April 2014 - The Business Lifestyle Magazine Digital Edition

Volume 32 • No. 4

THE BUSINESS LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

APRIL 2014

Southern Ice Cream Life’s Short, Eat Good Ice Cream

Southern Ice Cream owners Michelle Franklin, Sharon Johnston and Mike Johnston on their vintage Good Humor Ice Cream Truck.

INSIDE STORIES

AccessHealth Community Challenge event a success!

Is your property in a flood zone?

Big Shots - State of the County Fort Bend Newsworthy & Names in the News Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce Newsletter Data Beat Information

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A Buzz-worthy Partnership Texas Direct Auto and the Skeeters Hit It Out of the Park

S

ince their inaugural season in 2012, the Sugar Land Skeeters have captured the hearts of Sugar Land residents and baseball lovers throughout the Greater Houston area. In turn, the organization has fostered partnerships with pillars of the Fort Bend county community for years to come. One such pairing is with Stafford-based Texas Direct Auto, the world’s largest independent auto dealership, who is proud to team up with the Skeeters again for the third consecutive year in 2014 with the goal of making the upcoming season the best yet.

“Texas Direct Auto has been a true asset to the Sugar Land Skeeters organization,” said Chris Jones, General Manager for the Sugar Land Skeeters. “Our partnership has allowed the Skeeters to enhance our presence in the community, as well as increase our brand power by linking ourselves to grass root companies with great reputations like Texas Direct Auto’s.”

As a founding sponsor, Texas Direct Auto has a noticeable presence at Constellation Field. In addition to car displays in

Constellation Field in Sugar Land.

the front plaza every Saturday night and a vintage, baseball-shaped bullpen cart, the Texas Direct Auto message is featured prominently along the Skeeters bullpen and inside the “Buzz Shop,” where every purchase of $50 or more in Skeeters merchandise earns fans a free t-shirt! And kids of all ages are welcome to come out to the dealership off of the Southwest Freeway at Airport Road for pictures with Swatson, the Skeeters’ adorable life-sized mosquito mascot, on three separate dates yet to be announced.

Skeeters fans will also want to mark their calendars for the two game entitlements hosted by Texas Direct Auto this year. The first 2,000 fans through the gates on Friday, May 24th will receive a limited-edition Skeeter blue camouflage fleece blanket, and on Friday, August 2nd, Texas Direct Auto will give away the third edition of their coveted, collectible youth jerseys to the first 2,000 attendees.

Texas Direct Auto’s Director of New Business Development Jessica DeMarr is looking forward to another great season in 2014. “We hope you’ll come out and join us at Constellation Field and the Texas Direct Auto dealership for lots of fun special events this year.” DeMarr said. “Go Skeeters!”

For more information, visit www.sugarlandskeeters. com.

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Preview

by Sharon Wallingford

Take a snapshot now: Fort Bend County won’t be the same tomorrow Sharon Wallingford

C

an you believe it’s April? Time and change cannot be stopped. This month we’re showering you - our reader - with information on new developments, community activities, appointments, and services offered throughout our county. No one can say our residents and businesses are not on the fast track. News about new master developments across our county, the comforting tastes that Southern Ice Cream provide, and historical accounts about the 1800’s take us back to earlier days of development.

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If Alaskans (735,132) as a state consume the most ice cream per capita in the nation, Fort Bend County residents (670,000) might be a close second. Southern Ice Cream, our cover story, has been bringing smiles to people’s faces for more than 30 years. A business that satisfies all ages, Southern Ice Cream is located in Stafford and is ideal for bringing a special touch to business meetings and picnics, graduations, retirement celebrations, community festivals, school outings, and seminars. Commit to the challenge of passing up our northern friends. Life is short, so eat good ice cream!

We invite you to read about Richmond, one of the oldest cities in Texas. From bare beginnings of the earliest settlement of “Fort in the Bend” to those of the Old 300 settlers of Stephen F. Austin, early business district and homes.

We also bring you Bob and Marcia Vogelsang, who recently received the 2014 Fort Bend Heritage Award from the Fort Bend County Historic Commission for all their accomplishments and contributions. Bob was president of the Fort Bend Museum Association when he led some 150 docents use their time, talents and energy to open George Ranch Historic Park some 25 years ago.

Be sure to take a moment to check your location on the latest FEMA maps. We’re bring you more information as we are updated.

In the meantime, keep the cash register’s ringing.

Sharon Wallingford

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.

Dee Koch Grant Officer The George Foundation

Tim Stubenrouch President First Community Bank

April 2014 H Fort Bend / Katy Business Journal

John Whitmore Whitmore Company

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

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C

NTENTS

COVER STORY SOUTHERN ICE CREAM Life’s Short, Eat Good Ice Cream

pg.

Volume 32 • Number 4 • April 2014 For subscriptions send check for $25 to Fort Bend Business Journal 4655 Techniplex Dr., Suite 300 Stafford, Texas 77477 281-690-4200 www.fortbendstar.com Single copy $4.95

PUBLISHER Michael Fredrickson

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ACCOUNTING Lisa Long EDITOR Jean Sandlin ASSOCIATE EDITOR Sharon Wallingford

Inside Stories Pink in the Park to honor breast cancer survivors at Constellation Field....................6 “Expos” your business – Business Showcase EXPO in Sugar Land...........................8 Are you experiencing back pain?............................................................................10 AccessHealth Community Challenge event a success!........................................12 Bob & Marcia Vogelsang receive 2014 Fort Bend Heritage Award .....................14 Sugar Creek Country Club presents architectural plans.......................................16 Major gift brings Fort Bend YMCA closer to annual campaign goal ...................19 Don McCoy named director of Fulshear Chamber Area Commerce...................20 Is your property in a flood zone?.............................................................................22 ADL again recognizes Sugar Land as “Community of Respect”..........................30 Telework Incentive Program offers cost cutting.....................................................36 Big Shots - State of the County...............................................................................38 Katy announces The Grand at LaCenterra........................................................................39 Johnson Development plans new Fort Bend County master-planned community.....................................................................................47

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Diane Strehl Jessica Kij Jerry Poscovsky John Sazma Susan Dannhaus CONTRIBUTORS Karen Daniels Betsy Dolan Elsa Maxey ART DIRECTOR Joey Belleza GRAPHIC DESIGNER / WEB Jan Carlo Arcillas

Departments Names in the News...................................................... 20-21 Newsworthy................................................................. 28-30 Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce Newsletter............ 32-35 Data Beat..................................................................... 40-43 Service Directory........................................................ 44-46 Meet & Eat - Food, Drink & Entertainment Guide......................................................... 48

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April 2014 H Fort Bend / Katy Business Journal

ON THE COVER Southern Ice Cream owners Michelle Franklin, Sharon Johnston and Mike Johnston on their vintage Good Humor Ice Cream Truck.

©2014 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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Fort Bend / Katy Business Journal H April 2014

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Memorial Hermann Sugar Land Pink in the Park to honor breast cancer survivors at Constellation Field May 23

By Betsy Dolan

O

ctober is typically known as breast cancer awareness month, but Memorial Hermann Sugar Land Hospital wanted to do something different to honor breast cancer survivors and to encourage women to take advantage of the best technology available to protect their health.

‘We wanted to highlight women in May for Mother’s Day,” said Cheryl Bertrand, director of business development for Memorial Hermann Ambulatory Services. “We know how Fort Bend County loves the Sugar Land Skeeters, so we thought why not highlight a cancer survivor during a game? The men would love honoring the women in their lives who have fought the battle against cancer.”

Their unconventional approach worked. Last year’s “Pink in the Park” event raised over $9,500 for Memorial Hermann Sugar Land’s Breast Center, honored over 30 breast cancer survivors and gave spectators the chance to bid on one of the pink jerseys the players wore.

This year, Memorial Hermann Sugar Land, which was just named as one of the top 100 hospitals in the nation by Truven Health, is hoping the May 23 event will be even bigger with more cancer survivors participating. A gift bag will be given to all participants and a gift will be given to the first 50 breast cancer survivors who register for the event. All of the cancer survivors will be invited onto the field to be honored and recognized.

“The goal is to ‘pink out’

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Pink in the Park, sponsored by Memorial Hermann Sugar Land and the Sugar Land Skeeters, hopes to “pink out” Constellation Field at their May 23 event honoring breast cancer survivors.

Constellation Field, and we are encouraging all fans to fill the stands wearing pink,” said Bertrand.

The event also gives Memorial Hermann Sugar Land the opportunity to educate women about the hospital’s 3-D mammography capabilities, also called breast tomosynthesis. It enables doctors to detect smaller tumors sooner – at the earliest stages of breast cancer.

“A regular mammogram gives doctors a two-dimensional image which can still detect cancers in their early stages,” said Bertrand, “but breast tomosynthesis enhances the ability to see inside the breast, especially with women who have dense breast tissue which is overlapping.”

Memorial Hermann Sugar Land

April 2014 H Fort Bend / Katy Business Journal

was the first hospital in Sugar Land to offer 3-D mammography and there are plans to add a second machine once the hospital’s $93 million expansion project is complete. In addition, only boardcertified, dedicated breast radiologists affiliated with the hospital will interpret the results of all breast exams.

Experts on 3-D mammography will be on hand at this year’s Pink in the Park event to talk to women about whether it is an option they should consider.

Breast cancer survivors who are interested in participating in this year’s Pink in the Park event may register at memorialhermann.org/sugar-landpink-in-the-park/ or call 713.222.

CARE for more information.

BREAKING NEW GROUND. IN HEALTH CARE. AND IN SUGAR LAND. Announcing our latest commitment to innovation and to the community: a $93 million expansion of Memorial Hermann Sugar Land Hospital.

In three phases, over the next three years, we are making incredible changes.

Including a 100,000-square-foot professional office building (coming 2014) and a 120,000-square-foot patient tower (coming 2016). Cutting-edge technology, extended sports medicine services and over 160 new staff members are just a few of the many improvements you can expect. It’s better for Sugar Land and better for your health. Visit memorialhermann.org. Memorial Hermann. Advancing Health.

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Call for business vendors

“Expos” your business – Business Showcase EXPO in Sugar Land this May

By Elsa Maxey

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ith the opportunity for 42 area businesses to participate in the ninth Business Showcase EXPO in Sugar Land, this will be one of the most effective ways to build business relationships and “expos” them to the public and as well as to other businesses in the Fort Bend area.

On Monday, May 12 , 5 – 7 p.m., at the T.E. Harman Senior Center, 226 Matlage Way, relationship building that will benefit not only the business vendor participants, but those attending is expected to turnout about 500 attendees to check out alternatives for business, home and lifestyle solutions.

This is about expanding a business’ sphere of influence.

Priceless face to face networking.

It’s been said that living in the moment is key to building business relationships and trust. That’s why some people don’t tweet or post and the reason why others do. And although electronic marketing continues to be of great value, with personal exposure the effort can be further enhanced with one-to-one relating, face-to-face interactions, and dialogue, which may also include a handshake and set the stage for the beginning of financially lucrative partnerships, sales and much more.

That is what the business expo intends to deliver in Fort Bend in May at the free

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Building business relationships; reaching your target audience.

admission event. The useful items from giveaways, door prizes, and refreshments with food tasting from local area restaurants will also make it worthwhile, too.

Bob and Susan Hargarther, retired bankers who have lived in Fort Bend since 1982 are current business owners with over 25 years experience, and the organizers of the business showcase along with business partners Namita and Manish Asthana. The Hargarthers began the expos four and a half years ago by scheduling two of them, a Fall and Spring event, each year. “We started out at the Fort Bend Chamber,” said Bob Hargarther, with half the number of businesses participating. He is referring to the now more established size and larger magnitude of the recently held expos.

With attendees and vendors both having doubled, the Hargarthers moved the venue a while back, and in part credit their success to the support of Classic Chevrolet, an accommodating community partner.

Classic Chevrolet provided the hosting site for business vendor mixers, a feature that compliments the expo and helps business participants with the expo’s kick off. This is what initiates a setting for the business vendors prior to the expo, setting it apart from others.

Again, one will be held this Spring with site and date details to be announced. More specifically, the Hargarthers say that the pre-event casual gathering in the form of a social will inform business representatives on strategies relating to the expo and it provides April 2014 H Fort Bend / Katy Business Journal

them with how-to tips for their marketing success at the event.

For now, there’s a call for vendors underway. This is the time to reserve a prime spot. The cost to participate is $175 for each business vendor with a limited number of prime booths going for $250, quite a deal when one considers other expos costing $750 to $,1000 per business. This cost factor is what has allowed small businesses, otherwise precluded from participating, to be able to take part, advise the Hargarthers. “Please count Bookkeeping Express in for the 9th time,” said Jen Watson who operates at the Executive Suites in the Greatwood area, and enthusiastically knows of the advantages of the local expo with a satisfactory purpose.

As for business participants to be booked, there is a limit of two per profession such as CPA firms, personal trainers, life coaching companies, lawn service providers, banks, and realtors among the many area businesses to be showcasing their products and/or services at individual booths on draped tables and signage to be provided. Keep in mind four important opportunities of the business expo – 1) Expand the awareness of your business in your customer/supplier/ partner ecosystem; 2) Find new customers for your products and/or services; 3) Join an exposition at an affordable price; 4) Find new business partners; and 5) Reach out to an estimated 200 – 500 potential customers/ partners/vendors.

Another notable purpose is the donation of a percentage of the expo’s profits to a non-profit organization. The Hargarthers said this year it will be the Fort Bend Literacy Council, which aids families crippled by generations of illiteracy, poverty and social disadvantages. Last year, the expo helped promote the efforts of the Fort Bend Women’s Center as the selected non-profit it supported.

For more information and details on the expo, call 281-242-4186, 281-208-1100; visit businessshowcase.net, facebook.com/ business-showcase.

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Free back & neck pain seminar

Are you experiencing back pain?

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nfortunately, bone and joint disorders and deformities are often the underlying cause of serious back pain and can most definitely hurt you. The good news?

There are treatments that can help alleviate chronic back pain, including therapies, medication and minimally invasive surgery.

“Low back pain is among the most common medical ailments,” says Benoy Benny, M.D., physical medicine rehabilitation/pain management specialist with Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital’s Spine Center. “And there can be many causes behind acute and chronic back pain, including strenuous physical activity, injuries and age. But some back pain is directly related to bone and joint disorders and deformities.”

According to Vincent Wang, M.D., neurosurgeon with Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital’s Spine Center, some of the more common conditions include: • Arthritis – This joint condition is caused by the breakdown of cartilage, often resulting in painful joint movement.

Osteoarthritis of the spine is commonly found in the lower back and neck and involves degenerative cartilage – where the cartilage that cushions bones wears down.

If the cartilage wears down enough, the everyday pressure on the joints can start to press on the nerves, creating pain and possible weakness in the arms and legs.

• Scoliosis – Scoliosis is when the spine develops an irregular curvature.

Often diagnosed during growth spurts prior to puberty, the condition is usually mild and may be remedied with the use of a back brace. If left undiagnosed, the spine may begin to twist – cramping the space in the chest and abdominal cavity.

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Benoy Benny, M.D. and Vincent Wang, M.D.

Difficulty with breathing and the risk of internal injuries may result.

• Spondylolisthesis – This spinal condition stems off of another spinal injury known as spondylolysis. Both are common in athletes who participate in weightlifting, gymnastics or football when extensive stress is put on the spine and lower back. If enough slippage occurs, the bones may press on the nerves, creating the risk of severe injury.

“Rest, ice, heat and/or antiinflammatory medications often bring relief to people suffering from back pain,” says Benny. “When these steps aren’t enough, it’s important to get a thorough medical evaluation.” X-rays may be taken to view the position of the vertebra and aid in diagnosis of a bone or joint disorder. “In some

April 2014 H Fort Bend / Katy Business Journal

cases, surgery may be required to improve or correct the condition,” says Wang.

To schedule a spinal consultation at Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital’s Spine Center, call 281-313BACK (2225) or email spinecenter@ houstonmethodist.org.

FREE SEMINAR Join us on Thursday, May 1, for a free back and neck pain seminar presented by Benoy Benny, M.D., Physiatrist and Vincent Wang, M.D., Neurosurgeon. The presentation starts at 6 p.m. and will be held at Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital’s Conference Center. Call 281-274-7500 or register online at houstonmethodist. org/events to reserve a seat.

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AccessHealth Community Challenge event a success!

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he day included double elimination tournaments for both volleyball and softball.

The winner of the Competitive Division of Softball was “Team SWAT� of Gillen Pest Control and Team Paychex and Team Mud Dogs from Si Environmental both took top honors in their brackets.

As for volleyball, the OakBend Medical Center team took first place. Presenting sponsors included Legacy Ford, the Houston Methodist Hospital System the City of Missouri City and the T.W. Davis Family Y. Additional event sponsors included OakBend Medical Center, Community Health Choice, Rotary Club

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The Softball Team from Houston Methodist Sugar Land were serious competitors!

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The Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce Leadership Class 2014 – Leadership Little Leaguers Came to Play! Notice the Bat and Biofreeze.

of Richmond, Gillen Pest Control, ERA Benes Realty, St. Luke’s Health, Elge, Inc., Medical Search, NewFirst National Bank and Pelican Energy Consultants.

“We are excited that this event is growing and has provided an opportunity for our supporters to engage their employees. We have received great support and plan to expand the tournament again next year,” said Cindy Reaves Director of Marketing and Development.

“The volunteer committee consisted of Juan Martinez, Shane Mize, Ben Anders, Barbara Benes, Priscilla Salas, Gilbert Limones, Marilyn Long, Pam Cobb, Dana Merziovsky, Jess Stuart and Eloise Lucas. This was an awesome team of individuals to work with and they worked very hard to make this an exciting event,” Reaves added.

Softball teams included Legacy Ford, the T.W. Davis Family Y, Elge, Inc., Gillen Pest Control, St. Luke’s Health, Community Health Choice, Fort Bend Chamber Leadership Class 2014 - Leadership Little Leaguers, HealthSouth, Gurecky Manufacturing Service, Si Environmental, LLC, OakBend Medical Center, Houston Methodist Hospital, Paychex and employees of AccessHealth sponsored by the board of directors.

Volleyball teams include an AccessHealth employee team, Houston Methodist Hospital System, the T. W. Davis Family Y, Fort Bend Dental, OakBend Medical Center. “What a great day!

This event was an exciting and fun way to raise awareness and raise funds for our organization,” said Carol Edwards, CEO of AccessHealth.

AccessHealth is a private, not-for-profit community health center that serves Fort Bend, Waller, Wharton, Austin and Colorado Counties. AccessHealth is dedicated to excellence in providing integrated health care services to improve the quality of life in the communities it serves without regard to income or circumstance. AccessHealth is a United Way Agency.

For additional information regarding the tournament or the services of AccessHealth please call (281) 633-3169.

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Fort Bend / Katy Business Journal H April 2014

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Discover the history of Richmond

Authors team up to share early history using vintage images

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rcadia Publishing’s popular Images of America series now includes Richmond from local authors Clinton Drake and Theresa Jach.

Released in March, the pictorial history shows off more than 200 vintage images that capture the essence of this early Texas city.

This new book chronicles the history of Richmond from its incorporation in 1837.

Originally called “Fort Bend” and “Fort Settlement,” the city was a prosperous river port and became a boomtown with the completion of the first railroad in Texas in 1855. Images throughout the book depict the well-known stories of the area and shed light

on forgotten tales. The book chronicles one of the most notorious episodes in Richmond’s history the Jay Bird–Woodpecker War in 1888–1889, which led to a gun battle on the streets between the two political factions.

Authors Clinton Drake and Theresa Jach also showcase Richmond’s notable historical figures, including Jane Long, “Mother of Texas;” Mirabeau B. Lamar, second president of the Republic of Texas; “Deaf” Smith, Texas Revolutionary scout; Carry A. Nation, temperance activist with a penchant for smashing up saloons with a hatchet; and Hilmar Moore, longest-serving US mayor. Drake and Jack write, “Richmond, as the seat of Fort Bend County, is home to many historical government

Bob & Marcia Vogelsang receive 2014 Fort Bend Heritage Award

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hen Bob and Marcia Vogelsang left Houston to relocate in Rosenberg, they renovated and moved into a vintage house on Second Street that was once occupied by Bob’s grandparents.

That occurred 35 years ago. The Vogelsangs have been bringing new life to old Rosenberg structures and memories ever since.

In recognition of those accomplishments, the Fort Bend County Historical Commission selected the couple to receive its prestigious Heritage Award for 2014. The reception and presentation took place March 4 at Safari Texas Ranch in Richmond.

In addition to the family home, Bob was able to rescue his grandfather’s commercial real estate at Second and Avenue G. Today the Vogelsang buildings house a number of businesses including Bob and Marcia’s antiques emporium. A State marker is posted to the exterior.

Resuscitating the deteriorated buildings and revitalizing Rosenberg’s old business

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core turned into a saga that has lasted decades.

En route, the Vogelsangs and owners of neighboring properties have worked hard in returning the community’s attention to downtown.

Among the fruits of that long-term labor are the Rosenberg Railroad Museum on Avenue F and the Cast Theatrical theater upstairs in the Vogelsang Emporium.

The first office of the Fort Bend Arts Council which began in the 1980’s and Marcia and Bob Vogelsang received the award. received state grants to bring state and national entertainment to the county was also Austin last September and learned of the housed in the building. For more than city’s designation as the 24th cultural arts three decades, they have brought a focus to district to be recognized in Texas. engineering, marketing and infrastructure The Vogelsangs’ interests and influence studies to the forefront. have not been confined to their city.

In addition, Bob and Marcia were Bob served as president of the Fort Bend among the 20-plus representatives of County Museum Association during an downtown interests who trekked to expansive era in the nonprofit’s history.

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buildings and impressive homes, among them, the courthouse and the home of Jane Long.” Richmond catalogues the area’s unique history, personal stories and beautiful places for future generations to enjoy.

The photographs in this volume are from Fort Bend County Museum Association and Fort Bend County Libraries’ Genealogy and Local History Department. Clinton Drake is a court-appointed member of the Fort Bend County Historical Commission and a member of the Board of Trustees of the Friends of the Fort Bend County Historical Commission. Theresa Jach, a resident of Richmond, holds a doctorate in US history and teaches at Houston Community College–Northwest. Both authors have done extensive research on historic Richmond.

Available at area bookstores, including the Fort Bend Museum gift shop; independent retailers, and online retailers, or through Arcadia Publishing at (888)-313-2665.

During this time, the museum association contracted with the George Ranch Historical Park to provide appropriate “living history” programming for the public – an arrangement that remains in place. The program began with 150 volunteer docents.

Most recently, Bob and Marcia have provided active leadership for the railroad museum, Bob as board president and Marcia as a chair or on committees of the museum’s annual fundraising gala.

This is the sixth year for the Fort Bend County Historical Commission to present the annual award. Last year’s recipients were Vickie Tonn and Rene Lamb of the all-volunteer Old Foster Community Museum Association. The year previous was Bettye Anhaiser of Sugar Land.

“The Heritage Award was conceived as a way to honor achievements in historical preservation,” noted the late historical commission chair Bert Bleil. “It was created to recognize the accomplishments of persons or organizations that resulted in the preservation or promotion of historical assets within the county.

“The Vogelsangs certainly exemplify the tenets associated with this award.”

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Fort Bend / Katy Business Journal H April 2014

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Sugar Creek Country Club presents architectural plans for their renovation

S

ugar Creek Country Club, located in Sugar Land, recently presented comprehensive plans to its membership for the continuation of a $2.5 million capital improvement project.

Sugar Creek Country Club has once again partnered with Jeffrey D. Blume Limited, a well-respected and reputable Houston based golf course architecture firm, to continue the renovation of the second of its three nine-hole golf courses this year. Proposed golf course renovations include re-grading and re-grassing of all tees, fairways, and greens complexes, bunker renovations, improved drainage, enhanced water features and significant tree work. Like the original Trent Nine that was completed in 2013, Blume will break ground on the Jones Nine in May with completion scheduled for September.

BEFORE

AFTER

“We are excited to begin this next phase of our Strategic Capital Plan as 2014 will be a continuation of our efforts to reinvent Sugar Creek Country Club. The response from our membership to last year’s Trent course renovation was extremely positive and we are all looking forward to seeing the upgrades that Jeff has designed for the Jones nine. Additionally, our non-golf members are looking forward to the renovations planned for the clubhouse, tennis, aquatics and fitness center.”

— GORDON WAGNER General Manager and CEO of Sugar Creek Country Club

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April 2014 H Fort Bend / Katy Business Journal

The Club has also hired NEOS Architects, a boutique architecture and interior design firm headquartered in Houston, to lead the renovation of its clubhouse renovation. The Clubhouse Master Plan, as presented by Craig Grassle, will include a complete remodel of the member dining areas, relocation and expansion of The 19th Hole Bar & Grill with an outdoor terrace, addition of a casual dining area with pool-side dining service and a complete redesign of the kitchen service areas.

Renovation plans for the swimming pool and fitness center will soon be announced and commence in 2014.

“We are excited to begin this next phase of our Strategic Capital Plan as 2014 will be a continuation of our efforts to reinvent Sugar Creek Country Club. The response from our membership to last year’s Trent course renovation was extremely positive and we are all looking forward to seeing the

upgrades that Jeff has designed for the Jones nine. Additionally, our non-golf members are looking forward to the renovations planned for the clubhouse, tennis, aquatics and fitness center.” said Gordon Wagner, General Manager and CEO of Sugar Creek Country Club.

The Club’s vision is to update and expand its golf courses and amenities which provides added value and improves the overall membership experience for members and guests. Estimated costs for these renovations are projected around $2.5 million. “This is a very exciting time for our members, and we are committed to growing our club by providing new programs and upgraded amenities to serve and meet the demands of our changing membership and market,” said Wagner.

About Sugar Creek Country Club: Located in Sugar Land, Texas, Sugar Creek Country Club has been a landmark of sophistication and camaraderie in Fort

Bend County since 1972 with its stately architecture and beautifully manicured grounds. Sugar Creek Country Club is a private, member owned club complete with 27 holes of championship golf originally designed by famed golf course architect, Robert Trent Jones, Sr., 8 lighted tennis courts, a Junior Olympic swimming pool and fitness center.

Additional amenities include casual and elegant dining rooms along with elegant ballroom and meeting facilities for weddings and events up to 400 guests.

Sugar Creek Country Club is home to over 600 active members, is an award winning wedding and event destination and is host to the area’s most prestigious corporate and charity golf tournaments.

For media inquiries or for more information, please contact Nicole Scarbrough, Membership Director at 281-494-9131 x134 or nscarbrough@ thesugarcreek.com. Or visit online at www.thesugarcreek.com.

The Tradition Continues

Long known as Sugar Land’s premier destination, Sugar Creek Country Club provides a superior membership experience in an intimate country club setting. Continuing in 2014, a $2.5 million renovation of the golf course, clubhouse, swimming and fitness amenities will enhance what is already a celebrated retreat for golfers and non-golfers alike.

Inquire about membership opportunities by contacting Nicole Scarbrough, Membership Director, at 281.494.9131 or nscarbrough@thesugarcreek.com.

www.thesugarcreek.com

Fort Bend / Katy Business Journal H April 2014

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Star Digital Studios offers commencement ceremony videos to school district graduates These graduations will be captured in their entirety through the recessional and produced as DVDs that will come in a standard case jacketed with a replica of the graduation program on one side and the high school’s name and logo, date and location of the event, and some memorable candid shots of the graduates. On the video, parents, family members and friends will be able to see their favorite senior walk across the stage and receive their diploma at a moment making for an unforgettable rite of passage.

This year, Star Digital Studios will also be providing its video production services to graduates of the Spring Branch Independent School District for its high schools. This relationship is now going on its third year where the video company captures the ceremonies at the Don Coleman Coliseum.

Each school district is provided with

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ince 2000, Star Digital Studios a/k/a Star Video Productions in Stafford has been offering for purchase professionally produced graduation videos of entire ceremonies on DVDs. It’s almost that time of year again when parents will join graduates at their commencement ceremonies. For the high school graduating classes of the Fort Bend Independent School District, two days have been scheduled, June 6 and June 7 at the Toyota Center for over 5,000 seniors to receive their diplomas in the classic “pomp and circumstance” style. Also, Stafford Municipal School District’s Stafford High School will return to Constellation Field to see over 200 graduates at their impressive commencement ceremony on June 6.

a DVD of each of its high school’s commencement ceremony. The DVD comes complete with menu sections that allow for interactivity with chapters as selections created to correspond with the graduation program. The videos are for sale at $35 each.

The price includes applicable sales tax and shipping to the continental U.S. A Bluray offering will also be made available at a cost of $45 per DVD. Already calls from parents of graduates are starting to be made about how to order a DVD. Order forms will be provided to each of the high schools for distribution with other graduation packet information.

The form details three ways of ordering a DVD - online, StarDigitalOrders.com; by mail or FAX as per the order form; or on the STAR DIGITAL STUDIOS, continued on page 30

a time to REMEMBER 2014 Fort Bend ISD, Stafford MSD, and Spring Branch ISD You’ve worked hard to get to this point. The place where you feel as if your life might really begin.

But that doesn’t mean you can’t come back and visit from time to time.

O rder a professionally-produced DVD of your commencement exercises from STAR DIGITAL STUDIOS. U nique memories – relive the moments, the achievement.

3 WAYS TO ORDER ONLINE : www.StarDigitalOrders.com VISIT : Information and Payment MAIL/FAX : Refer to order forms

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STAR Digital

STUDIOS

4655 Techniplex Drive, Suite 600 Stafford, TX 77477

April 2014 H Fort Bend / Katy Business Journal

281-690-4280

Major gift brings Fort Bend YMCA closer to annual campaign goal

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hanks to a recent pledge of support by Bo and Amy Huggins, the Fort Bend YMCA is $50,000 closer to their Annual Support Campaign goal for 2014.

Bo Huggins, President/CEO of Houston Distributing Co., made the announcement late last month that his family and company would be making a combined gift of $50,000 to support the YMCA’s efforts to outreach Y programs to Four Corners and Fresno.

The gift marks the eleventh year in a row that the Huggins family has made a pacesetting gift to the YMCA’s campaign.

“The longer I live, the more I appreciate people with the same DNA. In this case DNA means “Don’t Need Accolades” for their giving.

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2014 Fort Bend Masters Presented by

Don’t miss the 2014 Fort Bend Masters, Monday, April 14 at Pecan Grove Country Club.

Team registrations, hole tents and sponsorships are available at 281-342-5464 or sstavinoha@cfbca.org.

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When we leave this world we leave only the memories behind. The Huggins family has created a legacy of support that will last forever in the memory of serving

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Pictured l-r are: Charlie Myer, YMCA VP of Advancement; Bo Huggins, Houston Distributing CEO; and Mike Flory, YMCA Board Member.

others,” stated Mike Flory, YMCA Board Member.

The YMCA Annual Campaign, which officially kicked off January 30 with a goal of raising $325,000, is an effort by the volunteers, supporters and staff of the YMCA to make sure that the non-profit mission is achieved.

During the campaign, which runs until March 31, dozens of Y volunteers will be soliciting financial support and telling the story of the Y’s efforts to provide their programming for all.

“One hundred percent of the donations to the Annual Campaign go directly to program and membership scholarships as well as subsiding YMCA Outreach initiatives”, stated Nick Landoski, 2014 Fort Bend Y Campaign Chair.

VISION

www.CFBCA.org

The Chamber is taking applications for Leadership Fort Bend’s Class of 2014-15. For additional information, contact Jeremy Heath at 281.342.5464 or jheath@cfbca.org.

Fort Bend / Katy Business Journal H April 2014

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IN NAMES THE NEWS

GOT NEWS? Send your press release to editor@fortbendstar.com

Greater Fort Bend Economic Development Council names Rachel Steele Director of Public Policy The Greater Fort Bend Economic Development Council (GFBEDC) has announced Rachel Steele as the incoming Director - Public Policy for the organization.

She assumed the new position in March.

Until recently she served as the Executive Director of the West Fort Bend Management District.

Steele has managed a variety of commercial and residential development projects throughout Fort Bend County during the previous fifteen years. Her work with developers, civic groups and city administrations has given her extensive experience and understanding in public policy issues and economic development conditions as they relate to Fort Bend County.

As Executive Director for the West Fort Bend Management District, Steele identi-

fied community development initiatives and pursued programs that resulted in more than $500,000 in grant funds being raised.

These funds provided the cities of Richmond and Rachel Steele Rosenberg with transportation analysis studies that helped to address public safety, reduce car crashes, and introduce quality of life concepts for the community to consider.

Steele’s most recent grant; a Livable Center project done in partnership with the Rosenberg Economic Development Corporation, will focus on livability, economic recovery and improved community facilities for the Highway 90A corridor as it runs through Rosenberg.

U.S. - Arab Chamber of Commerce appoints Jamal Bafagih to lead Houston office The National U.S.-Arab Chamber of Commerce (NUSACC) has named Sugar Land resident Jamal Bafagih to serve as Director of NUSACC’s Houston office, effective immediately. An experienced business executive and entrepreneur, with service in the public and private sectors in the Middle East and the United States, Bafagih comes to NUSACC with a strong track record of building bilateral trade and economic relationships between the United States and the Arab world.

David Hamod, President & CEO of the National U.S. – Arab Chamber of Commerce, noted, “Jamal brings global and regional experience, as well as a wealth of public and private sector contacts in the Arabian Gulf, that will be of considerable value to NUSACC as we expand our services to Texas, across the United States, and throughout the Arab world. We are delighted to welcome

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Jamal to the NUSACC team.”

“I am honored to accept the position of Director at the National U.S. – Arab Chamber of Commerce,” Jamal Bafagih said Bafagih. “I love the Greater Houston area, and from a personal and professional standpoint, my appointment could not have come at a more exciting time. Thanks to visionary leadership, Houston has become a leading trade and investment destination in the United States with increasingly important connections to the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). With the resources and nationwide reach of NUSACC available to me, we will have the ability to create a world-class operation in Houston that will serve the needs of the business community in Texas and beyond.”

April 2014 H Fort Bend / Katy Business Journal

“We are excited to have Rachel join our team,” said Jeff Wiley, President and CEO of the GFBEDC. “Rachel will concentrate her skills and time working on local, state and federal issues that impact our communities’ economic futures. Her strong regional partnerships, developed over years working in Fort Bend County, will provide immediate benefit as she strives to positively impact Fort Bend’s economic outlook in her new position.”

Don McCoy named director of Fulshear Chamber Area Commerce The Fulshear business community has always had the dream of forming its own chamber. This year they collaborated together in the interest of forming The Fulshear Area Cham- Don McCoy ber of Commerce which has now become a reality. The board recently hired an executive director to carry out their day-to-day operations and vision.

Committed to strengthening the chamber and the business community: • Relationships - Offer innovative relationship building services that help businesses connect the dots between where they are and where they want to be.

• Technology - Leverage social media, chamber website, and mobile communications to help businesses expand their sphere of influence and be organized and stay in the know.

• Membership - Continue to invite members that further enhance the business culture and create a win-win for everyone involved.

For additional information contact dmccoy@FulshearAreaChamber.com.

IN NAMES THE NEWS

UH President Renu Khator receives 2014 NASPA President’s Awaard University of Houston President Renu Khator is the recipient of the 2014 President’s Award from NASPA - Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education. According to NASPA, the award gives special recognition to a college or university president who has, over a sustained period of time, advanced the quality of student life on campus by supporting student affairs staff and programs. Khator received the honor at the 2014 NASPA Annual Conference in Baltimore, Md. “Since Student Success is our top priority at the University of Houston, I am especially gratified to be recognized by an illustrious organization made up of Student Affairs professionals,” said Khator. “This award is really a tribute to the dedication and hard work of our faculty and staff, who help our students shape their future and achieve their goals. The NASPA honor is another wonderful reminder of that.”

In choosing Khator for this annual award, NASPA pointed to Khator’s many initiatives to enhance student and residential life on campus including championing the $80 million

renovation to the University Center and increasing the number of students who live on campus by 4,000 students since she assumed the duel post of UH president and chancellor of the UH Renu Khator System in 2008. Khator has also led efforts to improve customer service on campus and is actively engaged with student government leaders, whom she meets with each month.

“President Khator firmly believes in the role that students and student affairs staff play in guiding and improving programs and services within the Division of Student Affairs and throughout the institution. She supports an environment of innovation and creativity in meeting the needs of students,” said Richard Walker, vice chancellor for student affairs at UH. Each semester, Khator visits with more than 9,000 students in their classes. She is active on Twitter, with almost 12,000 followers, many of them students.

Two Fort Bend companies receive Texas Mutual’s Top Honor for Workplace Safety Texas Mutual Insurance Company announced that two employers in Fort Bend County have been awarded the company’s top honor for workplace safety. Texas Mutual, the state’s leading provider of workers’ compensation insurance, recognized these companies for preventing workplace accidents.

Honorees from Fort Bend County include: • Durwood Greene Construction Co. • NEC Construction LTD To qualify for this honor, a company must demonstrate its commitment to work-

place safety by executing an exemplary safety program and controlling workers’ compensation losses.

“Texas Mutual is more than a workers’ compensation provider,” Richard Gergasko, president and chief executive officer of Texas Mutual Insurance Company, said. “Part of Texas Mutual’s mission is to promote workplace safety and educate employers about safe work practices, but it’s up to each company to implement safety policies. These awards recognize companies that put an emphasis on workplace safety—and as a direct result—the safety and well-being of their employees.”

Fort Bend / Katy Business Journal H April 2014

Cumber appointed to Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board Gov. Rick Perry has appointed Sada Cumber of Sugar Land to the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board for a term to expire Aug. 31, 2015. The board sets policies and coordinates efforts to improve higher education in Texas.

Cumber is board chairman of TCMS Technologies, and principal and founder of Texas Global LLC. He is the former U.S. Ambassador to the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, a founder of CACH Capital Management, co-founder of Applied Science Fiction and past chairman and CEO of Psionic Technologies Inc. He is a past member of the Texas Emerging Technology Fund Committee, Texas Economic Development Corporation, Governor’s Business Council and Task Force on Higher Education, and University of Texas College of Fine Arts Advisory Council.

He is a past board member of the Foundation of Religious Studies, past chairman of the Austin Chamber of Commerce Small Business Council, a past charter member of The Indus Entrepreneurs (TiE) Austin Chapter, a past advisory board member of TiE Houston Chapter, past president of the Aga Khan Council for Southwest U.S.A., and a life member of the Buck Rogers National Photofinishers Group.

He is also past trustee of the Photo Marketing Association International, Digital Imaging Marketing Association and Association of Photo CD. Cumber received a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in history from the University of Karachi in Pakistan.

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Is your property in a flood zone?

New FEMA maps take effect in April – insurance cost may skyrocket

By Elsa Maxey

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his month, newly revised FEMA flood maps become official and changes on the flood maps could affect the cost of homeowners’ insurance. Updated digital flood Insurance rate maps required by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) have been about nine years in the making with intervention by officials in Fort Bend County. The county worked closely with FEMA on the

remapping project, part of a nationwide effort for documenting and charting flood zones nationwide.

Cities in the county, responsible for seeing that flood plain management standards are met, are members of the national flood insurance program helping property owners purchase flood insurance. Maps that include designated flood hazard areas prone to flooding are used to determine the cost of a flood insurance policy.

“I believe the new flood maps are the most accurate flood maps in the nation,

To determine the flood prone status of a property in Fort Bend County, visit fbcmap.co.fort-bend. tx.us/floodplainmap

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April 2014 H Fort Bend / Katy Business Journal

primarily due to the County and the City of Sugar Land joining forces to fund a LIDAR survey of the Brazos River and Oyster Creek to enhance the accuracy of the flood modeling,” Fort Bend County Judge Bob Hebert said about the area’s maps. LIDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) is a remote sensing method used to examine the surface of the earth and the systems used allow mapping professionals to examine natural and man made environments with precision. Judge Hebert said the study, a “$1.1 million investment, assured an extremely high degree of accuracy in the calculation of the 100 year flood elevations throughout the county.”

The FEMA mapping project has changed flood elevations throughout the county, confirms Judge Hebert, but because “the maps were published over a year ago,” some property owners may have appealed their property’s elevation and maybe even won the appeal. “Even now, property owners may request a letter of map revision if they can prove their property elevation is in error,” said Judge Hebert.

There are now some property owners in a flood plain without benefit of a levee and these are the ones facing flood insurance premiums of up to 1500% in some cases. This is because the national flood insurance program re-authorization of 2012 ended, which included grandfathering provisions. This problem has been addressed in an amendment to the national flood insurance program called the Grimm amendment, advises Judge Hebert. It passed both houses of Congress and has been sent to President Obama to sign into law.

Church surprises Memorial Hermann Katy Hospital on “Caring for Katy Day”

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ingsland Baptist Church surprised employees at Memorial Hermann Katy Hospital by serving them lunch on Sunday, March 2. More than 200 hospital employees enjoyed sandwiches and beverages courtesy of the church. It was all part of Kingsland Baptist’s Caring for Katy Day. In its 7th year, Caring for Katy Day – the first Sunday in March – is a time for church members to serve their neighbors. This year, 2,000+ church members completed more than 50 service projects, including home repairs, nursing home visits, feeding the needy, a visit to Memorial Hermann Katy Hospital, and more.

In the meantime, if a property owner’s flood zone status has changed and since the national flood insurance program is administered by FEMA, it will notify individuals if their status is changed. “Any notice would have to take into account provisions of the Grimm Amendment which won’t become law until signed by the President,” cautions Judge Hebert.

At this junction, Fort Bend County’s proactive success takes into account areas protected by levees locally, which were built some time ago and conform to federal regulations setting national standards for a protective levee. “Our levees are considered fully protective,” said Judge Hebert. But because the National Flood Insurance Program will have to be reauthorized in 2017, “we have another fight ahead of us,” referring to the treatment of “our levee

protected property in the same manner as property located naturally above the 100 year elevation” for national flood insurance purposes.

If property owners believe their property has been wrongly designated as flood hazard area, a “Letter of Map Amendment” from FEMA may be requested for an area on high ground that has not been fill elevated and would not be deluged with water in a major rain event. A licensed engineer or surveyor will need to confirm and document these facts, reportedly costing about $500.

For many, probably a small price to pay considering the high flood insurance cost alternative. To determine the flood prone status of a property in Fort Bend County, visit fbcmap. co.fort-bend.tx.us/floodplainmap.

Fort Bend / Katy Business Journal H April 2014

Shown are church members helping out at “Caring for Katy Day”.

“Many of our members have been at Memorial Hermann Katy as patients, visitors or both. We value the employees and their service to the community and wanted to show our appreciation,” said Omar Garcia, mission pastor at Kingsland Baptist.

For more information on Kingsland Baptist Church, visit www.kingsland. org or call 281.492.0785. Additional information on Memorial Hermann Katy Hospital can be found at www. memorialhermann.org or by calling 713.222.CARE (2273).

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Southern Ice Cream = Smiles!

COVER STORY

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outhern Ice Cream has been bringing smiles to people’s faces in Fort Bend County for over 30 years. Started by an original Good Humor Ice Cream man, Steve Feldman from New York, he is credited with originating what has become highly valued, deliciously enjoyed, and nostalgic earning it a rightful place as a mainstay. Fortunately for Fort Benders, this ice cream can be had right here anytime of the year.

Southern Ice Cream serves it up complete with its quality reputation and it also pays

April 2014 H Fort Bend / Katy Business Journal

tribute to the ice cream’s historic relevance.

Why, it even has an original Good Humor truck available for special events!

Owners Michael and Sharon Johnston purchased Southern Ice Cream Corp.

(SICC) in 2006 from their good friend Steve, so he could retire and in turn, they set out to continue the tradition of putting smiles on people’s faces. At first, Southern Ice Cream was a wholesale supplier to mobile vending trucks. Expanded over the years, it now provides special event services, such as push cart rentals and ice cream truck

events, and it has also become a foodservice distributor. The unique products are often only found in the channels SICC distributes.

So, what is it about this ice cream that has the effect of wanting to make some people uncontrollably jump for joy every time they have it? Gratification…and it’s instant, too. A quick visit down memory lane will

probably conjure up positive memories associated with ice cream. It was a reward and the emotional feel while eating it was probably sheer happiness as the sweet treat was received in more ways than one.

As for its applicability today in a work setting, what a better way to treat employees in a meeting after having met a significant goal! Consider showing appreciation to loyal customers, celebrating the victory of winning a game or anything of importance, or even just splurging on a job well done!

Face it, there is a mixture of emotions experienced when thinking about, eating and finishing an ice cream treat, especially one from SICC. It can bring an element of joy, that uplifting effect, to what would otherwise be a boring sales meeting.

This idea could first start with office buzz that would have employees wondering, “when is the ice cream going to get here?”

Then, “I wonder what flavors there will be,” possibly followed by the anticipation of “why aren’t they here yet?” Then comes the moment of the ice cream in hand, taking a bite, and yum! The calm sets it with the taste of the sweet creamy and cool sensation in whatever flavor was opted. Thoughts of

having seconds may even occur. With the last bite comes the satisfaction and acceptance of having a well-deserved treat… until next time.

It’s been said that some may skip what can be considered little, but satisfying splurges like ice cream. Don’t let it happen! After all, it is the simple pleasures that help one regroup and bring back a better sense of perspective, perhaps even adding a hint of personal fulfillment.

Since ice cream comes in a variety of packaging like a cone, on a stick or in between two cookies wafers, to name a few, this simple pleasure is an easy do.

Southern Ice Cream specializes in individual pre-packaged servings like the classic ones furnished by that neighborhood ice cream truck. With brands like Good Humor, Wells Blue Bunny, Blue Bell in novelties, Southern Ice Cream knows it has the right treat. It also carries a full line of ice cream containers for large ice cream socials or restaurant and parlor shop needs.

CONTINUES...

Ice Cream Trucks and Push Carts are filled with your favorite treats, perfect for any occasion!

Owners Sharon & Michael Johnston with daughter Michelle Franklin & husband Robert Barton.

Some may recall that historically ice cream was only consumed by society’s elite until around the mid 1800’s to early 1900’s. Then ice cream became more popular and inexpensive with the invention of refrigeration. It gained even greater popularity in 1904, when the World Fair in St. Louis, MO featured the walk away ice cream cone!

Today, ice cream is an American household staple eaten as a celebratory treat, dessert or snack. It morphed into ice cream sundaes, chocolate covered ice cream on or off a stick, and even the infamous Popsicle some argue is in the same food group.

The Johnstons of Southern Ice Cream acknowledge that credit for the special place ice cream holds rightly belongs to the Good Humor Ice Cream Man, who during the Depression peddled up and down streets delivering an the inexpensive diversion in hopes of putting smiles on people’s faces. Southern Ice Cream continues to carry on this tradition and intends to continue for future generations.

As a community partner, Southern Ice

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Cream is an active supporter of many Fort Bend efforts. It participates in the Girlfriends Giggle every year supporting the Fort Bend Women’s Center, with City of Stafford’s community events such as Santa’s Village and Spring Clean Up, as well as the Fort Bend County Back to School health clinics organized by AccessHealth, when children receive free immunizations and screenings.

When Hurricane Ike hit this area in 2008, Southern Ice Cream was fortunate to retain power and was requested to participate as a FEMA hub for all of Fort Bend County. Over 100,000 families

Southern Ice Cream, Corp.

13755 Greenland Dr., Stafford, TX 77477 P: 281-499-9837 • F: 281-499-6415

www.southernicecreamtx.com April 2014 H Fort Bend / Katy Business Journal

were provided with essential water, ice, MRE’s and ice cream bars—a special and generous treat from Southern Ice Cream.

Should another emergency situation occur in the future, Southern Ice Cream pledges to fully support and help serve community residents in need.

But for now, it wants Fort Bend residents to know that it makes ordering an ice cream cart, sundae party or ice cream truck for a special event easy and memorable.

Anywhere people gather, this is a perfect occasion to have an ice cream cart filled with delicious favorites – Bomb Pops, Nutty Cones and Ice Cream Bars. Southern Ice Cream invites organizers of Golf Tournaments, Employee Appreciation Days, Customer Appreciation Days, School Fundraisers, Religious Gatherings, Private Parties and more group gatherings to consider ice cream. It’s an inexpensive and gratifying treat that triggers joy and creates lasting memories for people of all ages. Let’s all scream for ice cream!

To contact Southern Ice Cream - 281-4999837 or michelle@southernicecreamtx.com.

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CONGRATULATIONS! ARSHIP S

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Chiamaka Ujari

April 1

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One Thousand Dolla

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ATTENTION: Fort Bend High School Seniors Register now and win a

1,000

$

SCHOLARSHIP!

Complete details and forms at

www.fortbendfocus.com

Chiamaka Ujari Congratulations to Chiamaka Ujari, a current senior at Lamar Consolidated High School, for being selected as Texas Direct Auto’s “Scholarship Star” for April! Todd Yarbrough, General Manager, presents the $1,000 scholarship. At Lamar Consolidated High School, Chiamaka is an active member of the Lamar Fillies Dance Team and National Honor Society, and she is the Skills USA Chapter Business President and Student Council Senior Class President.

Chiamaka has earned numerous awards at Skills USA Chapter Business District, State and National competitions.

Chiamaka also volunteers her time as a mentor to children through PALS. Chiamaka 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.

NEWSWORTHY GOT NEWS? Send your press release to editor@fortbendstar.com

2014 State of the Schools address set for April 25 Lamar CISD, Needville superintendents to discuss current, future district projects The 2014 State of the Schools Luncheon with Lamar CISD Superintendent Dr. Thomas Randle and Needville ISD Superintendent Curtis Rhodes is scheduled for April 25 at the Rosenberg Civic Center, 3825 Hwy 36 S. The luncheon, which is presented by Brazos Valley Schools Credit Union, is scheduled from 11:30 a.m to 1 p.m. Table sponsorships (table of 10) are $600 and Corporate Tables (8) are $400. Individual registrations are $30 for Chamber members and $40 for non-members.

Table Sponsors are Gary Gillen, Legacy Ford, Linebarger Goggan Blair and Sampson, LLP, and State Representative John Zerwas.

To secure a sponsorship or registration, contact Leigh Ann Dawson at 281342-5464 or ldawson@cfbca.org.

GOT NEWS? Email your news or press release to editor@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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WCA Waste Management awards sponsorship and field trip funding to George Ranch Historical Park Vice President Jerry Martin and Landfill Operations Manager Marcos Elizondo from WCA Waste Management hand-delivered a $30,000 contribution to the George Ranch Historical Park.

“The George Ranch Historical Park has been proud to partner with WCA for the past 8 years to provide field trips for economically disadvantaged Title One schools. Through the annual generosity of WCA, thousands of children are able to enjoy an experience that would not otherwise be possible. Last year, 4,000 students from 16 different school districts learned about Texas history through immersive hands-on activities at the Historical Park. It’s truly heartwarming to see the joy and excitement in their faces, and we are deeply grateful to WCA for their support of this program,” said Candace Jones, Historical Park Director.

To learn more about George Ranch Historical Park’s Title One discount offerings call (281) 343-0218, visit www.georgeranch. org, or email education@georgeranch.org.

“WCA Waste Management representatives Marcos Elizondo, Landfill Operations Manager (left), and Jerry Martin, Region 2 Vice President (right), present Candace Jones, Director of George Ranch Historical Park (center), with a $30,000 donation.

Combs announces more grants to train students The Jobs and Education for Texans (JET) Advisory Board, chaired by Texas Comptroller Susan Combs, has approved approximately $5 million in grants to help public junior colleges and technical institutes purchase technical training equipment. Grants were awarded to 18 applicants following a review process.

“These grants will help students get hands-on training in a range of occupations that are vital to the state’s continuing prosperity,” Combs said. “We have diverse economic sectors that require technical skills for which our workforce needs to be trained.

The grants approved cover equipment in programs such as the oil and gas sector,

April 2014 H Fort Bend / Katy Business Journal

manufacturing, healthcare and mechanics.”

During the last legislative session, lawmakers appropriated $10 million for equipment grants. Following this round of grant approvals, a request for applications for the remaining $5 million is expected to be issued within the next month.

The JET grant program for equipment began in 2009, and approximately $16.7 million has previously been awarded since it began.

Go to www.everychanceeverytexan. org/funds/job_building/ to see the list of most recent institutions approved for grants (final award amounts are subject to contract execution).

NEWSWORTHY

Keep Sugar Land Beautiful receives prestigious state environmental award Keep Texas Beautiful (KTB) has recognized Keep Sugar Land Beautiful as one of 10 winners of the 2014 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; Sugar Land will receive $270,000 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.

The GCAA program has recognized outstanding communities since 1969, with TxDOT providing landscaping awards since 1985. Keep Sugar Land Beautiful will receive its award on June 24, in Austin, during KTB’s 47th Annual Conference.

Keep Sugar Land Beautiful, is a nonprofit affiliate of Keep America Beautiful and Keep Texas Beautiful dedicated to educate and engage everyone to take responsibility for the environmental health of our community.

Keep Sugar Land Beautiful programs and events increase environmental awareness, reduce solid waste, increase recycling, plant trees, prevent litter and illegal dumping, and conserve clean water.

For more information on events and programs, visit www.kslb.org.

Queensland, Australia Trade Office opens in Greater Houston Important trade opportunities between Texas and Australia were the focus at the grand opening of the Queensland Government North America Trade and Investment office in Houston, which will serve as the Australian state’s dedicated office for further developing international trade and investment with the U.S. and Texas.

Queensland’s trade office was previously located in Southern California. The governor was joined by Queensland Premier Campbell Newman and Trade and Investment Commissioner to North America David Camerlengo.

“Our two states have long enjoyed a close relationship, but this office represents a giant step toward further strengthening our economic and cultural ties,” Gov. Perry said.

“Close partnerships with friends from around the world, like this one, helps both of our states succeed. I congratulate everyone involved in bringing our states closer together, and I look forward to hearing more great things coming out of the Texas-Queensland friendship in the

days and years to come.”

“This new office is the beginning of a new era for the state’s business relationship with the U.S., and will bolster our trade and investment ties with this important region,” Premier Newman said. “Houston serves as an ideal gateway to the rest of the United States, as well as Canada and Mexico.”

Texas has maintained a strong trade relationship with Australia, exchanging $2.9 billion in goods in 2013. Australia is Texas’ 24th largest export market worldwide, and Queensland is Australia’s second largest exporting jurisdiction.

The Lone Star State is a global trade leader, holding its position as the top U.S. exporting state for 12 years in a row. Texas export revenues for 2013 amounted to nearly $279.7 billion, up 5.4 percent from the 2012 and outpacing U.S. export growth.

Additionally, Texas is now the national leader in technology exports, with more than $45 billion in technology products exported in 2012.

Premier Campbell Newman with Texas Governor Rick Perry at the opening of the trade office.

Fort Bend / Katy Business Journal H April 2014

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NEWSWORTHY GOT NEWS? Send your press release to editor@fortbendstar.com

ADL again recognizes Sugar Land as “Community of Respect” Once again, the City of Sugar Land is recognized as a “Community of Respect” by the Anti-Defamation League (ADL). The City has been a recipient of this award since the program began in 2007.

The ADL formally presented the award to Sugar Land at the City Council meeting on March 4. The “Community of Respect” program is an initiative to help governments, nonprofit 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 achieved the recognition for 2013 by fulfilling the following activities: • Community members convened to broadly discuss the changing demographics in Sugar Land on June 25, 2013. A special meeting of the City Council Land Use Task Force and the City Manager’s Multicultural Advisory Team was held at City Hall to review the

Pictured (L-R) is ADL Southwest Region ChairElect Ian Scharfam presenting Mayor James Thompson with the ADL Community of Respect award.

latest research from the Kinder Institute and discuss the City’s response and proactive inclusion of the data in future planning.

• The City of Sugar Land was a sponsor of

County & city leaders celebrate the official opening of the Pinnacle Center

the Fort Bend Education Foundation’s International Festival and hosted a booth with an interactive map where attendees could pin their hometown. In addition to the Employee Multicultural Task Force volunteers, personnel from the Police Department were in attendance to further share about City efforts underway.

• Sugar Land Today, the City’s newsletter, continues to feature the “Know Your Neighbor” Column. Past issues have showcased multicultural holidays like Chinese New Year, Ramadan, Eid Al-Fitr, and Mid-Autumn Festival. The City Manager’s Multicultural Advisory Team and the Employee Multicultural Task Force both contribute to this column.

“The City of Sugar Land is proud to have received this award seven years in a row for our continued commitment to promote, respect and celebrate each of our multicultural communities,” said City Manager Allen Bogard.

Star Digital Studios offers commencement ceremony videos to school district graduates STAR DIGITAL STUDIOS, continued from page 18

From left to right: State Rep Ron Reynolds; Precinct 4 Commissioner James Patterson; HUD Field Director Dr. Pringle; Deputy Director Steve Tinnermon; Councilmember At-Large Michael Kubosh; District K Councilmember Larry Green; Precinct 2 Commissioner Grady Prestage; Precinct 2 Constable Ruben Davis; PINNACLE Center Manager Sonya Santee; County Clerk Diane Wilson; Director City of Houston HHS Stephen Williams; Renita Thompson; Charles Freeman IV.

30

April 2014 H Fort Bend / Katy Business Journal

day of the graduation, where ordering tables will be set up...at the La Branch and Jackson Street entrances of the Toyota Center for Fort Bend ISD, and near the main entrance at Constellation Field for Stafford MSD. Orders will be accepted for DVDs effective through July 1 at the regular cost. That means that it will be possible to order a DVD after a graduation.

And, if you missed ordering a previous year’s commencement exercise, like 2007, for FBISD for example or last year’s Stafford High School graduation DVD, you can also order those online. For more information, call 281-690-4280.

SPECIAL FEATURES MAY 2014 H FORT BEND / KATY BUSINESS JOURNAL

FORT BEND’S RISING STARS, THE TOP 40 UNDER 40 Celebrating the Top 40 Entrepreneurs and Executives in Fort Bend County! Fort Bend County is home to many young bright stars but we need your help in seeking them out. Nominate your choice for this elite honor.

GENERAL DENTISTRY With so many dental offices available in Fort Bend readers need to know what your speciality is and how and why they should contact you. Tell your story in the May 2014 Business Journal.

GO GREEN! It’s time that everyone takes a serious look at conservation on many levels. If your company has unique and perhaps better ways of handling everyday activities and issues use this issue to make Fort Bend County aware.

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Fort Bend/Katy

Fort Bend / Katy Business Journal H April 2014

31

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 Ace Pain Management DHI Mortgage Huntington at Rehab & Physical Joshua Rhodes, Branch Sales Manager Missouri City Therapy PLLC 14100 SW Freeway, Suite 510 Victoria Reed, Property Manager

Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce Member Updates

Surya Raguthu, President 1235 Lake Pointe Parkway, Suite 103 Sugar Land, TX 77478 832-532-0050 www.acepain.com Physical Therapy

32

AMF Stafford Lanes Donna Eyler, Regional Sales Representative 4919 South Main St. Stafford, TX 77477 281-491-2856 www.amf.com Bowling Center

Christeen Seymour, CPA Christeen Seymour, CPA, President 13110 S. Gessner Rd. Missouri City, TX 77489 281-969-7976 www.cscpaservices.com Accountants

Consolidated Communications Jason Fulgham, Business Development Manager 1400 Avenue A Katy, TX 77493 281-395-3200 www.consolidated.com Telephone Installation, Sales & Service

Sugar Land, TX 77478 281-269-6822 Mortgages

Father’s Joy Kristin Tassin, Director P.O. Box 16364 Sugar Land, TX 77496 281-630-2885 www.fathersjoy.org Associations

Franklin American Mortgage

2424 FM 1092 Missouri City, TX 77459 281-499-5100 Apartments

M. Faisal Khan M.D., Medical Director 3531 Town Center Blvd S # 103 Sugar Land, TX 77479 713-234-7132 Physicians, Neurology

Legacy Ford Lincoln Mercury

TruGreen Commercial Services

27225 Southwest Freeway Rosenberg, TX 77471 281-342-5611 www.LegacyFordTX.com Auto Sales

Gayle Sterken, Regional Business Development Representative 12860 Jess Pirtle Sugar Land, TX 77478 832-520-3746 www.trugreen.com Lawn Care

Neuralog, LP

Greg White, 3 Sugar Creek Center, Suite 100 Sugar Land, TX 77478 832-886-6863 FranklinAmerican.com Mortgages

Kenneth Land, President 4800 Sugar Grove Blvd.

Stafford, TX 77477 281-240-2525 www.neuralog.com Information Technology Services

Freaky Fast, Inc. DBA Jimmy John’s

Simply Divine Nail Spa

Brent Bunz, Owner 2276 Lone Star Drive Sugar Land, TX 77479 281-265-0808 www.jimmyjohns.com Restaurants

Hearing Professional Center Caitlin Childress, Audiologist 1315 St Joseph Pkwy Houston, TX 77002 713-654-1800 www.hearing-center.com Hearing Healthcare

Sugar Land Neurology & Sleep MD, PA.

Christine Vo, Owner 16562 SW Freeway Sugar Land, TX 77479 281-491-0777 www.simplydivinenailspa.com Salons, Nail

SIRE, Inc. Natalie DeJong, Development and Marketing Assistant 24161 Spring Drive Hockley, TX 77447 281-356-7588 www.sire-htec.org Associations

April 2014 H Fort Bend Business Journal

Two Way Signs & Graphics JR Lopez 13000 Murphy Rd., Suite 114 Stafford, TX 77477 281-494-2221 www.twowaysigns.com Advertising Services

VM Wasek CPA, LLC Veronica Wasek, Owner/CEO 2803 Hidden Knoll Ct. Sugar Land, TX 77478 281-435-7147 www.cpaondemand.net Bookkeeping

For membership information, contact: Jan-Michael Jenkins 281-491-0218 jan@fortbendcc.org www.FortBendChamber.com

Call Juliette Bloomer for more information at 281-566-2161 or email Juliette@fortbendcc.org

Simply Divine Nail Spa 16562 Southwest Freeway Sugar Land, Texas 77479 281-491-0777 www.simplydivinenailspa.com

Center Stage Gallery

Clayton Oaks Living

Hampton Inn & Suites

3527 Highway 6, Suite 250 Sugar Land, Texas 77478 281-299-4814 www.center-stage-events.com

21175 Southwest Freeway Richmond, Texas 77469 281-341-6200 www.claytonoaksliving.com

4909 Highway 6 Missouri City, Texas 77459 281-208-7901 www.hamptoninn.com

Hand & Stone Massage and Facial Spa 16525 Lexington Blvd. Suite 150 Sugar Land, Texas 77479 281-265-0065 www.handandstone.com

www.FortBendChamber.com

Low T Center Sugar Land

PennyWise Resale Center

15281 B Southwest Freeway Sugar Land, Texas 77478 281-242-5698 www.lowtcenter.com/sugarland

13645 Murphy Road, Suite 107 Stafford, Texas 77477 281-344-5777

Fort Bend Business Journal H April 2014

Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce Member Updates

Get Your Business Ribbon Cutting

33

Success is just around the bend 1 YEAR

Roberts Wealth Management April Roberts, 281-277-0645 Alimohammad & Zafar, PLLC Tariq Zafar, 281-340-2074 Texas Custom Patios Rob Douglass, 281-265-1994 Texas Weight Loss & Anti-Aging Clinic Rita Sleiman, 281-499-6444

Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce Member Updates

Sienna Dental Brian Reeder, 281-778-5330 Aviles Engineering Corporation Sue Sanchez, 713-895-7645 House of Blooms Pat Houck, 281-242-1555

4 YEARS

Houston Chronicle Liz Mortenson, 713-362-7171

Texwood Shows, Inc. Tony Wood, 832-274-3944

Edward Jones / Harrell Sandra Harrell, 281-261-2000

Sugar Land Spine and Disc Stacy Croft, 281-491-3472

2 YEARS

Liberty Mutual Donna Shelton, 281-494-2700

Hold Fast Industries Ted Volf, 832-465-2350

34

Riverbend Country Club Chuck Cox, 281-269-2526

Sugar Land Women’s Health Lauren Phillips, 713-578-3823 Center for Spine, Sports & Rehabilitation Excellence Debbie Simmons, 713-590-2700 Star Cinema Grill Gustavo “Gus” Vazquez, 832-539-2675 Personalized Media Communications Gerald Holtzman, 281-980-3140 ECP Industries Bill Broyles, 281-933-8645 UTMB - Regional Maternal & Child Health Program Cynthia Garza, 713-234-3100

3 YEARS

Living Magazine Elysse Carpenter, 800-296-6020 Newman Regency Group Mike Kowalick, 281-980-7448 GlobalSpex, Inc. Christina Hawkins, 281-940-7002

Milestone Member 5 YEARS AMS Houston David Douglas, 281-403-1701 Newmans Valve Lane Walker, 281-302-4900 American Property Tax Service, Inc. Ali A. Gilan, 281-240-0101

7 YEARS

Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers Cody Frederick, 281-980-9860

8 YEARS

9 YEARS

Rice & Gardner Consultants, Inc. Jim Rice, 713-482-2300

Milestone Member 10 YEARS - MILESTONE The Bale Law Firm, PLLC Denise M. Bale, 281-295-6000 Stafford Run Apartments Melissa Flores, 281-499-9534 Goodwill Industries of Houston Charles C. Canton, 713-692-6221 La Escondida Mexican Grill Sergio Espinosa, 281-403-3306 Houston Community Bank -Stafford Jeff Smith, 281-208-2111 Techniplex Conference Center Julie Trudeau, 281-565-5566

11 YEARS

Miracle Method Surface Restoration Paul Barnett, 281-240-2284 Paradigm Consultants, Inc. Brent Lapsley, 713-686-6771 Gringo’s Mexican Kitchen Russell Ybarra, 281-980-7482

12 YEARS

Girl Scouts of San Jacinto Council Cate Teague, 713-292-0213

Sugar Land Surgery Center Jill Finke, 281-274-6670

RE/MAX Fine Properties Minesh Patel, 281-265-5533

Icenhower Consulting, LLC Kim Icenhower, 713-504-4378

Summus Industries, Inc. Rodney Craig, 281-640-1765

Primrose School of Greatwood Bill Brown, 281-343-8889

Groth Corporation Betty Jurado, 281-295-6800

Stafford Centre Lynda Breland, 281-208-6900

ERA Benes Realty Joseph Benes, 281-240-6110

April 2014 H Fort Bend Business Journal

www.FortBendChamber.com

The State Bank of Texas Nicki Black, 281-494-6686

Truitt Insurance Agency Jim Truitt, 281-499-5499

Rubicon Realty Group, LLC G. Peter Jacob, 281-313-0000

17 YEARS

Living Improvements Roland Younger, 281-499-7000

13 YEARS

Jim Lawless, AIA Architecture Jim Lawless, 281-240-6101

Fort Bend County Judge Ronald R. Pope Ronald R. Pope, 281-341-4406

American Red Cross Lia Hales, 281-342-9480

Amica Mutual Insurance Company Katie Ware, 800-532-6422

Memorial Credit Union Thomas Rogers, 713-778-6300

Wal-Mart Dustin Ferguson, 281-340-0900

14 YEARS

First United Methodist Church Missouri City Lynne Settlemyre, 281-499-3502 Keep Sugar Land Beautiful Vicki Gist, 281-313-5752 Wal-Mart Geoffery Gross, 281-403-5000 State Farm Insurance Tracy Walker, ChFC, CLU, 281-265-0711

Milestone Member 15 YEARS

18 YEARS

Windfield Townhomes Kara Brown, 281-240-7700

19 YEARS

Fort Bend Christian Academy Pamela Jacobsen, 281-263-9175 IDC Engineering Jim Gonzales, 713-541-5591

Milestone Member 20 YEARS

RE/MAX Southwest Realtors - Gregory Jeanne Gregory, 281-344-8918 Memorial Hermann Sugar Land Hospital Malisha Patel, 281-725-5000

StarTex Title Company Daana Blaschke-Goff, 281-340-7800

State Farm Insurance Dwain Barnes, 281-980-0940

Forum Energy Technologies Valve Solutions Greg O’Brien, 281-565-1010

21 YEARS

Colliers International - Fort Bend Kolbe Curtice, 281-494-4769 Brookstreet Barbecue Louie Roukab, 281-313-4000

16 YEARS

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

www.FortBendChamber.com

Rozell Realty Michael D. Rozell, 281-980-9100

22 YEARS

27 YEARS

Ronald K. Rich, DDS, MAGD Ronald Rich, 281-980-2537 Volunteer Services Council of the Richmond State Supported Living Center Claire D. Chipman, 281-344-4335 Freedom Automotive Services, Inc. John Miller, 281-499-4797

28 YEARS

City of Stafford Leonard Scarcella, 281-261-3900

29 YEARS

Prosperity Bank Bruce Mercer, 281-269-7200 Lake Olympia Animal Hospital Terry J. Dobson, 281-499-7242

31 YEARS

NALCO Champion, An Ecolab Company Jeremy Alberty, 281-263-7000 The George Foundation Dee Koch, 281-342-6109

32 YEARS

Helfman Ford, Inc. Jeff Smith, 281-240-3673 Sweetwater Country Club Michelle Inberg, 281-980-4100

Indermuehle & Co. Commercial Real Estate Larry Indermuehle, 281-240-9090

42 YEARS

26 YEARS

For membership information, contact:

Coldwell Banker United RealtorsArlene Rolsen, CRS Arlene R. Rolsen, CRS, 281-414-8400

Fort Bend Business Journal H April 2014

Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce Member Updates

Transtar A/C Supply Inc. Thomas Abraham, 281-499-3377

Texas Instruments, Inc. Michael Forsman, 281-274-2000

Jan-Michael Jenkins 281-491-0218 • jan@fortbendcc.org 35

H-GAC accepting applications

Telework Incentive Program offers cost cutting, time saving solutions for employers and commuters

L

ess traffic congestion combined with fewer employees arriving late or stressed is a winning combination likely to attract Houston-Galveston area employers who qualify for a teleworking program funded through a federal grant.

The Regional Telework Incentive Pilot Program is administered by the Houston-Galveston Area Council (H-GAC), and businesses who apply and submit a telework application can receive a share of the more than $500,000 available through

federal grant funding.

Information on how to qualify for the Regional Telework Incentive Pilot Program is available by calling 877-512-7333 or by visiting www.mysolutionis.com.

“Teleworking is a proven method for reducing long employee commutes on busy corridors while enhancing regional mobility and air quality,” said Shelley Whitworth, H-GAC air quality program manager. “Many companies need help getting started and we believe this federal grant funding effort will inspire more companies to commit to launching their own formal teleworking programs.”

Combs distributes $553 million in monthly sales tax revenue to local governments

T

exas Comptroller Susan Combs has announced that state sales tax revenue in February was $2.2 billion, up 5.8 percent compared to February 2013.

“Sales tax revenue continues its growth streak and has now increased for 47 consecutive months,” Combs said.

“Growth in tax collections was seen across all major economic sectors including oil and gas, wholesale trade and the services sector.”

Combs will send cities, counties, transit systems and special purpose taxing districts their March local sales tax allocations totaling $553 million, up 4.1 percent compared to March 2013.

LOCAL SALES TAX ALLOCATIONS (MARCH 2014) Recipient

36

March 2014 Allocations

Change from March 2013

Year-to-date Change

Cities

$359.7m

p3.1

p6.4

Counties

$35.8m

p5.0%

p1.6%

Transit Systems

$126.0m

p4.3%

p7.2%

Special Purpose Taxing Districts

$31.5m

p14.0%

p20.1%

Total

$553.0m

p4.1%

p7.0%

%

%

April 2014 H Fort Bend / Katy Business Journal

In the Gulf Coast region and around the U.S., teleworking has proven effective in two important ways: allowing commuting employees to avoid long, slow trips along major traffic corridors; and helping to improve overall mobility and air quality.

According to the Greater Houston Partnership’s recent reference publication, 2013 Houston Facts, the Gulf Coast region enjoyed 2.6 percent job growth in 2012, with nearly 500,000 new residents moving into the eightcounty Houston-Galveston region. However, with this continued growth in the region comes greater congestion and major roadway construction resulting in traffic delays and frustration for daily commuters.

The Houston-Galveston region currently falls short of the Environmental Protection Agency’s standards for air quality, and unfortunately lands on the list of “nonattainment” areas — meaning air pollution levels in the Gulf Coast region exceed the national air quality standards. Since on-road vehicles account for approximately 40 percent of the region’s air emissions, getting a significant number of commuters to commit to an alternative like teleworking instead of solo commuting could eventually lead to a much-needed improvement in the region’s air quality.

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

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

Place your ad in the

Fort Bend Star’s

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CALL YOUR MARKETING CONSULTANT

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Fort Bend / Katy Business Journal H April 2014

37

FORT BEND / K ATY STATE OF THE COUNTY

(with Fort Bend County Judge, Robert “Bob” Hebert) February 28, 2014 • Safari Texas Ranch • Richmond, Texas

Fort Bend County Judge Robert Hebert gives the 2014 State of the County Address

Carol Edwards and Nick Landoski

Mayor Mary Rose Zdunkewicz, Shanta Kuhl, Keri Schmidt and Anthony Francis

Ashley Long and Kelly Shelton

Jimmy Pena and Gary Pearson

Kay Garrett, Tiffany Pace and Tony Francis

Eric Junker and Robert Gracia

Beth Wolf and Bob Brown

Bert Nuckles, Connie Reddish, JR Reddish and Amy Mitchell

Janice Knight and Charlie Pence

Joe Benes and Barbara Benes

Jeff Council and Ann Council

Craig Kalkomey and Ray Aguilar

Chris Morales and Jackie Baly

Angela Cowan and Claire Rogers

Mike Flory and Cheryl Stalinsky

Jim Russ, Lori Ann Belin and Representative Rick Miller

Jeff Cannon and Mayor Vincent M. Morales, Jr.

Commissioner Richard Morrison and Bubba Blassingame.

Beth Wolf and Fort Bend County Judge Robert Hebert

BIG SHOTS

Fein to develop 271-unit project in Cinco Ranch

Katy announces The Grand at LaCenterra The Grand at LaCenterra is situated within LaCenterra at Cinco Ranch, bordered by Cinco Ranch Blvd. and The Grand Parkway.

EDI-International, Inc. provided architectural services while interior design services were provided by Moore Design Group of Dallas. Westchase Construction, Ltd., an affiliate of Martin Fein Interests, Ltd. will be the general contractor for the development.

Eagle Realty Group, a real estate investment and property management company, is providing equity financing for the development while BBVA Compass Bank is providing the construction financing.

Equity financing was arranged by Hal Holliday of CBRE.

F

ein, a Houston-based multifamily development, construction and property management firm, has started a new multifamily development. The Grand at LaCenterra. It will called be located within LaCenterra at Cinco Ranch, a 34-acre mixed-use town center development located in Katy.

With opening set for 2015, The Grand at LaCenterra will be a four- story, luxury multi-family rental community featuring 271 one-, two- and three-bedroom units, averaging 984 square feet. The property will feature expansive lake views and residents will enjoy convenient access to their cars as the development surrounds a multi- level concrete parking garage.

The Grand at LaCenterra will provide an attractive housing option to those looking to take advantage of the walkable design

of LaCenterra, a mixed-use town-center destination in Katy with shopping, dining and entertainment.

The development will be located within the 8,074-acre Cinco Ranch master planned community which was ranked third in new home sales on the list of top master-planned communities in the United States in 2013.

Cinco Ranch has been a choice for people who are employed in the fast-growing Energy Corridor district of west Houston many energy companies have offices.

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39

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 2014. More Assumed Names may be viewed online at http://ccweb.co.fort-bend.TX.us/RealEstate/SearchEntry.aspx. There were 547 Assumed Names for month of February.

Masculine Gary Jay Jr Luxe Pool 9214 Sorrell Hollow Ln 77469

Alas Claudia V Spring Rose Cleaning 11555 Hwy 90A 77435

Gonzalez Nanci L Ng Barber Shop 20110 S Post Oak Blvd 77545

SBR Hwy 90 LLC Texan Auto Repair 10011 S Hwy 6 77498

Ae Tara (+) Designs By Kam 3410 Afton Forest Ln 77449

Walters Karen E Karen’s Therapeutic & Sports Massage 4799 Lexington Blvd 77459

Lewis Joslyn Northstar Marine Recruitment & Consulting P O Box 35069 77235

Jay Thomas Enterprises LLC Aaa Maytag Home Appliance Center 4910 Chritian Point Ct 77478

Lee Ta-Tseng (+) Ncsl Associates 4502 Hwy 6 Ste 13 77478

Guillory Lindsey (+) Pampered Parlor 15315 Sw Freeway Suite 151 77478

George Leanne (+) Best Face Forward Lets Face It! 5718 Hand Rd 77469

Oehlke Melanie N Mel’s Dog House 1218 5Th Street 77471

Rose Michelle Kaimia 4930 Sugar Grove 77477

NGO Terry Q Nails & Spa 4733 Hwy 6 77459

Masroor Noyan (+) Shades Of Glamour 9618 Sugarblossom Ln 77498

Price Michael Jr Price Installations 2214 Mountshire Dr 77489

Henderson American LLC Home Management Services 7902 Atlantic Breeze Ln 77407

Hebert Shakeia Shakeias Place 2930 Commerce Business Suite 1119 77477

Freight Source LLC Freight Source Bkg 3210 Priber Dr 77479

Doty Jonathan (+) Blue Box Productions Joe Timisha C (+) 3507 Stratford Plaza Ln 77498 I Got This Fashions 16410 Pradera Dr 77083 Aviles Jose M (+) Aviles Trucking Arceneaux Andrea (+) 2513 Fm 360 77471 Rosenberg Cleaning Service 2901 Airport Ave #706 77471 Allen Masco 1 Of The Realest Apparel Grady Brandon (+) 15818 Alger Dr 77489 Drastic Inc. 8414 Quail Run Ct 77489 Pace Ashton (+) Refrigeration K R & Suns PLLC Equipment Solutions Smile Rangers 2807 Silver Point Ln 77583 9910 St Romain Drive 77494

Orellana Juan Jose Green Healthy Plants 711 South 7Th St 77469 Billingsley Reshonda Tate Brown Girls Publishing 3714 Poplar Springs 77459 Miller William F William F. Miller 24611 Boxthorn Ct 77494 Smith Poliet Precious Kids Learning Center 1002 Texas Parkway 77477 Slind Elva P Geosurveys 3703 Aspenwod Dr 77406 Medrano Elias Elias Medrano 10315 Bob White Dr 77461 Aziz Mansoor/Netbrands Inc Spurst.Com 14550 Beechnut St 77083 Netbrands Media Corp Fastlanterns.Com 14550 Beechnut St 77083 Netbrands Inc Usmg.Com 14550 Beechnut St 77083 Warren Troy Jr (+) Troyboyjr Productions 1811 Cedarwood Ct 77498

Jackson Sharla Y CJ Catering (+) 405 Mayfield 77437 Harris Sandra (+) Guardian Angels Marketing 1110 Clay St 77469 Lathrop Adam (+) Adam Lathrop Photography 1823 Lake Arrowhead Dr 77406 Batiste Darlene C Hayes Multi Services 4905 Woodway Ave 77471

Bryson Robert A (+) Canine Searches 10315 Cedar Shade Rd 77494

Zaidi Saleem S (+) Home Management Services 7902 Atlantic Breeze Ln 77407

Shahan James Conversations-R-Us 13730 Southline 77498

Brown Jonathan Aspiring Inspiration To Motivate Fitness 6303 Grayson Bend Dr 77494

Sugar Land Delivery Srvc LLC Mattresses R Us 14342 Angel Meadow Ct 77498

40

Cartagena Salvador F (+) SAFRAC 7007 Meadowgreen Ln 77461

Ay & Associates LLC Aya, Ay & Associates 2506 Cleburne 77004

Washington Cornelius L.B’s Pool Care 7410 Cove Royale Ln 77407 Chen Guofu Smiling Flowers 1422 Bluestone Dr 77459 Lobdell Corporation L & L Discount Center 2638 Fifth St #1 77477 Smith James Hairsmith Barbershop 2535 Cartwright Rd 77459 Garcia Michael David Missouri City Computer Care 6219 Drayton Hall 77459 Thomas Rajan E (+) Idea Print 5901 HiLLCroft St Suite D5 77036 Green Richard Fulshear Guns and Ammo 5018 Westchester Dr 77441 Creating Stars Inc Kumon Math and Reading Center Of SugarlandGreatwood 1135 Crabb River Road 77469

Wall Stephen W Affordable Storage Westgreen 2 21314 Ganton Dr 77450 Wall Stephen W Affordable Storage Colonial Parkway 2 21314 Ganton Dr 77450 Velasquez Elizeth Accent Auto Sales 16300 W Bellfort Ave Ste E 77498

Moore Jacob E Moore Co. 6510 New World Dr 77449

Olorunnisomo Jabar (+) Ajapan Enterprises 15202 Marlowe Grove Dr 77498

Green Amy Nicole (+) The Next Stage Home Staging (+) 21102 Praire Green Ct 77406

Silva James (+) Silva Enterprises 1908 Old Creek Dr 77471

Edwards Iman (+) Edwards Transports 6814 Brighton Hill Ln 77450 Guo Michelle Xiao-Bo Global Metal & Plastic Co 3510 Palaxy Circle 77459 Doyle Peter Lee Peters Pools LLC Dba Sugar Land Pool Company 2926 Deer Creek Drive 77478

Carey Devola (+) Habitat Restoration Services P O Box 1547 77545 Jones Tanya (+) Ten Toes 1507 Brazos Gate Dr 77469 Dunham Kerry (+) Cut Lounge Barber Shop, LLC 9263 Floral Crest Dr 77083 Willetts Peter (+) Seven Lakes Tigers 26326 Planters Heath 77494

Watts Eugene E III Ichiban Sports Events 25814 Orchard Knoll Ln 77494 Dearmon Jeremy Matthew Red Cloud Armory J1 Foods LLC 22307 Auburn Canyon Ln 77469 French Fry Heaven 16535 Southwest Fwy Le Tong Van #5587 77479 Les Scissors 4829 Sweetwater Blvd 77479

April 2014 H Fort Bend / Katy Business Journal

DBA (Assumed Names)

Data Beat (+) = More Names

Watts Eugene E III Watts Athletic Events 25814 Orchard Knoll Ln 77494

Davis Margarette (+) Davis Family Reunion 2007 Long Barrel Ln 77489

Harris Walter (+) Www.Tacwatch.Com 5702 Silas Creek Ct 77479

East West Business Inc 24 Seven #2 7101 1/2 W Fuqua 77489

Texas Property & Asset Management Services LLC Texas Asset Management Services 2523 Maple Tree Court 77477

Man Endeavor Inc Gotcha Covered Franchising LLC 303 S Broadway Ste 200-153 80209

Ajuzieogu Doris U (+) Ovu Health Services 14403 Pavillion Point #2235 77083

Miller Kristin J (+) Comfort With A Twist Catering 2213 Stehle Rd 77471

Dada James Ayodele Demfod Foundation 10335 Sugarbridge Trl 77498

Okongwu Clifton Makes Me Proud Entertainment 1210 Mossridge Dr 77489

Hoke Tabitha (+) Fehrle Fire D.H. 614 Borden St 77478 Behne Henry (+) Knotty Racing 26038 Palmdale Estate Dr 77406 Monarch Way Consulting Grp Monarch Way Of Hope 1930 Cartwright 77489 Raffington Jillian Strands 702 Derby Lane 77489 Jambulapati Sudershan Grace Construction 4606 Schiller Park 77479 Gebara Hassan Tps Tax Preparation Services 14911 Sugar Stone 77498 Lobdell Benedict (+) L&L Discount Center (+) 2638 Fifth St #1 77477 Texas Beb Investments Corporation Proshred Security 12703 Capricorn #100 77477 Hopper Travis Texas Roofing Supply 8765 Spring Cypress Rd Ste L 77379 Sweitzer Angela (+) Pointe Of Grace Dance Studio 3760 S Mason Road 77450 Martch Cynthia (+) Fleur De C 23215 Meadow Cross Lane 77494

Bridgewood Katy II LLC Carriage Inn Katy II 1502 Augusta Drive Suite 380 77057 Bass Acacia Light Skin Life?

1426 Twining Oaks Ln 77489 Zebus LLC Z1 Driving School 103B Crabb River Road 77469

All For The Family LLC The Family Counseling Place (+) 24535 Kingston Hill Ln 77494 Rodriguez Juan A Star Body Shop 15302 Sam St 77498 Atrium Circle (+) Atrium Circle Gp 1930 Glenoak Drive 78418 Davalapur Rajanarender (+) Richmond Cleaners 1301 Fm 2218 Rd #600 77469 Ultra Stores Inc Jared Vault #4098 5000 Katy Mills Circle 77494 Perez Garcia Jorge (+) Pro Jp Painting 2002 S Mason Rd #1124 77450 Gordon Katherine M (+) Gordon, Kurt, Dalal Associates 7111 Harwin Suite 282 77036 Rychlik Dale (+) Tx Reel Doc 1017 Lindsey Dr 77471 Manigo Amilee Beyond Beauty Designed By Amy 15315 SW Freeway 77478 Walton Violet One2one 11745 S Hwy 6 77498 Selby Shannon D Sean Davidson 22507 Cascade Springs Dr 77494

Aventography Enterprises LLC Aventography Studios 16029 City Walk 77479 New Territory Health Center Pc Kingsland Chiropractic 607 Park Grove Dr Suite A 77450 Provost Mattie Coleman Zoe’s Design 25618 Corey Cove Ln 77494 Ellison Noah (+) Tx Pvf Services 15640 Ennis Rd 77498 Maxwell Neale (+) Raswell Business Solutions 23819 Sunset Sky 77494 Knight Samantha Styles By Sam 10211 Sugar Branch Dr 426 77036 Flores Michael Vantage Real Estate Company 26314 Planters Heath 77494 Phan Danny Royal Spa & Nails 13425 University Blvd #200 77479 Joseph Joy Ea (+) J&J Tax Accounting (+) 3827 Dover Bluff Lane 77479 Sepulveda Rene Alejandro Jr Azucar Face and Body Wax 2922 Silent Dr 77498 Norton Ladetra (+) Bouncin High Moonwalks 17622 Manchester Point Lane 77407

Busby Timberly (+) Native Form 15022 Carol Chase 77489

Arnold Samuel J Magnum Electronics Corp.

219 Brand Ln 77477

Brann Gary W (+) Upfront Solutions 1507 Sugar Crossing Dr 77478

Arnold Samuel J Magnum Hunting Products 219 Brand Ln 77477

Griffin Virginia Spotless Cleaning Services 6722 Nicecrest Dr 77407

Malone-Beuses Misty Lee Malone Real Estate Group 20922 Winston Lake Dr 77406

Pulsifer Kirk Andrew Collarlinx 4830 Summber Lakes Dr 77459

Munchkins Academy Inc Munchkins Academy 7120 Fm 1464 Ste F 77407

Gonzalez Luz Maria Advance Nutrition Center 1055 Eldridge Ste 500 77478

SRI USA LLC Srimarriage.Com 1800 Austin Parkway Apt 1716 77479

Leggett Byron (+) Grace Land Outlets 1511 Hilton Head 77459 Akpan Usen Vas Retail Po Box 1174 77459 Meas Stev Sunrise Donuts 4916 Avenue H 77471 Sherman Denise L Premier Title Plus 1323 Gentle Bend Dr 77489 Raley Pool Services Inc Quality Pool Service 6140 Hwy 6 #235 77459

SRI USA LLC Indianagritalent.Com 1800 Austin Parkway Apt 1716 77479 Subramaniam Sridhar Sri Usa LLC 1800 Austin Parkway Apt 1716 77479 4 Ever Productions LLC Ser Ninos Hoy 2227 Steamboat Run 77478 Ritz Marine Group LLC Platinum Shipbrokers 5419 Rising Meadow Ln 77494

Raley Pool Services Inc Quality Plaster and Stucco 6140 Hwy 6 #235 77459

De La Riva Gloria (+) De La Riva Trucking 23405 W Fernhurst Dr Apt 1804 77494

Smith Lori (+) One True Tea 1143 Knoll Crest Ct 77479

Sims Jared (+) Texan Outdoor Services 1006 Tangle Wild Ln 77406

Richardson Ivette Top Care Therapy 20900 Fm 1093 Apt 6204 77407

Hanvys Super Scooper LLC Super Scooper 21314 Summer Wine Dr 77406

Kinney Brandi B.L. Bookkeeping Services 2218 Maplegate Dr 77489

Craff Cesar Ideal T-Shirts 5214 Heatherdawn Ct 77494

Wright Joseph III Afro Goddess 2911 Meadowview Dr 77459

Tcv1 Enterprises LLC T1 Computer Services 23501 Cinco Ranch Blvd Ste H120 Pmb 288 77494

Nunez Maria S (+) B P V (+) 5014 Vancouver Blvd 77469

Ahmad Mohammad Shafiq P.M.E International 5615 Azalea Trail Ln 77479

Khan Nargis Sona Software Corporation 8787 Sienna Springs #333 77459

Arnold Samuel J Magnum Feeders Inc. 219 Brand Ln 77477

Hallman Marvin E (+) Hallman Transport and Delivery 2834 Manion Dr 77459

Fort Bend / Katy Business Journal H April 2014

Herrera De Martinez Rocio K Martinez Broker 1907 Garden Terrace 77494

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Data Beat

March 2014 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

2014 Payments To Date

2013 Payments To Date

Percent Change

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

46,500.24 7,928.89 58,839.06 1,030.99 94,885.21 526,530.33 31,925.81 3,066.62 4,949.60 334,499.27 1,073,265.50 16,358.27 1,176,265.05 3,475,738.07 2,424.93

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

46.54% 2.89% 22.50% 2.83% 15.50% 3.45% 9.94% 2.45% 25.25% -49.44% 12.08% 22.99% 4.27% 8.45% U/C

127,525.87 28,451.93 229,449.27 3,280.70 289,163.59 1,944,437.56 112,437.32 12,543.85 14,512.16 1,158,488.90 4,119,335.61 36,207.66 3,957,225.16 13,040,161.27 6,182.48

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

11.25% 17.17% 30.43% 28.72% 6.85% 7.62% 10.37% 16.65% 19.88% 5.72% 23.40% -9.01% 3.68% 13.45% U/C

COUNTY TOTAL

6,854,207.84

6,680,935.08

2.59%

25,079,403.33

22,303,018.67

12.44%

Top 20 City Sales and Use Tax Comparison Summary - March 2014 Please note that Sugar Land is 17th in sales tax revenues in the state.

City

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

42

Net Payment This Period

49,024,417.57 20,906,130.74 18,216,058.00 13,084,783.74 9,023,658.76 7,248,948.02 5,947,164.44 5,410,461.83 5,350,499.03 5,060,168.19 5,295,283.26 4,304,084.43 5,126,166.25 4,548,581.72 4,388,271.88 4,132,646.17 3,475,738.07 3,232,531.45 3,198,771.04 3,307,679.37

Comp Payment Prior Year

% Change 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 5,598,195.22 5,516,877.26 5,164,326.10 5,125,799.79 5,267,625.43 4,322,235.63 4,552,715.07 4,254,881.54 4,264,950.32 4,180,185.44 3,204,890.14 2,776,953.07 3,111,200.67 2,896,042.09

8.98% 16.27% -1.98% 3.40% 2.88% -30.34% 6.23% -1.92% 3.60% -1.28% 0.52% -0.41% 12.59% 6.90% 2.89% -1.13% 8.45% 16.40% 2.81% 14.21%

2013 Payments To Date

164,027,621.49 76,088,630.92 63,445,031.74 46,115,423.89 31,645,623.24 23,074,890.79 20,553,694.84 20,446,034.14 19,713,410.88 18,341,344.55 18,203,759.05 17,125,298.91 16,460,781.28 16,424,363.93 15,792,275.37 14,107,777.44 13,040,161.27 11,053,748.64 10,878,442.15 10,822,019.40

April 2014 H Fort Bend / Katy Business Journal

2012 Payments Change

Percent

151,320,049.78 62,649,124.27 60,548,233.71 42,723,713.15 29,526,184.80 25,955,741.59 18,727,036.44 20,068,800.28 17,543,074.33 17,704,084.96 17,694,555.67 16,955,949.76 14,998,846.87 14,849,356.73 15,305,423.61 13,690,550.68 11,493,321.22 9,464,174.15 10,754,570.60 9,825,039.68

8.39% 21.45% 4.78% 7.93% 7.17% -11.09% 9.75% 1.87% 12.37% 3.59% 2.87% 0.99% 9.74% 10.60% 3.18% 3.04% 13.45% 16.79% 1.15% 10.14%

Data Beat

Commercial Building Permits

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

TYPE OF PERMIT

VALUE

OWNER/CONTRACTOR

MISSOURI CITY

2270 Texas Pkwy 6200 Hwy 6 8927 Hwy 5201 Hwy 3 4729 Hwy 6 13721 S Gessner Rd 200 14523 Fiarway Pines Dr 10360 Hwy 6 Suite A 931 Pheasant Valley Dr 6155 Sienna Ranch Rd

Commercial Remodel Commercial Remodel Commercial New Commercial Lease New Commercial Remodel Commercial Lease New Commercial Building Commercial Remodel Commercial Addition Commercial New

$90,000 $1,400,000 $2,000,000 $40,000 $48,000 $340,000 $638,000 $115,000 $220,000 $1,275,000

Grand Total Valuation (Commercial)

02/01/14-02/28/14

$6,175,000

402 Brooks St 16535 Southwest Fwy Ste 2605 16135 City Walk 13425 University Blvd Ste 200 108 Telfair Central Blvd 1601 Industrial Blvd Ste 200 52 Sugar Creek Center Blvd Ste 350 52 Sugar Creek Center Blvd Ste 375 1110 Lakeview Dr 16535 Southwest Fwy Ste 220 3308 State Hwy 6 520 State Hwy 6 Ste 400 19824 Southwest Fwy 130 Industrial Blvd Ste 200 16535 Southwest Fwy Ste 70 9920 US Hwy 90A Ste 150C 3527 State Hwy 6 Ste 190 1111 State Hwy 6 Ste 70 3536 A State Hwy 6 15035 Southwest Fwy One Fluor Daniel Dr Ste 51 15551 Southwest Fwy 17510 W Grand Pkwy S Ste 520 16675 Southwest Fwy Ste 105 15200 Southwest Fwy Ste 285 15200 Southwest Fwy Ste 360 12946 Dairy Ashford Rd Ste 400 16906 Southwest Fwy 8410 US Hwy 90A Ste 100 3737 State Hwy 6 3640 State Hwy 6

Commercial Addition Commercial Addition Commercial Addition Commercial Buildout Commercial Buildout Commercial Buildout Commercial Buildout Commercial Buildout 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 Demolition

$49,500 $17,752 $25,750 $47,000 $300,000 $500,797 $42,250 $22,500 $2,343,887 $14,685 $8,000 $34,945 $135,000 $567,776 $205,000 $418,605 $49,060 $225,057 $14,767 $64,694 $168,601 $9,500 $76,154 $200,536 $38,978 $68,000 $39,320 $49,351 $39,340 $50,555 $10,000

Grand Total Valuation (Commercial)

02/01/14-02/28/14

$5,851,095

Restaurant Units Corp Winborne R & C MJ Harris Construction Services MK Flooring Inc Q Nails & Spa/Pinnacle Construction Industi E.E. Reed Construction, L.P. Arch-Con Corporation A-9 91 Ft Bend Parkway-Hwy 6 L/Patterson Construction Services Yeh David/Millie Development & Const.

Axiom Construction Co Inc

SUGAR LAND

Carter Kent J/Gregory Financial Services Inc First Colony Mall, LLC/Comet Signs LLC Town Center Lakeside, LTD/Luebe Jones Inc DBA:Avendek NNP-Telfair, LP/Danny Pran General Construction NNP-Telfair, LP/Crowssmark Devel & Constr LLC Realco-Texas 001 LLC/Newport Construction American National Insurance Co/New York Real Estate Inc American National Insurance Co/New York Real Estate Inc Robby English/New York Real Estate Inc First Colony Mall, LLC/Hyundai General Construction HSMEP Williams Trace, LP/Omega Construction Hwy 6 & 90, LTD/Angler Retail Construction, LLC EMI Corp/CTC Contractors LLC 130 Industrial, LP/Sundance Construction Co First Colony Mall LLC/Sajo Inc DBA Montreal Sajo Inc Dallas Mini No 56, LTD/Professional Construction Srvs Market at First Colony Partner/Hon & Ping Remodeling HC Sugar Land Owner, LLC/Jairus Construction HSMEP Williams Trace LP/Omega Construction Nuevo Suspects, LP/South Coast Const Services Inc Lakepoint Assets, LLC/Mahaca Construction Covington First Colony Acquisition/E Contractors USA LLC Memorial Hermann Hospital South Coast Const Services Inc Methodist Hospital/J T Vaugh Construction MOB 124 of Texas LP/Herring Construction MOB 124 of Texas LP/Rick Behr Construction Inc Gupta Sugar Land Plaza Limited/Houston Remodeling Inc Sugar Land Properties Inc/Mission Constructors FBRE II, LLC/Fort Bend Real Estate Corp Old Mill, LP/Art Star Construction Inc HSMEP Williams Trace, LP/West Design & Build LLC

Fort Bend / Katy Business Journal H April 2014

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Accounting / QuickBooks Experts VM Wasek CPA, LLC 281-435-7147 www.CPAonDemand.net Got QuickBooks? QuickBooks is all we do. We are Fort Bend’s top QuickBooks experts certified by Intuit.

Customized QuickBooks training, set up, consulting, conversions, and integrations. QuickBooks bookkeeping and accounting services. QuickBooks extreme makeovers. We work with all versions of QuickBooks – Enterprise, Premier, Pro, and Online. Free up your time and let us worry about the numbers. Visit our website to schedule a FREE 30 minute phone consultation.

Advertising 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.

SERVICE DIRECTORY

Air Conditioning

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Vista Air Services, Inc. 713-433-6311 COMMERCIAL AIR CONDITIONING SPECIALISTS www.vistaairservices.com Vista Air Services, Inc. specializes in Commercial/ Industrial Air Conditioning Services. Established in 1978 Vista provides Service, Repair, HVAC Remodeling and Design, as well as flexible Preventative Maintenance Plans. Vista is WBEA and HUB Certified and licensed in the State of Texas (TACLA 4677C).

Business Owners, Office Managers, Facilities Managers, and Commercial Contractors, are invited to call us at 713-433-6311.

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.

To Advertise, call Diane Strehl at 281-690-4210

Auto Repair / Maintenance Auto Central-Automotive Service & Sales 281-499-9684 www.autocentral.biz AutoCentral@verizon.net. 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 Monday-Friday 7-6pm. Saturdays by Appt. only.

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 P - 281-980-4440 F - 281-261-0048 www.colonyoneauto.com Are you tired of searching for a AAA approved auto repair center? Colony One Auto Center is a family-owned and operated business, having serviced more than 210,000 vehicles since 1991.

The BBB has rated Colony One Auto Center its highest score, capturing an A+ rating. Angie’s List has designated Colony One Auto Center its highest rating as a “Super Service Provider,” also garnering an A+ rating. Colony One Auto Center has a complete state-of-the-art automotive repair and maintenance facility. Your search is finally over. Bring your vehicle to Rod Tate at 1131 Dulles Avenue, Stafford, 77477.

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!

Catering Salata www.salata.com 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’s Signature Dressings, Soups and Sauces are made in house and are Gluten Free. We cater and deliver for any occasion including business meetings or training sessions. In a hurry? Go to Salata.com and we’ll have your order prepared and ready to go. We are conveniently located across from the Marriott and in the corridor of the Coca-Cola/ Minute Maid building.

For catering service contact Vilma (cell) 832-2795323, Fax: 832-886-4591, Email: Sugarland@salata. 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.

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.

Certified Public Accountant - CPA

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!

April 2014 H Fort Bend / Katy Business Journal

Christeen Seymour, CPA 281-969-7976 Phone www.cscpaservices.com 13110 S. Gessner Rd, Ste 100 713-410-3778 Cell Services: Accounting, Bookkeeping, Payroll Services, Individual and Business Tax Return Preparation, Consulting, Non-Profit Accounting, QuickBooks Setup and Training, Contract Controller/CFO.

Stafford Dialysis 281-568-9911 www.StaffordDialysis.com 12220 Murphy Road, Stafford, Texas 77477 Quality Care for A Quality Life. Stafford Dialysis promotes the highest quality care and treatment for patients with chronic renal disease. State of the Art technology and certified professionals provide patients the highest ethical standards and education related to kidney failure. Certified through Private Insurance, Medicare and the Texas Department of Health, you can trust your care to Stafford Dialysis.

Economic Development The Katy Area Economic Development Council (Katy Area EDC) www.KatyEDC.org 281-396-2200 The Katy Area conomic 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.

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.

Foundations / Sprinklers Root Wall Pro 832.776.2338 www.RootWallPro.com 3346 East T.C. Jester D-47, Houston, TX 77018. Stop!

Before you uproot your mature trees as the solution to your foundation issues, call us! Simply adding peers to a faulty foundation is a misguided, incomplete solution when trees are also a part of the puzzle. One needs to also address mature tree roots. We can handle any size job in solving deep root foundation structure issues. Adding a deep root watering systems to your sprinkler system or any Root Wall Pro foundation watering system is crucial. With more than 20 years experience, Root Wall Pro offers the perfect solution to faulty foundations with our perfected barrier system

and root watering system. Keep your mature trees (at a distance from your home) that add value to often your biggest investments--your home and business. Root Wall Pro is endorsed by Randy Lemmon and other local engineers. We also offer financing. We’ll alleviate your worries and give you the solution you need. Call us. You won’t be disappointed and will see the results quickly!

Golf Carts / Mobility Scooters CBC Golf Cart Services, Inc. 281-494-1164 Scooters by CBC 281-494-3454 Fax 281-494-1189 www.cbcgolfcarts.com; www.mobilityscooters. com. chris1001@windstream.net, 203 Ulrich Street, Sugar Land, TX 77498 (Behind Imperial Sugar). CBC offers Sales, Service, New & Used, Rentals (daily, monthly or yearly) and Parts for two lines of products, GOLF CARTS and MOBILITY SCOOTERS. Authorized Dealer for Merits and Pride Mobility products. We rent all sizes of golf carts from 2-8 seaters and also short- and long-cargo boxes.

Glass Block/Showers/Windows 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.

Ice Cream Specialties Southern Ice Cream 281-499-9837 www.SouthernIceCreamTX.com Great for all occasions! Reward your employees, clients or families. Serve delicious ice cream specialties from Southern Ice Cream in Stafford, Texas. Do you have a special fundraising project or marketing project on your mind? Schedule a push cart, ice cream truck or vintage ‘Original Good Humor’ truck to deliver these speciality deserts. Southern Ice Cream prides itself on personalized service delivering frozen treats efficiently to cool down even the hottest Houston days!

It’s easy to book this unique and rewarding ice cream experience, just visit www.SouthernIceCreamTX.com or call Michelle at 281-499-9837.

Insurance Agencies Prince Benefits Group 281-325-0384 www.princebenefitsgroup.com Insurance Agency, that works with individuals & companies to purchase health, dental, vision, life & 401K. We represent Aetna, BCBS, United Healthcare, Guardian, Humana, Principal and many others. Don’t pay a 2014 TAX Penalty for being uninsured due to the new Healthcare Reform laws. Call us for affordable credible coverage.

SERVICE DIRECTORY

Dialysis

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

Home Health Care Texas State Healthcare & Hospice Care 281-208-4344 or 979-323-7099 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” Home Inspection Services Armadillo Home Inspection Services 281-342-9955 Stan Snyder Licensed Professional Inspector TREC # 5285 inspectorstan@sbcgloal.net “A Home Inspection Saves You $$$!”

Fort Bend / Katy Business Journal H April 2014

Gold Connection Jewelers 281-344-9900 • We Buy Gold www.goldconnection.net We are a full-service jewelry store in your neighborhood. We offer diamonds, gold and silver jewelry and watches. Repairs are done on our premises. Custom design is our specialty. We offer front door parking for your convenience. Our hours are M-F from 10:00-6:00 pm and again on Sat from 10:00-4:00 pm. We are located at 206 Hwy 90A, Richmond, 77406. Come see our fabulous inventory!

Live Music musicSource, Inc. 281-242-3049 281-204-7716 - Cell ramusica@windstream.net Set the mood with LIVE MUSIC at your next event.

Vince Ramos and The Continental Combo will provide continued, on page 46

45

music for your Gala Event or a casual Oldies Party.

One Man Band to 8 pc. MusicSource, Inc. will provide Acoustic Music and any genre including Rock-n-Roll, C&W, Jazz, Dixieland and Holiday Music. European and Hispanic International Theme Music? Luau, Pool Party, Margarita Party.......etc. Let’s have Fun. Give us a call.

Outdoor events? No problem, we have portable power.

Call or e-mail Vince Ramos 281-242-3049 ramusica@ wndstream.net.

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.

Fort Bend 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.

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.

Optometrists 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.

Pest Control Austin Exterminating Co., Inc. 281-342-4328 2714 Avenue I, Rosenberg, Texas 77471 CA00566484 • TPCL 148. Owner operated Monday Friday. Pest Control Company specializing in service designed for customers who are looking for something different. “We don’t just spray baseboards.”

Nature’s Pest Control

SERVICE DIRECTORY

Pharmacies

46

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 December 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.

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 onsite clinics available for churches and corporations. We are now in network with Blue Cross & Blue Shield.

Open MRI Printers / Graphics 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

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.

April 2014 H Fort Bend / Katy Business Journal

Real Estate / Residential Angie Snyder 281-787-8718 Office: 281-265-5533 X 1282

Hall of Fame, ABR, BROR, GRI, SRES RE/MAX Fine Properties.

Angie@HoustonHomeSales.net Celebrating 20 years in Real Estate Home Staging Specialists!

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: 281-494-3227, Brokerage, Development, Investment and 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.

Video Services 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 RS Water Service 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.

To be listed call Diane Strehl

281-690-4210

Johnson Development plans new Fort Bend County master-planned community

T

he Johnson Development Corp. has announced it will develop its fifth Fort Bend County masterplanned community, a 1,300-acre property at the intersection of the Grand Parkway and West Airport Boulevard with land for 2,700 homes, retail and commercial facilities, public and private schools, churches and environmental-focused recreational amenities.

The to-be-named community will be Johnson Development’s thirteenth in the greater Houston area, joining Riverstone, Cross Creek Ranch, Sienna Plantation and Imperial Sugar Land among its other Fort Bend communities.

Riverstone, Cross Creek Ranch and Sienna Plantation all ranked among the nation’s top-20 best-selling master-planned communities for new home sales in 2013, according John Burns Real Estate Consulting.

Owned by the General Land Office for the State of Texas, the property is conveniently situated off the Grand Parkway providing immediate access to Houston’s Energy Corridor, Sugar Land and employment centers in Houston via the Westpark Tollway.

“We see this as another high-quality Fort Bend community that will appeal to families looking for outstanding new homes offered by the best builders in Houston in a well-planned environment,” says Doug Goff, Chief Operating Officer of The Johnson Development Corp. “Plus, the convenience of the Grand Parkway makes this a very appealing opportunity for families wanting

Fort Bend / Katy Business Journal H April 2014

to call Fort Bend County home.”

Development is expected to being this summer with the first lots available to builders in the first quarter of 2015.

The company also is developing for the former Camp Strake property in Montgomery County. Johnson Development’s communities in Atlanta include Towne Lake, BridgeMill and Lake Arrowhead. The company also provides outsourced development services for property owners, homebuilders and other parties on a fee basis to help realize the potential of their land positions. For more information on Johnson Development, visit www.johnsondevelopment.com.

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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.

Bombay Palace Do you want to savor some of the best Indian Bombay food in all of Fort Bend, Palace surrounded by elegant furnishings, a majestic mahogany full-service bar and soothing background music? You can also book your very own private wine room that seats up to 14.

Bombay Palace offers fine dining at affordable prices. Savor two of their finest dishes: Rack of Lamb that is skillfully marinated with ginger, garlic and our secret spices or the fabulous Chilean Sea Bass that is topped with a garlic spinach. Both dishes are served for under $20.

Bombay Palace is open seven days a week for lunch: M-F – 11:00-2:00 and on SaturdaySunday – 11:30-3:00; and then again for dinner every day from 5:30-10:00. On Saturday and Sunday, come in and enjoy either the delicious Tawa Special or Chat Corner. We cater for any sized party! Book your holiday party now. We promise you won’t be disappointed!

15295 SW Freeway, Sugar Land, 281.325.0071, www.bombaypalacesugarland.com. $$ • FB Cafe India Come enjoy the best Indian food in Fort Bend County!

Sultan Momin is not only the friendly owner but also one of the experienced chefs in this quiet, very clean family-owned restaurant. Cafe India offers an excellent, fresh lunch buffet selection from 11:00-2:45 every day (except closed on Tuesday). From Monday-Thursday, come in and have an a-la-carte dinner and then enjoy a free dessert! Cafe India has not only received excellent reviews but is affordable and specializes in catering for any event. There is no better Tandoori Chicken, flavorable vegetable samosas, lamb dishes or biryani in town! Cafe India offers an excellent meal selection for two or

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four people. Cafe India is also open for dinner Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday from 5:00-9:30 p.m., and then on Friday and Saturday from 5:00-10:00 p.m. Affordable, fresh, authentic Indian food while also offering wine and beer in a relaxed atmosphere. Cafe India is located at 2319 Williams Trace, Sugar Land, TX 77478. Call 281-565-5881 or visit www.cafe-india-restaurant.com. $ • WB Hoggs n’ Chicks At Hoggs & Chicks, we have a casual atmosphere for everyone’s dining pleasure. We serve a delicious and original French/Southern influenced cuisine that satisfies those with ‘Small Bites’ to those with a Larger Appetite. As we like to say; “Southern Fried with a French Twist” – Frédéric Perrier (chef)! Hours Monday-Thursday 11:00am – 8:30pm, Friday 11:00am – 9:00pm, Saturday 10:30am – 9:00pm, Sunday 10:30am – 8:00pm. Saturday and Sunday Brunch 10:30 – 2:00pm. We now have Shakes, Smoothies, and Frozen Lemonades. 8817 Highway 6, Suite 900, Missouri City, Texas 77459. 281-778-4644. Visit us online at www.hoggsnchicks.com. $$ 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 QQ China Cafe QQ China Cafe, a family owned Restaurant, has been serving a variety of oriental cuisines April 2014 H Fort Bend / Katy Business Journal

for over 3 years, Szechuan, Hunan, Mandarin, and Mongolian. Only 100% vegetable oil is used and you will never find MSG. Located between Sienna Pkwy. and Fort Bend Pkwy. on Highway 6 in Missouri City., QQ China Cafe is open 7 days a week. Visit for a quiet, quaint, enjoyable lunch or dinner and take out is always available. Sunday - Thursday, 11AM - 10 PM, Friday and Saturday 11Am - 10:30PM, 10330 Hwy. 6 #G Missouri City, TX . 77459.

Call 281-431-7777 or 281-431-7773. www.

QQchina.webs.com $ Veritas Steak & Seafood The Rios family invites you to come and experience a superb quality cuisine and impeccable service combined with an elegant and warm ambiance at Veritas Steak & Seafood. Join them for a wonderful culinary adventure featuring USDA certified prime beef, chops, fresh seafood, soups, sandwiches, salads and an outstanding wine selection. They are open for both lunch and dinner Monday – Thursday 11:00 – 10:00 pm, Friday 11:00 – 11:00 pm, Saturday 4:00 – 11:00 pm, and closed on Sunday. Partake in their happy hour specials from 4:00 – 7:00 pm Monday – Saturday. 1550 Lake Pointe Parkway, Suite 500, Sugar Land • Call 281-491-2901. www.VeritasSteakandSeafood.com. $$ • FB Tradicao Brazilian Steakhouse Tradicao Brazilian Steakhouse is the premier steakhouse in Fort Bend.

Tradicao, pronounced Tra-dee-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. Private dining and catering is available. Tradico would like to invite you to come join them, sit back and relax. Lunch Mon-Fri 11am-2pm and 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. $S • FB

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