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 - December 2004
From the Chairman
Mike Berry
October was a month for celebrating Fort Worth’s past accomplishments and looking strategically towards its future.
On Oct. 9, Fort Worth celebrated receiving a 10-year designation as one of “America’s Most Livable Communities.” The following week, the Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors held a strategic planning retreat to examine a range of issues facing the community and the Chamber as a non-profit operation. This is done every five years producing a strategic plan that guides Chamber efforts and direction.
The Chamber has historically played a critical role in building the city and the region by facilitating the connectivity between the business community, government, neighborhoods, and the arts thereby helping to foster the quality of life that we in Fort Worth are fortunate enough to enjoy.
At this year’s two-day strategic planning retreat, board members grappled with such challenging issues as regionalism, government relations and Chamber operational issues. We also took a hard look at the trends, challenges and opportunities that will affect the Chamber and our community over the next five years.
Regionalism has become increasingly important because, in a global economy, the DFW Metroplex is often viewed as a single economic arena. Regionalism was a major focus of the 2000 strategic plan. Indeed, the current board noted the trend of other chambers across the country adopting a “Greater” or “Metro” descriptor in the chamber name signaling that they were the “lead” chamber in the region. Our board concluded that such a name change would be a detractor and could compromise the collaborative spirit that has been generated in the area.
With the 2005 legislative session set to begin next month, government relations is another vital area the board addressed during the retreat. In anticipation of the legislative session, the Chamber’s governmental affairs office is working on such critical issues as public school finance, transportation and air quality, Base Realignment and Closure as well as traditional issues related to taxation, workers’ comp, health care, work force development and others. Despite a growing trend of some chambers to focus on governmental relations on a federal level, our board felt that the Chamber’s efforts should remain focused on state and local issues monitoring national issues on an as needed basis.
Long hours were spent dealing with operational issues at the retreat such as fundraising, membership benefits, human resources and generating non-dues revenue through efforts such as the Total Resource Campaign. One topic, however, was deemed critical by the Chamber board – leadership development. The board recognizes that Fort Worth has enjoyed tremendous business leadership over the past 50 years but that we can not just assume that we will always have that type of engaged individual. To prevent any dearth in community leadership, the board plans to identify up and coming young city leaders and encourage their participation in the Chamber through committee positions and area council boards and mentor them into positions of board leadership.
Of course, there are many challenges and opportunities facing the Chamber. Among these are population growth, advancing technology, rising energy costs, homeland security needs, intellectual capital and the expanding global economy. Having spent time at the retreat with other concerned board members, truly examining these daunting issues, I firmly believe we in Fort Worth are up to the challenges that lie ahead. And your chamber of commerce has the foresight and dedication to prepare for tomorrow’s challenges today.
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Bike Patrol
Bike Patrol Keeps Downtown Safe, Fun Place to Be
In the early 90s, downtown Fort Worth had not yet made its phenomenal comeback from an aging business district to an exciting, safe place to be after dark. Today, downtown is one of Fort Worth’s top attractions to locals and tourists alike. The main reason that folks feel so safe downtown is the Fort Worth Police Department’s Bike Patrol, a unit of 20 officers dedicated to deterring criminal activity and increasing the public’s perception of safety in the downtown area.
The unit began in 1991, when the FWPD recognized a need to decrease crime and increase police presence in the downtown area. At about that time, a new and innovative concept in community policing – a police bicycle patrol unit -- had proven successful in downtown Seattle. Local police officials took a foot patrol unit and turned it into one of the first bicycle units in Texas. The rest is history.
Today, the Downtown Bike Patrol has officers on the beat in downtown in three shifts, 24/7. According to Lieutenant Billy Cordell, FWPD and former head of the Bike Patrol, “These officers love patrolling on bikes. We never have trouble getting officers for this division.”
As easy as it has been to find the necessary personnel for the Bike Patrol, the actual bikes are often more difficult to come by. Bikes designed to take the punishment the duty exacts on them are expensive and require regular maintenance. To ensure that the Bike Patrol has the equipment and support they need, the Fort Worth Police Bike Patrol Citizens Support Group, a non-profit organization, was formed. Glen Hahn, president of the board of the support group, says the support group provides moral support and funds for equipment, training and uniforms for the Bike Patrol.
Hahn was chair of the Fort Worth Chamber’s Central Area Council (CAC) when that group was looking for action items to focus on. “The idea of supporting the Bike Patrol sort of blossomed,” says Hahn adding that since the patrol’s inception, downtown crime has decreased about 24 percent. “The presence of the Bike Patrol makes people feel safe. It makes people want to come downtown.”
Today, Lt. Cordell is the chair of the CAC board and he notes that on given day, approximately 35,000-40,000 people move in and out of Fort Worth’s business district. “That’s a lot of opportunity for crime,” notes Lt. Cordell. “And when the business people leave, downtown becomes an entertainment district with special events going on almost everyday.”
Today, the support group not only raises funds to provide equipment and training, they also solicit businesses to donate bicycles and equipment as well as items presented to officers at the annual Bike Patrol appreciation dinner. According to Hahn, the appreciation dinner is held to recognize the efforts and dedication of Bike Patrol officers. This past year, Bike Patrol officers were first on the scene of the tragic Water Gardens drownings and dived in in an attempt to rescue the victims.
“The officers work hard to maintain high visibility and respond in a timely fashion to all calls for service in the downtown area,” said Lt. Cordell. “The presence of uniformed police officers on bikes protects our citizens and businesses, deters thefts and assaults, and allows officers to opportunity to get to know the people they serve.”
For more information on the Bike Patrol or the Citizens Support Group, contact Glen Hahn at 817-335-4500, ext. 22.
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| Members of the Fort Worth Police Department Downtown Bike Patrol |
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Economic Update
Recap of Recent Economic Activities in Tarrant County
Property investment firm Realty Capital Partners Inc. has teamed up with industrial developer Bradford Cos. to develop more multi-tenant industrial space at Carter Industrial Park in south Fort Worth. The companies are constructing two speculative buildings, totaling 120,000 square feet, to service small-end users in need of 15,000-25,000 square feet. Dallas Business Journal, Oct. 0
Global Group, an employee-owned printing company, is adding a 73,625-square-foot building to its facility at 4901 N. Beach St. The addition will more than double the plant's size, now about 52,000 square feet. Fort Worth Star Telegram, Oct. 4
Autobahn Motorcars had purchased and expanded an existing building at 2810 White Settlement Road for its Volkswagen product line. The 81,000-square-foot facility is now the largest VW dealership in the country. Fort Worth Business Press, Oct. 1-7
Hillwood has begun adding hangar space to its operations at Alliance Airport. Construction has started on a 30,181 square-foot expansion to existing space for a total of 62,181 square feet. This will allow storage of eight additional aircraft. The new space will be finished in February 2005. Fort Worth Star Telegram, Oct. 11
Postal Vault, a company that specializes in secure residential mailboxes, has moved from Dallas to Main Street in downtown Fort Worth. Fort Worth Business Press, Oct. 15-21
TCU’s Starpoint School has completed renovation and expansion of the school, the first in its 38-year history. The project included an additional classroom, which incorporates a new sixth level classroom, expansion of the current five classrooms and other enhancements. Fort Worth Business Press, Oct. 22-28
American Integration, an IT company, has relocated from 235 NE Loop 820 in Hurst, taking 2,400 square feet at the First Industrial Park. Fort Worth Business Press, Oct. 22-28
Westwood College, a national system of privately operated career-focused colleges with four Texas campuses, is building a new campus at 4220 North Freeway in the Mercantile Tech Center at Interstate 35W and Meacham Boulevard. Fort Worth Star Telegram, Oct. 4
Construction has begun on the $5.1 million Wells Fargo Bank building at 901 W. Rosedale St. in the Magnolia Green mixed-use urban development on Fort Worth's near south side. Wells Fargo will anchor the two-story, 33,000-square-foot Class A office building that is scheduled for completion in May. Fort Worth Star Telegram, Oct. 11
Construction is under way on Texas Cancer Care Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders, a two-story, 51,000-square-foot building in the 800 block of Magnolia Avenue. It is expected to be ready in February. Fort Worth Star Telegram, Oct. 11
Office developer DeGuire Properties has started construction on offices for Benenati Law Firm PC at 2816 Bedford Road in the Sunnycrest Office Park. The 3,999-square-foot office is expected to be completed in four months, according to the Bedford-based developer. Fort Worth Star Telegram, Oct. 11
All Saints School has broken ground for its Upper School, baseball field and accompanying campus structures at the Normandale campus. Construction is expected to be complete by December 2005. Fort Worth Business Press, Oct. 15-21
Harris Methodist HEB Hospital has begun construction on an expanded Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. The $1.775 million project will allow the hospital to add 12 beds and create a 16-bed unit. Fort Worth Business Press, Oct. 22-28
Coaster Co. of America, a furniture importer and distributor, has moved into its new 405,000-square-foot regional-distribution and call center, 14901 Grand River Road in Seefried Properties RiverPark Business Park, just south of DFW International Airport. Fort Worth Star Telegram, Oct. 4
Lowe's, which announced in late July that it will build a home improvement store at the northeast corner of Eastchase Parkway and Interstate 30, bought the land from Fort Worth businessman Alan Friedman. The $18.5-million project will create 175 local jobs, the company said. Fort Worth Star Telegram, Oct. 4
ERX Network LLC, a provider of network services to retail pharmacies, has leased 9,674 square feet of office space on the 31st floor of Tower II at City Center. Fort Worth Business Press, Oct. 1-7
Factory Builder Stores has leased 1,900 square feet at 3801 West Freeway, joining tenants Techline Furniture & Cabinetry and Pella Windows & Doors. Fort Worth Star Telegram, Oct. 25
Dwight Mitchell of Mitchell Properties has purchased the former Martha Washington Candy Co. building at 1412 W. Magnolia. Fort Worth Business Press, Oct. 22-28
Sawtooth Energy Partners, a local oil and gas company headed by Mary Searcy, has taken 3,215 square feet on the 14th floor of the Chase Texas Tower at 201 Main Street.
Fort Worth Business Press, Oct. 29 – Nov. 4
Ice cream seller Ben & Jerry’s has leased 1,150 square feet in The Village at Camp Bowie, 6115 Camp Bowie Suite 115 will open in December. Fort Worth Business Press, Oct. 29 – Nov. 4
RJ's Roadhouse opened Saturday at 2513 Rodeo Plaza in the Fort Worth Stockyards. The 10,300-square-foot restaurant and bar features a limited lunch and dinner menu of burgers and fried chicken, as well as bands on weekends. Fort Worth Star Telegram, Oct. 18
Famsa, an appliance, furniture and electronics retailer with more than 300 stores in Mexico, is opening its second Texas location in the Hispanic neighborhoods of north Fort Worth. Fort Worth Star Telegram, Oct. 11
Nanotechnology, green chemistry and allergens research, including 450 scientific papers, were presented at the 60th Southwest Regional Meeting of the American Chemical Society in Fort Worth Sept. 29-Oct. 2 at the Fort Worth Plaza Hotel. Fort Worth Business Press, Oct. 1-7
Data provided by Strategic Insight Group,
Intelligence Research Partner of the Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce
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Dateline: Fort Worth...
The Museum Empires of Dallas and Fort Worth
In more recent years, the neighboring cities of Dallas and Fort Worth have turned themselves into a sprawling showcase of first-rate paintings, sculptures and architecture. Both Southwestern urban areas boast art ‘theme parks’ spread over dozens of areas; between the two cities, there are seven museums that aficionados rank among the best in the United States, and at least a dozen other worthy repositories of paintings and sculpture.
Fort Worth grabbed the lead in the transformation of this corner of northeast Texas into a major arts destination two years ago with the opening of its boldly designed Modern Art Museum. This spectacular display of post-1940s works by international artists is the anchor of a trio of art buildings clustered on the edge of the city. Next door is the Kimbell Art Museum, featuring European art up to the early 20th century and works from Asia and other regions. Next to that is the Amon Carter Museum, one of the best places in the country to view the works of Frederic Remington and other artists of the American West.
A Texan Rivalry
Although they have begun crafting cooperative arts tours, officials from the two cities have a hard time masking the traditional Dallas-Fort Worth rivalry. Historically, Dallas has been considered the faster-paced and more urbane place, a modern commercial and business center. Fort Worth, a 40-minute drive away, thinks of itself as an overgrown family-friendly town with a distinctively western outlook.
Art fans can reap the fruits of the competition. With so many venues featuring such a variety of visual arts, a visitor could easily take in the best of both cities – starting out surrounded by impressionist paintings in Dallas, ending with postmodernists in Fort Worth and taking in a marvelously preserved collection of Asian masterpieces in between.
The Washington Post
October 2004
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Mentoring
Mentoring Gives Confidence to Both Mentor and Mentee
“Don’t do anything I wouldn’t do,” warns the 12-year-old student’s grandfather who is raising him.
The Kirkpatrick Middle School seventh-grader is just one of many Fort Worth ISD students whose circumstances are less than ideal and would benefit from having a mentor. But he is one of the lucky ones; he does have a mentor who participates in FWISD’s TEAM Fort Worth, part of the Stay-in-School Initiative. The program is a school-based program that pairs adult volunteers with students 9-14 to increase their self-esteem and motivation as well as to improve school attendance.
The young man – Fort Worth ISD policy prohibits listing the students by name – meets about once a week with Peter Dahlberg, his TEAM Fort Worth mentor, and they talk about school, sports and “family stuff” that the mentee doesn’t always share with his grandfather.
“My grandfather teaches me to be respectful and to have good manners,” says the mentee. But with Dahlberg, they share Sports Illustrated or talk about the places where the semi-retired insurance executive travels or just spend time shooting hoops together. The mere mention of the word golf and the 12-year-old’s eyes light up as he imagines the exciting places his mentor travels to. Clearly, there’s a strong bond between mentor and mentee. Dahlberg urges the student to discuss school and he starts talking about the ancient Anazazis, who preceded the Navajo Indians over 500 years ago. This despite the fact that social studies is not the student’s favorite subject. Also, there was a time when the student would cut that class.
Suddenly, “I got my report card!” the young man shouts. “I passed math!” It’s a special moment for both Dahlberg and student he has been mentoring for three years. The pride in both is evident.
Dahlberg says he got involved in mentoring to give something back to the community, but it’s clear he gets a lot from the meetings with his mentee too.
“I enjoy watching him develop,” says Dahlberg. “I get satisfaction out of making him feel good.”
Even though the mentoring visits are limited to school ground visits, Dahlberg looks forward to a day when he and his charge may be able to take in a baseball or basketball game. “I’d like to stay in touch with him; I want to see how he grows up.”
Cathy Batky, general director of public and private partnerships for Burlington Northern Santa Fe, mentors two 13-year-old girls at Elder Middle School. “Not only does BNSF support the TEAM Fort Worth program, getting involved in some form of community activity is really expected,” says Batky. For some, that may involve sitting on boards of various non-profits or other activity, but Batky really believes in the effectiveness of the mentoring program. “I feel I am making more of a contribution by mentoring.”
Batky’s mentees meet with her about once a week to talk or work on craft projects. Currently they are working on a sewing project. The project is a diversion, however, to make the conversation flow more easily. “Last year, they made candles to give as Christmas gifts and we chat while we work,” Batky explained. “It takes the pressure off.”
At first hesitant to talk about personal matters, Batky’s mentees have opened up to her. “It’s fun to talk to Miss Cathy,” says one mentee. “If I have a problem or an infraction, I can talk to her. When we have problems in class, we know she’s going to listen like a friend. But,” adds the girl with a smile, “she can keep secrets better than a friend or sibling. Talking to her makes me feel better.”
The other mentee agrees. “I’m the youngest in my family but my sisters think I should be more responsible and sometimes they get mad at me,” she says. “Talking to Miss Cathy gives me more confidence.”
Batky is the first to admit that she has to structure her days to make time for her mentoring and that sometimes her schedule precludes it. And she always lets the girls know if she won’t be there. But she’s back as soon as she can be.
“It makes you feel good when you see you’re making a difference in someone’s life,” she says. “There’s a great deal of self-satisfaction in that. I really enjoy coming here. Sometimes, I have a bad day at work, then I come here. It’s a great diversion.”
To learn more about the TEAM Fort Worth mentoring program, contact Marty Otero, coordinator – TEAM Fort Worth at 817-871-2947.
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| Cathy Batky works on a sewing project with her two 13-year-old memtees at Elder Middle School. |
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Peter Dahlberg and his mentee look through the most recent issues of Sport Illustrated. |
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Trade Show Exhibitors
Tarrant Chambers Trade Show Big Success
Hundreds of businesses and attendees mingled, munched and talked business at the annual Tarrant Chambers Buy Local Trade Show held recently at the Will Rogers Memorial Center. Twenty area chambers teamed up to host the event presented by the Star-Telegram. The chambers wish to thank the participants, attendees and the sponsors for making the 2004 Trade Show a big success. Participating businesses follow:
A Fiore Catering
Abuelo's Mexican Food Embassy
Advantage Rent-A-Car
All American Craftsmen, L.L.C.
Allied Home Mortgage Corp.
Allstate Workplace/American Benefits
Alta Ridglea Village
American Classifieds
AMLI Residential
Andersen Windows & Doors
ARi Service
ATS Security Systems
AuctionPeak Inc.
BECK
Best Used Trucks
Brinks Home Security
C2C Office Furniture
CardSharks
Children's World Learning Centers
Cirro Energy
City of Fort Worth - Public Events
City Stickers
Coach USA
Coca-Cola Bottling Company of North Texas
Comcast Spotlight
The Community News
Costco Wholesale
Coverall of Greater Ft. Worth
CVA Advertising & Marketing, LTD.
Dallas Business Journal
Denitech Fort Worth, Inc.
Divida Technologies
D'Vine Wine of Texas
Eagle Audio and Lighting, Inc.
G. Edwards - Steve Shineman
Empire Disposal
Entertainment & Sports Prod. Mktg.
Event Architects
Everest College - Fort Worth
FlashPoint Direct Dish
Foresters
Fort Worth Business Press
Fort Worth Cats Baseball Club
Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce
Fort Worth Freightliner
Fort Worth Promotional Products
Fort Worth Transportation Authority (The T)
Fort Worth Women's Business Center
Four Star AGE Art, Gifts, Espresso
FranNet - The Franchise Connection
Freedom Builders Success System
The Fulcrum Group
Gladney Center for Adoption
Gordon Boswell Flowers
H2Orizon, Inc.
Hawk Corporate Communications
Hawk Security Services
Hiley Mazda of Hurst
Hilton Garden Inn Ft. Worth North
IBSS Marketing
Imperative Information Group
Infinite Network Solutions
Innovative Converged Technologies, Inc.
Inter-Tel Technologies, Inc.
Italianni's & Saltimbocca's Italian Bistro
K & M International/Tile,Toilets, Sinks & More
KFS, Inc. Transportation Services
Kilpatrick Ins.
L & L ProPac, Inc.
Leadership Fort Worth
Leaman Container, Inc.
Lewis Label Products
Mapsco Inc.
Marsh Cable & Connectors
Marshal Utley Carpets
Mazon Associates, Inc.
McLeodUSA
MD Resort Bed & Breakfast
Mesh.net Internet Service
Michael's Restaurant & Ancho Chile Bar
Minuteman Press Fort Worth
Mutual of Omaha
Neat-Patch, Inc.
netplay Promotions
95.9 The Ranch
Northwest ISD
Novak Networks, Inc.
Oak Grove Commercial Printing
Oakleaf Innovations
OfficeMax
Old Capital Lending
Palm House Senior Apartments
Perma-Pier Foundation Repair Co.
PlainsCapital Fort Worth Bowl
The Poppin' Place
The Pour House
Professional Caretakers, Inc.
Rainbow Advertising & Promotions
Remington College, Fort Worth Campus
Renaissance & Marriott Hotels
Reprographics - Ft. Worth Inc.
The Retreat Golf & Country Club Community
The River Club of Fort Worth
Rodak's Custom Roasted Coffee
Royer & Schutts
Thuy Saliba - Marketing and Photography
Sam's Club Embroidery
SBC
SBC Yellow Pages
Siemens USA
SIGN WORLD
Sky Pirates Inflatables
SLR Roofing Systems, Inc.
Snelling ChecksPlus
SouthTrust Bank
Southwest Office Systems, Inc.
Specialty Services Unlimited
Speed Fab-Crete Design-Build General Contractor
Star-Telegram
Stay-In-School Initiative
Tarrant County College - Corporate Services
TCC Small Business Development Center
TCU - Extended Education
TCU Men's Basketball
TDIndustries
Texas Candle Works
Texas Motors Ford
TexasTamales.com LoneStarSteaks.com
Texas Wesleyan University School of Business Administration
Tickelopes
Toyota of Fort Worth and Scion of Fort Worth
Trilogy Payment Solutions, LP
University of North Texas Health Science Center @ Ft. Worth
University Marriott Hotels
Wells Fargo
Westwood College of Technology
Bill Williams Tool Company
WilliamsRipa & Associates, LLC
Wilson's Barbecue
Workforce Solutions for Tarrant County
Worth Casualty Company
Worth National Bank
YTB Your TravelBiz.Com
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| Hundreds of visitors packed the Will Rogers Memorial Center to visit the Tarrant Chambers Buy Local Trade Show last month. The events was presented by the Star-Telegram. |
Click here to view more pictures from Trade Show.
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Leaders in Gov Forum
School Funding, Tax Reform Top Issues in 2005
Next month, the opening gavel will sound in Austin as the 2005 Texas Legislature convenes to face a host of issues with school finance and tax reform topping the list. But other issues ranging from air quality and mass transit to workers’ comp and CHIP funding will also be hot topics.
As part of its Leaders in Government Series, the Fort Worth Chamber will host a Legislators’ Forum giving members an opportunity to question their representatives on these matters and express their own opinions. At publication, these legislators had confirmed their appearance: Senators Kim Brimer and Jane Nelson, and Representatives Toby Goodman, Kent Grusendorf, Anna Mowery, Todd Smith, Vicki Truitt and Bill Zedler. The event is presented by Wells Fargo. Gold sponsors are Jackson Walker, L.L.P.; Kelly, Hart and Hallman and TXU. Silver sponsors are Law, Snakard & Gambill and Republic Title Company.
- What: Leaders in Government – Legislators’ Forum
- When: Thursday, Dec. 16, noon-1:30 p.m. Registration begins at 11:30 a.m.
- Where: Radisson Plaza Hotel Ballroom, 815 Main St.
- Cost: $30 for Chamber members and non-members; $25 for Gold members
The 2005 Legislature will be history-making. Profound changes in how Texas taxes residents and funds education are expected. Make your plans to attend the Legislators’ Forum and hear firsthand what to expect this session.
For more information on the Forum, contact Tim Keleher at 8170-336-2491, ext. 264. Register for the event online by Dec. 13 or by contacting Jeanean Herod at jherod@fortworthchamber.com or ext. 275.
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Magnolia Publishers
Magnolia Media Group New Chamber Publisher
After a long search, the Fort Worth Chamber has selected Magnolia Media Group to publish the Chamber’s Membership Directory, Official Guide to Fort Worth, and Community Economic Report.
On the heels of the collapse of Towery Publishing and the difficulty in getting the last issues of these books to press, a Publication Committee was formed by the Chamber and requests for proposals went out. According to Marilyn Gilbert, executive vice president of marketing for the Chamber, several intriguing proposals were received from publishers around the country.
“Over the past seven years, Magnolia Media has provided our community with quality publications, including the Fort Worth Magazine. The quality of their products coupled with a local presence and existing relationships with potential advertisers were major selling points for us,” said Gilbert. ‘This is a win- win for Fort Worth.”
“We’re privileged to partner with the chamber on this project,” said Hal Brown, CEO of Magnolia Media Group. “Our commitment to quality isn’t just a promise, it’s evident in the four titles we publish, as well as the other custom publishing jobs similar to the chamber books. We clearly see our role in upholding the chamber’s integrity and in positively promoting our city. It’s a mission we’ve undertaken with Fort Worth, Texas magazine, and one we are proud to work on with the chamber.”
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Ribbon Cuttings
Businesses Mark Openings with Ribbon Cuttings
To celebrate the grand opening of a new location, Half Price Books held a ribbon cutting Oct. 21 at the 5417 S. Hulen location. For more information on the book store, contact Becky Gomez at 817-294-1166.
In recognition of new ownership, Bill Williams Tool Company held a ribbon cutting at the 3520 E. Belknap location of the retail tool store on Oct. 28. To learn more about the company, contact Neal Teague at 817-838-2601.
The grand opening of the Everest College – Fort Worth celebrated the opening of a local campus on Nov. 3. To learn more about Everest College, located at 5237 Riverside Dr., call Ron Usiewicz at 817-838-3000.
Jared – the Galleria of Jewelry, a fine jewelry store, held a grand opening of a new location at 4750 S. Hulen St. The Nov. 9 event was overseen by Gene Newman. To learn more, contact him at 817-346-1410.
On Nov. 10, XClamations, a women’s accessories store, marked its grand opening with a ribbon cutting at the 6229 Oakmont location. Find out more about the store by calling Theresa Wilson at 817-370-1444.
“Premier Retirement Community,” Franklin Park at City View noted its grand opening with a ribbon cutting on Nov. 16 at the 6301 Overton Ridge Blvd. location. Marketing Director Pam Jackson has full details at 817-875-8761.
Fort Worth City Credit Union opened its new drive through facility at 2309 Montgomery St. and celebrated with a ribbon cutting on Nov 19. To find out more about the financial institution, call Elisha Jackson at 817-870-2717.
Institute for Postural Orthopedics, an orthopedic doctors’ office, marked its grand opening with a ribbon cutting on Nov. 30. Contact Melanie Wilks for more information at 817-346-6656.
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Texas Top State to do Business
Site Selection Ranks Texas Business Climate Best in Nation
Site Selection Magazine, the world’s foremost publication for business expansion and relocation, has named Texas the top state in the nation to do business. In its annual ranking of state business climates, Site Selection Magazine ranked Texas first, surging ahead of three-year leader North Carolina, as the top business climate in the country.
“Creating an environment for job growth, opportunity and prosperity for the people of Texas is among my chief priorities as governor, and I am proud that our state is on the leading edge of economic development,” Perry said. “Economic growth is about more than paychecks. By creating jobs, we create the wealth that generates the tax revenue to fund important priorities such as education, health care and transportation.”
SSM said in creating jobs, “Texas’ not-so-secret weapon is the Texas Enterprise Fund (TEF), a $295 million fund established in 2003 to help lure projects to the state.” Thus far, Texas has committed $181 million from the TEF that will create more than 14,000 new jobs and almost $6 billion in capital investment in the Texas economy.
But there is more to Texas’ business climate than TEF money, says SSM. Corporate America has taken note of the state’s recent passage of a constitutional amendment mandating tort reform. “By one estimate, the state’s lawsuit reform measures will lead to the creation of more than 240,000 permanent jobs and add $36 billion to the Texas economy.”
The magazine also noted that Texas “is also investing heavily in education despite a recent $10 billion budget shortfall which has been eradicated – without raising taxes.”
Earlier this year, Southern Business & Development magazine named Perry the top individual nationally making a difference in job creation.
The rankings are based on pro-business measures taken by the state, actual capital investment, recent business expansion activity and a survey of corporate executives who were asked to rank the top 10 states based on ease of doing business, overall business costs, and related factors. Texas was ranked #1 by corporate executives across the country. In the past year, Texas has created more than 123,000 net new jobs for Texans.
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Ambassador of the Month
Action Ambassador for September 2004
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Teri Huxley,
Action Ambassador, Sep 04' |
Fort Worth Chamber Action Ambassador Terri Huxley was recognized at the top ambassador for September 2004. Huxley, an Ambassador since April 2001, is a past Action Ambassador of the Year as well as two-time Action Ambassador of the month. She is a Senior Account Executive with Affiliated Telephone.
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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International Seminar
Key Points from International Dispute Resolution Seminar
A seminar on International Contracting and Dispute Resolution was held last month, sponsored by the Fort Worth Chamber and the Fort Worth International Center in cooperation with Jackson Walker L.L.P. and the Tarrant County Bar Association.
Leslie Roberts, formerly of Mary Kay Inc.; Scott Brown of Jackson Walker L.L.P.; and Molly Steele of Thompson & Knight were the featured speakers for the half day program. Covered topics included negotiating international transactions with an emphasis on international sales contracts, resolving disputes through mediation, arbitration or litigation and international joint ventures and logistical considerations.
According to Brown, the keys to organizing and conducting a successful international joint venture include advance research and a good understanding of the business and legal environment in the jurisdiction of the joint venture’s formation and operations as well as the following:
- Clear and complete communication between the joint venture participants with regards to the commercial goals of the joint venture, the respective responsibilities of the joint venture participants in forming the joint venture and working to achieve those goals, and the consequences of failure by a joint venture participant to fulfill its obligations.
- Engagement of experienced and competent local jurisdiction legal counsel and U.S. legal counsel to guide the joint venture participants through the process of formation and operation of the joint venture and the joint venture company.
- Flexible – and not overly legalistic- documents to provide the basis for overcoming future conflicts in an orderly manner.
For more information on international business, contact Mary Weaver, Fort Worth Chamber director of international business development, 817-336-2491, ext. 229.
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Chamberletter contact below:
For more information contact:
Arden
Dufilho
Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce
817-336-2491 Ext. 259 |
