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August 2006

 

Study Highlights Roadmap for Improving City’s Permitting Process

As one of the fastest growing cities in the U.S., Fort Worth development is setting a blistering pace. Construction throughout the city and Tarrant County is on a roll. That’s the good news.

That growth, however, has placed unprecedented demands on the City’s Development Department and its permitting process. But in what is viewed as an exceptional show of cooperation between Fort Worth’s public and private sectors, the Fort Worth Chamber and community partners have worked together to fund a review of that department that will streamline the City of Fort Worth’s permitting process.

“Our rapid rate of growth has put a strain on the system that has been manifested in Fort Worth’s Development Department,” said David Berzina, the Fort Worth Chamber’s executive vice president of economic development. “It’s also important to note that Fort Worth covers over 630 square miles, more than any comparable city in the U.S. That adds to the Development staff’s workload.”

That strain had been translated into a slow-moving and cumbersome permitting process for builders and developers, so slow-moving that late last year a development community delegation approached the Fort Worth Chamber for help. Representatives from building associations and the Society of Commercial Realtors were seeking a resolution to the lengthy time required to attain building permits from the City of Fort Worth.
The Chamber, along with Downtown Fort Worth Inc., approached City officials to float the idea of commissioning a study to review Fort Worth’s permitting process with an eye towards streamlining the process.

According to Berzina, City staffers were receptive to the idea. “With the support of the City and the development community, the Chamber and DFWI drafted a request for proposals to be sent out to consulting firms nationally,” he said. A selection committee was formed that included representatives from the Chamber, DFWI, the City of Fort Worth, Southeast Fort Worth, Inc., and the Society of Commercial Realtors and funds were raised from the private sector to underwrite the study.

Zucker Systems of San Diego, a nationally recognized consulting firm, was the committee’s choice to handle the review, which was performed last spring.
The result of the study was a comprehensive, 237-page report that offers the City a clear roadmap to streamlining the Development Department and reducing the permitting process timeline.

Paul C. Zucker, president of Zucker Systems, led the review process and marveled at the relationship between the City and the Chamber and DFWI.

“This is the only instance I am aware of where the private sector was allowed to have such extensive input in a government entity,” said Zucker. “It is also the only instance where the private sector funded a review of a city development department.”

Extensive Input

The Zucker team began the study by inviting appropriate City staff involved in every aspect of the permitting process to provide input on both the good and bad components of the process. They conducted interviews with officials ranging from Mayor Mike Moncrief, City Council members, City Manager Charles Boswell and appropriate assistant city managers. Interviews with members of the development community were also done. Confidential surveys were conducted with City staff and more than 2,000 surveys were sent to system customers.

City Manager Boswell, Assistant City Manager Dale Fisseler and Development Deputy Director Susan Alanis facilitated the review by allowing researchers total access to City staff, facilities and time in order to maximize the effectiveness of the study.

“Very few chambers of commerce in the U.S. enjoy a relationship with city government as strong as the Fort Worth Chamber and the City of Fort Worth share,” said Bill Thornton, Fort Worth Chamber president. “It is because of that relationship that this study was possible. It demonstrates the City of Fort Worth’s commitment to improve a process that could generate a less than favorable reputation to developers both inside Fort Worth and out.”

Among the study’s findings were, not surprisingly, that builders and developers find the permitting process simply too long and the study concurred with that sentiment.
“Developers, businesses and citizens pay a high price for long timelines,” noted the study, “including:

  • Extra interest payments on loans
  • Loss of business due to late openings of a business
  • Frustrations for homeowners in achieving their goals
  • Loss of or delay in City tax base
  • Difficulty in recruiting certain enterprises that the City may desire for tax base, jobs or other features.”


The Zucker Study includes a list of 165 recommendations that, upon implementation, could markedly help reduce the lengthy permitting process. Areas such as staffing levels, updated technology, online permitting, laptop inspection capabilities as well as changes in the physical layout of the department to improve workflow were addressed. (To read the entire study, log on to http://www.fortworthgov.org/development/zucker.pdf.)
Also, at the request of the selection committee, the study included a “Top 10 Hit List,” recommendations that could be implemented quickly to get the reorganization off to a good start (see sidebar).

“The City is very grateful to the Chamber for funding this vital study,” said Fisseler. “It carries much more credibility than it would if we had hired a consultant to tell us what we wanted to hear. The results of the survey mark a turning point in the way the City manages its Development Department.”

Already, some of the recommendations have been implemented and others are in the works. Development Deputy Director Alanis has been charged by Mayor Moncrief to provide regular updates on the progress to the City Council. As it stands now, quarterly updates will be provided to the Infrastructure and Transportation Committees as well as monthly updates to the Development Advisory Committee with development and Chamber representatives.

"The Zucker Study is remarkable in the sense that it is a demonstration of what we commonly call ‘the Fort Worth Way.’ It represents a cooperative effort between the Fort Worth Chamber, the City of Fort Worth staff and business stakeholders to find solutions to a common problem,” said City Councilman Jungus Jordan. ”The study provided excellent recommendations and a roadmap on how to make the development and permitting processes more efficient, timely and effective without impacting the high quality of construction standards expected. The City owes the Chamber a debt of gratitude in this effort. It is critical that all stakeholders work as hard in the implementation review to make this a successful effort."

“We at the Chamber have not only been pleased with the level of involvement from Mayor Moncrief to the members of the City Council to the City’s administrative staff,” said Berzina. ”Without their support and buy-in, this study would not have been possible.”

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FWISD Superintendent Recaps First Year Accomplishments


Dr. Melody Johnson
FWISD Superintendent

Superintendent Dr. Melody Johnson has completed her first year leading Fort Worth ISD schools. As the new school year begins, Dr. Johnson will present her second State of Education address at an upcoming Fort Worth Chamber luncheon. Topics will include the current challenges and opportunities facing the school district in the coming year. Dr. Johnson will recap the highlights of the 2005-2006 school year and then focus on what to expect in the new school year, as well as include information on new district initiatives and opportunities for the community to make a difference in the lives of children. Presenting sponsor is Compass Bank. Gold sponsors are BNSF Railway, Cantey & Hanger LLP and The T. Silver sponsor is TXU Electric Delivery and bronze sponsor is Integra Realty Resources DFW.

 

  • What: State of Education Luncheon
  • When: Tuesday, August 22, noon-1:30 p.m. Registration and networking begin at 11:30 a.m.
  • Where: Hilton Fort Worth (formerly the Radisson Plaza), 815 Main St. 76102
  • Cost: Chamber members - $35; Gold and Preferred members - $30; non-members - $60; and tables of eight - $350.

Register online or with Brianna Dishman at bdishman@fortworthchamber.com or 817/336-2491, ext. 275.

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President’s Column

Bill Thornton

 

They said it couldn’t be done. After decades of public wrangling over the Wright Amendment, all parties involved – the cities of Fort Worth and Dallas, D/FW International Airport, American Airlines and Southwest Airlines – have reached an unprecedented, amicable, yet fragile compromise.

Had anyone asked me shortly before the late night, marathon bargaining session that forged the agreement if a compromise would be reached, I would have called it dead on arrival. Recent months had seen a marked increase in public interest in the debate and high profile public relations campaigns representing all sides were heating up the rhetoric on this contentious issue. But the stakes were simply too high for affected parties to let a compromise slip away when we had all come so far. A consensus had to be reached.

There are so many people who labored in service of this compromise that it is difficult to single out individuals for credit, but I must recognize the extraordinary efforts of Fort Worth Mayor Mike Moncrief and Dallas Mayor Laura Miller. These dedicated public servants knew a compromise was required for the good of the Metroplex and they were determined to reach it.

I also want to commend the efforts of the Wright Amendment advisory group made up of former Mayor Bob Bolen, John Roach, Vernell Sterns, Alan Howeth and David Ivory. These gentlemen devoted countless hours to this process for one reason: their desire to help achieve an outcome that was in the best interest of the citizens of the entire area, but especially Fort Worth. As John Roach noted at a press conference announcing the compromise, if the region had learned anything from the multi-sided negotiations, it is that progress remains possible as long as all sides stay at the table.

At last, the up-till-now elusive outcome has been reached, but it is by no means a done deal. Mayors Moncrief and Miller have taken the compromise to Capitol Hill and it is now before the U.S. Congress. And there is no deal unless Congress is on board backing the agreement designed to eventually lift long-haul flight restrictions at Love Field while limiting the airport’s future growth. Interested parties are lining up in the for and against camps and challenges remain in the Congressional ratification process. Those challenges include the agreement’s impact on outlying airports in the North Texas region and the impact on airlines wishing to initiate new service to the area. As Mayor Moncrief noted when the compromise was announced, “If there is one loose thread, the entire fabric can come unraveled.”

Now is not the time to edit, rewrite or rework this delicate instrument. I urge Fort Worth and Tarrant County residents to express their support of the deal to their representatives and I urge those representatives to respect the work that has gone into it.

Many said it couldn’t be done. Let’s not give them the opportunity to be proved right. The Wright compromise is right for Fort Worth.

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Call for Small Business Nominations Goes Out

The Fort Worth Chamber is gearing up for its eighth annual “A Rising Star: Small Business of the Year Awards.” Deadline for nominations is Sept. 15. The awards luncheon will be held March 22, 2006.

Anyonemay nominate a small business or self-nominate their own business for the award. The award categories are broken out by number of employees. Award categories are 1-10 employees, 11-50 employees, 51-100 employees, 101-250 employees and emerging business (in business less than three years and not a buyout of an existing business). Presenting sponsor is Citizens National Bank. Platinum sponsor is TCU. Gold sponsors include ProStaff Personnel Services and Lockheed Martin Aeronautics. Silver sponsor is hireMAX.
Criteria for the awards include:

  • Any for-profit business headquartered in Tarrant County
  • Applicant must be owner, partner or major shareholder of the business and active in its day-to-day operations
  • Business must be financially stable and operational for a minimum of three years with the exception of the “emerging business” which is less than three years and not a buyout of an existing business
  • Businesses providing a current member of the Fort Worth Chamber Board of Directors will not be eligible for consideration
  • Businesses must be members of the Fort Worth Chamber at the time award is presented


Nominees will be recognized in future issues of the Chamberletter as well as listed on the Chamber’s website. Finalists – announced in January -- receive four complimentary reservations to the awards luncheon, recognition in the program along with a company profile and mention on the Chamber website as a finalist. In addition to an award to display, winners will receive a display banner, and feature articles in the Chamberletter. They will also be listed as winners on the Chamber’s website and in the Chamber’s Annual Meeting program.
Timeline

  • Nominations due – Sept. 15, 2006
  • Applications due – Oct. 31, 2006
  • Finalists announced – Dec. 26, 2006
  • Finalists recognized at Business After Hours – Jan. 4, 2007
  • Small Business Council Breakfast Finalist Panel Discussion – Feb. 21, 2007
  • Small Business of the Year Awards Luncheon – March 22, 2007


Judging elements will include business growth and performance; sound business strategies and practices; business challenges; unique and innovative approaches and community involvement and contribution.

For more information on the awards, how to nominate a business or any other questions, go to www.fortworthchamber.com or contact Lydia Hall at 817/336-2491, ext. 272. For information on sponsorship opportunities, call Becky Matson at ext. 243.

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Recap of Recent Economic Activity in Tarrant County

In the Works

The Fort Worth City Council recently approved a municipal utility district for the 1,400-acre Haywire Ranch, west of Northwest Loop 820 and White Settlement Road. Construction could begin in September on the first portion of the project, which will eventually consist of 800 single-family lots on about 260 acres. Star Telegram, June 12

About 560 acres east of Haywire Ranch, off Silver Creek Road, has been divided into two developments called Estancia and Las Brisas. Estancia will have custom homes. It has 47 one and two-acre lots under development. Four houses are completed, and five are under construction. About 200 more lots will be developed next year. Las Brisas has nine ranchette tracts of 12 to 40 acres. Star Telegram, June 12

Interior Door Replacement Co. is planning six franchises in the Metroplex in the next three years, the company's first in Texas. The California-based company provides raised-panel molded interior doors. It will measure jambs in a house and build raised-panel doors to fit inside as an aesthetic alternative to flat, unpainted doors. Star Telegram, June 19

Harris Methodist Southwest is spending about $60 million to more than double its size and expand its services this year. Part of the expansion includes a new five-story tower planned to open as soon as October. The construction, which will give the hospital a total of 215 beds, includes the addition of 36 medical-surgical beds, as well as a significant boost in the size of its obstetrics unit. Overall, the project is expected to bring the hospital's work force from 650 employees to about 1,000 when the tower is complete. The expansion of the maternity unit is especially significant, because babies represent Harris Southwest's largest service line, with more than 170 deliveries each month. Star Telegram, June 26

Baylor Southwest plans to begin renovations next winter that will double the size of its emergency department. Eventually, the hospital also may add two or three floors to its two-story building. Star Telegram, June 26

Construction of the Southwest Parkway, a toll road expected to pass near both Harris Methodist Southwest and Baylor Southwest – stretching from Interstate 30 near Forest Park Boulevard southwest to Altamesa Boulevard is scheduled for completion in 2010, with a later phase extending to Cleburne. Star Telegram, June 26

Thanks to a $1 million donation from the Bank of America Charitable Foundation, Cook Children’s Hospital will open two additional Tarrant County clinics. The new clinics, which are scheduled to open in September, will be at 1500 S. Cooper St. in Arlington and 6421 McCart Ave. in Fort Worth. Fort Worth Business Press, June 19

Regency Hospital Co. is slated to open a 44-bed long-term care facility on Oakmont Boulevard in August. Star Telegram, June 26

Expansions and Moves

Southwest Business Park, which was started in 2001 as a multi-tenant complex of forty-three 1,000 square-foot lease spaces, is expanding by adding fifteen 1,000 square-foot spaces. Star Telegram, June 19

Accent Design Studios, a full-service interior-design firm, is relocating to 2435 S. University Drive into a larger showroom to accommodate an expansion in the business. The company has leased 6,000 square feet at the new location, which opened July 1. Star Telegram, June 19

Aaron Ornamental Iron, a manufacturer of decorative and hand-forged iron, has expanded at its facility at 3501 Locke Ave., near Interstate 30 and Montgomery Street. Aaron Ornamental added 2,600 square feet to its original 1,700 square feet. Star Telegram, June 26

Renovations

Innovative Developers Inc. of Fort Worth recently started complete interior and exterior renovations at 4900 W. Vickery Blvd., which will be the future home of DFB Pharmaceuticals’ research and development facility. Fort Worth Business Press, June 12

On the Dotted Line

Discount Steel & Aluminum, a Minneapolis-based metal fabricator and distributor, will open its first service center outside of Minnesota in November at a site off Hicks Field Road in north Fort Worth. The company recently purchased two buildings totaling 160,246 square feet on 17.32 acres at 10243 and 10353 Hicks Field Road. Star Telegram, June 5

TCI Berner I LP recently acquired a 34,720 square-foot office warehouse located at 2563 Berner St. in north Fort Worth. Fort Worth Business Press, June 5

CentrePort Tech, a two building, 30,000-square-foot office property at 4100 through 4108 Amon Carter Blvd., has been sold to a California partnership for $2.8 million. JRFT Centerport from Woodland Hills, California, and SCJB Centerport from Sherman Oaks, California, purchased the property. Fort Worth Business Press, June 5

Fort Worth’s XTO Energy has acquired the former Swift & Co. office building with plans to convert the long-vacant structure into office space. The 28,000 square-foot, two-story building is located on 2.6 acres of land at 600 E. Exchange Ave. Fort Worth Business Press, June 12

SCM Real Estate Services has negotiated the lease of a 12,970 square-foot Class B office property to Tempo-Textron, a California-based company specializing in professional-tool development. The building, located at 215/219 S. Main St., is in the medical district and also is in the designated Fort Worth South revitalization area. Fort Worth Business Press, June 19

Pinnacle Environment signed a seven-year lease for 15,000 square feet of office/warehouse space, located at 5070 Brush Creek Road at Village Creek Industrial Park. Fort Worth Business Press, June 26

A one-story, 1,920 square-foot commercial building at 702 W. Allen Ave., once the site of a deli and grocery store, was purchased by Dang Cong Huynh, Nga Thi Ho Huynh and Bao Long Quoc Huynh who plan to start a business. Star Telegram, June 05

Prism Electric, a commercial electrical company based in Garland, has leased 3,000 square feet of industrial space at 2315 E. Loop 820 to open a Fort Worth office. Star Telegram, June 5

Newmark Homes has bought 68 single-family lots at Fossil Creek Boulevard and North Beach Street, near the Fossil Creek golf course.Star Telegram, June 19

North Star Centreport, a limited partnership in Gypsum, Colo., has bought a 29,352 square-foot industrial space at 4690 Diplomacy Road in the Centreport business park. Star Telegram, June 19

Triple T Farms, registered as developer Gary Hazlewood of Grapevine, has bought 16.71 acres at the southeast corner of Boat Club Road and Bailey-Boswell Road. The land will be used for pad sites and a shopping center. Star Telegram, June 19

Southwest Securities has leased 6,000 square feet in the Frost Bank building at 4200 S. Hulen St. Star Telegram, June 26

Openings

Two new law firms in Fort Worth, one a solo practitioner and another that includes four lawyers who moved from Cantey & Hanger, recently opened. Douglas Coppernoll has opened his practice at 112 N.W. 24th St., Suite 201. Shayne Moses, David Palmer, and Timothy Howell have formed Moses, Palmer & Howell. Whitney L. Cardwell is an associate with the new firm. Their offices are in the Oil & Gas Building, 309 W. Seventh St., Suite 815. Star Telegram, June 19

The clothing retailer Coldwater Creek opened a store in the University Park Village shopping center May 23. The 7,000 square-foot space displays women’s apparel, jewelry, gifts, and accessories. Fort Worth Business Press, June 5

Around Town

The 2006 World Championship Paint Horse Show opened on June 25 at Will Rogers Equestrian Center and continued for two weeks of nonstop competition. The show features 2,000 American Paint Horses competing for world championships in 179 classes. Fort Worth Business Press, June 26

Out of Town Reporting

Thousands of military troops, civilian employees, and civic leaders attended the 5th Annual Free Bar-B-Que honoring troops at the Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base in Fort Worth. The Greater Fort Worth Area Civic Leaders Association organized the free event, which was held Friday, May 19. PR Newswire, New York, June 2

Did You Know?

YWCA of Fort Worth and Tarrant County was the first YWCA in Texas, and it is celebrating its centennial anniversary through the end of the year. Fort Worth Business Press, June 26

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

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Drive Less, Win Prizes: Take the Commuter at TryParkingIt.com

Are you vanpooling, carpooling or taking the train or bus to work? Perhaps you’re working from home instead of driving to the office or eating at work instead of going out to eat.
Each of these individual actions helps. Fewer cars on the roadways mean less air pollution, and that’s something we can all support.

If you and your colleagues are doing your share for cleaner air, reap the rewards. From now through Sept. 30, anytime you share a ride to work, eat lunch in, or telecommute, you’re eligible for one entry in our online incentive contest. Additional entries increase your chances of winning one of the available prizes including the Grand Prize of a $1,000 space makeover from The Container Store. Runner up prizes include two $500 debit cards, two iPods, two portable DVD players, one $300 gift card to Circuit City and one prize of free oil changes for a year.

The North Texas Clean Air Coalition thanks the prize donors for doing their part for cleaner air. They are The Container Store, Ash Grove Texas LP, Carrington Coleman Sloman & Blumenthal LLP, Firestone Complete Auto Care, Holcim (Texas) LP, and TXI.
Permanent partners of the North Texas Clean Air Coalition include The North Texas Commission, Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce, Greater Dallas Chamber, North Central Texas Council of Governments, Dallas Area Rapid Transit, Fort Worth Transportation Authority, and Denton County Transportation Authority.

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Leaders in Business: What to Do for an Encore

Jon S. Brumley and Jon Brumley

At the upcoming Fort Worth Chamber Leaders in Business luncheon, attendees will get two speakers for the price of one. The father and son team of Jon S. Brumley, chairman of the board, and Jon Brumley, CEO of Encore Acquisition Company, was recognized by Forbes Magazine as Entrepreneurs of the Year for 2005. They will be on hand to detail how the company, founded in 1998, has come to reach national prominence in so short a time. Presenting sponsor is Weaver & Tidwell.

  • What: Leaders in Business Luncheon
  • When: Wednesday, Aug. 9, noon-1:30 p.m. Registration and networking begin at 11:30 a.m.
  • Where: The Fort Worth Club Horizon and Terrace Rooms, 306 W. 7th St., 76102
  • Cost is: Chamber members - $35; Gold and Preferred members - $30; non-members - $60; and a table for eight - $350.

Jon Brumley began his career in the oil and gas industry in 1967. Jon S. Brumley has been Encore’s CEO since the beginning of this year. The pair, along with three other partners, took the company public in 2001 and it is currently listed on the New York Stock Exchange.

Platinum sponsor is Lockheed Martin. Silver sponsors include Wells Fargo and Charles Tandy American Entrprise Center at TCU. Bronze sponsors are Pro Staff Personnel Services, North Texas Specialty Physicians, The Trane Company and TUSA Office Solutions
Register online at www.fortworthchamber.com or contact Brianna Dishman at bdishman@fortworthchamber.com or 817/336-2491, ext. 275.

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20th Chamber Golf Classic Slated for September


Grab your business buddies or even a few clients and plan to tee it up for the 20th annual Fort Worth Chamber Golf Classic. It’s a great way to spend a day on the golf course and entertain business buds at the same time. The afternoon only tournament will be held at Ridglea Country Club’s north and south courses. Rain date will be Sept. 25. Honorary chairman is former Fort Worth Mayor Bob Bolen.

The Chamber Classic is also a terrific sponsorship opportunity getting company names in front of some of Fort Worth’s movers and shakers. Current sponsors include: dinner sponsor – PlainsCapital Bank-Downtown; beverage cart sponsor – Holt Cat. Platinum sponsors include Double Diamond Resorts, Fort Worth Transportation Authority, Sundance Square Management LP and Compass Bank.

  • What: 20th Annual Fort Worth Chamber Golf Classic
  • When: Monday, Sept. 18 (Tee Times: Registration – 11:30 a.m.; Shotgun start - 1 p.m. – North and South course. Florida Scramble format.)
  • Where: Ridglea Country Club, 3700 Bernie Anderson Dr., 76116
  • Cost: $800/team of four for afternoon tee times; $200/individual

Find your foursome today. For more information on sponsorships, contact Becky Matson at bmatson@fortworthchamber.com or 817/336-2491, ext. 243. For information on playing, contact Lydia Hall at lhall@fortworthchamber.com or ext. 272.

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Action Ambassador for May 2006

Pepper Hudson
Action Ambassador – May 2006

Congratulations to Pepper Hudson, Action Ambassador of the month for May 2006. An ambassador since 1994, Hudson is the owner of Pepper-L-Specialties.
Action Ambassadors make up an important group of up to 65 dedicated Fort Worth Chamber members who devote their time and energy to assisting members, with a focus on membership retention. A critical arm of the Membership Department, Action Ambassadors attend ribbon-cutting and groundbreaking ceremonies, assist with member-retention calls and act as greeters at various Chamber functions. 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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In Post-Katrina World, What’s up with Fort Worth’s Emergency Management?

 

Libby Watson
Gregg Dawson

It has already been a year since two not-so-ladylike ladies named Katrina and Rita paid disastrous visits to the Gulf Coast. The devastation from these hurricanes continues to be felt there, and the ripple aftereffects are still being felt across the country, including here in Fort Worth.

As residents fled the storms, they dispersed nationwide including thousands who landed here in Tarrant County, many of whom have chosen to remain and make the area their home.

What did we in Fort Worth and Tarrant County do to help? What was the economic impact of the storms on our area? What would we do today? Would we be better prepared now? With hurricane season entering its most active phase, the next What’s Up Fort Worth? Luncheon – slated for the anniversary of Hurricane Katrina’s landfall -- will tackle those thorny issues in a panel discussion format. Silver sponsors for the event are Wells Fargo and Compass Bank.

  • What: What’s Up Fort Worth? Emergency Management 101
  • When: Tuesday, Aug. 29, noon-1:30 p.m. Registration and networking begin at 11:30 a.m.
  • Where: The Fort Worth Club Horizon and Terrace Rooms, 306 W. 7th, 76102
  • Cost: Chamber members - $35; Gold and Preferred members - $30; non-members - $60; and a table of eight - $350


Just what is our area’s Regional Disaster Plan? How does it work? Are we better prepared now to handle a disaster of our own or another huge influx of citizens fleeing the coast? A panel discussion moderated by Assistant City Manager Libby Watson and featuring Gregg Dawson, Emergency Preparedness Programs Director, North Central Texas Council of Governments; Juan Ortiz, Fort Worth Emergency Management Director; and Dan Reimer, Public Health Director will take a look at what would happen if another Katrina-like disaster hit. What does the average business owner need to do to be prepared? What do families need to do? Panel members possess a wide range of emergency preparedness, public health and communications experience which will enable them to shed some light on the status of Fort Worth’s emergency plan.

Last year’s storms proved that such disasters can hit close to home. And they showed that distant disasters can affect other communities, They also pointed out the importance of having up-to-date disaster plans in place and ready to go at a moment’s notice. Find out what you need to know to be prepared when disaster strikes.

Register online or with Brianna Dishman at bdishman@fortworthchamber.com or 817/336-2491, ext. 275.

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Take Your Business to the Next Level; Fall FastTrac Classes Forming

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 beginning Sept. 21. FastTrac is a cooperative program of the Fort Worth Chamber and the Tarrant County College Small Business Development Center.

“As any entrepreneur can attest, it takes long hours and hard work to get any business up and running. Implementing Decisions has been in business for eight years, but we have been so busy working in the business and running the day to day operations that we didn’t take the time to focus on growing our business,” said Thomas White, co-owner with his sister Carolyn Johnson. “The FastTrac classes forced us to take the time, to start putting the pieces in place for our business to continue to grow and be successful. Both the instructors and the other business owners that participated in the class provided valuable insight that we could take back to the office and put to use.”

The 10-session FastTrac program helps participants by allowing them to interact with a diverse group of business pros sharing ideas, strategies and successes.
“FastTrac was terrific,” said Dale Berkebile of Dale Berkebile Graphic Design, who repeated the class. “I want to take my business to the next level and FastTrac can help me get there.”

FastTrac helps business owners create a network of entrepreneurial peers and valuable mentor relationships. Upon completing the program, participants can prepare a strategic business and marketing plan for growth and possess the skills necessary to successfully handle business ventures. FastTrac also gives graduates the financial management tools required to run a successful business. They can continue to access further business counseling and mentoring as necessary, and FastTrac graduates can always repeat any course segment at no additional cost.
The class helps participants:

  • Learn the difference between industry, marketing and competitive research
  • Identify target markets
  • Define competitive advantages
  • Access no cost/low cost professional marketing research


Participants develop successful marketing campaigns by learning the most effective marketing tools for their businesses.

Fall 2006 classes are forming now. Scholarships are available. For more information on FastTrac, contact Lydia Hall at 817/336-2491, ext. 272 or Netty Matthews at ext. 250.

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Chamber Members Honored with Mayor’s Global Business Awards

Courtesy of Jon P. Uzzel and the Fort Worth Business Press

Former Mayor Kenneth Barr, left, and Fort Worth Mayor Mike Moncrief, right, present Mike Redenbaugh, Bell Helicopter Textron, Inc. CEO, with the Kenneth Barr International Flagship Award.

Excellence in importing, exporting, and international service was recognized by Fort Worth Mayor Mike Moncrief at the 2006 Mayor’s Global Business Awards Luncheon held June 29.

Tarrant County businesses receiving top honors for their were Fort Worth Chamber members SPM Flow Control, Inc., Teresa’s Treasures and BNSF Railway Company.

The awards were presented at the eighth annual Mayor’s Global Business Awards Luncheon where more than 450 business executives turned out to celebrate Fort Worth’s success on a global level. The luncheon was presented by the City of Fort Worth, Fort Worth International Center, Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce and the Fort Worth Business Press.

“Today we come together to recognize excellence in those companies contributing to our vibrant economy and helping create quality jobs right here at home,” said Mayor Moncrief. “They are not only successfully competing in our hometown or even just in Texas or the USA; they are successfully competing in the global marketplace. If we are to continue to be a great country, it is imperative that we as a nation produce and encouragebusinesses that are capable of being leaders in the world marketplace.”

Keynote speaker Mike Redenbaugh, CEO of Bell Helicopter Textron, Inc. acknowledged the company’s contributions and roots in the Tarrant County community.
“Fortunately, Larry Bell had the foresight 55 years ago to see the potential to grow a business here in Fort Worth,” Redenbaugh said. “Today, thanks to DFW Airport, we have unparalleled access to the world.”

The Winners:
For excellence in exporting
SPM Flow Control Inc. is a worldwide supplier of high quality pump and flow control products for the oil and gas industry. SPM’s Fort Worth facility encompasses more than 190,000 square feet of engineering, manufacturing, and distribution operations, producing one of the widest and most diverse lines of flow control products in the industry. SPM Flow Control has been working entirely out of its home office since 1958, with 100 percent of manufacturing done right here in Fort Worth.

For excellence in importing
Teresa’s Treasures is a local gift basket designer and distributor with a unique business strategy. Teresa’s inventory includes items that are the finest in the industry, imported from exclusive retailers all over the world. Long hours and dedication to a job well done ensures that this small company continues to gain new clientele.

For excellence in international service
With a client base including Best Buy, Lowe’s, Target, Wal-Mart, and virtually every major importer and steamship line moving freight from Asia, BNSF Railway Company has established itself as a major player in railroad networks playing a vital role in the safe, efficient and environmentally friendly movement of consumer products. Moving primarily between America and Asia, BNSF transports more than 16 million tons of goods yearly. This month, BNSF will open an international arm in Shanghai, China.

Kenneth Barr International Flagship Award

This year’s Kenneth Barr International Flagship Award was presented to Bell Helicopter Textron, Inc. in recognition of its outstanding success and proven dedication to the long-term international business development of Tarrant County. This award was created in honor of former Fort Worth Mayor Barr’s initiative to shape and implement economic diversification in the city of Fort Worth.
“Presenting this award is a pleasure in and of itself, and presenting it to one of our finest enterprises makes it even more so,” said Barr. Past winners of this award include DFW International Airport and the Van Cliburn Foundation.
The 2006 Mayor’s Global Business Awards was sponsored by Summit Bank; Mother Parkers Tea and Coffee; Jackson Walker, LLP; Alcon; Link Simulation and Training; Alliance Texas; Texas Aviation Services and Pier 1 Imports.

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Recent Ribbon Cuttings

Bunge Oils, a manufacturer of cooking shortening and oils, held a ribbon cutting recently at its 3700 Snowden Road facility. To learn more about the company, contact Susan Vallejo at 817/568-4931.

DFW Elite Auto Rental.com marked its grand opening with a ribbon cutting at 5940 Eden Drive. To learn more about the auto rental agency, call Jennifer Knittel at 817/834-3625.

The grand opening of Saporé – Inspired Restaurant & Catering was celebrated with a ribbon cutting recently at its downtown Fort Worth location, 907 Houston Street. Matthew Jones has details at 817/336-2253.

Before and after school care provider Clayton Yes! marked the opening of a new location at 1215 Country Club Lane with a ribbon cutting. Contact Anna Battis at 817/923-9888 to learn more.

Dental clinic American Dental Solutions – McCart marked its grand opening with a ribbon cutting at its 7664 McCart location. R.J. Boyd at 817/370-2424 has the details.

Boutique wine shop Put A Cork in It celebrated its grand opening at its 2972 Park Hill location, just off University. Contact Chris Keel to learn more about it at 817/924-2675.

 

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

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