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 - February 2005
President's column
From the President
In the early 1990s, crime was a serious problem in Fort Worth. The numbers were dismal and city officials knew something had to be done to reduce the crime rate if the city was to continue to grow and thrive.
Farsighted city officials proposed the Fort Worth Crime Control and Prevention District and put it before the voters in March 1995. Fort Worth citizens passed it and it was implemented in October of that year. In May 2000, voters overwhelmingly approved renewing the ½ cent sales tax that generates approximately $40 million per year to prevent and fight crime. The margin of victory was overwhelming; the voter turnout was not. Only four percent of registered voters cast a ballot in that 2000 election. It is time once again to renew this sales tax which has been successful in fighting crime and improving the overall quality of life in our city.
With the Crime Control and Prevention District in effect, Fort Worth’s crime rate has dropped 23 percent in 10 years with violent crime dropping by 50 percent. Fort Worth citizens have come to expect a high level of safety, but we must not become complacent. Such numbers cannot be sustained without adequate funding. Saturday’s election gives us an opportunity to show our support of our police department and our commitment to keeping Fort Worth a safe place to live and work.
In the past 10 years, monies raised by this sales tax have paid for:
- 188 police officers trained to fight violent crime and gang activity
- 1,114 replacement patrol vehicles with 113 more due this year
- 20 storefront police substations
- 2 new patrol helicopters
- A new state-of-the-art computerized records management system and much more.
If approved by voters, some of what the 2005-06 | 2006-07 district budgets will provide includes:
- $8 million for crime response officers
- $1.8 million for narcotics unit officers
- $2.2 for gang unit officers
- $8.29 million for neighborhood patrol officers
- $10.1 million for public school security officers and programs
- $3.6 million for officer training
- $10.3 million for officer retention pay raises
- $10.6 for vehicles, computer improvements and other equipment as well.
I urge you to vote for this vital sales tax package. These funds help ensure not only the safety but also the continued growth and progress of our city. I know we can do better than 2000’s four percent turnout. Early voting ends today. If you haven’t taken advantage of that, please make time this Saturday to show your fellow citizens and our police department how much you care about Fort Worth.  Back to top
FW Year in Review
2004 Sees Fort Worth Become 20th Largest City in U.S.
When Partners for Livable Communities – a national non-profit leadership organization – named Fort Worth as one of America’s most livable cities for the decade, no one here was surprised. Fort Worth was one of nine large cities to receive the award in 2004 and the only Texas city to be honored this decade.
“That designation allows us to quantify in appealing, yet concise terms Fort Worth’s quality of life story,” said David Berzina, executive vice president for economic development for the Fort Worth Chamber.
It’s a message that’s being heard around the country. In 2004, Fort Worth joined Houston, Dallas, Austin and San Antonio as the fifth Texas city on the top 20 most populous city at number 20. And now Fort Worth has the acclaim of being the fastest growing city of the top 20 cities in the country.
“We have probably already passed number 19, Milwaukee; if not we soon will,” said Berzina.
Downtown Living
2004 saw unprecedented development and growth anchored by the trend toward downtown living. In the past year, downtown Fort Worth has seen the focus of construction lean to residential with the addition of hundreds of units, beginning with the 35-story complex called simply The Tower.
Formerly the Bank One Building, which was devastated by a March 2000 tornado, The Tower is set to open this year and already has more than 95 percent of its units sold. Developer TonyLandrum’s team has raised the bar and convinced other developers to bring more enhanced downtown residential offerings to Fort Worth. Other announced downtown residential projects include the Neil P. Anderson Building with 60-70 units, possibly one of the Tandy towers, and Tom Struhs’ Trinity Bluffs mixed-use development of 150 acres at a $350 million investment.
Rollin’ on the River
Downtown development cannot be adequately discussed without mentioning the Trinity River Vision, an 11-year process designed to bring large scale water amenities to downtown Fort Worth. The creation of a town lake is expected to bring a variety of upscale development which will complement the newly constructed riverfront headquarters of Pier 1 Imports and RadioShack. These two home town companies made a significant commitment to downtown Fort Worth with these projects. Pier 1’s $70 million, 440,000-square-foot building is an elegant addition to the skyline. And RadioShack’s 48-acre campus contains 900,000 square feet of space at an investment of $200 million. Thanks to the continued efforts of Congresswoman Kay Granger, the Trinity River Vision project recently secured a $110 million federal grant which will greatly defray the overall project investment of $350 million.
Tarrant County College also announced last year that they will construct a 500,000-square-foot campus straddling the Trinity just north of downtown at an investment of $100 million.
In 2004, Fortune 500 representative D.R. Horton Homebuilders returned to their roots by moving into City Center II and renaming it the D.R. Horton Building. The company is taking space vacated by Pier 1 Imports.
To the south, the long-awaited 600-room, $90 million Omni Convention Center hotel should begin construction shortly with a completion date of late 2007.
“All these projects will work to solidify Fort Worth’s vibrant downtown for decades to come,” said Berzina, noting that downtown’s office occupancy rate remains at about 92 percent. “That’s substantially higher than national downtown averages.”
Just Down the Road
But downtown isn’t the only area of Fort Worth that’s seeing development. To the west, work has already begun to renovate the former Montgomery Ward Building on North Seventh Street. The Montgomery Plaza project includes a $50 million retrofit of the facility for mixed use including residential, office and retail. The project will provide the area much-needed shopping anchored by a Super Target.
To the south, Fort Worth’s medical district continues to thrive with new development, including the $32 million Magnolia Green mixed-use project with residential and commercial properties.
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Downtown Fort Worth is a unique blend of history, high rises and soon-to-be homes.
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Manufacturing and Distribution
Other Fort Worth and Tarrant County business sectors were booming in 2004 as well. These are just a few:
Del Monte’s new distribution center in Railhead Business Park is nearly 700,000 square feet at an investment of $2.5 million and is expected to create 75 new jobs.
Williamson-Dickie, headquartered in Fort Worth, broke ground in October on a new 150,000-square-foot distribution center. The $20 million investment will create 30 new jobs.
Cott Beverages opened $60 million, 500,000-square-foot bottling facility and warehouse at Centreport Industrial Park which will create approximately 200 new jobs.
And, slated to surpass Texas’s greatest tourism Meccas, the new Cabela’s in the Alliance Corridor began construction. The sporting goods company is building a 230,000-square-foo, $50 million facility along I-35W. 400 new jobs are anticipated at its 2005 opening.
Housing Starts
Another bright spot last year was housing starts. In with 2003, there were 7,393 new home building permits granted by the City of Fort Worth representing over $820 million dollars invested. By comparison, in 2004, there were 11,065 new home permits granted totaling well over $1 billion in investment.
“If you’re going to be the nation’s fastest growing top 20 city, you’re going to have to put up a high number of new roof tops,” added Fort Worth Chamber President Bill Thornton. “Our home building permit numbers have increased more than 40 percent in the past two years.”
2004 numbers were also up over 2003 for addition and remodeling permits. Commercial building permits were up as well and in 2004 totaled nearly $441 million.
“Economic activity in 2004 was wide ranging from residential and industrial to office, commercial and retai,l making it a difficult year to surpass,” said Berzina. “However, national economic conditions look good at the outset of 2005. We are confident growth in all sectors will continue at an above-national-average pace.”
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Economic Update
Recap of Recent Economic Activities in Tarrant County
Realty Capital Corp. has launched Chapel Hill, its new “Traditional Neighborhood Development”, southwest of Alliance Texas and northeast of the Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Corp. The project calls for about 300 of the 1,346 acres in the development to be used for commercial purposes. In all, it would house about 15,000 residents.
Fort Worth Business Press, Dec. 10-16
PV Partners and Whitco Consulting are planning a 33,500-square-foot retail lifestyle center development at the southeast corner of North Tarrant Parkway and Park Vista Boulevard.
Fort Worth Star Telegram, Dec. 13
Bear Creek Plaza, a 38,064-square-foot shopping center with pad sites available for sale or lease plans to open March 1 at the northwest corner of U.S. 377 and Wall Price Keller Road. Tenants include Double Dave's pizza, as well as other restaurants, service businesses, and small to medium-sized shops.
Fort Worth Star Telegram, Dec. 13
A 688,000-square-foot distribution center for Del Monte Foods, on 47 acres on Northeast Loop 820 in the Railhead Industrial Park, is scheduled to open in February.
Fort Worth Star Telegram, Dec. 13
Cotton Depot Lofts, an urban infill residential project with 210 units, is located on 5.8 acres at 701 E. First St., downtown Fort Worth. The lofts are scheduled for completion in June.
Fort Worth Star Telegram, Dec. 13
Tom Struhs, developer of Trinity Bluff on the north edge of downtown Fort Worth, is expanding his Pecan Place condominium development a few blocks away. Struhs and wife, Elizabeth Falconer, recently acquired almost an acre of vacant land off East First Street from Fort Worth businessman Ed Bass.
Fort Worth Star Telegram, Dec. 20
Business Flooring Specialists, a Metroplex-based commercial floor-covering company, has moved to a 10,000-square-foot facility at 7341 Dogwood Park. The company moved from 7341 Airport Freeway.
Fort Worth Star Telegram, Dec. 20
Kaplan Higher Education, which operates as Career Centers of Texas Fort Worth, has leased an additional 11,244 square feet in an eight-story office building at 2001 Beach St. The expansion brings the space leased to 25,730 square feet.
Fort Worth Star Telegram, Dec. 20
North Hills Hospital has announced a $31.7 million expansion, bringing to northeast Tarrant County the first full-service cardiovascular center. The hospital will also add two new floors to the existing main building to increase the number of private rooms and provide two new labor and delivery suites.
Fort Worth Business Press, Dec. 17-23
Hudgins Land Development, headed by Bud Hudgins, has broken ground on Sundance Springs, a subdivision off Sycamore School Road and Meadow Creek Drive that eventually will have 380 houses. The subdivision will be completed in two phases. This first phase will consist of 184 houses, and lots will be ready for home construction in March. The second phase will consist of 196 houses, and homes will be ready in late 2006.
Fort Worth Star Telegram, Dec. 06
Real estate giant Trammell Crow Co., along with financial partner ING Clarion, has acquired the former Johnson & Johnson Health Care Systems facility at 15101 Trinity Blvd., in the CentrePort business park in east Fort Worth.
Fort Worth Star Telegram, Dec. 20
Railhead Industrial Park Investors, a group led by Fort Worth financier Ed Bass, has sold close to 200 acres it acquired less than two years ago in Railhead Industrial Park. The buyer is USAA Real Estate Co. of San Antonio. USAA Real Estate Co., a subsidiary of USAA, a financial services firm for military families, bought the property in north Fort Worth through a newly created partnership, Zephyr Rail Industrial.
Fort Worth Star Telegram, Dec. 13
Austin-based The Dunham Law Firm has purchased an 8,000-square-foot office building at 1110 E. Weatherford St. It will use a portion of the building.
Fort Worth Star Telegram, Dec. 13
Dearborn Financial Institute, doing business as Leonard's Training Programs, has leased 2,729 square feet at 2001 Beach St.
Fort Worth Star Telegram, Dec. 20
Hibernia National Bank is on a rapid expansion path in North Texas. Three openings are scheduled in Tarrant County: North Tarrant Parkway and Beach Street in Fort Worth, Texas 377 and Farm Road 1709 in Keller, and Southlake Boulevard and Carroll Avenue in Southlake.
Fort Worth Star Telegram, Dec. 13
Dallas-based Reunion Title, a full-service title company, has opened a 2,900-square-foot office in Stonegate Plaza, 2801 S. Hulen St., its first Tarrant County location.
Fort Worth Star Telegram, Dec. 13
Data provided by Strategic Insight Group,
Intelligence Research Partner of the Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce
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Dateline
Dateline: Fort Worth
This is the 20th-largest city in the country, but it sits in the shadow of Dallas, about 30 miles away, and relative to other major cities in Texas, it has a lingering image as an unsophisticated cow town. Recently, however, two national companies have built modernistic glass headquarters here, and there is a sense that this is a city on the rise.
The decision by Pier 1 Imports and RadioShack to build in the city's downtown was far from inevitable. Land is plentiful, and much less expensive, in the suburbs, and the call of Dallas is strong for big companies.
But the two corporations spent almost $300 million and seem to have ignited a stronger interest for offices in downtown Fort Worth. D. R. Horton, one of the country's largest home builders, was one of the first companies to take a sizable chunk of office space in Fort Worth after the Pier 1 and RadioShack projects.
Now office buildings are filling up. Over the past four years, occupancy has grown almost 10 percentage points, to about 91 percent, according to analysts and brokers.
Leonard H. Roberts, chief executive of RadioShack, said his company's new location was partly inspired by the Trinity River Vision, a far-reaching plan created by the city and county governments, the Army Corps of Engineers and other agencies. The plan, which has aspects for the environment, development and recreation, envisages the creation of a river bypass channel, a lake north of downtown and the redevelopment about 800 acres.
The project is expected to cost about $360 million, and the federal government recently announced a $110 million grant. The work is expected to begin in 2006.
Marvin Girouard, chief executive of Pier 1, said he was inspired to build near the river partly because of Mr. Roberts's plans for RadioShack. "I might have thought twice about doing this without his having done it," Mr. Girouard said of his friend. "It gave me an incentive that we can do it too."
The executives said the new headquarters benefited their company images and helped make Fort Worth a more attractive place.
"Fort Worth has become noticeable on the national scene," said Mr. Campbell.
The New York Times
December 2004
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State of the City
Mayor Moncrief Delivers State of the City Address
Fort Worth Mayor Mike Moncrief is set to deliver his second annual State of the City address to the Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce and there will be much to talk about – downtown and neighborhood revitalization, term limits, a new home for city government, Base Realignment and Closure among the potential topics.
The luncheon is presented by Southwest Office Systems.
- What: Annual State of the City Address by Mayor Mike Moncrief
- When: Monday, Feb. 28, noon-1:30 p.m. Networking and registration begin at 11:30 a.m.
- Where: Renaissance Worthington Grand Ballroom, 200 Main St., 76102
- Cost: Chamber members - $35; Gold members - $30; non-members - $60; and table for eight - $350.
Mayor Moncrief is a successful Fort Worth business owner involved in various community and civic affairs. He also has served as an elected official at the county and state levels for 26 years. Mayor Moncrief served two years in the Texas House, 12 years as Tarrant County judge and 12 years as Texas State senator.
Platinum sponsors are: SBC and Kelly, Hart & Hallman.
Gold sponsors include: Jackson Walker LLP; Mercantile Bank and Weaver & Tidwell.
Silver sponsors include: Cantey & Hanger; Gideon Toal; IDI Innovative Developers; Reprographics; The T; and Wells Fargo.
Bronze sponsors are: Coors Distributing Company and Worth National Bank.
Corporate table sponsors are The Beck Group; TXU; and Witherspoon.
For more information on the State of the City address, contact Jeanean Herod at jherod@fortworthchamber.com or 817-336-2491, ext. 275. Register online at events.fortworthchamber.com.
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Media Seminar
Can I Quote You? How to Handle the Media
Managing media relations is not for sissies. Whether your job is media relations or public relations, whether you are a business owner or a police officer, you need to know how to handle the media before they handle you. If you’re are not totally comfortable in the glare of the spotlight, you need the “How to Handle the Media Before the Media Handles You” seminar featuring confidence coach and former TV reporter Anita Vanetti.
The seminar is presented by Tri-Hawk Media. Gold sponsor is Bank of America.
- What: “How to Handle the Media” Seminar with Anita Vanetti
- When: Tuesday, Feb. 15, 7:30-11:30 a.m. Breakfast begins at 7:30 a.m.
- Where: Fort Worth Club, 306 W. 7th St., 12th floor, 76102
- Cost is Chamber members - $75; Gold members - $65; and non-members - $115. Includes breakfast and parking.
In this informative, hands-on seminar, you will:
- Learn how to avoid and/or manage a crisis;
- Find out how to get better coverage
- Discover new ways to establish a long-term relationship that results in more positive exposure and fair treatment
- Grow in understanding of who your main “media players” are and what kind of pressure they’re under to get the scoop on you
- Detect how you can maximize your effectiveness on air and in print.
Vanetti, a veteran news reporter, producer and anchor with 20 years experience, will conduct mock TV interviews with willing participants, who will see their newfound confidence on instant playback.
“Anita’s great at putting participants in realistic situations and giving them a feel for what an on-camera interview is like,” says Mona Harmon, director of communications and marketing services for Downtown Fort Worth, Inc. “I would recommend this seminar to anyone who wants to be better prepared for dealing with the media effectively and professionally.”
For more information, contact Andra Bennett at 817-336-2491, ext. 265. Register online at www.fortworthchamber.com. Or RSVP to Jeanean Herod at jherod@fortworthchamber.com or ext. 275.
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Van Pools
Commuter Van Pools Get Workers to Jobs
Just drive up I-35W some morning during rush hour and the need for alternative forms of transportation becomes immediately apparent. Bumper-to-bumper traffic, road construction and accidents can play havoc with an employee’s commute. And those are the lucky employees with their own vehicles. What about the worker who wants a job at Alliance, but has no vehicle of his or her own?
That’s where the T’s van pool program comes in. According to Earl Mahar, employee pass sales representative for the T, it doesn’t take long for potential riders to see that the van pool program is a great deal.
“The benefits sell this program,” says Mahar. “Riders can receive a reduction in their own vehicle insurance and get higher trade-ins on their vehicles because they’ll have less mileage. They also get close in, reserved parking spaces. They don’t have to worry about having car trouble. Van pooling reduces stress and there is no long-term commitment. It is a month-to-month program.”
Van pools benefit employers as well as employees, however. According to Janet Benton, business services manager for the Alliance Opportunity Center, there are many potential workers who available for jobs at Alliance but who have no transportation of their own.
“Alliance is a prime point for the van pool program,” says Benton.
There are other benefits, including reduced traffic congestion and cleaner air, that usually sway employers according to Benton. “The employees like van pools because they save them money. Employers like helping their employees as well as knowing that they are helping to solve our air quality problems.”
Mahar’s job is to identify companies and personnel that would benefit from the van pool program. To that end, Mahar meets with company human resource managers to determine if there is a sufficient number of employees in a geographic area – usually narrowed by zip code – to support a van pool. If there is a large enough group, Mahar meets with them to show them the benefits of the van pool. And the numbers usually make the sale. For a daily commute of up to 45 miles roundtrip, the van pool rate is $59. That’s a daily cost of $2.81 as opposed to $16.88 – the cost of driving alone, based on AAA figures. Figured on an annual basis, a rider could save $3,545 a year by van pooling. The T provides the van and takes care of insurance, maintenance and fuel.
Once the van pool is established, a captain and co-captain are named. The captain is responsible for driving and for the administrative work. The captain rides for free and also gets to keep the van and use it over the weekend. The co-captain rides for half fare just for agreeing to drive when the captain can’t.
Often, companies will subsidize the cost of the van pool, but even if they don’t, the cost savings to van pooling commuters is substantial. And they help level the playing field for workers who might not otherwise be able to accept jobs at Alliance. Says Mahar, “Van pools work.”
For more information on van pools, contact Mahar at 817-215-8714. For more information on job opportunities at Alliance, contact Benton at the Alliance Opportunity Center, 817-515-2120.
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Business Forum
Bricks and Mortar: Harrold Melton Keynotes Business Forum
The company we know today as Acme Brick has been part of the Texas landscape for 120 years. And for the past quarter century, Harrold E. Melton has been part of the Acme organization. Melton will be the guest speaker at the Chamber’s next Business Forum presented by Weaver and Tidwell.
- What: Business Forum featuring Harrold Melton
- When: Tuesday, Feb. 8, noon-1:30 p.m.
- Where: Fort Worth Club Horizon and Terrace Rooms, 306 W. 7th , Fort Worth, 76102
- Cost: Chamber members - $30; Gold members - $25; non-members - $50; and a table of eight - $250
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Harrold Melton |
Media sponsor for the event is the Fort Worth Business Press. Gold sponsors include KPMG, LLP; Lockheed Martin Aeronautics and Wells Fargo. Silver sponsor is Charles Tandy American Enterprise Center.
Today, Melton is president and CEO of one of America’s largest and oldest brick companies. In the 21st century, Acme continues to grow and expand by producing the highest quality bricks in the industry.
Join the Fort Worth Chamber for the next Business Forum as Melton shares how he plans to build on Acme’s foundation to ensure the company’s solid future.
Register online at www.fortworthchamber.com or RSVP to Jeanean Herod at jherod@fortworthchamber.com or 817-336-2491, ext. 275.
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SAC Luncheon
How’s Your Health? Barclay Berdan Takes a Pulse
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Barclay E. Berdan |
Is healthcare in the U.S. thriving these days or is it on life support? A community’s healthcare is a vital aspect of its quality of life. What is the prognosis for healthcare in the Fort Worth area? Barclay E. Berdan, president and CEO of Harris Methodist Fort Worth Hospital will describe how healthcare impacts the business community at the next membership luncheon hosted by the Chamber’s South Area Council and presented Wells Fargo. Gold sponsor is Advantage Rent-A-Car.
- What: General Membership Luncheon hosted by the South Area Council featuring Barclay E. Berdan
- When: Thursday, Feb. 24, noon-1:30 p.m. Registration begins at 11:30 a.m.
- Where: Fort Worth Club, Horizon Room, 306 W. 7th, 76102
- Cost: $25 – Chamber members; $20 – Gold members; $40 – non-members; and $400 – table for eight
Discover what’s new at Harris as well as procurement opportunities vendors. Does Fort Worth get a clean bill of health? Don’t miss Berdan’s diagnosis.
Register online at www.fortworthchamber.com or RSVP to Jeanean Herod at jherod@fortworthchamber.com or 817-336-2491, ext. 275.
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FastTrac
FastTrac Forming Spring Class
FastTrac, a program designed to help small business owners streamline business processes, analyze strengths and shortcomings, and achieve more balance in their work and personal lives, is forming its next class to begin March 10. FastTrac is a cooperative program of the Fort Worth Chamber, the Tarrant County College Small Business Development Center and Texas Wesleyan University.
The 11-week FastTrac program helps participants by allowing them to interact with a group of business pros sharing ideas, strategies and successes. FastTrac helps business owners create a network of entrepreneurial peers and valuable mentor relationships. Upon completing the program, participants can prepare a strategic business plan for growth and possess the skills necessary to successfully handle business ventures.
The FastTrac program offers business counseling and mentoring in a small class as well as one-on-one assistance. Participants interact with a diverse group of business owners. Upon completion of the program, participants can continue to access further business counseling and mentoring as necessary. And FastTrac graduates can always repeat any course segment at no additional cost.
Participants develop successful marketing campaigns by learning the most effective marketing tools for their businesses. FastTrac also gives graduates the financial management tools required to run a successful business and teaches them how to develop an effective business plan.
FastTrac has an impressive track record.
- 10-25% of graduates more than double their sales within one year of graduation.
- 40-50% of graduates more than double their sales within two years of graduation.
- More than 90% of graduates are still in business five years after graduation (compare that to SBA statistics that say on average, 60% of business ventures fail by the end of the sixth year.
- Recipient of the 1998 “Vision 2000 Models of Excellence” Award for Entrepreneurial education from the U.S. Small Business Administration.
Spring 2005 classes are forming now. Scholarships are available. For more information on FastTrac, contact Lydia Hall at 817-336-2491, ext. 272. Back to top
NCHA
Auction Benefits NCHA’s ‘Triple Crown of Cutting’
An auction of 2005 breedings to stallions was held recently with stallion services going to the highest bidder. All profits go to the North Texas Cutting Champions Club, a non-profit extension of the Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce, the sole purpose of which is to ensure the National Cutting Horse Association’s “Triple Crown of Cutting” remains in Fort Worth. Western Bloodstock and the Chamber have teamed up to offer these breedings to some of cutting’s best stock.
The Chamber wishes to thank the stallion owners for their generosity Membership in the Champions Club is available to all who wish to support the club’s efforts.
The following is a list of participants:
A Chic In Time
Broken B Ranch
Don Ham Quarter Horses
A Master Plan
Jim & Joanne Carollo
Oswood Stallion Station
Adobe Acres
James Prater
As Smart As The Fox
Cal Poly St. Univ.
Bobs Freckle
Slate River Ranch
Brooksinics Badger
Sheila M. Head
Ward Ranch
Dualin Gun
Keith & Sharon Feister
Brightstone Ranch
Got It Dun
Punk & Rita Carter
Punk Carter Cutting Horses
Hickory Bar Bully
Jerry Durant/Craig Morris
Joe Landers
Kit Dual
Dick Brown
Alpha Equine
Light Of Rey
Keith & Sharon Feister
Brightstone Ranch
Mister Dual Pep
Sheila M. Head
Ward Ranch
Olena Chex Mate
Nancy Crawford-Hall
San Lucas Breeding Facility
Painted Dual
Sheila M. Head
Ward Ranch
Peppy From Heaven
Dale Koller
Brightstone Ranch
Playdox
Slate River Ranch
That Sly Cat
Slate River Ranch
Who Dat Wilson
Punk & Rita Carter
Punk Carter Cutting Horses
Wise Play
Wise Play Partnership
Don Ham Quarter Horses
Young Gun
Terry & Sharon Riddle
Joe Landers Breeding Facility
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FWISD Perks Plus Program
10,000 New Customers for Chamber Member Businesses
“If you can read this, thank a teacher,” read many bumper stickers.
Well, it seems the Fort Worth ISD has come up with a more effective way for local businesses to show their appreciation to teachers and other FWISD employees. The FWISD Perks Plus Program is a way for business to do just that.
The Perks Plus offers goods and services for free or at reduced prices.
“In return,” says FWISD’s Valerie Vaughn-Robertson, “we will promote those businesses and offers to our staff through our employee newsletter and intranet communications. Not only will our employees feel appreciated, participating businesses will benefit through exposure to almost 10,000 employees.”
Guidelines to participate in the Perks Plus Program include:
- Provide a physical address.
- Provide contact information including name and phone number.
- Offer a real discount – i.e.10 percent discount, $20 off, no processing fee, etc..
- Discount must apply to all FWISD employees.
- Registration forms must obtain approval from the district coordinator before entering data onto employee list.
- Business must be legitimate as recognized by city, county and state law.
- Participating businesses must provide written notification to be removed from the list.
- Employees must show valid FWISD badge to receive discount.
- Discount is available to FWISD employees only.
For more information on FWISD’s Perks Plus Program, contact Vaughn-Robertson at 817/871-2458. Back to top
Eco Outlook Conference
Economic Outlook: What’s on Fort Worth’s Horizon?
We say it every year. Where did the time go? Before 2005 gets too far along, the Fort Worth Chamber will take stock of the current economic indicators and put them in perspective at an upcoming Economic Outlook Conference. TexasBank and Integra Realty Resources DFW are Gold sponsors of the event,
- What: Economic Outlook Conference
- When: Wednesday, March 9, 8-11:30 a.m. Registration and breakfast begin at 7:30 a.m.
- Where: Fort Worth Club, 306 West 7th St., 12th floor, Horizon and Terrace Rooms
- Cost: Chamber members - $55; Gold members - $40; non-members - $80; table for eight - $550
Conference topics will include health care; legislative update; transportation/aviation; technology and nanotechnology; manufacturing and workforce development.
Mark your calendar now and plan to attend this informative conference. Register online at events.fortworthchamber.com or contact Jeanean Herod at jherod@fortworthchamber.com or 817-336-2491, ext. 275.
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Chamberletter survey
Chamberletter Getting Facelift
After nearly a decade, the Chamberletter is getting a facelift. Thanks to the Star-Telegram’s graphics department, we will be rolling out a fresh, new look late this spring. But we want to know what our readers look for when they peruse the Chamber’s newsletter.
We have developed a short, easy to take survey and we invite our readers to take a few minutes to answer seven questions and tell us what you like, what you’d change and what else you might like to see included. We appreciate everyone’s input, comments and suggestions.
To take the survey, just and go to the site below.
Take the Chamberletter Survey |
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Ambassador of the Year
Top Action Ambassador of 2004
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Doug Shaw
Action Ambassador of the Year 2004 |
Congratulations toThe Fort Worth Chamber’s top Action Ambassador for all 2004, Doug Shaw, an Ambassador only since February 2004. Shaw is an account representative for the Fort Worth Business Press.
Action Ambassadors work on behalf of the Chamber calling on new members and serving as greeters at various Chamber functions. Currently, the program is recruiting new members, however, Ambassadors must be members of the Fort Worth Chamber. The Action Ambassador program is a great way to learn more about the Fort Worth Chamber and plug in to all of the programs it offers. It is also a great networking tool allowing ambassadors to contact Chamber members on the Chamber’s behalf. Contact Teresa Pearson at 817-336-2491, ext. 249 for information on becoming an Action Ambassador.
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SBOY Finalists
Small Business Award Finalists Talk ‘Best Practices’
The final judging is currently underway to select the recipients of the 2005 Small Business of the Year “Rising Star” Awards. Finalists were selected from 137 nominees and the events leading up to the awards ceremony are underway. A reception honoring all of the finalists was held last month. And a special Small Business Council Breakfast will feature finalists as well. The breakfast is sponsored by Marquette Commercial Finance and Wells Fargo.
The SBOY Awards, presented by Citizens National Bank, will be presented on Thursday, March 31. Mark your calendar now.
- What: Small Business Council Breakfast featuring the Small Business of the Year Finalists
- When: Wednesday, Feb. 23, 7:30-9 a.m.
- Where: Holiday Inn – North, 2540 Meacham Blvd. at I-35W
- Cost: Complimentary – Chamber members only
The breakfast will feature a panel discussion on “best practices” involving the SBOY finalists – an excellent opportunity for other small business owners to learn from successful businessmen and women.
The SBOY Awards, presented by Citizens National Bank, will be presented on Thursday, March 31. Mark your calendar now. The Small Business of the Year Awards will be presented at a luncheon at the Fort Worth Club, 306 W. 7th St. The awards are presented by Citizens National Bank. For more information on the Small Business of the Year Awards, contact Lydia Hall at 817-336-2491, ext. 272.
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Tarrant County Day
Tarrant County Day in Austin is ‘Capitol’ Idea
Get an up close and personal look at the Texas Legislature and your representatives, by attending Tarrant County Day at the Capitol in Austin, Tuesday and Wednesday, Feb. 15-16. Sponsors for the event are Burlington Northern Santa Fe, Fidelity Investments, Lockheed Martin Aeronautics, SBC and TXU.
- What: Tarrant County Day at the Capitol
- When: Tuesday and Wednesday, Feb. 15-16
- Where: Omni Austin Hotel, 700 San Jacinto, Austin
This biennial event includes a reception honoring state senators and state representatives of the 79th Legislature Tuesday, Feb. 15 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at the Omni Austin Hotel.
“It’s a great social setting for people to meet their representatives one on one,” said Tim Keleher, the Fort Worth Chamber’s vice president of governmental and urban affairs. “The reception is a purely social occasion. Wednesday at the Capitol will allow participants to do a little lobbying and discuss their concerns directly with their legislators.”
A breakfast honoring the members of the Tarrant County and Fort Worth state legislative delegation will be held Wednesday, Feb. 16 from 8-9 a.m. at the Austin Club, 110 E. 9th St. (three blocks south of the State Capitol) followed by a day at the Capitol. Visits with individual members of the Legislature and their staff in the Capitol complex offices will be available on both days.
Registration for both events is $50 per person. A block of rooms has been reserved at the Omni Austin Hotel, 700 San Jacinto. The phone number is 1-800-843-6664. (The registration reference code is Tarrant County Day at the Capitol – Fort Worth Chamber.) No air or ground transportation is provided.
For more information on Tarrant County Day at the Capitol, call A.J. Fuqua at 817-336-2491, ext. 251.
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Chamberletter contact below:
For more information contact:
Arden
Dufilho
Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce
817-336-2491 Ext. 259 |
