Chamber newsletter distributed through the
Fort Worth Star-Telegram the first Tuesday of
each month to approximately 120,000 subscribers
as well as the entire membership.
Latest Edition - August 2003
From
the President
Great news! At a time when state government has
been struggling with a budget crisis of major
proportions, the legislature passed HB 1365, a
bill, which fully funds the Texas Emission Reduction
Plan (TERP) to meet our clean air goals. Funds
were also authorized for air quality research
and planning for the Fort Worth/Dallas nonattainment
area in the form of support and funding for the
Texas Environmental Research Consortium (TERC).
Knowing that state coffers face a deficit, fully
funding the TERP clearly indicates that legislators
have made cleaning up the air a priority. It is
not difficult to imagine the direction economic
development efforts would go without TERP funding.
The EPA has already served notice that the State
of Texas must fully fund TERP programs or face
a moratorium on new construction, a loss of federal
highway funds, a ban on operating construction
equipment in the morning and a subsequent loss
of jobs. This disruptive effect would certainly
increase the cost of living for families as well
as the cost of doing business here.
Had the legislature not authorized the full funding
of the TERP, we would have found ourselves in
a “penny wise, pound foolish” situation.
A recent Perryman Group study found that the loss
of highway funds and other penalties that Texas
would face had we not funded the TERP could have
cost the state 63 to 95 times what funding the
programs will cost.
In the long run, it is hoped new technologies
– such as those being developed by the Texas
Council on Environmental Technologies and funded
by TERP – will help us clean up our air.
But we can all do our part. On July 27, the editorial
boards of both the Fort Worth Star-Telegram and
the Dallas Morning News issued a challenge to
residents of this area to heed such warnings and
help clean up our air. That two competing publications
would work in concert to educate the public on
the high economic stakes of the situation underscores
the importance of the issue.
August is Commute Solutions Month (see story,
page 3). The North Texas Clean Air Coalition is
challenging everyone in the Metroplex to “try
parking it” at least one day this month.
We at the Chamber support this vital effort. Every
summer, we have our own Ozone Season program encouraging
employees to carpool; take public transit and
brown bag their lunches. It is a small step, but
if each area business did the same, we might all
breathe a little easier.
In the long run, improved technologies will help
us clear the air. In the short run, we as individuals
must do our part to help keep the skies over the
Metroplex, and all of Texas, clean.
SIS
Best Practices
Businesses Can Help Kids Graduate
In 2001, at the behest of Fort Worth Independent
School District (FWISD) Superintendent Dr. Thomas
Tocco, a committee of educators, parents, business
and community leaders and volunteers came together
to study Fort Worth's worsening student drop out
problem. That committee's efforts resulted in
the Stay-In-School initiative (SIS) whose goal
is to encourage all students to graduate from
high school.
Two years later, the SIS initiative has developed
new mentoring programs and breathed life into
existing ones to reduce FWISD's annual dropout
rate to a level equal to or lower than the state
average. By 2010, SIS hopes to reduce the dropout
rate to a level that would place FWISD in the
top five percent of major urban public school
districts nationally in student retention and
graduation from high school. The mentoring component
has become the focus of SIS as it attempts to
identify at risk students and get them into the
program.
"Leaving school before graduation limits
opportunities for those who drop out and places
a burden on the community with significant social
and economic costs," said Cynthia Fisher
Miller, director of workforce and education for
the Fort Worth Chamber. "We recognize that
dropping out has many contributing factors and
that a coordinated, comprehensive strategy involving
a variety of proven approaches will motivate students
to stay in school."
Many programs, as well as individuals, dedicated
to mentoring at risk students advance the goals
of the SIS initiative, however five programs stand
out as "best practices" in the effort
to keeps kids in school until the graduate.
Adopt-A-School
The Adopt-A-School program began in 1982 with
only seven participating organizations. Today
over 230 are participating and they range from
very small companies to very large. Suzy Hill,
owner of The Hill Company is one of the very small.
"I got involved in Adopt-A-School about six
years ago," says Hill whose adopted school
is Meadowbrook Middle School. "Small businesses
like mine can't always give money, but they can
give time. I figure out ways to help. I look for
needs at the school and then find community support
to fill those needs. I rarely get turned down."
At the other end of that spectrum is Lockheed
Martin Aeronautics. Norman Robbins, manager of
community relations, says his company adopted
Metro Opportunity School, an alternative high
school, in 1987. "We became concerned when
we couldn't find young people who read, write
or handle math proficiently to hire," said
Robbins. "So we concentrate on literacy.
We hope to help make these students employable."
In addition to providing one-on-one tutors and
mentors for students, Lockheed also stages "career
days" to give students a glimpse of the real
work world and what will be required of them after
graduation.
"The Adopt-A-School Program is a great morale
boost for our employees," Robbins said. "They
feel like they make a difference."
Vital Link
The Vital Link program is based upon the theory
that students are best motivated to learn if they
can make the connection between skills learned
in class and those needed for success in the workplace.
The 12-year-old program recruits middle school
students and teachers to spend a half-day for
a week at Metroplex businesses. Last year 200
employers received students and taught them skills
incorporating math, reading, communication, problem-solving
and teamwork. One of those was NBC 5/KXAS-TV.
"For the kids, it's a great opportunity
to see what the business world is really like,"
said Martha Stallard, manager of human relations
and communications. "We like to debrief the
kids at the end and ask them what skills they
saw people using daily. They say writing, reading,
computers, math and working together. And our
employees get a sense of helping out."
TEAM Fort Worth
Among the mentoring opportunities available locally
is TEAM Fort Worth, a research-based program that
matches mentors with students to provide a supportive
relationship. Unity Federal Credit Union is one
of the companies that replied to a recruiting
mailing. According to Nicky Fettig, marketing
officer, it seemed different from other community
involvement the organization was in to. "We
were really nervous when we went for our interview,"
said Fettig describing part of the process of
matching mentors and mentees. "It was a little
overwhelming at first." Now, says Fettig,
she and her 11-year-old mentee are developing
a relationship as the child makes the difficult
transition from elementary to middle school. "I'm
just someone she can talk to. I've learned you
don't have to be a CEO or a major league ball
player to be someone a child can look up to."
Natalie Parish, community relations officer agrees.
"The mentoring relationship is very rewarding,"
she said. "I feel like I am truly giving
back. And my company is very supportive of the
time commitment."
For a list of mentoring and youth services organizations,
go to www.fortworthchamber.com.
Texas Scholars
Texas Scholars is a program that encourages students
to take more rigorous courses that will qualify
them for admission to colleges, universities,
trade schools and/or the workforce. Volunteers
are trained to give a presentation to high school
kids that shows students just what it costs in
dollars and cents to make it in the real world.
Volunteer Morris Gardner of Kincaid's Hamburgers
said, "If I can get even one kid to go to
college and get a degree, it's worth it."
According to Gardner, he was well trained before
being sent out to the schools But he was somewhat
unprepared for the disconnect that some of the
students seemed to experience. They simply didn't
understand how getting a diploma might make them
more successful in the future.
Junior Achievement
Junior Achievement is not the same program most
of us knew in high school. Today, JA's goal is
to ensure that every child in America has a fundamental
understanding of the free enterprise system. The
80-year-old organization now attempts to reach
kids from K-12. "Today, we have evolved into
an in-school business education program,"
said Lisa Cox, Junior Achievement. "This
way, we can reach more students and help better
educate our future workforce."
As part of JA, volunteers are trained on materials
that are appropriate to the students' age. They
are asked to commit to one hour a week for six
to eight weeks. "At JA, we continue to stress
the importance of staying in school," said
Cox. "The more education you have, the more
opportunities you have."
For more information contact:
Cynthia
Miller
Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce
817-336-2491 Ext. 240
or Janie Christie, coordinator of school and
community partnerships, FWISD, 817-871-2448.
Recap
of Recent Economic Activities in Tarrant County
Expansions and Moves
Academy Sports and Outdoors has leased 71,000
square feet at 1701 Cherry Lane in a building
formerly occupied by Kmart. Tarrant Business,
June 30
Bank of America is opening a 4,200 square-foot
branch location at 4480 Bryant Irvin Road. The
general contractor is J.E. Dunn Construction.
Fort Worth Business Press, June 13-19
The owners of Dixie House Cafe at 3701 Belknap
St. and 5115 N.E. 28th St have leased space on
East Lancaster Avenue to open a third location
at 6200 East Lancaster Avenue. Tarrant Business,
June 2
Lubrication Engineers purchased a 10,000 square-foot
office building at 300 Bailey Avenue. In May the
company sold its 26-acre campus off Airport Freeway
to Wal-Mart. Tarrant Business, June 30
Medical Billing of North Texas has leased 2,600
square feet of office space at 3863 Southwest
Loop 820. Tarrant Business, June 30
New York Life Insurance Co.'s Fort Worth general
office has moved to Carter Burgess Plaza, 777
Main Street, in downtown Fort Worth. The company
is occupying the entire 25,000-square-foot 33rd
floor. Tarrant Business, June 2
The YWCA of Fort Worth has leased 4,800 square
feet of retail space in the Benbrook Shopping
Center at 8139 Camp Bowie Boulevard, for a thrift
store. The store is expected to open by August
1. Tarrant Business, June 23
A 48,600 square-foot Wal-Mart Neighborhood Market
opened at 6513 Meadowbrook Drive. The store will
be open 24 hours and employ 85 people. Tarrant
Business, June 30.
New in Town
The first site for AquaZoom, an express car
wash that allows customers to stay inside their
automobiles during the three-to-five minute wash,
will open in July at 5750 Bryant Irvin Road. Fort
Worth Business Press, June 13-19
Fort Worth’s first Crescent City Beignets
is open at the northeast corner of I-30 and Hulen
Street. The soft restaurant opening ran through
the month of June, with grand opening activities
including a jazz brunch to benefit the Lena Pope
Home. Fort Worth Business Press, June
20-26
Salutations Stationery and Invitations has leased
the last remaining space, 1,400 square feet, in
the Stonegate Crossing Shopping Center at 2743
South Hulen Street. Tarrant Business,
June 23
Trinity Bank has opened at 3500 West Vickery Street.
Fort Worth Business Press, June 6-12
Gideon Services, a nurse’s aide training
school, has leased 1,843 square feet of space
in the Magnolia Professional Building, 603 W.
Magnolia Avenue, where it will begin offering
training this month. It is the first Fort Worth
office for the 2-year-old Dallas-based firm. Tarrant
Business, June 9
Under Construction
Alcon Laboratories broke ground on a new $25-million
180,000 square-foot office tower on their 300-acre
Fort Worth campus. Fort Worth Business Press,
June 6-12
Construction has begun on a 92-room Courtyard
by Marriott near Ridgmar Mall in west Fort Worth.
Tarrant Business, June 23
Discount Tire is breaking ground on an 8,500 square-foot
retail store on Bryant Irvin Road, which is set
to open in October. General contractor Wilson
Barnes is handling construction. Fort Worth
Business Press, June 13-19
Home Depot has broken ground on a $2-million landscape
supply store at 5712 Bryant Irvin Road. The 38,163
square-foot store is one of five new concept stores
opening in the Fort Worth/Dallas market. Rockwall
Construction is the general contractor for the
new Fort Worth store. Fort Worth Business
Press, June 13-19
Motherall Printing Company broke ground on a 150,000
square-foot, two-building facility in Centre-Port
Business Park. Fort Worth Business Press,
June 13-19
Construction has begun on a 25,600 square-foot
shopping center at the northwest corner of Alta
Mere Drive and Green Oaks Boulevard. The center
will include a 20,000 square foot Office Max that
is scheduled to open in November. Tarrant
Business, June 23
Applause
Texas Aviation Services is this year's recipient
of the annual Mayor's Export Award for Fort Worth
businesses. Tarrant Business, June 2 The Thomas
G. Garth Character and Courage Award has been
awarded to Joe Cordova, president of the Boys
& Girls Clubs of Greater Fort Worth. The honor
is the highest professional honor given in the
Boys & Girls Clubs of America movement. Fort
Worth Business Press, June 13-19
Did You Know?
The Fort Worth/Dallas Metroplex ranks fifth in
the nation in the number of Fortune 500 company
headquarters. Fort Worth Business Press,
June 20-26
Southeast Fort Worth, Southlake, and south Arlington
are considered the three hottest retail submarkets,
respectively, in the Metroplex, according to a
study by Roddy Information Services. Tarrant
Business, June 9
We're No. 1 - this time, as the nation's "Most
Spontaneous City." …the friendliest,
most fun people in the country. No other Texas
metropolitan area ranked in the top 10. Fort
Worth Star-Telegram, June 12
Forbes magazine has promoted the Fort Worth-Arlington
and Dallas metropolitan area to No. 10 on its
new list of "Best Cities for Singles."
Fort Worth Star-Telegram, June 12
Ridglea Country Club Estates, a neighborhood built
around a golf course on the Fort Worth-Benbrook
border, is the region's "top choice"
as a safe, active retirement area, according to
a Massachusetts real estate Web site, Neighborhood
Scout. Fort Worth Star-Telegram, June
12
Data provided by Strategic Insight Group
Intelligence Research Partner of the Fort Worth
Chamber of Commerce.
Dateline:
Fort Worth...
Sorenstam not alone in quest
Annika Sorenstam arrived at a quiet and nearly
deserted Colonial Country Club at 6:30 a.m. Tuesday,
shortly after daybreak. She was the first golfer
on the premises, beating even most of the Bank
of America Colonial tournament's volunteer workers.
But the loneliness of her historic adventure
into the world of men's golf didn't fully register
with the sport's No. 1 female player until she
checked in at this 67-year-old club, where play
begins Thursday. The women's locker room is only
30 yards from the men's locker room at the club
the legendary Ben Hogan called home, but it might
as well be 3,000 miles away.
And Hogan, who died in 1997? "He would love this,"
said Jeanette Widmer, 80, a Colonial member since
1942 who knew Hogan well enough to invite him
to her daughter's wedding in 1971. "He'd be rooting
for her."
Widmer volunteered her locker, and left a welcome
card for Sorenstam. "May each new day bring
you sunshine and flowers, a happy face,"
Widmer said it read. "And many, many birdies.
Welcome to Colonial."
Welcome to a new world order in sports. Next
stop: the media tent for a news conference. Sorenstam
surveyed the gathering - three times the size
of what she is used to on the LPGA tour, and marveled,
"My wedding wasn't even this big." She answered
questions for almost an hour and displayed an
engaging personality she hid when she broke into
pro golf because she was so shy.
Yes, she admitted, this was bigger than she anticipated
it would be. "I'm still overwhelmed and can't
believe how many of you guys are here," she said.
She shared equal billing with the Dallas Mavericks'
win in Game 1 of the NBA Western Conference final
on Tuesday's front pages of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram
and The Dallas Morning News.
USA Today - May 2003
Cutlines-
Barr
Former Mayor Kenneth Barr and his wife Karen enter
the Fort Worth Convention Center ballroom for
the “Let’s Raise the Barr” reception
honoring the mayor for his dedicated service to
the city.
Former Mayor Kenneth Barr found himself on the
“hot seat” during the formal presentation
portion of the “Let’s Raise the Barr”
reception.
Commute
Solutions
Commuting Can Prove a Rewarding Experience
As the Metroplex reaches the height of ozone
season already having reached near record levels
of air pollution, the North Texas Clean Air Coalition
(NTCAC) is challenging every driver to Try Parking
It at least once during August. Instead, ride
the bus or rail, carpool, vanpool, walk or telecommute.
Some local commuters who do will be rewarded
with incentives like vacations or baseball tickets
if the take they Commute Solutions Challenge –
a first for North Texas.
August is NTCAC’s second annual Commute
Solutions Month, a time dedicated to educating
North Texas commuters about the benefits of sharing
a ride instead of driving alone.
“I am challenging every driver in North
Texas to do their part to help us reduce air pollution,”
said Fort Worth Mayor Mike Moncrief. “We’re
not asking people to give up their cars forever,
just consider sharing a ride to work or school
once in a while.” Moncrief noted that although
most people believe industrial pollution is the
primary cause of air pollution, more than 50 percent
of area ozone pollution emissions come from cars
and trucks.
Commute Solutions Month
To help commuters learn the options available
to them, each week of Commute Solutions Month
will have a different theme that will be promoted
through advertising and employer outreach campaigns.
- Aug. 4-9 – “Telework/Flexible
Work Schedule” Week
- Aug. 11-15 – “Try Transit”
Week
- Aug. 18-22 – “Bike/Walk/Brown
Bag Lunch” Week
- Aug. 25-29 – “Vanpool/Carpool
to Work or School” Week
Commute Solutions Web Challenge
Each time residents choose an alternative commuting
option such as public transit, carpooling or telecommuting,
they can log on to the Commute Solutions Challenge
site, www.TryParkingIt.com,
and document how they got to work or school. At
the same time, they will record the number of
miles saved – that is the number of miles
they would have otherwise driven alone in a car.
The site provides visitors with an up to the minute
tally of the miles area drivers have saved through
the Challenge and enters all participants in a
random drawing to win prizes like roundtrip tickets
on Southwest Airlines and tickets to Texas Rangers
and Dallas Cowboys games.
"While decreased pollution and good health are
the ultimate rewards of alternative commuting,
the Commute Solutions Challenge is a unique way
to lure lone drivers from behind the wheel with
incentives," said NTCAC Chairman Howard Gilberg.
"We believe once people try alternative commuting,
they'll be more likely to do so again."
Commute Solutions Employer Tool Kit
The cornerstone of the employer outreach campaign
is a new Commute Solutions Tool Kit for North
Texas companies. The kit is available for free
online at the above listed site and gives employers
simple instructions and guidance for implementing
commute alternative programs. Ideas include offering
free or discounted bus or train passes, matching
commuters to help arrange carpool or vanpool schedules,
guidelines on how to set up telecommuting programs
and how to establish variable, or flex, work schedules.
“Employer support throughout the region
is crucial because more than half of the commuters
in the region travel across county lines to get
to work,” said Tim Keleher, vice president
of governmental and urban affairs for the Fort
Worth Chamber. “Each time a commuter takes
a bus or works from home, rather than driving,
about 13 pounds of vehicle exhaust emissions and
pollutants are eliminated from our air. He added
that an awards presentation in late August will
recognize organizations that do an exceptional
job motivating employees to rideshare.
Economic Benefits of Cleaner Air
Although NTCAC research shows area residents
are more concerned about the health implications
of air quality than the economic effects, the
cost savings of alternative commuting are great.
The average Metroplex driver spends $2,860 a year
on commuting, based on 44 cents a mile for owning,
maintaining and fueling a vehicle. That averages
$11 a day. In comparison, a monthly transit pass
runs around $40. According to the American Public
Transportation Association, buses emit 80 percent
less carbon monoxide than cars per mile, only
ten percent as much hydrocarbons and only 75 percent
as much nitrogen oxides.
For more information on the program, visit www.TryParkingIt.com.
Trade
Show How To
How to Get the Most from Your Trade
Show Experience
Ever thought you might like to participate in
a tradeshow, but felt a little overwhelmed by
the prospect? The chamber has retooled Tradefest
and has joined with Tarrant-area chambers to bring
you the Tarrant Area Chambers Buy Local Trade
Show to be held Thursday, Nov. 13, 4-8 p.m. But
first, come to the chamber’s free How-to
clinic for potential exhibitors who want to get
the most out of their tradeshow budget.
- What: “How-To” Workshop
- When: Thursday, Aug. 28, 3:30-5 p.m.
- Where: Fort Worth Club Trinity Room,
12th floor, 306 W. Seventh
- Cost: No charge to Tarrant area Chamber
members; $15 for non-members
The purpose of the workshop is to show potential
Trade Show exhibitors how to produce a successful
trade show booth,” said Netty Matthews,
vice president of membership for the Fort Worth
Chamber. “Frankly, some people feel somewhat
overwhelmed by trade shows. We want to make the
entire process more user friendly.”
The workshop will feature a complete trade show
booth set up and experts from Freeman Exhibits
will be on hand to talk participants through the
entire process. Also on hand will be a specialty
company representative with samples of popular,
effective giveaways ready to answer questions
about what works best.
For more information contact:
Lydia
Hall
Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce
817-336-2491 Ext. 272
BIO
2003
DFW Brings Expertise in Biotech to BIO
2003
 A
contingent of Dallas/Fort Worth economic development
officials, biotech experts and public officials
has just returned from Washington DC, site of
BIO 2003, the premier trade show of the biotech
industry. The collaborative regional exhibit on
behalf of the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex showcased
the area’s life science/biotechnology organizations
and assets at the show staged by the Biotechnology
Industry Organization (BIO). It was also an another
opportunity for the Metroplex to market itself
as a region with the "DFW: The Where with
All" logo.
The Fort Worth Chamber participated to make industry
contacts to help us attract new biotech businesses
as well as show support of the industry sector,
in particular the UNTHSC Research Facility and
the Tech Fort Worth Center,” said Bob Farley,
Fort Worth Chamber executive vice president for
economic development. “We also want to learn
more about attracting biotech and life science
projects to our area.”
By bringing together all the critical competitive
advantages that the D/FW area has, the region
has the ability to compete globally in biotechnology
and life sciences. “BIO 2003 was the perfect
opportunity to showcase the strengths and diversity
of the region’s life sciences community
to a global audience,” said Carole Meyer,
director of business development for the Chamber.
“The Metroplex is home to over 100 life
sciences companies, who are working in fields
such as pharmaceuticals, medical devices, biological
products, drug development and therapies.”
BIO 2003 was highly valuable to us because of
the increasing importance of Asian and European
strategic partners and venture investors in the
commercialization of our technologies,”
said Dennis K. Stone, MD, vice president for Technology
Development at the University of Texas Southwestern
Medical Center. “In the past four years,
we have found that the natural synergy of our
basic research output with the development and
infrastructure capabilities of offshore partners
is a major driver of our successes in out-licensing
and biotech start-up activities. BIO 2003 is a
forum through which we can both identify new opportunities
and advance our programs with existing partners.”
According to Tom Leppert, chairman of the Greater
Dallas Chamber, Texas and especially the Metroplex
are becoming leaders in the life sciences boasting
enviable resources: a highly educated work force;
top-notch medical research institutions and an
excellent transportation system. The region’s
leaders and resources make the area an attractive
location for business.
Strong regional cooperation encourages the continued
growth of the life sciences and promotes D/FW
as a hotbed of biotech activity. Research capabilities
are strengthening and expanding, while support
for start-ups is accelerating,” Leppert
said. “Local leaders are seeking increased
venture capital funding.”
The time is ripe for local leaders to pursue
biotech and life sciences projects. Texas, according
to Leppert, is only one of four states recognized
nationally for both academic/industry research
and development and Federal intramural research.
In addition, Texas ranks sixth in research funds
received from the National Institute of Health
and is third overall in research expenditures.
The Metroplex BIO contingent went to the tradeshow
armed with potent ammunition. Several factors
put the region on the biotech map:
- D/FW is home to five Nobel Laureates in science
and 16 National Academy of Sciences members.
- The Metroplex’s extensive air, rail
and highway system enable product distributors
to quickly reach 90 percent of the U.S. population.
- The region has a highly skilled, diverse
technology workforce.
- The region has an abundant supply of water
and redundant electric power and natural gas.
- Cost of living is low compared to most other
major metropolitan areas, with a high quality
of life.
Currently, D/FW has more than 100 life sciences
companies working in fields such as biotech, pharmaceuticals,
medical devices, biological products and nano-technology.
"The D/FW Metroplex is an excellent area
to grow a business," said Mary Dulle, Alcon
Laboratories. "We were founded in Fort Worth
in 1947 and have since grown to become a $3 billion
firm – without leaving our home area. While
our business is now global, we keep our U.S. General
Office right here in D/FW because of the advantages
it offers. "
The D/FW contingent was part of the Texas Pavilion
at BIO 2003, a four-day event, which attracted
more than 1,200 exhibitors and 15,000 participants.
The D/FW Metroplex team included: Arlington Chamber
of Commerce, Biotechnology Dallas Coalition, City
of Dallas, City of Fort Worth, Deloitte and Touche,
Denton Economic Development Corp., Desoto Economic
Development Corp., EchoMedia, Fort Worth Chamber
of Commerce, Greater Dallas Chamber, Health Industry
Council, Hunt Ventures, InfoMart, Jackson Walker
L.L.P., Moser Reality/Research Row, Biolabs, Oncor,
Richardson Chamber of Commerce, Rockwall Economic
Development Corp., Startech Early Ventures, Tech
Fort Worth, Transwestern Commercial, UNT Denton,
UNT Health Science Center, UT Arlington, UT Dallas
and UT Southwestern Medical Center.
For more information on the effort to recruit
biotechnology companies, go to www.DFWLifeSciences.org.
Boschini
Luncheon
South Area Council Introduces New TCU
Chancellor
With the new school year upon us, this is the
perfect time to welcome the new chancellor of
TCU, Dr. Victor J. Boschini. The Fort Worth Chamber
will host the luncheon, sponsored by Summit Bank,
Aug. 14, to introduce him to the Fort Worth business
community.
- What: Luncheon introducing
TCU Chancellor Victor Boschini
- When: Thursday, Aug. 14,
noon-1:30 p.m.
- Where: Dee J. Kelly Alumni
and Visitors Center, TCU Campus, 2820 Stadium
Drive
- Cost: $25 – Chamber
members; $20 – Gold members; $50 –
non-members
Dr. Boschini became TCU’s tenth chancellor
on June 1 of this year. He came to TCU after serving
as president of Illinois State University from
1999 to 2003. At Illinois State, Dr. Boschini
also was Associate Professor in the Educational
Administration and Foundations Department in the
College of Education and taught a class each semester
throughout his presidency. In addition, Dr. Boschini
was a member of the Board of Directors of the
Illinois Campus Compact, a coalition of college
and university presidents committed to helping
students develop the values and skills of citizenship
through participation in public and community
service. From 1997 to 1999, Dr. Boschini served
as Illinois State’s Vice-President for Student
Affairs.
Prior to coming to Illinois State, he was Associate
Provost at Butler University in Indianapolis,
Ind., and also taught in Butler’s College
of Education. He previously spent eight years
at Indiana University in various administrative
posts, as well as teaching in the university’s
School of Education.
For more information contact:
Pennie
Blossom
Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce
817-336-2491 Ext. 267
Recent
Ribbon Cuttings…
Ladies Workout Express, a health
club at 9116 Camp Bowie W., Suite 100, held its
grand opening recently. For more information,
contact Cookie Bellon or Tracey Lindsey at 817/560-6688.
NCA Communications LTD, a network
services company located at 605 E. Safari Dr.
in Grand Prairie, celebrated its expansion with
a ribbon cutting in May. For more information,
call Tyna Newcom at 870/935-1194.
Zen Tan Tanning Spa held a grand
opening recently. The spa is located at 2743 S.
Hulen in the Stone Gate Crossing center. To learn
more, call Cindy Hoffman at 817/921-5588.
Trinity Xpress Med, an urgent
care center at 5900 Overton Rd., held a grand
opening. Kathleen Moran at 817/423-1477 has details.
Lone Star Service, a parking
lot maintenance and marking company, held a ribbon
cutting recently. The company is located at 1209
Bauerline. Trey Chapman at 817/831-2727 can provide
more information.
A chemical dependency treatment clinic, The
Right Step, held its grand opening recently
and is located at 2200 Ephriham Ave. Contact Kevin
King for more details at 817/626-1086.
Pathways Home Health Services
celebrated its new location with a ribbon cutting
in June. The home health services company is located
at 4239 Road to the Mall in North Richland Hills.
Call Kathy Barone for more information at 817/496-5400.
Mortgage banker CTX Mortgage Company
held a grand opening in June. The company is located
at 2800 S. Hulen. For more information, call Clayton
Porter at 817/886-6600.
A grand opening was held at Personal
Touch Realty located at 5750 Rufe Snow
Dr. To learn more, call LaDonna Aubrey at 817/503-7000.
Small
Business Awards
Deadline Nears for Small Business Nominations
Now is the time to submit nominations for the
Fort Worth Chamber’s fifth annual Small
Business of the Year Awards. The nomination process
has been changed for this year – anyone
may nominate a small business for the award. This
year, the awards will again be broken out by number
of employees rather than annual revenue. Award
categories are 1-10 employees, 11-50 employees,
51-100 employees and 101-250 employees. Also this
year, a new category – emerging business
(in business less than three years) – has
been added. Nomination deadline is Aug. 29.
In order to have the event coincide with Small
Business Week, the awards ceremony has been moved
to May 6, 2004. “The Small Business of the
Year Awards recognize and honor businesses that
have demonstrated ‘best practices’
of entrepreneurship such as sound business planning,
fiscal responsibility and work process innovation
in day-to-day operations,” said Reed Pigman,
chairman of the Chamber’s Small Business
Council Committee adding that participation in
the application process holds many benefits for
small companies.
Past Small Business of the Year Award winners
agree. Two-time award winner Gary Tonniges, Jr.
of TriQuest Technologies, a two-time award winner,
strongly encourages other small business owners
to participate. “The application process
is a great chance to take a top down look at the
high points of your business and how it’s
functioning,” he says. “It’s
snapshot of your business. And the application
process is not difficult. Most of the information
comes straight from your business plan.”
But if applying was fairly simple, winning is
a terrific. “It was a great morale booster
for staff,” Tonniges added.
Nominees will be recognized in future issues
of the Chamberletter as well as listed on the
Chamber’s website. Nominees who proceed
with the application process will have an opportunity
to have a Tradefest booth on a special Small Business
of the Year Aisle in November. That booth will
be provided at cost. Finalists receive four complimentary
reservations to the awards luncheon, recognition
in the program along with a company profile and
mention on the Chamber website as a finalist.
They will also be honored at a special Business
After Hours and provided with display space to
promote their businesses and invited to participate
in a panel discussion at a Small Business Council
luncheon in March 2004.
In addition to an award to display, winners will
receive a display banner, feature articles in
the Fort Worth Business Press and the Chamberletter.
They will also be listed as winners on the Chamber’s
website and in the Chamber’s Annual Meeting
program as a winner.
Any for-profit business headquartered in Tarrant
County falling within the stated employee parameters
is eligible. The applicant must be the owner,
partner or major shareholder of the business and
active in its day-to-day operations. The business
must be financially stable and operational for
a minimum of three years (with the exception of
the Emerging Business which is less than three
years). Companies who provide a current member
to the Fort Worth Chamber board of directors will
not be eligible for consideration. Companies must
be a member of the Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce
at the time an award is presented.
“Just completing the application is a beneficial
exercise in reviewing the strengths of your business,”
said Pigman. “The process can help business
owners identify marketable assets within their
organizations they might not have considered previously.”
According to Lydia Hall-Benson, director of business
services for the Chamber, participation in the
awards program is a positive experience not only
for the business owner, but also for the employees
as well. Nominees opting to go forward with the
application process must return the completed
application form to the Chamber by Oct. 17.
Judging elements will include business growth
and performance; sound business strategies and
practices; business challenges; unique and innovative
approaches and community involvement and contribution.
For more information contact:
Lydia
Hall
Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce
817-336-2491 Ext. 272
Get
to Know Your Chamber
Get to Know Chamber and Fellow Members
The end of summer will soon be at hand. What
a great reason to attend this month's "Getting
to Know Your Chamber" session? GTKYC is a great
opportunity to learn about what the Chamber does
for you, the member. It's also an opportunity
to network with your fellow Chamber members. The
event is sponsored by FutureNet Solutions.
GTKYC sessions are held bi-monthly for new as
well as long-time Chamber members. Everyone is
welcome. At GTKYC, members can meet Chamber staff
and learn about programs, benefits and events
available to Chamber members. These lively sessions
are jam-packed with useful information served
up with light snacks and beverages. Attendees
also get an opportunity to network with fellow
Chamber members and learn what's new at the Chamber.
- What: Getting To Know Your Chamber
- When: 3:30-5 p.m., Thursday, Sept.
4
- Where: The Fort Worth Club, 306 West
Seventh St., 12th Floor
The Fort Worth Chamber wishes to thank Janice
Payne, TimeSavers Data and Doug Staneart, The
Leaders Institute for making these presentations
for the past several years.
There is no cost to attend these informative
sessions, but reservations are required by Aug.
29 and may be made by calling Doris Becker at
817/336-2491, ext. 288 or by email at dbecker@fortworthchamber.com.
For more information contact:
Teresa
Pearson
Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce
817-336-2491 Ext. 249
Women
in Business
Joe T. Garcia's Daughter to Be Honored
With the recent completion of the second Women’s
Challenge 100 Golf Tournament, intended to raise
funds to benefit programs of the Women’s
Business Assistance Center and the Fort Worth
Chamber, the first “Women in Business Series”
luncheon is planned. Honoring Hope Garcia Lancarte,
the luncheon will take place at the restaurant
her parents started in 1935.
- What: Women in Business Luncheon honoring
Hope Garcia Lancarte
- When: Tuesday, Aug. 26, noon-1:30 p.m.; registration
– 11:30 a.m.
- Where: Joe T. Garcia’s, 2201 N. Commerce
- Cost: Chamber members - $25; Gold members
- $20; non-members - $50
The Women in Business Series will focus on successful
women and their careers. Hope Garcia Lancarte
is a legend on the Fort Worth restaurant scene
taking Joe T’s from a one-room establishment
to the sprawling nationally known enterprise it
is today. Also on hand for the event will be Hope’s
daughter Zurrella Lancarte.
For more information contact:
Lydia
Hall
Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce
817-336-2491 Ext. 272
Happy
member
Satisfied Member: "Get Involved
with the Chamber"
We often hear from our members that being a
Chamber member is beneficial to their businesses.
And we tell prospective members this all the time.
But it carries more weight when a Chamber member
says it. Recently, membership services manager
Teresa Pearson received the following letter:
Dear Teresa,
 I
just wanted to write you a short note and let
you know how much I am enjoying my membership
with The Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber
has been calling me for years trying to get me
to join, but I always thought it was too expensive.
Last December, I finally decided to join, and
much to my surprise, I wrote enough business the
first month to pay for my membership. I have gotten
several additional referrals and many new contacts
just since the first of the year. But the main
thing I want to communicate to you is how much
fun I am having. I don't think I have ever been
associated with a better group of people. The
relationships and contacts I am establishing now
will be very beneficial to my business for many
years to come.
My advice to anyone that is thinking about joining
the Chamber is to do so immediately. Also, get
as involved with as many Chamber activities as
possible. The more you put into this organization,
the more you get out of it. Everyone can't be
an Action Ambassador, but there are many ways
to get involved that will be beneficial to any
business. In short, any new business that wants
to grow should join the Chamber.
Very Sincerely,
John L. Porhamer
Cowtown Insurance Service
Calendar
Unless otherwise noted, the phone number for
all Chamber contact is 817/336-2491 and the listed
extension. To register for an event online, go
to www.fortworthchamber.com/events.
Fort Worth Chamber Event Reservation
Policy
The Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce Reservation
Policy is as follows:
All reservations must be accompanied by full payment.
If no payment is received, it will not be considered
a reservation.
Reservations for most Chamber events or programs
can be made:
- On-line at www.fortworthchamber.com by credit
card three (3) days or more prior to the event
or program
- Returning the fax invitation with complete
credit card information to 817/335-8280 two
(2) days or more prior to the event or program
- Returning the fax invitation with check to:
Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce, 777 Taylor Street,
Suite 900, Fort Worth, Texas 76102 two (2) days
or more prior to the event or program
Due to catering guarantees payments are not
refundable. Upcoming event and program information
is available:
- On-line at www.fortworthchamber.com, three
weeks prior to event or program
- By fax invitations, three weeks prior to
event or program
- E-vents e-mail reminders, two weeks prior
to event or program
- Chamberletter, one - two months prior to event
or program
For more information contact:
Lydia
Hall
Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce
817-336-2491 Ext. 272
July
2003 Edition
June 2003
Edition
Chamberletter contact below:
For more information contact:
Arden
Dufilho
Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce
817-336-2491 Ext. 259 |
