April 2013 - The Business Lifestyle Magazine Digital Edition

Volume 31 • No. 4

THE BUSINESS LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

April 2013

Spring allergies and sinus problems are in full bloom Memorial Hermann Southwest Hospital addresses ear, nose, and throat issues with expertise and innovative technology Ear, nose and throat physicians Ryan Ridley, M.D., Jim Waldron, M.D., G. Walter McReynolds, M.D., and Marvin Lerner, M.D., consult a patient with allergy and sinus problems.

(Larry Pullen Photography)

INSIDE STORIES

Own your image - Own your success Fort Bend’s Dr. Mickey Bush retires Newsworthy and Names in the News Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce Newsletter Data Beat Information 4.95

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Editor’s Preview

by Sharon Wallingford

Welcome to our April issue Sharon Wallingford

Barbara J. Carlson

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ccording to historical calendars, April is the month of showers. We shall see. Since it is Texas Fruit and Vegetable Month, I’m sure my Cara Cara orange, grapefruit and Myer lemon trees will be thankful for every drop they receive.

On a local historical level, it was on April 14, 1823, that the Mexican Congress reauthorized Stephen F. Austin’s colony in the region of the Brazos River. And after April 21, 1836, San Jacinto Day became a day many celebrated. On that same day in 1888, the Capitol was first formally opened to the public.

And for all you Aggies, it was on April 17, 1871, that the Legislature created Texas A&M, the state’s first public institution of higher learning.

Let me also gently remind you that April 25 is Administrative Professional Day. If it’s an occasion your company or office observes, be thankful for the numerous restaurants, florists and gift opportunities that we have conveniently located throughout our county.

This month brings special awareness to healthcare, the growth and growing services Fort

Bend County offers its businesses and residents, and our ties with companies and agencies through the state and nation. Our friends at Memorial Hermann offer you the latest technology news on spring allergies.

Our monthly columnists continue to make us more aware of trade issues and provide knowledge that will make us all better and wiser businesspeople.

This month read about R&D Credits. Other guest columnists will enable you to understand mental health issues and the lack of state funding, the issues we are facing with low water levels.

Say goodbye to family practice physician Mickey Bush, M.D. who is retiring and hello to Bo Porter, the Astros new manager who resides in Missouri City. Check your newspapers for information regarding elections and take a moment to meet the candidates who are running in municipal and school board elections set for May 11. They are the guardians of your tax dollars.

Keep the cash register ringing.

Sharon K. Wallingford

scan with you smart phone to launch website

The Editorial Advisory Board

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Kolbe Curtice CCIM, CLS Managing Director – Colliers International | Fort Bend

Becky Munnell President and CEO Blue Jungle Marketing

Jacqueline Baly President and CEO Baly Projects, LLC

Alan Sandersen Certified Public Accountant Sandersen Knox & Co. L.L.P.

Contact:

Dee Koch Grant Officer The George Foundation

Tim Stubenrouch President First Community Bank

Sharon K. Wallingford Sharon@FortBendBusinessJournal.com 281.690.4200 - Office

April 2013 H Fort Bend / Katy Business Journal

John Whitmore Whitmore Company

Barbara J. Carlson Barbara@FortBendBusinessJournal.com 281.690.4204 - Direct

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Now available at St. Luke’s Sugar Land Hospital According to the American Cancer Society, the early detection of breast cancer saves thousands of lives each year. One of the newest tools in this effort is 3-D mammography, or tomosynthesis, which is now available at St. Luke’s Sugar Land Hospital.

3-D mammograms allow physicians to take images from different angles, providing sharper, better quality results and a reduction in “false positives.” The new technology is recommended for women with dense breast tissue and allows physicians to view images with pinpoint accuracy in order to detect smaller tumors earlier.

See if a mammogram is the answer for you.

Call 281-637-7001 today for an appointment.

StLukesSugarLand.com Highway 59 one block north of Highway 6 at Lake Pointe Parkway | 1317 Lake Pointe Parkway, Sugar Land, TX 77478

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NTENTS COVER STORY

Spring allergies and sinus problems are in full bloom Memorial Hermann Southwest Hospital addresses ear, nose, and throat issues with expertise and innovative technology

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Inside Stories

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Aliana wins gold and three silver awards at NAHB®. ...................................................... 9 Matias J. Adrogue: Trial Lawyer, Mediator and one of Sugar Land’s A-List Attorneys . .................................................................. 10 The Fort Bend Infrastructure Summit.............................................................................. 12 Own your image - Own your success ............................................................................ 17 Fort Bend’s Dr. Mickey Bush retires................................................................................ 18 Astros new manager committed and motivated — Bo knows the business of baseball................................................................................. 20 Your best marketing tool is still the most basic one.................................................... 21 Texas-Oklahoma Passenger Rail Study to receive public input.............................. 22 Methodist Orthopaedic Specialists of Texas (MOST) provides injury prevention outreach to local athletes ................................................ 24 Fluor recognized on Ethisphere’s World Most Ethical Companies list ................. 26 Sugar Land’s Fire Station No. 7 receives silver LEED certification......................... 29 Patient gets an uplifting visit from a surprise visitor.................................................... 30 Club signs returners from 2012; inks right-handers Wells and Blacksher............ 31 Telesleep at Houston VA: A new source of support for veterans............................ 32 Katy receives prestigious state environmental award................................................ 39 Baker Hughes announces February 2013 rig counts.................................................. 41 Enhancing the role of women in science, technology, and engineering................ 42 Port Freeport’s impact reaches $17.9 billion; up 76 percent in three years......... 43 Understanding Mental Illness – Sooner rather than later........................................... 44 April 2013 H Fort Bend / Katy Business Journal

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NTENTS

PUBLISHER.................................... Beverly Carter

MONTHLY COLUMNS

GENERAL MANAGER............Michael Fredrickson ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER . ..............Barbara Carlson EDITOR ...........................................Sharon Wallingford

Alan Sandersen Tax Smart

Discusses Overlooking the R&D credit is like leaving money on the table..............................................19

MARKETING CONSULTANTS

Diane Strehl

Ann Sturrock

RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE SPECIALIST.........................................Becky Hall CONTRIBUTOR ...........................Wayne Chandler

Mike Barnett

Marsha Friedman

Elsa Maxey

Elsa Maxey

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George Patterson

Discusses Video communications a requirement?

Now more than ever!.............................................................23

ART DIRECTOR.................................Joey Belleza GRAPHIC DESIGNER / WEB...... Jan Carlo Arcillas

DEPARTMENTS Newsworthy ................................................................. 34-37 Names in the News...................................................... 38-40 Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce Newsletter.............. 45-52 Data Beat...................................................................... 54-57 Service Directory.......................................................... 59-61 Meet & Eat - Food, Drink & Entertainment Guide.................................................... 62-63

ON THE COVER Ear, nose and throat physicians Ryan Ridley, M.D., Jim Waldron, M.D., G. Walter McReynolds, M.D., and Marvin Lerner, M.D., consult a patient with allergy and sinus problems.

(Larry Pullen Photography)

©2013 Fort Bend Business Journal Magazine No material from this publication be copied or in any way reproduced without written permission from the publisher.

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April 2013 H Fort Bend / Katy Business Journal

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Tournament is May 20 at Pecan Grove Country Club.

For more information, or to sponsor any Chamber event, please contact Shannan Stavinoha at 281-342-5464 or sstavinoha@cfbca.org.

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The Chamber is taking applications for the Leadership Fort Bend Class of 2013-14.

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Aliana Wins Gold and Three Silver Awards at NAHB® Awards Recognize Excellence in New Home Sales, Marketing and Design

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ort Bend County, Texas, March 2013 - The year has already started out with a bang for Aliana Development Company (ADC), developer of Aliana®, a fast-growing, master-planned community in Fort Bend County. ADC brought home the gold and three silver awards from the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) Awards gala, held at the Wynn Resort in Las Vegas on January 22, for its marketing efforts to promote Aliana.

The awards gala, known as The NationalsSM , is one of the building industry’s largest and most prestigious events, which is hosted by the NAHB’s National Sales and Marketing Council (NSMC). At The Nationals, NAHB pays tribute to superior sales and marketing achievements by residential homebuilders and developers.

Linda Kilgore, MIRM, CMP, Marketing Director for ADC, was named Marketing Professional of the

Year with a gold award. This was the third time in the past 12 months that Kilgore has been recognized for her marketing expertise. The Greater Houston Builders Association and the Texas Association of Builders previously named her Marketing Professional of the Year.

“I was honored to receive the NAHB’s highest award for a Marketing Director in the nation,” said Kilgore. “I studied for four years to earn a Master in Residential Marketing from the NAHB. As a result, I truly have become a stronger, smarter and a more confident marketing professional. This gold award represents a milestone in my career, and I am thrilled to have been recognized by my peers.”

According to Kilgore, her story is not unique at ADC, which is comprised of an executive team whom she describes as “giants in their fields”.

She adds that when ADC secured three silver awards for Community of the Year, Special Promotion of the Year, and Sales Center of the Year for Navigation Green®, it was a nod to the whole Aliana team.

“ADC encompasses a group of accomplished, innovative professionals who set their sights on developing masterfully designed communities with new and progressive ideas,” says Kilgore. “Winning the Silver Award for Navigation Green was particularly exciting since it was a completely new concept in its category. The Aliana team, with years of experience and understanding on how people shop for new homes, departed from the typical Welcome Center building, and instead built a drive-thru, Wi-Fi

powered, information hot-spot featuring a series of oversized QR (Quick Response) codes within artfully crafted signs Information is instantly delivered to Realtors® and homebuyers with a wave of a cell phone from a car, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

With just a simple download of an app, a prospect can obtain builder inventory with contact numbers, school information, maps, brochures, community photos and facts.”

As a result of its sales and marketing efforts, Aliana set a new sales record for 2012, easily surpassing its sales goal and doubling the number of homes sold in the prior year. This is the third consecutive year of record-breaking sales for Aliana. As ADC moves forward, the team will continue to build on best practices as it identifies and incorporates ongoing innovations, ideas and customer insights into positioning Aliana as one of the top master-planned communities in the Houston area..

about aliana Aliana is a 2000-acre master-planned community in Fort Bend County. The community is located west of Houston on the Grand Parkway (State Highway 99) at West Airport and nestled between U.S. Highway 59 and Interstate 10. It is convenient to the Galleria via Westpark Tollway and is close to popular restaurants and shopping destinations. Aliana offers finely crafted new homes from the $190s to the $600s by a roster of well-known homebuilders. Aliana residents have access to The Club at Aliana, which provides numerous amenities, exercise facilities, tennis and a swim center. It is situated in the highly regarded Fort Bend Independent School District and is neighbor to two of the finest golf and country clubs in Houston: Shadow Hawk Golf Club and The Houstonian Golf & Country Club. For more information, visit www.alianahouston.com.

Fort Bend / Katy Business Journal H April 2013

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A D V E R T O R I A L

Trial Lawyer, Mediator and one of Sugar Land’s A-List Attorneys you definitely want representing you

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he dynamic and highly respected Matias J. Adrogue is quickly becoming well-known in the Sugar Land community.

Matias J. Adrogue’s forte is working as a trial lawyer and mediator to reach favorable resolutions to tough cases.

Adrogue was born in Buenos Aires, Argentina and then came to the United States at three years old so that his father could further his medical career in academic medicine. Having grown up in Southwest Houston with his four siblings and having attended the prestigious Strake Jesuit College Preparatory High School gave Matias the necessary foundation to get accepted into The University of Texas at Austin for his undergraduate degree in Psychology before attending UH Law School. After graduating from law school in 1999 and working in Fort Worth, Dallas and Houston at medium-sized law firms, Adrogue opened his own firm in 2003 and hasn’t looked back.

Adrogue’s credentials are impressive, to say the least. Matias is Board Certified in Personal Injury Trial Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization—one of only three percent of the lawyers licensed in Texas with this distinguished honor. Board Certification is not only a distinguished accomplishment but one that is a mark of excellence that is set by the Texas State Bar. Many misinterpret Board Certification as a one-time designation, which is not the case. An attorney must have practiced for at least five years with a minimum of three years in their chosen specialized area while also proving substantial experience and testing competency in that specific area of law. In maintaining one’s Board Certification, one must apply for recertification every five years; commit to ongoing involvement in the specialty area,

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which is also periodically substantiated with peer review; along with continuing legal education course work to be current of all current and/or changes in laws.

Adrogue has represented clients all over Fort Bend County, Harris County and many other Texas counties while also successfully representing clients all the way from Louisiana, Florida and New York to as far away as Mexico City, Puerto Rico, Argentina, Lebanon and Pakistan.

As the fourth of five siblings, Matias comes from a long line of professionals in his family. Each and every sibling has become either physicians or lawyers and married to physicians or lawyers all living in the Houston/Sugar Land area. Between Matias April 2013 H Fort Bend / Katy Business Journal

and his wife’s immediate families, there are five doctors, nine lawyers and eight business owners representing seven countries/cultures.

Quite impressive and advantageous when one is enduring a language barrier and in need of a clear understanding of the law and in need of a specialized field of study.

Matias offers an added advantage to his practice with his wife, Leila El-Hakam, also a practicing attorney and partner of their family-owned firm. They work as a strong, experienced team with more than 27 years of combined trial and litigation experience, with Matias having tried almost 50 cases to verdict. Matias and Leila are able to bounce strategy off of each other while offering the client the choice of either a male or female as

A D V E R T O R I A L

lead attorney on their specific case.

Adrogue offers a specialized advantage to his clients. As most litigation is steering toward mediation settlement, or Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR), to avoid the costly pitfalls of long and drawn-out litigation, Adrogue has 12 years experience representing his clients in mediations and resolving disputes. Adrogue knows the inner workings of what goes on behind the scene throughout the mediation process and can counsel far ahead of the game as what to expect and how to cautiously proceed.

Adrogue has participated in hundreds of mediations over the last 12 years, assisting in the amicable resolution to multiple cases.

In comparing the price tag of costly trials to mediation resolution, the opportunity to mediate a case is far more affordable, with full-day mediation costs priced at $900.00 per party for the all-day mediation priced only at $550 per party to the dispute. It makes for a more amicable outcome, more cost efficient to both sides and ensures a faster resolution so that both parties can bring closure to their dispute.

When asked what made Matias choose the legal field and what got him to this point, he explained, “I originally thought I’d be a doctor like my father, grandfather, older brother and sister. But after disliking the science courses while in college at the

University of Texas at Austin, I decided to follow the path of my uncle and eldest sister and decided to go to law school. While at UT, I remember suing my landlord who failed to return my security deposit, which solidified my interest in the law and a legal career.”

The rest is history Adrogue’s reputation is illustrated by the clients he has represented and advised, several of which are locally-owned Sugar Land businesses, such as Cigar, Cigar!, Sweetwater Nail & Spa; Kid Fit, Inc.; Go Hurley Group; Tisch Properties, LLC.; Hole in One Coin, Inc.; Katy Physicians, LLC.; Pink & Cure, LLC.; Salon Eben and Day Spa and PAK Surgical.

Matias and his wife, Leila, moved to Sugar Land in 2001. In the Fall of 2007, Matias moved his family into Sweetwater. “Sugar Land has so much to offer, so many really good people, growing businesses and many opportunities. It is a community that is being recognized on a national level. It is no wonder that Fort Bend is still the second-fastest growing county in the country. Leila and I enjoy being actively involved in a community that we have come to love.”

Unlike many attorneys, Adrogue offers the client the option to come to his office

or Adrogue will go to the client. “Business leaders, executives and small-business owners are busy. They don’t have enough hours in the day. They are looking for the experienced trial lawyer who has the credentials, who’s won the tough cases, who has more than a decadelong experience as a trial lawyer and one who is willing to come to them so that they save critical time away from the business. This economy is tough. We, as attorneys, have to go the extra mile,” Adrogue explained.

When not working long hours in providing excellent representation to every one of his clients, Matias enjoys playing soccer with his three children, coaching his children’s soccer teams, watching the Houston Dynamo soccer games, collecting and shooting guns, playing golf and hunting.

And, of course, Matias is looking forward to watching live when Argentina plays in the World Cup in 2014, which is taking place in Brazil.

When asked if Matias’ three incredible children will follow in his or his father’s footsteps—either being an attorney or doctor—Matias responded, “Athena tells me that she wants to be a lawyer or a doctor; Matias tells me that he wants to be a scientist, a professional soccer player and a lawyer; while Cesar tells me that he wants to stay home with me.”

Whether one is looking for representation in litigation, real estate deals or seeking legal advice with credentials that are tough to beat, Matias J. Adrogue, one of Sugar Land’s A-List attorneys and local residents, is most definitely the one to call.

MATIAS J. ADROGUE Trial Lawyer/Mediator 1629 W. Alabama Street Houston, TX 77006 Office: Cell:

713.425.7270 281.216.5952

Fax - 713.425.7271 mja@mjalawyer.com www.mjalawyer.com

Fort Bend / Katy Business Journal H April 2013

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The Fort Bend Infrastructure Summit to be presented by the Fort Bend & Katy Area Chambers

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he Fort Bend Infrastructure Summit will be presented by the Fort Bend Chamber in partnership with the Katy Area Chamber on Friday, May 31st. This half day summit will take place from 7:30 am – 1:00pm at Safari Texas Ranch in Richmond. PDH credits will be available.

Title sponsorship has generously been provided by Dannenbaum Engineering, Luncheon sponsorship provided by Sprint Waste Services, and Supporting sponsorship by Brown & Gay Engineers, Inc., First Southwest Company, and LJA Engineering, Inc. This event is also presented by Katy Area Economic Development Council, Greater Fort Bend Economic Development Council, City of Fulshear, City of Katy, City of Meadows Place, City of Missouri City,

City of Richmond, City of Rosenberg, City of Stafford, and City of Sugar Land.

The Summit will be opened by Fort Bend County Judge Robert Hebert Robert Hebert and the Keynote Luncheon Speaker will be Dr. Ray Perryman of the Perryman Group.

Perryman is President and CEO of The Perryman Group, an economic research and analysis firm. He has authored more than 2,000 trade articles, writes a syndicated newspaper column, hosts a daily radio commentary and appears regulary on National Public Radio. Most recently, Dr. Perryman was selected as the 2012 “Texan of the Year” by the Texas Legislative Conference. He holds a BS in Mathematics from Baylor University and a PhD in

Economics from Rice University.

The Fort Bend Infrastructure Summit is a comprehensive resource to hear from experts in water, developments, mobility, Dr. Ray Perryman public policy, and financing. The education and promotion of developments in the infrastructure segment is an essential tool for business and economic growth.

Register today at www.

FortBendChamber.com or contact Farrah Gandhi at 281.566.2152 or farrah@ fortbendcc.org for more information.

Sponsorships opportunities still available.

Individual (Fort Bend or Katy Area Chamber) Member Reservation available for $75 - Non-Member Reservation available for $100.

A Sugar Land Tradition... Renewed

For information on membership options, contact Kelly Buettner in our Sales and Marketing office today!

281.494.9131 x134 • www.sugarcreekcctexas.com 420 Sugar Creek Boulevard 12

April 2013 H Fort Bend / Katy Business Journal

Rice & Gardner Consultants Help Building Owners Lower Energy Costs!

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ave you ever driven by an office building and seen the parking lot lights burning at lunch time on a bright and sunny day? Or worked in an office that was hot in the summer and cold in the winter? These are fairly simple straightforward examples of unnecessary energy use.

In today’s economy, property owners and managers must demonstrate the value of their property to their tenants, existing and future, while finding ways to reduce costs without affecting service. It is a delicate balancing act. An inexpensive way of reducing the cost of your building’s operation while improving occupant comfort is to have your existing building “retro-commissioned” by a qualified Commissioning Authority, such as Rice & Gardner Consultants.

improvements will pay for themselves.

Quite often just the minor corrections made during the retro-commissioning of the building will provide owners with a ten to fifteen percent decrease in their energy bills and a corresponding improvement in Jim Rice & Kevin Gardner tenant satisfaction.

Rice & Gardner Consultants has a highly trained staff of Commissioning Agents, Engineers and Project Managers to assist you. To find out how you can lower your building’s electric bills and provide improved occupant comfort, contact Rice & Gardner Consultants today.

To learn more about Building Commissioning call us at 713-482-2300 or visit our website at www.ricegardner. com.

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Retro-Commissioning, also known as “Existing Building Commissioning” is a quality improvement process in which building systems are examined and tuned to bring their function to an optimum level of performance. The positive outcome of this effort is reduced energy bills for the owner and improved occupant comfort for the tenants.

Retro-Commissioning identifies problems with mechanical or electrical system performance and then imposes solutions to correct these problems much in the same manner of tuning up an automobile. Though many corrective solutions are simply a matter of adjustment, some require capital investment. Return on investment periods are calculated to determine how quickly the

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Spring allergies and sinus problems are in full bloom Memorial Hermann Southwest Hospital addresses ear, nose, and throat issues with expertise and innovative technology

COVER STORY

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pring has sprung and so have allergy and sinus problems.

For Houstonians, tree and grass pollens are particularly problematic, resulting in itching and watery eyes, sneezing, congestion, runny nose and even dark circles under the eyes.

While quick relief may come from visiting a walk-in clinic, working with an allergy specialist can result in fewer sinus and ear infections, fewer work days missed and an overall increase in productivity and quality of life.

Puneet Shroff, M.D., an allergy and asthma specialist, believes that even though over-the-counter antihistamines, decongestants, and saline rinses and sprays can help manage allergy symptoms, they are not always effective by themselves.

Nasal steroid sprays can reduce swelling and congestion and open up the sinuses, but they require regular use and – as with any medication – it is important to discuss their benefits and risks with the treating physician.

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For patients who consistently struggle with allergies, allergy testing can identify triggers that produce the bothersome symptoms.

“Knowing my patients’ allergies allows me to counsel them about how to minimize or eliminate their exposure to the allergens,” said Dr. Shroff. “I take a lot of joy in helping patients find triggers so we can reduce the offending causes of allergy or sinus symptoms and improve their quality of life.”

Allergy immunotherapy, injecting small amounts of the allergen into the patient to build the body’s ability to fight symptoms, is beneficial for patients who are unable to eliminate exposure to certain allergens.

It is also helpful to patients with asthma since allergies complicate this condition.

Over time, immunotherapy can reduce the occurrence of sinus disease and the need for other medications.

Innovative Procedure for Chronic Sinus Issues When medications such as nasal steroid sprays, antibiotics or oral steroids fail to relieve sinus problems, it’s time to consult an ear, nose and throat (ENT) physician. Sinusitis, the swelling of the sinus cavities that prevents normal mucus drainage and causes pressure to build up, is a common health problem.

“The impact of chronic sinusitis on a person’s quality of life could include April 2013 H Fort Bend / Katy Business Journal

throbbing facial pain or headaches, difficulty breathing and sleeping, bad breath, irritability, fatigue, nausea and loss or reduced sense of taste,” said Mark Nichols, M.D., an ENT affiliated with Memorial Hermann Southwest Hospital. Sinusitis that lasts longer than 12 weeks is known as chronic sinusitis.

It is estimated that up to 60 percent of chronic sinusitis sufferers are not successfully treated with medication. These patients then become candidates for sinus surgery.

ENT Mark Nichols, M.D., holds the tiny catheter during a balloon sinuplasty.

Balloon sinuplasty is a breakthrough procedure performed at Memorial Hermann Southwest that relieves the pain and pressure associated with chronic sinusitis.

“With balloon sinuplasty, a specially designed catheter is inserted into the nose to reach the inflamed sinus,” said Dr. Nichols. “A small balloon is slowly

inflated, which widens and restructures the walls of the sinus passage without cutting and with minimal bleeding, helping to drain mucus from the blocked sinus and restore normal mucus flow. The balloon is then removed, leaving the sinuses open.”

Marvin Lerner, M.D., an ENT affiliated with Memorial Hermann Southwest, said Fort Bend / Katy Business Journal H April 2013

the balloon sinuplasty is less invasive than conventional sinus surgery so patients can return to normal activities quickly. “In addition to opening blocked sinuses, balloon sinuplasty preserves the natural structure of the sinuses,” he said.

Continues...

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ENTs Ryan Ridley, M.D., and G. Walter McReynolds, M.D., with a cochlear implant.

(Larry Pullen Photography)

Learn about the latest advances in sinus treatments Tuesday, April 23 6 - 7:30 p.m.

Bradshaw Fitness Center 7731 Southwest Freeway next to the hospital Join Memorial Hermann Southwest-affiliated physicians as they discuss the latest treatment options for those suffering from allergy and sinus problems. Learn about medications and new, innovative surgical options. Free parking, snacks and refreshments provided.

When Hearing Aids Are Not Enough Constant sinus and ear infections can result in hearing loss. This makes simple activities like holding a conversation particularly challenging.

While hearing aids can help many people with hearing loss, they don’t help everyone. For those with severe hearing loss, cochlear implants can make a difference.

“A cochlear implant can be a life-changing experience for the implant recipients – and their families,” said G. Walter McReynolds, M.D., an ENT affiliated with Memorial Hermann Southwest.

Cochlear implants work by picking up mechanical sound from the environment and converting it into an electrical signal. This electrical signal is then transmitted into the surgically implanted receiver where it goes directly to the hearing nerve, bypassing the damaged inner ear.

For someone with appropriate hearing aids, a cochlear implant might be an option if they still depend on lip-reading to understand speech, ask people to repeat themselves in a quiet setting or have difficulty understanding on the telephone.

“The key to having a successful cochlear implant program is having audiology support from dedicated professionals such as we have with the Houston Ear Research Foundation,” said Ryan Ridley, M.D., an ENT affiliated with Memorial Hermann Southwest. “For many of our patients, the sky’s the limit. As surgeons, we provide them with the wings, but it’s the tireless effort of the Houston Ear Research Foundation that allows them to take off and fly.”

The Houston Ear Research Foundation, located on the Memorial Hermann Southwest Campus, provides cochlear implant services, including testing to determine candidacy, initial activation of the device and all follow-up programming. The foundation is the largest, most comprehensive cochlear implant center in Houston and Southeast Texas. It is widely recognized as one of the premier cochlear implant centers, with more than 1,500 cochlear implant recipients.

To schedule an appointment with any Memorial Hermann-affiliated physician, call 713.456.5348 or use the ScheduleNow online appointment feature at memorialhermann.org

The event is free, but space is limited.

To register, call 713.222.CARE (2273).

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April 2013 H Fort Bend / Katy Business Journal

Own your image - Own your success

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ompany executives are the face of their organization. Having an updated appearance and dressing appropriately can be essential in positioning their company within the community, as well as helping secure future business. Simply put, a welldressed individual is perceived as a successful individual!

Kim Bell knows first hand the influential role of one’s appearance in the business world and now uses her fashion expertise and public relations experiences to provide image makeovers for both male and female executives.

Having been a marketing executive in retail fashion for 20 years, Kim Bell, owner of Red is Kim, is well acquainted with the myriad of responsibilities faced by business professionals, both in and out of the office.

Additionally, she is acutely aware of the time constraints that often plague senior management when overseeing a successful business.

“Early and late hours are the s.o.p. for corporate executives as they juggle a continual stream of meetings, enduring deadlines, along with addressing a litany of business development ideas and those creative product decisions. Throw family into the equation and time becomes an even greater commodity!” said Bell.

With increased workloads, it’s inevitable that things fall by the wayside. “I’ve worked with countless businessmen and women, who expressed their frustration because they had no time for shopping for the wardrobe they knew they needed for their role within the company.”

Bell first consults with clients to discuss their image aspirations and then develops a strategy to help them achieve their objectives. She then creates ensembles of both professional and casual businesswear that combine key wardrobe essentials with the latest fashion trends. Bell also includes formalwear recommendations for the executive and their spouse for black tie

events.

“Look books,” showcasing the client’s collection, are provided. This tool allows for quick outfit selection, eliminating the time spent in the closet while deciding what to wear!

“I truly understand the time limitation of today’s executives, which is why I come to the client rather than asking them to come to me. All appointments for hair, makeup and especially personal shopping are made to maximize the time afforded by the client.

Bottom line, I provide the type of customer service I want for myself.”

Bell’s makeovers aren’t limited to one’s appearance. Her talents also extend to home and office organization. “It’s so rewarding to see a client’s reaction when I’ve completed an organizational project. They are in awe after seeing an area that was once in complete chaos and now manageable!”

To learn more about Red is Kim, log on to www.rediskim.com. Call 713.291.2986 to schedule your consultation.

Your image speaks before your voice is heard.

What does your image say?

Kim Bell

Fort Bend / Katy Business Journal H April 2013

17

Fort Bend’s Dr. Mickey Bush retires

O

ne of America’s and Houston’s top family physicians is retiring. As a resident of Fort Bend county, she has been in service to its steady stream of growing residents for more than three decades. Her voice remains calming and her quests nurturing.

Dr. Mickey Bush Missouri City’s Mickey Freeman Bush, M.D., was named Outstanding Family Physician in Houston in 1999, 2002, 2004 and 2006 by Inside Houston magazine and one of America’s Top Family Doctors from 2002 through 2012.

The native of Cross Plains, a community of approximately 432 households when heading west to Abilene, Bush graduated from the local high school Cross Plains Schools and ventured to Tarleton State University to major in zoology and English. Achieving top honors, she made a move to A & M University at Stephenville to earn a Master of Science in teaching with highest honors in 1972.

In 1979, she completed her Doctor of Medicine at the University of Texas Medical Branch and completed her three year residency program in family medicine at the University of Texas HealthScience Center in 1982. She became board certified by the

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American Academy of Family Physicians in 1982 and a fellow in the American Academy of Family Physicians in 1983.

In college, Bush was a member of the Beta Beta Beta Biological Honor Society, the Alpha Chi Scholastic Honor Society, Who’s Who in American Colleges & Universities, and the Outstanding Student in Zoology in 1971.

While in Medical School, she was a finalist – Outstanding three year graduate – University of TexasMedical Branch, Galveston , Texas – 1979, president – Family Practice Student Association, University ofTexasMedical Branch – 1976-1979, and National Student Representative – Committee on Research American Academy of Family Physicians from 1978 to 1979.

During her residency days, Bush was a National Resident Representative – Committee on Research, a member of the American Academy of Family Physicians 1979-1982, and a recipient of the Parke David Award –Outstanding Senior Resident – Family Medicine – 1982.

For nearly three decades, some of her professional memberships included being involved in the Texas Medical Association, HarrisCounty Medical Society, American Board of Family Medicine, American Academy of Family Physicians, and the Texas Academy ofFamily Physicians.

She was fond of two community charities. She served as a Houston Lifestock Show & Rodeo member on the International Committee and The Women’s Fund for Health and Research, an organization that was founded to provide Houston area women and girls with the tools they need to be advocates for their health.

Not a surprise. When she left life in Cross Plains she had already garnered numerous titles like State Spelling Champion in 1960, Betty Crocker Homemaker of Tomorrow Award, the titles of vice president and president of her class, president of Future Homemaker of America, state regional winner of Extraneous Speaking in UIL competitions, and the honor of being named a National Merit Scholarship Winner – Semifinalist – in 1964, her senior year.

She is noted for having written two publications: “Law Like Love “ by W. H. Auden – A Prosody Analysis Bosque River Review and “Live Trap vs. Kill Trap Method in the Density Studies Of Mammalian Populations” for The Wildlife Management Review.

Over the years, Bush has been a daughter, sister, mother and widow. Her solo practice in family medicine in Missouri City was from 1983 to 1994 and with OneCare Health Services in Sugar Land from 1994 to 1999. She returned to a solo practice in Family Medicine in Missouri City from 1995-2010 prior to joining Methodist Primary Care Associates in May 1, 2010 to the present.

A good slice of her time in retirement will likely go to her hobbies of ranching, bird watching, gardening, the great outdoors, and travel. She serves on the board of directors of the Texas Dexter Breeder Association since she is an Irish Dexter cattle producer and is the owner of the Grand Champion Bull and Female at the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo in 2006-2008.

April 2013 H Fort Bend / Katy Business Journal

Y O U

A N D

Y O U R

T A X E S

Tax Smart

By Alan Sandersen

Sandersen Knox & Co. L.L.P.

Overlooking the R&D credit is like leaving money on the table The American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012 (ATRA) extended the research tax credit — commonly known as the research and development or “R&D” credit — through Dec. 31, 2013. Previously, it had expired at the end of 2011. The credit is available for a surprisingly diverse range of activities, including many constructionrelated innovations. Many businesses often overlook the R&D credit, usually because they assume they won’t qualify. But if you have invested time and money in developing new manufacturing techniques, improving business processes or other innovating in other ways, it’s worth investigating whether any of these expenditures are eligible for the credit.

A valuable tax break The credit is a dollar-for-dollar, nonre-

fundable credit with a maximum benefit of 6.5% of qualified research expenditures (QREs), including wages, supplies, and certain consulting and contract research fees related to qualified research activities.

“Nonrefundable” means the credit is limited to your tax liability for the year — in other words, you can’t use it to generate a tax loss. Unused credits may be carried back one year or carried forward up to 20 years to reduce your tax liability in those years.

There are circumstance specific rules to fit a variety of scenarios, many of which are very attractive.

Requirements and opportunities To qualify for the credit, a research activity must meet four requirements: 1. The activity must be related to development or improvement of a “business

component” — such as a product, process or software.

2. There must be uncertainty as to how or whether the business component can be developed or improved.

3. The activity must use a process of experimentation — using techniques such as modeling or systematic trial and error — to evaluate alternatives and eliminate the uncertainty 4. The activity should generally be technological in nature and include an element of research involving the physical or biological sciences, engineering, or computer science.

Given the inherent evolution of many

ALAN SANDERSEN... continued on page 21

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Astros new manager committed and motivated — Bo knows the business of baseball

By Wayne Chandler

W

hen you’re around Marquis Donnell “Bo” Porter for very long you’ll know that he’s a man on

a mission.

His current mission, as the Houston Astros baseball club’s new manager, is to motivate a bunch of no-name, young, hungry baseball players into a formidable, contending major league baseball club.

New manager -- the youngest manager in all of major league ball. New team.

New logo. New uniforms. New league, the American League.

New home in Missouri City although he and his wife, Stacey have lived in Fort Bend for years.

Is Bo overwhelmed by all of this newness?

Absolutely not. He is committed to building the Houston Astros into a winner, and in a hurry. His bosses, owner Jim Crane and general manager Jeff Luhnow, say that they don’t expect the Astros to be a real contender until 2015. Bo says that is too long to wait.

Bo, a third base coach for the Washington Nationals for the past two seasons, cites the amazing year that the Nationals had last season, missing the playoffs by only one game, after a very mediocre record in 2011.

Bo says the Nationals’ success was because many of the club’s farm system players blossomed quickly. “When fans think about Washington they think about (pitcher) Stephen Strasburg and (outfielder sensation) Bryce Harper and forget about the success of several others in the farm system that came into their own, “ Bo said.

Bo is elated with the wealth of farm talent which the Astros have developed or acquired this past year by trading off the more established players.

He notes that the Astros were considered to have the worst farm system in 2011, and

20

Bo thought for a moment and said, “We’ll be competitive from opening day.”

Bo said that he got many of his motivational qualities from Hayden Fry, football coach for the Iowa University Hawkeyes.

Born in Newark, N.J., Bo went to Iowa on a football and baseball scholarship. “Coach Fry wanted his players to have the same motivation that he did.”

Porter, an outfielder, was Mark D. Troth, president of River Oaks Bank, left, and Bo drafted by the Chicago Cubs Porter, new Astros manager. in the 40th round of the 1993 major league draft out of Iowa. now are rated the best. “I have confidence in He made his major league debut in 1999 this farm system,” Bo said. with the Cubs. Following that season he It was just a matter of time before Bo, was selected by the Oakland Athletics in 40, would get a chance to lead a major the Rule 5 draft. After the 2000 season he league team. Bo got the Astros manager was selected by the Texas Rangers. He was job, succeeding Brad Mills, after the Astros granted free agency after the 2001 season made an exhaustive search, interviewing a and played the remainder of his career in the dozen candidates. Bo had been interviewed Atlanta Braves and Colorado Rockies minor during the past three season by the league systems.

Arizona Diamondbacks, Florida Marlins, It was at Iowa on the first day of school and Pittsburgh Pirates. The latter club that Bo met Stacey, a native Houstonian interviewed Bo for six hours but the club from the Westbury area. “We hit it off owner had decided that he didn’t want to go together right away,” Bo said. They’ve been with someone who didn’t have managerial married eight years, and have a four-year experience in the majors. old son, Bryce. The Porters have made Fort Bo managed a Class A-Advanced club, the Bend their off-season home ever since they Jamestown Jammers in 2006, then served as married. It’s great to be able to live here.”

Marlins’ third base coach and outfield and Bo loves Fort Bend, and has a friendly baserunning instructor from 2007 to 2009. and business relationship with Texana He became the Diamondbacks’ third base resident Mark D. Troth, president of River coach in 2010. A couple of months after the Oaks Bank. Mark’s son, Jason, a former 2010 season, the Nationals hired Porter as Texas Christian University pitcher, is a third base coach.

Village of Oak Lake resident and operates Bo said that he’ll establish very early Plantation Landscaping. Mark and Jason with his young players that they have a rare have closely watched Bo’s career since he opportunity to perform with a major league became a coach with the Marlins, and have club, and he’ll remind them that there are visited Bo’s Spring training camps. other players available to the Astros who Bo knows that most major league baseball would be happy to replace them. managers eventually get fired. Bo ignores Bo was asked how soon that he believed that premise. “I expect to be here the rest of that the Astros would “be competitive.” my career, ” he smiled.

April 2013 H Fort Bend / Katy Business Journal

Your best marketing tool is still the most basic one

By Marsha Friedman

N

ew concepts are constantly emerging in marketing.

We’ve seen the rise of “green marketing” — appealing to people’s environmental concerns by emphasizing recycled packaging and the like.

And mobile marketing, finding new ways to get the attention of potential customers clutching hand-held devices.

There’s a lot to be said for new strategies, but it sometimes seems people get dazzled by novel approaches. They forget there’s one enduring strategy that never fails.

Honesty. You can only do so much telling customers and prospective clients about who and what you are. At some point, you have to show them. And if the experience you provide doesn’t match with how you’ve represented yourself, your company, your practice, product or book, they’ll not only walk away — they’ll likely take others with them.

There are a lot of ways your honesty — or lack of it — can be revealed in the course of a day. Sometimes, it may seem like the price of being honest is just too high, for instance, when you’ve made a mistake you fear will seriously damage your reputation.

Do you own up to the mistake? Blame someone else? Cover it up?

I like Jason Fried’s answer. Jason is the co-founder of 37signals, a company that produces a chat tool called Campfire for small businesses. A couple years ago, he wrote a column in Inc. magazine about what happened when Campfire malfunctioned, sparking a real wildfire of rage among his customers.

But, he wrote, “People don’t judge you on the basis of your mistakes — they judge you on the manner in which you own up to them.”

Jason and his business partner were honest about their mistake, and sincere and consistent in their apologies. They corrected the problem, of course, and also gave their customers a free month of service for the disruption.

By the end of their nightmare, Jason and his business partner were getting messages like this from their customers: “37signals has been giving a free lesson in customer service and honesty the past few weeks.”

While I don’t believe anyone reading this would intentionally lie to customers or in their marketing, there are many situations that test us! I find it helps to have the rules of engagement firmly in place before a situation arises.

HERE ARE A FEW GOOD “OLDSCHOOL” MARKETING STRATEGIES: • Be honest about what you can do – and what you can’t. I’m a “yes we can” kind of businesswoman. I’ve succeeded in business because I know there’s almost always a way around an obstacle if you’re flexible and creative in problem-solving. I don’t back down from a challenge just because it’s something I’ve never done before. However, I also know there are some things I cannot do. Recently, I had a prospective, high-profile client who would’ve been a dream to bring onboard. In our many conversations, he talked about the kind of publicity he wanted and the general goals he hoped to meet. I knew we would have no problem getting him what he was looking for. But then, just as he was preparing to sign a contract, he shared what he really wanted: His own regular segment on a national network morning show.

To get that he would need more than a publicity campaign, so it’s unlikely we could make it happen for him. And I was honest about that. He didn’t sign on with us, but, more important, we maintained our integrity and he’s not disappointed.

• Keep your word. If you offer a “money back guarantee,” honor it upon request.

If you say you’ll pay a referral fee, pay it immediately. If you say you’ll have something done by a certain date, move heaven and earth to meet the deadline. If for some reason you can’t, let the customer know, tell them why and be prepared to help mitigate the consequences if possible. (The corollary rule on deadlines is don’t promise more than you can deliver!)

Fort Bend / Katy Business Journal H April 2013

• Remember, there’s a fine line between attention-getting and trickery.

In marketing, the competition for attention is overwhelming, so we draw upon all of our creativity to make ourselves stand out. That’s fine. Tricking people is not. In fact, some tricks — like the old bait-andswitch tactic — amount to fraud. Others may not have legal consequences but can be just as damaging. (I’m thinking of the congratulatory emails sent out by LinkedIn a couple weeks ago, telling members “You have one of the top 10 (or 5 or 1) percent most viewed profiles for 2012.” Many recipients were pleased and rushed to share their exclusive ranking on social media. Many weren’t so pleased when the Los Angeles Times reported millions of other members also got the emails.)

It boils down to the Golden Rule for business — do unto your clients, customers and prospects as you would like done unto you.

ALAN SANDERSEN... continued from page 19

manufacturing and construction processes, and the frequent need for innovation, it’s no surprise that many activities qualify for the credit. For example, contractors, architects and engineers are often faced with unique site conditions or project requirements that demand innovative solutions. In that group, some the best candidates for R&D credits are construction companies engaged in engineering, procurement and construction or design-build projects. But any business that invests in technological innovations may be eligible such as banks and title companies that develop software in house as well as manufactures creating a new product line including the capital cost of facilities and equipment.

Alan Sandersen is a columnist for the Fort Bend Business Journal and is a Partner with Sandersen Knox & Co, L.L.P., Certified Public Accountants. He can be reached at 281-242-3232. www.sktx.com. H

21

Will Fort Bend County be a link?

Texas-Oklahoma Passenger Rail Study to receive public input

T

he Rail Division of the Texas Department of Transportation has scheduled 12 public scoping meetings as it proceeds to work on an Intercity Passenger Rail plan between Oklahoma and South Texas.

The meetings, scheduled for March and April, will give the public a chance to voice what they would like to see in future passenger rail service.

The list of meeting locations and dates are on a new TxDOT Website: www.TXOKrail. org. Under the “More Information” section, choose “Get Involved” for cities where the public forum will occur.

Mark Werner from the TxDOT Rail Division indicated that “We are excited to invite you to a series of 12 scoping open houses that will be held the last week of March and first week of April for the TexasOklahoma Passenger Rail Study (TOPRS).

As you may know, the study will evaluate a range of passenger rail service options in an 850-mile corridor from Oklahoma city to south Texas, concluding in a service-level environmental impact statement (EIS).”

TXDOT has prepared a flyer that describes the scope of the public meetings.

It describes how Texas’ population and economy are booming with much of its growth occurring in the already congested IH-35 corridor.

While the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) continues to look at roadway improvements to keep all of us and our economy moving, other options, such as passenger rail service, fit the needs of many travelers and would reduce demand on the state’s roadways.

Through the Texas-Oklahoma Passenger Rail Study (TOPRS), TxDOT will consider how passenger rail service could fit into this corridor. TOPRS will evaluate a range of passenger rail service options in an 850-mile corridor from Oklahoma City to south Texas and will conclude with a service-level

22

environmental impact statement (EIS). The study will consider the corridor as a whole, as well as within three segments: • Oklahoma City to Dallas/Fort Worth • Dallas/Fort Worth to San Antonio • San Antonio to Rio Grande Valley • Corpus Christi to Laredo Because the corridor extends north of the Red River to Oklahoma, the Oklahoma Department of Transportation (ODOT) is an important partner in the study. In addition, transit service providers, railroads, metropolitan planning organizations (MPOs), and cities and counties, as well as community members.

During scoping, the first step in the EIS process,TxDOT and the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) will invite the public to provide input about what should be studied in the service-level EIS. During the scoping period, TxDOT will accept public comments in writing, through the TOPRS website, and at public meetings held throughout the corridor. After the April 2013 H Fort Bend / Katy Business Journal

public scoping period ends on April 26, 2013,TxDOT will compile all comments received and determine the scope of the EIS. The Texas-Oklahoma Passenger Rail Study (TOPRS) is expected to be completed in 24 months. It will document the costs, benefits, and impacts of rail service alternatives compared to a no-build alternative in a service-level environmental impact statement (EIS). The EIS, a federally required document that complies with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), will provide a high-level review of rail needs and potential service options in the corridor.

The study could conclude with a decision to advance individual projects for more detailed study or a decision against making further investments in passenger rail in the corridor.

Before any identified project could be constructed, the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) would need to complete additional environmental review and identify funding.

DIGITAL

STUDIO

VIDEOS

Behind the Scene

By Elsa Maxey

Executive Producer Star Video Productions

Video communications a requirement? Now more than ever!

Many organizations have begun to rethink how they communicate, especially now with all the technical advances underway.

There is a lot to gain from video communications. There is a basic need for people to want to see a face or some kind of action that cannot be replicated with words or still photos. Not exactly a face-to-face communication, but it’s the closest thing since most communication is non-verbal, but visual. It’s the sort of thing that keeps decisions moving forward.

The next time you see a video, think about what you’ve experienced.

Sometimes without one word being spoken, the video…more than a picture…is

worth tenfold more than a thousand words.

What you’re seeing is motion, it’s alive, just like you. Videos move and have sound. Often times, they have more personality than print, even it it’s an article. Video makes a message dynamic and engaging.

It’s important to make a point how in today’s fast-paced, decision-making environment, there are times when meeting in person is not efficient or even possible, and yet there’s a message that needs to be conveyed. Don’t take the risk of not maximizing it.

Videos are great for marketing for a lot of reasons. People like to watch them.

They are more entertaining than text. They are concise and pack a ton of information.

Keep in mind, however, that most people will want to watch short pieces. Sometimes two minutes can be a long time to talk about one thing.

Thirty seconds (:30) is plenty to give anyone time to explain one topic. There is no limit to what you can do with video.

Let us help you express your company’s personality with your brand. Give us a call.

Elsa Malakoff is a contributor to the Fort Bend Business Journal and Fort Bend Star and a Exevutive Producer of Star Video Productions. She can be reached at 281690-4280.

Visit www.Starvideoproductions.com or email elsamaxey@starvideoproductions.com.

DO IT! Video your website. Are you taking advantage of this powerful tool to set yourself apart from the competition?

You can now have your commercial message playing around the clock to a global audience.

Google and other search engines love video.

A video on your website will place you higher in search rankings.

And your customers love video. It’s dynamic and engaging.

At Star Studio Digital Studios, we can help you from conception to completion. Whether you need high-quality video for your website, a TV commercial for traditional cable or broadcast or a promotional video on DVD to deliver to potential customers, we can help.

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23

Methodist Orthopaedic Specialists of Texas provides injury prevention outreach to local athletes

W

hen local athletes are injured, they rely on the physicians and therapists at Methodist Orthopaedic Specialists of Texas (MOST) to get them back into the competition quickly.

To help prevent injuries in the first place, rehabilitation specialists from MOST are now providing in-service training and seminars to local runners, swimmers and triathletes in groups such as the Sienna Running Club, the Finish Line Sports speed workout group, Rice Aquatics and the Fort Bend Masters swim team.

“The athletes who have been through our sessions have all been very appreciative,” says Geri Gandingco, Outpatient Manager with MOST’s Department of Rehabilitation Services. “Even athletes who have been running or swimming for many

years may not understand how to properly prepare for a workout or competition to ensure that their bodies are ready. So we focus on proper warm-ups and cool-downs for the individual sports.

We teach participants how to listen to and recognize the messages that their bodies are sending about overuse or incorrect form – the types of situations that can cause serious injuries. It’s an informative session that can prevent a lot of pain and trouble down the road.”

For athletes who wind up needing help for injury or chronic pain, the sports medicine and orthopedic specialists at MOST – many of whom have experience working with high-level college and professional athletes – provide the latest and most effective medical and surgical treatments. And if therapy is required, MOST offers physical, occupational, aquatic and hand therapy from some of the

area’s most experienced and knowledgeable professionals, including many therapists who are certified in their respective specialties.

“Our staff includes board-certified specialists in sports therapy, orthopedic therapy and hand therapy as well as specialists who are fellowship trained in manipulative and manual therapy and certified in strength and conditioning,” says Gandingco. “We can help any local athlete recover more quickly from injury – and help prevent future injuries – through our use of leading edge therapeutic techniques.”

Gandingco says MOST would like to expand its injury prevention clinics to reach more local athletes, including those involved in biking, tennis, golf and even youth sports organizations. To schedule a session or for more information, contact Gandingco at 281-340-6476 or email GRGandingco@tmhs.org.

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April 2013 H Fort Bend / Katy Business Journal

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At Foster High School, Cambrey is a member of Varsity Glitter-N-Gold Show Choir, Jazz Choir, National Honor Society and more. Cambrey has extensive performance experience in musicals including Mamma Mia!, Cinderella and South Pacific. Cambrey is currently casted as Muzzy in Thoroughly Modern Millie with HITS theater in Houston. A certified bird rescuer and handler with Houston Wildlife Rescue, a choir, math and science tutor and a six-year volunteer with special education children, Cambrey is an avid contributor to the Fort Bend community. After high school, she plans to attend Texas State University in San Marcos to study Vocal Performance. Cambrey was selected as part of Texas Direct Auto’s commitment to educational excellence through the “Scholarship Stars” program. Application details are listed at www.fortbendfocus.com.

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Fluor recognized on Ethisphere’s World Most Ethical Companies list for seventh straight year

“A

t Fluor, we take our commitment to ethical business behavior very seriously and through our global programs work to promote a culture that helps our employees address this important issue in their everyday work lives,” Fluor Corporation (NYSE: FLR) has announced that it was named as one of the Ethisphere Institute’s World’s Most Ethical (WME) Companies for 2013. This year marks the seventh consecutive year that Fluor has been honored with the WME distinction.

The Ethisphere Institute, a leading international organization dedicated to the creation, advancement and sharing of best practices in business ethics, governance, anti-corruption and sustainability, selects the WME companies that embrace ethical business practices and demonstrate industry leadership.

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behavior very seriously and through our global programs work to promote a culture that helps our employees address this important issue in their everyday work lives,” said Glenn Gilkey, senior vice president for human resources and administration.

“We are truly honored to receive this recognition for a seventh straight year. Fluor owes its success in this area to our diverse employee workforce, all of whom embody Fluor’s values of integrity, safety, teamwork and excellence regardless of their job assignment or work location.”

“Not only did more companies apply for the World’s Most Ethical Companies recognition this year than any year in the past, which demonstrates that ethical activity is an important part of many of these companies’ business models, but we are also seeing more companies be proactive and create new initiatives that expand ethics programs and cultures across entire industries, such as industry-based ethics associations and other activities,” said Alex Brigham, Executive Director of Ethisphere.

“We are excited to see the 2013 World’s Most Ethical Companies take these leadership positions, and embrace the correlation between ethical behavior and improved financial performance.”

Ethisphere reviewed nominations from companies in more than 100 countries and 36 industries with a multi-step analysis.

The methodology for the World’s Most Ethical Companies includes reviewing codes of ethics, litigation and regulatory infraction histories; evaluating the investment in innovation and sustainable business practices; looking at activities designed to improve corporate citizenship; and studying nominations from senior executives, industry peers, suppliers and customers.

For more information about the methodology and to view the complete list of the 2013 World’s Most Ethical Companies, visit http://ethisphere.com/wme. The World’s Most Ethical Companies list will also be featured in the 2013 Quarter 1 issue of Ethisphere Magazine.

The research-based Ethisphere® Institute is a leading international think-tank dedicated to the creation, advancement and sharing of best practices in business ethics, corporate social responsibility, anti-corruption and sustainability. Ethisphere Magazine, which publishes the globally recognized World’s Most Ethical Companies Ranking™, is the quarterly publication of the Institute. Ethisphere provides the only third-party verifications of compliance programs and ethical cultures that include: Ethics Inside® Certification, Compliance Leader Verification™ and Anti-Corruption Program Verification. More information on the Ethisphere Institute, including ranking projects and membership, can be found at http://www.ethisphere.com.

April 2013 H Fort Bend / Katy Business Journal

Fluor tops FORTUNE magazine’s Most Admired Companies Engineering & Construction list Company ranked No. 1 for second consecutive year among industry peers

“F

luor has a strong tradition of executing complex international work and every year we deliver approximately 1,000 projects around the globe.

We are able to accomplish our work through a very talented and dedicated global workforce and I want to congratulate them on this year’s FORTUNE rankings.”

Fluor Corporation (NYSE: FLR) has announced that the company was recognized by FORTUNE Magazine in its 2013 “World’s Most Admired Companies” list earning the top ranking in the engineering and construction sector. For the second year in a row, Fluor earned the top designation among its peers in the E&C sector. Additionally, Fluor ranked in the overall top 10 in the “Global Competitiveness” category along with other respected companies such as Caterpillar, Google and ExxonMobil.

“It is an incredible honor to not only rank at the top of our industry, but to also be recognized in the Global Competitiveness category among such well known and leading-edge companies,” said David Seaton, Fluor Corporation’s chairman and chief executive officer. “Fluor has a strong tradition of executing complex international work and every year we deliver approximately 1,000 projects around the globe. We are able to accomplish our work through a very talented and dedicated global workforce and I want to congratulate them on this year’s FORTUNE rankings.”

This year marks the 30th anniversary of FORTUNE Magazine’s list of companies ranked by reputation. Since 1997, FORTUNE has collaborated with The Hay Group, a global management consulting firm, to identify, select and rank the World’s Most Admired Companies based on the business practices, innovative spirit and social responsibility that make companies which are chosen for the list both highly regarded and successful.

FORTUNE’s “Most Admired Companies” list is considered a definitive “report card” on corporate reputations. The rankings are compiled by measuring corporate reputation and performance against nine key attributes: innovation, people management, use of corporate assets, social responsibility, quality of management, financial soundness, long-term investment, quality of products and services and global competitiveness.

The 2013 list of the Most Admired Companies is featured in FORTUNE Magazine’s March issue. For more information, please visit http://money.cnn.com/magazines/fortune/mostadmired.

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FAMILY LAW • PROBATE CIVIL LITIGATION COMMERCIAL TRANSACTIONS Farha Ahmed 2150 TOWN SQUARE PLACE Sugar Land, Texas 77479 Tel: 281.313.3839 Fax: 281.313.3842 www.farhaahmedlaw.com

Fort Bend / Katy Business Journal H April 2013

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Texas leads nation in exports, Texas Transportation Commission establishes Freight Advisory Committee

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or 11 consecutive years, Texas ranks as the leading exporter in the nation. Texas exports for 2012 totaled $265 billion, a 5.4 percent increase from $251 billion in 2011 and outperformed overall U.S. exports, which only grew by 4.3 percent to $1.54 trillion.

The state’s top export recipients were Mexico, Canada, China, Brazil, and the Netherlands, which respectively imported $94.8 billion, $23.7 billion, $10.3 billion, $10.0 billion, and $9.5 billion in Texas-manufactured goods.

Recognizing the important role freight plays in our state, the Texas Transportation Commission recently established its first Freight Advisory Committee. The panel of experts will serve as a forum for agency transportation decisions affecting freight mobility.

“The movement of goods is the backbone of the Texas economy,” said Chairman Ted Houghton, Texas Transportation

Committee. “It’s clear that transportation planning needs to include and accommodate freight activity. “We look forward to the work and input this advisory committee will provide us.”

The group, led by Harris County Judge Ed Emmett as chair and Cameron County Judge Carlos Cascos as vice-chair, will provide advice and recommendations to the Texas Department of Transportation regarding freight transportation and will assist in identifying potential corridors that are critical to the state’s economic growth and global competitiveness.

TxDOT has invited entities from the port, agriculture, trucking, manufacturing, government, energy, retail and rail industries to be a part of the group. Those confirmed include representatives from: Texas Association of Manufacturers; Texas Port Association; Texas Motor Transportation Association; Texas Farm Bureau; Economic Development and Tourism Division of the Governor’s Office; Port of Houston

Authority; Texas Economic Development Council; BNSF; and Judge Ed Emmett.

Many of the committee members previously served as members of TxDOT’s Panama Canal Stakeholder Working Group and provided assistance in addressing Texas’ water-borne freight and port challenges.

“The ability of the state to thrive in the global economy depends on the strength of our freight transportation system,” said TxDOT Executive Director Phil Wilson.

“Texas is the global gateway to the United States. One of our top priorities is planning safe and efficient freight transportation movement.”

The advisory committee will meet regularly to develop recommendations regarding statewide freight transportation policies and performance measures, a comprehensive and multimodal statewide freight transportation plan and to provide assistance in identifying freight-related priorities and funding projections.

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April 2013 H Fort Bend / Katy Business Journal

Sugar Land’s Fire Station No. 7 receives silver LEED certification

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ire Station No. 7 recently achieved Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification at the “Silver” level.

The fire station’s environmentally conscious construction and sustainable practices make it the City’s first LEED certified building.

Buildings are awarded LEED certification depending on the number of credits they are awarded in the categories of sustainable sites, water efficiency, energy and atmosphere, materials and resources and indoor environmental quality.

“Sugar Land firefighters believe the LEED aspects of the building make a positive impact on the station,” said Assistant Fire Chief Clay Fenwick. “The natural lighting features make the station feel more open and the individual climate controls for the dorm

rooms allow personnel to adjust temperatures for their individual comfort.”

The station’s sustainable features include the following items: • Regional materials were used for construction, and an emphasis was placed on the use of recycled products throughout the building.

• The wood used for the walls, cabinetry and doors is certified by the Forest Stewardship Council, an organization that promotes responsible forest management.

• Toilets, faucets and shower heads with low water flow rates reduce the station’s water consumption by at least 20 percent.

• The station also provides bicycle storage and encourages firefighters to carpool by offering priority parking for those vehicles.

• Energy efficient appliances, light fixtures and HVAC systems serve the station’s needs

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while reducing energy consumption costs.

Fire Station No. 7’s Silver LEED certification marks a significant milestone in the City of Sugar Land’s effort to reduce its environmental footprint.

Pictured (l-r) during a LEED certification ceremony at Fire Station No. 7 was Councilmember Amy Mitchell; Mayor James Thompson; and Councilmembers Harish Jajoo, Donald L. Smithers and Himesh Gandhi.

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Patient gets an uplifting visit from a surprise visitor

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ecovering in his room after surgery, patient Malcolm Host received a powerful pick-me-up when he was able to see a familiar face with a cold, wet nose.

Host received a visit in the hospital by his dog, Chai, a 6 year old toy poodle.

Chai’s trip to the hospital was the first personal pet visit at Methodist Sugar Land Hospital (MSLH), facilitated

by PAWS Houston. Typically, pet therapy involves the use of animals that do not belong to the patients.

“This is wonderful of MSLH to coordinate this visit. To me, having her here makes all the difference in the

world,” Host said, as he stroked his dog’s ears. The pet visitation program allows personal pets to visit their owners

Malcolm Host, Donna Host and Chai.

in the hospital for a short time, usually about an hour. The program provides an extra measure of support for patients.

“Because they give comfort and unconditional love, pets have a special place in their families’ hearts,” said Patricia Lewis, Director of ICU at MSLH. “Enabling a patient to see his or her favorite pet is like medicine for the soul. It lowers blood pressure and pulse as well as improves the patient’s sense of well being.”

The Methodist Hospital System works in partnership with PAWS (Pets Are Wonderful Support) Houston, a locally based nonprofit group, to make sure pets have proper vaccinations and temperament to make such a visit.

Fort Bend Chamber Partner appreciation awards

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n February, the Fort Bend Chamber Partners met at Tradicao Brazilian Steakhouse to celebrate the success of this past year. Fort Bend Chamber Chairman Stewart Jacobson thanked the volunteers for their support of the Chamber, “We are successful because of volunteers like you. We believe this program has a huge potential in shaping the chamber membership for decades to come.” The Fort Bend Chamber Partners mentor the chamber’s new members and assist with membership retention. Jacobson then presented the Founders Award to Nancy Colmenares who was the catalyst for the Chamber Partner program. Todd Tauzin had the honor of receiving the first ever Chamber Partner of the Year Award. As Jacobson stated, “Through his tireless efforts of volunteering, sponsoring and giving of his resources, Todd Tauzin is most deserving of this unique distinction.”

The secret in Fort Bend County is actually very simple. Do business and

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network in Fort Bend County. For over 40 years, the Fort Bend Chamber has diligently fulfilled its mission to serve as the advocate for business excellence in Fort Bend County. When it comes to meeting the premier business leaders of Fort Bend, the best place for networking success is the Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce. As a

April 2013 H Fort Bend / Katy Business Journal

member, you are welcome and included in the happenings of one of America’s fastest growing counties. Success in business is what you make of it, so make the most of it with the Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce … where success is just around the Bend!

Visit www.FortbendChamber. com to learn more.

Four pitchers added to 2013 roster

Club signs returners from 2012; inks right-handers Wells and Blacksher

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he Sugar Land Skeeters have announced that the club has added four pitchers to the 2013 roster: right-handed pitchers and returning Skeeters Michael Nix and Gary Majewski, as well as Jared Wells and Derek Blacksher. The announcement was made by Skeeters Manager Gary Gaetti and Director of Operations Michael Kirk.

Nix returns to Constellation Field after making 32 appearances (17 starts) with the Skeeters in 2012. The righty transitioned into a starting role with the club last season and finished 4-11 with a 4.89 ERA (59ER/108.2IP) with 88 strikeouts.

Originally selected by Atlanta in the 11th round of the June 2005 Draft, Nix owns a 30-32 career minor league record with a 3.95 ERA (204ER/465.1IP) in 317 games.

Majewski went 5-3 with a 3.38 ERA (25ER/66.2IP) while collecting a team-best 25 saves for the Skeeters in 2012. Prior to joining Sugar Land, the Houston native spent parts of six seasons in the Major Leagues with Montreal (2004), Washington (2005-06), Cincinnati (2006-08) and Houston (2010), posting a 9-13 record with a 4.75 ERA (128ER/242.1IP) in 231 Major League appearances. Originally selected by the Chicago White Sox in the second round of the June 1998 Draft, Majewski owns a 50-46 career minor league record with a 4.00 ERA (370ER/833.1IP) in 438 games.

Wells signed with Sugar Land in2012 prior to being picked up by the Colorado Rockies organization during Spring Training. In 19 games with Triple A Colorado Springs last year, Wells held no record with a 5.96 ERA (15ER/22.2IP) with 18 strikeouts. The Texas native owns a career 42-55 minor league record with a 4.51 ERA (414ER/825.1IP) in 277 games (111 starts). Originally selected by San Diego in the 31st round of the June 2002 Draft, Wells has pitched in a combined eight Major League games with the Padres (2008) and the Mariners (2008).

Blacksher comes to the Skeeters after spending three seasons with the Wichita

Wingnuts of the American Association of Independent Professional Baseball. He was acquired via trade with the Wingnuts for future considerations. The right-hander went 10-5 with Wichita last season, maintaining a 4.55 ERA (73ER/144.1IP) over 23 appearances (22 starts). Drafted by the Marlins in the 33rd round of the June 2007 Draft out of McNeese State University, Blacksher owns a career 44-33 record and 4.39 ERA (307ER/629.2IP) over six minor league seasons.

Opening Day for the Sugar Land Skeeters is scheduled for Thursday, April 18 at Constellation Field against the Long Island Ducks. Skeeters eight-game and full-season ticket plans are still available, so fans are encouraged to act now and be a part of the 2013 season excitement.

For more information about the Atlantic League, the Sugar Land Skeeters or how

Sugar Land 8410 Hwy 90A Stafford 3531 S. Main Missouri City 3600 FM 1092 (713) 388-7600

Fort Bend / Katy Business Journal H April 2013

to purchase tickets, visit the team’s website at www.sugarlandskeeters.com or call the Skeeters ticket office at 281.240.HITS. The Sugar Land Skeeters, led by Manager and former Major League AllStar Gary Gaetti, play at Constellation Field, a $37 million stadium located at the intersection of State Highway 6 and U.S. Highway 90A in Sugar Land – just 20 minutes from downtown Houston.

The Skeeters play 140 regular season games (70 home, 70 away) in the Atlantic League, considered the highest level of Minor League Baseball.

Atlantic League players are “Major League ready” and in the last 15 years, over 600 players have graduated from Atlantic League clubs to Major League organizations, making the League a preferred route for experienced players to be scouted by Major League Baseball.

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Telesleep at Houston VA: A new source of support for veterans

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he Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center (MEDVAMC) is providing care to Veterans with sleep related breathing

disorders in its rural areas with telemedicine technologies.

Telesleep provides veterans at the MEDVAMC community outpatient

Local Doctor Bids Goodbye to Patients Mickey V. Bush, M D, FAAFP 3424 FM 1092 Rd. Suite 220 Missouri City, Texas. 77459 To my dear sweet patients, I have decided to retire from practice on April 30, 2013. The only part of this decision that has been hard is the fact that I won’t continue to have you in my life. Thank you all so much for allowing me to be your family doctor all these 30+ years. Every night when I walk out of the office I thank the good Lord up above for all of you.

I tell everyone I meet that I have the best patients in the world, and you are.

Many of you started with me when I was an intern 34 years ago and have allowed me to share your life since then.

We have grow up together, we had marriages, had babies together, went through raising little ones, saw them graduate, deploy to foreign lands, return and continue with life.

We also have been through hard times -deaths, losses, disappointments, illnesses, incredible pain and sadness - again together. You have given me do much that I will never be able to repay, but please know I love you all dearly and would have fought the devil himself to take care of you the way you deserved.

When I went into Family Medicine, I mistakenly thought that meant I would be taking care of the whole family. I know now it meant you all would become my family. You are all wonderful people who have enriched my life and made me the luckiest woman on earth. You are my dear hearts. Please call the office and we will refer you to good, caring, competent physicians in this area.

Sincerely yours, Mickey V. Bush, M. D.

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April 2013 H Fort Bend / Katy Business Journal

clinics in Lufkin, Beaumont, Conroe, Richmond, Lake Jackson, Galveston and Texas City with faster diagnosis and treatment options for sleep related breathing disorders such as obstructive sleep apnea.

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is one of the most common types of sleep disorders.

It occurs when the upper airway becomes narrow as the upper airway muscles relax naturally during sleep. In OSA, breathing stops or becomes very shallow. This type of event may happen hundreds of times each and every night. This reduces oxygen in the blood and causes arousal from sleep. The low oxygen is the main reason for other medical problems such as heart diseases.

A major symptom is extremely loud snoring, sometimes so loud that bed partners find it intolerable. Other indications that sleep apnea may be present are obesity, persistent daytime sleepiness, bouts of awakening out of breath during the night, and frequently waking in the morning with a dry mouth or a headache. A patient with OSA usually wakes up feeling un-refreshed and tired. Only a sleep study in a sleep laboratory or home sleep testing can show definitively that sleep apnea is present and determine its severity.

Each veteran is assigned a home sleep testing kit and trained on how to properly use it for a period of sleep of at least 4-6 hours. The device is returned to the health care provider as soon as possible, and the data is extracted from the device and sent to the sleep physician for evaluation and diagnosis.

Upon diagnosis of OSA, if the patient’s OSA is not complicated by other illnesses, the veteran returns to the clinic to receive their Positive Airway Pressure (PAP) machine. “Untreated, OSA is associated with high blood pressure, heart failure and other cardiovascular diseases, stroke, memory problems, weight gain, impotence, and headaches. Fortunately, sleep apnea can be diagnosed and treated,” said Amir Sharafkhaneh, M.D., Ph.D., medical director of the MEDVAMC Sleep Disorder Center.

Get all the tax breaks you can Scott Staples, Vice President Fidelity Investments Katy Investor Center

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s you tackle your 2012 federal income tax return, you might actually uncover a few surprises. Some deductions and exemptions increased, a few that had expired were reinstated, and Congress patched the alternative minimum tax (AMT) not just for 2012, but permanently.

Here are some key points and useful tips to keep in mind as you tackle your 2012 tax returns.

There’s still time to potentially lower your tax bill for 2012 by contributing to a traditional IRA, a SEP-IRA if you’re self-employed, or a Health Savings Account (HSA). Provided you qualify, you can make your tax-deductible contribution to these accounts right up until the filing deadline, April 15.

In the category of “every little bit helps,” the personal exemption for you and each of your dependents increased by $100 for 2012, to $3,800. Also, the standard deduction for taxpayers who choose not to itemize increased to $5,950 for single filers, up $150, and to $11,900 for joint filers, up $300.

The marginal tax brackets also shifted upward, which could shave a bit off your tax bill. For example, the upper limit of the 25% bracket for singles increased to $85,650, up $2,050, while the same bracket for joint filers went to $142,700, up $3,350.

For 2012, the AMT exemption is $50,600 for unmarried

individuals, $78,750 for married couples filing jointly, and $39,375 for married taxpayers filing separately.

If you made qualified energy-saving improvements to your home in 2012—including energy-efficient windows and doors —you may be able to subtract up to $500 from your tax bill.

Workers may be able to retroactively set aside up to $240 per month in pretax income to pay for using public transportation to get to work in 2012 (increasing to $245 in 2013), provided their employer offered such a plan.

For teachers, the fiscal cliff deal extended for 2012 and 2013 the educator expense deduction of $250 for out-of-pocket money they spend on classroom supplies, materials, books, and software.

If you’re self-employed, don’t overlook a provision that allows you to deduct the full amount of health insurance premiums—not just for you, but also for your spouse and dependents. Even better, the Affordable Care Act of 2010 allows you to deduct the cost of health insurance you purchased for nondependent children under age 27.

An important reminder: Congress enacted tax increases for 2013, mostly for high-income taxpayers. The sooner you understand what they are and how they affect you, the more effectively you can shape your tax strategies for the current year. For more tax season information, visit www.fidelity.com/viewpoints.

Keep in mind that investing involves risk. The value of your investment will fluctuate over time and you may gain or lose money.

The tax information contained herein is general in nature, is provided for informational purposes only, and should not be construed as legal or tax advice. Fidelity does not provide legal or tax advice. Fidelity cannot guarantee that such information is accurate, complete, or timely. Laws of a particular state or laws that may be applicable to a particular situation may have an impact on the applicability, accuracy, or completeness of such information. Federal and state laws and regulations are complex and are subject to change. Changes in such laws and regulations may have a material impact on pre- and/or after-tax investment results. Fidelity does not assume any obligation to inform you of any subsequent changes in the tax law or other factors that could affect the information contained herein.

Fidelity makes no warranties with regard to such information or results obtained by its use. Fidelity disclaims any liability arising out of your use of, or any tax position taken in reliance on, such information. Always consult an attorney or tax professional regarding your specific legal or tax situation.

Fidelity Brokerage Services LLC, Member NYSE, SIPC, 900 Salem Street, Smithfield, Rhode Island 02917 (645755.1.0)

Fort Bend / Katy Business Journal H April 2013

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NEWSWORTHY GOT NEWS? Send your press release to sharon@fortbendbusinessjournal.com

Five things to know about HB 4 for funding future Texas water

By Mike Barnett The Texas Legislature took a significant step recently toward meeting Texas’ future water needs as the House Committee on Natural Resources passed a bill to jump start water projects in Texas.

The multi-year drought that caused over $7.6 billion in agricultural losses in 2011 alone and is drying up water sources for many Texas towns and cities has drawn the attention of our lawmakers in Austin. HB 4

by Representative Allan Ritter (R-Nederland) proposes that $2 billion be used from the Rainy Day Fund to create a revolving loan program so communities can begin working on projects outlined in the State Water Plan.

A problem has been winnowing down the list—which includes more than 560 projects at an estimated cost of $53 billion—to get the biggest bang for the buck.

HB 4 does just that. Here’s five things you should know about the amended proposal: The bill creates a State Water Implementation Fund to finance revolving loan programs for water infrastructure and conservation projects through the State Water Plan.

The bill requires the 16 regional water planning groups to prioritize water projects in their regional plans. It then requires the Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) to rank Mike Barnett projects in the State Water Plan according to a point system that places the highest priority on projects that serve large populations, provide assistance to a diverse urban or rural population or provide regionalization. The TWDB must also consider other factors, including amount of the local contribution to finance the project, financial capacity of the applicant to repay, whether there’s an emergency and others.

HB 4 requires that 20 percent of the projects be dedicated to water conservation and reuse.

HB 4 asks that at least 10 percent of the fund be used for projects designed to serve rural areas.

Is HB 4 perfect? No. Although it’s an important start, this water project funding bill is a work in progress. The full House must consider it. Then there’s compromise with a Senate version.

Kitty Hollow Bark Park opened March 23 Fort Bend County officials and community leaders invited area residents to celebrate the grand opening and ribbon cutting ceremony of the Kitty Hollow Bark Park, held on March 23. The Kitty Hollow Bark Park is located inside of Kitty Hollow Park (across from Sienna Plantation), located at 9555 Highway 6, in Missouri City.

This facility is Fort Bend’s first off-leash park built exclusively for our four-legged family members. The park is designed to accommodate both large and small breed dogs with mirroring fenced in areas that include: swimming ponds, agility equipment, dog wash, shaded areas, lots of open space for pets to run, and a walking trail for all owners to enjoy.

“I am glad the county had the foresight to create a dog park for families in Fort Bend County. This dog park is a welcomed addition to our growing park system,” says Commissioner Grady Prestage.

Raising the stake for mental health services

Reynolds files HB 2261 to promote small business growth and create more jobs In March, State Rep. Ron Reynolds (Fort Bend County, District 27) filed House Bill 2261, which requires the comptroller and state agencies to give preferences to small businesses when purchasing goods or services with a value less than $500,000.

“Small businesses are the backbone of our economy and are critical to Texas’ economic strength and stability,” said Rep. Reynolds.

“This bill will provide crucial opportunities for our small businesses and will ensure they can continue to expand and thrive.”

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Small businesses represent 98.7 percent of all employers and employ 46.4 percent of the private-sector labor force. Small businesses are crucial to the fiscal condition of the state and numbered 2.3 million in 2011. In addition, they employ over 4 million people every year.

“I look forward to working with my colleagues in the House to move this bill forward so we can develop good policies that will create more jobs and expand economic prospects for our small business owners,” commented Reynolds.

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Mental Health America of Fort Bend County Executive Director Jeanne Wallace and Board Member Linda Knewtson along with two NAMI Fort Bend volunteers at the rally for Mental Health Services at the State Capitol in Austin recently. Wallace and Knewtson visited the offices of Representative Coleman, Representative Turner, Representative Reynolds, and Representative Zerwas to advocate for Medicaid expansion and funding for mental health services.

NEWSWORTHY

US Department of Labor announces approximately $6 million in grants available to states to improve workforce data quality The U.S. Department of Labor has announced the availability of approximately $6 million in grants for the third round of the Workforce Data Quality Initiative.

These funds will enable up to six additional states to build or expand longitudinal databases that link workforce and education data, enabling them to improve the performance of workforce programs.

“These grants will provide access to high quality data, which will help improve how the workforce system serves those who need assistance most,” said Jane Oates, assistant secretary of labor for employment and training. “Better data means better guidance for consumers, practitioners and policymakers. Better guidance means stronger workforce

programs and a stronger U.S. workforce.”

Grantees will be expected to use these longitudinal databases to conduct research and analysis aimed at determining the effectiveness of workforce and education programs, and to develop tools to inform customers of the publicly funded workforce system. This grant opportunity stems from the Obama administration’s focus on access to high-quality data and is related to the U.S. Department of Education’s Statewide Longitudinal Data Systems grants to build longitudinal education databases.

Grantees will be expected to achieve multiple goals during the three-year grant period. These include developing or improving state workforce longitudinal data systems with individual-level

information, enabling workforce data to be matched with education data to create longitudinal data systems, improving the quality and breadth of data in the workforce data systems, using longitudinal data to provide useful information about program operations, analyzing the performance of education and employment training programs, and providing user-friendly information to help consumers select the training and education programs that best suit their needs.

To find out more about the Workforce Data Quality Initiative, visit http://www.doleta.gov/performance/ workforcedatagrant09.cfm.

For information about applying for a grant, visit http://www.grants.gov.

Fortune names Union Pacific Most Admired Trucking, Transportation and Logistics Company for third consecutive year Fortune named Union Pacific, which owns track and schedules trains through Fort Bend County on a daily basis, the most admired among trucking, transportation and logistics companies for the third consecutive year. The magazine’s annual World’s Most Admired list shows Union Pacific ranked No. 1 in seven of nine reputation attributes identified by Fortune: • People management • Use of corporate assets • Social responsibility • Quality of management • Financial soundness • Long-term investment • Quality of products/services • The company ranked fourth in innovation and global competitiveness.

Fortune’s research partner, Hay Group, surveyed 3,800 executives, directors

and analysts to select companies they admired most from a list that began with approximately 1,400 companies.

“We are absolutely focused on creating value for our customers,” said Jack Koraleski, Union Pacific president and CEO. “After 150 years in business, 2012 was a record financial year, employee safety performance was the best ever, and our customer satisfaction score reached an all-time high. We remain committed to providing safe, reliable and innovative service that creates value for our customers and generates strong returns for investors.”

Union Pacific Railroad is the principal operating company of Union Pacific Corporation (NYSE: UNP). One of America’s most recognized companies, Union Pacific Railroad links 23 states in the western two-thirds of the country

Fort Bend / Katy Business Journal H April 2013

by rail, providing a critical link in the global supply chain. From 2007-2012, Union Pacific invested $18 billion in its network and operations to support America’s transportation infrastructure, including a record $3.7 billion in 2012.

The railroad’s diversified business mix includes Agricultural Products, Automotive, Chemicals, Coal, Industrial Products and Intermodal. Union Pacific serves many of the fastest-growing U.S. population centers, operates from all major West Coast and Gulf Coast ports to eastern gateways, connects with Canada’s rail systems and is the only railroad serving all six major Mexico gateways.

Union Pacific provides value to its roughly 10,000 customers by delivering products in a safe, reliable, fuel-efficient and environmentally responsible manner.

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NEWSWORTHY GOT NEWS? Send your press release to sharon@fortbendbusinessjournal.com

TCEQ Environmental Trade Fair & Conference begins April 30 TCEQ Conferences, Seminars, and Workshops The next ETFC is scheduled for April 30 - May 1, 2013, at the Austin Convention Center.

The Environmental Trade Fair and Conference (ETFC) is Texas’ premier environmental educational forum featuring topics such as the drought crisis, oil & gas, air quality, waste management, and many more.

For information or questions please email events@tceq.texas.gov.

Get e-mail announcements whenever we update information. From the list of choices, look under “TCEQ’s Annual Environmental Trade Fair and Conference” and select “Attendee and Exhibitor Information and Resources.”

You can also make other selections.

Fort Bend CORPS to help veterans and their families The CORPS, a Fort Bend 501C3 non-profit that initiates and coordinates community efforts to revitalize homes in Fort Bend through home repairs for the elderly, disabled and low income homeowners, is currently seeking USA military veterans who may need some assistance in their home repair.

To make application or to secure more information on the CORPS please visit their website at fbcorps.org or contact them at 281-617-7416.

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BNSF Announces $4.1 billion capital commitment program BNSF Railway Company (BNSF) has announced a planned 2013 capital commitment program of approximately $4.1 billion, approximately a $450 million increase over its 2012 capital spend of $3.6 billion.

The largest component of the capital plan is spending $2.3 billion on BNSF’s core network and related assets. BNSF also plans to spend approximately $1 billion on locomotive, freight car and other equipment acquisitions. In addition, the program includes about $250 million for continued installation of federally mandated positive train control (PTC) and $550 million for terminal, line and intermodal expansion and efficiency projects. BNSF’s expansion and efficiency projects will be primarily focused on capacity expansion to accommodate Bakken Shale related industrial products growth, intermodal terminal expansion, such as the completion of BNSF’s Kansas City Intermodal Facility, and other terminal improvements to enhance productivity and velocity.

“This record capital plan continues our

long-term focus on ensuring our network is prepared for the growing U.S. demand for freight rail,” said Matthew K. Rose, chairman and chief executive officer.

“We are focused on investing to meet our customers’ expectations and to expand capacity where growth is occurring. Given the importance of our low cost supply chain to the U.S. economy, our privately funded rail infrastructure is well positioned to ensure the U.S. ability to compete in global markets.”

BNSF Railway is one of North America’s leading freight transportation companies operating on 32,500 route miles of track in 28 states and two Canadian provinces. BNSF is one of the top transporters of consumer goods, grain and agricultural products, low-sulfur coal, and industrial goods such as petroleum, chemicals, housing materials, food and beverages. BNSF’s shipments help feed, clothe, supply, and power American homes and businesses every day.

BNSF is a daily carrier in Fort Bend County.

Central Fort Bend Chamber Alliance schedules inaugural Community Safety Day for April 6 From 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on April 6, the Chamber will offer booths and presentations regarding several aspects of family-safety issues. The events, which are sponsored by Target, HEB, Lowe’s and Kevin Patton State Farm, will be conducted at the following locations: HEB, 530 Texas 6, Sugar Land; HEB, 6711 South Fry Road, Katy; Lowe’s, 8005 Southwest Freeway, Rosenberg; Target, 6000 Hwy 6, Missouri City; Target, 23912 Commercial Drive, Rosenberg, and Target, 16300 Southwest Freeway, Sugar Land.

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Booths and presentations will include Fire Safety, conducted by local firefighters; Car Seat Safety Checks (At Rosenberg and Missouri City Target locations only), at which individuals can enter to win a new car seat; Fingerprinting; First Aid Safety, provided by area hospitals, and Bike and Board Safety, in which children can bring their bikes and skateboards, brave the obstacle course and enter to win a new bike helmet.

For more information about Community Safety Day, contact Shannan Stavinoha at 281-342-5464 or sstavinoha@cfbca.org.

NEWSWORTHY

Superintendents from Lamar CISD, Needville ISD to provide updates at luncheon The Central Fort Bend Chamber Alliance will present its 2013 State of the Schools Address at its April 11 Business Luncheon.

The luncheon, which is Presented by Brazos Valley Schools Credit Union, is scheduled for 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Pecan Grove Country Club, 3000 Plantation Drive in Richmond.

Lamar Consolidated Independent School District Superintendent Dr. Thomas Randle and Needville ISD Superintendent Curtis Rhodes will provide updates on the achievements and direction of their respective districts.

Sponsor Tables and Corporate Tables are available. To sponsor this event, contact Shannan Stavinoha at 281-342-5464 or sstavinoha@CFBCA.org.

Reservations for the luncheon are $30 for chamber members and $40 for prospective members and guests. After April 5 at 5 p.m., a $10 late fee will be added.

Cancellations less than 72 hours in advance and “no shows” will be charged.

For reservations or more information call the Chamber at 281-342-5464 or email mtipton@CFBCA.org.

Public health risk assessment results Fort Bend County Health & Human Services (FBCHHS) was recently engaged in a new effort to conduct a county hazard risk assessment that takes into account public health risks. Using a newly developed tool known as the Texas Public Health Risk Assessment Tool (TXPHRAT), FBCHHS collaborated with community partners and offices of emergency management to complete this project. Not surprisingly, the results were a hybrid of traditional emergency management hazards and those more centric to public health.

Top Hazards Identified: • Hurricane/Tropical Storm • Pandemic Influenza • Biological Terrorism • Tornado • Conventional and Chemical Terrorism However, the TXPHRAT went a step further than just allowing a jurisdiction to identify and rank its hazards. The new tool allows for an evaluation of the planning, training, and available resources to mitigate the impact of a given hazard.

This data comes from an evaluation of the 15 Target Capabilities, for which

the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has charged public health, along with other variables such as hazard probability, population vulnerability, and hazard impact.

Once the data was entered into the tool, it allowed FBCHHS to generate a gap analysis report to identify areas with remaining risk and capabilities to focus future intervention and mitigation efforts.

The capabilities identified for continued improvement include: Responder Safety & Health, Medical Surge, Mass Care, Public Health Surveillance and Epidemiological Investigation, and Community Recovery.

Fort Bend County Health & Human Services is currently using this information to plan future trainings, workshops, and exercises.

With support from our community partners we hope to continue strengthening our response capabilities and resources.

If you would like more information about the results please contact David Olinger, david.olinger@co.fort-bend.tx.us, 281-238-3515.

Fort Bend / Katy Business Journal H April 2013

Rep. Reynolds files HB 3659 to extend the service area of HCC State Rep. Ron Reynolds (Fort Bend County, District 27) has filed HB 3659, which extends the district service area of the Houston Community College System (HCC) to all areas of Fort Ron Reynolds Bend ISD high schools.

Representative Reynolds stated, “It is important to extend the district of HCC to those students of Willowridge High School in order for them to be considered as ‘in district’ for the HCC system. These students need access to the essential services and resources that HCC offers to high school students. Collaboration between high schools and community colleges helps prepare students academically and effectively for college, which leads to higher student achievement and success.

As a courtesy, HCC has already been providing many services to the Willowridge students. This legislation will ensure that the collaboration will continue and students will be provided greater opportunities to succeed.”

A number of educational reform reports have stressed the need for increased cooperation among educational institutions to address such problems as high dropout rates, a workforce without the job skills needed by high-tech industries, and the absence of clearly defined career goals among high school and college students.

GOT NEWS? Email your news or press release to sharon@FortBendStar.com We love to hear from you.

Also, don’t forget to read The Fort Bend Star or visit www.fortbendstar.com

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IN NAMES THE NEWS

GOT NEWS? Send your press release to sharon@fortbendbusinessjournal.com

Stacie Walker named Missouri City’s Director of Communications Missouri City has named Stacie Walker, who joined the City as Public Information Manager in August 2009, as the new Director of Communications. Walker brings 23 years of communications experience to the City, with expertise in news media, public relations, team management, mentoring and volunteerism.

Walker will serve as a senior member of the City’s executive team and provide guidance and leadership in community outreach with homeowners associations, media relations, event planning, web site administration, and

supervision of the City’s print publications, news releases, municipal television station and radio station.

“Stacie brings a solid track record of strong news media and communication abilities as evidenced by her work for the City,” said Assistant City Manager Bill Atkinson. “We are excited to have Stacie move to the position of Director of Communications, where she will work on a multifaceted approach to keeping our citizens informed about the City of Missouri City.”

Among her many achievements, Walker

contributed to numerous award-winning reports during her 15 years as Assignment Editor at Newsday in Melville, New York. Her tenure there included winning a Pulitzer Prize, Publisher’s awards, and numerous editing, management and leadership honors. She also completed a Management/Leadership Fellowship at Harvard University in 2006.

Walker earned her Master’s Degree in Business Administration from Dowling College in Oakdale, New York in 1999 and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism from Texas Woman’s University in Denton, Texas in 1991.

Sugar Land again named ADL Community of Respect Five years after being named the nation’s first “Community of Respect,” the AntiDefamation League (ADL) again recognized Sugar Land for its ongoing commitment to foster an inclusive and respectful community.

Sugar Land has been a recipient of the award every year since the program’s inception.

The “Community of Respect” program is an initiative to help governments, non-profit organizations, faith institutions, businesses

and institutes of higher learning create an atmosphere that rejects prejudice and fosters respect and an appreciation for diversity.

Sugar Land was recognized for efforts to complete three activities supporting a “Community of Respect,” including: implementation of multi-cultural training for more than 180 employees; an ongoing series of community newsletter articles that focus on multi-cultural traditions that reflect

the demographics of Sugar Land; and an evaluation of future park programming options to reflect the diverse needs of the community.

“The City of Sugar Land is proud to receive this designation, one that recognizes the City’s continued commitment to promote, respect and celebrate each of our multicultural communities,” said City Manager Allen Bogard.

HLS&R announces resignation of Skip Wagner Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo officials have announced the organization’s president and chief executive officer, Skip Wagner, has accepted a position as the president and CEO of the 12th Man Foundation at Texas A&M University.

Current chief operating officer, Leroy Shafer, has been named interim president and CEO of the Show.

Wagner served the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo from 1992 to 2000 as assistant to the general manager, primarily focused on grounds entertainment, operations and fundraising aspects of the event. After a three-year stint as president and

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general manager of the Oklahoma State Fair in Oklahoma City, Wagner returned to the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo in 2004, and was elected as president and CEO in 2005.

The show has seen much growth under the presidency of Wagner, including reaching 2.5 million in total attendance, operating revenue of more than $115 million, and a commitment of more than $24.6 million to the youth of Texas. The volunteer base has grown from 17,000 to more than 28,000, and a strong staff has been established to carry the Show throughout the year.

Moving forward, Shafer will serve as April 2013 H Fort Bend / Katy Business Journal

interim president and CEO. “With nearly 40 years of experience at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, Leroy will do a superb job guiding the Show as our appointed search committee looks for the most suitable person to lead us into the future,” Stevens said.

After a record-breaking year, the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo has already started planning for 2014, and will continue to be the largest charitable organization of its kind, and the largest livestock show and most innovative rodeo, providing top-notch musical entertainment, all at affordable prices.

IN NAMES THE NEWS

Whitley Penn named AMA Houston’s 2012 Marketer of the Year

Katy receives prestigious state environmental award Community one of 10 Governor’s Community Achievement Award winners

Best of Category Winner Whitley Penn, one of the region’s most distinguished public accounting and consulting firms, was selected as Houston’s top Financial Services (nonbanking) marketer for the American Marketing Association Houston Chapter 2012 Marketer of the Year Award.

The Best of Category Winners were selected from over 130 nominated companies, organizations and institutions.

These 33 category winners were honored at the March 18 awards ceremony at the Alley Theatre.

One category winner was announced at the event as the 2012 Marketer of the Year.

“Whitley Penn merged with the Houston accounting firm of Null-Lairson in 2012. We are very proud of the work our Marketing Department did to ensure our message was received by our clients and the Houston community,” said Felix Lozano, Marketing Partner at Whitley Penn.

Recognizing the importance of marketing in driving the economy, the Marketer of the Year Award is AMA’s annual program that honors exceptional marketing efforts by Houston area companies, organizations and institutions.

Marking the seventh year for this awards event, the category winners are determined by a vote of chapter members combined with scoring by a panel of local marketing experts.

For more information on the Marketer of the Year Award and other AMA Houston events, visit amahouston.org.

Keep Texas Beautiful has recognized Katy as one of 10 winners of the 2013 Governor’s Community Achievement Awards for outstanding community improvement.

The award is one of the most coveted annual environmental and community improvement honors in Texas.

The winners will share $2 million in landscape funding from the Texas Department of Transportation; Katy will receive $160,000 for a landscaping project along a local state right-of-way.

Communities submitted materials to one of 10 population categories and judges chose the winners based on their achievements in seven environmental and community improvement areas: community leadership and coordination, education, public awareness, litter prevention and cleanup, litter law and illegal dumping enforcement, beautification and community improvement, and solid waste management.

Keep Katy Beautiful is proud of the community commitment in improving our city.

The GCAA program has recognized

Fort Bend / Katy Business Journal H April 2013

outstanding communities since 1969, with TxDOT providing landscaping awards since 1985. Katy, Texas will receive its award on Wednesday, June 18, 2013 in San Antonio, Texas during KTB’s 46th Annual Conference.

Keep Katy Beautiful is a twelve member volunteer board with Chairman Sandy Schmidt successfully leading the board for many years.

The Board was formed in 1993 under the leadership of then Mayor Skip Conner.

He contacted Kay Callender to look into the formation of a grassroots organization to improve the appearance of our city.

Keep Texas Beautiful, a statewide grassroots environmental and community improvement nonprofit, strives to educate and engage Texans to take responsibility for improving their community environment.

KTB and its more than 360 affiliates work with government, businesses, civic groups and volunteers to ensure that every Texan has the opportunity to make Texas the cleanest, most beautiful state in the nation. For more information on programs and events, call 1-800-CLEAN-TX or visit www.ktb.org.

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IN NAMESTHE NEWS

GOT NEWS? Send your press release to sharon@fortbendbusinessjournal.com

Classic Chili Cook-Off Challenge Ready to prove you’ve got the best chili in Fort Bend?

Don Kerstetter, owner of Classic Chevrolet says, “Bring your Hot, Sweet, or Non-Traditional (won by the Curry Cup last year) to our third annual Chili Cook-Off on April 11, for a chance to win cash, trophies, and serious bragging rights. Teams need to submit the $50 entry fee and to register in advance by calling the Classic Chevy at 281-969-4132 or emailing Patty Werner pwerner@classicchevysugarland.com. Then you and your team can bring the heat or the sweet… three gallons of your best chili for the competition along with decorations for your booth.” Shown from l-r are: Sgt. Ed Aldredge, Sgt. Marty Morales, Don Kerstetter, Archie Bell, and Officer Charles Krachala.

Caffrey to speak at Mental Health of America banquet Fort Bend County residents are asked to mark their calendars and reserve their seats for the 8th Annual Beacon of Hope Banquet set for May 31 at Sugar Creek Country Club in Sugar Land.

Beginning at 6:30 pm, enjoy live entertainment, auction items and a special Veteran’s Tribute as everyone is invited to “Unmask the Promise of Mental Wellness,” all benefiting Mental Health America of Fort Bend County, a nonprofit organization that formed 25 years ago to combat mental health stigma and behaviors.

This annual dinner will be in tribute to all Fort Bend County veterans and their families. Robert J. Caffrey, JD, LPC, from Hartford, Conn. will be the guest speaker.

Robert J. Caffrey Caffrey’s presentation title will be: “The Combat Trauma Continuum and Veterans: Lessons from the Past, Wisdom from the Present and Healing in the Future.”

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If you look on-line at his website, you will see that Caffrey is a body-centered Gestalt psychotherapist, who works with patients ranging from substance abuse to mood and personality disorders, and specializes in treatment with veterans, men and families. He is a Licensed Professional Counselor and currently works as a psychotherapist in private practice in Hartford, Connecticut.

Caffrey is also a licensed attorney and was a corporate executive for 25 years.

He is a 14-year veteran of the Army Reserve, and has served in Haiti, Bosnia and Iraq. His awards include the Bronze Star, the Meritorious Service Medal, the Combat Action Badge, and the Army Commendation Medal with One Oak Leaf Cluster.

As a fourth degree belt in martial arts for the past 21 years, Caffrey uses his practice and teaching to help his clients focus on balance, centeredness and awareness in life, as well as integrity, honor, and honesty.

Caffrey holds Bachelor of Arts degrees

April 2013 H Fort Bend / Katy Business Journal

in History and Sociology from the University of Notre Dame, a Juris Doctor from Case Western Reserve University, and a Masters in Counseling Psychology from Lesley University.

Robert is a regular contributor on The Mary Jones Show, “Monthly Challenge” at the Talk of Connecticut, WDRC, an AM/FM talk show in Connecticut. He has written several articles for the press, and specifically, The Hartford Courant, on effective leadership.

Regarding his publications, he contributed to Chapter 18 entitled: “Warrior Values in Modern Times: My Experience In The Iraq War” that appeared in “War Trauma in Veterans and Their Families: Diagnosis and Management of PTSD, TBI and Comorbidities of Combat Trauma, edited by Jamshid A. Marvasti, M.D. Robert is also a national presenter and speaker to a variety of business, academic and professional organizations.

Visit www.mhafbc.org or E-mail jwallace@mhafbc.org for additional information.

Baker Hughes announces February 2013 rig counts

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aker Hughes Incorporated (NYSE:BHI) has announced that the international rig count for February 2013 was 1,275, down 4 from the 1,279 counted in January 2013, and up 71 from the 1,204 counted in February 2012. The international offshore rig count for February 2013 was 323, up 16 from the 307 counted in January 2013 and up 3 from the 320 counted in February 2012.

Beginning this month, the international rig count excludes rigs in Syria due to difficulty obtaining data as a result of continued civil unrest. The Syria rig count was 20 rigs in January 2013 and 27 rigs in February 2012.

The average U.S. rig count for February 2013 was 1,762, up 5 from the 1,757 counted in January 2013 and down 228 from the 1,990 counted in February 2012. The average Canadian rig count for February 2013 was 642, up 139 from the 503 counted in January 2013 and down 64 from the 706 counted in February 2012.

The worldwide rig count for February 2013 was 3,679, up 140

Europe Middle East * Africa Latin America Asia Pacific International United States Canada North America Worldwide

FEBRUARY 2013 ROTARY RIG COUNTS February 2013 Month January 2013 Land OS Total Variance Land OS Total 82 53 135 1 80 54 134 308 42 350 -29 334 45 379 77 36 113 -2 81 34 115 339 88 427 13 337 77 414 146 104 250 13 140 97 237 952 323 1,275 -4 972 307 1,279 1,708 54 1,762 5 1,705 52 1,757 641 1 642 139 502 1 503 2,349 55 2,404 144 2,207 53 2,260 3,301 378 3,679 140 3,179 360 3,539

February 2012 Land OS Total 72 48 120 261 50 311 48 33 81 349 90 439 154 99 253 884 320 1,204 1,948 42 1,990 706 0 706 2,654 42 2,696 3,538 362 3,900

* The Middle East rig count excludes rigs in Syria for February 2013 and Iraq for February 2012.

from the 3,539 counted in January 2013 and down 221 from the 3,900 counted in February 2012.

The Baker Hughes Rotary Rig Counts are counts of the number of drilling rigs actively exploring for or developing oil or natural gas in the United States, Canada and international markets. Baker Hughes has issued the rotary rig counts as a service to the petroleum industry since 1944, when Hughes Tool Company began weekly counts of US and Canadian drilling activity. Baker Hughes initiated the

monthly international rig count in 1975.

Baker Hughes is a leading supplier of oilfield services, products, technology and systems to the worldwide oil and natural gas industry. The company’s 58,000-plus employees today work in more than 80 countries helping customers find, evaluate, drill, produce, transport and process hydrocarbon resources. For more information on Baker Hughes’ centurylong history, visit www.bakerhughes.com.

SOURCE: Baker Hughes Incorporated News Provided by Acquire Media

The UP No. 956 “Mini” train is coming

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he locomotive number UP 956 was chosen because the miniature locomotive was patterned after a 900-series passenger locomotive and built in ‘56. The locomotive was made from a tow tractor used to pull luggage wagons at large passenger train depots. A “flat-head” four-cylinder gasoline engine powers the miniature train locomotive. The locomotive and rail cars run on rubber tires so the train can operate on any solid surface.

Until 1998, the miniature train traveled around the UP system in a pair of matched

boxcars numbered UP 903014 and UP 903015. Each boxcar was stenciled with “Miniature Train Service.” Today the train moves to each event in a custom trailer built exclusively for the mini-train.

In 2004, three retired baggage cars were placed end-to-end on the ground to form a unique garage where the miniature train is kept between appearances.

The miniature train rail cars were reconditioned and repainted in 2006. The train will arrive from Wyoming in time for the RailFest 2013 at the Rosenberg Railroad Museum scheduled from 11 am to 6 pm on April 13 in historic downtown Rosenberg.

Fort Bend / Katy Business Journal H April 2013

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Faculty for the Future

Enhancing the role of women in science, technology, and engineering

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rior to the year ending, the 10th in-person regional Faculty for the Future forum was hosted by the Schlumberger Foundation for 29 women from 18 countries who are pursuing PhD-level or postdoctoral scientific research at 11 host universities across the United States.

These forums for the Fellows are organized two times per year at different locations. Past events have been held in Cambridge, Massachusetts, and at one of France’s leading science and engineering institutions in Paris. Forums are being planned at academic venues in Cambridge, United Kingdom, and in Cape Town, South Africa for 2013.

PhD diversity The gathering provided an occasion for the Fellows to share experiences and present their various research projects in disciplines such as astrophysics, chemistry, and mechanical engineering, as well as strengthen their scientific and academic networks. The women, drawn together from diverse backgrounds, shared a dedication of excellence in research

and a commitment to being academic role models who inspire other young women to get involved in the sciences.

Inspiring women Over the course of the two-day event in Houston, the Fellows visited Schlumberger engineering facilities and met with research staff. The forum started with a thoughtprovoking opening speech by the vice president of the WesternGeco seismic product line in North America who shared her experiences as a female scientist.

A poster session was organized where the Fellows shared their academic experiences as women in science with high school students interested in pursuing similar career paths.

Skill-building working groups provided the Fellows with ideas on how to achieve long-term international collaboration and dissemination of results, how to apply recently acquired knowledge and skills in their academic careers, as well as what it means to be a role model and change agent.

Faculty for the Future Alumni at the forum shared their experiences about returning to their home countries and academic careers.

Building community and leaders Day two of the forum was hosted at

TxDOT Houston District project studies underway Before a project is built, a study must be done to determine if it will fill a transportation need, will not negatively impact the surrounding area and fits the department’s overall plan. During the study

phase, potential projects are analyzed to determine if they are cost-effective while also efficiently improving mobility. Some of these projects have moved beyond the study phase and are under construction.

Fort Bend County Crabb River Road (FM 2759/FM 762) Widening of 3.8 miles of Crabb River Road FM 2234 Widening FM 2234 (McHard Road) from FM 3345 to FM 521 FM 359 Improvements to FM 350 at US 90A and the Union Pacific Railroad

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SH 36 and Spur 10 Constructing additional lanes on SH 36 from FM 2218 to FM 1495 and extending Spur 10 south of US 59 US 90A Expanding US 90A from SH 6 to Loop 762

April 2013 H Fort Bend / Katy Business Journal

Rice University. Several panel discussions and interactions with accomplished women academics and university administrators from institutions such as Rice University, Texas A&M University, and the University of Houston (UH) helped the Fellows to strengthen their networks and learn more about navigating the challenges of a scientific and academic career.

At a presentation on leadership and communications skills by the director of the Leadership Rice program, the Fellows gained valuable insight on how to communicate technical research more effectively, use setbacks in a positive way, and apply leadership qualities.

Encouragement and ongoing support Chancellor of the UH System and President of UH Renu Khator, the keynote speaker of the forum, shared an inspirational story about her upbringing in rural India and her dream of pursuing a PhD—and how never letting go of that dream and finding mentors to support and encourage confidence toward a goal is vital. She reminded the Fellows that although the challenges they face will be many, remaining focused on their mission as academics and as role models for other young women who may dream of scientific pursuits will help them to succeed.

About Faculty for the Future Since its launch in 2004, 257 women from 62 emerging countries have received Faculty for the Future fellowships to pursue advanced graduate study in science and engineering at top universities abroad.

The program’s long-term goal is to generate conditions that result in more women pursuing academic careers in scientific disciplines. Grant recipients are expected to return to their home countries to continue their academic careers and inspire other young women to choose careers in science and engineering. The program also has an extended mission to encourage community building through forums, both online and in person.

Port Freeport’s impact reaches $17.9 billion; up 76 percent in three years

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lready showing phenomenal growth, Port Freeport’s economic impact is poised to continue its dynamic rise with Fort Bend and regional industry engaged in billions of dollars of infrastructure investments.

According to a newly released economic impact study, Port Freeport generated $17.9 billion of economic activity in Texas in 2011, up 76 percent from $10.2 billion in 2008. Over the same three-year span, the total number of jobs related to Port Freeport grew 21 percent, to 66,689, and associated personal income was up 35 percent, to nearly $6.2 billion, while state and local tax revenue generated by Port activity gained 26 percent, to $487.1 million, according to a report from Lancaster, Pa.-based John C.

Martin Associates LLC, the world’s leading port industry economic analysis firm.

“As impressive as the economic growth over this three-year period has been, Port Freeport is positioned to see further upsurges in jobs and impacts in years to come,” said Port Freeport Executive Port Director/CEO Glenn A. Carlson. “Not only will the new and expanded industrial facilities generate thousands of well-paying permanent jobs, but they also are combining to bring about nearly 20,000 in lucrative construction jobs.”

According to a separate report, delivered

by Gary Crabtree, director of Texas operations for Schenectady, N.Y.-based SI Group Inc., investments in industry over the coming six to seven years will exceed $20 billion, lead to almost 20,000 in construction hires and generate

approximately 1,000 new permanent positions.

Companies making major facility investments in Brazoria County alone include Chevron Phillips Chemical Co., the Dow Chemical Co., Freeport LNG Development LP, BASF SE, Gulf Chemical & Metallurgical Corp., Phillips 66 Co. and Shintech Inc. Most of this development is related to the booming Eagle Ford shale oil and natural gas play.

“All this activity will mean increased project purchases and burgeoning demand for contractor services, plus it will significantly boost consumer spending on everything from housing and utilities to dining and groceries,” Carlson noted. “We can most assuredly look forward to years continued, on page 44

COMING MAY 2013 ISSUE

SPECIAL FEATURE

Dentists & Cosmetic Dentistry To advertise, please call Barbara J. Carlson at 281-690-4204 Barbara@FortBendBusinessJournal.com

Fort Bend/Katy

Fort Bend / Katy Business Journal H April 2013

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Understanding Mental lllness – Sooner rather than later

By George Patterson, CEO Texana Center

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ast month, I discussed mental illness in terms of its prevalence, its relationship to violent acts, and the low level of funding available in Texas for public entities such as Texana Center to intervene in the lives of those suffering with mental illness.

It has been fifty years since President John F. Kennedy sent an historic message on mental illness to Congress that led to the signing of the Community Mental Health Act. In his message he called for a new community based approach to mental illness that emphasized prevention, treatment, education and recovery. This legislation was the first to tackle the practice of institutionalizing individuals with mental illness and led to a significant reduction in the numbers of those in state and county mental hospitals by about 90%. President Kennedy’s call to change our nation’s “tradition of neglect” by creating programs to treat citizens with mental illness is still inspiring but fifty years later is often ignored.

How do we effectively deal with a continued “tradition of neglect?” The easy answer is more funding for the community based programs President Kennedy created. However, while this answer is easy to give, it is much more difficult to do, especially given the already incredibly low levels of funding in Texas. Once again in this 83rd session of the Legislation advocates for increased funding will testify

before committees and subcommittees and the members of the Legislature will grapple with the many competing priorities for state general revenue dollars. And, as I write this, George Patterson the good news is that the Commissioner of the Department of State Health Services has made recommendations to the Senate Finance Committee Article II Workgroup to include increased funding a public awareness campaign, prevention and early identification in schools, crisis services and mental health treatment to address increased referrals from public awareness campaigns. Although early in the legislative session, it is encouraging that the majority of these items were recommended for Priority 1 funding.

More money will help. It always does. But what else can we do? Do we just plow ahead and hope for the best? Or do we try new approaches? After all, if we always do what we have always done, we will always get what we have always gotten.

Consistent with the Department of State Health Services funding recommendations, in attempt to continue to bring mental health “out of the shadows,” we must increase our efforts to educate people with the true facts about mental illness and not allow myths and stereotypes to be perpetuated. In the past few years, many public figures have come forward to talk about their own experiences with mental illness, and this publicity has certainly helped. However, until people

Port Freeport’s impact reaches $17.9 billion; up 76 percent in three years continued, from page 43

of continuing growing prosperity for Port Freeport and its regional counties.”

Port Freeport currently ranks 16th among U.S. ports in international cargo tonnage

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handled. With a current channel of 45-foot depth, soon to be widened and deepened, just 3 miles from open Gulf of Mexico waters, Port Freeport offers more than 7,500 acres for future development.

Port Freeport serves its customers and April 2013 H Fort Bend / Katy Business Journal

understand that mental illness is a disease like any other, and that it is something to be treated rather than feared, the stigma and misunderstanding will continue.

We know that sometimes instances of mental illness can develop into crisis situations if untreated which can sometimes lead to violence. More often than not those with mental illness direct these violent acts toward themselves. Annually, about 38,000 Americans commit suicide, more than twice the number of homicides. Yet, because of lack of education and understanding, fear predominates over compassion.

In addition to the key factors of funding and education, prevention and early intervention are critical components.

The Surgeon General of the U.S. has said that “childhood is an important time to prevent mental disorders and to promote healthy development because many adult mental disorders have related problems that began in childhood. Early prevention has been described as “moving upstream.”

Ron Manderscheid, a leading expert on behavioral disorders, has said that moving upstream enables us to identify those at greatest risk for these disorders, such as children who are victimized by or exposed to trauma and violence, those with a family history of behavioral problems, and those with environmental risk factors. We must provide parents, teachers, physicians, and others with the training and education to identify early signs of the potential development of disorders and to provide intervention and treatment at as early an age as possible. stakeholders through development and marketing of competitive world-class navigational capabilities, technically advanced marine and multimodal terminal services and port-related industrial facilities while achieving profits and creating jobs as a leading economic catalyst for the Texas Gulf Coast.

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Save the dates!

10TH ANNUAL SUGAR LAND WINE & FOOD AFFAIR

Where top chefs share secrets, sommeliers get uncorked and you have exclusive access to the best wine & food around!

APRIL 24 TH - 28 TH , 2013 SugarLandWineandFoodAffair.com Sugar Land, TX 77478 : 713.SIPWINE SFW-Austin8.375x10.875.w bleed.indd 1

www.FortBendChamber.com

12/28/12 8:53 AM

Fort Bend / Katy Business Journal H April 2013

Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce Newsletter

C on ra d N

ge Pr od ilt on C ol le

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Membership The following firms have realized the importance of economic growth and development for the Fort Bend County area. They have pledged their support to the cause by investing their time and efforts in the Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce. Please support your community by calling on these organizations when you have a need for products and services.

Welcome New Members

Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce Newsletter

All-Terra Engineering, Inc.

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Guru Burgers and Crepes

Photobooth Rentals of Houston

Hugh Durlam, Director of Marketing 5906 Jessamine, Suite B8 Houston,TX 77081 713-574-2371 Engineering, Geotechnical

Vincent Furlan, General Manager 2268 Texas Dr. Sugar Land,TX 77479 281-313-0026 Restaurants

Casa de Brazos Mexican Restaurant and Cantina

Kutty Law Firm PLLC

Rainbow of Love Adoption Agency

Yasmin Kutty, Family Law Attorney 4660 Sweetwater Blvd. Suite 150 Sugar Land,TX 77479 713-568-5401 Attorney(s) at Law

Debbie Richards, Executive Director 2700 Lake Olympia Pkwy Missouri City,TX 77459 713-779-8877 Associations

Martha Turner Properties

Richmond Tire & Automotive

Miles Wade, Operating Partner 4514 Highway 6 S. Sugar Land,TX 77478 281-242-2272 Restaurants

Coach Light Builders Mike Tisdale, Partner 16107 Kensinton Dr., Suite 372 Sugar Land,TX 77479 281-936-1010 Builder

Terri Lemons, Director of Community Outreach 4690 Sweetwater Blvd., Suite 260 Sugar Land,TX 77479 832-500-8300 Real Estate, Residential

Sean Wolfson, Co-Owner Sugar Land,TX 77478 832-642-5761 Photography

Chris Shields, Owner 1041 FM 359 Richmond,TX 77406 281-342-8473 Auto Repair/Maintenance

Paychex, Inc. Nim Patel, Business Workforce Consultant 11777 Katy Freeway, Suite 200 Houston,TX 77079 215-896-1555 Payroll Processor April 2013 H Fort Bend Business Journal

SalesStaff Garrett Hollander, Demand Generation Manager 10701 Corporate Dr., Suite 340 Stafford,TX 77477 888-591-8022 Marketing Services

Texas Weight Loss & Anti-Aging Clinic Rita Sleiman, Office Manager 1100 FM 1092, Suite H Missouri City,TX 77459 281-499-6444 Health & Wellness

Wealth Design Group Rick Ray, Owner 15958 City Walk, Suite 290 Sugar Land,TX 77479 281-220-2700 Financial Services, Insurance

For membership information, contact: Jan-Michael Jenkins 281-491-0218

www.FortBendChamber.com

INVESTMENT IN YOUTH LUNCHEON Tuesday, April 9, 2013 11:30am -1:30 pm Safari Texas Ranch - Texas Ballroom 11627 F M 1464, Richmond

The Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce, The George Foundation, and Safari Texas Ranch invite you to EVENTS SAVE join us in UPCOMING our special recognition of students from Calvary Episcopal CollegeTHE Prep,DATE Fort Bend ISD, Lamar Consolidated ISD, Needville ISD and Stafford MSD participating in the 16th annual Youth in Philanthropy June April program. Ticket proceeds, donations and all contributions benefit Youth in Philanthropy Scholarships to Governmental Relations Division Education Division Network Nites be awarded at the luncheon. We encourage your attendance at the luncheon to validate the importance Notes from the Capitol School Board Candidates Forum Anson Aviation of student’s volunteer accomplishments. with US Congressman Pete Olson April 12, 2013 • 11:30 am – 1:00 pm

Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce Newsletter

16TH ANNUAL LUNCHEON

June 13, 2013 • 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm April 1, 2013 •11:30 am – 1:00 pm Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce 218 Terminal Ln., Sugar Land Registration: Please make checks payable445toCommerce Fort Bend Forward Sugar Creek Country Club Green Blvd., Sugar Land Individual Ticket Corporate Table of Ten $375 Scholarship Fund Donation $ 420 Sugar Creek Blvd., Sugar$30 Land Education Division Network Nites

Scholarship After Donor/Company & Corporate table of 10 $1,250 SugarNamed Land Wine 2013 State of Higher Education and Food Affair May 14, 2013 • 11:30 am – 1:00 pm April 24-28, 2013 Payment Options: Invoice Me Check Enclosed

Quail Valley Golf Course Company: April 4, Name:2013 • 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm 2880 La Quinta, Missouri City Address: City: State: Community Resources Division E-mail: Youth In Philanthropy Luncheon Phone: April 9, 2013 • 11:30 am – 1:30 pm Safari Texas Ranch Attendee(s): 11627 FM 1464, Richmond

Various Locations throughout Sugar Land www. sugarlandwineandfoodaffair.com

Card No: Zip: Cardholder: Chamber Young Professionals Division Bartenders Challenge Expiration Date: April 25, 2013 • 5:30 pm – 7:00 pm Signature:

Sugar Land Marriott American Express Discover MasterCard VISA 16090 City Walk, Sugar Land

Post Oak Grill 1550 Lake Pointe Pkwy #500, Sugar Land

Business Excellence Luncheon

Amount: $ Diversity: Demographic and The Fort Bend County Impact With Steven Klineberger June 20, 2013 • 11:30 am – 1:00 pm Safari Texas Ranch 11627 FM 1464, Richmond

May Governmental Relations Division Cinco Ranch Austin Bush Calvary Pinot’sClements Palette Mixer Dulles Elkins Foster George Ranch Hightower

YOUTH IN PHILANTHROPY 2013 State of the City: Missouri City May 15, 2013 • 11:30 am – 1:00 pm Quail Valley Golf Course 2880 La Quinta, Missouri City

May 30, 2013 • 5:30 pm – 7:00 pm 16170 City Walk, Sugar Land

Fort Bend Infrastructure Summit

Infrastructure Division

Infrastructure Breakfast with Allen Bogard, City Manager, City of Sugar Land

Kempner Lamar Marshall May Needville Stafford Terry 31, 2013 • 7:30Ridge am – 1:00 Point pm June 27,Travis 2013 • 7:30Willowridge am – 9:00 am

Network Nites

Safari Texas Ranch Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce 11627 FM 1464, Richmond Commerce Green Blvd., Sugar Land Fort Chamber Sugar Land, Texas 77478 May 23, 2013Bend • 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm of Commerce • 445 Commerce Green Boulevard • 445 16651 Southwest Fwy #360, Sugar Land www.FortBendChamber.com • matthew@fortbendcc.org • 281.491.0277 • Fax 281.491.0112 Chamber Young Professionals Division

Methodist Breast Center

www.FortBendChamber.com

Fort Bend Business Journal H April 2013

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We Believe in you.

Thanks for Believing in US! 1 Year

6 Years

Jan-Pro of Houston Michelle Goodman, 281-921-9000

Hartford Services, Inc. Mitch Rahim, 281-261-3333

Fort Bend Rotary Club Sunil “Sunny” Sharma, 713-956-9500

Personalized Media Communications Gerald Holtzman, 281-980-3140

Orkin Pest Control April Shane-Wilton, 713-784-2706

12 Years

2 Years

7 Years

Upclose Magazine Gina Pizzini, 281-235-0600

Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce Newsletter

Architecture Studio 88 Robert White, 832-465-2548

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St. Luke’s Sugar Land Hospital Rob Heifner, 281-637-7000

Caldwell Companies Todd Johnson, 713-690-0000

Prudential Financial Christopher Sideris, 832-325-6858

Stafford Centre Lynda Breland, 281-208-6900

J. Michael Bennett M.D. P.A. James Bennett, 281-633-8600

Fort Bend Family Promise Vera L. Johnson, 281-403-3923

Texas Sports Medicine Institute Wayne Horak, 832-223-9200

Gillen Pest Control Gary L. Gillen, 281-342-6969

Riverbend Country Club Chuck Cox, 281-269-2526

8 Years

Jericho Foundation Repairs, Inc. Cindy Duffy, 713-772-7522 HCSS Mike Rydin, 713-270-4000 Calvetti, Ferguson & Wagner, P.C. Manish Seth, CPA, CFE, 713-957-2300

3 Years

Classic Messaging LLC Dominic Cashiola, 281-494-6250 APAAR Investments Paul Likhari, 281-980-0234

4 Years

Republic Harley-Davidson Craig D. Slovak, 281-295-1000

Milestone Member 5 Years Buffalo Wild Wings - Sugar Land Cliff Sadowsky, 281-313-9464

Perry’s Steakhouse & Grille David Freeman, 281-565-2727

Milestone Member 10 Years

Reliant Energy Sidney Evans, 713-537-2328

13 Years

Sugar Lakes Family Practice, PA John Vanderzyl, 281-565-2800 Keep Sugar Land Beautiful Vicki Gist, 281-313-5752

Milestone Member 15 Years

Junker Financial Advisors, LLC Rebecca Beard Junker, 281-342-9476

9 Years

16 Years

Emeritus at Sugar Land Jeri Krauss, 281-491-6257

Oyster Creek Rotary Club Hal Finberg, 281-770-0060

The Preserve at Colony Lakes Creekstone Management Adrienne Johnson, 281-499-4007

Linebarger Goggan Blair & Sampson, LLP Chip Sutton, 281-342-9636

Japaneiro’s Sushi Bistro & Latin Grill Jason Molinos, 281-242-1121

Milestone Member 10 Years

P.F. Chang’s China Bistro Jimi D. Cagle, 281-313-8650 BalyProjects, LLC Jacqueline Baly, 713-524-4676 x227 Miracle Method Surface Restoration Paul Barnett, 281-240-2284

April 2013 H Fort Bend / Katy Business Journal

17 Years

Chick-fil-A at Sugar Land Brent Kubala, 281-494-3800 Memorial Credit Union Tom Rogers, 713-778-6300

18 Years

Fort Bend Christian Academy Pamela Jacobsen, 281-263-9187

19 Years

Fort Bend Republican Women’s Club Karen McCarter, 281-341-5078

www.FortBendChamber.com

Memorial Hermann Sugar Land Hospital Greg Haralson, 281-725-5200

BEND

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21 Years

Sandersen Knox & Company, LLP Alan Sandersen, 281-242-3232

FORT Milestone Member 25 Years

Coldwell Banker United RealtorsArlene Rolsen, CRS Arlene R. Rolsen, CRS, 281-414-8400 Living Improvements Roland Younger, 281-499-7000

27 Years

City of Stafford Leonard Scarcella, 281-261-3900 Lockwood, Andrews and Newnam, Inc. Claudia Williamson, 713-266-6900

Milestone Member

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STATE GOVERNMENT SPONSORS

Fluor Corporation Granite Properties Costello, Inc.

Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce Newsletter

FORT

RE/MAX Southwest Realtors Jeanne Gregory, 281-344-8918

30 Years

The George Foundation Dee Koch, 281-342-0378

32 Years

Windstream Communications Brian Heavener, 281-490-9421

41 Years

Texas Instruments, Inc. Fran Dillard, 281-274-2000

BookKeeping Express McGrath & Co., PLLC Sugar Lakes Family Practice Rice & Gardner Consultants, Inc.

www.FortBendChamber.com

Fort Bend / Katy Business Journal H April 2013

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Ribbon Cuttings

Frost Bank 620 Highway 6 Sugar Land, TX 77478 (713) 388-7600 www.frostbank.com

Frost Bank honors Fort Bend Cares during January celebration

A Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce Newsletter

January 24 ribbon cutting celebrated Frost Bank’s new Sugar Land location by honoring local organization Fort Bend Cares. The event which drew city leaders, Frost customers and others celebrated the move of Frost’s Sugar Land financial center to its new location at 620 Highway 6. To mark the occasion, Frost honored the work of local foundation Fort Bend Cares, which serves the needs of disadvantaged children and

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youth in Fort Bend County. Laura Richard, the foundation’s executive director, accepted a $3,000 donation from Frost as part of the event. Also participating in the celebration were Keri Schmidt, Fort Bend County Chamber of Commerce president and CEO, and Sugar Land City Council members, Bridget Yeung and Himesh Gandhi.

Ruggles Green 15903 City Walk Sugar Land, TX 77479 (281) 565-1175 www.rugglesgreen.com

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eing Green, just got Sweeter. Ruggles Green has sprouted in Sugar Land, a locally owned and operated restaurant that offers a healthier, better tasting menu done in a sustainable way. Ruggles Green serves local, all-natural, and organic menu items.

They specialize in gluten-free and vegetarian options all in a family-friendly atmosphere. Their extensive menu featuring salads, sandwiches, burgers, tacos, pizzas and pastas, as well as organic and biodynamic wine and beer.

Located at 15903 City Walk, Ruggles Green occupies 4,000 square feet of space which includes a gorgeous landscaped patio with tables encased by planters, a private room for special events, easily accessible off street

and garage parking. Expected to be the greenest restaurant in Texas, the Sugar Land location is 100% wind powered, features extensive energy-efficient LED lighting and a state of the art energy management system. Building materials are all repurposed, recycled or selected from sustainable options as well as housing amenities that include herb gardens and green wall systems both inside the restaurant and in the patio area.

April 2013 H Fort Bend / Katy Business Journal

www.FortBendChamber.com

Quail Valley Country Club 2880 La Quinta Missouri City, TX 77459 (281) 403-5910 www.golfquailvalley.com

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he City Centre project, like many others is special, and reflects the strong community unity that connects residents. The ribbon-cutting celebration, which was held in the 300-seat Magnolia Ballroom, marks a major milestone in the area’s history as the facility was funded with bond money approved by more than 72 percent of voters citywide. The City Centre is unique in that not only can residents and guests visit and reserve a tee time to play 36 holes of challenging golf on the La Quinta and El Dorado courses, they can also reserve the facility’s first-class, spacious rooms to celebrate the memorable moments of their lives. In addition to housing a golf pro shop for the award-

winning Quail Valley Golf Course, the facility also features accommodations for business meetings, tournaments and festive family events like weddings, anniversaries and birthday parties. Also, the Centre serves delicious meals—breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner. To reserve a tee time, individuals can visit www.golfquailvalley.com or call 281-403-5910. To reserve a room for a business meeting or special occasion, individuals can call 281-403-8517.

Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce Newsletter

www.FortBendChamber.com

Strayer University 12603 Southwest Freeway, Suite 400 Stafford, TX 77477 (281) 701-5333 www.strayer.edu

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trayer University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education and has been in operation since 1892. The University offers undergraduate and graduate degree programs in business administration, accounting, economics, information systems, information technology, human resource management, education, health services administration, public administration, management and criminal justice

www.FortBendChamber.com

to working adult students at 100 campuses in 24 states and Washington, D.C., as well as worldwide via the Internet.

Strayer University also offers an executive MBA online through its Jack Welch Management Institute.

Fort Bend / Katy Business Journal H April 2013

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Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce Newsletter

This is your opportunity to enhance your value personally, professionally and as a community stakeholder. This ten-month program consists of monthly sessions and retreats covering a variety of topics.

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“The Leadership Forum allowed me to gain valuable insight into many different aspects of Fort Bend County. The relationships, networking opportunities & leadership skills I gained were priceless. I highly recommend the program to anyone looking to enhance their careers.”

-Himesh Gandhi, Sugar Land City Councilman “In 2012, Classic will graduate itʼs fourth executive from Leadership, and I intend to send at least one employees every year...more if I can spare them! I love this program so much that I am now the primary sponsor. It is a terrific program exemplifying all the best about Fort Bend County and the Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce. If you want to build personal and business relationships that last, while learning about the unique, special place we live, then enroll in Leadership... it works!”

-Don Kerstetter, Owner, Classic Chevrolet Sugar Land “It all adds up. Year after year, Fort Bend Leadership Forum provides consistent return on investment for our participants, businesses and our community.”

-Christopher Breaux, Principal, Whitley-Penn, L.L.P. As a newcomer to Sugar Land, I was so grateful to find that the Fort Bend Chamber had a leadership program. Having participated in the Class of 2010, the program exceeded my expectations. Besides having a diverse class mix, the speakers were outstanding and I learned more about Fort Bend than anticipated. Now I have a greater base of colleagues to access thanks to the camaraderie of my Leadership class!

-Karen Daly, City of Sugar Land, Assistant City Manager

For information please contact David Crowl at 281.491.2497 or David@fortbendcc.org

April 2013 H Fort Bend / Katy Business Journal

www.FortBendChamber.com

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4655 Techniplex Dr., Suite 300, Stafford TX 77477 • Tel: 281-690-4200 Fort Bend / Katy Business Journal H April 2013

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DBA (Assumed Names)

Data Beat (+) = More Names

This is a sample of the Assumed Names (DBAs) filed at the Fort Bend County Clerk’s office for February 2013. More Assumed Names may be viewed online at http://ccweb.co.fort-bend.TX.us/RealEstate/SearchEntry.aspx. There were 495 Assumed Names for month of February.

Smith Sonia Starwood Sonia’s Closet 6811 Lauderwick Ct 77450

Johnson Vestoria B Main Stream Realty & Assoc 2214 Hammerwood Dr 77489

Williams Chancellor (+) Chancellor’s Services 11810 Chimney Rock 77035

Chaotic Motorsports Chaotic Inc 4705 Hwy 36 S #5A 77471

Bowling Paul James Sugar Land Paranormal 511 Green Belt Drive 77498

Barcus Michael G Pro Garage Plus 4712 Dogwood Dr 77471

Chaotic Inc Chaotic Guns & Ammo 4705 Jwy 36 S Ste 5 77471

Bowling Paul James SLPRG 511 Green Belt Drive 77498

Asikumah Justice Kwaku Jasico Auto Mechanic & Dismantle 8540 Northern St 77071

Francis-Kistow Karen (+) Asbury, Fordham, & Kent Investment Properties 4711 Owens Glen Ct 77545

Samana Muhammad Hanif (+) Expo Steel 4202 Windy Orchard Dr 77407

Sugar Land Geriatrics & Medical Associates LLC Pecan Grove Medican Associates 1856 Fm 3595 Rd 774061296

Torres Gilbert Torres Realty 6607 Harpers Dr 77469 Unoh Thompson Unachukwu Daltoms Auto 7126 Sierra Nigh Dr 77407 Morris R Dale (+) Rdm Consultants 2714 Cypress Point Dr G-1 77459 Richmond Anitra DJ-Thickness Entertainment Services Po Box 263202 77207 Mitchell William R Handyman Mitch (+) 707 Jeff Davis Dr 77469 Land Kenndrich Silrak6 Electronics 5106 Alderney Ct 77471 Evans Chris (+) Valcor App. 503 Mc Keever Rd Suite 1514 77583 Acosta Jose T Joe Theo Acosta Photography 1038 Laurel Green Rd 77459 andres Annette Marie Acc’ries Galore 5446-B Ridge Creek 77053 Tabak Insurance Agency PLLC FBIAM 3119 Broadmoor Drive 77478

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Lewis Vincent E (+) Vince’s Scrollwork 5627 Walnut Glen Ln 77471 King Alice Walker Ak Tax Business 2622 Lead Point Drive 77459 Huey Pilar P.J. Hicks Management 16710 Lonesome Quail Dr 77489 Howard James C IV (+) 4G 3303 Shiloh Ct 77459 Eason Gia Antoinette Omglamour 2626 Garcitas Creek 77406 Hamilton Leonard L H Transportation 1602 Hilton Head Dr 77459 Copeland Marisha The Cope Clinic (+) 21707 Kingsland Blvd Suite 104 77450 Ogbonda Stanley Leah Autos & Shipping Services 14314 River Glen Dr 77498

Lester Tiffany V (+) Christian Illuminations 13442 Greenway Dr 77498

Pirooz Jila (+) Richmond Close Out & Consignment 902 FM 359 77406 Efe Learning Center LLC Goddard School 17171 Park Row Ste 160 77084 Harding Christopher Keith National Supply Agency 2215 Mountshire Dr 77489

Chavez Diana Luxury Paints Inc 420 West Street 77471

Holden Donald M (+) Clodine Self Storage 11411 FM 1464 77469 Geathers Shanel J A Time To Dance 7707 Southmeadow Dr 77071

Kanwar Deepak Kanwar Associates 2214 Black Oak Dr 77479

Dr William M Colgin (+) Chriopractic Arts Center 905 Silverado Trails 77471

Martin Kobi D C K W Squared 2119 Vermillion Oak St 77545

Jinadu Olusegun Commodity Escrow Transaction Account Services (Cetas) 1450 W Grand Pkwy S Ste G-137 77494

Clarkson Jessica Clarkson Photography 25306 Pepper Sage Ln 77494

ICM Interests LLC ICM Interests LLC Dba ICM Marble & Granite 2626 Charles Ln 77498

Glover-Bruno Toniesha Flawless Finish 3526 Duncaster Dr 77459

Torres Jose Manuel “Acapulco” Hand Car Wash 2000 Fiest Ln 77469

Dickey Alton Star Quality Therapy Inc. 9410 Gingerstone Ct 77469

Harding Tawanna (+) Infinite Supplier 12111 Brook Meadows Ct 77477

Diego Jorge DiegoEntertainments H Productions 14934 Honey Ln 77085

Gary Gerald Frank Professional Sheetrock Repairs 16123 Eaglewood Spring Ct 77087

Lafleur James II The Trash Packers (+) P O Box 894 77441 Brandy Opal Opal Brandy Dds 2440 Texas Parkway # 262 77489

Hogan Donald Jr Ned Erma J The D Menu (+) Women Of Power - Life Coach 1926 Woodland Hills Dr 77489 16811 Village View Tr 77498

Global Health Care and Service Inc International Medical and Health Service Organization 46 Big Trail 77459

Khan Saima Sonogram Studio Mobile Ultrasound 11303 Wilcrest Dr #1708 77498

JB Havens II Inc JB Havens Communications 635 Fair Oak 77477

Estimbo Maria (+) Estimbo Enterprises LLC 11645 Hwy 6 S Pmb 10 77498 Rhodes Buford Dusty Rhodes Supply Co. 807 Wheelhouse Dr 77477 Suarez Romina (+) Jemsys Services 1102 Beecroft Dr 77498

Lyou Tsai-Yun Houston Chinese Amateur Painting Club 2415 Wagon Run 77479 Mas Telecom, LLC Mas Telecom, LLC 4222 Merriweather St 77478 Henderson James H (+) Houdini’s Plumbing 2106 Quail Valley East Dr 77459 Foster Stanley 5-2-1 Sportsbar & Nightclub 9903 FM 521 77583 Milton Lorraine Holmes Blue Ivy Publishing 8115 Weeping Willow Pl 77459 IQBAL Maryam Striking Copper 12314 Fern Meadow Dr 77477 Chaudhry Natasha Tachu Collection 5238 Avondale Dr 77479 Bala Sundaresan (+) Chentex 310 Kingfisher Drive 77478

Ashmore-Cannavo Leslie Rene’ (+) Cannavo Consulting 14923 Stonelick Bridge Ln 77498

Kumar Niranjan (+) Axis Studio Inc. 9990 Richmond Ave Ste 250 N 77042

Edwards Nathalie (+) Halp Services, LLC P O Box 710907 77271

Nguyen Richard (+) Richmond Smoke Shop 2115 Fm 762 Suite 1 77469

Hernandez Javier Javiercito Productions 5609 Franz Road, Lot C 77493

Khan Safder Ali Imperial Remodelers & Construction 4403 Sweet Rose Ct 77479

April 2013 H Fort Bend / Katy Business Journal

DBA (Assumed Names)

Data Beat (+) = More Names

Novotny Susanne L Serendipity Spa 22214 Highland Knoll Dr 77450

Barriteau Nakia (+) The Nami Collection (+) 5211 Harris Woods Tr 77441

King Rhonda J TRW Group 5630 Rising Walk Ln 77459

Bui Anne D Rio Nails and Spa 4504 S Hwy 6 77478

Novotny Susanne Lynn Serendipity Massage 22214 Highland Knolls Dr 77459

Sheba Properties Sheba Properties 9119 Hwy 6 230-177 77459

Rosales Stephanie Stephanie’s House Cleaning 812 Ferry St 77469

Mack Sawanna (+) Shining Starz 6662 W Fuqua 77489

Mendez Charles M (+) Mendez & Associates 6202 Forest Glade Dr 77469

Sleep & Neuro Diagnostic LLC Elite Sleep & Neuro Diagnostic 655 Julie Rivers Dr 77478

Mcmurtrey Alison Lipe Adelle Design & Build 5319 Tyler Park Lane 77494

Raglin Ernest III Just Fine Handi-Man Services 2927 Ashmont Dr 77459

Martinez Jose Affordable Pest Control Srvcs 302 Riveredge Drive 77406

Neocaptiva Marketing Hurtado Melissa 23600 Fm 1093 # 102 77406

Larry Wayne Everett Jr Everett Express LLC Everett Express LLC Po Box 144 77469

Alam Iftekharul Shapla Foundation 12615 West Airport #500 77478

Pickle C Mark Storehouse Financial Solutions 10701 Corporate Dr Ste 295 77477

Superior Sports Group LLC Drillers Paradise 4771 Sweetwater Blvd Ste 207 77479

Hood Lashawnka E (+) Canvas Event Space 24922 Ranch Lake Ct 77494 Blake Alfredo Royal Prestige & Blake & Asociados 2855 Mangum #312 77092 White Robert (+) Jptr Pizza & Waffle Co 16135 City Walk 77479 White Robert (+) Jupiter Pizza & Waffle Co 16135 City Walk 77479 Greene Gwendolyn (+) Perfect Fit Dressmaking & Clothing Alterations 17707 Shelby Oaks Cir 77407 Spooner Charlotte Char’s Sheek Designs 12100 Hwy 6 S 77498 Morton Matthew Allen M&D Cattle Company (+) 13503 Mueck Rd 77461 Osuala Celestina Tnc Janitorial Services 7610 Harvest Mill Ln 77407 Appleton Roosevelt Iii R A 3 Appliance 2202 Silverleaf Dr 77489

Jones Ian A1 Auto Storage 2601 Cartwright D419 77489 Diaz Juana My Friendly Multi Services 1648 Gessner Dr 77080 Agbolabori Dr Simeon O (+) Rehoboth Global Investments LLC 6706 W Airport Blvd 77071 Agbolabori Stephen Hsm It Solutions LLC 6706 W Airport Blvd 77071 Leon William H Poveda W&W Energy Houston LLC 15059 Caseta Dr 77082 Pete Wilbert J Ii (+) Pete Protective Services P O Box 367 77459 Harclerode Christopher Reid Tax Man Chris 4535 Ferndale Meadows Dr 77494 Ngoc Lanh Tran (+) Salon De Nails 1800 Fm 359 #140 77406 Grand Parkway Imaging & Sleep Center Elite Healthcare Sugar Land 19875 Southwest Fwy #110 77479

Roopani Sohail Elite Healthcare 455 Julie Rivers Dr 77478 Velasquez Cemetery Srvcs Inc Velasquez Cemetery Services 1200 Millie St 77471 Rentthesetooproperties LLC Keywordshouston.Com 5503 Fm 359 Rd Suite B 77406 Teichman Jennifer Jennifer Teichman Law Firm 20710 Sapphire Lake Rd 77407 Salerno John F Salerno Construction 4210 Clay Head Rd 77406 Agbolabori Simeon O Dr (+) Rehoboth Global Investments 6706 W Airport Blvd 77071 Scott-Turner Carolyn Carolyn’s Cleaning Service 911 Preston St 77469 Layne Enterprises Inc Modern Pools & Service 9067 Katy Freeway 77024 Leon William Henry Poveda W&W Energy Houston 15059 Caseta Dr 77082 Thomas John (+) Big John’s Soul Food Kitchen 1311 Parker Bluff Lane 77471 Robbins Judy Central Vending 15251 Ensenada Dr 77083 Jones Darryl TCR Enterprises 6319 Darlinghurst 77085 Cruz Valerie VCS Technologies 7214 Palmito Ranch Dr 77406 Wiltz Adrian Monetary Financial Services 3130 Farrel Hill 77545 Nunez Martha D (+) Angel Care Day Care 6006 Gideon Ct 77479

Chavez Jose Alejandro National Grant Writers System 610 Rozelle Ave 77498 Choates Meco B (+) 360 Degrees Security Solutions (+) 9315 Sleepy Gap Way 77459

Stewart Ronald L (+) Rl Stewart Services Co (+) 12343 Murphy Rd Ste D 77477 Campoverde Eleuterio Napoli Express Pizza 10145 Hwy 6 S 77498 Bizmark 1 To 1 Corp Digital Geolog 22115 Cassini Ct 77407 Bizmark 1 To 1 Corp Ipress.Biz 22115 Cassini Ct 77407

NWOSU Patrick Ifeanyi (+) Roseline Transportation Srvcs 10331 Sawyers Crossing 77498

Bizmark 1 To 1 Corp Imagelasting (+) 22115 Cassini Ct 77407

Clark Barbara (+) B & B Transportation Srvcs (+) 2335 Stillmeadow Dr 77489

Porter Michael On The Map Transport (+) Po Box 1341 77459

Hanna Kenneth G (+) Ken Hanna Ministries 5334 Lantana Creek Ct 77494

Zannin Dayana Gatti Export Dynamic 10218 Kessler Cove Ln 77494

Agbolabori Stephen HSM IT Solutions 6706 West Airport 77071

Onisiforou Agapi (+) Magic Needle

By Emm & Enn The (+) 3222 Oak Park Ln 77459

Laury Paul (+) Texas Best Mattress Company Po Box 1738 77487 Eath Larry Mobile Marketing Services Pros P O Box 2051 77459-2051 Thompson Adri Ms. A’z Collection 8303 Bird Meadow Ln 77489 Washington Reggie Guarded Creation Systems & Investigations 5300 N Braeswood Ste 4180 77096 Barreda Jacqueline (+) Jackie’s Boutique 15155 Richmond Ave #414 77082 Ellison Leslie C Singing Dog Ranch Pilot/Escort Service 9519 Hicks Rd 77461

Ogg Larry T (+) Credit Administration Group 1107 Springdale Ct 77479 Medina Fernando B (+) Bluesky Foods 5302 Arcadia Glen 77494 Tobar Rigoberto Sai-Tex (R.T) 3129 Nail Rd 77545 Walker Larry American Flag Football League (Affl) 2411 Shadow Oaks 77545 Agustin Delia M (+) Ndr Manor Care 2603 Manor Wood 77478 Mas Telecom LLC Mas Telecom, LLC D/B/A Smith Telecom 4222 Merriweather St 77478

Phillips Jason T (+) Phlilips Shear Genius 1106 3rd St 77471

Kuhns Clay Klay Kuhns 1289 N Post Oak Rd #120 77055

Binder Marc Texas Photo Shoot Workshop 5680 Hwy 6 #354 77459

Sasser Kasey (+) Sculpted Sugar 7311 Red River Dr 77469

Fort Bend / Katy Business Journal H April 2013

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Data Beat

March 2013 Sales Tax Allocation Comparison Summary Reports

Sales Tax Allocation Comparison Summary reports present data about monthly local sales and use tax allocation payments to local sales taxing jurisdictions.

These net payments represent monies identified for the local jurisdictions since the previous month’s distribution. These reports will allow you to compare current year sales and use tax payments with the previous year. When used with other local economic indicators, they may help indicate present and future trends.

County/City Fort Bend

Net Payment This Period

Comp Payment Prior Year

Percent Change

2013 Payments To Date

2012 Payments To Date

Percent Change

Arcola Beasley Fulshear Kendleton Meadows Place Missouri City Needville Orchard Pleak Richmond Rosenberg Simonton Stafford Sugar Land Thompsons

31,731.82 7,705.67 48,030.06 1,002.58 82,145.53 508,954.27 29,037.52 2,993.26 3,951.62 661,649.80 957,514.95 13,299.99 1,128,027.87 3,204,890.14 0.00

24,777.09 6,700.11 46,521.96 768.64 72,593.46 439,835.63 29,587.30 2,140.37 4,262.62 270,170.21 879,791.74 7,269.34 1,025,306.62 3,189,798.89 1,749.29

28.06% 15.00% 3.24% 30.43% 13.15% 15.71% -1.85% 39.84% -7.29% 144.90% 8.83% 82.96% 10.01% 0.47% -100.00%

114,623.41 24,281.58 175,914.78 2,548.66 270,604.23 1,806,622.62 101,868.98 10,752.52 12,104.86 1,095,761.27 3,338,075.56 39,796.48 3,816,742.50 11,493,321.22 0.00

76,484.66 21,315.37 146,817.14 2,643.73 264,081.90 1,585,344.44 93,289.04 9,060.72 13,937.51 1,004,738.40 3,148,394.81 35,113.78 3,551,271.49 11,931,725.36 8,865.09

49.86% 13.91% 19.81% -3.59% 2.46% 13.95% 9.19% 18.67% -13.14% 9.05% 6.02% 13.33% 7.47% -3.67% -100.00%

COUNTY TOTAL

6,680,935.08

6,001,273.27

11.32%

22,303,018.67

21,893,083.44

1.87%

Top 20 City Sales and Use Tax Comparison Summary - March 2013 Please note that Sugar Land is 17th in sales tax revenues in the state.

City

Houston San Antonio Dallas Austin Fort Worth Arlington El Paso Corpus Christi Amarillo Round Rock Plano McAllen Lubbock Midland Frisco Irving Sugar Land Grand Prairie Beaumont Laredo

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Net Payment This Period

Comp Payment Prior Year

% Change To Date

2012 Payments To Date

44,982,959.46 17,980,083.82 18,584,256.15 12,653,829.55 8,770,568.62 10,406,883.11 5,516,877.26 5,598,195.22 5,125,799.79 5,267,625.43 5,164,326.10 4,322,235.63 4,264,950.32 4,552,715.07 4,254,881.54 4,180,185.44 3,204,890.14 3,111,200.67 2,656,848.27 2,853,192.37

41,112,067.30 16,666,695.29 16,491,071.56 11,184,925.94 8,098,226.87 6,398,245.31 5,205,494.90 5,219,956.34 4,585,594.17 5,145,767.44 4,604,583.53 3,895,691.20 3,867,941.84 3,893,235.99 3,427,401.54 3,360,519.90 3,189,798.89 2,851,457.89 2,444,317.27 2,658,560.26

9.41% 7.88% 12.69% 13.13% 8.30% 62.65% 5.98% 7.24% 11.78% 2.36% 12.15% 10.94% 10.26% 16.93% 24.14% 24.39% 0.47% 9.10% 8.69% 7.32%

151,320,049.78 62,649,124.27 60,548,233.71 42,723,713.15 29,526,184.80 25,955,741.59 20,068,800.28 18,727,036.44 17,704,084.96 17,694,555.67 17,543,074.33 16,955,949.76 15,305,423.61 14,998,846.87 14,849,356.73 13,690,550.68 11,493,321.22 10,754,570.60 10,626,177.27 10,333,958.72

April 2013 H Fort Bend / Katy Business Journal

2011 Payments Change

141,349,100.32 60,598,668.99 57,746,625.04 39,325,494.17 28,499,757.82 22,270,856.24 19,148,376.70 18,073,751.31 16,433,116.97 17,305,113.40 17,765,250.84 15,610,664.18 13,900,218.69 12,984,613.85 12,617,467.25 12,578,475.26 11,931,725.36 9,727,229.01 9,067,419.41 9,825,921.66

Percent

7.05% 3.38% 4.85% 8.64% 3.60% 16.54% 4.80% 3.61% 7.73% 2.25% -1.25% 8.61% 10.10% 15.51% 17.68% 8.84% -3.67% 10.56% 17.19% 5.17%

Data Beat

Commercial Building Permits

Some significant building permits in cities in Fort Bend during the month of February ADDRESS

TYPE OF PERMIT

VALUE

MISSOURI CITY 6110 Hwy 6 3640 Hampton Dr 7246 Knights Ct 4545 Sienna Pkwy 5418 Hwy 6 215 13323 S Gessner Rd 100

Commercial New Commercial New Commercial New Commercial New Commercial Remodel Commercial Remodel

$750,000 $4,600,000 $1,001,715 $700,000 $200,000 $49,250

Grand Total Valuation (Commercial)

02/01/13-02/28/13

$7,427,865

ROSENBERG 1207 Blume Rd

Commercial Building

$500,000

Grand Total Valuation (Commercial)

02/01/13-02/28/13

$500,000

STAFFORD 4800 Sugar Grove Blvd 475 2503 South Main C 12735 Dairy Ashford 12950 South Kirkwood 190 13650 North Promenade Blvd 12603 Southwest Frwy 170 4235 Greenbriar Dr 4659 Wright Rd 10101 Mula Rd

Commercial Building Commercial Building Commercial Building Commercial Building Commercial Building Commercial Building Commercial Building Commercial Building Commercial Building

$20,940 $10,000 $11,600 $160,000 $14,000 $47,018 $3,000,000 $429,000 $16,450

Grand Total Valuation (Commercial)

02/01/13-02/28/13

$3,718,458

SUGAR LAND 525 Industrial Blvd 170 Gillingham Ln 525 Industrial Blvd 6508 US Hwy 90A 16959 Southwest Fwy Ste 100 16959 Southwest Fwy Ste 200 101 Parklane Blvd Ste 204 16605 Southwest Fwy Ste 204 2150 Town Square PL Ste 250 16902 Southwest Fwy Ste 210 13905 University Blvd 16535 Southwest Fwy PAD 2007 2150 Town Square PL, Level 1 14857 Southwest Fwy 16535 Southwest Fwy Ste 360 2329 State Hwy 6 16529 Southwest Fwy 16535 Southwest Fwy Ste 870 3169 State Hwy 6 1531 State Hwy 6 Ste 200 15215 Southwest Fwy 203 Century Square Blvd Ste 180 16515 Lexington Blvd 2448 Settlers Way Blvd 2600 Cordes Dr Ste A 16535 Southwest Fwy Ste 860 13821 Southwest Fwy 15475 Southwest Fwy 16525 Lexington Blvd Ste 170 One Fluor Daniel Dr Bldg B-3 80 Sugar Creek Center Blvd Ste 401 2264 Lone Star Dr 77 Sugar Creek Center Vlvd Ste 401 14140 Southwest Fwy Ste 160 15958 City Walk Ste 290

Commercial Addition Commercial Addition Commercial Addition Commercial Buildout Commercial Buildout Commercial Buildout Commercial Buildout Commercial Buildout Commercial Buildout Commercial Buildout Commercial New Commercial New Commercial Remodel Commercial Remodel Commercial Remodel Commercial Remodel Commercial Remodel Commercial Remodel Commercial Remodel Commercial Remodel Commercial Remodel Commercial Remodel Commercial Remodel Commercial Remodel Commercial Remodel Commercial Remodel Commercial Remodel Commercial Remodel Commercial Remodel Commercial Remodel Commercial Remodel Commercial Remodel Commercial Remodel Commercial Remodel Commercial Remodel

$125,000 $39,500 $34,600 $623,676 $164,000 $164,000 $49,000 $156,977 $274,476 $74,750 $14,500,000 $919,000 $16,635 $223,244 $211,319 $46,230 $80,000 $95,659 $30,000 $45,492 $85,500 $24,230 $50,945 $35,000 $26,586 $193,088 $18,500 $35,000 $64,531 $37,552 $42,774 $44,290 $32,500 $19,860 $51,693

Grand Total Valuation (Commercial)

02/01/13-02/28/13

$18,642,788

OWNER/CONTRACTOR To be determined K D Gotcher Investments E & K Holdings Inc/Proem Design Build Apollo Construction Lasco Riverstone Retail Partners/City Commercial Contractors, I TFRP II/SR Missouri City LP/Dancor Construction Inc

Bass Construction

Nancy Arnt/Southern R & R Cosntruction George Paul/Southwest Improvements PBV-USA Inc/Diversified GC Unlimited Inc Walong Marketing Inc/Echco Construction Inc Groth/LaMot Corporation/August Companies MCI Partners/Griffin Partners/Dobson Construction Services Puffer Sweiven/Forney Construction LLC LIT Industrial Texas Ltd/Platform Management/StarTex Construction Allen H Fogle/Fogle Manufacturing

Flow Loop Land/Southern Facility Srv Const Schlumberger Technology Corp/Southern Facility Srv Const Flow Loop Land/Southern Facility Srv Const Hwy 6 & 90, LTD/Rytam Construction Services Inc Sugar Land Properties, Inc/Super Tech Construction Sugar Land Properties, Inc/Super Tech Construction APAAR Sugar Creek, LP/Precon Construction Services Methodist Hospital/South Coast Const Services Inc Town Center Lakeside, LTD/BYRD Interior Construction, LP Sugar Land Properties, Inc/Mission Construction NNF-Telfair LP/E E Reed Construction, LP First Colony Mall, LLC/Hale-Mills Construction, Inc Town Center Lakeside, LTD/D E Harvey Builders, Inc NNN Sugar Land Medical Center/Bey Commercial Construction First Colony Mall, LLC/Titan Construction Inc Private Restaurant Properties/2C Commercial Services, LLC JC Penny Prop Inc/Powerhouse Retail Services LLC First Colony Mall, LLC/Horizon Retail Construction Eqyinvest Outparcel Owner, LTD/Y-Square Design Build LLC Mody Properties LLC/Z-CO Construction Covington First Colony Acquisition/Potts Plumbing & Construction First Century Square Plaza Par/Hermon Worldwide APAAR Lexington Square LC/Walkcon LTD HSMEP William Trace, LP/Elite Flooring & Construction 2600 Interests, LTD/Turnkey Painting Inc First Colony Mall, LLC/Hunter Building Corp Sugar Creek Village, LP/Rafael Villegas Covington First Colony Acqusition.Level Construction Inc APAAR Lexington Square, LC/Precon Construction Services Lakepointe Assets, LLC/Hammonds Construction LLC Prosperity Bank El Campo/SLI Group, Inc City of Sugar Land/ Penner Construction NNN Sugar Land Medical Center/Hermes Commercial Contractors Healix Building/Turnbow Design, Inc Town Center Lakeside, LTD/O’ Donnell/Snider Construction

Fort Bend / Katy Business Journal H April 2013

57

There are 11 weeks that kids need things to do with five weekdays to fill each week. We will have a list of 55 things to do in and around Fort Bend County all in one issue. Some day trips, paid activities, no or low cost events and/or day camps that parents can do with their kids each weekday. This fabulous section will be published on Wednesday, April 24th and will be home-delivered with The Fort Bend Star to 48,000 homes throughout Fort Bend County including Sugar Land, Richmond and Missouri City.

What a great place for your ad to be referenced all summer.

Delivered: April 24th • Deadline: April 19th

281-690-4200 4655 Techniplex Dr., Suite 300 Stafford, Texas 77477

www.FortBendStar.com 58

April 2013 H Fort Bend / Katy Business Journal

SERVICE DIRECTORY Accounting Terri L Sibbet, CPA 713-234-0618 Office Affordable, Accurate, Timely -Bookkeeping, Payroll, Payroll Tax Returns - Quickbooks, Financials, Sales & Property Tax Returns -Tax Return Preparation.

Advertising Fort Bend / Katy Business Journal 281-690-4200 www.fortbendstar.com Fort Bend’s ONLY business publication.

Fort Bend Focus 281-690-4242 www.fortbendfocus.com Fort Bend’s ONLY feature magazine Direct mailed to almost 40,000 homes every month in Fort Bend’s most affluent subdivisions.

Fort Bend Star 281-690-4200 www.fortbendstar.com We have been delivering a free community newspaper to homes throughout Fort Bend County longer than ANY OTHER Newspaper.

Alterations & Tailoring LIZ’S TAILOR and ALTERATIONS 281-242-3193 www.lizstailor.com 3626 Highway 6 South (In the Luby’s/Big Lots Shopping Center) Sugar Land, TX 77478 Our Alterations Service for Ladies and Gentlemen include: Full resizing of your dress or prom to make a perfect fit; hem pants & jeans, taper in and out; shorten jacket sleeves and zipper changes. We fix your clothes at affordable prices. We offer professional tailoring. We will make your clothes from a catalog or pattern. For one-day or immediate service, please call Liz at 281-242-3193. We offer free estimates or visit us at www.lizstailor.com or email us at liz@lizstailor.com.

Auto Repair / Maintenance Auto Central-Automotive Service & Sales 281-499-9684 www.autocentral.biz david@autocentral.biz. David Fauvelle, 2526 Fifth Street, Stafford, Texas 77477, Fax: 281-499-0183, Fast, Friendly and professional automotive repair.

ASE Blue Seal Certified, State Inspection Station, Diesel Repair, Open Saturdays 8-3.

Charlton’s Auto Body Repair and Vehicle Detailing 281-499-1126 www.charltonsbodyrepair.com Chuck Charlton, 1131 Staffordshire @ 5th Street, Stafford, Texas 77477, Charbody@aol.com, Fax: 281-499-1694, Complete collision repair. Frame & Unibody straightened. Expert computer color matching. Custom painting & pin stripping. Honest service. 79 Years Strong and 3 Generations Proud!

Colony One Auto Center 281-980-4440 www.colonyoneauto.com Rod Tate, 1131 Dulles Avenue, Stafford, TX 77477, Fax: 281-261-0048, Complete state of the art automotive repair & maintenance facility.

First Tire & Automotive 281-313-2886 www.firsttireandauto.com Craig Popp, owner, 3 Sugar Land Locations. 960 Eldridge, 281-313-2886 & 2303 Williams Trace Blvd.

281-980-2666 (First Colony), 20015 Southwest Freeway. 281-343-5666 (Greatwood), Diagnostic testing and evaluation, Manufacturer’s routine recommended maintenance, domestic and foreign vehicle repairs, AAA approved, ASE certified. Ask about our Fleet Service!

Banks The State Bank of Texas 281-494-6686 www.tsbot.com nbb@tsbot.com. Nicki Black, 13010 Murphy Road, Stafford, TX 77477, Fax: 281-494-6747. Locally and independently owned - our prime interest is you!

Catering Salata www.mysalata.com 2170 Town Square Place, Sugar Land, Texas 77479.

832-886-4582. Salata is a fresh and unique way to eat healthy and create your own freshly prepared hand tossed salad or salad wrap. Offering over 50 toppings of fruits and vegetables with the option to add chicken or seafood. Salata signature dressings made in house. We cater and deliver for any occasion including business meetings or training sessions. In a hurry? Go to mysalata.com and we’ll have your order prepared and ready to go. We are conveniently located in town square across from the Marriott and in the corridor of the Coca-Cola/ Minute Maid building. We are attached to Lone Star parking garage with free parking. For catering service contact Andrea Fidanza (cell) 337-534-3924 or Afidanza@mysalata.com.

Fax: 832-886-4591, Email: Sugarland@mysalata. com.

Country Clubs & Golf Courses Quail Valley Golf Club 281-403-8518 (Direct) 281-403-5910 (Golf Shop) www.golfquailvalley.com Quail Valley Golf Course offers 36 holes of championship golf, a full practice facility, lessons and a fully stocked golf shop. The Missouri City Community Center at Quail Valley Golf Course hosts the Bluebonnet Grille at the 37th Hole, multiple event rooms as well as the 300 seat Magnolia Ballroom. Quail Valley Golf Course and the Missouri City Community Center are the perfect sites for your next meeting or big event. For more information visit www.golfquailvalley.com Quail Valley Golf Course 2880 La Quinta Dr. is located at Missouri City, TX 77459.

Economic Development The Katy Area Economic Development Council (Katy Area EDC) www.KatyEDC.org 281-396-2200 The Katy Area Economic Development Council (Katy Area EDC) , a 501 (c) 6 non-profit corporation, is a full service economic development corporation representing the Katy ISD area (Katy Area). Katy Area EDC : recruits new businesses, helps retain and expand existing businesses, helps create new businesses, facilitates the construction of business infrastructure and helps improve the quality of place and quality of life of the Katy Area.

Riverbend Country Club 281-269-2526 www.riverbendcountryclub.org triciarbcc@gmail.com. Tricia Hawks, 1214 Dulles Avenue, Sugar Land, TX 77478. Conveniently located in the heart of Sugar Land, Riverbend Country Club is just 25 minutes south of downtown Houston, Texas.

Established in 1957, Riverbend continues its tradition as Fort Bend County’s only member owned club.

Whether you’re looking for championship golf, fine dining, pools, tennis, fitness facilities or a wide variety of social and golf activities Riverbend is definitely the place to belong. continued, on page 60

Fort Bend / Katy Business Journal H April 2013

59

Home Health Care

Floral Flowers By Tiffany LLC 281-208-8681 www.FlowersByTiffanyStafford.com 13230 Murphy Road, Suite 400, Stafford, TX 77477.

281-208-8681. 2011 CMUS Power Award Winner – Internet Customer Service Award. Beautiful Flowers for all occasions, Weddings, Events, Funerals, Plants, Fruit & Gourmet Baskets. Member of the Better Business Bureau and Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce. Mention the Fort Bend Business Journal for a special discount.

Golf Carts / Mobility Scooters CBC Golf Cart Services, Inc. 281-494-1164 Scooters by CBC 281-494-3454 www.cbcgolfcarts.com chris1001@windstream.net, 203 Ulrich Street, Sugar Land, TX 77498 (Behind Imperial Sugar). CBC offers Sales, Service, New & Used, Rentals and Parts for two lines of products, GOLF CARTS and MOBILITY SCOOTERS. Authorized Dealer for Fairplay and Pride Mobility products. fax 281-494-1189.

Glass Block/Showers/Windows

SERVICE DIRECTORY

South Texas Glass Block 281-355-8882 www. stglassblock.com We offer complete glass block solutions, providing excellent service and product to all of our customers.

We have been in business since 1995, serving the entire Houston and surrounding areas. Our excellent workmanship is unmatched both in the commercial and residential arena. No job is too big for South Texas Glass Block.

Holistic Health Holistic Health Institute 713.254.4141 www.joycelong.biz Holistic Health emphasizes preventative maintenance through wellness and detox programs vs health-crisis mgmt options. Founded

by Joyce Long, who has conquered her own cancer holistically, Long soon discovered that our Lymphatic System was the key to having a healthy body and life. Long helped establish the guidelines/ handbook for both national and international therapists and was also the first to be certified in colon hydrotherapy as an instructor. Experience natural alternatives to costly facelifts. Eliminate the toxins from your body naturally and within your budget.

Texas State Healthcare 281-208-4344 www.txstatehealthcare.com What we do: Skilled Nursing - Home Health Aide Physical/Speech/Occupational Therapies - Medical Social Worker assisting with durable medical equipment needs and helping to provide Resources & Services in the Community - Wound Care - Catheter Care - Diabetic Care Lab Services - IV Therapy and more... “Hometown Nurses Helping Hometown People” Insurance Agencies Prince Benefits Group 713-884-8399 www.princebenefitsgroup.com Partner with a strategically uncompromising and experienced insurance agency that specializes in employee benefits. We help you attract the right talent and keep them happy! The jewel in our crown of insurance is group insurance but we offer the complete spectrum of benefits for groups and individuals: health, dental, life, vision, disability, 401k, general liability, property, worker’s compensation, umbrella, commercial auto, COBRA administration, HR compliance, etc. Prince Benefits Group provides your company the leverage it needs to get what it needs.

Insurance Solutions of Texas 281-565-2222 • 281-341-5060 www.insurancesolutionsoftexas.com Jay Harris, Auto, Home, Business, Flood Insurance.

14140 Southwest Freeway, Suite 150, Sugar Land, Texas 77478. 281-565-2222, Fax 281-565-3333.

2515 Ave. H, Rosenberg, Texas 77471. 281-3415060, Fax 281-341-5558.

Jewelers The Gold Connection Jewelers 281-344-9900 • We Buy Gold www.goldconnection.net Full service jewelry store. Diamonds, Gold & Silver Jewelry and Watches. Repairs done on the premises.

Custom design are our specialty. Front door parking.

206 Hwy 90A, Richmond, Texas 77406.

Magazine Fort Bend / Katy Business Journal 281-690-4200 www.fortbendstar.com Fort Bend’s ONLY business publication. Reaching over 10,000 businesses monthly. The place to advertise to reach the vital Fort Bend County business community.

12 MONTHS LISTING FOR ONLY $300 60

April 2013 H Fort Bend / Katy Business Journal

Fort Bend Focus - 281-690-4242 Pearland Focus - 281-690-4242 Focus on Women - 281-690-4242 www.fortbendfocus.com Fort Bend’s ONLY feature magazine Direct mailed to almost 40,000 homes every month in Fort Bend’s most affluent subdivisions.

Medical Supplies Synicare Medical 281-378-8040 www.synicaremedical.com synicaremedical@yahoo.com. 20333 State Highway 249, Suite 200, Houston, TX 77070, Fax 888-397-1240.

Synicare Medical is focused on providing high-quality service and customer satisfaction. Our entire team is committed to meeting those needs with professionalism and integrity. Synicare Medical specializes in durable medical equipment,medical supplies, and third party billing.

We accept all private insurance and strive to meet the needs of every patient in a professional and caring way. Synicare Medical is owned and operated by Synicare Group LLC. Nature’s Pest Control Nature’s Own Pest And Lawn Service 281-656-2847 www.naturesownpestcontrol.org 18035 W. Little York Rd. Ste. F, Katy, TX 77449. Using an exterminator that will practice the safest and most natural techniques for pest control can be reassuring and may be the only consideration for those who are determined to live green in every way. Natural pest control with the best guarantee in the business. At Nature’s Own, we will eradicate your bugs and make your home bug free once again. Don’t lose any sleep over these pesky bugs. Call Nature’s Own today. Mention Fort Bend Business Journal and receive a special discount.

Newspaper Fort Bend Star 281-690-4200 www.fortbendstar.com We have been delivering a free community newspaper to homes throughout Fort Bend County longer than ANY OTHER Newspaper.

Open MRI Upright MRI of Sugar Land 281-494-0505 www.mri911.com CLAUSTROPHOBIC? Upright MRI is the only True OPEN MRI in Sugar Land. We scan patients standing, sitting, or lying down. For the first time, patients can be scanned in weight-bearing postures and in their position of pain. It is ideal for patients who have difficulty lying down due to respiratory or cardiac problems. Mention this ad and receive $25 off your first scan. 2655 Cordes Drive #150, Sugar Land, 77479. Open Monday – Friday 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Elissa R. Wedemeyer O.D., FCOVD, F.A.A.O 281-499-2600 www.drwedemeyer.com 6026 Hwy. 6 Missouri City, TX 77459. Therapeutic Optometrist; Visual Perceptual / Binocular Therapy; medical management of eye infections and diseases. The office has a large selection of fashion frames.

Pharmacies Ed’s Pharmacy 281-499-4555 Ed Sziy, 3740 Cartwright, Missouri City, TX 77459, Fax: 281-499-7088.

Physicians Immunizations & Drug Testing IMU Southwest, The IMUnization Clinic 281-313-7468 www.houstonvaccines.com houstonvaccines@gmail.com. 3727 Greenbriar Dr. Suite 403, Stafford, TX 77477- Vaccines for children and adults for school, fertility, work, immigration, or travel needs. Daytime, Evening, and Saturday hours and no wait appointments available. Vaccine titers and Drug Testing for individuals or corporations.

Certified Drug Testing Center & CDC Designated Yellow Fever Provider. We perform oral HIV testing also. Mobile on-site clinics available for churches and corporations.

Printers / Graphics Star Printing 281-690-4200 www.fortbendstar.com We professionally design and print flyers, postcards, brochures, magazines, newspapers and catalogs in high-quality digital graphics.

Rain Gutters Sugar Land Rain Gutters & Remodeling 713-204-4664 SugarLandRainGutters.com Sales and installation of seamless rain gutters; repairing and cleaning out existing gutters and repairing fascia boards. Free Estimates and a 15 year warranty with all new installations. Also offering Organic Gardens and Landscaping by a degreed horticulturist. (Consulting and design fees apply). Locally owned and operated in Sugar Land, Texas.

Real Estate / Residential Colliers International, formerly Curtice Commercial Real Estate 281-494-4769 kcurtice@curticecommercial.com.

Kolbe M. Curtice, CCIM, CLS, 15999 City Walk Suite 250, Sugar Land Square located at U.S. Highway 59 & State Highway 6, Fax: 281-4943227, Brokerage, Development, Investment & Tenant Representation, 25 years experience in Fort Bend.

Riverstone Development Co. 281-499-8700 www.riverstone.com tomw@johnsondev.com. Tom Wilcox, 4855 Riverstone Blvd, Missouri City, Texas 77459, Fax: 281-499-8704, Luxurious waterside living in Fort Bend from $200s to the many millions.

Jeanne Gregory, CRS, GRI 281-344-8918 www.jeannegregory.com jeannegregory@earthlink.net.

14905 Southwest Freeway, Sugar Land, Texas 77478, Fax: 281-242-6754, Re/Max Southwest.

Residential real estate sales & corporate relocation.

Jennifer Weaver, ABR, CRS, GRI 281-207-5037 www.jenniferweaver.com RE/MAX Southwest, 14905 Southwest Freeway, Sugar Land, Texas 77478. Residential sales and corporate relocation since 1979.

Remodeling / Outdoor Living Living Improvements 281-499-7000 www.living-improvements.com AWARD WINNING - 2010 & 2011 Houston’s BEST “Outdoor Living Space” Living Improvements’ commitment to excellence makes us the perfect fit for your building needs. We have over 200 years cumulative in-house experience in the remodeling and construction industry making us highly skilled, professional and detail oriented striving to exceed our customer’s expectations.

We feature outdoor living spaces, custom homes, interior and exterior renovations. Our commitment to excellence is just one of the reasons we have over 5,000 satisfied customers.

SERVING FORT BEND & SURROUNDING COUNTIES FOR OVER 35 YEARS.

12 MONTHS LISTING FOR ONLY $300

Fort Bend / Katy Business Journal H April 2013

Tree Removal / Stump Grinding / Professional Pruning and Tree Feeding R. H. Tree Service 832-277-6947 Tree removal, stump grinding, pruning and tree feeding are procedure specific and the result can be cost prohibitive when hiring a service that does only “surface” work and lacks proper expertise.

With 20 years of experience, you can count on our consistent, reputable and professional crew. We are both insured and have excellent references.

We handle all commercial and residential tree services, tree removal (no matter its height), proper procedural stump grinding, professional tree pruning and we have the experience and knowledge how to feed your trees that are undernourished or at a distressed level. Call the professional crew that you can count on! No job is too big or too small.

Video Services

SERVICE DIRECTORY

Optometrists

Star Digital Studios 281-690-4280 www.starvideoproductions.com A full service video production studio providing all phases of video production including professional writing, videography, editing, DVD duplication, distribution; also video deposition services to the legal community. For video needed for a TV commercial, website posting, employee training, promotional DVDs, special presentations, coverage of live events/trade shows, or corporate videos, give us a call. If you are interested in something you do not see on our website, let us know and we’re ready to accommodate your needs!

Water Softening and Purification Systems R & S Water Services 281-416-9353 www.rswaterservice.com info@rswaterservice.com R & S Water Service is a Full Service Licensed Water Treatment Company. We offer CostEffective and Long-Lasting Water Softeners.

We are 30%-50% less expensive than other water softening companies and we offer the best customer service even after the sale! Sales, Service and Installation of Water Softeners, No Salt Conditioners, Reverse Osmosis Systems, Well Water Systems, Ambassador II Chem-Free Iron Filter Systems and Chloramine Removal Systems.

We also can test and repair Back Flow devices.

For other services or any questions please contact us. 281-416-9353 or info@rswaterservice.com. **List with the BBB. **Licensed members of the TWQA Texas Water Quality Association.

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FOOD, DRINK, ENTERTAINMENT GUIDE WHERE TO EAT NOW - The following is a list of exceptional restaurants throughout in Fort Bend County & Katy Area. Prices reflect the average cost of a three-course dinner for one person, excluding drinks, tax and tip. $$$$=Very Expensive ($60 & Up). $$$=Expensive ($40-$60). $$=Moderate ($20-$40). $=Inexpensive (Under $20) . FB=Full Bar. WB=Serves Wine & Beer.

Aling’s Hakka Chinese Cuisine Welcome to Sugar Land’s first Hakka Chinese Restaurant!

Using family recipes, Chefs Lin Motiwala and Gary Yan present this unique “Chindian” cuisine, a delicious fusion of both Chinese and Indian cookery (without the curry undertones). From savory steamed or pan fried Dumplings to traditional Indianstyle Hakka dishes, as prepared in Bombay/ Pune, like Chicken Lollipop, as well as American Chop Suey, each dish is prepared using the freshest ingredients to bring you a dining experience like no other. Lunch specials start at $6.95 for a 4 course meal. Open Tuesday - Sunday. Lunch: 11am-3pm (TuesFri). Dinner: 5:30pm-10pm (Tues-Thurs & Sun) and 11pm (Fri & Sat). Aling’s is located in the First Colony Commons shopping center at Hwy 59 and Williams Trace Blvd. between Home Depot and Office Depot. 15425 Southwest Freeway, Sugar Land. Call 281-2420432. www.alingshakka.com. $$ AURA Restaurant Chef/Owner Frédéric Perrier brings over 30 years experience to his newest venture AURA. In an upscale yet casually comfortable setting, Innovative American Cuisine reigns and is highlighted in the numerous Daily Specials. AURA features only the finest,

62

freshest ingredients. A three course prix fixe lunch for $12.95 to Mussles Marinieres, Roasted Red Snapper or Filet Mignon with Cognac Peppercorn Sauce. No need to go to Houston or into Sugar Land for a truly high quality dining experience... you will easily find it at AURA (without ‘Big Restaurant’ prices!) at Township Square - Missouri City. Lunch Mon-Sat 11-2. Dinner Mon-Thurs 5-9 and Fri-Sat 5-10. Please call for Reservations &/ or Catering ~ 3400 FM 1092, 81-403-AURA (2872). $$ • WB BLU Restaurant | Lounge (New Listing) BLU boasts a globally influenced, Euro-Asian menu from acclaimed Executive Chef Junnajet “Jett” Hurapan. With a diverse background that spans cuisine from Thailand to New American and Mediterranean, Chef Jett’s dinner menu offers an extensive array of both small and larger plates perfect for sharing.

Looking for a great deal, come enjoy an incredible three-course lunch menu for $12 Tues - Fri, and $4 happy hour menu Tues Sun. BLU recently started a Live Jazz Sunday Brunch from 11am to 3pm!

Visit www. blusugarland.com ~ 2248 Texas Drive 281.903.7324. $$ • WB

To Advertise Meet & Eat Food Drink Entertainment Guide April 2013 H Fort Bend / Katy Business Journal

Candelari’s Pizzeria Albert Candelari began making sausage over 50 years ago. As the years have passed the flavor remains the same, which is why Candelari’s is the “King of Sausages”! They take that delicious Italian sausage and put it in pizzas, pastas, and sandwiches. Enjoy appetizers, salads, pastas, sandwiches, pizzas and desserts in there dining room, large patio, or full bar with large screen TV’s. Happy hour is Monday - Thursday 3 to 7pm. This casual dining experience is available at two locations in Fort Bend. Call either location for take-out or delivery. 7425 Hwy 6 S (Just North of Sienna) 832-947-0440 / 6825 S Fry Rd (Fry & 99) 281-395-6746. www.candelaris.com. $ • FB Fernando’s Latin Cuisine We are pleased to announce the arrival of Fernando’s Latin Cuisine-An exotic culinary adventure! Started by, Fernando Echeverria, the same owner of Los Andes by the Compact Center in Houston-Another wonderful Latin American restaurant. Fernando’s Latin Cuisine is located in the same building where Ruth’s Chris used to be. Featured dishes include Empanadas appetizer, Fileton, (Filet mignon) and Asada Y Camarones, Casually called the surf and turf. 14135 Southwest Freeway, in Sugar Land. 281-494-9087. wwww. fernandosrestaurants.com. $$ • FB

Call Barbara J. Carlson at 281-690-4204 or Barbara@fortbendbusinessjournal.com

Las Alamedas Restaurant & Cantina Las Alamedas Restaurant and Bar Continues the long standing tradition of fine Mexican food and beverages that began in 1980, is now relocated in Katy at The La Centerra Center. Join us seven days a week for our warm hospitality and anything from brunch on the weekends to private corporate events and everything in between. We are a total scratch kitchen featuring an extensive selection of authentic dishes. We are family friendly with a great children’s menu. Our patios were voted one of the top two in the Houston area. Please visit our website and like us on Facebook! The only thing missing is you! We are open for lunch and dinner seven days a week and we serve brunch Saturdays and Sundays from 10am to 2pm. Our bar and lounge offers full meal service from open to close. Hours of operation are, Monday thru Thursday from 11am to 10pm, Friday from 11am to 11pm, Saturday from 10am to 11pm, Sunday from 10am to 9pm. BAR 11am till closing. 23501 Cinco Ranch Blvd., Suite F-140, Katy, TX 77494.

281-347-3030. Reservations accepted by phone and on line by visiting our web site www. lasalamedas.com. $$ • FB

made from scratch meals that is unforgettably delicious!” Manager Kenny adds. The restaurant offers accommodations for small group meetings and wonderful party tray for catering to the near by businesses and schools. Panda Garden is open 7 days a week on Mon. – Sat.: 11a.m. – 10 p.m. and Sun. 11a.m. – 9:30p.m. Delivery is available everyday with a min. of $15.00 purchase. A lunch special is offered daily as well as the full regular menu offerings. 3563 Hwy 6 @ Williams Trace, 281-265-0303. $ • WB

Las Haciendas Mexican Bar & Grill Santos Escobar and his brother Ascension Escobar serve up dozens of heaping traditional gourmet Mexican plates. Lunch Specials run weekdays from 11am - 3pm. Great margaritas, fajitas and much more. Catering available as well as a party room for private parties. • 12821 Southwest Freeway. 281-240-3060. $ • FB

Tradicao Brazilian Steakhouse Tradicao Brazilian Steakhouse is the best new steakhouse in Fort Bend.

Tradicao, pronounced Tradee-son, was named after the Brazilian word for “tradition” and founded on the idea to continue this traditional way of grilling. They are a family owned and operated churracaria whose goal is to make sure your dining experience is one you will never forget.

Their prixe fixe menu includes 14 cuts of perfectly grilled meats brought to your table side, a large salad bar and hot sides. Tradicao would like to invite you to come join them, sit back and relax. Lunch MonFri 11am-2pm, Sat Closed, Sun 12-3pm. Dinner Mon-Thurs 5-9:30pm, Fri 5-10pm, Sat 4-10pm, Sun 5-9pm. Phone: 281-277-9292. 12000 Southest Freeway, Meadows Place, TX, 77477, www.

TradicaoSteakhouse.com. $ • WB

Panda Garden Panda Garden Restaurant, the three times winner for Best Oriental Restaurant in Fort Bend County, located at 3563 Highway 6 in Kroger Center, provides a warm, casual environment to best service all diners. The goal of our restaurant is to offer 100% satisfactory to the customers with variety selection of popular Hunan Cuisine. “We offer fresh,

Post Oak Grill Restaurant & Bar The Rios Family invites you to come and experience the same quality, ambiance and service that you have at the original Post Oak Grill. Join us for a wonderful culinary adventure featuring fine prime beef, chops, fresh seafood, soups, sandwiches, salads, and outstanding wine selection. Open lunch & dinner - Monday-Thursday 11:0010:00pm, Friday 11:00-11:00p.m., Saturday 4:00-11pm, Sunday 10:00-9:00pm, & Sunday Brunch 10:00-2:00pm. Happy Hour 4:007:00pm. 1550 Lake Pointe Parkway, Sugar Land • Call 281-491-2901. www.PostOakGrillSugarland. com $$ • FB

Fort Bend / Katy Business Journal H April 2013

Salata (New Listing) “The Next Generation Salad Bar” offers tossed-to-order salads and wraps created from a selection of nearly 50 fresh ingredients including an array of lettuces, vegetables, fruits, cheeses, seeds, nuts, chicken and seafood.

All Salata’s dressings are made in-house and are available for take-home purchase. Salata provides fast and healthy meal options for lunch or dinner 7 days a week and with outdoor seating at this location. Online ordering at www.mySalata.com. Have a training session or a business meeting and can’t get out for lunch?

We will be happy to cater any occasion and bring the Salata experience to you. For catering contact Andrea Fidanza (Cell) 337-534-3924 or Sugar Land store 832-886-4582. $ • FB Salvatore Italian American Bistro (New Listing) “Welcome to our family,” is the greeting you receive from Executive Chef and General Manager, Michael Wagner, when you enter Salvatore Italian American Bistro on Wilcrest Drive and U.S. 59. Lunch, dinner, Sunday brunch with family, friends or a date, this restaurant is quite a find. Salvatore also boasts it’s Amore Wine Bar, which is a full bar w/large TV screens & features raw oysters. Lunch specials are $8.50 per person and include a beverage. For the dinner entrees, those Italian-American favorites, range from $10 to $23 and each is served with a fresh garden salad. There’s also a wine list of high quality, traditional wines, and other choices by the glass. Bottle specials are on Tuesday night, when the wine is half off and on Wednesday, buy one and get one free. Salvatore’s caters to the small ones with it’s very special Bambino and Bambina offerings. Live entertainment is available Friday and Saturday evenings. Salvatore/Amore is open Tuesday – Friday, 11 a.m. - 9 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday from 12 noon to 9 p.m.; and Monday the restaurant is closed. Catering is always available.

11786 S. Wilcrest Dr. Houston, Tx 77099. Call 281-498-6790 or visit salvatoreitalianbistro.com. $ • WB

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Like you, we’re proud to call Katy home.

Visit our new Katy Investor Center for free one-on-one guidance.

From this year’s state football champs to 70 years of the Katy Rodeo, there’s a lot to celebrate around here. And, now you can also take advantage of guidance from a financial services leader, right here in your backyard.

• Meet with an investment professional to review your portfolio and

your financial goals.

• We can help you find tax-efficient investment options, create a retirement

income strategy, and develop a plan to provide for your family’s future.

• We’ll help you choose low-cost investments designed to meet your needs.

Set up a one-on-one consultation.

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Suite 125 800.544.3063 Retirement

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Investments

Investing involves risk, including risk of loss.

Although guidance is provided one on one, it is educational in nature, is not individualized, and is not intended to serve as the primary or sole basis for your investment or tax-planning decisions.

Fidelity does not provide legal or tax advice and the information provided above is general in nature and should not be considered legal or tax advice.

Consult with an attorney or tax professional regarding your specific legal or tax situation.

Fidelity Brokerage Services LLC, Member NYSE, SIPC. © 2013 FMR LLC. All rights reserved. 614120.11.0

Don’t let a

stroke alter your life story.

Learn how to lower your risk of stroke.

Join us for a free stroke education seminar:

Thursday, May 9, 2013 | 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.

Methodist Sugar Land Hospital Conference Center Call 281-274-7500 or email SLRSVP@tmhs.org for more information and to register.

Registration is required.

80 percent of strokes are preventable. So while you can’t control all of the factors that can lead to a stroke, we want you to know the ones you can.

As a primary stroke center in Fort Bend County, we are committed to educating you about the warning signs and risk factors for stroke. Because the more you know, the better prepared you’ll be to create a longer, healthier life story.