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 - January 2005
Keleher column
Keleher column
On Jan. 11, state legislators from Fort Worth and around the state convene at the state capitol for 140 days of negotiations, debate and problem solving. Our state elected officials are setting priorities for the state’s two-year, $118 billion budget. They are preparing to address the major challenges facing Texas – public education, taxation, economic development, transportation, health care, air quality, water resources and more. As they work to build consensus on solutions to these issues, business people stand ready to provide support and assistance throughout the legislative process.
Fort Worth Chamber members are actively engaged. Over the last several months, Fort Worth business leaders have been reviewing the issues through the chamber’s committees and area council boards. Chamber members responded to opinion surveys, expressing their concerns, prioritizing issues and analyzing potential solutions.
High among Chamber members’ priorities is public education reform and revising the state’s system of funding public schools. Improving student performance, attracting and retaining the best teachers, and preparing school districts for student population growth and shifting demographics are often sited as key elements of achieving excellence in public education. Increased investment of state funds along with strong performance and accountability standards is supported by most Chamber members. The current school funding system is widely considered to be in need of an overhaul. This view, supported by a recent state district court ruling that found the current system to be unconstitutional, is driving legislative proposals to restructure state and local tax laws.
Another top priority of chamber members is the multi-faceted issue of economic development. Job creation, job training, enhancing the business climate, and building on our community’s successful attraction of new capital investment are goals that can benefit from a coordinated strategy between state and local economic development programs. The Texas Enterprise Fund, a state-funded, business incentive program designed to support local economic development projects is one good example of successful state and local cooperation.
Chamber members emphasized their interest in air quality, urging the state legislature to continue programs that encourage businesses to reduce tailpipe emissions from construction equipment and on-road vehicles. They expressed strong support for state policies that will enable the Fort Worth and Tarrant County area and the D/FW Metroplex to address essential transportation projects including additional roadway capacity, the development of a regional commuter rail system and improvements in freight mobility.
Improving the state’s workers’ compensation system was identified as a top priority with the primary goals being to reduce the cost of workers’ compensation medical care while improving the quality of care for injured workers. And, attracting more federal matching funding for the health care of children and low income patients was determined to have the dual benefit of improving public health while easing the strain on overburdened local governments and health delivery providers.
The Chamber’s Governmental Affairs Committee received this member input, heard from elected officials, and compared notes with other urban Texas chambers and business organizations. The result is a set of public policy position statements identifying and analyzing key policy issues and offering recommendations for legislative action. Adopted by the members of the chamber’s Executive committee in November, the position statements are the foundation and the framework for close cooperation between the Fort Worth business community and state elected officials on the most important business issues to come before the state legislature this year.
Divided into six general categories, the detailed position statements describe the collective positions of the Chamber’s members, addressing a wide range of state public policy issues affecting the Fort Worth business community. (See a summary of the position statements in the Page 1 Chamberletter story) Chamber staff will be communicating the Chamber’s positions with state elected officials and their staff as the legislative process unfolds. As specific legislation is introduced and moves though the House and Senate on the way to the Governor, the bills will be analyzed, monitored, and, when appropriate, actively supported or opposed according to the direction of the Chamber’s membership. At every step throughout the legislative process the Chamber will be an active partner with our elected representatives as we work together to achieve meaningful, long-term policy solutions.
Tim Keleher is the Fort Worth Chamber’s vice president of governmental and urban affairs.
 Back to top
Legislative issues
Chamber Names Priorities for 2005 Legislative Session
As in years past, the Fort Worth Chamber’s executive committee has addressed issues of importance to our community as well as Texas in general. With the approach of the 2005 Legislative session, the Chamber now puts forth those issues it finds most pressing as well as its positions on those issues.
Economic Development
The Fort Worth Chamber supports increased funding of the Texas Enterprise Fund, a statewide economic development incentive program created by the 78th Legislature. The Texas Enterprise fund has a successful record of stimulating job creation, encouraging infrastructure development, attracting capital investment and providing for job skills training.
The Chamber supports local control of economic development incentive programs that are financed with local revenue. We support the continued implementation of the Texas Economic Development Act to attract jobs and capital intensive industries to the Fort Worth area and to the state.
The Chamber supports the repeal of Rider 11 which was added to appropriations bill HB 1 and enacted by the 78th Texas Legislature. Repeal of Rider 11 will restore fairness and confidence in the state tax system.
The Chamber supports legislation that would allow Fort Worth to retain a portion of state bed tax revenues to be dedicated to the enhancement of major equine events held at publicly owned facilities in Fort Worth.
Education and Workforce Development
The Fort Worth Chamber adopted a “Position Statement Concerning State Funding of Public Education in Texas” in February, 2004. The Chamber is continuing to analyze information related to public school funding and state tax code revision and is working with other business organizations to develop a statewide, business consensus position.
The Chamber supports increasing excellence funding to assist our area public universities in national competition for engineering and science research funds. We also support the appropriations requests, including special items and tuition revenue bond programs if applicable, of the University of North Texas and UNT Health Science Center at Fort Worth, the University of Texas at Arlington and UTA Fort Worth, and Tarrant County College. The Chamber urges state support for scholarship programs which increase access to public and private higher education opportunities.
The Chamber supports the continuation and enhancement of the Skills Development Fund job training program. The Skills Development Program, administered by the Texas Workforce Commission, supports local economic development and allows employers and Tarrant County College to work in partnership to effectively address local job training needs.
Environmental Quality
The Fort Worth Chamber supports the continued funding and implementation of the Texas Emissions Reduction Plan (TERP) that provides for a state-funded, incentive grant program and local option tools in Fort Worth and other federally designated non-attainment areas to reduce mobile source emissions and achieve compliance with federal air quality standards. We also support additional changes to the statutes and program guidelines that are designed to enhance TERP programs and increase small business participation. The coalition urges the legislature to allow TERP funding to continue beyond 2008 to assist the D/FW Metroplex which must address the new federal 8-hour air quality ozone standard and a new federal requirement that the Metroplex achieve compliance with air quality standards by 2010.
The Chamber urges the legislature to continue funding the Texas Environmental Research Consortium and the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality to perform scientific research in support of the development of air quality attainment plans under the new 8-hour air quality standard.
The Chamber supports statutory revisions allowing the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality to exercise greater flexibility in the fair evaluation of the compliance histories of businesses permitted and regulated by the agency. Current laws and regulations relating to compliance history rating and classification place an unfair burden on small businesses and create a disincentive to business growth and investment.
Healthcare
The Fort Worth Chamber urges the legislature to restore funding for the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) and Medicaid programs to a level which increases the state’s receipt of federal matching dollars and ensures that uninsured children in low-income, working families receive appropriate and needed care. Adequate state funding will ensure that healthcare costs are not shifted to overburdened local governments and healthcare delivery providers.
Transportation
The Fort Worth Chamber supports legislation that will enable the Fort Worth and Tarrant County area and the D/FW Metroplex to address essential transportation projects including additional roadway capacity, the development of a regional commuter rail system and improvements in freight mobility.
We urge the legislature to preserve all transportation resources and revenues and the authority and flexibility achieved with HB 3588 and other transportation bills enacted by the 78th Texas legislature. The Chamber also supports legislative action that would allow the motor fuels tax to adjust according to economic trends by tying the rate to an appropriate economic index. We support allowing the Metroplex region to enact a voter-approved, local option transportation tax. And we urge the legislature to reverse current diversions of transportation revenues to non-transportation uses.
The Chamber supports legislation to allow Metroplex counties to collectively address projected increases in population, employment and traffic congestion with the creation of a regional commuter rail authority, achieving a seamless system of rail transit services throughout the region, with funding provided by additional sales tax capacity, approved by local option election.
Workers’ Compensation Reform
The Fort Worth Chamber supports state policies that will improve the workers’ compensation system in Texas by reducing the cost of workers’ compensation medical care, improving the quality of care for workers and returning them to work in a timely manner, and allowing employers to be directly involved in the immediate treatment and follow-up medical care of injured employees. We support legislative and regulatory policies that will make workers’ compensation coverage available to more Texas employers at affordable rates in a competitive insurance market. The Chamber believes any legislative and regulatory action related to worker’s compensation should allow for healthcare provider networks that provide the best medical care for injured workers from appropriately credentialed providers and facilities. The initial treatment of injured employees should be performed by physicians with sufficiently broad education and training to direct care for the full range of workplace injuries. We also support the benchmarking of networks’ return to work and treatment outcomes.
In future issues of the Chamberletter, we will provide updates and the status of these Chamber-supported initiatives. For more information, contact Tim Keleher at 817-336-2491, ext. 264.
Back to top
Economic Update
Recap of Recent Economic Activities in Tarrant County
Dallas-based Canyon Partners is under contract to buy 28 acres on Azle Avenue between Northeast Loop 820 and Boat Club Road, where it plans a shopping center. Canyon Partners will begin construction of a 226,591-square-foot shopping center - Lake Worth Marketplace - that will be anchored by a 90,000-square-foot Kohl's. Kohl's is scheduled to open in October 2005 and the rest of the center in spring 2006.
Fort Worth Star Telegram, Nov. 1
California-based discount-linen chain Anna's Linens plans to add as many as a dozen stores next year to expand its Metroplex presence. Anna's plans as many as 25 stores in the Metroplex. Anna's sells bedding and bath items and window coverings.
Fort Worth Star Telegram, Nov. 29
Innovative Developers, a Fort Worth-based real estate development and investment company, will move from downtown's Carter Burgess Plaza to Lexington Place, 930 W. First Street, in early December.
Fort Worth Star Telegram, Nov. 22
State Farm is consolidating some Tarrant County offices. Two Fort Worth offices and one office in Weatherford are consolidating at 3215 W. Loop 820 in Fort Worth.
Fort Worth Star Telegram, Nov. 29
Regions Bank of Birmingham is moving a staff of seven to 10 into 6,500 square feet of space at One Main Place, across from the Tarrant County Courthouse.
Fort Worth Star Telegram, Nov. 26 – Dec. 3
After more than three years of planning and platting, the long-awaited Chapel Hill development on nearly 1,400 acres of the historic Bond Ranch in northwest Fort Worth is under way. Choice Homes and D.R. Horton will build homes once streets are built for the development's first phase.
Fort Worth Star Telegram, Nov. 8
Frank Kent Motor Co. has broken ground on a Hummer dealership, adjacent to Frank Kent Pontiac-GMC, in west Fort Worth. The 10,400-square-foot dealership, at 3535 W. Loop 820 South, is expected to be completed and open in the spring.
Fort Worth Star Telegram, Nov. 15
KB Homes broke ground last week on two model homes in Rolling Hills, on 36 acres between Riverside and Campus drives in southeast Fort Worth. The one and two-story houses will range in size from 1,300 square feet to 4,000 square feet.
Fort Worth Star Telegram, Nov. 22
KB Homes has been building houses in the Ramey Place development behind Dunbar High School at Loop 820 and Ramey Avenue.
Fort Worth Star Telegram, Nov. 22
Steele & Freeman, a local general contracting firm, is building a high school on the All Saints Episcopal School campus. The 103-acre campus, which already accommodates All Saints' lower and middle schools, is in far west Fort Worth. It includes a two-story, 81,400-square-foot classroom building, a baseball diamond with concession stand and two practice and game fields for field hockey and soccer. The completion date is December 2005.
Fort Worth Star Telegram, Nov. 29
Sawtooth Energy Partners, an oil and gas company headed by Marty Searcy, has leased 3,215 square feet on the 14th floor in City Center's Chase Tower, 201 Main St.
Fort Worth Star Telegram, Nov. 1
Woodbine Furniture, the sole Tarrant County distributor of custom-made Amish furniture, has leased 4,750 square feet for a retail location at 4624 Camp Bowie Blvd.
Fort Worth Star Telegram, Nov. 8
Fort Worth South has closed a deal to sell a 35,000-square-foot tract at Adams and West Oleander streets to Synchron City Investments, which plans to build 14 town houses in a project called Texana Townhomes.
Fort Worth Star Telegram, Nov. 8
Jim and Gina Dernehl, owners of Operating Tech in Grand Prairie, have bought the former Niver Western Wear building at 1221 Hemphill St. The Dernehls will move their business to the 28,000-square-foot, two-story building and occupy about 7,000 square feet on the first floor. The remaining first-floor space will become shops, and the second floor will be converted into eight loft apartments.
Fort Worth Star Telegram, Nov. 15
Two new tenants have signed leases in the Lone Star Shopping Center, 6500 Camp Bowie Blvd. Ocone's, a wedding specialty retailer, has leased 4,697 square feet. It is moving from 6333 Camp Bowie, where it has been for 24 years. Wireless Toyz, a franchise location of the Detroit-based retailer of wireless telephones and wireless electronics, has leased 2,800 square feet. The store is scheduled to open in January.
Fort Worth Star Telegram, Nov. 15
Entertainment Associates of Texas has leased 10,500 square feet in Ridgmar Village, at Interstate 30 and Green Oaks Road, where it will open Coconuts Sports Bar and Coconuts Night Club.
Fort Worth Star Telegram, Nov. 29
Westpoint Village, an affiliate of James R. Harris Co., has purchased 9.4 acres at American Flyer and Westpoint boulevards, where it plans to build 79 town houses.
Fort Worth Star Telegram, Nov. 29
Openings
Cowtown Fudge & Creamery has opened at 112 W. Exchange Ave. in the historic Stockyards District.
Fort Worth Star Telegram, Nov. 1
XO Exchange, a retailer of western home decor, has opened a store at 117 W. Exchange Ave. in the historic Stockyards district.
Fort Worth Star Telegram, Nov. 15
PlainsCapital will open in 6,100 square feet of lobby space in the Fort Worth Club at 777 Taylor Street.
Fort Worth Business Press, Nov. 26 – Dec. 3
Data provided by Strategic Insight Group,
Intelligence Research Partner of the Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce
Back to top
Dateline
Dateline: Fort Worth
“In virtually any city in America, visitors can go high brow, or they can go low brow. But rarely can they bridge the gap from high to low as easily as they can in Fort Worth.
One minute they can be breathing the rarified air of the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth, and the next they can be inhaling the decidedly different aroma of a rodeo at the Will Rogers Memorial Center – and all they have to do is walk one block.
The strange bedfellows of cowboy culture and high culture enjoy a comfortable alliance in Fort Worth. Three acclaimed art museums – the Modern, the Amon Carter and the Kimbell – share the city’s Cultural District with the Will Rogers Center and the National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame.
As far as Fort Worth is concerned, it has the best of both worlds. In a revitalized downtown area that Texas Monthly magazine called ‘the hottest downtown in Texas,’ the six-year-old Bass Performance Hall stops passersby in their tracks, so impressive is the exterior. It is home to symphony, ballet, opera, Broadway shows and concerts, and every four years it plays host to the Van Cliburn International Piano Competition.
Bass Hall sits on the edge of Sundance Square, consisting of about 20 square blocks of restaurants, shops and nightclubs, with high-rise office buildings serving as backdrop.”
St. Louis Post-Dispatch
February 2004
Back to top
Real Estate Forecast
Get the Scoop on Tarrant County’s Commercial Real Estate Outlook
Will this be a boom or bust year for Tarrant County commercial real estate? Make plans to attend the 2005 Tarrant County Commercial Real Estate Forecast on Wednesday, Jan. 19, to find out.
- What: 2005 Tarrant County Commercial Real Estate Forecast
- When: Wednesday, Jan. 19, 7-11:30 a.m.
- Where: Fort Worth Convention Center, 1201 Houston Street, Ballroom A.
- Cost: $40 per person
Industry leaders will reveal what they expect to happen during the coming year. What market trends will affect Tarrant County? Will leasing rates for office, industrial, and retail properties go up, down, or remain flat? What can we expect regarding occupancy? What are the prospects for market growth downtown and in the suburbs? What makes sense for investments?
Topics and speakers are:
- U.S. Trends Affecting Tarrant County: Ben D. Loughry, MAI, managing partner, Integra Realty Resources, DFW, L.L.P.
- Infill/Residential Development: James R. Harris, partner, James R. Harris Partners , L.L.C.
- Industrial Market: Todd Burnette, senior vice president, Southwest Corporate Services, The Staubach Company
- Retail Market: James M. Makens, president, The Makens Company
- Office Market: Jim Eagle, president, Red Oak Realty, L.L.C.
- 2005: Boom or Bust?: John S. Baen, Ph.D., professor of real estate, University of North Texas.
Sponsors are Alamo Title Company; Brazos Tax Group, L.L.P.; Fort Worth Business Press; Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce; Integra Realty Resources, DFW, L.L.P.; Jackson Walker, L.L.P.; Red Oak Realty, L.L.C.; Society of Commercial Realtors; The Staubach Company; Texas Capital Bank; and Weaver and Tidwell, L.L.P.
Check-in begins at 7 a.m. with a continental breakfast served until 7:55 a.m.Presentations begin at 8 a.m.
Proceeds will benefit the Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce’s economic development program. Register online by Friday, Jan. 14 at www.fortworthchamber.com/events.
For more information, contact Netty Matthews at nmatthews@fortworthchamber.com or ext. 250.
Back to top
Women in Business
Women in Business Features D.R. Horton’s Stacey Dwyer
According to Stacey Dwyer, there’s no place like D.R. Horton, Inc. Dwyer is executive vice president and treasurer of the homebuilding giant which has recently relocated its corporate offices to downtown Fort Worth. She will be the featured speaker at the Chamber’s next Women in Business Luncheon. Silver sponsor is SouthTrust Bank.
- What: Women in Business Luncheon featuring DR Horton’s Stacey Dwyer
- When: Thursday, Feb. 3, noon-1:30 p.m. Registration begins at 11:30 a.m.
- Where: Mira Vista Country Club, 6600 Mira Vista Blvd.
- Cost is Chamber members - $25; Gold members - $20; and non-members - $40.
Dwyer has been with D.R. Horton since 1991 and moved to the treasury function in 1996.
As with past Women in Business luncheons, select young women chosen from FWISD will be invited as guests of women executives and business owners as part of the Stay-In-School Initiative. To sponsor one of these students at the luncheon, contact Jeanean Herod at jherod@fortworthchamber.com or ext. 275.
Register for the luncheon online at www.fortworth.com or RSVP to Jeanean Herod.
Back to top
Combined Area Council
Superintendents’ Forum: Let’s Get Educated
The state of education in Texas will be a top priority in the 2005 Legislative session beginning this month. One of the best ways to learn what’s going on in the classroom as well as the offices is to hear from district superintendents. The Fort Worth Chamber will host a Combined Area Council luncheon featuring four area superintendents in a question and answer format. The event is presented by IBM.
- What: Combined Area Council Forum: Superintendents’ Forum
- When: Wednesday, Jan. 19, noon-1:30 p.m. Registration begins at 11:30 a.m.
- Where: Fort Worth Club, 306 West 7th
- Cost: Chamber members and non-members - $30; Gold members - $25.
Superintendents slated to participate include Keith Sockwell, Superintendent – Northwest Independent School District (ISD); Deborah Cron, Ph.D., Superintendent – Weatherford ISD; Vernon Newsom, Superintendent – Mansfield ISD; and Dr. David Barbosa, Grand Prairie ISD. Topics to be discussed include school financing, changing classroom demographics, extracurricular activities and the public’s perception of education.
Plan to attend this important forum. Register online at www.fortworthchamber.com. Or RSVP to Jeanean Herod at jherod@fortworthchamber.com or 817-336-2491, ext. 275.
Back to top
Leaders in Gov’t. – Hutchison
D.C. Update with Sen. Hutchison
 |
Senator
Kay Bailey Hutchison |
The swirl of activity surrounding President George W. Bush’s second inaugural will be dying down and senators and representatives will be getting down to business in Washington. That’s a great time for Texas Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison to update the Fort Worth Chamber membership on what to expect from the upcoming session of Congress at the next Leaders in Government luncheon presented by Wells Fargo. Gold sponsors include Jackson Walker, L.L.P.; Kelly, Hart & Hallman; and TXU. Silver sponsors are Cantey & Hanger; Law, Snakard & Gambill; and Republic Title Company.
Elected in 1993, Sen. Hutchison is the first woman elected to represent Texas in the Senate. A member of the powerful Senate Appropriations Committee, Sen. Hutchison is a leading voice on foreign policy and national security issues. She plays a vital role in shaping America’s defense policies.
- What: Leaders in Government Luncheon featuring Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison
- When: Monday, Feb. 7, noon-1:30 p.m. Registration begins at 11:30 a.m.
- Where: The Petroleum Club Wildcatter’s Room, 39th floor, 777 Commerce St.
- Cost: Chamber members - $30; Gold members - $25; and non-members - $50
Register online at www.fortworthchamber .com. Or RSVP to Jeanean Herod at jherod@fortworthchamber.com or 817-336-2491, ext. 275.
Back to top
Media Seminar
Learn How to Handle the Media
Mark your calendars now for the Fort Worth Chamber’s “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.
- Where: Fort Worth Club, 306 W. 7th St.
- Cost is Chamber members - $75; Gold members - $65; and non-members - $115.
Polish your interviewing skills. Learn how to pitch to the media successfully. And how to dress, speak, gesture and look natural. If you are a small business owner or a camera-shy executive, you owe it to yourself and to your company to take advantage of this training.
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.
Back to top
Canfield - Chicken Soup
Learn How to Get to Where You Want to Be
 |
Jack Canfield |
You’ve seen his books – the Chicken Soup for the Soul series, which he co-authored. New York Times best-selling author Jack Canfield has devoted over 30 years to the study and practice of success. Now hear him in person as he addresses the Fort Worth Chamber’s Small Business Council Breakfast. Wells Fargo and Marquette Commercial Finance are sponsoring the event.
You may know that the best-selling Chicken Soup for the Soul series, that currently has 83 titles and over 80 million copies, is printed in 39 languages.
What you may not know is that he is also the founder and President of the Canfield Training Institute, which trains entrepreneurs, corporate leaders, managers and sales professionals in how to accelerate the achievement of their personal, professional, and financial goals.
- What: Small Business Council Breakfast presents Jack Canfield and “The Success Principles”
- When: Wednesday, Jan. 26, 7:30-9 a.m.
- Where: Holiday Inn North, 2540 Meacham Blvd. at I-35.
- Cost: Chamber members - $30; and non-members - $40. Price includes copy of Canfield’s “The Success Principles.”
Mark your calendar now to attend and hear Canfield explain how you can get from where you are to where you want to be.
Register online at www.fortworthchamber.com. Or RSVP to Doris Becker at dbecker@fortworthchamber.com or 817-336-2491, ext. 288.
Back to top
WAC – Capt. McCormack
Base’s Capt. McCormack Talks Duty, Homeland Security
As the war in Iraq continues, joint reserve military installations take on increasing importance. And with Base Realignment and Closure looming, attention is focused on the Naval Air Station – Joint Reserve Base, Fort Worth. Recently, Captain John McCormack took over as commanding officer of NAS JRB and faces these challenges. Capt. McCormack will address a Chamber membership luncheon to talk about the changes the base is experiencing and his vision for the base during his tenure. The event is sponsored by Wells Fargo and Advantage Rent-A-Car.
- What: General Membership Luncheon hosted by the West Area Council
- When: Thursday, Jan. 13, noon-1:30 p.m. Registration begins at 11:30 a.m.
- Where: NAS JRB, Desert Storm Conference Center, 1501 Chennault Ave.
- Cost: Chamber members - $25; Gold members - $20; and non-members - $40
A graduate of the famed Top Gun naval flight school, Captain McCormack is the recipient of numerous military citations including the Legion of Merit and Navy Commendation Medal. Make plans now to attend this luncheon. Register online at www.fortworthchamber.com. Or RSVP to Jeanean Herod at jherod@fortworthchamber.com or 817-336-2491, ext. 275.
Back to top
Fast Trac Grads
11th FastTrac Class Graduates Entrepreneurs
The 11th FastTrac class has graduated eight entrepreneurs who now have a better handle on the world of business – small business in particular.
FastTrac is designed to help small business owners streamline business processes, analyze strengths and shortcomings, and achieve more balance in their work and personal lives. FastTrac is a cooperative program of the Fort Worth Chamber, Texas Wesleyan University and the Tarrant County College Small Business Development Center.
This year’s graduates include Dale Berkebile, Dale Berkebile Illustration Design; Seane and Tom Jones, Blinkers & Silks Unlimited; Hein Maas, Easter Seals of Greater Northwest Texas; Joe Moberley, Mueller, Inc.; Jamie Nelms, Your Body’s Retreat; Tamara Payne, Impact Promotions Plus; and Susana Soto, Senorita Frog’s.
The 11-week FastTrac program helps participants by allowing them to interact with a group of business pros sharing ideas, strategies and successes. The program 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.
Another FastTrac class will begin in February or March. To learn more about FastTrac, contact Lydia Hall at 817-336-2491, ext. 272.
Back to top
Camp Bowie
Facelift Repositions Camp Bowie as Retail Mecca
Great cities have their great boulevards. Paris has its Champs Elysees. New York City has Park Avenue. In years past, Fort Worth’s main retail thoroughfare was Camp Bowie Boulevard. In recent years, however, retail has gone suburban following the shoppers in the form of gigantic malls.
But that tide is turning. Thanks to some building projects along Camp Bowie as well as some beautification efforts, the boulevard is returning to its place as a premier shopping destination.
“People don’t realize there is so much development going on,” Brandy O’Quinn, president of Historic Camp Bowie told the Star-Telegram. The four-year-old nonprofit organization was established to oversee the direction of the area’s redevelopment.
One of the major projects at the heart of the renaissance of the Camp Bowie area is the renovation of the 6323 and 6333 Camp Bowie shopping areas. Currently being redeveloped by new owners Trophy Investments, the retail area is expected to reopen in February 2005 as The Village at Camp Bowie. According to Trophy founding partner David Burgher, the intent is to give the area a “town center” feel. “We want to see Camp Bowie become a destination location again,” said Burgher. “We want it to be a place where people will park their cars and shop at a variety of local and national stores as well as dine in the new restaurants. We are hoping for a cool blend of local, regional and national tenants.”
As the project progresses, national tenants are taking a more serious look at the Camp Bowie corridor. And Burgher believes there’s no reason that the Cultural District feel can’t continue on down the boulevard. And soon, when such tenants as home furnishers, electronic shops and restaurants move in, Burgher is convinced that Fort Worth visitors will continue on out Camp Bowie after taking in the city’s excellent museums.
O’Quinn agrees and feels the other aesthetic touches – new shop awnings, more trees and landscaping and more sidewalks – will only add to pedestrian-friendly atmosphere they are striving for.
“This kind of momentum comes from the community,” said former mayor Kenneth Barr. “The city doesn’t instigate this kind of change. This is community initiated.”
So stay tuned. As Camp Bowie continues to evolve, Burgher and O’Quinn are convinced more and more high-end, national tenants will move in.
Back to top
SBOY Finalists
2005 ‘A Rising Star’ Small Business of the Year Finalists
Small Business Award Finalists Named.
The nominees are in. The applications finalized and the judging completed for the 2005 Small Business of the Year. Finalists have been selected from more than 100 nominees. A reception is planned for the finalists at this month’s Business After Hours presented by Bank of America. The 2005 Small Business of the Year Awards are presented by Citizens National Bank. Platinum sponsors are Raymond James & Associates and TCU’s Neeley School of Business James A. Ryffel Center for Entrepreneurial Studies.
- What: Small Business of the Year Finalists Reception
- When: Thursday, Jan. 6, 5:30-:30 p.m.
- Where: Radisson Plaza Hotel, 815 Main St.
- Cost: Chamber members - $10; Gold members – no charge. (Credit card will be required to make reservations, but only billed for no show.)
And the finalists are:
Emerging Business
- Colonial Health Group, Mark Euckert, Presiden
- Paragon Senior Care, Brad Hancock, Executive Directo
- Perfect Touch Therapeutic Massage, LLP, Jeff Robinson, President
1-10 Employees
- Best Used Trucks, Dianne Schafer, Vice-President
- Teresa’s Treasures, Teresa Nelson, Owner
- Tin Man Welding Service, Tracy Delce, President
11-50 Employees
- C.M. Architecture P.A., Bruce M. Carlson, President & CEO
- Pulliam Pools, Debra Smith, Vice-President
- Rhythm Band Instruments, Inc., Flora Brewer, Vice-President of Operations & CFO
51-100 Employees
- Aero Components, Inc., Jon Williams, Sr., CEO
- Diamond H Recognition, Pete Chambers, President & CEO
- Teague Nall and Perkins, Inc., Gary J. Teague, P.E., President
101-250 Employees
-
Eagle Construction and Environmental Services, L.P., Marc Walraven, Vice-President of the G.P.
- SkiHi Enterprises, Ltd., Richard Skipper, President
- Southwest Office Systems, Inc., Vince Puente, Sr., President of Sales & Marketing and Buddy Puente, President of Administration & Finance
Back to top
Ambassador of the Month
Action Ambassador for October 2004
 |
Charles Cox,
Action Ambassador, Oct 04' |
Fort Worth Chamber Action Ambassador Charles Cox was recognized at the top ambassador for October 2004. Cox, an Ambassador since 1985, is a past Action Ambassador of the Year as well as multiple Action Ambassador of the month honors. He is owner of Charles Cox Insurance.
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. Ambassadors must be Chamber members. Contact Teresa Pearson at 817/336-2491, ext. 249 for information on becoming an Action Ambassador.
Back to top
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.
Back to top
December 2004 Edition
November 2004 Edition
October 2004 Edition
September 2004 Edition
August 2004 Edition
July 2004 Edition
June 2004 Edition
May 2004 Edition
April 2004 Edition
March 2004 Edition
February 2004 Edition
January 2004 Edition
December 2003 Edition
November 2003 Edition
September 2003 Edition
August 2003 Edition
July 2003 Edition
June 2003 Edition
Chamberletter contact below:
For more information contact:
Arden
Dufilho
Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce
817-336-2491 Ext. 259 |
