinal round runs May 26-29; each competitor will give a 60-minute recital and perform a chamber work with the Takács Quartet. The six finalists will be announced on May 29.

The jury is chaired by John Giordano, former music director of the Fort Worth Symphony, and includes pianists Claude Frank, Joseph Kalichstein, and Menahem Pressler as well as educators and critics.

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Membership Luncheon

The Art of the Layout: RadioShack’s new approach to art and architecture.

The spectacular new RadioShack campus located on the banks of the Trinity is an artistic and architectural triumph. As much attention to detail went into the design of the interior as the building’s exterior. An innovative approach to workspace was taken and original artwork is showcased throughout.

At the next Membership Luncheon hosted by the Central Area Council, Nina Petty, RadioShack Vice President of Corporate Real Estate, will take us on a virtual tour of the new RadioShack facility detailing their new slant on work areas and highlighting artwork that enhances the building. The event is presented by Wells Fargo. Gold sponsor is Advantage Rent-A-Car.

• What: General Membership Meeting hosted by the Central Area Council – RadioShack: The Art of the Layout
• When: Thursday, July 28, noon – 1:30 p.m. Registration and networking begin at 11:30 a.m.
• Where: The Petroleum Club, 777 Main St., 39th floor,76102
• Cost: $25 – Chamber members; $20 – Gold members; $40 – non –members; and $250 -- table for eight
  
  Register online at www.fortworthchamber.com or with Jeanean Herod at jherod@fortworthchamber.com or 817/336-2491, ext. 275.
  
  
   

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Leads Groups

Leads Groups

Leads Groups are networking gatherings comprised of no more than 30 individuals with each one representing a different industry. Leads Groups meet weekly and generate a lot of business. Participants must be members of the Fort Worth Chamber. A $50 annual fee is charged per company, but a company may be in two Leads Groups, until/unless that slot is needed for another company in the same industry. Gold members participate for free with the same restriction.

To visit a Leads Group, either contact coordinator Diana Dugan or call the group leader directly to make sure there is no conflict of industry. Each group has its own rules and personality, although they all fall under Chamber guidelines. Consistent attendance provides the maximum benefit.

For more information, contact Diana Dugan, coordinator at 817/336-2491, ext. 258.

Texas Tornados
Tuesday, 11:30 a.m. -1 p.m.
Luby’s Cafeteria, 251 University
Leader: Paul McKinney (817) 244-6300 paul@mckinneycommercial.com

The Big List
Tuesday, 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Bonnell’s, 4259 Bryant Irvin Rd.
Leader: George Fassett, (817) 923-2419, georgefassett@thumbtechs.com

Lead Cats
Tuesday, 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Joe T. Garcia’s, 2201 N. Commerce
Leader: Cory Davis (817) 508-7432, cdavis@1stodyssey.com

SW Morning Networking
Artistic Blends, 5298 Trail Lake Dr.
Leader: Jean Davis, (817) 233-9211, jean@swtc-business.com

Lead Launchers
Wednesday, 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Woodhaven Country Club, 913 Country Club Lane
Leader: Michale Frogge (817) 296-7788, michale@froggeconsulting.com

Leads Masters
Thursday, 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Diamond Oaks Country Club, 5821 Diamond Oaks Drive
Leader: Tina Gardner, (817) 205-5044, tinagardner@charter.net

eLeads Group
Thursday, 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Café Aspen, 6103 Camp Bowie
Leader: Maureen Sullivan, (817) 239-7533, maureen@ourfortworth.com

The Phoenix Group
Friday, 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Café Aspen, 6103 Camp Bowie
Leader: Mike Hildenbrand, (817) 680-3477, micolga@ameriplan.net

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Action Ambassador of the Month

Action Ambassador for April 2005

Congratulations to the Fort Worth Chamber’s top Action Ambassador for April 2005, Michelle Pickett. Pickett has been an ambassador only since January 2005 and is Tournament Director at Lost Creek Golf Club.

Action Ambassadors work on behalf of the Chamber calling on new members and serving as greeters at various Chamber functions. Currently, the program is recruiting new members, however, Ambassadors must be members of the Fort Worth Chamber. The Action Ambassador program is a great way to learn more about the Fort Worth Chamber and plug in to all of the programs it offers. It is also a great networking tool allowing ambassadors to contact Chamber members on the Chamber’s behalf. Contact Teresa Pearson at 817/336-2491, ext. 249 for information on becoming an Action Ambassador.

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SBOY

	Best Used Truck staff Todd Cadwallader, Eddie Walker, Scott Walker, Dianne Schafer, Shane Fortenberry, Rebecca Wood, Mike Bolton, Mike Moody and “Kota.”

Best Used Trucks: Driving to Success

No doubt about it, Eddie Walker knows his trucks. Over the years, he has worked with many of the major truck dealers in the Metroplex – Peterbilt, Cummings, Caterpillar and more. His experience and knowledge in the trucking industry have made him the “go-to” guy for folks needing a good used truck for years. Over the years, he was instrumental in developing policies and procedures for running used truck departments at truck dealerships. In fact, Eddie has been on the Advisory Board for the national Used Truck Association since 1989 and has been president for four years.

After years of running used truck departments for others, Eddie and his wife Dianne Schafer decided they wanted to start their own used truck business, a business they could leave behind for their son Scott to run. Four years ago, Best Used Trucks was born.

Eddie’s the first to tell you that they started in down times and getting the business going was a struggle. But this year, Best Used Trucks was recognized the Fort Worth Chamber’s “Rising Star” Small Business of the Year in the 11-50 employee category.

“Thanks to lots of friends, we’ve been pretty successful,” said Eddie. During his long career, Eddie has made lots of friends in the used truck business and those friendships proved invaluable during the company’s early going. “Friends would send us inventory for us to sell. We were fortunate to have customers who like and care about us.”

It is not unusual, according to Eddie, for customers tell him what they need and have him find it for them. Often they pay up front because they know Eddie knows his stuff. Going into its fifth year, around 60-65 percent of Best Used Truck’s business is repeat or referral.

“It really comes down to treating people the way you want to be treated,” said Eddie. “Customers are the most important people.”

“That goes for our employees as well as our customers,” said Dianne. “We know that if we take care of our people, they will take care of the customers.”

Eddie, Dianne and Scott all agree that your company is only as good as its employees. The owners take great pride in the fact that their employees can provide good lives for their families thanks to their jobs at Best Used Trucks.

“We’ve been lucky to have employees who are our kind of people – people people,” said Eddie. “When you attract good people, that says good things about you.”

Today, the company that started on a shoe string is profitable and going international. Best Used Trucks is now selling trucks in Central and South America. And, notes Eddie, even that business came from a referral.
As Eddie and Dianne look forward to putting Scott in the driver’s seat, they plan cut back some on their time there.

“It’s time to step back and let Scott take over,” Eddie said. “Now the business will grow at an even faster pace. The award is recognition of what we’ve been able to accomplish. It’s been great to see the resources the Chamber has that have been good for our business. Everyone should take a step back and see what’s there.”

Scott stresses that Eddie will still be doing a lot of the truck buying. After all, they agree, Fort Worth needs a good independent, pre-owned truck dealership.

“We’ve brought something good to the community. Good competition always helps the community,” said Eddie. “Competition raises the quality of service and brings out the best in people.”

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In Focus

Worker’s Compensation: To Subscribe or Not Subscribe
by Bill Chamblee & Jeff Ryan

Governor Rick Perry used a visit to Fort Worth and Lockheed Martin earlier this month to sign into law much needed legislation revamping the Texas Workers Compensation system. This newly passed law provides a number of changes to the previous system including the following:

• Increasing weekly benefits for workers;
• Establishing medical networks for employers;
• Providing for the establishment of treatment guidelines; and
• Focusing on return-to-work outcomes.

The changes were certainly welcome and long overdue. With Texas saddled with the third highest workers’ compensation costs in the country, the old system was a negative when companies considered doing business in our state.

The hope among business leaders is that these and many other important changes to the Texas Workers Compensation system will provide welcome relief to both employees and employers who choose to subscribe to the worker’s compensation system. Employees can hope the revamped bill provides improved care and better benefits while employers can hope for lower costs through improved insurance rates.

However, the benefits that employees and employers can only hope for with the new workers’ compensation law are already being realized by many “nonsubscribers” throughout the state.

Unknown too many, participation in the Texas workers’ compensation system has never been mandatory for employers since its creation in the early 1900’s. Fortunately, the new reforms left intact the right for most private sector employers to not participate or “subscribe” to the workers’ compensation system.

Choosing to not subscribe to the workers’ compensation system does not leave the nonsubscribing employer’s workers without remedies. Injured employees retain their common law rights against their employers. Whereas, if an employer is a subscriber, its injured employees are limited to benefits provided in the act and do not have a common law cause of action for negligence.
Many other responsible companies who choose to not subscribe to the workers compensation system develop comprehensive occupational injury benefit plans that dictate how employees are treated in case of injury. Such plans allow companies to have a say in the selection of health care providers.

Nonsubscriber insurance is also available to companies to cover the benefits offered.

More than 100,000 businesses in the state have chosen not to subscribe to the workers’ compensation system. The benefits of nonsubscription are significant in many circumstances. Making the choice not to subscribe is certainly not for everyone and there are many different considerations to be taken into account before companies choose to subscribe or not subscribe. Businesses should always seek counsel before making such decisions. Texas businesses should applaud the revamping of the Texas Workers’ Compensation system and hope that the desired changes materialize. Likewise, they should applaud their continued right to choose to be non-subscribers to the workers compensation system.

Bill Chamblee and Jeff Ryan are partners with the law firm of Chamblee & Ryan. Chamblee & Ryan is a firm dedicated to representing businesses throughout Texas.
 

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	The Action Ambassador Executive Committee for 2005-06: (from left) Natalie Parish, chair; Steve Shineman, vice chair; Cindy Irvin, membership chair; Judy Rosko, secretary/treasurer; and Larry Knox, immediate past chair.

Action Ambassadors

Action Ambassadors Elect New Executive Committee

The Fort Worth Chamber’s Action Ambassadors have elected their officers for the 2005-06 year and they are Natalie Parish, chair; Steve Shineman, vice chair; Cindy Irvin, membership chair; Judy Rosko, secretary/treasurer; and Larry Knox, immediate past chair.

Chamber members interested in becoming an Action Ambassador should contact Teresa Pearson at tpearson@fortworthchamber.com or 817/336-2491, ext. 249.
 

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	Central Area Council Board Chair (center with certificate) Lt. Billy Cordell, flanked by board members, holds recognition certificate from FWISD.

Central Area Council Honored

FWISD Honors Chamber’s Central Area Council

Congratulations are in order for the members of the Fort Worth Chamber’s Central Area Council, recently honored by the Fort Worth Independent School District (FWISD) with its2004-05 Golden Achievement Award for Partnership Excellence.

According to Nancy Ricker, executive director of school and community relations for FWISD, the Chamber’s Central Area Council is a winning example of an organization with tremendous dedication and willingness to give time, talent and resources to support academic success for students in FWISD.
 “We value all the wonderful ways that your group shares its expertise to enhance student learning,” noted Ricker in the letter accompanying the certificate.

“The Central Area Council Board adopted Nash Elementary School for the 2004-2005 school year. During that year, the board collected and donated school supplies, money and, most importantly, their time,” said Pennie Blossom, Area Councils Manager.

“Among the activities the board and some Chamber staff participated in were one-on-one mentoring, the fall festival, career days and field days. The board continues to work with Nash and will adopt the school for the 2005-2006 school year.”

Efforts such as those made by the Central Area Council are all part of the Stay-In-School-Initiative designed to help FWISD students graduate from high school to a successful career.     

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FastTrac Grads

FastTrac Graduates Spring 2005 Class

Six students received their certificates at the FastTrac Program graduation held recently at Joe T. Garcia’s Restaurant. FastTrac is designed to help small business owners streamline business processes, analyze strengths and shortcomings, and achieve more balance in their work and personal lives. It is a cooperative program of the Fort Worth Chamber, the Tarrant County College Small Business Development Center and Texas Wesleyan University.

This year’s graduates include Jane Hardwick, JHC Jane Hardwick, Coach; Kathryn Johnson, American Metal Services, LP; Gunnar Jones, New World Industries, Inc.; Sunny Lowe, The Strickland Group; Pace Morehead, Pace Morehead Company, Inc.; and Evelyn Parker, Caddillac Business Group.

The group was welcomed by Bill Thornton, president and CEO of the Fort Worth Chamber and received their certificates from instructors Sherry Darden, Darco Creations; Cynthia Harnest, Teach-A-Bodies; and Robin Lasher, On Time Business Solutions. Closing remarks came from Dave Edmonds, director of the Tarrant County College Small Business Development Center.

For more information on FastTrac, contact Lydia Hall at 817/336-2491, ext. 272.

	FastTrac graduate Jane Hardwick, holding certificate, is congratulated by Sherry Darden, Cynthia Harnest and Robin Lasher.			Darden, Harnest and Lasher present Kathryn Johnson with her FastTrac certificate.
	Pace Morehead, with certificate, thanks instructors Darden, Harnest and Lasher for their help.			Evelyn Parker receives her certificate from Darden, Harnest and Lasher.

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Chamberletter contact below:

For more information contact:
Arden Dufilho
Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce
817-336-2491 Ext. 259