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 - July 2004
Column by Tim Keleher
We have an opportunity – indeed, many would say, a responsibility – to be actively engaged in one of the most important public policy debates impacting the future of our community: public school finance.
Nothing less than our future workforce is at stake. The goal is to raise the performance of our public schools so that our students may reach their fullest potential. To achieve the goal, our lawmakers are working to overhaul the way our schools are funded and, at the same time, overhaul the state and local tax systems. It’s a tremendous challenge. School funding and taxation is complex and politically charged. Consensus is elusive. That’s why employers must take an active role in the process – working with our lawmakers – to find long-lasting solutions that are acceptable to all segments of the business community and which benefit all school districts.
The Fort Worth Chamber is engaged. Throughout the process, the Chamber has served as a clearinghouse of information, as a conduit to policy makers, and as a forum for the exchange of ideas. The Chamber has brought to the table experts on school finance and education, school district administrators, elected officials, and representatives from a diverse array of businesses. A special Chamber committee, combining the Chamber’s Workforce Development and Governmental Affairs committees, has been meeting since last year examining the school funding and taxation issues in detail. The result of their work is a strong statement of principles, adopted in January, which has served as a guide to lawmakers and other business organizations. (This document can be viewed at fortworthchamber.com under Government Affairs.) A new School Finance Task Force is serving as the Chamber’s rapid response team. During the recent special legislative session, task force members analyzed and acted on rapidly evolving proposals being evaluated at the state capitol.
Two new bipartisan House and Senate legislative working groups have been appointed to address these questions and find solutions to recommend to the full state legislature. Four officials from the Fort Worth area have been appointed to serve on these key working groups. State Representative Kent Grusendorf (Arlington) co chairs the new working group on education reform which includes state Senator Jane Nelson (Grapevine) and state Representative Bob Griggs (North Richland Hills). State Senator Kim Brimer (Fort Worth) is a member of the new working group on school finance reform. These legislative members and their staffs as well as all of the legislators from the Fort Worth/Tarrant County area welcome your input and ideas.
Our challenge, like that confronting our lawmakers, is to find a consensus on some fundamental questions:
- Should the primary responsibility for funding public schools be shifted from local school districts to the state by reducing local school property tax rates?
- Should school districts receive more money to meet the demands of increased federal and state performance standards and a growing student population?
- Where should the revenue come from to offset a reduction in school property taxes and provide additional funding support for schools?
- How should the state and local tax burden be balanced to fairly assess our citizens and our businesses? And, which segments of the business community should pay a larger or smaller proportion of the overall state and local tax burden?
The Chamber will continue in its role as a forum to analyze and discuss proposed solutions while actively representing the diverse interests of our members in the process.
Your input on these questions and their underlying assumptions is an essential part of the process as our lawmakers move from concept to consensus, from proposals to policy and, ultimately, to excellence in education.
For additional information about school finance and how you and your company can be involved contact Tim Keleher, Vice President of Governmental and Urban Affairs at 817.336.2491 extension 264.
New Officers
New Chamber Officers Installed
At the 122nd annual meeting of the Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce held last month, new officers were announced for the coming year. All experienced business leaders dedicated to bettering Fort Worth, they are Chairman Mike Berry, Vice Chairman Albon Head and Treasurer Vernon Bryant. The three will work with the board of directors and Chamber staffers to implement strategies designed to promote increased growth and further economic development in the business community. These efforts will be made while continuing to work with other local entities to foster a positive business and living environment.
Taking over as chairman from John Gavin is Mike Berry, president of Hillwood Properties. A Fort Worth native, he serves on the board of directors of numerous organizations, including JP Morgan, the Chase Bank of Texas and the Fort Worth Stock Show Syndicate. He also serves on the board of trustees of W.I. Cook Foundation, Inc., and Cook Children’s Medical Center. He is a member of the Exchange Club of Fort Worth.
Berry is an active member of several professional organizations, including membership in the Texas Economic Development Council, Urban Land Institute, Young President’s Organization, National Association of Industrial and Office Properties, Council of Logistics Management and Real Estate Council.
Berry graduated from Vanderbilt University with a bachelor of science in economics. He earned his MBA from Texas Christian University.
Vice Chairman Albon Head is the Managing Partner of the Fort Worth office of the law firm of Jackson Walker. A graduate of SMU with a B.A. and J.D., Head has served on the Board of Visitors and as an officer of the Law Alumni Council at SMU’s Dedman School of Law and he chairs the university’s Distinguished Law Alumni Award committee. Head also serves on the board of the SMU Athletic Forum and the Doak Walker National Running Back Award. He is active with the Fort Worth Stock Show Syndicate and currently serves on the board of Downtown Fort Worth, Inc. as well as the Chamber. He also spearheads the Chamber’s BRAC (Base Realignment and Closure) Task Force. Head is past president of the Fort Worth Opera and the SMU Alumni Association and past chairman of the YMCA Camp Amon G. Carter.
Serving as Treasurer and Chairman of Finance is Vernon Bryant, president and CEO of TexasBank. Bryant, who has chaired the Chamber’s first Total Resource Campaign, also serves as chair of the State of Texas Finance Commission. Other community activities include serving on the Fort Worth Metropolitan YMCA Endowment Committee, the Van Cliburn Foundation Board of directors and as a Trustee of Foundation for First United Methodist Church.
Other organizations served include the Texas Bankers Association, Weatherford Chamber of Commerce, Weatherford Utility Board and TCU Committee of 100.
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 |
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| Mike Berry, Chairman |
Albon Head, Vice Chairman |
Vernon Bryant, Treasurer |
Economic Update
Recap of Recent Economic Activities in Tarrant County
New Developments
Spurred by job growth in northern Tarrant and southern Denton Counties, Hillwood, developer of AllianceTexas, is clearing 260 acres four miles southwest of Fort Worth Alliance Airport for the construction of 850 single-family homes. Saratoga, located south of State Highway 170 and west of Alta Vista Road, is the fourth property in a series of residential development Hillwood is involved in the north Fort Worth area.
Fort Worth Star-Telegram
Realty Capital has entered into a contract to purchase the Fort Worth (Ramada) Plaza Hotel, located in downtown Fort Worth, Texas. Harrell Hospitality will oversee the renovation of the hotel, and provide management. Realty Capital Partners is a real estate investment firm that has a successful track record investing in commercial property developments across Texas and the USA.
Fort Worth Star-Telegram
Expansions and Moves
Now that Bell Helicopter has moved some of its operations to Alliance Airport, the aircraft company plans to sell some land surrounding its facilities on Trinity Boulevard. The aircraft company is seeking to rezone 104.57 acres in the area along the 9400 to 9900 blocks of Trinity Boulevard. The changes would change zoning on the property from heavy industrial to allow single-family residential and town house/cluster residential development. Most of the land is vacant, according to the city's zoning report. The report did not identify the buyer or developer Fort Worth Star-Telegram
Fillmore & Ford, a law firm, has leased 1,594 square feet of office space at Lincoln Village Shopping Center, 6340 Camp Bowie Blvd. The office will open this month.
Fort Worth Star-Telegram
Omimex Resources, a Fort Worth-based oil and gas company, has leased 8,129 square feet of office space at 2001 Beach St., in the eight-story office building at the southeast corner of Beach Street and Interstate 30. That brings the building to 80 percent leased, according to PM Realty Group.
Fort Worth Star-Telegram
CTM Enterprises has leased 711 square feet on the second floor of the University Building, 3113 S. University Drive, near the Texas Christian University campus. The building formerly housed the lobby and offices for Bank United and is now home for the Fort Worth office of Bradford Commercial Realty Services.
Fort Worth Star-Telegram
Under Construction
Johnny Carino's Country Italian restaurant is building a 6,661-square-foot restaurant at 5900 S. Hulen St. The location is owned by parent company Fired Up in Austin. Construction cost for the Fort Worth site is $700,000, according to city building permits.
Fort Worth Star-Telegram
On the Dotted Line
FSI, a Fort Worth-based real estate development firm, bought 72 acres northwest of the intersection of Mansfield-Cardinal and Little roads, where it plans single-family home lots. About 180 home lots will be developed for builders, with work expected to begin in the next six months.
Fort Worth Star-Telegram
Trinity Acquisition and Investments of Fort Worth has bought Lake Worth Shopping Center at Highway 199 and Boat Club Road. The 77,000-square-foot center includes a Dollar Tree, GNC, Cici's Pizza, Subway, Sherwin Williams, Cato Fashions, Sally's Beauty Supply, GameStop and Ginger Brown's Old Tyme Restaurant & Bakery. Fort Worth Star-Telegram
Treska, a Fort Worth-based manufacturer of jewelry, gifts and home-decoration accessories, is acquiring a 60,000-square-foot building at 3801 Austin Lane, off East First and Beach streets. The company, founded in 1984, will consolidate several warehouses on Blue Smoke Court into the building and double its space in the move. The company has had its headquarters at 2361 Blue Smoke Court since 1984.
Fort Worth Star-Telegram
Openings
Advanced Metrocomm, a Nextel dealer, has leased 1,760 square feet of office space at 2740 South Freeway, where it will open this month.
Fort Worth Star-Telegram
American Home Mortgage has leased 2,500 square feet of office space in the River Park Commons shopping center now under construction at Bryant Irvin Road and Southwest Boulevard. The company is scheduled to move in Aug. 1. River Park Commons plans four buildings, three with 5,000 square feet each and one with 6,000 square feet.
Fort Worth Star-Telegram
A former gas station and convenience store property at Crowley Road and S.W. Loop 820 has sold. The new owner, AutoMax car dealership, has the former gas station and about 38,000 square feet of land.
Fort Worth Star-Telegram
Around Town
The developer of the Ridglea Bank Building and one of its original tenants, Hyde Oil & Gas Co., were honored recently as part of the development's 30th anniversary.
Fort Worth Star-Telegram
The entrepreneurship program of the M. J. Neeley School of Business at TCU was named the top U.S. college or university for entrepreneurs in the May, 2004, issue of Entrepreneur magazine. More that 825 programs were researched for the study.
Fort Worth Business Press
Officials of Main Street Fort Worth Arts Festival announced record attendance of 461,000-10% above 2003. The numbers were estimates provided by the Fort Worth Police Department.
Fort Worth Business Press
Data provided by Strategic Insight Group,
Intelligence Research Partner of the Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce
Dateline: Fort Worth...
Dateline: Fort Worth...
Cool Off in Fort Worth: Set aside a few summer days to soak up the cowboy and cultural sides of Cowtown.
Fort Worth perfectly balances Western heritage with high-class culture. A weekend here offers so many diverse options, you'll swear you're splitting time between several cities. From eclectic art galleries and gift shops to an old-fashioned swimming hole, we'll give you several cool ways to enjoy the warm July days.
Make your first stop a late lunch at Joe T. Garcia's Mexican Dishes, just outside of the Stockyards National Historic District. Order the chicken fajitas, and soak up the lively, Old Mexico, cantina-esque atmosphere for which this local institution is known. Scan the many framed, autographed photos of celebrities who've eaten here, such as Tiger Woods, Gwyneth Paltrow, and Bette Midler.
One of Fort Worth's most alluring areas is its Cultural District, centered on several world-class museums. First, though, peruse the art galleries and fine gift shops sprinkled among the district's outlying lanes. Several line West Seventh Street, including The Edmund Craig Gallery, which features representational and abstract pieces by local and national artists. Duck into Strings to find contemporary-style gifts and home furnishings. Before leaving the area, wander through University Park Village on South University, and check out Uncommon Angles. Featuring works from more than 200 artists, the store specializes in glassware and jewelry.
Spend the rest of the afternoon strolling through the awesome museums that are clustered in the Cultural District. The Amon Carter Museum boasts an extensive collection of Western art, including several works by Frederic Remington and Charles Russell. Find the Masters such as Cézanne, Matisse, and Monet at the Kimbell Art Museum; and discover post-World War II pieces from Jackson Pollock and Andy Warhol at the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth.
Southern Living
July 2004
Economic Development
Business Retention, Recruitment Focus of Economic Development Effort
Since his arrival at the Fort Worth Chamber last April, executive vice president David Berzina and the Economic Development staff have been on the move nationally and internationally selling Fort Worth and the Metroplex.
Director of International Business Development Mary Weaver recently returned from a trade mission to China undertaken in cooperation with the Greater Dallas Chamber, the Fort Worth International Center and the City of Dallas. The mission is part of an effort to expand the level of participation in the exploding Chinese economy in both the export and import arena.
Carole Myer, Director of Business Development, attended the BIO 2004 Annual International Convention which set new records for attendance and international representation. Nearly 17,000 people attended the four-day conference held in San Francisco, including representatives from 61 countries, 49 U.S. states (plus the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico), and 10 Canadian provinces. The Metroplex contingent included representatives from North Texas cities, chambers of commerce, companies and educational institutions all bent on attracting new investment in life sciences to the area.
Under Berzina’s direction, the Fort Worth Chamber economic development effort is concentrating recruitment of new business to the area as well as retention of the companies already located here.
On the business recruitment side, Berzina says they are focusing on such areas as life sciences, avionics, distribution and a wide range of manufacturing operations and currently he is looking west with a trip planned to California.
“We will be meeting with California site selection consultants and corporate real estate developers working for companies that are not necessarily confined to California,” said Berzina. “Our goal is to put Fort Worth in the mindset of these folks so when their clients are looking to expand, Fort Worth is on their radar screen.”
According to a California Business Roundtable held earlier this year, 40 percent of California companies are looking to move jobs out of state. Interestingly, 100 percent of senior executives interviewed said they viewed California’s business climate unfavorably and 50 percent have explicit policies to halt employee growth within the state and expand elsewhere. Berzina believes that elsewhere should be Fort Worth.
After California, similar trips are planned to Chicago and New York/New Jersey this fall. “The site selection consultants and corporate real estate developers we will be meeting with gather data for companies that are looking to expand and they influence the ultimate decision makers,” Berzina said.
Equally important to the Chamber’s economic development effort is business retention. To that end, the entire department is participating in a face-to-face business retention program. According to Berzina, the department’s goal is to complete 250 on-site visits during the Chamber’s fiscal year.
“These meetings will allow both the Chamber and the city a proper means to gauge the business climate in and around Fort Worth,” he said. “We’ll get the pros and cons.”
Other information gathered during the retention visits includes quality of workforce performance and what Fort Worth does well or better than other comparable communities.
“We also ask what suppliers the businesses work with that might be good prospects for relocation to Fort Worth,” noted Berzina, “as well as if there are any issues that prohibit local companies from doing what they need to do that we at the Chamber or city could help address.” Berzina added that other valuable, often unexpected information comes from these visits which are not restricted to Chamber members.
At the end of the visits, the information collected will be compiled and published allowing projections for the near future regarding growth, labor training issues and capital investment. But the best part, says Berzina, is it gives the Chamber the opportunity to thank businesses face-to-face for doing business in Fort Worth.
“For those businesses we visit that are not Chamber members, it gives us a chance to let them see what the Chamber does for Fort Worth,” says Berzina. “Many are unaware of all the Chamber does and often, after a visit from us, they will join.”
Since his arrival in Fort Worth from Shreveport, Berzina has been most pleasantly surprised by the positive, can-do attitude of Fort Worth residents. “Everyone here has an overwhelmingly positive attitude,” he said. “Folks here speak in terms of Fort Worth being a good place to raise a family, but they also plan to stay on afterwards. In my experience, I can tell you, that’s a quality of life statement that very few cities enjoy.”
Women’s Golf
Women’s Challenge 100: Golf in No-Man’s Land
The 3rd Women’s Challenge 100 is history and a huge success to boot. More than 50 women took a day off to network and “play” a round of golf to help raise funds to benefit women’s programming for the Fort Worth Women’s Business Center and the Fort Worth Chamber.
Teams of women devised themes, decorated their carts and proceeded to punt, pass and kick golf balls around Iron Horse Golf Course for a good cause. The Chamber wishes to thank all the participants as well as the following sponsors:
Golf Ball Sponsor, Higginbotham & Associates
Beverage Cart Sponsor, Quality Environmental Services and EnVision Services, LLC
Gold Sponsors, Hill Company Technology Division and SouthTrust Bank
Media Sponsor, Fort Worth Business Press
Corporate Media Sponsor, Medcalf Insurance Agency
Good Bag Sponsor, Pepper L Specialties
Goody Bag Contributors
- Fort Worth Business Press
- Higginbotham & Associates
- Schakolad Chocolate Factory
- Alpha Graphic – Camp Bowie Blvd.
- JPS Health Center for Women
- JP Health Network
- JPMorgan Chase
- Hugley Hospital
- Chick-fil-A
- Mary Kay Consultant – Lisa Brown
- Mary Kay Consultant – Brenda Dalrymple
- Medcalf Insurance Agency
Awards and Door Prize Contributors
- 7th Street Café
- American Lazer Center
- Avon Consultant – Sheree Collins
- Bally Total Fitness
- Bennigan’s
- Blue Mesa Grill
- Candy Bouquet
- Cousin’s Bar-B-Q
- Designs Custom Embroidery
- Fazekes Gym Family Fitness
- Golden Touch
- Haynie’s Green Acres Christmas Tree Farm
- Judy King & Associates
- LeRouge Lingerie’
- Main Event Entertainment
- Mary Kay
- Massage by Alice
- Mineful Matters
- Momma Ern’s Candles
- Nails by Vivian
- Office Depot
- Passionate Skin Care
- Patricia’s Pet Sitters
- Rebar Sales & Service
- Salon Classique
- Smiley’s Photos
- Steak & Ale
- Staples
- Star Telegram
- Texas Motor Speedway
- Thrifty Car Rentals
- Wilson’s BBQ
Special thanks go to Iron Horse Golf Course for their facility and assistance.
Area Council - Zoo
It’s all Happening at the Fort Worth Zoo
I do believe it, and you’ll believe it, too, after attending the General Membership Luncheon hosted by the Fort Worth Chamber’s South Area Council. Sponsored by Wells Fargo, the event will be held at the Fort Worth Zoo and will feature live animals and updates on the Zoo from Michael Fouraker, director of animal programs.
- What: General Membership Luncheon hosted by the South Area Council
- When: Thursday, July 29, registration begins at 11:15 a.m.; animal program begins at 11:45 a.m.; and lunch will be served at 12:15 p.m.
- Cost: Chamber members - $25; Gold members - $20; and non-members - $40.
Director of animal programs since 1993, Fouraker brings more than 30 years of animal exhibits and zoo expertise to the Zoo. An essential participant in planning the 8-acre Texas Wild! exhibit, Fouraker is also involved in numerous international animal conservation programs. Assisting Fouraker in the presentation will be Mindia Whittier, the Zoo’s marketing director and Sean Greene, animal outreach director at the Zoo.
For more information on the event, contact Pennie Blossom at 817/336-2491, ext. 267. To RSVP, contact Jeanean Herod at ext. 275. Or register online at www.fortworthchamber.com/events.
Tour of Fort Worth West
Go West to Camp Bowie: Tour of West Fort Worth
From urban renewal to new economic development projects, citizens want to know what’s happening all over Fort Worth. With that in mind, the Fort Worth Chamber Area Councils are hosting bus tours featuring new developments in the city at all points on the compass – north, west, east and south. The tours began with south Fort Worth; this month, we’ll head west. Transportation sponsor is The T.
Brandy O’Quinn, president of Historic Camp Bowie, Inc., a public improvement district, will lead the tour which will highlight both recent projects as well as those underway in west Fort Worth.
- What: Tour of Fort Worth -- West
- When: Thursday, July 22, 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Registration begins at 10:45 a.m.
- Where: Will Rogers Auditorium parking lot, 3401 W. Lancaster
- Cost: Chamber members, $25; Gold members, $20; and non-members, $40
These lunchtime bus tours will include a box lunch and an informative ride around various areas of the city and tour guides will fill you in on what’s going on.
From a new hotel in the Stockyards to renovation of the old Montgomery Ward building to Lancaster Avenue redevelopment to the Berry Street initiative, many organizations have collaborated on inner city projects designed to revive all areas of Fort Worth.
For more information, contact Pennie Blossom at 817/336-2491, ext. 267. To RSVP, contact Jeanean Herod at ext. 275 or jherod@fortworthchamber.com.
Stay In School
SIS Initiative Ramping Up Efforts as Fall Nears
When TCU Chancellor Michael Ferrari, first chair of the Stay In School Initiative (SIS), retired, three area business leaders stepped up to take his place. Today, the three SIS co-chairs are John Avila, president and CEO of Thom. S. Byrne Management, Inc., representing the Fort Worth Hispanic Chamber; Robert F. Pence, president of Freese & Nichols, representing the Fort Worth Chamber; and Dr. Ernest L. Thomas, president of Tarrant County College South Campus, representing the Fort Worth Metropolitan Black Chamber.
At a recent meeting of the Fort Worth Chamber’s Quality Workforce Development Committee, the co-chairs updated the group on the SIS Initiative’s progress and detailed the work that lies ahead as they encourage more students to graduate from high school.
“The Stay In School Initiative is important to the economic development of our city,” says Dr. Thomas. “There is a direct relationship between the educational attainment of our students and the economic development of our community. Entry into the workforce requires individuals to have a solid foundation in basic skills such as reading, writing, computation and problem-solving.”
With the stated goal of ensuring graduation of area high school students, the SIS Initiative has developed a six-point strategy to accomplish that goal.
- Community Awareness and Public Relations
- Community Outreach Events
- Campus/Community Liaisons
- Mentoring Initiative
- Community Scholarship Program
- Teacher Professional Development
“It is absolutely imperative that we develop our future workforce to sustain a health economy and quality of life,” said Avila. “This requires business involvement in the schools from pre-K through graduation from high school to help students develop a real-world understanding of jobs and careers before they must make those choices for themselves.”
Currently, the co-chairs are conducting site visits to eight area target high schools including Carter-Riverside, Diamond Hill-Jarvis, Dunbar, Eastern Hills, Northside, O.D. Wyatt, Polytechnic and South Hills. The visits are intended to ascertain the needs of the schools and students in order to further the goal of more graduates. One thing the co-chairs and school officials agree on – more mentors are needed.
“Through the Chambers’ leadership, we want to challenge other businesses to get involved as Adopt-A-School partners and mentors,” says Pence. “We encourage businesses to allow time for their employees to volunteer during work hours.”
Currently, the number of mentors involved with Fort Worth ISD is low. As many as 2,000 mentors are needed to help work with ninth graders, the age at which most at risk students dropout. The co-chairs are approaching local CEOs to help secure more mentors and to encourage them to adopt schools.
“We have got to bring the businesses to the schools,” said Pence. “The consistent message we hear from the schools is that they need help with ninth graders, especially repeating ninth graders.”
There are many ways local businesses can help the SIS Initiative. The Fort Worth Chamber’s annual State of Education luncheon, scheduled for Aug. 24, is a great place to learn more about what you or your business can do to help local students graduate from high school.
For more information on the Stay In School Initiative, contact Cynthia Fisher Miller at 817/336-2491, ext. 240.
Mayor’s Awards
Local Companies Honored at Mayor’s Awards
The Sixth Annual Mayor’s Global Business Awards were recently presented recognizing excellence in exporting and importing. The awards honor companies of all sizes, whose drive and entrepreneurial talents have enabled them to compete successfully in the global marketplace. Each of the finalists and winners this year were recognized Fort Worth Chamber members. The event is a collaborative effort of the Fort Worth International Center, the City of Fort Worth and the Fort Worth Chamber. Media sponsor was the Fort Worth Business Press.
Former mayor Kenneth Barr, who emceed the event in Mayor Mike Moncrief’s absence, noted that there are 275 million consumers in the United States, but there are 5.75 billion consumers internationally. Companies looking to grow their business often look beyond the U.S. borders for new markets.
According to guest speaker for the event, Texas Secretary of State Geoffrey Connor, Texas is now the number one exporter in the U.S. with more than $100 billion in exports last year supplanting California as number one. “California doesn’t like it when Texas makes them scramble,” he said, “The future is promising and the business-savvy, can-do attitude here serves the Lone Star State well.”
Finalists for the Mayor’s Award for excellence in exporting included EFW, Inc., SPM Flow Control, Inc. and Alcon Laboratories. Alcon, a global leader in the ophthalmic industry, was named the winner. Founded in 1945 in Fort Worth, today the international company has grown significantly selling their products to more than 180 countries producing $3.4 billion in sales.
Finalists for the Mayor’s Award for excellence in importing were RadioShack Corporation, Rhythm Band Instruments and Pier 1 Imports. Pier 1, known for their unique home furnishings and gifts, was named the winner. The company, currently headquartered in downtown Fort Worth, will soon move to its nearly-complete 460,000 square-foot corporate headquarters located on the banks of the Trinity River just west of downtown.
The Mayor Barr Flagship Award was presented to DFW International Airport for its outstanding success and proven dedication to international business development in Fort Worth. According to Mayor Barr, DFW is currently the third busiest airport in the U.S.
“DFW Airport has consistently been what puts Fort Worth/Dallas on the world map,” noted Sigi Frias, of the Fort Worth International Center. In its 25-year history, DFW has strived to achieve its leading aviation status and generate business in North Texas in part by creating a comprehensive Capital Development Program, which invests $2.7 billion into the airport’s infrastructure over a five-year period. Part of that investment includes the construction of the new International Terminal D slated to open next summer.
“DFW is a true global gateway,” added Mary Weaver, director of international business development for the Chamber.
In presenting the award, Mayor Barr noted that if the old real estate adage – location, location, location – holds true in that industry, it is even more important in the commercial life of a region.
“Here in Fort Worth, we have the location, the infrastructure and the workforce to build on success through our partnerships,” said Mayor Barr. “We’re talking about results here; we’re talking about delivering results.”
Get to Know Your Chamber
Get to Know Your Chamber: Summertime Fun, Facts
The next “Getting to Know Your Chamber” session is coming up so plan on a little summer fun, education and networking courtesy of the Fort Worth Chamber.
GTKYC is a great opportunity to learn about Chamber programs designed to help you and your business prosper. 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: Thursday, July 15, 3:30-5 p.m.,
- Where: The Fort Worth Club, 306 West Seventh St., 12th Floor
There is no cost to attend these informative sessions, which are open to Chamber members only. Reservations are required by July 12 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
Ribbon Cuttings
Recent Ribbon Cuttings
SWTC Business Services, LLC/Farmers Insurance Agency, a consulting company, celebrated the opening of its new location with a ribbon cutting. The company is located at 5280 Trail Lake Drive, #35 – in the Wedgewood Village Shopping Center. For more information, contact Jean Dans at 817/370-9439.
Career Centers of Texas, Fort Worth Branch, a career college held a grand opening in May at 2001 Beach St. For more details, call Nancy Tedros at 727-688-1132.
Salon Eclectic, a hair salon located at 3406 W. Seventh St. marked its grand opening with a ribbon cutting recently. To learn more, call Kelly Arroyo at 817/820-0560.
The third Tarrant County location of Fit for Life Group Exercise Center, a fitness and activity center celebrated its opening at 6125 SW Loop 820, Suite 302. For more information, call Robert Dyer at 817/454-8442.
Ambassador of the Month
Action Ambassador for March 2004
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Doug Shaw,
Action Ambassador,
April 2004 |
The Fort Worth Chamber’s top Action Ambassador for April 2004 was Doug Shaw, an Ambassador only since February 2004. Shaw is an account representative for the Fort Worth Business Press.
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
Save the Date
Chamber Golf Tournament
Mark your calendar and shine up your golf shoes for the Fort Worth Chamber’s 18th Annual Golf Classic presented by XTO Energy.
- What: Fort Worth Chamber Golf Classic
- When: Monday, Sept. 20
- Where: Ridglea Country Club
This year, there will be only afternoon play beginning with a 1 p.m. shotgun start. Lunch and registration begin at noon and the day wraps up with an awards dinner at 6 p.m.
Sponsorships are available; contact Richelle Hicks at 817/336-2491, ext. 243.
For more information contact:
Lydia
Hall
Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce
817-336-2491 Ext. 272
Lonesome Dove
BOY Winner – 11-50 Employees:
Lonesome Dove Western Bistro
“It’s all about the dining experience,” says Tim Love, chef/owner of
The Lonesome Dove Western Bistro, the winner of the 11-50 category in the 2004 Fort Worth Chamber Small Business of the Year Awards.
The Lonesome Dove Western Bistro opened in 2000 as the first “white tablecloth” restaurant in the Fort Worth Stockyards. Along with his wife Emily, Tim Love maintains he’s in a learning business.
“You can learn something from everyone you meet,” says Tim, “even the bus boy.” The chef himself often worked for free for other chefs in his early years, just to learn what they know. That has paid off now that the once-13 table restaurant is expanding. They may have started small, but Chef Love has become known across the country for his mouth-watering dishes that reflect the culinary traditions of those early rawhide days on the trail. Honors include recognition by the “Today Show,” the Associated Press, Southern Living, Bon Appetit, New York Times, National Geographic Traveler and Cowboys and Indians.
The Loves’ philosophy sums it up, “The business is all about the restaurant.”
 |
| Chef Tim Love and wife Emily Love, owners of the Lonesome Dove Western Bistro, chat with judges during the SBOY Awards judging process. |
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For more information contact:
Arden
Dufilho
Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce
817-336-2491 Ext. 259 |
