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September 2006

 

This Just In: CBS News Anchor Bob Schieffer
To Keynote Star-Telegram Anniversary Luncheon

CBS News’ Bob Schieffer

By Arden Allen Dufilho
To hear CBS News anchor Bob Schieffer tell it, there’s still news ink in his blood, if not under his fingernails.
“The biggest thrill of my life was being offered a job at the Star-Telegram,” recalls Schieffer who worked there in the early 60s. “Phil Record had been promoted to night city editor and he recommended me as his replacement. “Schieffer, for whom the TCU School of Journalism is named, will be the guest speaker at a luncheon honoring the Star-Telegram’s 100th anniversary (see sidebar below).


Starting Out
Native Texan Schieffer had mustered out of the Air Force in 1962 and joined Fort Worth’s KXOL Radio as a reporter. In those days, says Schieffer, KXOL reporters drove red panel trucks and raced from crime scene to crime scene covering what he described as the “three Rs” – rapes, wrecks and robberies. Getting the job at the Star-Telegram was living a dream for him.


“I made $115 a week and worked from 6 p.m.-2:30 a.m.,” Schieffer reminisced in a phone interview. “I had always wanted to be a reporter and this was absolutely the best job anyone could have. My dreams had come true.”


Today, the award-winning journalist anchors the CBS Evening News – a post he will shortly relinquish to Katie Couric – on weekdays and Face the Nation on Sundays. A member the Broadcasting/Cable Hall of Fame, Schieffer was the 2003 recipient of the Paul White Award, presented by the Radio-Television News Directors Association, recognizing an individual’s lifetime contribution to electronic journalism. Other recipients of the award include Edward R. Murrow, Walter Cronkite, Mike Wallace and Charles Kuralt – pretty heady company. Still, Schieffer loves newspaper writing and fondly recalls his days covering the wide-open town that was Fort Worth in the early 60s.


“I was interested in politics and crime, and in Fort Worth, I got to cover both,” said Schieffer who pounded the police and court house beats. He recalls his one of his biggest scoops while working for the Star-Telegram – the day he saw bricks tumbling from the side of the old jail. To this day he can and does recite his finely crafted lead in which he described bricks “falling Jericho-like” from the walls. He also recalls a case in which a local lawyer was murdered and the then-district attorney was a suspect. That case, he says, was never solved.


Witness to History
Young Schieffer’s most momentous day at the Star-Telegram was Nov. 22, 1963. President John Kennedy was in Fort Worth to speak, ironically, at a Fort Worth Chamber luncheon. As a police reporter, he was not assigned to cover the presidential visit officially. That didn’t stop him from hanging out with the Washington press corps and some Secret Service members to all hours the night before. As recounted in his memoir, “This Just In: What I Couldn’t Tell You on TV,” Schieffer and Phil Record served as de facto tour guides to Fort Worth’s notorious after hours club, The Cellar, a joint with no liquor license where you only got in if you knew the owner. Its other claim to fame was that the waitresses were clad only in their underwear.


Schieffer was understandably sleeping late that Thursday morning when his brother Tom (former owner of the Texas Rangers) shook him awake shouting, “Kennedy’s been shot! You better get to work.”


The Star-Telegram newsroom was virtually deserted that morning as all working reporters had raced to Dallas to cover the tragic story. Still, recalls Schieffer, the phones were ringing off the hook. One call he took he will never forget. It was Lee Harvey Oswald’s mother and she needed a ride to Dallas. Schieffer and the paper’s automotive reporter borrowed a test car and drove her. To this day, he doesn’t know why she called the paper. Perhaps it was because she had once worked as a governess in the home of Star-Telegram founder Amon Carter’s son. Schieffer still recalls that the distraught Mrs. Oswald seemed oddly more concerned with herself than with either her son’s plight or the death of the president of the United States.


Although he’s been involved in some way with virtually every major story of the past 40 years, there was one big story that Schieffer missed out on. “I never got to cover the space program,” he said. “That was Walter Cronkite’s bailiwick.” It wasn’t until he was covering the first President Bush’s reelection campaign in 1988 that Schieffer got to witness a space shuttle landing at Edwards Air Force Base. “It was very exciting.”


Hot Off the Presses
Even after a long and illustrious career in broadcast news, Schieffer misses the old days. The only major network reporter to have covered all four of the plum assignments – the White House, the Pentagon, the State Department and Capitol Hill -- Schieffer laments the wall that technology and security have put between reporters and newsmakers.
“When I was a police reporter, I was almost part of the police force,” Schieffer said.

“There were no PR folks; I dealt directly with officials. Part of the romance of journalism is lost now that our culture is more sophisticated. In the old days, the cops would have me take down confessions from criminals because I was the only one who could type!”
At nearly 70, the thrill of making a deadline has never been lost on the affable Schieffer. He remembers winning an award for best writing on deadline when he was covering the case of the murdered lawyer. And he can still recall the feeling of pounding out a story late at night, handing it off to print and waiting for the presses to start up.


“I just loved it when the building would start to shake as the presses rolled,” he recalled wistfully. “Within minutes of finishing your story, someone would hand you a copy of the first edition with the story you just wrote and there would be your byline.”
Despite the recent trend of getting news off the Internet, Schieffer is still a dedicated print man who starts his day with a cup of coffee and a stack of newspapers.
“I love newspapers,” he says. “When you go to the Web, you’re looking for something in particular, but when you read newspapers, you find things you weren’t looking for. Reading a newspaper is one of the joys of life.”


Today, Schieffer, who resurrected the ratings for the CBS Evening News, is looking forward to getting back fulltime to Face the Nation – an assignment he relishes. “I can’t think of another job in journalism where the newsmakers come to you,” he said in a JournalismJobs.com interview. “The most challenging aspect is not interviewing the people, but getting the right people at the right time to be interviewed.”
Schieffer also remembers CBS News’ heyday when many of the staff were from Texas – Cronkite, Dan Rather, Hughes Rudd, and Bill Moyers -- something he attributes to a Texas storytelling gene.


“Amazing, isn’t it?” responded Schieffer when asked why so many high profile journalists hail from the Lone Star State. “I guess it goes back to our heritage. Texans told big lies.”
When Nixon’s vice president Spiro Agnew delivered his now infamous rant about the “Eastern liberal media” calling them “nattering nabobs of negativism,” every CBS anchor was from Texas. That still amuses Schieffer.


Epilogue
TCU alumnus Schieffer was humbled when his alma mater named its journalism school after him.
“Having TCU’s Journalism School named for me is one of my greatest honors,” said Schieffer adding, however, that if school officials had researched the grades he made there, they might not have extended the honor.
What is number two? Schieffer laughs saying he considers his second greatest honor having “Bob Schieffer Bobblehead Night” at a Fort Worth Cats baseball game.
“Even Walter Cronkite doesn’t have a bobblehead doll named after him.”

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Trade Show Gets a Cosmopolitan Image

or 2006, the Tarrant Area Chambers Trade Show has a sophisticated, cosmopolitan new look. Join chambers of commerce from all over Tarrant County for this business-to-business trade show, Thursday, Nov. 2.

  • What: Tarrant Area Chambers Trade Show
  • When: Thursday, Nov. 2, 4-8 p.m.
  • Where: Will Rogers Memorial Center – Exhibits Hall, 3401 W. Lancaster, Fort Worth, TX 76107


“This is my second year at the Trade Show,” said photographer Nancy Degenkolb, owner of Nancy Degenkolb Photography, who has already signed up. Last year, she was new to the area and Trade Show offered her the opportunity to get her work in front of hundreds of people at one time.
“It’s a great chance to showcase my work and let people get a good look at it. Photography is not an impulse purchase; customers have to come to appreciate your work. Besides I just love trade shows. You meet so many interesting people.”
This year’s sponsors include: Platinum Feature Aisle – Harris Methodist Fort Worth Hospital Texas Health Resources; Gold Aisle –CVA, Destiny Health, and Tarrant County College; Silver – The Fort Worth Transportation Authority, Lockheed Martin Aeronautics, North Texas Specialty Physicians; and Bronze – Pro Staff Personnel Services.

Meet & Eat
Tarrant Area Chambers Trade Show is a fantastic opportunity to see what’s new, network, nosh and even see what your competition is up to. And as always at Trade Show, there will be popular local eateries providing samples of their signature dishes. Come hungry and bring your taste buds.
Silent Auction
As in past years, Trade Show will include one of Fort Worth’s most popular silent auctions featuring travel, dinners, gift packages and other unique items. Attendees can purchase something special for themselves or get a jump on holiday shopping. Businesses interested in donating items to the silent auction should contact Becky Matson at 817/336-2491, ext. 243.


Participating Chambers
At press time, participating chambers include:

  • Arlington Chamber
  • Benbrook Area Chamber
  • Burleson Area Chamber
  • Colleyville Chamber
  • Crowley Area Chamber
  • East Parker County Chamber
  • Fort Worth Chamber
  • Fort Worth Hispanic Chamber
  • Fort Worth Metropolitan Black Chamber
  • Hurst Euless Bedford Chamber
  • Northeast Tarrant Chamber
  • Saginaw Area Chamber
  • South Wise County Chamber
  • White Settlement Area Chamber


Buy Your Booth Now
Now is the time to make the most of your marketing budget by purchasing your booth by the Early Bird deadline of Friday, Oct. 6. Beat the deadline and save $100.
Booth rates are: Chamber member - $425/ $525 after Oct. 6; Gold members - $395/$495; non-members - $600/$700. Prime booths, reserved for Chamber members only, are $600 (Early Bird deadline does not apply.)


For more information on the Tarrant Chambers Trade Show, contact Lydia Hall at lhall@fortworthchamber.com or 817/336-2491, ext. 272 or go to www.fortworthchamber.com.

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Fort Worth Business Salutes Star-Telegram’s 100 Years of News

On Feb. 1, 2006, the Star-Telegram celebrated 100 years of Texas journalism. From the early days of Amon Carter through the grinding Depression years, the upheaval of the Kennedy assassination and the civil rights movement, the spellbinding murders at the Davis mansion, the mergers and acquisitions that marked the late 20th century, the devastating 2000 tornado, and 9/11, the Star-Telegram has been Fort Worth and Tarrant County’s source for news. To honor the Star-Telegram’s century of service to Fort Worth, the Fort Worth Chamber is hosting a luncheon honoring the newspaper. Presented by Jackson Walker, L.L. P., featured speaker will be CBS News’ anchor Bob Schieffer.

  • What: Business Salutes 100 Years of the Star-Telegram
  • When: Wednesday, Sept. 27, noon-1:30 p.m. Registration and networking begin at 11:30 a.m.
  • Where: Renaissance Worthington Hotel Grand Ballroom, 200 Main St.
  • Cost is: Chamber members - $40; Gold and Preferred members - $35; non-members - $70; and a table of 10 - $400.


On Feb. 1, 1906, the first issue of the Star rolled off the presses in Fort Worth, with Amon G. Carter as advertising manager. Before long, the paper became the Star-Telegram and Carter became publisher, a post he held until his death. This year, as the newspaper celebrates its 100th anniversary, the community celebrates along with it.
Register online at www.fortworthchamber.com or with Brianna Dishman at bdishman@fortworthchamber.com or 817/336-2491, ext. 275.

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President’s column

Bill Thornton

 

It’s my ritual; I start every morning with the Star-Telegram. It’s vital that I keep my finger on the pulse of our community as well on what’s happening across Texas and around the world, and the daily newspaper helps me do that. In the 21st Century, we have become a nation of web surfers getting bits and pieces of information from a variety of sources rather than drilling deep within the pages of our newspapers for news, analysis and perspective. Sound bites and weblogs are too often our news sources and we do ourselves no favor by relying on them.


A century ago Amon Carter, a true visionary, started his newspaper, the Fort Worth Star. Carter was a salesman who could sell sand in the desert, a man with no newspaper experience, but who thought the local paper of the day, the Fort Worth Telegram, needed some competition. So Carter broached the idea to a couple of newsmen, talked a local grocer into backing his venture, and in 1906, the first Star rolled off the presses. And the rest, as they say, is history.


In her early days, Fort Worth was a wild and wooly town still living up to its Hell’s Half Acre image. Opportunities abounded for anyone with ambition. And even though Carter could sell more ads than his paper could hold, he couldn’t make it prosper.
But, rather than admit defeat, Carter persuaded his backers to buy out the Telegram, which was merged with the Star becoming the Fort Worth Star and Telegram.


In 1922, Carter became the paper’s publisher and the city’s leading proponent as well as one of its most generous benefactors. Fort Worth has carried Carter’s stamp ever since.


Today, the Star-Telegram is a state-of-the-art publication carrying on in the Carter tradition. But more than that, the organization, under the leadership of publisher Wes Turner, is a valued corporate citizen and an important business partner. No city can truly call itself great without a great daily newspaper. And Fort Worth can lay claim to one of the best. After all, the Star-Telegram has won two Pulitzer Prizes as well as a host of other awards.


The entire western half of the Metroplex looks to the Star-Telegram as its newspaper of record. And today, as noted on its own website, the organization continues to do what one historian once described this way: The Star-Telegram “educated the people, amused them, informed, protected, scolded, boosted, boasted and gave pride to a region.”


But a responsible newspaper cannot simply promote the city it serves; it must also work to improve the area by calling attention to its needs, problems, and challenges. The Star-Telegram consistently serves its various constituencies – business, arts and culture, agriculture and the equine industry among them – with diligence and dedication.


From Amon Carter’s vision to the voice of a region, the Star-Telegram has grown with Fort Worth and chronicled that growth every step of the way. On their 100th anniversary, we at the Chamber congratulate the Star-Telegram on its century of service and look forward to a bright future together.

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Mobile Go Centers Hit the Road for Higher Education

Now here’s a program with get-up-and go. The Go Center program, which gives high school students and their families an opportunity to research higher educational opportunities and funding sources, has gotten a set of wheels. Three sets of wheels, in fact.


Like Go Centers located in area high schools, Mobile Go Centers are clearinghouses that provide students with information related to career exploration, higher education and financial aid. But with a Mobile Go Center, Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) field specialists can take the information directly to schools that don ’t have a Go Center established in their guidance offices.

 

Delivering the mobile Go Center is THECB Program Director Dewy Brooks, second from left. On hand were Fidel Castillo, Tarrant County College; Erma Johnson-Hadley, TCC Vice Chancellor; Teresa Love, Glenn Spoons, and Lilian Rosales, THECB field specialists
   

This Mobile Go Center, the first of three purchased by the College for All Texans Foundation, was funded by grants and gifts from donors both large and small and has been donated to Tarrant County College for use in this area.


“Education and a bright future go hand in hand, not only forstudents, but also for the communities in which they live,” said Glenn Spoons, THECB field specialist for Region XI. Spoons, who offices in the Fort Worth Chamber, added that educated citizens make for a competent, productive workforce, which attracts and retains jobs. “One of the most difficult lessons to teach young people is that decisions they make today will have a profound impact on their future. That goes for virtually all students, but it is especially true for those who must overcome language and financial barriers.”


Two other Mobile Go Centers are now being outfitted by Texas State Technical College-Waco and they will be operated by The University of San Antonio and Houston Community College.


Each mobile unit is 34-feet long, air-conditioned and equipped with 10 laptop computers, a printer-scanner-copier, and a high-speed satellite connection to the Internet. Mobile Go Centers will also be used in a variety of settings other than schools such as festivals, sporting events and mall parking lots to reach parents and middle school and high school students who might be unlikely to go to college without financial aid.


The AT&T Foundation has awarded an $800,000 grant to equip each Mobile Go Center with technology and to acquire technological equipment for use in other efforts of the College For Texans campaign.


Funds used for the purchase of the initial three Mobile Go Centers were provided by the Sid Richardson Foundation, the Houston Endowment, Greater Texas Foundation, Dodge Jones Foundation, Zachry Foundation, Texas Guaranteed Student Loan Corporation as well as other donors.


For more information on Go Centers, contact Spoons at 817/336-2491, ext. 233 or gspoons@fortworthchamber.com.

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Recap of Recent Economic Activity in Tarrant County

In the Works

Wendy's restaurant chain and Capital One Bank plan to build in the Lake Worth Marketplace shopping center development, and other tenants will include Kirkland's, Rack Room Shoes, Rue 21, Avenue and Sleep Experts. Star Telegram, July 3

CityHomes, the division of Dallas-based Centex Homes that builds urban town houses, is looking at a possible second project in downtown Fort Worth. The company has put under contract a 3-acre tract just north of Belknap Street, near Peach Street, and is considering a development that would have commercial space at the street level and residential units above. Star Telegram, July 17

Construction could begin as early as September on a $10 million Holiday Inn in the Mercantile Business Park in north Fort Worth. Star Telegram, July 31

Fort Worth-based Pearl Real Estate, a hotel development and management company, officially announced their plans to construct an Embassy Suites Hotel at 600 Commerce St., across from Bass Performance Hall. Each of the 256 suites in the hotel will have two rooms and amenities that include daily complimentary cooked-to-order breakfast, daily complimentary cocktails and hors d’oeuvres, a 6,000-square-foot conference center, and an upscale martini bar and restaurant. Fort Worth Business Press, July 10

The Grand Lodge of Texas and the Mallick Group have entered into a sales and purchase contract for the Masonic Home and School property, 200-plus acres located at 3600 Wichita Street. The property will be divided into four sections, including more than 500 single-family residential lots, with homes ranging from $130,000 to $200,000. The remaining three sections include retail space, 12 acres earmarked for drilling, and 20 acres, which will include the historic cut-stone chapel and dormitories that will eventually house a faith-based nonprofit school.  Fort Worth Business Press, July 17

Fort Worth-based Mrs Baird’s Bakeries has signed a five-year lease for an entire 131,600-square-foot warehouse/distribution space in south Fort Worth. The distribution space, which has 33 loading bays, is located in the Carter Industrial Park at 1125 Joel East Road, and is in close proximity to the bakery company’s current 365,000-square-foot plant, located on I-35, south of I-20. Fort Worth Business Press, July 17

Pavilion Investments Co. Ltd bought 5.36 acres of land near a 300-acre Home Town mixed-use development. Pavilion plans to turn the property, located at the northeast corner of Mid Cities Boulevard and Davis Boulevard, into an office community. Fort Worth Business Press, July 17

Expansions and Moves

Clark Temple of Praise, which lost its church building to a fire in May, has found a new home near Everman Parkway in south Fort Worth. The 200-member congregation held its first services at 609 Wichita St., a facility it bought from Grace Tabernacle Missionary Baptist Church, which moved to a facility at 7261 Wichita St. Star Telegram, July 10

The Bridge, an emergency shelter for at-risk youth, recently relocated from its campus on West Broadway to the All Church Home for Children’s main campus at 1424 Summit Ave. Fort Worth Business Press, July 10

Under Construction

Construction is set to begin on three speculative industrial buildings in Railhead Industrial Park at Northeast Loop 820 between Interstate 35W and Blue Mound Road in north Fort Worth totaling about 210,000 square feet. The construction will cost about $8 million. Star Telegram, July 3

Construction has begun on the 23,000-square-foot Bed Bath & Beyond and the 28,000 square-foot Marshall’s, on Azle Avenue between Loop 820 and Boat Club Road in the Lake Worth Marketplace shopping center. The stores will open in the spring. Star Telegram, July 3

CMC Trailer is building a 10,500-square-foot service facility and sales office at 2500 Cold Springs Road. The project is scheduled to be completed in October. Star Telegram, July 3

Construction on the extension of North Tarrant Parkway from I-35W to U.S. 287 is set to begin. The road will be six lanes and should be completed in the third quarter of 2007. Star Telegram, July 10

Units for Le Bijou, the $12 million town home development, are available for purchase, even though construction only began in early July. The development will have 14 three-story town homes, which will wrap around the block at 709 Jones St. The town homes’ chateau-inspired design is emphasized by a 400-square-foot rooftop garden terrace. Every unit is individually designed, and buyers can choose from 3,000 to 5,000-square-foot plans, ranging from $800,000 to $1.2 million. Fort Worth Business Press, July 24

Renovations

Innovative Developers has begun renovations at 4900 W. Vickery Blvd. for DFB Pharmaceuticals, which plans to put its research and development operations there. The 80,000-square-foot, single-story building will be renovated and occupied in several phases. The first phase will include most of the exterior renovations as well as about 65,000 square feet of office and laboratory space. Star Telegram, July 31

The Ashton Depot at 1501 Jones Street has completed renovation. The 10,000-square-foot facility can now accommodate up to 500 guests, and has a full-scale catering kitchen and chef. Fort Worth Business Press, July 31

On the Dotted Line

Today Staffing has leased 1,287 square feet of office space in University Centre I, 1300 S. University Drive. Star Telegram, July 3

Heritage Inn Number LIX, R I Heritage Inn of Beavercreek, and R I Heritage Inn of West Springfield purchased 305 acres just north of Interstate 35W and U.S. 287. Plans are progressing on a shopping center on a portion of the land, to be called Presidio Vista. The shopping center should open by January 2009. Star Telegram, July 10

Cook Children's Physician Network has leased 6,253 square feet at the Woodmont Shopping Center, 6421 McCart Ave., for a children's clinic. Star Telegram, July 10

DFW Construction and Management, a commercial general contractor, has leased 3,000 square feet of industrial and office space in Riverbend Properties, 2402 Gravel Drive. Star Telegram, July 10

Milagros Frame Shop has leased 2,987 square feet in the Foch Street Showrooms, at Foch and West Seventh streets. Star Telegram, July 10

The Center for Skin & Cosmetic Dermatology has leased 6,300 square feet of office space in Stonegate Plaza, 2813 Hulen St. Star Telegram, July 10

She Boutique has leased 900 square feet of retail space at 5932 Curzon Ave. The store will sell women's clothing and jewelry. Star Telegram, July 17

Energy Fitness has leased 14,000 square feet at 1812 Forest Park Blvd. for a health and fitness center. Star Telegram, July 17

The law firm Borum & Hancock has leased 1,882 square feet of office space in Burnett Plaza, 801 Cherry St. Star Telegram, July 24

Recon Petrotechnologies, a Canadian oil-field service consulting company, has leased 2,700 square feet of industrial space at 2578 Gravel Drive. Star Telegram, July 24

Resort Homes of Texas has bought the former Grace Temple Church of Fort Worth, 4500 S. Riverside Drive, as an investment. Star Telegram, July 31

Whitco Poles has leased 3,204 square feet of office space at 2001 Beach St., the office building at the southeast corner of Beach Street and Interstate 30. Star Telegram, July 31

Anna Kingsley Alvarado and Scotty MacLean joined the Fort Worth law firm Jose, Henry, Brantley & Keltner LLP as partners. Effective June 1, the firm changed its name to Jose, Henry, Brantley, MacLean & Alvarado LLP to reflect its new management. The firm, located at 675 N. Henderson in Fort Worth, will continue to specialize in personal injury, wrongful death and business injury cases. Fort Worth Business Press, July 17

Peter Lyden, a Fort Worth-based real estate investor, purchased The Victory Arts Center, a 70,000-square-foot luxury loft-residential redevelopment located at 801 W. Shaw St. in Fort Worth. Fort Worth Business Press, July 17

Dal-Worth Management and Realty Inc. recently negotiated the leases for three Class B office spaces in the Crosslands Office Plaza, located at 6420 Southwest Blvd. in Fort Worth. Renewals included: Weaver Boos and Gordon Inc. signed a five-year renewal for its 9,200-square-foot lease, as well as a 2,150-square-foot expansion; Q’Max of America Environment Solutions LP signed a three-year lease for 3,100 square feet; and Debra Lehmann, M.D., signed for a five-year, 2,250-square-foot lease. Fort Worth Business Press, July 17

Openings

Texas and Pacific Lofts, a prime focus in the $15 million improvement program to the Lancaster Avenue area, had its grand opening on July 27 at its 221 W. Lancaster Ave. address. With more than 60 units already sold and move-in for the first homeowners scheduled for late July, the recently renovated 1930s high-rise building, which used to house the Texas and Pacific Railway Terminal, is now filled with studio, one and two bedroom lofts. Fort Worth Business Press, July 31

Around Town

The National Cutting Horse Association’s Summer Spectacular at Will Rogers Equestrian Center ran from July 11-30. Fort Worth Business Press, July 10

Out of Town Reporting

The Colonial will begin its second half-century on the PGA Tour with a new title sponsor. Colonial Country Club announced that Crowne Plaza Hotels and Resorts has signed a six-year contract to be the title sponsor through 2012. The Associated Press, New York, July 25

Did You Know?

Ben E. Keith Co., Tarrant County’s top private company, is celebrating 100 years of service. With $1.82 billion in 2005 sales, it is the ninth-largest food service distributor in the country and the nation’s largest Anheuser-Busch distributor. Fort Worth Business Press, July 31

Fort Worth has the lowest office vacancy in the Metroplex. Fort Worth Business Press, July 31

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

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Small Business Nominations Deadline Sept. 15

It’s time to get those nominations in for the eighth annual “A Rising Star: Small Business of the Year Awards.” Deadline for nominations is Sept. 15. Presenting sponsor is Citizens National Bank. Platinum sponsor is TCU. Gold sponsors include ProStaff Personnel Services and Lockheed Martin Aeronautics. Silver sponsor is hireMAX. The awards luncheon will be held March 22, 2006.
Anyone may nominate a small business or self-nominate their own business for the award. 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).

  • 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


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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Chamber Golf Classic: Enjoy the Drives

It’s September and that means it’s time to grab some business buddies or even a few clients and make a foursome for the 20th annual Fort Worth Chamber Golf Classic. This year’s tournament is presented by XTO Energy.


The Chamber Golf Classic a great way to spend a day on the golf course and do some business at the same time. Honorary chairman is former Fort Worth Mayor Bob Bolen. The afternoon-only tournament will be held at Ridglea Country Club’s north and south courses. Rain date will be Sept. 25.

  • 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


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


North course gold sponsors include: Cantey & Hanger, LLP; Carter & Burgess; Hanfeld Hoffer Stanford Architects; Harris, Finley & Bogle, PC; Lockheed Martin Aeronautics; Sanford, Baumeister & Frazier PC; Speed Fab Crete Corp. International; Tarrant Regional Water District; and Wells Fargo – Executive


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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Get the Leads Out!

Leads Groups are comprised of no more than 30 individuals with each one representing a different industry. They meet weekly, generating a great deal of business.


Participants must be members of the Fort Worth Chamber. A company may be in two leads groups until/unless that slot is needed for another company in the same industry. Gold members participate at no charge with the same restriction.


To visit a group, either contact the coordinator or call the leader directly to ensure there is no conflict of industry. Each group has its own rules and personality, although they all fall loosely under Chamber guidelines. Consistent attendance provides the maximum benefit.

Tuesday, 11:30 a.m. -1 p.m., Texas Tornadoes
Luby’s Cafeteria – 251 University
Leader: Randy Jay 817/ 347-8825, randy.e.jay@wellsfargo.com.

 

Tuesday, 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m., The Big List
Bonnell’s - 4259 Bryant Irvin Rd.
Leader: George Fassett, 817/923-2419, georgefassett@thumbtechs.com.

 

Tuesday, 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m., Lead Cats
Joe T. Garcia’s – 2201 N. Commerce
Leader: Hal Dodd, 817/ 332-2061, hdodd@paychex.com.

 

Wednesday, 7:30 – 9 a.m., SW Morning Networking
SWTC office – 5280 Trail Lake Dr. #35
Leader: Jean Davis, 817/ 233-9211, jean@swtc-business.com.

 

NEW! Wednesday, 11:30 – 1 p.m., Women Business Leaders
Bonnell’s – 4259 Bryant Irvin Rd.
Leader: Jean Davis, 817/233-9211, jean@swtc-business.com.

 

Thursday, 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m., Leads Masters
Diamond Oaks Country Club – 5821 Diamond Oaks Drive
Leader: Tina Gardner, 817/205-5044, tinagardner@charter.net.

 

Thursday, 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m., eLeads Group
Café Aspen – 6103 Camp Bowie
Leader: Maureen Sullivan, 817/239 7533, maureen@ourfortworth.com.

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Action Ambassador for June 2006

Betty Poage,
Action Ambassador – June 2006

Congratulations to Betty Poage, Action Ambassador of the month for June 2006. An ambassador since 2005, Poage is a financial advisor for H&R Block.


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 Ambassado or visit the Chamber’s website under Member Groups.

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Get a Honky-Tonk Attitude at Billy Bob’s Texas

What has 127,000 square feet of space, nearly three acres inside and 20 acres of parking and 32 bar stations?
What else? Billy Bob’s Texas, the Fort Worth honky-tonk that has presented some of the music world’s biggest stars and boasts live pro bull riding and a Texas-sized dance floor. And this year, Billy Bob’s – eight time winner of the Country Music Association’s Venue of the year -- is celebrating its 25th anniversary in the Stockyards.
The Fort Worth Chamber’s North Area Council will host the next membership luncheon at Billy Bob’s Texas. The luncheon is presented by Wells Fargo.

  • What: General Membership Luncheon hosted by the North Area Council celebrating Billy Bob’s Texas 25 Years in the Stockyards
  • When: Thursday, Sept. 28, noon-1:30 p.m. Registration begins at 11:15 a.m. to allow attendees time to view the Fort Worth Herd cattle drive at 11:30 a.m.
  • Where: Billy Bob’s Texas, 2520 Rodeo Plaza, 76106
  • Cost is: Chamber members - $25; Gold and Preferred members - $20; non-members - $40; and a table of eight - $250

This won’t be just a luncheon. Come in your best jeans and boot-scootin’ boots because there will be line dance lessons and tours of the club which opened in 1981 and featured Larry Gatlin and the Gatlin Brothers as its first performers. Also appearing that first week were Waylon Jennings, Janie Fricke and Willie Nelson. Over the years, top musicians – not just country & western stars – have played BBT, including Hank Williams, Jr., Clint Black, Garth Brooks, Ringo Starr and Gloria Estefan. Even Bob Hope played Billy Bob’s.


“Celebrating the 25th anniversary of Billy Bob's Texas is a milestone in the entertainment industry,” said Pam Minick, Billy Bob’s Texas marketing director. “Over the past quarter century, Billy Bob's has hosted the biggest names in music and brought international notoriety to Cowtown.”


The historic building housing Billy Bob’s Texas was built in 1910 as an open air barn for prize cattle during Fort Worth Stock Shows. In 1936, as a Texas Centennial project, the building was enclosed by the City of Fort Worth and the tower was added. The renovated structure contained 1,257 stalls and a 1,200-seat auction ring that is now Billy Bob’s bull riding arena.


BBT’s habitués can tell you that the floor slopes from the entry toward the showroom stage, making an ideal elevation for concert seating. This slope was originally designed to allow easy cleaning and runoff from the cattle pens. Livestock events were held there until the Stock Show moved to the Will Rogers Memorial Complex in the early 1940s. During World War II, the building housed an airplane factory. In later incarnations, the building was a huge department store.


Today, the facility can hold 6,028 people at a time and has seen more than 15 million since it opened. Featured in many movies and TV shows, Billy Bob’s Texas is nearly three times the size of another Texas night spot, Houston’s Gilley’s.
Register online at www.fortworthchamber.com or with Pennie Blossom at pblossom@fortworthchamber.com or 817/336-2491, ext. 267.

 

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Future of Healthcare: Consumer-Directed Plans

As healthcare costs continue to rise, businesses and individuals are all looking for a more cost-effective way to provide insurance. Healthcare costs, however, continue to be a thorn in the side of employers who find those costs impacting their plans to expand, hire new employees or give pay raises.


Employers and the insurance industry hope they have found the “silver bullet” that will ease this problem. According to media reports, the next “big thing” in controlling healthcare costs is “consumer-directed” medical insurance.
A new informational series hosted by the Fort Worth Chamber, “Health Matters,” will take a look at consumer-driven healthcare. The series is presented by Destiny Health.

  • What: Health Matters: Consumer-Directed Healthcare
  • When: Thursday, Sept. 21, 9-11 a.m.
  • Where: Residence Inn Marriott, 2500 Museum Way (across from Montgomery Plaza), 76107
  • Cost: Complimentary to Chamber members only.


Consumer-directed healthcare plans combine a high-deductible insurance policy with a tax-preferred savings/investment account. The theory is that the insurance will protect policyholders against catastrophic medical costs and pay for that care while the savings account can be used to pay for healthcare items not covered by the policy. And, if policyholders don’t spend the money in the account, it accrues protecting them against a time when they might be really sick.


By taking the burden of providing healthcare insurance off employers, it allows them to:

  • Offset escalating health insurance premiums;
  • Give employees greater control and personal choice in their health care;
  • Provide value to employees, whether they are sick or well in a given year;
  • Provide employees with an integrated Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA) or Health Savings Account (HAS); and
  • Offer a wellness program that motivates employees to lead healthier lifestyles.


To learn more about consumer-directed healthcare medical insurance, plan to attend Health Matters. Register online at www.fortworthchamber.com or with Doris Becker at dbecker@fortworthchamber.com or 817/336-2491, ext. 288.

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Calendar of Events

September

5 Tarrant County Business Breakfast, 7-8:30 a.m. Networking for small, minority and women owned businesses. No reservations necessary. Radisson South, formerly Holiday Inn South, 100 Alta Mesa Blvd. 76134. Cost is $9 for full breakfast; $6 for continental breakfast. For more information, contact Teresa Pearson at tpearson@fortworthchamber.com or 817/336-2491, ext. 249.


13 Lunch & Learn, “Free Publicity” with Jeff Crilley, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m., Blue Mesa Grill, 1600 S. University, 76107. Sponsored by Thumbtechs. Cost is $12 paid on site. Chamber members only. Register online or with Doris Becker at dbecker@fortworthchamber.com or 817/336-2491, ext. 288.


18 20th Annual Chamber Golf Classic, presented by XTO Energy; registration at 11:30 a.m. Lunch, noon, shotgun start at 1 p.m. (Rain date, Sept. 25.) Ridglea Country Club, 3700 Bernie Anderson Dr., 76116. For more information, contact Lydia Hall at lhall@fortworthchamber.com or 817/336-2491, ext. 272.


27 Salute to the Star-Telegram/100 Year Celebration, keynote speaker CBS’ Bob Schieffer, Renaissance Worthington Hotel Grand Ballroom, 200 Main St. Presented by Jackson Walker LLP. Cost is: Chamber members - $40; Gold and Preferred members - $35; and tables of 10 - $400. Register online or with Brianna Dishman at bdishman@fortworthchamber.com or 817/336-2491, ext. 275.


28 “How to Structure & Negotiate International Payment Options,” 9 a.m.-noon, Fort Worth International Center, 808 Throckmorton St., 76102. Cost is $15. For more information, contact Mary Weaver at mweaver@fortworthchamber.com or 817/336-2491, ext. 229.


28 General Membership Luncheon hosted by the North Area Council celebrating Billy Bob’s Texas’ 25 Years in the Stockyards, presented by Wells Fargo; 2520 Rodeo Plaza, 76106, noon-1:30 p.m. Registration and networking begin at 11:15 a.m. Presented by Wells Fargo. Cost is: Chamber members - $25; Gold and Preferred members - $20; non-members - $40; and a table for eight - $250. Register online or with Pennie Blossom at pblossom@fortworthchamber.com or 817/336-2491, ext. 267.

October

3 Tarrant County Business Breakfast, 7-8:30 a.m. Networking for small, minority and women owned businesses. No reservations necessary. Radisson South, formerly Holiday Inn South, 100 Alta Mesa Blvd. 76134. Cost is $9 for full breakfast; $6 for continental breakfast. For more information, contact Teresa Pearson at tpearson@fortworthchamber.com or 817/336-2491, ext. 249.


5 Business After Hours, 5:30-7:30 p.m., Fort Worth Academy, 7301 Dutch Branch Rd., 76132. Chamber members only. Cost is $10 for members; no charge for Gold or Preferred members, but reservations required. Register online or with Doris Becker at dbecker@fortworthchamber.com or 817/336-2491, ext. 288.


10 Leads Explosion, sponsored by Thumbtechs, 5-8:30 p.m., Texas de Brazil, 101 N. Houston St., 76102. Chamber members only, $30. Limited to 90 companies; no more than five from each industry. Gold and Preferred members are free, but must register with a credit card, which will only be charged a $30 non-refundable charge for a no-show. Payment must be received by noon, Thursday, Oct. 5. Register with Doris Becker at dbecker@fortworthchamber.com or 817/336-2491, ext. 288. For more information, call Diana Dugan at ext. 258.


19 37th Annual Business Hall of Fame Dinner honoring W.R. “Bob” Wyatt, Jr. Reception at 6 p.m. in Terrace Room, dinner at 7 p.m., Horizon Room, Fort Worth Club, 306 W. 7th St., 76102. Black tie optional. Tickets are $250 a person or $2,500 for a table of ten. For information or to purchase tickets, contact Texas Wesleyan’s Office of the President at (817) 531-4401.


24 Leaders in Business featuring Ross Perot, Jr., presented by Weaver & Tidwell, LLP., Petroleum Club, Wildcatters Room, 777 Main, 76102. Noon-1:30 p.m.; registration and networking begin at 11:30 a.m. Cost is: Chamber members - $35; Gold and Preferred members - $30; non-members - $60; and a table of eight - $ 350. Register online or with Brianna Dishman at bdishman@fortworthchamber.com or 817/336-2491, ext. 275.


31 General Membership Luncheon hosted by the West Area Council, Van Romans – Fort Worth Science & History Museum, presented by Wells Fargo, noon-1:30 p.m. Registration and networking begin at 11:30 a.m. National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame, 1720 Gendy Street, 76107. Cost is: Chamber members - $25; Gold and Preferred members - $20; non-members - $40; and a table of eight - $250. Register online or with Pennie Blossom at pblossom@fortworthchamber.com or 817/336-2491, ext. 267.

 

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Chamber Now HeartSafe Environment

At a recent Fort Worth Chamber staff meeting, AT&T’s Gary Terry was on hand to deliver his personal testimony about the need for AEDs (automated external defibrillators). Ironically, as a volunteer for the American Heart Association, Terry had at one time lobbied the Texas Legislature for placing AEDs in public places. In the spring of 2001, he was in Austin when his heart stopped beating in the middle of the airport. Fortunately for Terry, Austin’s Bergstrom Airport already had an AED.


“On March 19, 2001 at 9:07 p.m., an AED was use to bring me back to life,” said Terry. “I collapsed with a cardiac arrest. My problem was heart rhythm; it began beating so fast it just stopped. The AED shocked my heart and started it beating again.”

Representing the Chamber, Brian Barnard, left, and Vernon Bryant, right, accept an Automated External Defibrillator from Laura Friend, The Run for Sarah Foundation, and Devin Dreiling, Cardiac Science.

The Chamber had already been looking in to getting an AED and Terry’s story certainlymade the case. At the August board meeting, Devin Dreiling of Cardiac Science presented the Chamber with a donated AED.


“Cardiac Science and The Run for Sarah Foundation are very excited to be working with the Fort Worth Chamber in helping to create a HeartSafe Environment, not only for the Chamber members, but for all the visitors to the Chamber's office and events,” said Dreiling.


“We are so grateful to Cardiac Science for this generous donation,” said Patti Steelman, the Chamber’s vice president of finance and controller. “Last month, staff members underwent training provided by the Fort Worth Fire Department so that we will be prepared if anyone in our office needs emergency assistance.”
You don’t have to convince Terry.


“AEDs are great pieces of equipment,” he said. “Without them, I would not be here to make these statements. I think AEDs should be required in buildings just like sprinkler systems. The facts speak for themselves regarding saving lives.”

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Business Opportunities with China Examined

Fort Worth and Tarrant County companies seeking new and greater market potential – especially internationally -- are encouraged to tap into resources and assistance of the Fort Worth Chamber that can help to open a whole new world of possibility.


As a result of recent China-focused economic development efforts, including a May mission to Shanghai and Beijing, a strategic network of business partnerships has been developed to benefit area companies in the areas of trade and commerce.


“China represents enormous potential,” said Mary Weaver, director of international business. “Our goal is to position Fort Worth companies to be effective competitors and winners in this game. We strongly encourage companies with interests in China, and other world markets, to be proactive so that these resources can be put to work for you.”


According to Weaver, an email or phone call will get interested parties a one-on-one appointment to assess and evaluate interests as well as define specific goals. Follow-up steps may include strategy development, translation of collateral materials into Chinese and in-country marketing for the appropriate contacts and opportunities. Also, participation in the upcoming 2007 mission to China will be available, exact dates yet to be determined.


“A more immediate opportunity to discover international marketing opportunities comes Oct. 19, when representatives of Oldham, Li & Nie (OLN), a prestigious Hong Kong based law firm, will be in Fort Worth to present a seminar on strategies for U.S. companies doing business in China,” said Weaver. “This half day program will offer attendees a current assessment of China, a discussion of trends, growth opportunities, how to be competitive as well as legal and financial considerations.” For more information on this presentation, contact Weaver at 817/336-2491, ext. 229 or mweaver@fortworthchamber.com.


Chinese businesses are also looking to Fort Worth as a possible source for products and services creating exciting export opportunities. Recent business leads from China include:

  • Scrap Metal (export opportunity)
  • Beef (export opportunity)
  • Cotton (export opportunity)
  • Real Estate Development (investment opportunities in China)


Companies appropriate to these opportunities can contact Weaver at the above number for detailed information. Future leads will be published on the Chamber website and in the Chamberletter.


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Chamber Communications Efforts Honored

Several of the Fort Worth Chamber’s 2005 communication efforts have received awards from the American Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE) and from the Fort Worth Chapter of IABC (International Association of Business Communicators).


The Chamber’s Newz-E-Letter received an Award of Merit from ACCE at its 22nd annual 2005 Award for Communications Excellence (ACE) nationwide competition. Entries receiving the ACE Award for Merit exceed the standards and criteria for communications excellence.


This year's ACE competition drew 280 entries from over 125 chambers throughout the country.


The weekly Newz-E-Letter, launched in May 2005 as a member benefit, is written by the eccentric Mr. B and is about and for Chamber members only.


At the annual Fort Worth IABC Bronze Quill Awards, the collateral material for the Chamber’s 2005 Annual Meeting featuring President Bush impersonator Steve Bridges (“Mission: Possible”) won an Award of Excellence. The materials, designed to look like secret dossiers and official documents, were also featured in a recent article in the August issue of Chamber Executive, official publication for ACCE.


Other Bronze Quill awards included Awards of Merit for the Chamber’s 2005 Fort Worth & Tarrant County Newcomers Guide and the redesigned membership materials.

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Recent Ribbon Cuttings

Knox Real Estate marked the opening of its new location at 4255 Bryant Irvin Rd., #108 with a ribbon cutting. To learn more about the realty company, contact Becky Knox at becky@knoxrealestatedfw.com.

H. Peter Ku, D.D.S., P.A., held a ground breaking ceremony for the expansion of his dental office at 3045 Hamilton Ave. Find out more by contacting Beth Ku at 817/870-0556.

Women’s boutique Dolce Vita held a grand opening of its new Montgomery Plaza location, 2600 W. 7th, #132. To learn more about the boutique, call Jenifer Lyons at 817/334-0502.

Celebrating the opening of its new barrel room and event center was the reason for a grand opening ceremony held at Sunset Winery, 1535 South Burleson Blve. Contact Bruce Anderson to learn more about the facility at 817/426-1141.

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

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777 Taylor Street, Suite 900   Fort Worth, TX 76102-4997   817.336.2491