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February 2007

North Central Texas Workforce Board Granted $1.5 Million for Supply Chain Training

BNSF’s intermodal center is a key player in the Metroplex’s logistics network.

Last fall, the U.S. Department of Labor set aside approximately $10 million in grant funds for new and innovative approaches to meeting the workforce challenges of the advanced manufacturing industry. The North Central Texas (NCT) Workforce Board received a $1.5 million grant from those funds to be used for advanced manufacturing training, and have designed a three-year demonstration project to develop a new system for training, assessing and certifying supply chain logistics workers at both entry-level and mid-technical level.


The funds are part of the President’s High Growth Job Training Initiative, a strategic effort to prepare workers for new and increasing opportunities in high-growth, high-demand, and economically vital industries and sectors of the U.S. economy.
“This $1.5 million grant will provide the Workforce Board and this region with greater exposure in the business community,” said Kent Andersen, Business Development Supervisor, North Central Texas Workforce. “This will help us see a true example of a public/private partnership in action.”

Area interstates play an important part in keeping cargo moving to and through North Central Texas.


Another major concern for employers is finding and recruiting a skilled workforce. In early2006, surveys of the NCT Logistics Cluster found that nearly 74 percent of employers had difficulty in recruiting qualified employees to fulfill current staffing needs. Additional employer interviews performed last summer echoed those findings; employers said there is a shortage of qualified logistics workers at both the entry-level and more technical intermediate level.


The NCT Workforce Board, the NCT Logistics Cluster, the Texas Manufacturer’s Assistance Center, the Manufacturing Skills Standards Council, Community Learning Center, the Center for Workplace Learning at Grayson County College, and Collin County Community College are partnering on this project, whose goals include (over three years) curriculum design for 665 training courses, certification of 25 instructors to teach the courses, and training 500 workers.


Logistics experts say that with globalization, transportation becomes ever more critical to the site selection process. The Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington metropolitan statistical area (MSA) is currently ranked at number four on Expansion Management’s Top 10 Logistics Metro Areas. Moving up that list is the goal of transportation and logistics business people in the area.


Soaring fuel prices have sent transportation costs spiraling upwards in recent years, so where companies choose to locate new manufacturing or distribution facilities has become a major consideration.


“Finding a cheaper way to ship product,” says Expansion Management Magazine, “is a continuous goal of business executives everywhere.”


Fuel prices and a skilled workforce are just two of the many factors growing businesses must take into consideration before deciding where to locate a new manufacturing or distribution facility. For that reason, Expansion Management and Logistics Today have teamed up for the past six years to produce an annual Logistics Quotient ranking of most logistics-friendly metros in the US. The study evaluates the overall logistics infrastructure of the nation’s 362 MSAs based on 10 major categories, including the transportation and warehousing industry, transportation and warehousing workforce, road infrastructure, road congestion, road conditions, interstate highway access, vehicle taxes and fees, railroad access, water port access and air cargo access.


To learn more about the transportation and logistics industry in the DFW Metroplex, attend the upcoming Membership Luncheon hosted by the Chamber’s North Area Council for a panel discussion led by Hillwood’s Russell Laughlin.
For more information, contact Cynthia Fisher Miller at cmiller@fortworthchamber.com or 817/336-2491, ext. 240.

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Employment Exchange: Matching Candidates to Jobs

The Employment Exchange is about matching job candidates to the right job.

During the course of the Fort Worth Chamber’s annual business retention visits, staffers learned firsthand how difficult it is for small business owners to leave their places of business during the workday to network in the community.


“We found that small employers with limited staff must develop expertise in many different skill areas in order to run their businesses,” said Melonye Whitson, director of local business development. “They have extremely limited time to leave their places of business for networking or to take advantage of the various human resources services available throughout the community.” One of the key issues that small employers face is how to attract, hire, and retain qualified workers in a cost-effective and time-effective manner, given their limited resources.

Cynthia Fisher Miller, senior director of workforce development and education, says “It was clear that expanding the scope of the business retention program to reach out to these smaller employers, visiting their places of business, bringing information to them, was the best way to go.” Recognizing the need to strengthen the linkage between small to medium employers and job seekers for their mutual benefit, the Fort Worth Chamber created a workforce development position in April 2005. This position, held by Barbara Selman, is supported by funding provided by the Amon Carter Foundation, the Cornerstone Assistance Network, and the Fort Worth Chamber Foundation.

“Job Links’ most important benefit is the networking and establishing valuable relationships with other agencies. Just going once doesn’t provide the full benefit. Knowing it’s a monthly event, I have it on my calendar for the entire year.”

Selman calls on businesses to establish connections and relationships with selectednonprofits who can supply them with qualified job candidates. These nonprofit organizations participate in the Fort Worth Initiative, directed by Monna Loftis of Cornerstone Assistance Network, and they have received over three years of specialized training in preparing candidates to be successful on the job.

Selman also encourages employers and representatives of nonprofits to attend the Chamber’s Job Links, a monthly forum sponsored and hosted by Chamber member businesses. At Job Links, employers present their open positions to a diverse audience of local candidate providers.


“Job Links is a great resource for us,” said Glenn Nixon, job developer for the Fort Worth Housing Authority. “It is an avenue where we can bring back job openings to our residents who find it difficult to locate jobs. Job Links helps job seekers cut to the chase of having to look through the paper or waste valuable time going from place to place job hunting. It is also a great networking avenue that links our agency to other agencies. We can often help them meet their needs.”


Shirley Rasberry, director of TCU’s Neely School of Business Graduate Career Service Center, echoes Nixon’s sentiments.


“Job Links’ most important benefit is the networking and establishing valuable relationships with other agencies,” she said. “Just going once doesn’t provide the full benefit. Knowing it’s a monthly event, I have it on my calendar for the entire year.”
As the Fort Worth Initiative developed, the participants identified a need to go beyond Job Links and explore how to achieve a more in-depth exchange of information to assist in the employment matching process.

In 2005, a creative strategy to deepen and strengthen connections between employers and nonprofits called the Employment Exchange was conceived as a program of the Fort Worth Initiative. The Employment Exchange meets to foster dialogue between one or two selected employers and job developers from employment and training nonprofits. Participants gain a better understanding of exactly what employers are looking for and what it takes to be successful on the job. The Employment Exchange meetings offer training in various aspects of job development, placement, retention and advancement.


“Through the Employment Exchange, Job Links, and Chamber retention visits to small to medium employers,” said Miller. “We want to improve placement and retention rates of employees on the job and build the capacity of employment and training nonprofits to prepare viable candidates for the workforce, especially in high-growth, high-wage career fields.”


For further information about the Chamber’s Workforce Development and Education programs, contact Cynthia Fisher Miller at 817/336-2491, ext. 240 or Barbara Selman ext. 236.

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President’s column
Bill Thornton
Fort Worth Chamber
President

Doug Harman, the recently retired president and CEO of the Fort Worth Convention and Visitors Bureau, may not have been born in Fort Worth, but he got here as fast as he could. He stepped down from that post which he had held since 1989, officially handing over the reins to his successor David DuBois at the first of the year.


Much has changed on the tourism scene in Fort Worth during Doug’s tenure and he has been responsible for much of that. This former city manager from Virginia didn’t arrive in Texas wearing his now trademark 10-gallon hat, but it didn’t take him long to grow into it. He has had much to do with our downtown’s spectacular renaissance and has been instrumental in the growth and improvement of both the Cultural District and the Historic Stockyards.


Doug was a driving force in seeing the expansion of the Fort Worth Convention Center come to fruition as well as stressing the need for a world-class convention center hotel, currently under construction. He was also an integral part of the recently unveiled Fort Worth Heritage Trails project, a series of 19 bronze historic markers to be placed in high pedestrian traffic areas around downtown depicting significant events that shaped the history of Fort Worth.


For nearly two decades, Doug has been the face of Fort Worth as he has worked to make our city a tourism destination for thousands of visitors each year by cultivating our “cowboys and culture” theme. He says it was while he was a city manager that he learned the value of “heritage” tourism. Under his direction, Fort Worth has become a desirable meetings and tourism destination with a distinctive character.


The list of convention and tourism organizations he has been part of is longer than a lariat – the International Association of Convention and Visitor Bureaus; Texas Association of Convention and Visitor Bureaus; Downtown Fort Worth, Inc.; and the Texas Travel Industry Association. And he has been honored by most of them. The Texas Travel Industry Association awarded him the “Tall in Texas” tourism award in 2003. And in 2006, the Texas Society of Association Executives made Harman an honorary life member for his contributions to the industry.


It has been my privilege and my pleasure to work with Doug over the years. The Chamber and the CVB are inextricably linked when it comes to improving our future and maintaining ties to our colorful past. Despite being separate entities, the Chamber and the CVB have always had a productive working relationship and that in large part was due to Doug’s style and approach.


Thanks to Doug, Fort Worth has a solid foundation to build on. He has earned his well-deserved ride into sunset and we wish him the best.

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Panel Talks Logisitics at NAC Membership Luncheon

If the lead story above on the Logistics Cluster grant got you thinking about how the Metroplex stacks up in the transportation and logistics arena, then the upcoming Membership Luncheon hosted by the Fort Worth Chamber’s North Area Council will be on the right track. A panel of transportation and logistics experts will be moderated by Hillwood’s Russell Laughlin. The luncheon is presented by Wells Fargo.

  • What: Membership Luncheon hosted by the North Area Council
  • When: Wednesday, Feb. 15, noon-1:30 p.m. Registration and networking begin at 11:30 a.m.
  • Where: Texas Hall of Fame, 128 E. Exchange Ave., 76106, in the Stockyards
  • Cost: Chamber members - $25; Gold and Preferred members - $20; non-members - $40; and a table of eight - $250.


The presentation will include an overview of the I-35 corridor and the importance of transportation and a skilled workforce to Fort Worth’s continued economic success. Come early and stroll through the Hall of Fame and museum. Free parking is available beyond the Stockyards Station.


Register online. For more information, contact Pennie Blossom at pblossom@fortworthchamber.com or 817/336-2491, ext. 267.

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Dateline: Tarrant County Economic Activity

In the Works

There are several new leases at 8205 Camp Bowie West, and the building is now 87 percent leased. Apollo Arts Community leased 1,400 square feet, and Zamora Construction, Segars Medical Group, Pony Express and Sharry Tipps-Mach have each leased 700 square feet of office space. Paul McKinney, principal of McKinney Commercial Real Estate, is the landlord and represented himself. Star-Telegram, Dec. 4, 2006

Oscar Aquilera, a furniture wholesaler, has bought a 10,000-square-foot building at 1551 W. Berry St., where he plans to open a Furniture World store. The building is on 18,750 square feet of land. Star-Telegram, Dec. 4, 2006

The 71,000-square-foot building which formerly housed Gabberts Furniture & Design Studio, has been sold. The building, located at 6301 Oakmont Blvd., off South Hulen Street, is available for lease as office space. Fort Worth Business Press, Dec. 4, 2006

Members of the Fort Worth City Council and representatives of the Texas Department of Transportation and the North Texas Tollway Authority cheered Dec. 6 while the first building in the Southwest Parkway/State Highway-121T project was razed at a formal ceremony. The small one-story building, formerly home to the Howard Kane Plumbing Co., on West Vickery Boulevard was demolished to make way for the Southwest Parkway, a 15-mile toll road between downtown and FM 1187 in southwest Fort Worth. The tollway will be constructed as a six-lane roadway from Interstate Highway 30 to Altamesa Boulevard and a four-lane roadway from Altamesa to FM 1187. Fort Worth Business Press, Dec. 11, 2006

Fort Worth Academy, 7301 Dutch Branch Road, has begun construction on a $2.6 million, 12,500-square-foot facility expansion. The addition will have dedicated music and performing arts space, a library and discovery center, additional classrooms and a lower-school playground, the school said. The school was founded in 1982. Star-Telegram, Dec. 26, 2006

Northpoint Trade Center I and II, two multi-tenant office and warehouse properties, and 9.5 acres of adjacent vacant land, at Blue Mound Road and 820, have been bought by Xebec Realty Partners, a Los Angeles -based real estate investment company. The buildings total 208,611 square feet. Xebec plans to develop an additional 200,000 square feet of warehouse distribution space on the vacant land. Star-Telegram, Dec. 11, 2006

Dick's Sporting Goods is coming to North East Mall, filling the 100,000 square feet of space vacated this year by Saks Fifth Avenue. Dick's, based in Pittsburgh, is aiming to open in Hurst in fall 2007. The North East Mall store will be the third Texas location for Dick's, which has nearly 300 stores in 34 states, primarily in the eastern U.S. Star-Telegram, Dec. 24, 2006

Expansions and Moves

Williams Trew Real Estate Services will soon move across the street from the building it now occupies, 4809 Camp Bowie Blvd. A partnership of the principals of Williams Trew -- Joan Trew, Martha Williams and Marshall Boyd -- recently sold the 5,000-square-foot former Chase Bank branch to First Texas BHC, headed by former Fort Worth banker Vernon Bryant. The move is only temporary and the firm is looking at its options to consolidate three offices it operates on Camp Bowie. Star-Telegram, Dec. 11, 2006

After three months of renovations, Austin Co. Commercial Real Estate has moved from its former 2,400-square-foot office at 100 E. Mason St. into the 16,200-square-foot multi-use office space at 2401 Scott Ave., north of downtown. The Class B office space, which has been renamed Austin Plaza, has 18 offices and a 2,000-square-foot, 300-person auditorium available for outside businesses to rent. Approximately 9,000 square feet of office space is available for lease. Fort Worth Business Press, Dec. 11, 2006

Bella Retreat Spa & Salon, 5031 Camp Bowie Blvd., has doubled its space to 3,000 square feet and now includes New Bella Boutique, which offers jewelry, belts and clothing. Star-Telegram, Dec. 26, 2006

On the Dotted Line

Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway announced that it has agreed to buy TTI, an electronic-parts distributor Andrews founded 35 years ago in a spare bedroom in Fort Worth after being laid off from General Dynamics. Terms were not disclosed, but Andrews said shareholders of the privately held TTI will be paid in cash. Star-Telegram, Dec. 24, 2006

Oak Park Villas, a 150-unit assisted-living facility at 4242 Bryant Irvin Road, has been sold to a limited partnership of The Covenant Group, based in Fort Worth. The facility, built in 1985, covers 111,145 square feet on 5 acres. At the time of the sale, it was 63 percent occupied. The Covenant Group bought the property under the name Covenant Place of Burleson. Star-Telegram, Dec. 4, 2006

Holt Hickman and his Hickman Cos. recently inked two major Camp Bowie Boulevard tenants. Scheduled to open next month, the Historic Camp Bowie Mercantile, a 40,000-square-foot property located at 7200 Camp Bowie Blvd., will sell high-end collectibles and antiques. And last week, Hickman announced Tarleton State University will expand its reach into Tarrant County with a 10,000-square-foot lease at 6777 Camp Bowie Blvd.

  • The Mercantile building that will house the Historic Camp Bowie Mercantile, previously Small Fry World Baby and Teen Furniture, is currently undergoing renovations. Upon completion, it will feature stained-concrete floors, hand-painted, cloud-patterned ceilings and a mural of Camp Bowie’s history. Products will range from handbags to fine western furniture, all supplied from North Texas dealers. A café will feature local specialties such as beer-cheese soup and sweet tea.
  • At the Dec. 5 lease-signing, Tarleton State University President Dennis McCabe, Fort Worth Mayor Mike Moncrief and Hickman gathered at the site of Tarleton’s newest location, which is slated to open for classes next month. Tarleton’s new location, which will be on the fifth floor of the Hickman Cos. building, is part of a long-term plan to expand the university’s presence in Tarrant County.
    Fort Worth Business Press, Dec. 11, 2006

Ace Hardware Corporation has leased 25,000 square feet at 5101 Village Creek Parkway. The location was developed by Ascend Development. Star-Telegram, Dec. 11, 2006

In one of four recent transactions at River Plaza, located at 1701 River Run Road off of University Drive in Fort Worth, Spirent Communications renewed its lease for five years and expanded its existing space from 7,200 square feet to 11,800 square feet. Also, Texas Grain and Feed Association signed for 800 square feet; the Texas Society of CPAs signed to renew its lease for a 3,700-square-foot space for five years; and ANA Consultants, which has 5,200 square feet in the 26-year-old building, renewed its lease. Fort Worth Business Press, Dec. 25, 2006

River Plaza is the site of an upcoming 7.5-acre mixed-use development which will include renovations to the office building to upgrade it to Class A office space, the addition of ground-floor retail, riverfront dining and a 140-room boutique hotel. Fort Worth Business Press, Dec. 25, 2006

Minuteman Press recently signed a lease for 2,700 square feet in the Riverbend Properties industrial park at Trinity Boulevard and East Loop 820 in northeast Fort Worth. Fort Worth Business Press, Dec. 25, 2006

Mendoza Law has leased 2,000 square feet of office space at 1057 Foch St. Star-Telegram, Dec. 26, 2006

Sweet & Sassy, a children’s salon, has leased 4,937 square feet in Trinity Commons, 3000 S. Hulen St. Sweet & Sassy offers haircuts, mini-manicures, mini-pedicures, ear-piercing, spa and glam girl parties. The company plans to open 40 stores nationwide by the end of 2007. Star-Telegram, Dec. 26, 2006

The building that houses Supreme Golf, 5805 Camp Bowie Blvd., has been sold. A local investor group, Intec Capital, bought the 6,000-square-foot building from Don McClard, who sold the business in 2004. The new owners are leasing the building to Supreme Golf. Star-Telegram, Dec. 18, 2006

Openings

Preparations are under way for 29 Degree Tavern, the latest addition to the Chapel Hill Shopping Center at West Freeway and Hulen Street. The tavern, known for its steaks and extensive bar, is one of three Metroplex locations, and a part of Metromedia Restaurant Group, which owns Bennigan’s, Steak & Ale, Ponderosa Steakhouse and Bonanza Steakhouse. The 6,500-square-foot Chapel Hill space, which formerly housed Big Bowl Fresh Chinese and Thai, is scheduled to open Jan. 23. Fort Worth Business Press, Dec. 11, 2006

Chimy’s Cervezeria, a Lubbock-based Tex-Mex restaurant, opened Dec. 8 at 1053 Foch St., near West Seventh Street. The 2,000-square-foot space has outside patio seating for 60. The restaurant is housed in a former warehouse space. Fort Worth Business Press, Dec. 25, 2006

Citizens National Bank will open its fourth Tarrant County branch at 2720 W. 7th St. early next month. The bank will relocate its corporate headquarters from 6002 Southwest Boulevard in southwest Fort Worth. Citizens National Bank will occupy approximately 12,000 square feet in the two-story, 20,000-square-foot building, and will take the entire first floor and some space on the second floor. The rest of the space will be available for lease. Fort Worth Business Press, Dec. 4, 2006

Thomas Turner, the longtime banker, recently jumped back into the Fort Worth banking market to head up local operations for Dallas-based Park Cities Bank. The bank’s temporary building is at 4255 Camp Bowie Blvd. The bank, founded in 2000, has grown quickly. It currently has about $450 million in assets. Fort Worth Business Press, Dec. 11, 2006

Two banks already operating in the area will be adding their first Fort Worth addresses in the new year. Arlington-based Southwest Securities FSB and Dallas-based Sovereign Bank are both planning locations in Fort Worth that will open in 2007.

  • Southwest Securities will be moving into the D.R. Horton Tower downtown, leasing 3,200 square feet on the 31st floor. Southwest Securities, a subsidiary of SWS Group of Dallas, listed $1 billion in assets and 150 employees, as of Oct. 31.
  • Startup bank Sovereign will add a Fort Worth address when it opens a full-service branch at 3113 S. University Drive in the Woodcrest Capital building. Sovereign, established in 2004, had $437 million in assets as of Sept. 30.
    Fort Worth Business Press, Dec. 25, 2006

Citibank plans to open a branch in the TCU area in 2007. Fort Worth Business Press, Dec. 25, 2006

Around Town

The developers of City Place have incorporated the possibility for a third tower into the four-block redevelopment of the Tandy Center. During a Nov. 30 event at the City Place site, David Porter, president of PNL Cos., the project’s developer, said the central block, which houses the former Fort Worth Outlet Square building, will have a parking structure, and based on the success of the first two phases, a potential third tower above the garage. Interior demolition and glass work for Two City Place, which will have 300,000 square feet of Class A office space, began in the summer of 2006, with occupancy scheduled for spring. The site, which is flanked by One and Two City Place, is also in close proximity to the Renaissance Worthington Hotel and Sundance Square. Fort Worth Business Press, Dec. 11, 2006

Three years after downtown Fort Worth gained its first radio station with KFWR/95.9 FM "The Ranch," Daniel Frishberg is ready to make his BizRadio Network the second. The 2-year-old company is already broadcasting from Dallas as KMNY/"BizRadio 1360" AM. Last week Frishberg visited Fort Worth to say he plans to move the studio to a high-visibility location in downtown Cowtown employing 25 to 30 people, who would handle programming, engineering and advertising sales. His anticipated $15 million investment includes the cost of acquiring an AM broadcasting license and tower, which BizRadio currently leases. Star-Telegram, Dec. 18, 2006

Sardines Ristorante Italiano, a Cultural District landmark since 1978, is back in the hands of the family that founded the restaurant. Amy Matarese, whose father, Sal Matarese, founded Sardines, said last week that she is running the restaurant with several colleagues. Their takeover comes about a year after her father sold the business to former manager Jon Castleberry. Star-Telegram, Dec. 26, 2006

Out of Town Reporting

The U.S. Air Force has awarded a $200,000 contract to Lockheed Martin Fort Worth, Texas, for aircraft and airframe structural components. US Fed News, Dec. 2, 2006

Near the end of our day with “Barefoot" Bob, he had trapped 16 wild hogs, making a silk purse out of a sow's ear by selling the pigs to a company that slaughters them, processes the meat, and ships most of it to Europe. But it's also catching on in this country, even at the finest places in Texas. Chef Jon Bonnell now grills boar chops at the high-end restaurant bearing his name in Fort Worth. He pays 70 percent more for feral hogs than for farm-raised pork. The chef served up a small rack as an appetizer.
Interview on Nightline: ABC News Transcripts, Dec. 12, 2006 Tuesday

Texas Pacific Group was among the most active investors in a record year for private equity, cutting deals totaling almost $40 billion in this month alone. The private equity group, based in Fort Worth, Texas, with an investment arm in San Francisco, was busy sealing deals for Australian airline Qantas, travel agent Sabre and casino operator Harrah's as the year wound down to a close. Texas Pacific is participating, usually as a buying consortium, in some of the biggest private equity deals ever. San Francisco Business Times, Jan. 1, 2007

“The ‘CSI’ Experience” will begin a national tour of science museums in September. Exhibit is expected to continue touring for up to seven years. ‘CSI’ creator Anthony Zuiker has also been involved in creating the exhibit, which is funded by a partnership that includes the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History, CBS Consumer Products and the National Science Foundation. The NSF has pitched in $2.4 million to fund the exhibit and a ‘CSI’-themed science Web site created at Rice U. that's geared to young people. Daily Variety, Jan. 2, 2007

The game may have been all about football, but the overall event was a tribute to 1.2 million very special people -- the men and women of the United States armed forces. The Universities of Utah and Tulsa took to the field Dec. 23 at Amon G. Carter Stadium for the Bell Helicopter Armed Forces Bowl. The flurry of activities before the game started off with a Fan Fest Adventure Area. Attendees could visit any number of military hardware displays, climb a rock wall, listen to a military band or take a ride in a simulator. There was also a display of an Army and Air Force Exchange Service mini-exchange, similar to the ones supporting deployed members overseas. Defense Department Documents and Publications, Dec. 24, 2006

 

Did You Know?

The Fort Worth Convention & Visitors Bureau has named David DuBois its new president and CEO, replacing Douglas Harman who announced his retirement several months ago. As president and CEO, DuBois will be responsible for the strategic management and direction of FWCVB initiatives to promote the interests of the city in the convention and tourism industries. DuBois begins his new position on Jan. 2, 2007.
Fort Worth Business Press, Dec. 4, 2006

During a Downtown Fort Worth Inc. luncheon on Nov. 30, Douglas Benton, vice president and senior credit officer of Moody’s Investors Service, said Fort Worth has the best central business district in the country, with just four percent office vacancy. Benton added that the company has ranked Fort Worth among the top 20 percent of 387 metropolitan markets for employment, both for a two-year and five-year time frame. The company conducts credit assessments for 25,000 municipalities, and considers Fort Worth stable from a public finance perspective, Benton said. Fort Worth Business Press, Dec. 11, 2006

Year End

Currently, downtown has approximately 380 owner-occupied residential units, with 367 in the works in 2006 and another 914 in 2007, according to the recent “State of Downtown” publication from Downtown Fort Worth Inc.

In recent years, apartment owners have tried to fill their units and raise rents, but with foundering job growth, low mortgage rates and the prevalence of deep discounts, that plan has had all the pizzazz of a car with a dead battery.

Vacancies increased, and discounts prevailed, as people moved to houses with low-interest mortgages.
But in 2006, the industry got a jump-start from new jobs, higher interest rates, sluggish home sales and an influx of hurricane evacuees that increased the number of renters. Additionally, apartment developers eased up by not flooding the market with new units.

These factors are expected to continue next year, revving the market for its strongest activity in years. As a result, renters are likely to be paying more for their apartments when they sign or renew leases. And those shopping for apartments are less likely to be offered several months of free rent.
The pendulum seems to be swinging back for the apartment market -- and those in the industry are expecting a recovery in 2007. Star-Telegram, Dec. 18, 2006

Fort Worth is ending the year as the third-most active area for residential real-estate investing in 2006, according to a survey by HomeVestors, a Dallas-based company behind the “We Buy Ugly Houses” slogan.

Fort Worth ranked behind Gary, Ind., and Tucson, Ariz., as top spots for residential investment on the annual list. Star-Telegram, Dec. 26, 2006

Downtown Real Estate Roundup

Range Resources will move from the Carter Burgess office building of Seventh and Main streets to the newly renovated Two City Place on Throckmorton Street this spring, more than doubling its space in the process.

Crescent Real Estate Equities Co., which owns the Carter Burgess tower, said it already has commitments on the Range Resources space of about 30,000 square feet.

ConocoPhillips, which acquired Burlington Resources this year, has said it will soon begin subleasing the nearly 200,000 square feet Burlington had leased on eight floors in Burnett Plaza, 801 Cherry St., the city’s tallest building. That lease is through 2013.

The tight vacancy rate will be eased by some projects that are scheduled to begin in 2007, including Fort Worth financier Ed Bass’ 16-story Carnegie Building at Third and Taylor streets, where EOG Resources, an independent oil and natural gas exploration and development company, has committed to a lease of 50,000 square feet.

Wagner Oil Co. plans a seven-story office building at Fifth and Commerce streets, where the Mexican Inn restaurant was demolished last year.

JPMorgan Chase owns a block where it operates a 24-lane drive-through bank, which it has under contract. The deal for the property at Cherry and 10th streets could close in late January. The existing facilities will be torn down, making it a prime location for another office building.
Star-Telegram, Dec. 30, 2006

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

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File Your Business Personal Property Rendition Electronically


It’s that time, says the Tarrant Appraisal District (TAD). It’s time for business owners to file the required annual business personal property (BPP) rendition forms. BPP is taxable in Texas and is identified as every kind of tangible, income-producing property that is not real estate. This year, the TAD will continue to offer “eRendition” – a service which makes the electronic filing of renditions through the TAD website.


Renditions are reports or statements by business owners which must be completed and submitted between Jan. 1-April 15 each year and lists a company’s machinery, furniture, equipment, vehicles, merchandise and any other BPP that was in their control or possession on Jan. 1.


TAD mails rendition forms in late December to businesses known to have been in operation in that year and some new establishments that will be taxable in the next year. Businesses that have not received forms should contact the TAD’s website at www.tad.org. Clicking on the “Applications and Forms” will direct business owners to the form that best suits their businesses. In addition to continuing to offer “eRendition,” the TAD has added an online extension request service to taxpayers who opt for an automatic 30-day rendition filing extension to May 15.


Taxpayers must file renditions by the April 15 deadline to avoid a 10 percent penalty on their tax statement. Business owners who cannot file their rendition by April 15 must request an extension in writing or through the website no later than April 15. Deadlines falling on weekends or legal holidays are extended to the next regular business day.


For additional information on the rendition process, go to the above TAD website or call 817/284-9101.

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Mayor Moncrief Delivers State of the City Address

Mayor Mike Moncrief

2006 was a year of fast-paced economic expansion and new development throughout Fort Worth, topping even 2005. And it was a busy one for Fort Worth Mayor Mike Moncrief. The mayor will deliver his fourth annual State of the City address to the Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce and there will be much to talk about. The State of the City luncheon is presented by Southwest Office Systems.

  • What: Annual State of the City Address featuring Fort Worth Mayor Mike Moncrief
  • When: Thursday, Feb. 8, 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
  • Where: Fort Worth Convention Grand Ballroom, 1201 Houston St. 76102
  • Cost: Chamber members - $40; Gold and Preferred members - $35; non-members - $70; and a table of 10 - $550
    Mayor Moncrief will discuss the year 2006 as a period of progress and change. As he outlines the challenges ahead for Fort Worth—one of the fastest growing cities in the country—the mayor is expected to detail many of the tough decisions before the members of the Fort Worth City Council and discuss a host of potential solutions to ensure continued growth and progress in 2007. Some talking points may include:
  • Growth and progress in the city’s central core, including downtown
  • The renaissance in southeast Fort Worth
  • Tough issues taken on by the Fort Worth City Council, including the creation of the Stormwater Utility District, the adoption of new residential design standards, and the revised gas drilling ordinance
  • Infrastructure challenges
  • Maintaining focus on public safety


Mayor Moncrief is a Fort Worth business owner involved in various community and civic affairs. Before being elected as mayor of Fort Worth in 2003, Moncrief served two years in the Texas House, 12 years as Tarrant County judge and 12 years as Texas State senator.
Platinum sponsors for the event are EnCana Oil & Gas (USA); Integra Realty Resources DFW; Chase; and Kelly, Hart & Hallman. Gold sponsors are Cantey Hanger, LLP; Compass Bank; Jackson Walker, LLP; and Lockheed Martin.

Register online. For more information on the State of the City Address, contact Brianna Dishman at bdishman@fortworthchamber.com or 817/336-2491, ext. 275.

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Exxon Mobil CEO Speaks at Leaders in Business

Rex W. Tillerson
Chairman & CEO,
Exxon Mobil Corp.

According to Rex W. Tillerson, chairman and CEO of Exxon Mobil Corporation, by the year 2030 – less than twenty-five years from now – the world’s energy needs will be almost 50 percent greater than they were last year, driven mostly by growth in developing countries. Tillerson made that statement in a speech to the Chief Executives Club of Boston last November. Tillerson will be the featured speaker at the next Leaders in Business luncheon presented by Weaver and Tidwell. Platinum sponsor is Lockheed Martin.

  • What: Leaders in Business Luncheon featuring Rex W. Tillerson, chairman and CEO, Exxon Mobil Corporation
  • When: Friday, Feb. 23, noon-1:30 p.m. Registration and networking begin at 11:30 a.m.
  • Where: The Petroleum Club Wildcatters Room, 777 Main St., 76102
  • Cost: Chamber members - $35; Gold and Preferred members - $30; non-members - $60; and tables of eight - $350


“During the past year, the national dialogue on our energy future has intensified, driven by concerns about fluctuating fuel prices, energy security, and climate change,” Tillerson said in that speech. At the LIB luncheon, he will talk about Exxon Mobil’s approach to providing energy for an increasingly demanding world.


A Texas native, Tillerson earned a B.S. in civil engineering from the University of Texas at Austin before joining Exxon Company, U.S.A. in 1975 as a production engineer.


In 1999, he became Executive Vice President of Exxon Mobil Development Company and became Senior Vice President of the company in 2001. In 2004, Tillerson was elected President and a member of the board of directors and assumed his current position in 2006. He is a member of the executive committee and the policy committee of the American Petroleum Institute and is a director of the U.S.-Russia Business Council and a trustee of the Center for Strategic and International Studies as well as the National Petroleum Council, the Business Roundtable and its Energy Task Force.


Register online. For more information, contact Brianna Dishman at bdishman@fortworthchamber.com or 817/336-2491, ext. 275.

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Barnett Shale Energy Expo Provides Information

Mark your calendar now for the Barnett Shale EXPO. Gas industry leaders are partnering with regional chambers of commerce to present an interactive event to educate the community about the economic impact of the Barnett Shale play, and update stakeholders about developments and opportunities related to gas exploration.

  • What: Barnett Shale EXPO
  • When: Wednesday, May 16, 1:30-8 p.m.
  • Where: Fort Worth Convention Center


The event will feature a trade show for energy companies and vendors, procurement and employment opportunities, and public education activities. In addition, noted economist Ray Perryman will discuss results of an economic impact study at a noon luncheon.
Presenting sponsors are EnCana Oil and Gas, Devon Energy Corporation and XTO Energy Inc. The Star-Telegram is presenting media sponsor.


For information on sponsorship opportunities or booth space, contact Becky Matson at bmatson@fortworthchamber.com or 817/336-2491, ext. 243.

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Small Business Award Finalists Talk ‘Best Practices’

The final judging is currently underway to select the recipients of the 2007 Small Business of the Year “Rising Star” Awards. A reception honoring all of the finalists was held last month. And a special Small Business Council Breakfast will feature finalists discussing their business “best practices.” The Small Business of the Year Awards are presented by Citizens National Bank. The awards luncheon will be held on Thursday, March 22.

  • What: Small Business Council Breakfast featuring the Small Business of the Year Finalists
  • When: Wednesday, Feb. 21, registration and breakfast - 7:15-7:45 a.m. Program – 7:45-10 a.m.
  • Where: Hilton Fort Worth, 815 Main St. 76102
  • Cost: Chamber members - $20; Gold and Preferred members - $15; non-members - $30; and a table eight - $200


The breakfast will an excellent opportunity for other small business owners to learn from successful businessmen and women.
2007 finalists include:


Emerging Business Category
Crypto Security Systems, LLC
Edward Jones- Don Marable
GBT Enterprises


1-10 Employee Category
Martin & Company Printers
Schwarz Hanson Architects
Technology Team, LLC


11-50 Employee Category
Perfect Touch Day Spa
Rassai Interactive
Skyline DFW Exhibits & Graphics


51-100 Employee Category
C.M Architecture, P.A.
Huckabee and Associates
RPM


101-250 Employee Category
Higginbotham & Associates, Inc.
SKIHI Enterprises, LTD

Platinum sponsor is the Neeley School of Business – TCU. Gold sponsors are Lockheed Martin and Pro Staff Personnel Services. Silver sponsor is hireMax. Media sponsor is the Fort Worth Business Press.


For more information on the awards, contact Lydia Hall at 817/336-2491, ext 272.

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Calendar of Events


February Events

8 State of the City Address with Mayor Mike Moncrief, presented by Southwest Office Systems, noon-1:30 p.m. Registration and networking at 11:30 a.m. Fort Worth Convention Center Grand Ballroom, 1201 Houston St. Cost: Chamber members - $40; Gold and Preferred members - $35; non-members - $70; and tables of eight - $550. Register online. For more information, contact Brianna Dishman at 817/336-2491, ext. 275.


15 Membership Luncheon hosted by North Area Council, “Transportation and Logistics Panel,” Stockyard Station, 130 E. Exchange, 76106. Presented by Wells Fargo. Noon-1:30 p.m. Registration and networking, 11:30 a.m. Cost: Chamber members - $25; Gold & Preferred members - $20; non-members - $40; and tables of eight - $250.Register online. For more information, contact Pennie Blossom at 817/336-2491, ext. 267.


15 Business After Hours, 5:30-7:30 p.m., Ferguson Enterprises, 3433 W. 7th St., 76107. Chamber members only. Cost: Chamber members - $10; Gold and Preferred members, no charge, but reservations are required. . For more information, contact Doris Becker at 817/336-2491, ext. 288.


19 Fort Worth Chamber closed for Presidents’ Day.


21 Small Business Council Breakfast, “Small Business of the Year Best Practices,” presented by Citizens National Bank. Registration and breakfast, 7:15-7:45 a.m. Program, 7:45-10 a.m. Hilton Fort Worth, 815 Main St. Cost: Chamber members - $20; Gold and Preferred membes - $15; non-members - $30; and table of eight - $200. Register online. For more information, contact Doris Becker at 817/336-2491, ext. 288.


23 Leaders in Business featuring Rex W. Tillerson, Chairman and CEO of Exxon Mobil Corp., presented by Weaver & Tidwell LLP, noon-1:30 p.m. Registration and networking begin at 11:30 a.m. The Petroleum Club, 777 Commerce St. Cost: Chamber members - $35; Gold and Preferred members - $30; non-members - $60; and tables of eight - $350. Register online. For more information, contact Brianna Dishman at 817/336-2491, ext. 275.

27-28 Tarrant County at the Capitol, reception honoring members of the 80th Legislature, 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, The Driskell Mezzanine, 604 Brazos, Austin; Breakfast honoring members of the Fort Worth and Tarrant County delegation, 8 a.m., Wednesday, Austin Club, 110 E. 9th St., Austin. Cost for both events is $50 per person. For more information, contact A.J Fuqua at ajfuqua@fortworthchamber.com or 817/336-2491, ext. 251 by Feb. 12.

March Events

8 Economic Update, presented by EnCana Oil & Gas, 7:30-11:30 a.m., Fort Worth Club, 306 W. 7th St., Horizon and Terrace Rooms, 76102. Cost: Chamber members - $30; Gold and Preferred members - $25; non-members - $50; and a table of eight - $300.Register online. For more information, contact Brianna Dishman at bdishman@fortworthchamber.com or 817/336-2491, ext. 275.


20 Business After Hours, 5:30-7:30 p.m., Texas de Brazil, 101 N. Houston St. Cost: Chamber members - $10; Gold and Preferred members, no charge, but reservations are required. Register online. For more information, contact Doris Becker at dbecker@fortworthchamber.com or 817/336-2491, ext. 288.


21 Lunch & Learn, “Networking Tips,”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.


22 2007 Small Business of the Year Awards, presented by Citizens National Bank, noon-1:30 p.m. Registration and networking begin at 11:30 a.m. Guest speaker – Larry North. Fort Worth Hilton, Crystal Ballroom, 815 Main St., 76102. Cost: Chamber members - $40; Gold and Preferred members - $35; non-members - $70; a table of eight - $350. Register online. For more information, contact Brianna Dishman at bdishman@fortworthchamber.com or 817/336-2491, ext. 275.


27 Leaders in Government featuring Texas Secretary of State Roger Williams presented by Wells Fargo, noon-1:30 p.m. Registration and networking begin at 11:30 a.m., The Petroleum Club, Wildcatters Room, 777 Main St., 76102. Cost: Chamber members - $35; Gold & Preferred members - $30; non-members - $60; and a table of eight - $350. Register online or contact Brianna Dishman at bdishman@fortworthchamber.com or 817/336-2491, ext. 275.


29 Membership Luncheon hosted by West Area Council presented by Wells Fargo, “New Plans for the Fort Worth Museum of Science & History” with Van Romans, noon-1:30 p.m. Registration and networking begin at 11:30 a.m. (Arrive early and tour the National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame.) Cost: Chamber members - $25; Gold and Preferred members - $20; non-members - $40; and a table of eight - $250. Register online. For more information, contact Brianna Dishman at bdishman@fortworthchamber.com or 817/336-2491, ext. 275.


30 17th Annual Labor & Employment Law Update presented by Haynes and Boone, LLP, Ralph M. Smith Leadership Development Complex, Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, 8 a.m.-3:30 p.m., 1701 W. Boyce, 76115. Cost: Chamber members - $125; Gold and Preferred members - $95. Register online. For more information, contact Brianna Dishman at bdishman@fortworthchamber.com or 817/336-2491, ext. 275.

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Save the Date: Employment Law Updates Important HR Info

Mark your calendar now for the Fort Worth Chamber’s 17th Annual Labor & Employment Law Update presented by HaynesBoone, LLP.

  • What: 17th Annual Labor & Employment Law Update Presented by HaynesBoone, LLP
  • When: Friday, March 31, 8 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
  • Where: Ralph M. Smith Leadership Development Complex, Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, 1701 Boyce, 76115
  • Cost: - $125; and Gold and Preferred Chamber members - $95. A discount of 10 percent applies to companies registering four or more. Breakfast and lunch are included in the registration fee.


Update topics typically include:

  • OSHA compliance
  • Safe workplaces
  • Family and Medical Leave Act
  • Internal investigations and ethical considerations
  • Sexual harassment


Register online. For more information, contact Brianna Dishman at bdishman@fortworthchamber.com or 817/336-2491, ext. 275.

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Want More Business Contacts? Take Action, Become an Ambassador

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.


The program is also a great entrance into a leadership opportunity within the Chamber for those wanting to serve on committees, task forces or boards.


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

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

FastTrac, a program designed to help small business owners streamline business processes, analyze strengths and shortcomings, and achieve more balance in their work and personal lives, is forming its next class beginning in March. FastTrac is a cooperative program of the Fort Worth Chamber and the Tarrant County College Small Business Development Center.


“As any entrepreneur can attest, it takes long hours and hard work to get any business up and running,” said Thomas White, co-owner with his sister Carolyn Johnson of. Implementing Decisions. “We have been in business for nine years, but we have been so busy working in the business and running the day to day operations that we didn’t take the time to focus on growing our business. The FastTrac classes forced us to take the time, to start putting the pieces in place for our business to continue to grow and be successful. Both the instructors and the other business owners that participated in the class provided valuable insight that we could take back to the office and put to use.”
The 10-session FastTrac program helps participants by allowing them to interact with a diverse group of business pros sharing ideas, strategies and successes.


“FastTrac was terrific,” said Dale Berkebile of Dale Berkebile Graphic Design, who repeated the class. “I want to take my business to the next level and FastTrac can help me get there.”
FastTrac helps business owners create a network of entrepreneurial peers and valuable mentor relationships. Upon completing the program, participants can prepare a strategic business and marketing plan for growth and possess the skills necessary to successfully handle business ventures. FastTrac also gives graduates the financial management tools required to run a successful business. They can continue to access further business counseling and mentoring as necessary, and FastTrac graduates can always repeat any course segment at no additional cost.
The class helps participants:

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


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


Spring 2007 classes are forming now. Scholarships are available. For more information on FastTrac, contact Diana Dugan at dugan@fortworthchamber.com or at 817/336-2491, ext. 258.

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Chamber Welcomes New Employees

Lauren Turner
Monica Mercado

Lauren Turner has joined the Chamberas Interactive MarketingManager. Originally from Wichita Falls, she spent the better part of a decade in Lubbock where she received a degree from Texas Tech University and worked fulltime in its IT division. Her major was Technical Communications with a minor in Mass Communications. Monica Mercado has joined the Chamber as Administration Manager. She will coordinate all Administrative/Human Resources services for Chamber employees. Most recently, she moved from California where she worked for American Industrial Manufacturing for five years.

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Recent Ribbon Cuttings

Massage Envy, a therapeutic muscle massage salon, celebrated its new location with a grand opening and ribbon cutting at its 3000 S. Hulen St., #153 location. To learn more about muscle massage therapy, call Frank Stockton at 214/263-6629.

A ribbon cutting marking the grand opening of Century 21 – Judge Fite Co., a realty company, was held at 2750-B S. Hulen. Contact Patrick Wyatt at 817/731-8667 to learn more about the organization.

The Enilon Group, Inc., marked the opening of its new corporate headquarters at 650 W. Vickery Blvd., suite 180. To learn more about the web and application development company, contact James Wallace at 817/632-3204.

Jubilee Café celebrated the grand opening of its new location at 2006 N. Main St. with a ribbon cutting. For more information about the restaurant, contact Denver Sheddy at 817/201-0774.

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

 

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Small Business Award Finalists Honored at Business After Hours

Emerging Business
David Coker, managing partner Crypto Security Systems, LLC ; Don Marable, registered investment representative Edward Jones; and GBT Enterprises’ Todd Allred represented their companies in the Emerging Business category.

 

1-10 Employees
Finalists in the 1-10 employee category include Gerald Schwarz, president and Tod Hanson, vice president, Schwarz Hanson Architects; Stephanie Martin, CEO and Tom Martin, president, Martin & Company Printers; and Sherry Green, president and Allen Spinner, vice president, Technology Team, LLC.

 

11-50 Employees
In the 11-50 employee category, finalists are Jeff Robinson, owner of Perfect Touch Day spa; Chad Horany, CEO and Judge Graham, partner, Rassai Interactive; and Jeff Meisner, president and Jeff Meade, Skyline DFW Exhibits & Graphics.

 

51-100 Employees
Bruce Carlson, CEO, C.M. Architecture, PA; Jerry Hammerlun, president, Huckabee, Inc.; and Frank Poeschel and Glen James, managing partners of RPM are the finalists in the 51-100 employee category.

 

101-250 Employees
Chris Rooker, representing Higginbotham & Associates, Inc. and Sam Langlitz, executive vice president of SKIHI Enterprises, LTD are the finalist in the 101-250 employee category.

 

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