Home » About the Chamber » Chamberletter
 
December 2006

High Schools’ Curricula Must Be Relevant to Employer’s Needs

Meeting attendees used roundtable discussion time to brainstorm ideas on how businesses can work to keep students in school.

Redesigning high school environments, from facilities to curriculum, is one of the steps necessary to stemming the Texas dropout rate, say community leaders who attended an October meeting to discuss initiatives to increase the number of high school graduates and students entering college.


Dr. Raymund Paredes, commissioner of the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, and Dr. Melody Johnson, superintendent of the Fort Worth ISD, addressed more than 75 business and non-profit leaders at one of four community events initiated by the United Way as a result of funding from the Gates Foundation.


Ann Rice, senior vice president / programs at United Way, said that Metro Tarrant County was one of nine Texas United Ways to receive seed funding from the Gates Foundation. This meeting’s discussion focused on how to make high schools more relevant to employers’ needs, and how businesses can help impact graduation rates.


“If you look at many of our high schools – even some of the newer facilities -- the environments are the same as they were 50 years ago,” said Rice. “High schools must be redesigned to be more relevant to students today. And from a higher education perspective, what are we missing to motivate students to stick around past ninth grade for the good stuff?”


Ninth grade is a critical turning point for many students. Dr. Paredes pointed out that the most challenging aspect for Texas is the burgeoning Hispanic population. He quoted studies showing that the average Texan over age 25 (segmented by race) had the following education:

  • Anglo – high school diploma and one year college
  • African-American – high school diploma
  • Latino – 9.7 years of education


In addition to various cultural barriers, many Latinos lack access to necessary information about financial aid and academic requirements for college.


“We must expose all children to a college-going culture, and have it be the expectation for every child,“ said Dr. Paredes. “We want parents to understand this, too. Even if college is not for them, we still want to encourage as much education as possible at the highest requirements to have a competitive workforce.”


UWMTC’s recent community needs assessment revealed that 40 percent of Tarrant County’s population is operating at the two lowest levels of literacy. Statistics also show that up to 80 percent of new, long-term jobs created require 14 years of education.


Dr. Paredes hopes to encourage P-16 councils to develop local and regional strategies to encourage a college-going culture.


“Not a statewide approach; the state is too diverse,” said Dr. Paredes. “What works in El Paso won’t work in Texarkana – it’s hard to even imagine they’re in the same state.”


An example of such early exposure is the Ysleta ISD in El Paso, which conducts kindergarten graduation ceremonies where students wear graduation gowns and a sash naming their selected future university.


“They are already getting them into the college mindset at age five,” said Dr. Paredes.
According to Dr. Johnson, FWISD has hired Dr. Danna Diaz Joseph as director of student engagement and school completion to ensure the completion of high school and head up Project Prevail, a school completion initiative. The ISD is also focusing on ninth graders and their teachers to ensure smoother transitions into high school, as this is when most dropouts occur. Finally, she encouraged businesses to work with curriculum directors to design more real-life knowledge applications and projects.


Following these addresses, attendees engaged in roundtable discussions the object of which was to develop business strategies to encourage students to complete high school, and hopefully continue through college. The top three strategies emerging from the discussions were:

  1. Partner with schools to provide volunteers and resources that will enrich the academic or cultural experiences of students and help them understand the value of completing high school and continuing their education.
  2. Provide career awareness activities to demonstrate how classroom learning relates to real world jobs, especially in math and science.
  3. Pair adult volunteer mentors from your business or agency with students and/or teachers.


The October meeting of business and community leaders was coordinated by United Way of Metro Tarrant County, the Fort Worth Chamber, Fort Worth Hispanic Chamber, Fort Worth Metropolitan Black Chamber, and the Fort Worth ISD.


For more information on the discussions or how businesses can help keep students in school, contact Cynthia Fisher Miller at cmiller@fortworthchamber.com or 87/336-2491, ext. 240.

Johnson: ‘Don’t perpetuate cheap labor’
FWISD Superintendent Dr. Melody Johnson implored business leaders to help stem the local dropout rate. And she offered three strategies to help in the effort:
1. Do not employ students 17 and under after 10 p.m.
2. Ask to see student employee report cards and encourage success, high grades. (The number one request of students is that adults care enough to give them some time, according to Dr. Johnson.)
3. Make high school a job requirement. Do not hire anyone 17 or under who is not in school.

 

Back to top

Zucker Study Recommendations Progressing

As we reported in August, many local developers and builders were concerned with the unduly slow and cumbersome City of Fort Worth permitting process. Many developers had expressed these concerns to the Fort Worth Chamber seeking some relief. The Chamber, along with Downtown Fort Worth, Inc., approached City officials with idea of commissioning a study to review the permitting process and recommend ways to streamline it.


City officials embraced the idea and Zucker Systems of San Diego performed the review last spring. By the end of the summer, Zucker returned to Fort Worth with a list of 162 recommendations that, upon implementation, would shorten the permitting process as well as improve the City’s Development Department’s level of customer service. With the backing of Mayor Mike Moncrief and the City Council, the Development Department has undertaken the implementation of all 162 recommendations ranging from hiring new staff, improving the physical layout of the department and purchasing new equipment and software to help in the task.


According to Susan Alanis, deputy director of the development department, the implementation process is going very well. Alanis and her staff are providing detailed, written reports to the mayor and City Council as well as the Infrastructure and Transportation Committee and the Development Advisory Committee, clearly indicating the progress on each recommendation. The information is also posted on their departmental website.


“We are making progress,” said Alanis. “We are definitely improving turnaround time for the plan review process. And we are improving our facilities as part of the process.”
Alanis noted that the process is time consuming and working to shorten the process at the same time their office space is under construction can be stressful.
“Going through change can be difficult,” she said. “But our staff is embracing the change to show that they want to do good work.”


Assistant City Manager Dale Fisseler concurs. “I am proud of the efforts of our city employees in implementing the Zucker recommendations,” he said. “We are already seeing promising results.”


It is still early in the process, however, according to Lee Nicol, a partner in the firm of Harris, Barham, Haddock and Nicol Development LLC. Nicol served on the Chamber’s development advisory committee as well as the City Manager’s development advisory committee.


“I have been involved on this since the get-go,” said Nicol, adding that he is encouraged by monthly updates the development department is providing. “The city’s staff is working hard on setting up the necessary infrastructure to support the improved process.”


Nicol stressed that he has nothing but admiration for Alanis and her staff and the hard work they are doing.


“I am optimistic that these fundamental changes in how the City goes about the permitting process will yield beneficial results,” he said. “The City Manager’s office and the assistant city managers have embraced this process with enthusiasm.”


The study’s author Paul Zucker is also pleased with results to date. “It appears things are moving ahead nicely on a variety of the recommendations we made,” he said. “I am very enthused about Susan Alanis and her efforts. Change takes time, but we have no reason to be discouraged.”


Chamber staff members are pleased with results to date as well.
”I am extremely excited about how the City has embraced the Zucker recommendations at all levels,” said David Berzina, executive vice president of economic development. “Improvements in the permitting process are already surpassing expectations to date.”

Back to top

Heritage Trails Marker Unveiled

Doug Harman, Gordon Appleman, Mary Bell, Kathryn Bryan, Roger Yandell and Mark Nurdin unveil the first Heritage Trails marker in front of Wells Fargo, the marker’s sponsor. Harman, Appleman, Bryan and Yandell served on the Heritage Trails committee; Bell and Nurdin are with Wells Fargo.

 

Back to top


President’s column
Bill Thornton
Fort Worth Chamber
President

When I look back over the past year, I realize that the Fort Worth Chamber’s Board of Directors was faced with many challenging issues on which stands had to be taken and it seems as if 2007 will be much the same.


* Take for example the recent issue of “meet and confer,” the ballot referendum authorizing the City of Fort Worth to recognize the Fort Worth Police Officers Association as a sole and exclusive bargaining agent for the municipal police officers. At first glance, the issue sounded benign enough, but police associations representing minorities as well as other city employees, several past mayors and past city managers were against it. Our board was forced to take sides and we sided with those opposing “meet and confer.” The voters, however, passed the referendum.


The Chamber has always supported our police officers, and will continue to do so. In turn, we hope they will fulfill their promise to negotiate in good faith with city staff, being mindful of other fellow City employees and of the budget challenges of the City of Fort Worth.


* The Wright Amendment is another issue on which our board took a stand. This issue had been a bone of contention between Dallas and Fort Worth for many years. But, recognizing the importance of finding common ground before the Federal Government imposed a solution, all affected parties came to the table determined to hammer out a compromise that was acceptable to all. Our board rose to the occasion and backed the compromise that will prove beneficial to Fort Worth and the Metroplex.


* The Trans-Texas Corridor (TTC) is another issue that required a lot of effort from Chamber board members. The TTC, 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 I-35 corridor, was originally planned to go far to the east of the Metroplex, effectively cutting Fort Worth and Tarrant County out of the picture. Again our board stepped up to the plate supporting the Chamber’s efforts to convince the state government that the most sensible route was to split around the Metroplex once again placing Fort Worth along the route. Those efforts were successful and the proposed route now includes our area.


As always, the Chamber is in the forefront of these battles fighting for the interests of Fort Worth and the surrounding area. And there are more important issues on the horizon in 2007 which will require the Chamber and its board to take stands. One of those important issues is our water situation.


* As our population continues to grow at an astounding rate, water becomes more and more precious. Current drought conditions have made the necessity of planning for future water sources even more apparent. This will be another contentious issue as future water sources will have to be placed outside the immediate area. The Chamber has been working with the Region C Water Planning Group to develop and adopt a regional water plan and to consider public input. The RCWPG’s plan was included in the statewide plan just adopted. The next step is for the Legislature to pass that plan. We know that there may be opposition, however a fair and balanced plan has been developed and we will work diligently to see it passed intact.


The Chamber staff and our dedicated volunteers work continually for the good of Fort Worth and Tarrant County. There will always be at least two sides to every issue and good people will end up on opposite sides, but at the Chamber, we will always come down on the side that we believe best serves the needs of Fort Worth and its citizens.

Back to top

FWISD Students Never Tire of Bridgestone/Firestone Tour

Marty Otero, FWISD; Alicia Sanchez, Bridgestone/Firestone; and Glenn Spoons, THECB/Fort Worth Chamber helped stage the FWISD students Alliance visit to Bridgestone/Firestone.

In November, 61 Fort Worth Independent School District seventh and eighth graders had the opportunity to tour the Bridgestone/Firestone facility at Alliance as well as get some useful career advice. The half-day tour was a collaboration of Fort Worth ISD, the Fort Worth Chamber, Workforce Solutions, Tarrant County College and Hillwood.

 


The day included presentations from Alicia Sanchez, Bridgestone/Firestone; Marty Otero, Fort Worth ISD on Team Fort Worth; Glenn Spoons, Fort Worth Chamber and Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, and Fidel Castillo, TCC, on the Mobile Go Center; Ron Smith, Workforce Solutions and Basil Mitchell, Hillwood.


Following the tours and presentations, the students took part in exercises designed to increase their awareness of various career opportunities and improve their resume’ writing skills. They also took a career interest survey designed to indicate where their future interests lie. A visit and hands-on tour and demonstration of the Mobile Go Center was also included.

The Go Center program gives high school students and their families an opportunity to research higher educational opportunities and funding sources. 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.


Lunch was provided at the end of the tour and the students left with a completed resume’.


For more information on the Go Centers, contact Glenn Spoons, gspoons@fortworthchamber.com or 817/336-2491, ext. 233. To learn more about Team Fort Worth, contact Cynthia Fisher Miller at cmiller@fortworthchamber.com or ext. 240.

Back to top

Recap of Recent Economic Activity in Tarrant County

In the Works

Village Homes will build in Magnolia Green, an urban village on the city’s near south side. Magnolia Green is bordered by Rosedale Street, Magnolia Avenue, Hemphill Street and Alston Avenue. Two office buildings and a public parking garage have been built. Shops, restaurants and more town houses are planned. Star Telegram, Oct. 16, 2006.

Real-estate investor Peter Lyden has acquired property from Daedalus Development Corp., according to deed records. Lyden bought 1223 S. Main St., a 4,750-square-foot building leased by Boothe Architects and Bright Room photography studio, as well as 11,792 square feet of land at 1301-1309 S. Main St., Lyden said. Star Telegram, Oct. 23, 2006.

Construction on a 406-unit apartment complex, The Berkeley, is beginning near Park Hill Drive and Forest Park Boulevard, where the Park Ridge Apartments stood. Lincoln Property Co. and Phoenix Property Co., both in Dallas, are developing the complex. The Berkeley will have 16 three-story buildings that will resemble town houses on the 17-acre site. Star Telegram, Oct. 24 2006

Dallas-based Odyssey Health Care of Fort Worth has bought 1.68 acres on River Park Circle, near Bryant Irvin Road, for the future construction of a hospice care facility. Star Telegram, Oct. 30, 2006

Expansions and Moves

Pendery’s World of Chiles & Spices, downtown Fort Worth’s oldest retailer, will move to the near south side in coming months. Pendery’s recently bought a house that was built in 1925 at 1407 Eighth Ave., near the southeast corner of Eighth and Morphy Street. Pendery’s current site, 304 E. Belknap St., just east of the Tarrant County Courthouse, was sold two years ago to the Tarrant County College District for its downtown campus. TCC also bought another downtown location that Pendery’s had owned and had hoped to move back to. Star Telegram, Oct. 9, 2006

Hutson Creative Group, a public relations and photography company, has moved to 3330 W. Seventh St., in the Cultural District, from Arlington. Their new space includes an office area, photography studio and conference room. Star Telegram, Oct. 16, 2006.

A-1 Auto Glass has bought the former North Texas Marine property at 7940 West Freeway, where it has moved its business. A-1 Auto Glass has been in business for 13 years and had been leasing a location nearby on Cherry Lane. Included in the sale were two buildings totaling about 3,000 square feet and an acre of land, which gives the company some expansion room, said Roger McDonald, A-1 Auto Glass president. Star Telegram, Oct. 9, 2006

On the Dotted Line

ET Wholesale has leased 10,166 square feet at 301 N. Beach St. for its wholesale warehouse and tire-distribution operation. Star Telegram, Oct. 2, 2006

George Kornye, a fine-arts dealer and gallery owner, is venturing into the development business with Carlton Villas, a luxury town house development at the northwest corner of Carleton Avenue and Camp Bowie. Star Telegram, Oct. 16, 2006.

Texas Lawns, a full-service commercial and residential irrigation and landscape company, has bought a 5,000-square-foot building at 3040 Ramona Drive for its office and shop. Texas Lawns has been in business since 1991. Star Telegram, Oct. 16, 2006

The partnership that owns the former American Heart Association building at 2401 Scott Ave. has sold the building to a larger investment group that includes some of the same investors. Scott Avenue Partnership, a four-member group, sold the building to an eight-member group calling itself Fort Worth Eastside Development. The 16,200-square-foot building was sold by the American Heart Association in 2005. Office space ranging in size from 200 square feet to 4,000 square feet is available. Star Telegram, Oct. 16, 2006

Auto Parts Components has leased 25,000 square feet of space at 5124 Brush Creek Road in the Village Creek Industrial Park. Star Telegram, Oct. 30, 2006

Marcus and Millichap Real Estate Investment Brokerage Co. of Texas has signed a lease for 6,600 square feet in Suite 325 in The Tower at 500 Throckmorton St. Fort Worth Business Press, Oct. 30, 2006

Openings

Century 21 Judge Fite Co., based in Dallas and one of the Metroplex's largest residential real estate companies, has opened an office at 2750 S. Hulen St. Star Telegram, Oct. 16, 2006

Meridian Bank Texas, a subsidiary of Meridian Bank, officially announced the opening of a loan-production office in downtown Fort Worth 11. The bank will initially focus on commercial construction and real estate lending, but plans to become a state-chartered, full-service commercial bank by early next year with an emphasis on business lending and commercial deposits. The Fort Worth operations are located at 915 Florence St.
Fort Worth Business Press, Oct. 16, 2006

Equipro, a provider of repair services of light construction equipment, has opened at 3727 N. Beach St. Equipro is a subsidiary of Wacker, which makes light construction equipment. Star Telegram, Oct. 23, 2006.

Aqua, an 8,000-square-foot lounge at 515 Houston St., celebrated its grand opening 27. Aqua features a casual dress code and jazz and R&B music. Fort Worth Business Press, Oct. 30, 2006

Capital One is continuing to open branches in Tarrant County. The Virginia company plans to open branches in Bedford and downtown Fort Worth. The downtown branch at 505 Main St. opened the first week in November. The Bedford branch is expected to open at the southwest corner of Cheek-Sparger Road and Texas 121 later in November. That bank will have two automated teller machines, a coin counter and safe deposit boxes. Star Telegram, Oct.30, 2006

Regency Hospital Co., a Georgia-based operator of long-term-care hospitals, has opened a 44-bed facility in southwest Fort Worth. The single-story, 31,700-square-foot Regency Hospital of Fort Worth, which was built this year on Oakmont Boulevard, has an array of medical specialists on staff. Star Telegram, Oct.30, 2006

Around Town

Four months after opening the Texas & Pacific Lofts sales center, more than 70 lofts have been sold, and there’s no sign of a slowdown yet. Loft sales in the historic Texas & Pacific Railway Terminal, at 221 W. Lancaster Ave., were anticipated to sell out in a two-year timeframe, but are now expected to reach full capacity within one year.
Fort Worth Business Press, Oct. 2, 2006

More than 40 acres and a shopping center in north Fort Worth, the Northside Marketplace, once anchored by a Winn-Dixie grocery store, has changed hands. The 93,370-square-foot center at 1910-60 Ephriham Ave., east of Jacksboro Highway, was bought by a limited partnership from Midland under the name Northside Realty Partners. The Fort Worth deal includes undeveloped land behind the shopping center. Star Telegram, Oct. 2, 2006

Race Street Properties, along with Jason Miller, owner of Miller Custom Homes and Miller Construction, and other investors in the area, is working to attract people to the area after the workday ends. Right now, the focus is on restaurants. These include Fuzzy’s Taco Shop, the popular TCU-area restaurant; the Swanky Shack Coffeebar; and an Italian restaurant in the restored McAdams Building and a Thai food/tamale sports bar tentatively named Hot Shotz. Fort Worth Business Press, Oct. 16, 2006

Major changes are in store for the riverfront property along Interstate 35 and Northside Drive. The Boardwalk, a 14-acre mixed-use development which its developers say will serve as a gateway for the highly anticipated 800 acre Trinity Uptown, located just to the west, will include a five-story boutique hotel, specialty retail, restaurants, and residential and office space. The project is slated to break ground in about three months, according to Justin McWilliams, president of Red Point Development. Fort Worth Business Press, Oct. 23 2006

A partnership of the Westover Group, headed by real-estate veteran Sam Brous, under the name Westover Rosedale, has bought a 4,712-square-foot office building at 4501 Camp Bowie Blvd., according to deed records. The sale included an 18,557-square-foot tract of land. Star Telegram, Oct. 2, 2006

The Barnett Shale is continuing to attract oil-field equipment and service companies to this area as the drilling for natural gas continues, despite a drop in natural gas prices. At the same time, oil-field equipment and service companies already in the area are expanding to offer services to other areas of the country. Moving from Bowie, Texas, to Fort Worth is Chigger Oilfield Services, which offers noise abatement and transportation services to operators and drillers. The company’s offices will be located at 3000 Alta Mesa Blvd. Fort Worth Business Press, Oct. 16, 2006

The Briscoe Clark Co., a Dallas-based development company, has acquired about 737 acres in Tarrant County for residential developments. The company bought 300 acres on the south side of Farm Road 1187 at the McCart Avenue extension, where it plans to develop 600 residential lots. Under the name Monterra 426 Partners, the development company also bought 437 acres at White Settlement Road and Silver Ridge Boulevard, in west Fort Worth. The firm bought the land in July from a group of 10 investors from Texas and Arizona. Star Telegram, Oct. 2, 2006

The north Fort Worth industrial scene continues to pick up speed with the sale of Northpoint Trade Center, a 20 acre industrial property at Interstate 820 and Blue Mound Road, which sits adjacent to the Railhead Fort Worth industrial park. The property has been sold to Xebec Realty Partners, a Los Angeles-based commercial real estate development company which has plans to develop the remaining 9.5 acres of vacant land. Five tenants occupy Northpoint Trade Center I and II, which encompasses 208,000 square feet of class A office warehouse space. Fort Worth Business Press, Oct. 30, 2006

Out of Town Reporting

Boston had the Big Dig. Now Fort Worth has the big drill. Under golf courses, schools, parks, libraries, airports and dozens of neighborhoods, some of the nation’s leading independent energy companies are scouring the city in search of the best locations to recover one of the largest concentrations of natural gas in the United States.
Everyone seems to be lining up for a share in the bonanza. The American Cancer Society recently made $5 million just by selling its mineral rights to land that had been donated years ago. The Girl Scouts leased their mineral rights for drilling under a summer camp for an undisclosed amount.
It may not be a rerun of “The Beverly Hillbillies.” And energy executives say it will not tear up the heart of the city, as Boston’s trouble-plagued highway construction project did.
But it is a replay of sorts of the oil drilling booms that roused and remade Los Angeles and Oklahoma City in the 1920’s and 1930’s. And with rigs lighted up like Christmas trees on the city’s periphery at night, it is the biggest urban drilling boom in the nation today. New York Times, Oct. 17, 2006

Did You Know?

Just two weeks after being rated the best graduate business school in Texas by The Wall Street Journal, Texas Christian University's M.J. Neeley School of Business has been recognized by The Princeton Review for its campus facilities. The Princeton Review surveyed 18,000 students at 282 business schools and singled out the top 10 in 11 categories. TCU ranked No. 9 for facilities. The rankings are based on students' assessments. Star Telegram, Oct. 9, 2006.

Cass O. Edwards II, who developed the legendary Edwards Ranch into some of Fort Worth's finest neighborhoods during the past 50 years, will be honored posthumously with the Founders Award of the Greater Fort Worth Real Estate Council. Edwards formed Cassco Land Co. in 1954 with his sister and business partner, Colleen Edwards Geren; their mother, Willyemae Edwards, and her sister, Mary Edwards Kelly; and associates John Glenn and Wes Stripling to develop the Edwards Ranch property. The developments have included Overton Park, Overton West, Overton Woods, Tanglewood and Hulen Mall. Star Telegram, Oct. 2, 2006

Fort Worth's downtown office district remains the tightest throughout the Metroplex, according to a recent market study. The downtown Fort Worth office market has more than 7 million square feet, and slightly more than 400,000 was vacant between July and September, the study shows.
Downtown is also commanding some of the area's highest rent. The average asking rental rates are $26.17 per square foot for class A and $18.07 for class B. In Dallas' central business district, asking rent for class A space is $22.34 per square foot and for class B space, $16.95. Star Telegram, Oct. 30, 2006

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

Back to top

Everything’s Negotiable; Learn How

Are you worth more than you’re making? Want to get your own way at home or the office? Knowing how to negotiate effectively can help almost anyone succeed in virtually all aspects of their business or personal lives. Back by popular demand is Lunch & Learn’s “Negotiating 101,” with Barry Greve.

 

  • What: Lunch & Learn, “Negotiating 101”
  • When: Wednesday, Dec. 13, 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.
  • Where: Blue Mesa Grill, 1600 S. University, 76107
  • Cost: $12 for lunch; paid on site. Chamber members only.


Greve, an employment law attorney, will be on hand for the next Small Business Council Lunch & Learn session to share his techniques for successful negotiation with “Negotiating 101.” Make your plans to attend. Seating is limited to the first 50 to RSVP. Chamber members only.


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

Back to top

Outlook for Tarrant County Commercial Real Estate

What do commercial real estate industry leaders they expect to happen during the coming year? Will it be a boom or bust year? What market trends will affect Tarrant County?


Attend the 2007 Tarrant County Commercial Real Estate Forecast to find out
Mark your calendar today.

  • What: The 2007 Tarrant County Commercial Real Estate Forecast
  • When: Thursday, Jan. 25, 2007, 8-11:30 .am.
  • Where: Fort Worth Convention Center Ballroom, 1201 Houston St., 76102
  • Cost: $55


Sponsors are Alamo Title Company (Advertiser); Brazos Tax Group, L.L.P.; Fort Worth Business Press; Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce; Integra Realty Resources DFW, L.L.P.; Jackson Walker, L.L.P.; Red Oak Realty, L.L.C.; Society of Commercial Realtors; Southland Property Tax Consultants, Inc., The Staubach Company; Texas Capital Bank; and Weaver and Tidwell, L.L.P. Proceeds from the conference will benefit the Fort Worth Chamber’s Economic Development Department.


Register online. Presentations begin at 8 a.m. For information, contact Beth Gates at bgates@fortworthchamber.com or 817/336-2491, ext. 232.

Back to top

Action Ambassador for September 2006

Becky Knox
Action Ambassador September 2006

Congratulations to Becky Knox, Action Ambassador of the month for September 2006. An ambassador since May 2006, this is Knox’s second stint as an Ambassador having served from 2001-04. She is a Realtor and the co-owner of Knox Real Estate.


“The Chamber has created avenues of opportunity for not only business connections and referrals,” said Knox, ”but also a new and exciting network of friends. Membership in the Action Ambassadors has given us opportunity to see the growth, changes, and future plans of the City of Fort Worth. This in turn allows us to be more educated and informed to service our clients moving into the city.”


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. Currently, the program is recruiting new members; Ambassadors must be members of the Fort Worth Chamber.


Contact Teresa Pearson at 817/336-2491, ext. 249 for information on becoming an Action Ambassador.

Back to top

Small Business of the Year: Let the Judging Begin

The applications are in and now it is time for the judges to begin their work in choosing the Small Business of the Year “Rising Star” Award finalists for 2007. The finalists will be announced in January and honored at a special Business After Hours, Thursday, Jan. 4, at the Hilton Fort Worth. The Small Business of the Year Awards are presented by Citizens National Bank.


The applicants will compete in four categories based on number of employees plus a category for “emerging business.” The applicants include:

Aero Components, Inc.
Ajax Glass and Mirrors
Basecom Inc.
C.M Architecture, P.A.
Crypto Security Systems, LLC
Dolce Vita
Edward Jones
Fort Worth Electric
GBT Enterprises
Higginbotham & Associates, Inc.
Huckabee and Associates
Implementing Decisions, Inc.
Marie Antoinettes Flowers to Go
Martin and Company Printers
Perfect Touch Day Spa
Rassai Internet Solutions, Ltd.
RPM- Resource Print Management
Schwarz Hanson Architects
SkiHi Enterprises, Ltd
Skyline DFW Exhibits & Graphics
Speed Fab-Crete
Technology Team, LLC
Thomas Electronics, Inc.
Trans-Trade, Inc.
TUSA Office Solutions, Inc.


Media sponsor is the Fort Worth Business Press. Platinum sponsor is TCU’s Neeley School of Business. Gold sponsors include Lockheed Martin Aeronautics and Pro Staff. Silver sponsor is hireMAX.


The 2007 Small Business of the Year Awards will be presented at a luncheon Thursday, March 22, at the Hilton Fort Worth.

For more information on the Small Business of the Year “A Rising Star” Awards, contact Lydia Hall at lhall@fortworthchamber.com or 817/336-2491, ext. 272.

Back to top

Chamber Staff Helps Clear the Air

The 2006 “ozone season” ended officially on Oct. 31 even though the last ozone day of the season was in September. And that’s good news for the Metroplex.


For the eighth year, the Fort Worth Chamber staff has led the way in doing its part to help clear the skies over Fort Worth by participating in the North Texas Clean Air Coalition’s “Do Your Share for Clean Air” business outreach program. During Ozone season, June 1-Oct. 31, Chamber staff members were encouraged to carpool, take public transit, bring their lunch or walk to lunch, work a staggered work schedule and get their vehicles tuned up – all in an effort to reduce Fort Worth area ozone levels.


During the first seven contest years respectively, the Chamber staff recorded 349, 582, 566, 797, 556, 483 and 498 individual ozone-reducing actions. In 2006, the Chamber logged 364 actions during 31 ozone days. Over the life of the program, Chamber staffers have performed nearly 4,200 ozone-reducing actions.


By participating in the “Do Your Share for Clean Air” program, area companies and their employees can become part of the solution to the air quality problem facing the Metroplex. The North Texas Clean Air Coalition (NTCAC), made up of the Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce, the Greater Dallas Chamber, the North Central Texas Council of Governments and the North Texas Commission, is working with Fort Worth’s The T and Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) to reduce air pollution as well as the traffic congestion around the area this ozone season. The coalition has created the business outreach program to help large area companies find ways to reduce their contribution to the ozone problem.


Representatives of the program will work with participating companies to implement strategies such as those listed above to help reduce air pollution. In return, companies will receive recognition for their efforts.


It’s not too soon to plan for next year’s ozone season. For more information on what you or your company can do to help reduce Metroplex area ozone levels, go to www.northtexasair.com.

Back to top

Calendar of Events

December

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. Full breakfast - $9, continental breakfast - $6. For more information, contact Teresa Pearson at tpearson@fortworthchamber.com or 817/336-2491, ext. 249.


13 Lunch & Learn, “Negotiating 101” with Barry Greve., 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m., Blue Mesa Grill, 1600 S. University, 76107. Cost of lunch $12, paid on site. Register online. For more information, contact Doris Becker at dbecker@fortworthchamber.com or 817/336-2491, ext. 288.

25-26 Fort Worth Chamber offices closed for the holidays.

January

1 Fort Worth Chamber offices closed for New Year’s Day.


2 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. Full breakfast - $10, continental breakfast - $7. For more information, contact Teresa Pearson at tpearson@fortworthchamber.com or 817/336-2491, ext. 249.


4 Business After Hours – Small Business of the Year Finalists, 5:30-7:30 p.m., Hilton Fort Worth, 815 Main St., 76102. Chamber members only. Cost: Chamber members - $10; Gold and Preferred members, no charge, but reservations required. Register online. For more information, contact Doris Becker at dbecker@fortworthchamber.com or 817/336-2491, ext. 288.


15 Fort Worth Chamber closed for Martin Luther King holiday.


18 Livestock Appreciation Day and presentation of the W.A. “Bill” King Award, noon, Will Rogers Memorial Center Round Up Inn, One Amon Carter Square, 76107. Cost is $40. Register by calling the Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo office at 817/877-2400.


25 2007 Tarrant County Commercial Real Estate Forecast, 7-11:30 a.m., Fort Worth Convention Center Ballroom, 1201 Houston St., 76102. Cost: $55. Register online by Jan. 18. For more information, contact Beth Gates at bgates@fortworthchamber.com or 817/336-2491, ext. 232.


25 Foreign Trade Zone Seminar, 9 a.m.-noon, presented by the Fort Worth Chamber and the Fort Worth International Center, 808 Throckmorton, 76102. Cost: TBD. For more information, contact Beth Gates at bgates@fortworthchamber.com or 817/336-2491, ext. 232.


25 Leads Explosion, sponsored by Thumbtechs, 5-8:30 p.m., Green Oaks Hotel, 6901 West Freeway, 76116. 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, Friday, Jan. 19. Register with Doris Becker at dbecker@fortworthchamber.com or 817/336-2491, ext. 288. For more information, call Diana Dugan at ext. 258.


29 Membership Luncheon hosted by the East Area Council, presented by Wells Fargo, American Airlines’ C. R. Smith Aviation Museum, 4601 Highway 360, 76155. Cost: Chamber members - $25; Gold and Preferred members - $20; non-members - $40; and tables of eight - $250. Register online or contact Pennie Blossom at pblossom@fortworthchamber.com or 817/336-2491, ext. 267.

Back to top

Selman Joins Chamber Workforce Development Effort

Barbara Selman

Barbara Selman has joined the Fort Worth Chamber as Workforce Development Coordinator, a grant-funded position created in 2005 and funded by the Cornerstone Assistance Network.


In this position, Selman will work to build awareness of workforce and Chamber services among small and medium employers, in coordination with the Economic Development retention calling program, and to build capacity of nonprofit organizations to prepare viable candidates for the workforce, especially in high-growth, high-wage jobs.


Selman brings extensive workforce development and training experience Chamber. Most recently, she worked at the Near Northside Partners Council managing the “Cool Jobs” youth jobs program. Selman served as Executive Director of the Goodrich Center for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, as Director of Employment, Business Relations Manager, and Client Intervention Specialist at Easter Seals Greater Northwest Texas, and prior to that, she spent over 15 years at Tarrant County College in various supervisory and training roles. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology from the University of Texas at Arlington.

Back to top


Tarrant Area Chambers Trade Show Aisles of Fun

The 2006 Tarrant Area Chambers Trade Show presented by Worth National Bank is history, but the networking for leads and business contacts will go on for some time. Held last month at the Will Rogers Memorial Center Exhibit Hall, more than 150 vendors met with more than a thousand potential customers in one short, but exciting evening.


With a wide range of exhibitors that ran the gamut from hospitals and spas to automobile dealers and wine shops, the Trade Show offered something for everyone. This year, 15 area chambers of commerce were part of the event. The Fort Worth Chamber thanks all of its Tarrant Area Trade Show partner chambers including:

  • 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
  • Tarrant County Asian American Chamber
  • White Settlement Area Chamber


In addition to Worth National Bank, we wish to thank all of our sponsors:


Platinum Feature Aisle:
Harris Methodist Fort Worth Hospital


Welcome Bag Sponsor:
WBAP News/Talk 820


Taste of Tarrant Sponsor:
Silver Fox Steakhouse


Gold Aisle Sponsors:
CVA Advertising & Marketing
Destiny Health
TCC Corporate Services
Silver Sponsors:
Fort Worth Transportation Authority (the T)
Lockheed Martin Aeronautics
Moritz Chevrolet
North Texas Specialty Physicians/NTSP
Regency Hospital
Toyota of Fort Worth
Bronze Sponsors:
Pro Staff Personnel Services
Reliant Energy


This year, several raffles replaced the silent auction and we thank everyone who contributed items to the raffles:
American Airlines
Bell Helicopter Armed Forces Bowl
Cirque du Soleil
Dallas Mavericks
Dolce Vita
Flowers to Go in Sundance Square
Fort Worth Cats
Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce
Fort Worth Flyers
Haynes and Boone, LLP
Hilton Fort Worth
Jos. A. Bank
Marvin Electronics Co.
Mother Rucker’s Sweets
Penguin Promotions
Reliant Energy
Renaissance Worthington Hotel
Sam & Harry’s
Sam’s Club
Silver Fox Steakhouse
Silver West Limousine
TCU Athletics
Texas Rangers
Van Cliburn Foundation

This year’s Taste of Tarrant Taste-Off was sponsored by Silver Fox Steakhouse. Trade Show attendees had the opportunity to taste fare from each of the restaurants and vote for their favorites in several categories. Prize-winning restaurants have their award listed after their name. Awards were presented by Kendall Morris, Miss Texas’ Outstanding Teen 2006.

Abuelo’s Mexican Food Embassy won for ‘zestiest’ entrée.

 

Affairs To Cater garnered the
‘sweet tooth’ award.

 

The gang at Jack’s Off the Wall had the
‘friendliest booth.’

 

Jason’s Deli offered the
‘healthiest’ entrée.

 

The Pour House had the
‘best decorated’ booth.

 

Texas de Brazil was honored for its
‘fine dining.’

 

‘Favorite food’
award went to Texas Pit Bar-B-Q.


Other participating restaurants included:
Abuelo’s Mexican Food Embassy(Zestiest)
Affairs to Cater (Sweet Tooth)
Four Star Coffee Bar
Green Oaks Hotel
Jack’s Off the Wall (Friendliest Booth)
Jason’s Deli (Healthy Eating)
Portuguese Café
The Pour House (Best Decorated Booth)
Scampi’s Café & Catering
Standard Coffee Service
Texas de Brazil (Fine Dining)
Texas Pit Bar B-Q (Favorite Food)
Town & Country Gourmet Foods


Be sure to mark your calendar for Nov. 1, 2007 for the next Tarrant Area Chambers Trade Show.

Back to top


Recent Ribbon Cuttings

Jos. A. Bank Men’s Clothing and Furnishings celebrated the grand opening of its new downtown location with a ribbon cutting. The store is located at 501 Houston Street. Contact Ed Lemond at 817/878-2548 for more details.


A ribbon cutting marked the grand opening of the Portuguese Café, located at 8545 Boat Club Road. To learn more about the restaurant, contact Walter Gameiro at 817/236-6420.

Taco Del Mar hosted a ribbon cutting to celebrate its grand opening at 520 Alta Mere Drive. For more information on the Mexican restaurant, contact Darryl A. Thompson at 817/989-2255.

A ribbon cutting preceded the grand opening of Regency Hospital of Fort Worth at 6801 Oakmont Boulevard. Matt Laughlin has details on the facility at 817/262-2575.

Active Spine & Sport Therapy, a physical therapy facility, held a grand opening for its 3200 Collinsworth Street location. To learn more about the facility and its services, contact Laurie Mulhall at 817/332-5353.

A grand reopening was held for the Sid Richard Museum following extensive renovation. The museum is located at 309 Main Street. Get more details by calling Jan Scott at 817/332-6554.

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

Archive

2006

 

2005

 

2004

 

2003


 


 

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