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 2004
From the President
In the business world, the question “What have you done for me lately?” is not uncommon. And it’s a fair question. As a chamber of commerce, we hear that question as well, “What has the Chamber done for me lately?” Of the many important programs and services the Fort Worth Chamber offers its members – especially small business owners – the programs of the Small Business Council are unique, invaluable, and, to my mind, underappreciated.
The Small Business Council is specifically geared towards small business owners and hosts a quarterly business breakfast series, a quarterly lunchtime series and a quarterly mid-morning series, each packed with useful information. At least one of these programs would certainly fit into even a small business owner’s schedule. And each of these events is free of charge (the Lunch & Learn series charges only if you eat lunch). And these sessions are growing in popularity; recently two have been sold out and repeated by popular demand – a not uncommon occurrence.
The Small Business Council Breakfasts are free and available to Chamber members covering such relevant topics as marketing, hiring dos and don’ts and how to motivate employees. The sessions are also terrific networking opportunities.
Just last month, the Lunch & Learn session presented by certified image consultant Elaine Stoltz entitled “Image Is Everything,” was sold out at the popular Blue Mesa Grill. The repeat session packed the house as well. The next session is one that any cost-conscious business owner should want to attend – how to get your name or company in the news for free. Mark your calendar for Tuesday, Sept. 14.
The newest of these information-packed sessions is Minding Your Business Mid-Morning. Last month, this free program offered a session on how to market successfully to growing Hispanic population. Again it was packed and will be repeated in the near future. Other topics include preparing for an EEOC investigation, what records employers must keep and how to grow your business to sell. I can’t think of a better way to spend a coffee break than learning secrets of success along with fellow Chamber members.
A trend is emerging here. The Fort Worth Chamber constantly strives to offer members relevant, valuable information that you can put to good use in your own business. And the Chamber staff has done a terrific job in developing pertinent programs presented by recognized experts in their fields at a price that’s almost too good to be true. These programs are just part of your member benefits - your dues at work.
The next time you wonder what your Chamber has done for you lately, just think of all the valuable business knowledge you could be acquiring at no extra charge. It’s all part of our service.
Bill Koehler
FWISD School Board President Koehler: We Must Focus on the Kids
When recently elected Fort Worth ISD School Board President William Koehler (pronounced KAY-ler) talks about leaving no child behind in terms of a quality education, he’s not referring to President George Bush’s program. He is determined that, after he has completed his school board tenure, that FWISD will be a fully “recognized” district that is the best in the state.
“I heard someone say recently that, next to national defense, the most important thing a country can do is educate its citizens,” says Koehler, a retired university administrator with 35 years of service to TCU.
After retiring, Koehler felt it was time to plan a life after TCU. Someone suggested the man with no children of his own run for the school board. After considering it for a while, he warmed to the idea and started talking to residents to get a feel for the issues and challenges facing the board. “I became convinced that what I had learned at TCU could apply to a K-12 situation.”
Dr. Koehler will be the featured speaker at the Fort Worth Chamber’s Annual State of Education luncheon, Tuesday, Aug. 24 at noon. There he will discuss the issues, which, he says, have the FWISD in turmoil, but not peril.
“I say turmoil because of situations such as the construction fraud and the like which have created a sense of unrest,” Koehler explained. “Peril would suggest imminent demise which is not the case. Teachers are teaching. Administrators are administering and kids are learning.”
Although Koehler recognizes that he is only one of nine on the board, he hopes to accomplish he three top priorities:
- hiring a new superintendent
- ensuring there are adequate controls and accountability in the area of building construction and maintenance
- raising student achievement.
Although many external issues are influencing the internal workings of the school board, such as the statewide debate on school funding, Koehler sees things at a more grass roots level.
“If you look at school districts across the country – not just Fort Worth,” he says, “you will find that the districts where the students are most successful have at least one similar quality. They have a high level of parental involvement. They also have access to resources.”
What are the implications here?
“The board must work to engage parents to a greater extent in their kids’ education and we must find a way to fund education,” he answers. “In large urban districts, parents often feel isolated. We must open up our process to the community to get their buy-in. The good news is we have fine administrators and teachers in Fort Worth and our kids are making progress.”
And while he doesn’t presume to know how the school funding debate is going to shake out, Koehler isn’t afraid to at talk about IT – a state income tax. “No one wants an income tax,” he acknowledges. “But at it is deductible on your federal tax return.”
As of now, the Legislature is grappling with different funding ideas including numerous types of business activity taxes (BAT). And, says Koehler, the legislators are having a hard time finding one that is fair to all types and sizes of business.
“The fairest tax may be the personal income tax,” he said adding that whatever funding method is chosen, it must be implemented soon. “School districts are capped out.”
Koehler supports the various community initiatives in place right now to help students and keep them in school such as the Stay In School Initiative, TEAM Fort Worth and Adopt-A-School realizing that these programs offer the most help to ethnically diverse students – many who don’t speak English -- as well as those from economically disadvantaged backgrounds.
“I believe from my experience that every child can learn and I include children with learning disabilities,” he says. “But not every child starts at the same place in the learning curve. Getting them there takes time and effort and that costs money.”
“Much is made of the economic impact of an educated labor force or community,” said Koehler paraphrasing Texas Business and Education Coalition (TBEC) executive director John Stevens, “Really these are quality of life issues. Neighborhoods are stronger; there are better economic opportunities and less crime. Education even equals better health care; there’s a correlation.”
By the end of his tenure, Koehler expects achieve the following: “I expect, at a minimum, for this district to be labeled ‘recognized.’ I expect by most, if not all, measures to be the best urban district in Texas.
“When you’re in elementary schools, you see the kids and you know they can do the work. We have to make sure they do it. It’s tough for me to see these kids and not try to do all I can to make their futures bright. I guess that sounds corny, but we’ve got to focus on the kids.”
Economic Update
Recap of Recent Economic Activities in Tarrant County
New Developments
Nearly 1,800 acres of ranchland on the south end of Benbrook Lake will become a $24-million residential estate development called Rocky Creek Ranch. Plans call for 89 homes on 10-to-50-acre lots, an equestrian area, a covered site for outdoor gatherings and more than six miles of trail system bordering the lake.
Fort Worth Business Press, June 25
Fort Worth-based Pyramid Homes has started the second phase of 79 residential lots in its Sunrise Place development, near Michael Drive and Everman Parkway.
Fort Worth Business Digest, June 28
The SkyLink Automated People Mover System has debuted at D/FW International Airport and begun an eight-month test. The world’s largest airport train is scheduled to begin serving D/FW’s existing four terminals in early 2005. Later in 2005, SkyLink will take passengers to the new International Terminal D.
Fort Worth Business Press, July 2
More than $60 million for defense programs conducted in the Dallas-Fort Worth area was approved by the U.S. Senate. The money was part of the Department of Defense Appropriations bill for fiscal year 2005, legislation co-authored by Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison of Texas.
Fort Worth Business Press, July 2
Bell Helicopter reached separate agreements with Korea Aerospace Industries, Ltd. and Mitsui Bussan Aerospace Company Ltd. for a collaboration to develop, certify, produce and market the 427i light twin IFR helicopter.
Fort Worth Business Press, July 2
James R. Harris Partners, a real estate development company, has acquired two pieces of land in south and east Fort Worth for single-family and multi-family residences and commercial property. Highpoint Hill is at FM 1187 and Hemphill Street. When completed, it will have 271 single-family residential lots, 14.5 acres of multi-family residential units and 7.5 acres of commercial property.
Star Telegram Business Digest, June 28
James R. Harris Partners recently bought 76.4 acres at the southeast corner of Farm Road 1187 and Hemphill Streets. They plan to build houses in a 273-lot subdivision to be called Highpoint Hill.
Star Telegram Business Digest, June 7
Ground Cover Industries, a company that packages and distributes landscaping fabric, has consolidated its locations in Georgia and Chicago to one spot at 3401 Ave. E. Large rolls that come from the landscape fabric makers will be cut and distributed at the 23,662-square-foot site, which also has offices. It distributes the fabric to landscape contractors and lawn and garden centers across North America.
Star Telegram Business Digest, June 7
Fort Worth South, Inc. purchased seven lots from the Fort Worth Independent School District and plans to contract with a builder for 12 townhomes on Oleander Street. The non-profit development company intends to convert Oleander, a narrow east-west street between College and Hurley in the medical district, into a pedestrian-only corridor. Plans call for dense-housing units on a tree-lined street with roadway features that encourage leisurely pedestrian traffic.
Fort Worth Business Press, June 11
Expansions and Moves
Fort worth-based Range Resources announced Tuesday that has increased its 2004 capital expenditure budget 8% to $ 136.5 million. The $ 10.1 million increase includes additional drilling, seismic and land expenditures, of which $ 5.3 million will be used in the Midcontinent and the remainder equally divided between the Permian and East Texas basins, according to a Range statement.
Fort Worth Star Telegram, June 17
The $58.8-billion JPMorgan/Bank One merger will have a major impact nationally and locally. In Tarrant County, it will combine the largest and fourth largest banks in the area, with $3.8 billion in deposits in Tarrant County, according to Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. figures as of June 2003. JPMorgan has 10 branches and employs 4,100 locally.
Fort Worth Business Press, June 25
FNIS Flood Services, a real estate information service company, has renewed and expanded its space at the eight-story Skymark Tower.
Star Telegram Business Digest, June 14.
Metal Work Pneumatic USA has moved its distribution center from Grand Prairie to 1120 Eden Road. The company moved to the new 16,000-square-foot building for the additional space.
Star Telegram Business Digest, June 21
Under Construction
By late summer, work that will turn Rosedale Street into a six-lane, high-speed thoroughfare should begin. The plan was fine-tuned 10 years ago when the south edge of downtown was an industrialized area. Construction bids will be accepted in July and a contractor should be selected by the end of the month for the section between South Main and Forest Park Boulevard. Work could begin in August on the 32-month project.
Fort Worth Business Press, June 18
Duke Realty Corp. will build a 688,000-sqaure-foot, custom-designed facility for Del Monte Foods to serve as its Southeast Distribution hub. The facility is located in the Railhead Business Park.
Star Telegram Business Digest, June 14
Weber & Co. of Dallas has entered a partnership with Kimco Realty to redevelop the Montgomery Ward 45-acre site and its eight-story catalog building. Demolition will take 90 to 120 days. Weber will spend at least $42.5 million to refurbish the building and add retail sites on the parking lot. Target Corp.will spend $8.7 million to build a SuperTarget on the back portion of the site.
Star Telegram Business Digest, June 14
Behr Process Corp., maker of paints, has bought 22.5 acres for a 400,000-square-foot manufacturing and distribution center. The California-based company plans to complete the $12 million facility by next summer. It is near the intersection of Texas 170 and U.S. 377 in Roanoke.
Star Telegram Business Press, June 28
Coca-Cola Bottling Co. of North Texas is adding on to its bottling and distribution plant in Fossil Creek Business Park. Fort Worth-based contractor d/b constructors is about 80 percent finished with a 125,000-square-foot addition to its bottling and distribution capacity.
Fort Worth Star Telegram, June 30
On the Dotted Line
Several new businesses have been signed for the Midway Business Park according to First Industry Realty. They are:
- Charter Communications leased 22,00 square feet of office and warehouse space;
- Vellman, a Belgian computer circuitry company, leased 9,991 square feet;
- The Star Telegram’s Autofinder has leased 2,400 square feet of office space;
- Advantage Cable Services has leased 1,500 square feet.
Star Telegram Business Digest, June 28
Blackboard Inc. was set to go public in June, expecting to raise $51.1 million at $14 a share. The seven-year-old District company, which will trade on the Nasdaq Stock Market, provides online learning software to colleges and universities. Blackboard has raised $103 million through five rounds of venture funding. Oak Hill Capital Partners, a Fort Worth fund, owns 3.4 million shares.
Washington Post, June 18
Inland Real Estate, a real estate investment and financial company, has purchased Watauga Pavilion, a 205,740-square-foot shopping center.
Fort Worth Business Digest, June 28
21 Flavors of Wings has signed a five-year lease for 8,820 square feet at 4919 Rondo Drive, near Interstate 35 and Meacham Boulevard, for a distribution hub for the company’s 13 restaurants.
Fort Worth Star Telegram, June28.
Owen Custom Pools has leased 1,000 square feet for a custom pool showroom and sales office in the Lovell Shopping Center at 5800 Camp Bowie Blvd.
Star Telegram Business Digest, June 7
Purselley Pool Service has leased 2,400 square feet at 4205 W. Vickery Blvd. for a new location. The larger space allows the company to add spas and accessories to its product lines.
Star Telegram Business Digest, June 21
The Reiswig Group-DFW Properties.net, a residential real estate firm founded in 2001, has leased 1,500-square-feet of office space in Eastchase Corners, 8650 Meadowbrook Drive, for is office.
Star Telegram Business Digest, June 14
A limited partnership under the entity 3021 Ramona has bought a 3,400-square-foot building on a three-quarter-acre site at 3021 Ramona in far west Fort Worth.
Star Telegram Business Digest, June 14
ATI Career Training Center has signed a lease for 39,074 square feet at Richland Business Centre on Grapevine Highway in North Richland Hills.
Star Telegram Business Digest, June 28
Around Town
June 15 marked the fifth anniversary of Amtrak's Heartland Flyer service between Oklahoma City and Fort Worth. In the last five years, nearly 300,000 people have ridden the Heartland Flyer. Ridership on the Heartland Flyer was up by 17 percent for the fiscal year ended Sept. 30 from the previous fiscal year. Revenues for the first eight months of the fiscal year that started Oct. 1 were up 22 percent from a year earlier.
The Journal Record, Oklahoma City, OK, June 15
The Leather Factory, Inc. announced a licensing agreement with Little League Baseball, Inc. ("LLB"). In that agreement, TLF has obtained LLB's authorization to use the official Little League emblem on its Ball Glove Repair & Care Kit and to advertise the kit as "licensed by or approved by Little League Baseball.
Business Wire, June 18
The Fort Worth Transportation Authority announced a Saturday-only express trolley from the Intermodal Transportation Center on Jones Street to The Fort Worth Zoo and to the Cultural District Visitors Center. This service connects every 30 minutes beginning at 9:30 a.m. with the last pickup from the zoo at 6:37 p.m.
Fort Worth Business Press, June 11
The National Cutting Horse Association and Shell Oil Products, U.S. announced that Pennzoil will join the list of NCHA official sponsors. The agreement includes sponsor support at all six of NCHA’s major shows.
Fort Worth Business Press, July 2
Custom motorcycle producer Bill Rucker unveiled his first Rucker Performance model-Copperhead. The bike is the first from Rucker’s production facility in Fort Worth.
Fort Worth Business Press, July 2
The Games of Texas return to Northeast Tarrant County, bringing 10,000 athletes and more than 25,000 spectators. The games are expected to generate about $10 million for the local economy by bringing customers to restaurants, hotels and other businesses, organizers said.
Fort Worth Star Telegram, June 18
Registered nurses, home health aides, chaplains, and social workers at VITAS Innovative Hospice Care of Fort Worth are among the first hospice professionals in the Greater Dallas/Fort Worth area to have completed a nationally recognized certificate program in pediatric end-of-life care.
PR Newswire, June 22
Out of Town Reporting
Edmonton Journal,
From an oil painting worth almost $500,000 to dream-inspired watercolours for less than $2,000, hundreds of Salvador Dali's works are for sale in Texas. To commemorate what would have been the Spanish artist's 100th birthday, the Salvador Dali Gallery in Pacific Palisades, Calif., is showing and selling more than 600 pieces at the Fort Worth Community Arts Center.
Edmonton Journal, Alberta, Canada, June 13
Foreclosure postings on commercial real estate in the Metroplex decreased in June from May, dropping below 100 properties for the first time in nearly a year, Addison-based Foreclosure Listing Service reports.
Star Telegram Business Digest, June 28
Officials and patrons at the Fort Worth Zoo wanted to party like, well, animals in late May. That was when the zoo was ranked in a Zagat Survey as the top attraction in the Metroplex and No. 19 among the "Fifty Overall Top-Rated Attractions" in the country. Among other Fort Worth attractions making the list:
- Bass Performance Hall is No. 10 nationally on a list of attractions that appeal to adults
- The Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth tops the overall list of best museums
- Kimbell Art Museum is hot on its heels, at No. 4
- The Fort Worth Museum of Science and History, which received a near-perfect score in child appeal.
Fort Worth Business Press, June 18
Data provided by Strategic Insight Group,
Intelligence Research Partner of the Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce
Dateline: Fort Worth...
36 Hours: In Fort Worth
“Once the dusty, dowdy sidekick to Dallas, Fort Worth seems well on its way to becoming the liveliest two-step in Texas, an irresistible combination of cowboys and culture. In a two-decade overhaul, significantly helped by oil-rich natives, the little fort that was created to protect Dallas has grown up to become a center of innovative architecture, art, music, ballet and opera.
Sundance Square, the revitalized, spirited downtown, is a model of urban planning. “Where the West begins” was Fort Worth’s 1800’s descriptive – and, still, with more big blue sky than skyscrapers and more sidewalks than freeways, the city proper (population over 500,000) is unabashedly hospitable to drop-ins.
As for that Texas summer heat: no problem. Curled brim, high-vented cowboy hats are sold and worn everywhere, even inside with air-conditioning…
Japanese Tranquility
Time for a Zen moment before the rest of your excursion. The Japanese Garden at the Botanic Garden… awaits. A onetime gravel pit, now carved into 7.5 acres of Japanese landscapes and structures, the garden is centered around a serpentine pond, with schools of astoundingly large, lively and friendly rainbow-colored koi.
Wild West Women
If you’ve ever fallen in love with a cowgirl, or wished you were one, the National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame… is a must. Not just chicks in chaps, it’s a celebration – through multimedia presentation, films and costume exhibitions – of Western women, including celebrity singers, writers and artists, as well as a multitude of lesser-known names – women who rode and ranched across the West, and still do.
Art Park Afternoon
The city’s foremost art museums are in an architectural dreamscape, each building seamlessly linked by elegant landscaping and walkways. The newest is the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth. Designed by Tadao Ando to house mid-20th-century to contemporary art, the building is a series of soaring glass pavilions surrounded by shallow water and river-stone pools…
Smaller in size but no less arresting, the Kimbell Art Museum is down the walkway. Designed by Louis Kahn and completed in 1972, it holds recognizable masterpieces – including works by Mondrian and Goya – balanced by the serenity of arched stone galleries.
Just ahead is the Amon Carter Museum. Designed by Philip Johnson, it opened in 1961, and its gallery space has tripled. Its American and European collection is extensive, but it is perhaps best known for its Western art and photography.”
The New York Times
June 2004
BIO 2004
BioMetroplex Alliance Attends BIO 2004
Members of DFW Life Sciences Partnership – the BioMetroplex Alliance – recently returned from the BIO 2004 annual international convention in San Francisco. The partnership, made up of representatives of the Fort Worth Chamber, the Greater Dallas Chamber, The Health Industry Council and the North Texas Commission, was formed to continue fostering the growth of the region’s broad life sciences industry. BIO 2004 is the largest gathering of biotechnology leaders in the world and it drew nearly 17,000 biotechnology and life science professionals from 61 countries, 49 U.S. states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and 10 Canadian provinces
“BIO is the perfect forum for our efforts,” says Carole Raulston Myer, director of business development for the Fort Worth Chamber. “It represents more than 1,000 biotechnology companies, academic institutions, state biotechnology centers and related organizations in all 50 states as well as other nations. BIO members are involved in the research and development of health-care, agricultural, industrial and environmental biotechnology products.”
Worldwide, life sciences and biotech is an $800 billion a year business and growing rapidly. “The goal is for Dallas-Fort Worth to become a more significant player in both U.S. and international biotech and life sciences,” said Myer. “The coalition is actively promoting the industry within the Metroplex to make this region a global competitor, especially in medically related areas such as pharmaceuticals, diagnostics and medical devices.”
Myer added that by creating this partnership, the DFW region can continue to evolve into a noteworthy life sciences center while leveraging the region’s existing academic, research and manufacturing assets.
“Dallas-Fort Worth has tremendous infrastructure and economic development initiatives in place as well as world-class university research scientists and companies that need an initiative such as this to nurture and encourage their growth within the region’s bio-industry,” said Tom Leppert, past chairman of the Greater Dallas Chamber. “Success in the future depends on how well we put together a community strategy—a coordinated regional effort working together to market the region nationally and internationally, attracting new life sciences companies, industry investment and recruiting both executive and scientific talent.”
The DFW Life Sciences Partnership had two exhibit spaces within the Texas Pavilion and showcased corporate, academic, economic development, community groups and institutions. The Texas Pavilion was organized by Governor Rick Perry’s office.
According Leppert, 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.”
As part of their sales arsenal, the DFW Life Sciences Partnership carried potent information to the convention. 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.
By bringing together all the critical competitive advantages of DFW, the region has the ability to compete globally in the biotechnology and life sciences.
“You have to be in this for the long haul,” says Myer. “The Dallas and Fort Worth Chambers have been working together on life sciences initiatives for over two years. We believe that to be successful in attracting these kinds of companies, it is important to bring the region together to speak as one voice in this arena.”
Among the DFW institutions/companies who participated at BIO 2004 as part of the DFW Life Sciences Partnerships are Community Participants: City of Dallas, City of Fort Worth, TXU, Plano Economic Development Board, Tech Fort Worth, University of North Texas Health Sciences Center, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, University of Texas at Dallas and University of Texas at Arlington.
Company sponsors: Baker Botts; Chalker Flores, LLP; D’Antoni Partners, Inc.; Deloitte & Touche USL LLP; Ernst & Young; Hughes Ventures; Jackson Walker, LLP; Jones Day; PageSoutherlandPage; Research Row Bio Labs including Carter BloodCare, US Oncology, and Tissuegen, Inc.; UT Southwestern Medical School Veripath Labs, Biological Targets, Macrocyclics, Inc., HemoBio Tech,; The Realtime Group; and Transwestern Commercial Services.
Cowboys Luncheon
Jones Kicks Off Cowboy Season at Chamber Luncheon
Just like the Dallas Cowboys play to sold-out stadiums across the country, team owner Jerry Jones is expected to face a sold out luncheon when he addresses the Fort Worth Chamber at a season preview luncheon. Gold sponsors for the luncheon are Healthpoint Ltd.; Robert Halff International; Kelly, Hart & Hallman; and TexasBank.
- What: Dallas Cowboy Season Preview Luncheon
- When: Wednesday, Aug. 25, noon-1:30 p.m. Registration begins at 11:30 a.m.
- Where: The Petroleum Club Wildcatter’s Room, 777 Commerce, 39th floor
- Cost: Chamber members - $30; Gold members - $25; and non-members - $50
Jones purchased the Dallas Cowboys in 1989, and by 1995, had three Super Bowl victories in hand making him the first owner in NFL history to guide his team to three league championships in his first seven years of ownership.
Last year, Jones pulled off a coup of sorts when he hired legendary coach Bill Parcells to make the team, which had fallen on hard times, a contender again. Parcells returned the ‘Boys to the playoffs in his first year.
Can fans hope for more this year? Jones will draw up the season game plan for us. To RSVP, contact Jeanean Herod at jherod@fortworthchamber.com or 817-336-2491, ext. 275 or register online at events.fortworthchamber.com
Del Monte
Del Monte Deal Comes to Fruition
One of the nation’s largest producers and distributors of fruits and vegetables, Del Monte Foods, will build a 700,000-square-foot distribution center in north Fort Worth. The company selected a site situated between two Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway tracks in a section of the Railhead Industrial Park north of Northeast Loop 820 and south of Industrial Boulevard.
Since acquiring several business units from food producer H.J. Heinz 18 months ago, Del Monte has been streamlining its regional hubs and distribution networks according to a company spokesperson. Facilities are being relocated and consolidated in some cases. In others, new larger buildings are being built to accommodate an increase product lines. The acquisition of the Heinz lines doubled the size of Del Monte, doubling its 2003 sales to more than $3 billion. The size of the new Fort Worth facility is in line with other distribution centers in the Railhead Industrial Park.
Speed Networking
Speed Networking – Chamber’s Newest Event
Two Fort Worth Chamber members had the need for speed. They saw a gap in our programming and jumped into fill it. “This Chamber offers many, many networking opportunities, but I saw too many members who didn’t know how to maximize those opportunities,” says David Karnofel, owner of Business Advisors, Inc. David was in Mike Mayes’ Lead Cats Leads Group and the two started talking about a new monthly program where members could actually learn the complexities of networking.
“Speed Dating was the hot new trend, so we simply called this Speed Networking,” noted Mike Mayes, President of Futurenet Solutions, Inc. Using his information technology (IT) expertise, Mike tweaked the numbers and determined that one individual could, in two hours meet 31 other business people, spending just a minute and a half describing his business and listening for another minute and a half.
Participants receive constant instruction as they make their way through the lightning fast rounds, learning how to perfect their “elevator speech,” how to ask the right questions, even how to extricate themselves from conversations not beneficial to their business.
Speed Networking is offered monthly, except December, at Café Aspen, 6103 Camp Bowie, 5:30-8 p.m. Cost is $10 and open to Chamber members only.
“I’ve never had so much fun,” said CPA Bob Powell after his June participation.
Karnofel has now shared Speed Networking with professional associates in Northern California and Southern Florida, Nevada, New Jersey, Ohio, Michigan and Georgia who are approaching their chambers about producing a similar program.
Mark your calendar for Speed Networking Aug. 24, Sept. 28, Oct. 26 and Nov. 30. For more information, contact Diana Dugan at 817-336-2491, ext. 258.
WAC Lunch
Lunch with Lewis and Clark at FW Science & History Museum
Explorers Meriwether Lewis and William Clark come to life in “Lewis and Clark: Great Journey West,” an Omni Theater presentation which will be featured at the next Fort Worth Chamber General Membership Meeting hosted by the West Area Council. The luncheon will be held in the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History’s Omni and is sponsored by Wells Fargo.
- What: General Membership Meeting hosted by the West Area Council
- When: Thursday, Aug. 26, registration – 11:15-11:45 a.m. Program at 11:55 a.m. Movie at 12:20 p.m.
- Where: Fort Worth Museum of Science and History, 1501 Montgomery
- Cost: Chamber members - $25; Gold Members - $20; and non-members - $40.
This giant-screen journey back in time gives viewers the opportunity to travel alongside historic explorers Lewis and Clark and their Corps of Discovery. With Sacagawea, a heroic Native American woman and interpreter for the expedition, Lewis and Clark made history exploring the American West. This film is narrated by actor Jeff Bridges.
To RSVP, contact Jeanean Herod at jherod@fortworthchamber.com or 817-336-2491, ext. 275. Or register online at events.forworthchamber.com.
Women in Business
Bell Helicopter EVP-CFO’s Career Soaring
Cathy Smith, executive vice president and Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of Bell Helicopter Textron, Inc., is the featured speaker at the Fort Worth Chamber’s next Women in Business Luncheon. The luncheon series focuses on successful women and their careers. SouthTrust Bank is a silver sponsor.
- What: Women in Business Luncheon featuring Cathy Smith
- When: Thursday, Sept. 2, noon-1:30 p.m. Registration begins at 11:30 a.m.
- Where: Mira Vista Country Club, 6600 Mira Vista Blvd.
- Cost: Chamber members - $25; Gold members - $20; and non-members - $40
As EVP and CFO for Bell Helicopter, Smith provides strategic and tactical financial management, direction and guidance to the Bell Systems Segment. Bell Helicopter is the world’s preeminent provider of vertical takeoff and landing aircraft and support systems and is based in Fort Worth.
As at previous Women in Business luncheons, teenage girls from FWISD will be invited as guests of women executives and business owners as part of the Chamber’s Stay-In-School Initiative. The intent is for the students to interact with successful women. Those same students will be invited to upcoming luncheons. Anyone interested in sponsoring a student should contact Jeanean Herod at jherod@fortworthchamber.com or 817-336-2491, ext. 275. For more information on the luncheon or to register, go online to events.fortworthchamber.com.
Small Business Awards
Time for Small Business Nominations
The Fort Worth Chamber is gearing up for its sixth annual “A Rising Star: Small Business of the Year Awards.” Deadline for nominations is Sept. 3. Presenting sponsor is Citizens National Bank.
The nomination process remains the same this year – anyone may nominate a small business or self-nominate their own business for the award. The awards will be broken out by number of employees. Award categories are 1-10 employees, 11-50 employees, 51-100 employees, 101-250 employees and emerging business (in business less than three years and not a buyout of an existing business). The awards luncheon will be held March 31, 2005.
“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 Lydia Hall, director of Business Services for the Chamber, adding that participation in the application process holds many additional benefits for small companies.
Criteria for the awards include:
- Any for-profit business headquartered in Tarrant County
- Applicant must be owner, partner or major shareholder of the business and active in its day-to-day operations.
- 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 and not a buyout of an existing business
- Businesses providing a current member of the Fort Worth Chamber Board of Directors will not be eligible for consideration
- Businesses must be members of the Fort Worth Chamber at the time award is presented
Nominees will be recognized in future issues of the Chamberletter as well as listed on the Chamber’s website. Finalists – announced Jan. 4 -- 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 reception Jan. 26, and be invited to participate in a panel discussion at a Small Business Council “best practices” breakfast Feb. 9.
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.
According to Hall, 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. 1.
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 on the awards, how to nominate a business or any other questions, go to www.fortworthchamber.com or contact Lydia Hall at 817-336-2491, ext. 272. For information on sponsorship opportunities, call Richelle Hicks at ext. 243.
Golf Tournament
Just Fore the Fun of it, Play Chamber Golf Classic
Time sure flies. It’ll soon be September and time for the 18th Annual Fort Worth Chamber Classic Golf presented by XTO Energy. Get your foursomes together and plan to take a Monday afternoon to play golf. Or consider being an event sponsor. There is still plenty of time.
This year, the Chamber Golf Classic will offer only afternoon play. The day will begin with a lunch of grilled hamburgers donated for the fifth consecutive year by Outback, noon at the Club sponsored by Holt Cat and a 1 p.m. shotgun start. As always, play will take place on both the North and South Ridglea golf courses. The day wraps up with an awards dinner at the Club.
- What: 18th Fort Worth Chamber Golf Classic
- Where: Ridglea Country Club, 3700 Bernie Anderson Ave.
- When: Monday, Sept. 20 (Rain date: Sept. 27)
- Tee Times: Registration – 11:30 a.m.; Shotgun start - 1 p.m. – North and South course. Florida Scramble format. Registration deadline is Aug. 29.
- Cost: $720/team of four for afternoon tee times; $180/individual
The Fort Worth Chamber Golf Classic is recognized as one of the area’s best and is a fabulous networking opportunity. Be sure to get your company’s name in front of many of Fort Worth’s movers and shakers. It’s not too late to take advantage of terrific sponsorship opportunities. For more information, contact Richelle Hicks at 817-336-2491, ext. 243.
Ribbon Cuttings
Summertime Ribbon Cuttings
Ribbon-cutting was held May 25 to celebrate the new location of EECU Credit Union, located at 10800 Beach St. To learn more about the organization, contact Jan Smith at 817/454-2386.
Custom boot makers, Mercedes Boot Company, held a ribbon-cutting in honor of its new location at 2440 White Settlement Rd. Call Debby Sossaman at 817/332-2668 for more information. The event was held June 10.
A grand opening and ribbon-cutting held July 21 heralded the opening of the new Springhill Suites by Marriott at 3250 Lovell. Contact Angela Wills at 817/821-5995 for more information on the property.
Fit for Life Center – Ridgmar held a grand opening to mark the debut of the new location on July 23. For more information about Fit for Life, call Larry Boyce at 817/737-2276.
Ambassador of the Month
Action Ambassador for May 2004
The Fort Worth Chamber’s top Action Ambassador for May 2004 was Cindy Johnston, an Ambassador only since February 2004. Johnston is Director of Sales for Candlewood Suites – Fossil Creek.
Action Ambassadors keep busy on behalf of the Chamber calling on new members and working 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.
For more information contact:
Teresa
Pearson
Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce
817-336-2491 Ext. 249
Growing Fort Worth
We’re Movin’ on Up…
Seems folks are fast finding their way to good old Fort Worth. According to the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2003 population estimates, Fort Worth has climbed up the population chart to No. 20 on the largest cities in the United States hit parade.
Based on those figures, Fort Worth can now boast 585,122 residents, a number which moves Cowtown past Charlotte, N.C., El Paso, Boston, Seattle and Washington D.C.
By contrast, Dallas moved down the list as San Antonio moved up, with Dallas now ranking 9th and San Antonio ranking 8th. That change also now means that San Antonio, not Big D, is the second largest city in the Lone Star State,
Fort Worth is now the country’s fastest growing city of 500,000 or more from 2000-2003. That’s 8.1 percent with an addition of 44,023 residents. Compare that with the population of Grapevine, which is 46,891.
Texas now boasts 24 cities of 100,000 or more and six of the nation’s 25 largest cities. The state’s largest city is Houston, followed by San Antonio, Dallas, Austin, Fort Worth and El Paso. California only has four cities on that list and no other state has more than one city in the top 25. Something else Texans can brag about.
Small Biz
Branch-Smith Honored with Small Business Award
Continuing our series on 2004 Small Business of the Year Award winners, we highlight Branch-Smith Printing LP, winner of the award in the 51-100 employee category. Founded in 1910 by Aaron Smith, the company is specializes in printed product solutions such as publications, magazines, catalogs, books and other bound printed material.
The Branch-Smith culture is one where the employees are superbly trained and highly valued. That culture, noted Small Business of the Year Award judges, is responsible for the company’s remarkably low turnover rate – seven percent.
The SBOY Award is hardly the first recognition the company has received; they were honored nationally with the prestigious Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award in 2002. In accepting that award, company chairman and president David Branch gave much of the credit to his employees.
“Without their hard work and determination to shape their own experiences in the workplace and thereby improve the experiences of our customers,” said Branch of his staff when he accepted the award, “I would not be standing here today.”
He added, “This culture of discipline and caring has led to strong company results for our team – employee turnover and accidents falling to benchmark levels, a productivity increase per employee of 33 percent, with sales doubling over four years while industry demand has been flat or down.”
The Branch-Smith mission, “Expert solutions for publishers,” reflects the company’s focus on the needs of corporations, associations and other publishers who provide information to their members, employees or product and service related customers.
July 2004 Edition
June 2004 Edition
May 2004 Edition
April 2004 Edition
March 2004 Edition
February 2004 Edition
January 2004 Edition
December 2003 Edition
November 2003 Edition
September 2003 Edition
August
2003 Edition
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 |
