The Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce has released its 2006 Media Directory. This 60-page media guide includes print media primarily for Tarrant County, and also includes some listings for Dallas, Johnson, Hood and Parker counties.

Broadcast media are included for the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex, as well as network and wire services. Contact names, titles, phone numbers, email addresses, circulation numbers and deadlines are all included in the media directory.

The Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce updates and publishes the directory annually for use by new business owners, public relations professionals and advertisers.

The 2006 Media Directory is available to Fort Worth Chamber members for $30 and to non-members for $40. A disk with PDF is also available or it can be downloaded from the Chamber web site.

To order, contact the Chamber at 817/336-2491, ext. 242, or order online at www.fortworthchamber.com.

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President's Column

Bill Thornton

Anyone who drives Metroplex freeways as well as north-south highways outside the area  has experienced heavy traffic, especially commercial traffic. Various ways have been sought to deal with this growing problem. One proposed solution is the Trans-Texas Corridor (TTC-35), a proposed toll road from North Texas to Laredo which is designed to relieve congestion and move much of the heavy truck traffic from the Interstate 35 corridor across the state.

We in Fort Worth support the TTC-35 concept, but we are deeply concerned regarding the future location and alignment of TTC-35 in North Texas as indicated by the recently released Tier 1 Draft Environmental Impact Statement.

The impact statement brings TXDOT officials one step closer to opening this futuristic highway by 2015. But civic and business leaders in North Texas are disappointed that Cintra Zachry, a private firm hired to construct the $6 billion highway, as well as state and federal officials chose not to follow the recommendations of the Metroplex’s Regional Transportation Council, which proposed building the project right through the middle of Dallas-Fort Worth, a design which would complement the existing transportation grid. Current maps show the route tracking well to the east of Dallas, cutting Fort Worth and Tarrant County out of the loop.

Fort Worth is the 19th largest city in the United States and the fastest growing of the top 20. The economic and demographic “center of gravity” in the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex is moving west. Tarrant County, with a population of 1,620,761 is the fastest growing county in the 16-county Metroplex. Countywide population is projected to reach 2,291,723 by 2030. Fort Worth’s population is expected to reach 826,665 by 2030. And we can boast of seven Fortune 1000 corporation headquarters in here.

These statistics illustrate only a small part of the tremendous economic success story of the western sub-region of the DFW Metroplex. It is imperative that civic and business leaders, indeed all citizens voice their concerns on this matter. It is our responsibility to make sure the western part of the Metroplex story is told. To that end, I have organized a Fort Worth Chamber task force charged with examining recent developments relating to the Trans-Texas Corridor Project – specifically the possible alignment of segments of the corridor that parallel I-35 (TTC-35) and intersect with North Texas area cities and surface transportation infrastructure.

Published reports have indicated that final approval of the first Trans-Texas environmental study is not expected for at least a year. At that time another more detailed study would be conducted to choose a precise location for the road. As things stand now, it could be built anywhere within a 10-mile-wide path well to the east of the Metroplex – an area of prime farmland, parks and landfills. The area also includes needed habitat for many threatened or endangered plant and animal species.

Public hearings will be held in cities along I-35 starting this summer, including at least five in and around Tarrant County. I urge all concerned citizens to attend these meetings and stress that the western side of the Metroplex must not be cut off from the Trans-Texas Corridor. State officials may consider changing the route after hearing Texans’ testimony this summer.

It is incumbent upon Fort Worth and Tarrant County to work to bring this thoroughfare through the Metroplex, rather than around. Such a futuristic highway would serve to accommodate the area’s burgeoning population.

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The T Wins Clean Air Grant Promoting Vanpool-Rideshare Programs

With the beginning of May, the summer ozone season is upon us. Air pollution season in North Texas runs from May 1 through October 31. During this time of year, the NTCAC sponsors Commute Solutions Season, a public awareness campaign promoting alternatives to drive-alone commuting that help reduce air pollution and traffic congestion. One way to help reduce ozone is to use car- and vanpools.

During the hottest days of this summer, 1,000 Fort Worth area commuter vehicles will be sporting sunshades that promote use of vanpools and carpools to improve air quality.

The Fort Worth Transportation Authority was awarded a 2006 Community Grant Program award for $5,600 for its proposal to provide free auto sunshades through its vanpool, carpool and other employer programs to help increase awareness of alternative commute options. The T was among 9 recipients, and the only transit agency, to receive one of this year’s community clear air grants, sponsored by The North Texas Clean Air Coalition and funded by TXU Power.

The sunshades have a ride share message and phone number on both sides. All 130-plus vanpools in The T’s area will receive one. The balance will be offered to known carpool groups and distributed to commuters through employer programs and at various promotional events held during the ozone season. The sunshades are expected in August and September, usually the hottest summer months in Texas.

Established in 2002 to address the increasing issue of vehicle emissions in the Dallas/Fort Worth non-attainment area, the NTCAC Community Grant Program recognizes and helps fund community programs that encourage individuals to make changes in their commuting patterns to help reduce air pollution.

The NTCAC is comprised of Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce, Greater Dallas Chamber, North Central Texas Council of Governments, North Texas Commission, Dallas Area Rapid Transit, Fort Worth Transportation Authority (The T), and Denton County Transportation Authority.

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Recap of Recent Economic Activity in Tarrant County

In the Works
Metro PCS, a wireless service provider, plans to open six Metroplex locations this month. The Tarrant County locations for Metro PCS are at 6426 Meadowbrook Drive in Fort Worth and at Arlington's Ensenda Square, 301 S. Bowen Road. Star Telegram, March 13

Newly formed Gatebridge Hospitality is combing downtown Fort Worth and parts of the city's Cultural District for a possible location for an "aloft" hotel, one of five it plans for the area. The aloft hotels are hip and urban-inspired, with loft-style guest rooms, enhanced technology services and landscaped outdoor spaces for use day and night. The rooms have oversized windows to maximize natural light and provide a more residential feel. Star Telegram, March 20

Good Fulton & Farrell, a Dallas architectural firm, has been chosen to design a master plan for the first phase of Walsh Ranch, a 7,300-acre development in west Fort Worth, near the Tarrant/Parker county line. About 2,387 acres of Walsh Ranch will be set aside for open space and parks, and 3,200 acres will be used for residences. The remainder of the land will be used for office buildings, schools, city support services, roads, shops and restaurants. It could possibly include a town center. Star Telegram, March 27

Final approval by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has been received for the Trinity River Uptown project, marking the official start of an endeavor that will change Fort Worth’s landscape. The first step after delivering final design and engineering for the project will be property acquisition. Following property acquisition, road and bridge work will begin a soon as possible on the Henderson Street bridge, the White Settlement bridge and the Main Street bridge and the roads near the bridges. The bridgework should be completed by 2009. After the road and bridge projects, work will begin on the bypass channels, which will be about 1 1/2 miles long and 300 feet wide. The channels should be complete by 2012. Fort Worth Business Press, March 20

Expansions and Moves
Cockrell Printing Co. in Fort Worth is adding 18,000 square feet at its office at 218 W. Broadway Ave. for its sales and executive staffs. Star Telegram, March 20

Land O'Lakes food and agricultural company has moved the former Purina feed division to a distribution center at 5500 South Freeway from the Village Creek Business Park on U.S. 287. Land O'Lakes leased 100,000 square feet at the distribution center, the former Winn Dixie warehouse and distribution facility at Interstate 20 and Interstate 35W in south Fort Worth. Star Telegram, March 27

The Faciane Law Firm, LP, moved from its 307 Seventh St. location to 5900 Lovell Ave. Fort Worth Business Press, March 27

Under Construction
Vaughan Mitchell, a Fort Worth developer, broke ground this month on Oak Timbers-Fort Worth, a 168-unit senior apartment community near Terrell Avenue and Crawford Street, in Fort Worth South. The community will be marketed to people age 55 and older. The property will include four three-story buildings and a multipurpose clubhouse. Star Telegram, March 27

Allied Electronics, a subsidiary of Electrocomponents, broke ground on its new 365,000-square-foot headquarters and distribution center in east Fort Worth March 30. The Allied project represents over $20M in capital investment along with the retention of 250 jobs and the hiring of an additional 100. Fort Worth Business Press, March 27

On the Dotted Line
HCA Health Services of Texas, a part of the Nashville-based Hospital Corp. of America, has added 13 acres to the 60 it owns near Tarrant Parkway and Old Denton Road. The land is near the planned Alliance Town Center. The company has plans to build a hospital, ambulatory services and medical office buildings. Star Telegram, March 6

Paulie Ayala, a former world bantamweight-boxing champion, has bought 16,793 square feet of land at 3136 Reagan Drive as part of a real-estate deal that involved the sale of three west Fort Worth lots. Ayala plans to build a boxing and fitness gym and relocate from his current location on the Weatherford Traffic Circle in the next six months. Star Telegram, March 13

American Retirement Corp., a senior care and housing company, has purchased Town Village Ridgmar, 2151 Green Oaks Road in Fort Worth. Star Telegram, March 27

The Ginger Man, a Dallas-owned pub chain noted for its selection of bottled and draft beers has purchased Rick's on the Bricks, a well-known burger-and-beer hangout on Camp Bowie Boulevard in west Fort Worth. The Ginger Man will offer 170 bottled beers and 70 on tap. Star Telegram, March 27

Onis Stone, a custom marble and stonework company, has bought the building it has leased for the past few years at 1116 E. Vickery Blvd. Star Telegram, March 6

508 Carroll has purchased the building at 508 Carroll St., across the street from the Montgomery Plaza shopping center from Harold and Toni Gernsbacher. The 51,465-square-foot building is occupied by Strategic Equipment & Supply. The restaurant-supply business will continue to operate from the building. Star Telegram, March 13

Wachovia Bank has leased 52,800 square feet at the corner of North Tarrant Parkway and Beach Street, where it plans a branch. Star Telegram, March 13

Weaver and Tidwell, one of the Southwest's largest independent regional accounting firms, is now leasing 25,637 square feet of space in the Cash America International building, 1600 W. Seventh St. Star Telegram, March 13

JPS Health Network purchased a nearly 13,000-square-foot building at 2200 Ephriham Avenue from Sobriety One, a Houston-based limited partnership. They plan to renovate the building for a women's health center. Star Telegram, March 13

Landmark Field Services, which specializes in land acquisition and rights of ways for private and government entities, has leased in the Summit Professional Building, 3851 N.E. Loop 820. Star Telegram, March 20

Ron and Cindy Fletcher of Martinez, California purchased Les Jardin Apartments at 2901 Travis Ave. Star Telegram, March 20

Mercury Consultants, an insurance agency that offers individual health policies, has leased office space at 8205 Camp Bowie West. Star Telegram, March 20

Nader Design Group, an architecture and design company, has leased 2,029 square feet of office space in the historic Electric Building, 410 W. Seventh St. Star Telegram, March 27

AmeriCode International, a manufacturer of continuous ink jet printers, has leased 102,500 square feet at 1400 Everman Parkway. Star Telegram, March 27

Northstar Properties recently purchased a one-acre pad site from Chase Bank, located at the intersection of Interstate 20 and Wichita Street. Fort Worth Business Press, March 6

Range Resources, an oil and gas exploration and production company currently headquartered in downtown Fort Worth’s Carter Burgess Plaza, has signed a lease for four floors of the former Charles D. Tandy Center, to be named Two City Place. Fort Worth Business Press, March 6

FIRST on 7th LP has purchased the 19-story Bank of America Building located at 500 West Seventh Street in downtown Fort Worth and the adjoining eight-story, 504-space parking garage from Elm Street Portfolio, a subsidiary of Italian investment group SCI-ROEV. Fort Worth Business Press, March 6

Crescent Real Estate Equities Company recently announced that Occidental Oil and Gas Corporation, a subsidiary of Los Angeles-based Occidental Petroleum Corporation, has renewed and expanded its office lease in Greenway Plaza for a total of 383,000 square feet. Fort Worth Business Press, March 6

Anaphora, an investment partnership based in Little Rock, Ark., has bought a 35,230-square-foot office and warehouse located at 901 Terminal Rd. Fort Worth Business Press, March 06

Metro Active Warehouse and Distribution Ltd., a Fort Worth-based warehousing and distribution company, has leased 41,940 square feet in Hillwood’s Gateway 9 building at AllianceTexas. Fort Worth Business Press, March 20

Openings
Sonic Industries, the franchiser of America's largest chain of drive-in restaurants, has announced two new locations: 7101 Boat Club Road and 3701 Sycamore School Road. Star Telegram, March 6

Around Town
The Texas Longhorn Legacy Sale, which has become known for its high bids and black tie dress, shattered its previous sales record March 18 when a group of 500 cattlemen and women from across the nation bid more than $2.6 million for some of the most decorated longhorns in Texas. The second annual Legacy Sale was held in the ballroom of the Doral Tesoro Hotel and Golf Club in Fort Worth. Fort Worth Business Press, March 27

Out of Town Reporting
Featuring 294 guestrooms and suites, including one suite over 2,000 square feet, the Hilton Fort Worth is located in downtown Fort Worth across the street from the Fort Worth Convention Center and steps away from famous Sundance Square, with great entertainment, shopping and dining. Fort Worth attractions convenient to the hotel include Six Flags Over Texas, Fort Worth Zoo, Billy Bob's Texas, Fort Worth Cultural District and the Kimbell Art Museum. Featuring 35,000 square feet of flexible meeting and conference space, the hotel also offers its guests the finest social and business experience in the South. PR Newswire, New York, Feb. 24

The Fort Worth Convention Center became a hub for an estimated 7,000 health- conscious men, women and children. From March 23-25, global health and wellness provider Mannatech, Incorporated, hosted its 10th annual MannaFest international event. PR Newswire, New York, March 17

Hilton Hotels Corporation announced on March 17 the opening of the 294-room Hilton Fort Worth, previously operated as a Radisson, following a $10.5 million renovation. Business Wire, California, March 27

Fort Worth/Dallas is home to 22 Fortune 500 company headquarters and, with a population of over 5.7 million, is one of the largest metropolitan areas in the southern United States. Fort Worth/Dallas' population is projected to grow 11.8% over the next five years, above the projected national average five year growth of 6.2%. The average household income for the metropolitan area is $52,411, 13.5% above the national average. PR Newswire, New York, March 22

Did You Know?
For the second straight year, Texas is the leader in national magazine Site Selection’s ranking of states with the most corporate expansion and relocation activity. Meanwhile, Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington ranks second after the Chicago area as the top metropolitan market. Fort Worth Business Press, March 6

According to research company Grubb & Ellis, the good fortune that has shone on the Metroplex’s office and residential markets has now spread to the area’s industrial market. For the first time since 2002, vacancy in the Dallas/Fort Worth industrial market has dropped below nine percent, adding the industrial sector to the list of over-performing real estate areas in the region. Fort Worth Business Press, March 13

The Irish-themed Lockheed Martin and Chase Bank Entrepreneur Expo, March 17, drew a lunch crowd of more than 1,600 and at least 2,500 visited the 300-vendor exhibit hall. The expo, which was held at the Fort Worth Convention Center downtown, was a sold-out event. Fort Worth Business Press, March 27

Data provided by Strategic Insight Group, Intelligence Research Partner of the Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce


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Seminar Demystifies Blogs, Wikis and Podcasts

Wikis, and blogs, and podcasts, oh my! There’s an e-volution taking place in the worlds of media and marketing. Traditional mass media outlets such as radio, TV and newspapers are being crowded by new technologies such as blogs, wikis, podcasts, RSS, instant messaging, and other interactive electronic means known as “social media.”

• What: Blogging 101 Workshop
• When: Thursday, May 11, 7:30 a.m. registration and breakfast; 8:15-11:15 a.m. workshop
• Where: Fort Worth Club, 12th Floor, 306 W. 7th St., 76102
• Cost: Chamber members - $75; Gold and Preferred members - $55; and non-members - $105.

At this three-hour workshop, learn exactly what these things are, how they are changing our world, why you should care, and how you can use them to promote your industry or business.

Experts Eric Naiman of Jumpin’ Tex Media and Brian Oberkirch of Weblogswork will explain it all in plain English (not techno-talk!), show examples, and facilitate a brainstorming session to help you with skills and practical, affordable ideas on how to incorporate social media into your marketing mix.

Naiman’s Jumpin’ Tex Media is a graphic design and web development company that has expanded into a turnkey advertising agency in the Metroplex and branching out to Austin.

Oberkirch heads Weblogs Work, a marketing consultancy focused on social media, and conducts blogging and other social media programs for Fortune 500s, garage startups and companies of all sizes.

Mitch Schnurman, business columnist and popular blogger with the Star-Telegram, will wind up the workshop with anecdotes about the controversies and advantages of blogging, and how he has used online reader feedback to shape or change his opinions.
 
A full breakfast, Google Juice and handouts are included in registration fee.

Register online at www.fortworthchamber.com or with Jeanean Herod at jherod@fortworthchamber.com or 817/336-2491, ext. 275 by May 8.

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West 7th Street: New Gateway to Downtown

If Fort Worth is where the West begins, then West 7th Street is where the west side of Fort Worth begins. Renovation and revitalization are recasting West 7th Street as a new Gateway to Downtown. Fernando Costa, Planning Director for the City of Fort Worth will update the Fort Worth Chamber on plans for the West 7th corridor at the next Membership Luncheon hosted by the West Area Council and presented by Wells Fargo.
* What: General Membership Luncheon hosted by the West Area Council, “West 7th Street – Gateway to Downtown Fort Worth”
* When: Thursday, May 25, noon-1:30 p.m. Registration and networking begin at 11:30 a.m.
* Where: B. K. Creative Catering, 275 University, 76107
* Cost: Chamber members - $25; Gold and Preferred members - $20; non-members - $40; and a table of eight - $250.
Before moving to Fort Worth in 1998, Costa worked as a city planner in Georgia for 22 years, including eleven years as planning director for the City of Atlanta. He holds leadership positions in various professional organizations, including the American Planning Association and the Urban Land Institute.
Register online at www.fortworthchamber.com or with Jeanean Herod at jherod@fortworthchamber.com or 817/336-2491, ext. 275.

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Action Ambassador for January 2006

Congratulations to Richard Baughman as Action Ambassador of the month for February 2006. An ambassador only since November 2005, Baughman is the owner of Richard Baughman Investment & Insurance Services.

Action Ambassadors work on behalf of the Chamber calling on new members and serving as greeters at various Chamber functions. Ambassadors must be members of the Fort Worth Chamber. 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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Nash Elementary Families Learn About Healthcare

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Excellent Opportunity for Employers – Hiring Fair 2006

It’s time is the 13th annual job fair hosted by Fort Worth ISD-Career Resources for its recent high school graduates, ages 17 to 21. Fort Worth ISD provides this event free of charge to employers. It is a great opportunity for area businesses to meet and hire over applicants seeking full-time, part-time as well as summer positions.

Fort Worth ISD-Career Resources is hosting this event in partnership with the Fort Worth Chamber, Fort Worth Hispanic Chamber, Metropolitan Black Chamber and Workforce Solutions for Tarrant County.

• What: Fort Worth ISD-Career Resources Hiring Fair 2006

• When: Thursday, June 1, 1-4pm

• Where: Will Rogers Memorial Center, 3400 Burnett-Tandy Drive, Fort Worth

• Cost: No cost for registration, booth or parking

“This is an excellent opportunity for both our graduates and businesses,” said Lila Boydston, FWISD Hiring Fair coordinator. “Based on previous attendance, we anticipate more than 800 applicants to attend Hiring Fair 2006. They will be seeking entry-level jobs in a variety of industries for full-time, part-time as well as seasonal positions.”

According to Boydston, event evaluation cards from last year’s event included high praise such as, "This Job Fair was very well organized and we made an amazing amount of contacts with your graduates! Great Job!"

“There is still time for employers to register and get involved,” said Cynthia Fisher Miller, director of workforce and education for the Fort Worth Chamber. “It’s important that we help our graduates find gainful employment and help our local businesses find qualified help.”

Employers interested in having a booth or wanting more information should contact Boydston at 817.871.3116 or Lila@esc11.net before May 12. Booths are going quickly and space is limited.

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A Private Oasis Downtown

Everyone needs his or her own private oasis to escape the pressures of the workday world. The Renaissance Worthington Hotel will host the next Business After Hours on its elegant terrace in the heart of downtown Fort Worth. Chamber members only.

• What: Business After Hours hosted by the Renaissance Worthington Hotel

• When: Thursday, June 8, 5:30-7:30 p.m.

• Where: Renaissance Worthington Hotel terrace, 200 Main St., 76102

• Cost: Chamber members - $10; Gold and Preferred members – no charge, but must register with a credit card.

The Renaissance Worthington’s terrace is an elegant open air setting perfect on an early summer evening. Network under the stars and listen to jazz music as you sample the hotel’s savory hors d’oeuvres and tasty beverages. Experience an elegant refuge in the heart of downtown. Free parking available in self-park garage; enter from Throckmorton Street.

Register online at www.fortworthchamber.com or with Doris Becker at dbecker@fortworthchamber.com or 817/336-2491, ext. 288.

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‘Kotter’ Headlines Chamber’s 124th Annual Meeting

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Recent Ribbon Cuttings

~~Westaff, a human resources consulting and staffing firms, dedicated its new location with a ribbon cutting at 3950 Fossil Creek Blvd. Suite 203. To learn more, contact Chris Speights at 682/286-0500.

~~Flooring specialists, Master Flooring, held a ribbon cutting at its 4727 Camp Bowie Blvd. location. Contact Jessie Boyd at 817/732-7600 to learn more about the company.

~~Indigo Pointe @ Western Center, new luxury apartments held a special ribbon cutting marking its opening at 2650 Western Center Blvd. Shannon Christensen at 817/847-4200 has more details.

~~Groundbreaking ceremonies were held for Allied Electronics’ new headquarters and distribution center at 7101 S. Jack Newell Blvd. Contact Roxanne Martinez at 817/595-8566 to learn more about the company.

~~A ribbon cutting celebrated the grand opening of Whirlpool’s new distribution center at 1101 Everman Parkway. Tom Helfrick has more details at 817/615-3201.

~~Speedpro Imaging-Fort Worth, a digital sign and banner company, held a ribbon cutting at its 7457 Airport Freeway location. To learn more about Speedpro and its product line, contact Vicki Kempe at 817/284-3366.

~~The University of Dallas Tarrant County location held a grand opening and ribbon cutting at its campus at 8251 Bedford Euless Rd., Suite 231 in North Richland Hills. Call Chuck Close at 800/832-5622 to learn more about the institution.

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Chamberletter contact below:

For more information contact:
Arden Dufilho
Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce
817-336-2491 Ext. 259