August 2010 - The Business Lifestyle Magazine Digital Edition

Fort Bend/Katy

Volume 28 • No. 8

THE BUSINESS LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

AUGUST 2010

Chaumette

Sugar Land’s Shining Star INSIDE STORIES

n Fort Bend Women in Business n Mental Health Programs Face the Axe n Fort Bend Real Estate Market - 2010 n Cleaning the Air - It’s a Problem $4.95

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PHONE: (281) 341-2000 PHYSICIAN REFERRAL: (281) 341-4800 www.oakbendmedcenter.org

Texas Direct Auto makes major commitment to higher education

T

exas Direct Auto, located in Stafford, Texas, is proud to announce a major commitment to higher education among students of Fort Bend County.

The “Scholarship Stars” program, in sponsorship with the Fort Bend/Katy Business Journal and Fort Bend Focus Magazine, will provide a series of $1,000 scholarships to local students. This is the first program of its type in Fort Bend County, a major community move for Texas Direct Auto and a benefit to local students!

Applications will be accepted beginning August 1st and winners will be announced each month in each magazine.

Complete details and the application can be found online at www.fortbendstar.com/scholarshipstar.doc.

As for Texas Direct Auto, not many people would believe that a business can generate over a half-billion dollars in sales from a single location – but Texas Direct Auto does it from right here in Stafford! One lot with over a thousand used vehicles ranging in price from $5,000 to $150,000. It’s easy to see why Texas Direct Auto is the world’s largest eBay Motors dealer!

In less than eight years this locally owned company has grown from an Internet based to a state-of-the-art mega-store located at 12053 Hwy 59 at Nations Blvd.

Customers have the option of buying on-line or by visiting the store where numerous associates can help

find just the car you’ve been looking for! Texas Direct Auto has also purchased more cars from individuals than any other independent dealership in the nation.

You’ve probably seen or heard their advertisements in the local area.

Selection is no challenge at Texas Direct Auto as they have access to just about every make and model available nationwide! They stock more Toyotas than a Toyota store, more Chevys than a Chevy store, etc. No matter if you’re looking for a sports car, a hybrid, an SUV or truck, Texas Direct Auto has them all. They buy the best from across the country. Top quality vehicles purchased from around the nation are made available through the Internet. Volume pricing added to a massive selection offers the customer the best deals possible!

With financing available online and on the premises, shopping for your new car has never been easier. Visit us online at www.texasdirectauto. com or call us at 281499-8200. Texas Direct Auto – the car dealer of the future!

SELL US YOUR CAR With over $500+ Million in annual sales, Texas Direct Auto is the Largest Independent dealership in the nation and is the largest eBay Motor’s dealership in the world!

Visit us online or come to Stafford just southwest of Houston to see our huge lot and massive inventory that are sure to have exactly what you are looking for in your next car.

12053 SW Freeway, Stafford Texas 77477 • 281-499-8200

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September Issue

SUCCESSFUL MEN IN BUSINESS FALL BANKING & FINANCE FEATURES

HIGHLIGHT ON HEALTH: MEN’S HEALTH

Deadline August 15

OCTOBER ISSUE

Breast cancer awareness issue

Who’s Who In Fort Bend County Healthcare

Fort Bend/Katy

To Advertise Call Dean West

Direct: 281-690-4201 • Cell: 713-899-0643

dean@fortbendstar.com

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Fort Bend Business Journal • August 2010

Chef Profiles In Fort Bend County

August 2010 • Fort Bend Business Journal

3

C O N T E N T S

Fort Bend/Katy

Cover Story

Volume 28 • Number 8 • August 2010

Jacquie Chaumette Sugar Land’s Shining Star

For subscriptions send check for $25 to Fort Bend Business Journal

pg.

Special Feature Fort Bend Women In Business

22

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4655 Techniplex Dr., Suite 300 Stafford, Texas 77477 281-690-4200 TOLL FREE 1-888-430-7478 www.fortbendstar.com Single copy $4.95

PUBLISHER.................................... Beverly Carter GENERAL MANAGER............Michael Fredrickson EDITOR ...........................................Sharon Wallingford

Inside Stories

ADVERTISING DIRECTOR ....................... Dean West

Mental Health Programs Hard Hit By Proposed Budget Cuts..........................................27

MARKETING CONSULTANTS................ Dottie Childs ........................................................Ann Sturrock

Sugar Land’s Unique Partnership Earns The Nation’s Mayors Awards For Museum Project.......................................................................................29 Fort Bend County and Missouri City Selected as Best Places to Live and Work........32 The Next Hundred Million: America in 2050...........................................................................33 Educational Benefits For Those Who Served........................................................................34 Fort Bend Real Estate Market - 2010.......................................................................................45 Clearing The Air... It’s A Problem...............................................................................................56 Fort Bend Subsidence District...................................................................................................58 Café Teresita’s Opens in Sugar Land Regional Airport Terminal.......................................64 Tim Stubenrouch

Monthly Columns

Money Talks

RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE SPECIALIST.........................................Becky Hall COLUMNISTS...............................Alan Sandersen ...........................................................Linda Starr ..................................................Tim Stubenrouch CONTRIBUTORS . .......................Wayne Chandler ..................................Barbara Magana Robertson ...........................................Brie Madden Rodmon .......................................................... Elsa Maxey .....................................................John Whitmore .............................................................Dori Wind ART DIRECTOR.................................Joey Belleza GRAPHIC DESIGNER / WEB.............Carlo Arcillas

Discusses Saving - Never Out of Style............. 28

Alan Sandersen

Linda Starr

Discusses A Controlled Corporation is .

Not a Personal Checkbook........... 26

Discusses Most Ideas Never Happen.............. 30

Tax Smart

Certified Master Coach

Monthly Departments Fort Bend Chamber Newsletter.......................................................................... 37-44 Names in the News..................................................................................................36 Data Beat........................................................................................................... 46-49 Newsworthy....................................................................................................50 & 52 Service Directory............................................................................................... 54-55 Dining and Entertainment................................................................................. 61-63

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Fort Bend Business Journal • August 2010

ON THE COVER Jacquie Baly Chaumette Sugar Land City Councilwoman Photo by: Hurst Photography

©2010 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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August 2010 • Fort Bend Business Journal

5

Editor’s Preview

by Sharon Wallingford

Will Fort Bend county residents need an umbrella in August?

The Editorial Advisory Board Jacqueline Baly Chaumette President and CEO Baly Projects, LLC

Louis Garvin President and CEO Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce

Dee Koch Grant Officer The George Foundation

Becky Munnell President and CEO Blue Jungle Marketing

Protection from the elements, rain or sun, is sometimes necessary.

Do carry a copy of our new issue to read and you’ll do fine.

Congratulations, to our Women in Business this month. They, along with many other incredible women, keep our cities moving. This section is designed to help you get to know them better. And men, get ready to step up, it’s all about you next month.

This month we’ve uncovered more about education, the Environmental Protection Agency and its role in Fort Bend and the state, public transportation needs, mental health costs, and the latest

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

Tim Stubenrouch President First Community Bank

John Whitmore Whitmore Company

news on real estate sales. In our pages we’ve included a couple of new restaurants for speedy, more casual or fine dining. We’re introducing you to ACHIEVE Fort Bend, a project that can lead to overall success for taxpayers, businesses and the county, if you take action.

Let Brie Madden Rodmon introduce you to some favored reading with her book review on “The Next Hundred Million: America in 2050.”

The author Joel Kotkin takes a look ahead at growth and developments

Kolbe Curtice CCIM, CLS Curtice Commercial Real Estate

in our country by highlighting Sugar Land and Fort Bend county as examples of what is expected to come in the next 40 years.

Ching. Keep the cash registers ringing.

Contact: Sharon K. Wallingford skwcountry@aol.com Dean West dean@fortbendstar.com

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Fort Bend Business Journal • August 2010

Sharon K. Wallingford

A Salute to Fort Bend

Win omen Business

Best wishes to all the Women in Business who are constantly working to improve their workplaces, lifestyles and communities. As women and minority business ownership continues to increase in Fort Bend county, the rates of women completing college degrees and taking continuing education classes is also likely to spike. Thank you for making our world better.

Fort Bend Women In Business Yearbook 2010

Nicki B. Black Branch President

THE STATE BANK OF TEXAS Stafford Locally Owned & Operated

www.tsbot.com 13010 Murphy Road Stafford, TX 77477

Susan Carruth Vice President Chief Financial Officer

For the last ten years, Chief Financial Officer, Susan Carruth, has been the driving force in assuring that OakBend Medical Center has the ability to grow and enhance the hospital’s services.

Award Winning Care 1705 Jackson Street Richmond, TX 77469 281-341-3000

281-494-6686

Jessica DeMarr

Director of Business Development

Jessica has worked with Texas Direct Auto for the past few years as one of their elite marketing representatives. They have recently given her the unique challenge of growing certain areas of a company that sells over a half-billion dollars in autos worldwide! Good luck, we know you can do it!

Beverly Carter Publisher

Newspaper and Magazine publishing for 31 years Fort Bend Star • Fort Bend Business Journal Fort Bend Focus Sugar Land Newcomer Guide

Your only source of Print Media covering ALL of Fort Bend County

4655 Techniplex Dr. Suite 300 Stafford, TX 77477

281-690-4200

Sherrie Fontenot

Lisa Fredrickson

Seniors Real Estate Specialist Multi-Million Dollar Producer

Patti Parish-Kaminski

ABR CRS GRI ePRO® PMN SRES CBR

“The One To Know”

281-468-223

Publisher

Editor-in-chief Three big words – inspire, educate and empower – define the mission of Focus on Women Magazine. We make you laugh, make you cry, make you think and make you care, all with a keen focus on you – our greatest resource – our women. Become a subscriber, a fan on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.

Fine Properties

281-410-6103 www.texasdirectauto.com

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Fort Bend Business Journal • August 2010

4500 Highway 6 Sugar Land, TX 77478

Sherrie@SherrieFontenot.com

on

281-690-4242 www.fowmag.com

Owner

Associate Chief Nursing Officer

Becky Chalupa

Jacqueline Baly Chaumette

Provides Full-Service Digital Video Production for:

Becky Chalupa is the clinical leader responsible for bringing advanced Cardiovascular Surgery and Neurosurgery to Fort Bend County. The hospital is fortunate to have her clinical stewardship as we bring new programs to our community.

Jacquie Chaumette is President and CEO of BalyProjects, a consulting firm specializing in public policy, planning principles and governmental affairs.

• • • •

TV COMMERCIALS EMPLOYEE TRAINING PROMOTIONAL VIDEO WEBSITES

4655 Techniplex Dr. Suite 500 Stafford, TX 77477

281-690-4280

16655 Southwest Freeway Sugar Land, Texas 77479

281-274-7000

www.MethodistSugarLand.com

Fort Bend Women In Business Yearbook 2010

Sherry Carter

President & Chief Executive Officer

713-524-4676

2028 Buffalo Terrace Houston, Texas 77019 www.BalyProjects.com Jacquie@BalyProjects.com

Lana Holland

Jaine Garvin

Jeanne Gregory

Jaine hones her multi-task skills with responsibilities in Accounts Payable, Infrastructure Planning Division, Network Nites and many other special projects. She is a graduate of Leadership Forum 2004.

It’s a great time to buy or sell in Fort Bend County.

THE MOST IMPORTANT HOME I SELL, IS YOURS!

Vice President Chamber Services

CRS, GRI, ABR Re/Max Hall of Fame

Vice President - Sugar Land Office Lana Holland and her dedicated team are eager to serve all of your financial needs at First Community Credit Union. FCCU is a full service credit union open to the residents and businesses of Harris or Fort Bend Counties and Tomball.

Direct: 713-854-0923 www.jeannegregory.com jeannegregory@earthlink.net

281-491-0218 www.fortbendchamber.com

RE/MAX Southwest 14905 SW Freeway Sugar Land, TX 77478 281-491-1776

3400 Hwy. 6 South Sugar Land, TX 77478 281.856.5300 FCCU.org

August 2010 • Fort Bend Business Journal

9

Fort Bend Women In Business Yearbook 2010

Paula Johnson

ABR, GRI CBR Your Realtor who “Lists to Sell”

Paula, a Realtor with RE/MAX Heritage, and a Realtor for 19 years particularly like meeting different people and the fact that ‘everyday is a different situation because people are different.

Buyers are most interested in getting the most for their money, which they can now. I see a lot of move ups because of that,” Paula said.

RE/MAX Heritage 4675 Sweetwater Blvd.

Sugar Land 281-352-6950

Arlene R. Rolsen, CRS We salute Arlene who believes in exceeding her clients expectations by providing personal attention and exceptional service throughout the Greater Fort Bend Area.

Janet Leatherwood

Jan Loggins

As Chief Nursing Officer, Janet Leatherwood has led the development of new programs at the hospital for the past 9 years. The hospital appreciates her dynamic leadership in bringing the Texas Medical Center home to Fort Bend County.

Success Continues

Chief Nursing Officer

281-274-7000

www.MethodistSugarLand.com

Ann Sill

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Fort Bend Business Journal • August 2010

14015 SW Freeway @ Sugar Creek

281 242-2900 www.jloggins.com Tues-Fri 10-6 • Sat 10-3

Kaelyn Stolhand

Director, Ann Moody Sill Dance Studio

Physician Relations & Marketing Coordinator

Owner and director of Ann Moody Sill Dance Studio for 39 years • Teaching kids to ‘love to dance’ in a family-oriented, non-competitive atmosphere • Conveniently located in Sugar Land • Catering to economic uncertainty with coupons for savings opportunities during registration.

Kaelyn is an important member of the marketing team at Methodist. She has been instrumental in developing marketing campaigns and community relations programs.

Thank you Kaelyn for all that you do to make sure our community is aware of the services Methodist Sugar Land Hospital has to offer.

Dance Studio

281-414-8400

25 Years Titled Fort Bend’s Custom Jeweler

Fort Bend’s Custom Jeweler 16655 Southwest Freeway Sugar Land, Texas 77479

Ann Moody Sill E-mail: arolsen@cbunited.com www.arlenerolsen.com

Owner

11110 S. Hwy 6 Sugar Land, Texas 77478

281-498-8270 www.amsds.com

16655 Southwest Freeway Sugar Land, Texas 77479

281-274-7000

www.MethodistSugarLand.com

Jody Jones Noirot

Senior Vice President and Administrator Jackson Street Campus

Sue McCarty joined OakBend Medical Center in 2007 and is the inspiration for the professional, and caring nursing staff, achieving OakBend Medical Center’s excellent customer service scores.

For the last 11 years Jody Jones Noirot has provided the leadership which has resulted in several operational and quality awards for OakBend Medical Center’s “Award Winning Care,” as well as developed new services that maintain the hospital’s community focus and personal touch.

Award Winning Care 1705 Jackson Street Richmond, TX 77469 281-341-3000

Leena Taneja

Award Winning Care 1705 Jackson Street Richmond, TX 77469 281-341-3000

Tracy Walker

Cindy Reaves Marketing Manager

Long time Fort Bend resident Cindy Reaves has been instrumental in promoting OakBend Medical Center’s physicians and services to the community.

Award Winning Care 1705 Jackson Street Richmond, TX 77469 281-341-3000

Jennifer Weaver

Director of Physician Relations & Marketing

Tracy Walker ChFC, CASL, CLU

Certified Residential Specialist

Leena Taneja provides outstanding service to our physicians and to our community, and plays a key role in developing and implementing strategic initiatives for our hospital. She is an important member of our leadership team.

Providing Insurance and Financial Services

As a Realtor® and Relocation Specialist in Fort Bend County since 1979, it has been my privilege to help hundreds of families find a place to call home.

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16655 Southwest Freeway Sugar Land, Texas 77479

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281-274-7000

281-265-0711

www.MethodistSugarLand.com

tracy@agentwalker.com

Fort Bend Women In Business Yearbook 2010

Sue McCarty

Vice President and Administrator Williams Way Campus

RE/MAX Southwest 14905 SW Freeway Sugar Land, TX 77478 281-491-1776

Call Direct: 281-207-5037 E-mail: Jennifer@JenniferWeaver.com August 2010 • Fort Bend Business Journal

11

Special Feature: Fort Bend Women in Business

Colonial Lakes Office Park offers business owners ways to save time and money

T

he Work Organization announced the construction of the final phase of Colonial Lakes Office Park. Previous phases are over 95% occupied with just a couple offices available for sale or lease.

The location has been a strong selling point with business owners. “Today everyone is looking for ways to save time and money,” said Shannon Work, President of Work Organization. “Working closer to home lets you do that.”

Colonial Lakes Office Park 4501 Cartwright Road, Missouri City, TX 77459

Office suites for sale or lease: he Colonial architecture sits stately among landscaped walkways and lush courtyards.

Shade trees, plants, flowers and open-air seating flank the fountain courtyard and central putting green courtyard.

T

About Work Organization

• 49,500 Sq. Ft. of professional office condominiums • Suite sizes from 765 to 1,530 Sq. Ft. and up • 100% finished out and ready to move in • 10 foot ceilings, crown moldings, granite kitchens, stainless appliances, private baths • Across street from Fort Bend Family YMCA • Fountain courtyard, landscaped walkways • Only minutes from Riverstone and Sienna Plantation For more information or to schedule an appointment contact: • Suites for sale starting at $128,000

SHANNON WORK

713.851.3628 Real Estate Development and Investments

12

Fort Bend Business Journal • August 2010

Colonial Lakes Office Park offers many attractive features that small business owners don’t usually have available to them – private entrances, individual signage, private bathrooms and private Shannon Work kitchens with granite and stainless appliances. The offices vary in size from 764 to 6,156 square feet.

“It has never been a better time for businesses to lock in occupancy costs than at today’s rates,” Work said. “Our offices are able to meet the economic as well as space needs of many small and mid-sized businesses.”

The 49,000-square-foot campus-style development is located at the southwest corner of Colonial Lakes Drive and Cartwright Road, one block north of Highway 6, in Missouri City. The 4.4-acre site is located directly across Colonial Lakes Drive from the Fort Bend Family YMCA complex and easily accessible to Highway 6, Dulles Ave., FM 1092, the Fort Bend Toll Road and the Southwest Freeway.

Businesses at Colonial Lakes Office Park include a wide variety of professional serviceoriented businesses.

shannonwork@comcast.net

www.WorkOrganization.com

Work Organization, Inc. is a private Houstonbased real estate development and investment company. Shannon Work, Founder and President of Work Organization, broke ground on the company’s first development in 1997. The Townes of Buffalo Bayou is a residential urban infill development on Allen Parkway in Houston, Texas. This project, which received a Best in American Living Award from Professional Builder magazine and the National Association of Home Builders, and was nominated for a Good Brick Award from the Greater Houston Preservation Alliance, was instrumental in establishing Work Organization as a builder of architectural integrity. Over the years, the Work Organization has been directly involved in the development and construction of commercial office space, single family and multifamily developments. For more information, visit www.WorkOrganization.com or call 713-851-3628.

Special Feature: Fort Bend Women in Business

Jennifer Weaver with RE/MAX Southwest is SOLD on Fort Bend

Jennifer Weaver, ABR, CRS, GRI

A

s a full time real estate professional since 1979, it has been Jennifer’s privilege to witness and participate in the phenomenal growth of Fort Bend County. People of all ages can enjoy a quality life style in beautiful master planned communities that offer affordable housing, excellent schools, churches, and a wide variety of recreational amenities, restaurants, and shopping.

As Jennifer points out, “Leadership in Fort Bend County continues to plan for the future. New schools will be opening this fall.

Negotiations are underway to bring a minor league baseball team to Sugar Land. Plans are being made for development of a multiuse community at the site of the Imperial Sugar Refinery. Growth continues in the Richmond/Rosenberg area and out to Fulshear.”

“I think Fort Bend County will continue to be a place people want to call home for many years to come”, Jennifer says. “Homeownership is part of the American Dream and I like to help people achieve their dreams.”

If you plan to buy or sell a home in the near future, put Jennifer’s 31 years of experience to work for you. Contact her directly at 281-207-5037, or by email at jennifer@jenniferweaver.com. You can visit her web site at www.jenniferweaver.com.

Fort Bend County Neighborhood Specialist When it comes to relocating across the globe, or across the street, you need a Realtor® who has the experience to make your transaction a smooth and successful one.

3Experience 3 Professionalism 3 Dedication

www.JenniferWeaver.com 281-207-5037 RE/MAX Southwest • 281-491-1776

17424 W. Grand Parkway • Suite 189 • Sugar Land, TX 77479

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For a FREE practice analysis and 50% off the initial set-up fee, email us at

cbsolutions@callmykate.com or call 888-445-8609

Fort Bend’s Custom Jeweler 14015 Southwest Freeway at Sugar Creek

281-242-2900 www.jloggins.com

Jan Loggins

Watch & Jewelry Repair on Premises HOURS: TUES-FRI. 10-6 • SAT. 10-3 August 2010 • Fort Bend Business Journal

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Special Feature: Fort Bend Women in Business

SMART HR

SIENNA PLANTATION

helps you

Beautiful Two-Story Home Features Hardwood Floors Thruout 1st Floor; Plantation Shutters; Private Study w/ French Doors; Formal Dining Rm w/ Coffered Lighting; Spacious Island Kitchen w/ Granite Counters, Stainless Appls, & Double Wide Refrig; 1st Floor Master Suite offers Sitting Rm w/Fireplace + Master Bath w/ Garden Whirlpool Tub & Separate Vanities.

2nd Floor offers Theater Rm, Huge Game Rm w/ Computer Niche & Secret Texas Size Closet Behind Bookshelves; Secluded Backyard has Sparkling Pool & Covered Patio.

Arlene R. Rolsen, CRS 281-414-8400

www.smart-hr.net arolsen@cbunited.com • www.arlenerolsen.com

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THE STATE BANK of TEXAS STAFFORD The Independent and Texas Owned Bank

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281-494-6686 • Fax: 281-494-6747

713-681-2265 • Fax: 713-681-8984

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Fort Bend Business Journal • August 2010

www.tsbot.com

Who are the Jewels of Fort Bend?

Joyous, Extraordinary Women Enriching Lives

Peggy Duggan Carolyn Banfield

Cassandra Wen

proudly announces the 2010

Brigit Engleman

Lynn Halford

Luncheon & Style Show

Safari Texas Ranch Thursday, September Twenty Three, Two Thousand and Ten u 11:30 am - 1:30 pm Safari Texas Ranch u 11627 FM 1464 u Richmond, Texas BENEFITING

MISTRESS OF CEREMONIES

Minerva Pérez LATINA VOICES Co-Host, Executive Producer Special Thanks to Our Official Jewels’ Contributors J Loggins Jeweler - Jewels’ Official Jeweler Alisa Murray - Official Photographer

Safari Texas Ranch - Official Venue Salon Eben & Day Spa - Official Salon

Pamela Printing - Official Printer Tickets & Sponsorship Opportunities u 281-690-4242 or www.FortBendFocus.com

Special Feature: Fort Bend Women in Business

Appelbaum Training Institute

By Barbara Magana Robertson

T

he days of school yard bullying have grown far beyond the playground. With the start of the school year just weeks away, school districts, child care providers and parents are preparing to face this growing issue. Cyber bullying, threatening text messages and sexting are some of the real issues that plague students Dr. Maryln Appelbaum of all ages. The retaliations due to bullying have made headline news across the nation. There is no community that is left untouched by these modern day terrors. A real need for proper training of our school educators, child care providers and parents is essential to being able to combat bullying and other pestilent concerns. Located in Sugar Land, ATI is a pioneer and a true leader in training educators and parents in an array of issues that face today’s youth. ATI provides the skills and the knowledge to help students of all ages cope with these rising concerns.

The Appelbaum Training Institute was founded by Maryln and Marty Appelbaum. Maryln, a trailblazer in the child care industry for decades, has vast experience from being a teacher, an administrator, a therapist, a consultant and an author. She, along with her son, Marty, have grown their business to reach more than 50,000 parents and edu-

PAULA JOHNSON Each Office Independently Owned & Operated

281-352-6950 NEXT TO HOUSTONIAN GOLF COURSE

SHILOH LAKE ESTATES SEC 2 • On 1 1/2 acres, stunning classic w/pavestone walk that leads to 8’ beveled glass dr.

Extensive built-in in living rm, study/library & family & game rm. Hardwd flr thru out most first fl. including master suite.

Gourmet kit w/ SS appl. dbl oven w/ convection, warming oven, veg sink, island, granite counters & over sized cabinets. Covered patio. $799,900 (4902JW)

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Fort Bend Business Journal • August 2010

Marty Appelbaum instructing at the Appelbaum Training Institute.

cators annually through their seminars, workshops, and books. “We are committed to giving the proper training and really being able to help the children and the teens that may be facing these perils of life,” says Dr. Appelbaum. “That is what we do, we are difference makers.”

The seminars cover a wide range of topics and tackle real issues such as disciplinary concerns while also offering guidance on other matters.

Putting a stop to bullying, getting kids to listen and teaching parents and teachers how to achieve respect, balance love and limits, and how to talk to kids so they listen, are just a few of the many topics covered in the seminars. Both Maryln and Marty work together as a team at their events. The harmony that is struck between mother and son is solid and filled with a plethora of information for the participants. Maryln shares, “From infants toddlers, all the way up to high school kids, we teach them the tools that they need to work most effectively to be the best parent or best teacher.” The Appelbaums’ have created an entertaining learning experience including interactive role playing and training videos to enhance their seminars. The intoxicating laugh of Maryln is addicting and is a constant at their seminars. Participants at their seminars not only learn but they find themselves enjoying the experience.

Maryln has shared her knowledge over the years by writing more than 30 “how to” books. Each book has given both parents and educators the foundation to implement into their own personal circumstances. Just buy the book titles you can identify with, something going on in your own life….”How to Handle the Hard to Handle Student”, “No More Biting”, “No More Tattling.” Also as author, Maryln has addressed social matters such as Autism, Literacy and Child Abuse in several of her books. For several years now Maryln’s book, “How to Talk to Kids So They Will Listen” has been a bestseller. She has written two books on bullying, and this fall she continues her mission to bring awareness to bullying, cyber bullying, and texting with her pending book release.

According to Maryln, “Bullying has always been around, but it is growing due to today’s kids who are ‘all about me’ kids.” “They are

Special Feature: Fort Bend Women in Business used to getting what they want, and some enjoy hurting other kids.” She advocates that bullying must be addressed, dealt with and stopped. “Parents need to be involved ...one on one time with their children, whether they are pre-K kids to high school students….start with the counselor, go to principal…take it to law enforcement,” says Maryln.

Three times Marty has led the company to being awarded one of the best small companies to work for in Houston. He and Maryln are a “dynamic duo” leading their company to make a difference. Marty says, “Our goal is to reach every parent and educator we can and give them solid information they can immediately implement so they see immediate results.”

Maryln and Marty have taken their seminars, books, and expertise and turned it into accessible products through the use of social media. Everything they teach can be found on their web site. On-line courses for C.E.U.’s and clock hours, training tools and videos, teacher appreciation gifts and other merchandise are all available at your fingertips. Maryln sends out a daily electronic teaching message to more than 50,000 recip-

ients. In her messages she covers a remarkable range of topics and gives a meaningful tip to apply to real life scenarios. Also, ATI and Maryln use both Facebook and Twitter as platforms to share their techniques. The Appelbaum’s have made it their business to keep up with the latest in State regulations around the country. Most States accept their books and continuing education courses as clocked study hours. Pending Texas child care legislation in regards to staffing and child ratio is a heated topic. “More staff, means more money for the parents to pay…

we should really focus on proper training,” urges Maryln.

With school bells ringing soon, hallways will be filled with kids who will not only be dealing with the stresses of a passing grade but also the struggles of their own generation. Maryln has given simple rules to make the school year go by without discourse. “As a parent or teacher, listen, make yourself available, pay attention to the body language of your children, and do your best.” For information on Appelbaum Training Institute visit their web site at http://www.atiseminars.org/.

STRENGTHENING

a winning team!

Dr. Mark Maffet joins Methodist Orthopaedic Specialists of Texas The team at Methodist Orthopaedic Specialists of Texas (MOST) welcomes another all-star!

Board-certified orthopedic surgeon Dr. Mark Maffet brings in-depth expertise and skill in a wide range of sports medicine specialties to his new position on the MOST staff. Dr. Maffet is a leader in knee and shoulder arthroscopic and reconstructive surgery, with a long history of helping athletes of all levels return to full health following injury or illness.

Don’t live with the pain. See Dr. Maffet – or one of the other board-certified and fellowship-trained orthopedic specialists at MOST – and get back in the action!

Call 281-494-MOST (6678) for a personal appointment today.

1201 Brooks Street • Sugar Land, Texas 77478 • 281-494-MOST (6678) • MethodistOST.com

August 2010 • Fort Bend Business Journal

17

Special Feature: Fort Bend Women in Business

Amigos Cristianos, LLC

PROFESSIONAL WOMEN IN THE BUSINESS OF HEALTH

“Your Health Is Our Business!”

HOME HEALTH SERVICES

Skilled Nursing – Home Health Aide – Physical – Occupational – Speech Therapies – Medical Social Workers -- Provider Services –Diabetic Management – Injections – IV Therapy PT/INR Monitoring – Lab Services – Catheter Care & Specializing in WOUND CARE

Call: 281-208-4344 Non-Discrimination Policy: This Agency does not discriminate against any person on the basis of race, color, national origin, disability, or age in admission, treatment, or participation in its programs, services and activities or in employment.

18

Fort Bend Business Journal • August 2010

Special Feature: Fort Bend Women in Business CARLA COX, LVN, HCS-D

JESSICA MOREHEAD, RN, BSN

Carla was born and raised in Bay City, Texas. After graduating from Nursing School, she worked in Pediatrics, Obstetrics, Gynecology, Medical Surgery, Family Medicine, Internal Medicine and Home Healthcare. Carla plays an active role in her church and in her community. She and her husband, Lee, love spending as much time as possible with their two wonderful little grandchildren. Carla says “The home healthcare business is very fulfilling, being able to care for the individual patients in the comforts of their own home.” Carla is a member of the Home Healthcare Corporate Compliance Program.

Jessica graduated from Louisiana State University Health Science Center in 2003 with a BSN. She spent three years working in an Oncology Unit and with Hospice patients. She also has experience in Medical Surgical, Orthopedics, Home Health Services and Telemetry. Jessica was elected to work on an interdisciplinary team at a large hospital to assist in the education, construction, and implementation of paperless charting system. She has trained and worked in advanced Wound Care Debridement and fundamentals of Coding with Texas State Healthcare for the last three years. When Jessica is not playing with her beautiful little daughter, Lydia, she is in the kitchen cooking her famous Louisiana food or reading. Some of her real enjoyments in life is to be outdoors fishing, walking, and boating. Jessica is a member of the Home Healthcare Corporate Compliance Program.

OASIS & Coding for Texas State Healthcare

JANNA DUNKEL

Administrative Manager/Vice President of Texas State Healthcare She has been with TSH since 2006. After a little more than a year of observing Janna’s unique qualities of her organizational skills, she was given the position of Administrative Manager. In addition to the daily office operations, she is responsible for HR/ Personnel, Employee Insurance Benefits, Bookkeeping, AR/AP and Payroll. Janna works closely with all the staff and with the Administrator, the Alternate Administrator, CEO, Director of Nursing, as well as with the Corporate CPA, Corporate Attorney and Compliance Attorney. Janna and her husband, Donn, love spending time with the grandchildren, Matthew, Sophia and Jacob. Together, they probably have more pictures than Kodak. Janna is a member of the Home Healthcare Corporate Compliance Program.

CONNIE S. FODRIE, CEO, CFO Co-Owner of Texas State Healthcare

Connie has over 30 years in marketing, strategic planning and financial experience in the corporate world. She has an extensive business background which includes being CEO and Owner of business ventures in Construction, Restaurant & Entertainment, Discount Merchandising, Energy Industry and Medicare Certified Home Health Provider. Her degree in Business Law from Mid-America Business College and training in court stenography has also shown to be very valuable in the business world. Connie has a unique grasp on promoting personnel motivation, the qualities of ownership, human resources, accounting and marketing.

Connie just had her first book published in 2009 titled “The Eyes and Ears of Beaufort” under her pen name of “Scharlotte Alexander”. This book can be viewed on Amazon.com and Barnes and Nobles.com. Connie and her husband and partner, Howard, have five children between them, and they have been blessed with fifteen grandchildren. Connie is the Chief Compliance Officer of the Home Healthcare Corporate Compliance Program.

NORMA FODRIE

Community Liaison for Texas State Healthcare Norma started with TSH in January, 2010, and she is experiencing the uniqueness of the home healthcare industry. As a former executive for an international retail firm, Norma brings sixteen years of experience in positions requiring extensive public contact and was responsible for $7 million of annual retail business in 18 locations throughout Texas. She has planned, coordinated and negotiated all phases of countless promotional events and product launches interfacing on levels from upper management to the general public. She has a beautiful fourteen year old daughter, Morgan, and twelve year son, Miles, who is a sports enthusiast. Together, she and her husband, Steve, are experiencing the excitement of the “teen” years. Norma is a member of the Home Healthcare Corporate Compliance Program.

Quality Assurance for Texas State Healthcare

ELDA PEDRAZA

Alternate Administrator/Senior Vice President of Texas State Healthcare She has been in the home healthcare business for thirteen years and with TSH since 2005. Elda has vast knowledge about the Rules and Regulations with both the state of Texas and Medicare in the home healthcare field and works collectively with our clinical staff and physicians and their staff. In her thirteen years of healthcare experience, she has worked in the position as Records, Scheduler, Biller and is now in the Administrative capacity. One of Elda’s favorite pass times is being with her husband, Jorge, and their three children, Marc, Alexis and Luis. Elda is an Alternate Compliance Officer of the Home Healthcare Corporate Compliance Program.

STACI PERRIN, RN

Alternate Director of Nursing of Texas State Healthcare She has been with TSH since 2004. Prior to earning her RN, she worked many years as a Licensed Vocational Nurse. Staci has experience in a variety of healthcare settings, including Home Health, Medical-Surgical Units, Rehabilitation, GerontologyPsychiatric, Ambulatory Care/Day Surgery, Intensive Care Units, Long Term Care and Skilled Nursing Facilities. Staci is certified in Advanced Cardiac Life Support and Pediatric Advanced Life Support, Emergency Room TNCC (Trauma Nurse Core Course). She and her husband, Eddie, are the proud parents of two wonderful children, Brandon and Cassidy. Staci is a member of the Home Healthcare Corporate Compliance Program.

VICKIE PIWONKA, RN,WCC,COS-C Director of Nursing/President of Texas State Healthcare

She has been with TSH since 2005. Vickie has ten years experience as Director of Nursing and has worked in a variety of healthcare settings, including Home Health, Skilled Nursing Facilities, Long Term Care, Medical-Surgical Units, GerontologyPsychiatric, Urology and Orthopedic Units. Vickie is Certified as an OASIS Specialist. She is also Certified in Wound Care and has training in Advanced Wound Debridement. When she has time away from work, she is spending it with her husband, Paul. She and Paul have worked together for many years as a team, so Vickie is proud that Paul is the Community Liaison for Texas State Healthcare in the Bay City and surrounding areas. Vickie is a Compliance Officer of the Home Healthcare Corporate Compliance Program.

www.txstatehealthcare.com Call: 281.208.4344

Non-Discrimination Policy: This Agency does not discriminate against any person on the basis of race, color, national origin, disability, or age in admission, treatment, or participation in its programs, services and activities or in employment.

August 2010 • Fort Bend Business Journal

19

Special Feature: Fort Bend Women in Business

Family is why we do it all.

Tracy Walker ChFC CLU CASL, Agent 15510 Lexington Blvd Sugar Land, TX 77478 Bus: 281-265-0711 www.agentwalker.com

We all feel the same commitment to care for our families. Helping you meet your insurance needs is part of my commitment to you. Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there.® CALL ME TODAY.

State Farm, Bloomington, IL

0907504

Sherrie Fontenot REALTOR®

ABR, CRS, GRI, E-PRO, LTG, PMN, SRES

2004 REALTOR® of the Year

“The One To Know”

281-468-2233

Sherrie@SherrieFontenot.com www.SherrieFontenot.com

Oh, By The Way...

If you know of someone who would appreciate my services, please call me with their name & number. I will be happy to help them.

Fax: 281-494-5537 Toll-Free: 1-877-373-6293

F I NE PROPERT I E S

Each office It’s independently & operated. time toowned expect more

20

4500 Highway 6 Sugar Land, TX 77478 Office 281-265-5533 Ext. 1133

Fort Bend Business Journal • August 2010

Agent Walker to the rescue!

T

racy Walker is better known lately as Agent Walker as she has been rescuing clients from mistakes on their insurance policies. With State Farm Double Check, she double checks all discounts for her current customers as well as potential customers. Just recently she had a client transfer and discovered the client had been paying two policies for the same coverage Tracy Walker for seven years. The client was able to collect over $2,256 in a refund and the savings of only having one policy in the future. She finds the errors because she cares about her customers and takes the time to sit down and review all the policies with them.

Her passion is young drivers and has established Tracy’s Teenager Talk. She spends about 30 minutes with each new young driver in her agency to explain insurance and what to do in an accident.

She even makes a contract with them if they go one year without a ticket or accident, she will send them a $20 Visa card! She gives the teenagers her personal cell number in case of emergency if they cannot contact their parents. Several months ago a young driver was in an accident and could not get in touch with her mom so she called Tracy and Tracy went to the rescue! She went to the scene of the accident to assure the young driver it would be okay as well as the driver of the car who was hit and called a Tow Truck to take the car away. She then drove the young driver home and even let the driver borrow her car so she could make her college class here in the area on time. Now, that’s a rescue!

Tracy has been an insurance agent for over ten years and prior to agency, she was a claims adjustor for 9 years with State Farm. She spent time climbing on roofs, handling theft claims, water damage, fires and several years handing third party claims and lawsuits. She understands the litigious environment and wants to make sure you have the proper coverage you need to protect your assets.

As a mother of three Tracy understands the hectic life families of today are faced with. Tracy, when not working for her clients, finds herself chauffeuring and watching her three children play in a variety of sports – soccer, basketball, football, volleyball and track. Despite being occupied by the various endeavors of her children, she still finds time to be an active member of the Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce, the Sugar Land Rotary and the Fort Bend Business Network International as well as volunteering at church, school and community events.

So whether you are new to the area or you are simply looking for an agent you can trust to take care of your insurance needs, please email or give Agent Walker a call. Tracy and her team of licensed professionals are ready and willing to assist in any way possible.

The office is located at 15510 Lexington Blvd Ste N Sugar Land, Tx 77478. Tracy and her team can be reached at 281-265-0711, email at tracy@agentwalker.com and via the web at www.agentwalker. com .

Special Feature: Fort Bend Women in Business

Ann Moody Sill Dance Studio serving Fort Bend for 39 years and counting

A

MSDS has been serving the southwest Houston area for 39 years. We boast a well-trained, experienced staff who are fluent in all genres of dance including ballet, tap, jazz, lyrical, pointe, tumbling, contemporary, modern, and musical theatre.

This year we are offering special classes for Tots and a new Hip Hop class especially geared for younger students. AMSDS features a state-of-the-art facility located in Sugar Land and offers the finest in dance education in a family-oriented, non-competitive atmosphere.

Our school is unique in offering students the opportunity to preform as part of a company and still participate in other school activities. As our country endures this economic crisis, we are AMSDS are sensitive to the difficulties that families may be facing in regard to extra-curricular activities. So we will be offering some great coupons for savings opportunities during Registration.

We want to offer all students, regardless of age or ability,, the opportunity to experience the positive reward of dance! So come dance with us!

Jeanne

GREGORY CRS, GRI, ABR Over 600 Homes Sold.

But the most important homes I sell is yours!

Give me a call for all your Real Estate needs!

RE/MAX Southwest Each Office Independently Owned & Operated

Re/Max Hall of Fame Re/Max Platinum Club www.jeannegregory.com jeannegregory@earthlink.net

713-854-0923 - cell 281-207-5017 - office

Ann Moody Sill Dance Studio

Now Taking FALL REGISTRATION (2010-2011 Dance Year) Ballet H Pointe H Tap Jazz H Lyrical H Hip Hop Tumbling H Modern Contemporary

Dance Team Technique Improve your technique and skill level

39 Years in business

NEW CLASSES: SPECIAL CLASS FOR TOTS (ages 2½ - 3)

Call for Information Ann Moody Sill’s Granddaughter Ryann Weber.

281-498-8270

BEGINNER HIP-HOP for younger students (ages 5 - 6)

ation Fee Registrud ents only new st

OLL1/2OOFNF E ENRD CH ILD 2N

nth only

Siblings only 1st mo

www.amsds.com

11110 South • Highway 6

CH

RIEND EA

WITH A F

VE RECEI F $ 15 OF

ENROLL

(in front of Kids R Kids)

new students only

August 2010 • Fort Bend Business Journal

21

Fort Bend/Katy

COVER STORY

Story by Dori Wind

Jacquie Baly Chaumette Sugar Land’s Shining Star

A Jacqueline Baly Chaumette Sugar Land City Councilwoman Photo by Hurst Photography

22

fter her years on Sugar Land City Council, Jacquie Baly Chaumette has had a clear impact on Sugar Land, but her work there began long before she won her first election.

Chaumette began her attachment to Sugar Land as a newlywed when her husband David, who grew up in Sugar Land, suggested they move to the city in 1994. She has demonstrated, and continues to demonstrate, her commitment to the city as an award winning planner, entrepreneur, and, most recently as a City Councilmember. “It is very satisfying to drive through Sugar Land Town Center and know that I helped plan the layout, the imprint of buildings, the water features, and the plaza,” said Jacquie Chaumette. “I enjoy telling my sons how Mom helped to plan and improve the city where we live. In reality, the final product has been even better than what we envisioned on paper and I just love seeing the community using all the amenities and open spaces.”

Fort Bend Business Journal • August 2010

Public service has long been Chaumette’s passion from her undergraduate days at University of Houston as a Political Science major. “I find working with governmental entities and political processes fascinating,” commented Chaumette. During her senior year in college, she interned with the Harris County Community Development Department and found her calling in government service. Chaumette also completed her Master’s in City Planning.

She has more than 20 years of experience in municipal and government work, beginning her extensive career with the HoustonGalveston Area Council as a regional planner.

Chaumette has also been the Director of Planning and Community Development for the cities of Seabrook and Sugar Land, where she was again the youngest department head and first person of color in the two cities’ histories.

Councilwoman Jacquie Chaumette, Attorney General Greg Abbott and David Chaumette.

At the Greater Houston Partnership, Chaumette was the Vice President of the Transportation/Infrastructure and Environmental Division. She was the youngest person and the first woman of color to hold an executive position in this prestigious organization. Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison worked with Chaumette at the Partnership and was so impressed with her abilities that she encouraged her to embark on a new entrepreneurial path. “You know, you should do this for yourself,” Hutchison told her, and, out of that conversation, Chaumette’s own company was conceived. She went home and told her husband what Hutchison had said and he agreed that his wife would make a great

entrepreneur. Today, the company focuses on adding value to governmental entities facing planning and public affairs challenges.

BALYPROJECTS Chaumette is the founder and CEO/ President of BalyProjects, LLC, visit their website at (www.balyprojects.com). The consulting firm specializes in public policy, planning and public affairs, assisting clients in the overall planning process, advising on governmental issues, creating strategic plans, and helping developers achieve their goals. It has also been instrumental in local, state and federal elections. The firm is known for the special insight and counsel that it brings to bear in any situation.

One major project for the firm involved assisting the Texas Department of Transportation on the Katy Freeway widening and toll road addition. Chaumette said, “This unparalleled effort came at the conclusion of a decade long series of public hearings and environmental studies that addressed all impacts of the proposed reconstruction of Interstate 10. The need for reconstructing this freeway first designed in the 1950’s was so overwhelming that any further delay would have cost tens of millions of dollars in congested and extremely unsafe driving conditions for the 300,000 plus daily cars and trucks traveling the most congested freeway in Houston.”

Today, the Katy Freeway is heralded as one of the success stories in transportation, having improved west Houston traffic significantly.

The success of Chaumette and BalyProjects is not limited to a single project.

In fact, Chaumette has received numerous accolades and professional appointments over the years. In 2004, she was appointed by Texas Governor Rick Perry to the Brazos River Authority as the representative for Fort Bend County and surrounding counties on important water and wastewater issues. Fort Bend County officials appointed her to serve on the Fort Bend Mobility Planning Committee in 2004. County Judge Bob Hebert stated, “Jacquie is a bundle of energy with a ready smile. She’s been very effective on a number of Fort Bend community issues we’ve addressed together over the years.”

TelFair Community Holiday Party Museum of Natural Science--Sugar Land location Councilwoman Jacquie Chaumette and Kiva Mann, TelFair Life Community Coordinator.

For her outstanding achievements, Chaumette has received numerous awards including Dynamic Woman of Houston, One of the Most Influential Women of Houston, Outstanding Young Texan, Fort Bend Entrepreneur of the Year, The Houston Chronicle’s Woman on The Move, Outstanding Female Executive, Planning leader of the Year, Public Servant of the Year, Outstanding Minority Public Official, Girl Scouts Volunteer of the Year, and Outstanding Fort Bend Business Executive in the Planning Field. “It is extremely humbling and overwhelming to receive these various recognitions especially for doing something that I truly love,” related Chaumette.

Just last year in 2009, Jacquie was named the University of Houston’s Black Alumnus of the Year, an award of which she is extremely proud. She explained, “I was the first in my family to attend college, and the whole point of my parents moving to the continental United States was because they wanted to provide a better education for me. My parents came to see me receive this award and were so proud. I could tell that they felt validated and it meant so much to me.” Chaumette is an adjunct professor at her alma mater teaching urban politics, public policy and public administration. She is a well known speaker on regional solutions for policy concerns, and has been featured on KUHF, KTRH, and several radio stations discussing transportation, air quality, water issues and education policy matters.

Originally born in St. Croix, United States Virgin Islands, Jacquie explained that her parents of French and Dutch origin immigrated to St. Croix from St. Martin to improve the ..............................................continued on page 24

August 2010 • Fort Bend Business Journal

23

...........................................continued from page 23

life of their only child. Subsequently her father was recruited by a Houston-based company to work as a welder in Baytown, Texas. He worked hard and saved enough money to buy a house and bring Jacquie and her mother to Texas. As a young girl, Chaumette learned the value of education, hard work and community involvement, values that govern her life today.

Last fall, The United States Junior Chamber of Commerce named Chaumette One of the Ten Outstanding Young Americans for 2009. “I came to the continental United States at age 7, and to be recognized as a young American means a lot to me. Public service is my passion. No matter how much you give, you get back so much more,” Chaumette said. In her acceptance speech, Chaumette emphasized that she not only represented Texas with this award, but also the other young men and women whose families immigrated to this country in hopes of achieving the American dream.

CITY COUNCIL, COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT AND FAMILY In May 2008, Chaumette won her first term to Sugar Land’s City Council with over 69% of the vote on her inaugural run, the widest margin in that election cycle. With this election, she became the youngest person, the only black person and the only female currently holding a council position. As a councilmember, Chaumette’s business acumen, governmental expertise, and educational training all converged to bring exceptional representation to the Sugar Land community.

Fred Arnold, Manager, Strategic Alliances for Minute Maid, located in the Town Center area, commented, “Jacquie has been a friend of Minute Maid, both as an officer of the City and as a private citizen, since we first moved our headquarters into Sugar Land. Her support not only paved the way for a smooth corporate transition, but also helped in identifying outreach opportunities so Minute Maid could immediately and effectively become a part of this community.”

Chaumette noted, “When I first ran, I felt that the Council could benefit from my expertise in transportation, infrastructure and

24

Sugar Land City Councilwoman Jacquie Chaumette and Peggy Heinemeyer.

planning.” Congressman Pete Olson has also noted that “Jacquie is an active Sugar Land City Councilwoman who brings a great deal of energy to the issues she is involved in.

Her experience in city and regional planning is much appreciated.” Not surprisingly, Chaumette was unopposed in her 2010 reelection bid.

While Council meetings and company activities require a lot of Chaumette’s time, she still manages to be active in numerous community organizations and to nurture her family. “I strongly believe in active involvement with our youth,” said Chaumette. She demonstrates this commitment by promoting organizations throughout Fort Bend County and the state of Texas including the Fort Bend Boys’ Choir (as President of the Board), Girls, Inc., Sugar Land Exchange Club, Chinquapin School, Commonwealth Elementary PTA, Fort Settlement Middle School PTO, Fort Bend YMCA (Past President of the Board), Rotary, Fort Bend County Junior Cotillions, Executive Committee Board member for the Fort Bend Education Foundation, Parks Youth Ranch and Texas CASA. Jacquie attributes much of her success to her husband of sixteen years, who is the owner of a litigation boutique firm, DeLaRosa & Chaumette. Like his wife, David is active

Fort Bend Business Journal • August 2010

Photo by Hurst Photography

in community service. He is ImmediatePast President in the First Colony Little League, Executive Committee member of the Houston Bar Association, Chair of the Ripley House Charter School, and on the Executive Committee for Neighborhood Centers, Inc. Their sons, Alexandre and Raphael, play baseball, are active in Cub Scouts, Student Council, and Fort Bend Boys’ Choir among many other activities. Following in Mom’s footsteps, the boys often attend Council meetings and other official functions with Mom, all while excelling academically, and contributing to the community. In just the past twelve months, the boys have gathered clothes in a clothing drive, assisted with the cleaning of public parks, and planted trees in Sugar Land and Houston parks. In 2008 and 2009, they won a statewide YouTube contest for the 18 years old and under division with their videos about good citizenship and the meaning of justice. The contest was sponsored by the State Bar of Texas, and the prizes included scholarship dollars to the school of their choice and trips to Dallas and Fort Worth to receive the awards.

To discuss Sugar Land community issues, Chaumette can be reached at her office at 281-565-0390 or by email: Jacquie@ JacquieChaumette.com. H

Reach local buyers with Search Engine Marketing available from your Local Newspaper!!! plus 26 other search engines If you’re thinking about getting more business from local online searches, call the Fort Bend Star. We are the local marketing experts - online as well as in print. Since LOCAL searches on the top national search engines out number searches in yellow page directories, you need your business to get your share of these LOCAL business category searches.

281-690-4221

Email: Michael@FortBendStar.com August 2010 • Fort Bend Business Journal

25

Y O U

A N D

Y O U R

Tax Smart

T A X E S

by Alan Sandersen / Sandersen Knox & Co. L.L.P.

A Controlled Corporation is Not a Personal Checkbook If you need to withdraw funds from your controlled corporation, you can structure the withdrawal so that it are not subject to tax as a dividend. While dividends are taxed to noncorporate shareholders at advantageous rates, a loan from a corporation to its shareholder is not subject to tax at all, and this is obviously the rate we are looking for. Even though no dividend has been declared, IRS can treat shareholder withdrawals of cash from a corporation as dividends, if they aren’t structured properly.

That means plan in advance and do not take a cavalier approach to the corporate checkbook.

You might be sorry if you do as we will soon see.

A Tax Court case (John Epps, et ux. et al v.

Commissioner) demonstrates what can happen when a corporate shareholder in a closely held

corporation isn’t careful and treats that corporation as though it were a personal bank account.

In the Epps case, a husband and wife wholly owned the corporation. The husband, John, ran the corporation, and dealt with it rather informally. He took money out as needed for personal expenses, and received a $100 check along with each weekly paycheck. John and the corporation accounted for these withdrawals as “shareholder advances,” and both John and the corporation showed these advances as loans on financial statements that were given to third parties. At the end of every year, part of the outstanding balance of the shareholder advances account was repaid by crediting John’s year-end bonuses against it. On audit, IRS determined that the shareholder advances weren’t true loans,

and treated them as dividends. The Tax Court agreed that the withdrawals were dividends and that the year-end repayments didn’t establish existence of a true loan because there was no written agreements obligating John to repay the advances, the loans had no maturity date, no ceiling and no security, and the corporation had earnings and profits, but never made dividend distributions. Obviously, this is not the outcome that the Epps family desired.

There are about a dozen factors that the courts typically look for and consider in order to determine if a shareholder withdrawal is a loan or a dividend. Most of these are within your

ALAN SANDERSEN... continued on page 33

You see the glass half full.

So do we.

Katy - Cinco Ranch 281.395.0440 Missouri City - Sienna Plantation 281.778.0098 Sugar Land - Sugar Creek 281.275.5111 Sugar Land Town Center 281.275.5151 Richmond Downtown 281.344.0693 Rosenberg - Brazos Town Center 281.341.1100

firstcommunitybank.net

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Fort Bend Business Journal • August 2010

Different. Better.

Mental health programs hard hit by proposed budget cuts No psychiatric hospital beds available in six county region

T

he Department of State Health Services (DSHS) has outlined a nearly $ 90 million cut to the state’s 39 publicly supported community mental health centers, which provide low-cost psychiatric care for poor or uninsured people. Texana Center, headquartered in Rosenberg, is one of the largest of these community mental health centers and will certainly feel the effects from these proposed cuts if implemented. It is estimated that as many as 350 people who currently receive services could lose that opportunity. Cuts would force Texana to start a waiting list for treatment and would most likely result in more people being seen in the local emergency rooms and local jails.

According to a state directed, independent evaluation conducted

by Texas A & M University, the investment made by state leaders in the crisis mental health system and expanded access to communitybased alternatives has more than paid for itself by reducing demand on higher cost systems which include hospitals. “Cutting mental health services won’t save money in the long run. People with serious, untreated psychiatric illnesses will end up in the criminal justice system or in our hospitals, which is far more costly than the treatment received at community mental health centers”, commented Shena Timberlake, Director of Behavioral Healthcare Services at Texana Center.

It is a fact that Texas has nearly eight times as many people with serious mental illness in prison as it does in psychiatric hospitals which is why the proposed cuts which include $44 million cut from five psychiatric hospitals eliminating 183 beds affects everyone in the community.

Austin State Hospital with its 239 beds currently serves a 38 county region including Fort Bend County and the other five counties served

by Texana , and there are no psychiatric hospital beds anywhere in the six county region. Part of the DSHS proposed budget cuts include a 12% reduction in State Hospital psychiatric beds which translates to 24 fewer beds at Austin State Hospital. There is little doubt that this would have a damaging effect on mental health services and local communities’ handling of people experiencing a mental health crisis.

“The earlier we can make a difference in the cycle of mental illness, the better it is for people and the better it is in terms of cost to government. A cut in services of this magnitude will set the mental health system back a long way. This is of particular concern to Fort Bend County as it is one of the fastest growing counties in the nation. However, we are confident our state leaders will ultimately recognize that reducing access to mental health services will have a detrimental effect on the health and well-being of our communities and the citizens of our state.”

As a result of the smart investments in mental health services previously made by state leaders, the Community Centers of Texas are in a far better position to respond earlier to mental health crisis, deliver lower cost services, support people toward recovery and ensure best use of taxpayer resources by keeping Texans with serious mental illness out of emergency rooms and the criminal justice system. These cuts would undo a large part of this progress toward better treatment.

August 2010 • Fort Bend Business Journal

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B

A

N

K

I

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G

Money Talks

by Tim Stubenrouch / First Community Bank

Saving – Never Out of Style In today’s economic climate we are all looking for ways to save costs. We are clipping more coupons, looking for better deals, and reducing “extras” in our daily lives. When we are concerned about what our economic future will be, it is hard to consider saving. But when we are concerned about what our economic future will be, we should be saving for it. The old proverb, “A penny saved is a penny earned” holds as true today as it ever did.

Saving is never out of style. Think of it as part of your normal budget and it will quickly become a habit rather than a novelty. The first step in saving is to build an emergency fund.

Experts differ on how much you need, but the general guideline is between three months’ and one year’s normal expenses. The amount you will want in your own emergency fund depends on your own personal circumstances – if you have alternative sources of income or

you can quickly reduce your living expenses, for instance. Whatever the amount, make your first savings goal to build your emergency fund in an account that is readily accessible, or liquid, but separate from your regular accounts so that you do not use it unless you really do have an emergency.

Once you have your emergency fund where you want it, you can start putting the money you were setting aside into other savings. These may be for special purposes such as holiday spending, a special vacation, a new car, education expenses or even a home. Regular savings or money market accounts work well for short term savings where you will be depositing regularly and making infrequent withdrawals.

After all, that is the purpose of our exercise – to save up for something special! As you build your savings you may want to move some to a longer term investment account depending on

the purpose of your nest egg. Just be sure to match the term of your investment to the goal of your savings.

Retirement savings take even more careful planning. There are excellent resources available in a number of places including “Saving Fitness: A Guide to Your Money and Your Financial Future” available at www.mymoney. gov under “Saving and Investing”. There is no time like the present to be saving – no matter what the economic climate, we can be more secure in our financial future if we have saved for it.

Tim Stubenrouch is a Columnist for the Fort Bend Business Journal and is with First Community Bank, N.A., President - Fort Bend, 13135 Dairy Ashford, Suite 250, Sugar Land, TX 77478. He can be reached at 281-2422262, fax: 281-242-1522, or email at stubenrouch@firstcommunitybank.net. H

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Sugar Land’s unique partnership earns the Nation’s Mayors award for museum project

THEY’LL SETTLE IN NICELY WITHOUT HAVING TO SETTLE

By Elsa Maxey

T

he City of Sugar Land has received a U.S. Conference of Mayors Outstanding Achievement Award for bringing the Museum of Natural Science to Fort Bend county. The satellite arm of the Houston Museum of Natural Science is located at 13016 University Boulevard near U.S. 59 in Telfair. The James Thompson project earned the award for its unique partnership composition and potential to offer the public science exhibitions for the next half a century.

Mayor James Thompson, who recently attended the summer conference in Oklahoma City, accepted the recognition on behalf of Sugar Land “and our community partners,” he said, referring to the project.

“This is national recognition for my peers of how a city can achieve great opportunities when there is strong support, cooperation, and confidence between the private and public sector,” said Thompson.

In January 2007, a public-private partnership was established between Sugar Land, Newland Communities and the Houston Museum of Natural Science, and formal agreements followed a year later. The agreements related to the conveyance of a 5.5-acre site and a 43,000-square-foot historic prison building to the city by Newland Communities, the city’s extensive site and building improvements when the building was relocated to its present site, and the completion of the final exhibit build-out and 50-year lease by the Houston Museum of Natural Sciences for the use of the facility.

A city news release states that as early as 1999, residents began to express an interest in cultivating new educational, cultural and entertainment opportunities. From their input, the city council identified goals and began to further define them using a newly established strategic planning process. Of the many ideas considered, the city report showed having a Houston Museum of Natural Science satellite facility was one that was among the most intriguing.

This years winning cities were selected from 200 applicants by former mayors. The awards recognize mayoral leadership in developing and implementing programs that improve the quality of life in America’s cities and they represent “a chance to highlight mayoral leadership in making urban areas cleaner, safer and more livable,” said Tom Cochran, USCM chief executive officer and executive director, about the standouts across America.

“It was a tremendous honor to stand before all of the leaders in our country and be recognized for the City of Sugar Land,” adds Thompson.

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August 2010 • Fort Bend Business Journal

29

COACHING TO INCREASE PRODUCTIVITY

Notes from the Coach

by Linda Starr / Starr/CTC

Most Ideas Never Happen How many times have you learned through the media that some brilliant idea you had ages ago has been developed and produced by someone else? Creative ideas are abundant; we are swimming in a virtual sea of conceptual potential, yet few of us actually get the genius ideas birthed into a 3-D reality.

There are two fundamental components to moving that creative idea into production: organization and time. It has been said that organization is our most competitive advantage and time is our only non-renewable resource. Clearly these are important issues to master if we are going to increase our productivity.

Organization - I was reading just this morning that clutter is just a collection of delayed decisions. That old stand-by, the Pareto Principle (the 80/20 rule) tells us that 80% of those delayed decisions can be removed from our sight immediately without much loss of velocity or productivity.

Sometimes, the most important factor in getting organized is simply throwing stuff away.

Pull the waste basket up close and start tossing. If you have to ask yourself if something is important; it isn’t. Kiss it goodbye!

Time - One of the biggest time wasters is “pull,” which is characterized by its relative invisibility. Pull is the ringing of the phone, the ding signaling an e-mail arrival, drop in

visitors, over-complicating simple matters, ineffective time consuming rituals such as checking bank balances and the next ten days’ weather forecast. Remember every interruption costs you fifteen minutes of precious productivity.

The Solution - If your brilliant ideas are going to get out into the world to make their contribution, you are going to have to get radical. List what you want to accomplish. Prioritize that list and finally calendar it. Finally, honor that appointment when it appears in your schedule.

Linda Starr is this area’s most experienced Productivity Coach. She can be reached at linda@StarrCTC.com.

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Fort Bend Business Journal • August 2010

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Do you have orthopedic issues related to joint pain, carpal tunnel or a nagging sports injury?

As one of the leading, board certified orthopedic surgeons in Texas, Dr. Smith specializes in orthopedic conditions for both children and adults. His experience and use of state-of-the-art technology allow for quicker recovery times. Let Dr. Smith give you or your child the tailored treatment you need to live free of orthopedic pain.

From total joint replacement and difficult fractures to high-impact sports injuries, Dr. Smith provides leading orthopedic care right here in Fort Bend County.

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August 2010 • Fort Bend Business Journal

31

Fort Bend County and Missouri City selected as best places to live and work

By Elsa Maxey

T

wo CNN/Money Magazine 2010 picks are from Fort Bend county. Both the county and the city of Missouri City are in the limelight on national listings. Fort Bend County ranks among the Top Ten, actually No. 5 on the national list of counties that experienced the most job growth over the past nine years. The county climbed one notch from last year’s No. 6 ranking. The magazine shows Fort Bend experienced a 55 percent job growth from 2000-2009. The ranking, part of the magazine’s annual “America’s Best Places to Live” feature, arrives in the August edition.

Missouri City, one of Fort Bend County’s largest communities with a population of 75,000, is ranked No. 21 on the “100 Best Places to Live” list for its affordable homes, low taxes and low crime rate, according to the criteria used for the selection. It’s the second go-round for the city on their national list having earned a No. 56 ranking in 2008, when the publication previously ranked cities ranging in population from 50,000 to 300,000.

Scoring the No. 1 spot as the nation’s best city for 2010 is Eden Prairie, Minnesota, with a population of 64,000. Its acclaim includes not only being family friendly, but having a dynamic economy that has 50,000 jobs, including the practicing facility and front office of the Minnesota Vikings.

Back home, as soon as the word arrived, Missouri City, proudly released the news using its branding tagline --“Show me Missouri City and we’ll show you a city on the move.”

Missouri City’s job growth increased 25.19 percent between 2000 and 2009 compared to the best places job growth average of 15.71 percent. This is part of the criteria that no doubt factored into Fort Bend County’s national job growth distinction as may have Money Management International’s recent announcement to relocate to Sugar Land bringing an estimated 350 jobs to the county.

“Those of us living here know what a special place we have,” said Missouri City Mayor Allen Owen. “We have been responsibly managing our growth with ongoing

32

Fort Bend County: Fifth in America for job growth.

Missouri City: No. 1 on list of 100 best places to live and work.

input from our citizens, and we all are very honored with this national recognition. I can’t credit our residents enough for their interest in keeping our city an attractive and a safe place to raise their families.” Mayor Owen said that the city’s excellent credit ratings allowed it to continue to build its infrastructure and attract businesses.

The city reports that Missouri City’s low crime rate contributed to the quality of life high marks and said that its property crime rate of 16 per 1,000 individuals was lower than the best places average of 24.

Missouri City is one of four Texas cities on the List of 100, all in the top quarter, and the only community in the Houston area.

Also ranked were McKinney (No. 5), Allen (No. 15) and Rowlett (No. 24), located in the Dallas-Fort Worth area.

“People want to come to Fort Bend county and that speaks volumes of the quality of life,” a condition that Fort Bend County Judge Bob Hebert says will impact Fort Bend’s

Fort Bend Business Journal • August 2010

continuing job growth.

As for the Fort Bend County’s national ranking, “Well, it’s like getting a report card with a big A plus on it,” states Judge Hebert.

“It confirms my belief that all the things that we are doing from the government and private sector are moving in the right direction. When the Greater Fort Bend EDC was founded in the late 80’s as a public-private partnership, we didn’t want to allow Fort Bend county to become bedroom community and we adopted policies in government and the private sector that promoted job growth and that was one of the primary missions.”

GFBEDC President Jeff Wiley says that the county has the benefits of being in a state that has advantages of low taxes and regulatory burdens. As part of one of the strongest regional economies in the nation, “Fort Bend has distinguished itself as Greater Houston’s finest address by the quality development that has occurred and through both local government and the private sector working to attract commercial growth that brings capital investment and jobs to the community,” he said.

He cites new urban centers like Sugar Land Town Square, Rosenberg’s Brazos Town Center, Cinco Ranch’s La Centerra and in the future, Katy Main Street and says, “It is gratifying that we are now receiving the national attention this community so richly deserves.”

Money Magazine ranked cities based on housing affordability, school quality, arts and leisure, safety, health care, diversity, quality of life factor and additional economic data such as fiscal strength of the government.

Aviation International News again rated the Fixed Based Operator (FBO) at Sugar Land Regional Airport as the Western Hemisphere’s best operation in its 2010 FBO Survey. The survey is completed by pilots and other corporate aviation experts who rate facilities in categories such as pilot amenities and services, line service, passenger amenities and facilities. SLRA’s FBO – the only City-owned operation recognized in the survey – also took the top spot in 2009 and has been among the top 10 since 2007.

The Next Hundred Million: America in 2050

By Brie Madden Rodmon

T

he Next Hundred Million: America in 2050’s author, Joel Kotkin, uses historical analysis mixed with a bit of oldfashioned gum shoe detective work to predict America’s future. It is a future where southeastern Texas cities will lead the way for the rest of our country. In this, his latest of multiple books, Kotkin focuses on the estimate that by the year 2050, the nation’s population will have increased by an extra one hundred million people. Kotkin’s take on this population phenomenon provides a breath of fresh air among the recent onslaught of doomsday opinions predicting America’s fall from grace. To add to the excitement, Kotkin uses not only Houston as a model of the future, but also Fort Bend county and specifically Sugar Land. In the tradition of American ingenuity, hope and strength, Kotkin paints a beautiful portrait of a future full of jobs, expansion and diversity.

Kotkin, an internationally-recognized authority on global, economic, political and social trends, credits the population boom to two main factors. Often, couples in deteriorating counties hesitate to purposefully have children due to the extra cost and bleak economic future. While many nay-sayers point to past examples of fallen empires to illustrate America’s future, Kotkin shows one significant difference that those civilizations were reluctant to change and diversify. Historically, low fertility rates and socioeconomic decline have gone hand in hand. According to Kotkin, “the desire to have children is a fundamental affirmation of faith in the future and in values that transcend the individual.”

Kotkin describes the years from 2010 to 2020 as a “baby boomlet” creating the future citizens of America that will “add to the workforce and boost consumer spending, increases America’s economy to double the size of Europe’s.”

The other main factor in Kotkin’s population boom is diversity. While this

debate rages in America, Kotlin hypothesizes that America’s willingness to allow immigrants across its’ borders may indeed be the countries’ saving grace.

Kotkin notes that many of Brie Madden Rodmon the countries that are suffering from a declining population are the very same countries that are reluctant to diversify their population. America, whether viewed as a melting pot or a tossed salad, has always historically welcomed diversity and adapted to the ever-changing face of the American populous. Immigrants are a huge source of the entrepreneurship needed to create jobs for the ever-increasing population. Kotkin uses our very own Fort Bend county as an example of diversity and expansion. Sugar Land, Kotkin explains, is one of the most diverse cities in the United States.

Geographic spread is another area Kotkin focuses on in his explanation of America’s future promise. The rise in population will result in Americans moving more and more into the Midwest, building homes, creating jobs, becoming energy efficient and relying less on large cities. Kotkin explains that Americans will become less centralized around large cities and their downtown areas, allowing for the expansion necessary to accommodate the bud-

ding population. This suburban spread is another example of American adaptability.

This new suburb will not be very reminiscent of those from the 1950’s but rather “suburbs on steroids.” Because of new developments in technology, such as the Internet, Americans can find worthwhile employment opportunities further away from traditional downtown areas and, in some cases, have entire career paths stemming entirely from their homes. These new suburbs will provide cultural centers like downtown areas but will also provide a feeling of community that most Americans seem to prefer. George Mithchell’s brainchild, Houston’s The Woodlands, was highlighted as an example of such suburban bliss. Upscale shopping, entertainment, cultural and nature all rolled into one.

Kotkin’s approach is indeed one of incredible optimism, but he does not ignore that there will be issues stemming from such a massive increase in population. Namely, the new strain on energy that such an increase would no doubt create.

However, increased diversity in the United States is a reality. And Kotkin points out that the country’s salvation may indeed be found in that diversity. And it is an exciting thought that Houston and Fort Bend county could be looked to as a blueprint for success over the next forty years.

ALAN SANDERSEN... continued from page 26

control. One important factor, for example, is whether there is a written promissory note.

It isn’t necessary that each of the factors point to a loan, but taken together they must be sufficient to establish that the withdrawal is not a dividend. Also, if someone has already erred and is in an audit scenario, the corporation’s state franchise tax return may help in some states to show that withdrawals were intended to be loans. Where the state’s franchise tax is based on total capital of the corporation, and requires inclusion in capital of loans due from officers,

this increases the corporation’s franchise tax.

Structuring withdrawals and other transactions with your corporation to alleviate the risk that your withdrawals will be subject to tax as dividends is smart tax planning. The savvy planner accomplishes this before the fact of the audit or before something triggers one.

Alan Sandersen is a columnist for the Fort Bend Business Journal and partner Sandersen Knox & Co, L.L.P., Certified Public Accountants.

He can be reached at 281-242-3232. www.sktx. com. H

August 2010 • Fort Bend Business Journal

33

Educational benefits for those who served (The Houston area ranks 2nd in America as home for Veterans. This is the last in a series of articles about education in Fort Bend County. This article discusses educational benefits for military personnel and their families).

By Dori A. Wind n June 22, 1944, President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed into law the first GI Bill of Rights, providing educational benefits for World War II veterans. This law provided educational and vocational training benefits for almost 8 million veterans. Since then several more laws have been enacted that expanded benefits and encouraged veterans and their families to obtain a higher education.

A cursory look at available statistics reveals that GI Bills had an enormous influence on the lives of returning veterans, on opportunity for higher education, and the U.S. economy.

The greatest percentage of veterans to use the educational benefits to date are the Vietnam Veterans (72 percent); World War II veterans (51 percent) and Korean War veterans (43 percent). Currently there are several versions of the GI Bill with different eligibility requirements and benefits.

Since these Bills contain complex requirements, veterans can receive assistance in understanding them through numerous veterans groups, the Veteran’s Administration, College and Technical School Veteran’s and financial assistance offices, The Texas Veterans’ Commission and on numerous websites. A summary of the Montgomery and the Post 9/11 GI Bills are listed below.

The Montgomery GI Bill — Active Duty The Montgomery GI Bill - Active Duty, called “MGIB” for short, provides up to 36 months of education benefits to eligible veterans for: College, Technical or Vocational Courses, Correspondence Courses, Apprenticeship/ Job Training, Flight Training, High-tech Training, Licensing & Certification Tests, Entrepreneurship Training, Certain Entrance Examinations A veteran may be eligible for benefits if he/she has an Honorable Discharge, a High School diploma or GED or in some cases 12 hours of college credit, and meets the requirements of one of the categories below: CATEGORY I • Entered active duty for the first time

O

34

after June 30, 1985 • Had military pay reduced by $100 a month for first 12 months • Continuously served for 3 years, OR 2 years if first enlisted for, OR 2 years if entered the Selected Reserve within a year of leaving active duty and served 4 years (“2 by 4” Program) CATEGORY II • Entered active duty before January 1, 1977 • Served at least 1 day between 10/19/84 and 6/30/85, and stayed on active duty through 6/30/88, (or 6/30/87 if you entered the Selected Reserve within 1 year of leaving active duty and served 4 years) • On 12/31/89 had entitlement left from Vietnam-Era GI Bill CATEGORY III • Not eligible for MGIB under Category I or II • On active duty on 9/30/90 AND separated involuntarily after 2/2/91, • OR involuntarily separated on or after 11/30/93, • OR voluntarily separated under either the Voluntary Separation Incentive (VSI) or Special Separation Benefit (SSB) program • Before separation had military pay reduced by $1200 CATEGORY IV • On active duty on 10/9/96 AND had money remaining in a VEAP (Veterans’ Educational Assistance Program) account on that date AND elected MGIB by 10/9/97 • OR entered full-time National Guard duty under Title 32, USC, between 7/1/85, and 11/28/89 AND elected MGIB during the period 10/9/96, through 7/8/97 • Had military pay reduced by $100 a month for 12 months or made a $1200 lump-sum contribution The monthly benefit paid is based on the type of training taken, length of service, category, and if extra money was added to a veteran’s MGIB Fund (called “kickers”). A veteran usually has 10 years to use MGIB benefits, but the time limit can be less, in some cases, and longer under certain circumstances.

Fort Bend Business Journal • August 2010

The POST 9/11 GI Bill The Post 9/11 GI Bill expanded education benefits to service members who served on active duty on or after September 11, 2001.

BASIC ELIGIBILITY: Only active duty service performed after September 10, 2001, may be considered for determining eligibility for this benefit. To be eligible, a service member or veteran must have served at least 90 aggregate days on active duty. However, individuals honorably discharged for a service-connected disability who served 30 continuous days after September 10, 2001, may also establish eligibility.

BASIC BENEFITS: The maximum basic benefit provides the following: • Cost of tuition and fees, not to exceed the most expensive in-state undergraduate tuition at a public institution of higher learning in the state the veteran is attending school; • Monthly housing allowance equal to the basic allowance for housing payable to an E-5 with dependents, in the same zip code as the school; and • Yearly books and supplies stipend of up to $1,000 per year.

The maximum basic benefit is earned after serving an aggregate of 36 months of active duty service or after 30 days of continuous service for those individuals who were discharged for a service-connected disability.

Individuals serving between 90 days and 36 months of aggregate active duty service will be eligible for a percentage of the maximum benefit. The percentage level ranges from 40% of the basic benefit for those whose service is between 90 days and 6 months to 100% for those who served 36 months.

ADDITIONAL BENEFITS: • The Post 9/11 program also allows eligible service members to transfer educational benefits to a spouse or child of the member.

• The Yellow Ribbon Program provision of the Post-9/11 GI Bill allows institutions to enter into an agreement with VA to fund tuition costs above the highest in-state undergraduate tuition rate. VA will match each additional dollar that an institution of higher learning (IHL) contributes.

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August 2010 • Fort Bend Business Journal

35

NAMES IN THE Fort Bend Cares names Jill Curtis Executive Director

Jerry Hoover named executive director for Rosenberg Railroad Museum

Jim Rice, Chairman of the Fort Bend Cares Board of Directors, announced the appointment of Jill Curtis as the charitable foundation’s first Executive Director.

Jill Curtis Jill has served on the Board of Directors since the organization’s inception in 2004 and has chaired the Grant Committee for the past two years.

She has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Hotel Management from Cornell University.

Fort Bend County’s Rosenberg Railroad Museum board of directors has selected Jerry Hoover as the executive director of the non-profit organization located in Historic Jerry Hoover Downtown Rosenberg. Named for Henry Rosenberg, the 501-C3 provides educational programs and tours to more than 6,700 school students, visitors and seniors each year.

Hoover assumed his duties July 15. He has more than 15 years of museum experience.

Employer of the year awarded to Missouri City

Photo courtesy of Missouri City

Staff from the Texas Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services presented an “Employer of the Year” award to Missouri City.

Pictured from left are: Andre’nea King, Steven Moskowitz, Cheryl Guido (back), Barbara Madrigal, Michael Higgins, assistant director of finance, Mayor Allen Owen and Cynthia Conley, budget/financial reporting manager.

Keri Schmidt, IOM of the FB Chamber graduates A Leadership Training Program Produced by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Keri Curtis Schmidt, IOM, Vice President of the Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce, has graduated from Institute for Organization Management (Institute), a four-year non-

Keri Schmidt

profit leadership training program at the Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles, California. She has served with the chamber for over ten years and has been involved in all chamber initiatives including serving as the Director of The Grand Wine & Food Affair since its inception in 2004” Texas had more IOM attendees (27) than any other state.

Chuck Hewell appointed to Fort Bend County LID No. 2 Board Engineer and Resident of First Colony Fills Board Vacancy Charles (Chuck) Hewell, an engineer and resident of First Colony, has been appointed by the Fort Bend County Commissioners Court as a new member to the Board of Directors of Fort Bend County Levee Improvement District No. 2 (LID #2). The board is responsible for coordinating flood management resources and infrastructure that protects over $4 billion of property and assets in the city.

Hewell, who was sworn in by Fort Bend County Judge Bob Hebert at the July 7th LID #2 board meeting, has over

36

thirty years of experience in operations management and engineering services fields. His experience includes twentyfive years in water / wastewater utility operations, engineering design, construction management and technical services management.

Hewell holds a B.S. in Engineering from Rice University as well as a graduate degree in engineering and an MBA from the University of Houston. He served as a Navy officer for over thirty years, retiring with the rank of Captain in 2007, and is a registered Professional Engineer in Texas.

Fort Bend Business Journal • August 2010

Travis Stone named president of Aliana Development Co. Travis Stone has been named president of Aliana Development Co., which is developing the 2,000acre Aliana master-planned community in Fort Bend County.

Travis Stone Stone brings 25 years of community development experience to Aliana, including (23) 24 years with the Houston division of Newland Communities.

Throughout his real estate career, Stone has been involved in the acquisition, startup and development of several of Fort Bend County’s most successful real estate developments, including Sugar Mill, Greatwood and Telfair, the latter which opened in 2006 and was the nation’s fourth best-selling new-home community in 2009. Stone has also had primary development experience for additional master-planned communities in Katy and Austin.

Aliana is located between the Grand Parkway and FM 1464, with frontage along the north and south sides of W. Airport Blvd., where its main entrance is located. The community is adjacent to the Shadow Hawk Golf Club and The Houstonian Golf & Country Club.

Upcoming Chamber Events Fulshear • Meadows Place • Missouri City Richmond • Rosenberg • Stafford • Sugar Land present

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Connecting the Economic and Societal Demands of the Twenty-First Century with support from

Sprint Waste Services AECOM - Brown & Gay Engineers - Chiang, Patel & Yerby - LTRA Dannenbaum Engineering - Traffic Engineers, Inc. Costello, Inc. - OTHON, Inc. - R.G. Miller Engineers, Inc. - Tolunay-Wong Engineers, Inc. IDC Inc. - Klotz Associates Inc. - Pate Engineers, Inc - Rice & Gardner Consultants, Inc. - TREK

Dr. Stephen Klineberg, Professor of Sociology, Director of The Institute for Urban Research, Rice University Will present data on the ongoing economic and demographic transforma tions as well as changes in demographic patterns, attitudes and beliefs

Notable speakers discuss regional mobility, rail, subsidence, surface water, water re-use, and public policy Commissioner Ned Holmes Texas Transportation Commission

Commissioner James Patterson Fort Bend County

Bill Jameson

Fort Bend County Toll Road Authority

Joe B. Allen

Allen Boone Humphries Robinson, LLP

Chairman Mark Ellis

Gulf Coast Freight Rail District

Robert Hebert

Fort Bend County Judge

Scott Elmer

City of Missouri City

Karen Daly

City of Sugar Land

Friday, August 27, 2010 7:30am-1:00pm Safari Texas Ranch

11627 FM 1464 - Richmond

www.FortBendChamber.com August 2010• •Fort FortBend BendBusiness BusinessJournal Journal July 2010

37

www.FortBendChamber.com

Fort Bend Chamber 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 Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.

Beverly H. Dixon, President Mu Kappa Omega Chapter PO Box 1097 Missouri City, TX 77459 832-605-5731 Associations

Bernstein Realty, Inc.

Becky Steele, Sales Associate 9575 Katy Freeway, Suite 205 Houston, TX 77024 713-932-1032 Real Estate, Residential

Castle Dental Center Steve Bilt, CEO 5414 W. Grand Parkway Suite 120 Richmond, TX 77406 800-867-6453 Health Care

Extreme Pita

Pierre Daniel, President 15810 Southwest FWY Sugar Land, TX 77479 281-494-7482 Restaurants

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Greater Houston Retailers Morton Buildings Inc. Cooperative Association, Inc 8840 FM 2920 Romina Mohammed, Executive Administrator 12790 South Kirkwood Road Stafford, TX 77477 281-295-5300 Associations

The Hamilton Institute Carlos Hamilton, President 1415 Hwy 6 Suite A 200 Sugar Land, TX 77478 281-565-0033 Health Care

Kaplan Test Preparation & Admissions Fanetta Benton, 2500 Dunston Rd., 5th floor Houston, TX 77005 713-520-7223 Educational Services

Luxe Plastic Surgery Malik Kutty, President 4660 Sweetwater Blvd, Suite 150 Sugar Land, TX 77478 281-313-0551 Physicians, Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery

Spring, TX 77379 281-374-0490 Builder

National Multiple Sclerosis Society Kelli Dreiling, 8111 N. Stadium Dr., Suite 100 Houston, TX 77054 713-394-2900 Health Care

National ProSource

Trish Davis, Owner/CEO 9494 Southwest Freeway Suite 300 Houston, TX 77074 713-272-8800 Employment Agencies

One Step Diagnostic

Fuad Cochinwala, CEO 2121 Williams Trace Blvd #100 Sugar Land, TX 77478 281-313.1414 Health Care

www.FortBendChamber.com Fort Bend Business Journal • August 2010

Welcome New Members SCORE

Beth Shapiro, 8701 S. Gessner, Suite 1200 Houston, TX 77074 713-773-6565 Business Consultants

Sugar Land Heritage Society

TCT Enterprises, LLC Shirley Crews Taylor, Principal Consultant

Suite 190 10701 Corporate Drive Stafford, TX 77477 281-383-9523 Consultants, Training and Coaching

Texas State Healthcare

Connie S. Fodrie, CEO 2601 Cartwright Rd Suite G Missouri City, TX 77459 281-208-4344 Home Care Services

Eleanor Barton, Executive Director/Curator 302 Oyster Creek Sugar Land, TX 77478 281-494-3485 Associations

www.FortBendChamber.com August 2010 • Fort Bend Business Journal

39

We Believe in You, Thanks for Believing in US! 1 Year Texas Dragon Boat Association Michelle Shen-O’Brien, 281-381.7154 Luminess Air LP Amy Prophet, 713-532-2408 xt 204

Strategic Employer Services, LLC Craig Inabnet, 281-277-3006 Trendmaker Homes Donna Lamb, 281-344-9882

6 Years Richmond Bone & Joint Clinic, P.A. Cheryl Bertrand, 281-344-1715 Aquamaker, LLC Imran Khanji, 713-229-0400

Newmans Valve Co. Steven Mines, 281-302-4900

4 Years Aflac Regional Office, Larry Thames RSC Larry Thames, 281-277-7797

7 Years RE/MAX Fine Properties Manish Patel, 281-265-5533

Marin Propane Gas, Inc. Pablo Marin, 281-499-9755

Aliana Development Company Jo Ann Stevens, 281-207-6750

Little Wonders Learning Center Nikou Fatemizadeh, 281-208-9545

Neider Financial Consultants, Inc. Sheldon Neider, CFP, 713-789-3344

Joe Ochoa Roofing & Even More Joe Ochoa, 281-890-0000

8 Years Sterling McCall Automotive Group Marvin Marcell, 281-685-5509

Classic Chevrolet Don Kerstetter, 281-491-9000

Briscoe Manor Jennifer Lowrance, 281-238-4700

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

US Global Fuels Rasheed Dhuka, 281-565-1111

Power Energy USA Jerrid Payton, 713-367-9700

NewFirst Bank Sugar Land Susan Winters, 832-344-2081

2 Years Cardiology Specialists of Houston Andres Mesa, 713-797-1620

Amegy Bank Harriet Eisenstein, 713-232-3304

Cardiology Specialists of Houston Juan Carlos Rozo, 713-797-1620 Cardiology Specialists of Houston Bernardo Treistman MD, 713-797-1620 Touchstone Fine Properties Julia Mickum, 281-499-8181 Medicus Alliance Clinical Research Susan R. Waldron, 281-340-8515 Marlo R. Griesser, DDS, Cosmetics & Orthodontics Marlo R. Griesser, 281-313-5700 SMART HR Deborah Twigg, SPHR, 281-313-1315 3 Years Null-Lairson, PC Steve Metzenthin, 281-242-8600

40

Dagley Insurance & Financial Services, Inc. Nathan Dagley, 281-980-4600 Steve Hoffman Insurance Agency Steve Hoffman, 281-491-6565 La Cocina Mexican Restaurant Andres Novoa, 281-238-0872

Gordon Richardson and Associates Gordon Richardson, 713-821-1700

9 Years Advantage Center Vicki Simmons, 281-494-8701

Sleep Inn & Suites Drupad Vaghela, 281-494-2900

Fort Bend Education Foundation Brenna Smelley, 281-634-1113

Sugar Creek Auto Performance Nick Dixon, 281-208-9100

Milestone Members 10 Years RE/MAX Southwest Realtors

Milestone Members 5 Years Fort Bend Parent Magazine Nicole Yates, 281-480-3600

Laser Shot, Inc.

Chris Chambers, 281-240-1122

Plantation at Quail Valley

Cynthia Fitchett, 281-208-4470

Commonwealth Land Title

Susan Fitzpatrick, 281-565-1212

Fort Bend Business Journal • August 2010

281-491-1776

Sweet Tomatoes

Connie Contreras, 281-240-1400

Retriever Payment Systems

David Goodrum, 281-963-1111 11 Years DigiTec Office Solutions Robert Evans, 281-565-1100 Parkway Properties Joan Gee, 281-242-3700

We Believe in You, Thanks for Believing in US! D.E. Harvey Builders David Harvey, 713-783-8710

Klotz Associates Inc. Tom S. Ramsey, 281-589-7257

12 Years Universal Lights, Inc. Ronni Cohen, 281-491-0600

SES Horizon Consulting Engineers, Inc. Epi Salazar, 713-988-5504

Exchange Club of Fort Bend Chayo Huff, 281-341-7717

West Houston Medical Center Todd Caliva, 281-588-8080

Exchange Club of Quail Valley Kirk Wilkerson, 281-923-7601

17 Years All * Star Storage, Inc. Kathy R. Salinas, 281-341-7867

21 Years Premier Internal Medicine Associates, PA Elizabeth Torres, 281-242-3737 22 Years Taylor Morrison Steve VonHofe, 281-598-3000 24 Years Coldwell Banker United Realtors Donna Dagley, 281-242-6200

13 Years First Southwest Company Greg Lentz, 713-651-9850

Hometown America Incorporated Jack Morgan Brady, 281-565-5626

Brooks & Sparks, Inc. Frank Brooks, 281-578-9595

Bank of Texas - First Colony Frank Yonish, 281-265-2800

14 Years Thomas Rogers & Associates, Inc. Thomas Rogers, 281-261-0261

18 Years AT&T Alice Aanstoos, 713-567-7718

26 Years Dennis Halford, DDS, MS Dennis Halford, 281-980-8351

Carlton Staffing Beth Hammond, 281-265-8900

19 Years Republic Services Trevor Royal, 713-996-2007

27 Years Pamela Printing Company Ann Smith, 281-240-1313

Maddox Landscaping and Custom Pools Steve Maddox, 281-232-4100

29 Years Flowers by Adela Ramona Ohl, 281-499-5593

16 Years Executive Living Terry Gremillion, 281-494-4952

Milestone Members 25 Years James G. McClellan, CPA/ PFS

James G. McClellan, 281-240-0330

CUTT

RIBBON

INGS

Gary S. Jennings, D.D.S., M.A.G.U.

50 Sugar Creek Center Blvd., Suite 150 Sugar Land, TX 77478 281.277.1545

Gary S. Jennings’ dental practice is one of General Dentistry. They perform implant placement, all-porcelain crowns, wisdom tooth removal and other procedures. The business philosophy is to never compromise on quality and to treat each patient/client by the “golden rule.”

Dr. Jennings was in Southwest Houston for 25 years and many of his patients had moved to Fort Bend Country. He has achieved mastership status in the Academy of General Dentistry which signifies life-time commitness to continuing education.

His professional fees are very reasonable for the amount of experience he has. Dr. Jennings attended the University of Texas Dental Branch in Houston and opened business in 1983.

Hours are Monday 8:00 a.m. -5: 30 p.m., Tuesday 8:00 a.m.-5:30 p.m., Wednesday 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m., Thursday 8:00

a.m. - 5:30 p.m. and Friday 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

www.FortBendChamber.com August 2010 • Fort Bend Business Journal

41

www.FortBendChamber.com

FORT

BEND

LEADERSHIP F

O

R

U

M

“It all adds up. Year after year, Fort Bend Leadership Forum provides consistent return on investment for our participants, businesses and our community.”

Christopher Breaux Principal, Null-Lairison

“I thought I knew everything. This program took me outside my box. It connected me with the city and county division and leaders. In the ten months I learned so much more. The dynamics of my community and how to utilize them as resources. I know now how to give back effectively as I grow with it. Thank you Chamber of Commerce for putting it together.”

Namita Asthana

President,Verum Solutions “FBLF was an incredible learning experience in so many ways. Not only did we learn about County and City Services, Local, State and Federal Government, Cultural Differences, etc, but, more importantly, we learned about ourselves, our fellow classmates and our facilitators. Together, we laughed and learned and forged bonds within our group that will last a lifetime.... and THAT was/is the best part!”

Pam Puckett, PE

Costello, Inc.

“The FBCC Leadership Forum is one of the most outstanding programs in learning about our county and nation! I have come to understand why Fort Bend is so dynamic, and the level of diversity, intelligence, and overall balance it is offering its residents and employees! I will cherish the friends and fun The Leadership Forum provided!”

Zeenat K. Mitha

Mitha Law Firm, P.C.

“My experience attending Ft. Bend Leadership Forum provided the opportunity to meet a vibrant group of professionals from different industries who shared their experiences, contacts, and genuine interest in the advancement of Ft. Bend County. This was especially important for me, as a relative newcomer to the area. Over the past year, FBLF helped me forge valuable friendships and reinforced the fact that we all have room to grow.”

Chief Joel F. Fitzgerald, MBA

Missouri City Police Department

Contact David Crowl at 281.491.2497 or david@fortbendcc.org for more information.

www.FortBendChamber.com 42

Fort Bend Business Journal • August 2010

www.FortBendChamber.com

FORT

BEND

LEADERSHIP F

O

R

U

M

Fort Bend Leadership 2010 was a fantastic experience for me both personally and professionally. The knowledge that I acquired about our county was exceptional, all of the programs were presented in a “first class” manner, and I had the opportunity to experience places and things that I otherwise would not have been able to. Being a new comer to the county, I met and formulated friendships that will last a lifetime! I highly recommend this forum to professionals in Fort Bend.

Mary Nan Holley CEO, Sugar Land Surgical Hospital

“I have been so fortunate to have the benefit of a number of management and leadership classes through former employers, but the Fort Bend Chamber Leadership Forum was the most meaningful of all. The ability to see Ford Bend County from a different perspective provided such a foundation for understanding the inner workings of our community. Meeting and getting to know the people in my class was second to none for conducting business here. No program is more important than this one. This class is life-changing!”

Brenda Bowman

Executive Director, Literacy Council of Fort Bend County The Leadership Program allowed me to build relationships with a diverse group of people from many different sectors, all of whom shared a common interest in learning about and promoting our community.”

Matt Fielder City of Rosenberg, Economic Development Director

As a newcomer to Sugar Land, I was so grateful to find that the Fort Bend Chamber had a leadership program. Having participated in the Class of 2010, the program exceeded my expectations. Besides having a diverse class mix, the speakers were outstanding and I learned more about Fort Bend than anticipated. Now when I’m working on a project, I have a greater base of colleagues to access thanks to the camaraderie of my Leadership class!

Karen Daly

City of Sugar Land, Assistant City Manager I quickly realized upon my arrival at Fort Bend ISD that I was missing a key ingredient to success – personal and business relationships in the greater Fort Bend community and an understanding of the many programs in the area. Participation in the Leadership class allowed me to quickly gain an understanding of the Fort Bend community and to formulate relationships in the area which have helped me tremendously. I highly recommend participation in the Leadership Program to others in the community.

Tracy Hoke

Chief Financial Officer FBISD

Contact David Crowl at 281.491.2497 or david@fortbendcc.org for more information.

www.FortBendChamber.com August 2010 • Fort Bend Business Journal

43

Upcoming Chamber Events

10Sept.25-EVENTS Oct 25, 2010 Indulge in jewelry, golf, dining, shopping, art & parties!!

TheGrandSoiree.com

Kick-of Event: Sept 25th The Grand Soiree

delivers excitement, luxury and elegance through a collection of events.

Come be a part of the celebration in Houston and the surrounding cities while indulging yourself in an incredible showcase of luxury.

Escape to Treasure Island ‘Couture for the Cure’ benefitting American Cancer Society at the Sienna Plantation Resort Lagoon

August Governmental Relations Meeting Congressman Al Green Monday, August 16, 2010 Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce 455 Commerce Green Blvd Sugar Land 11:30 am

Congressman Al Green

Register and pay online at www.fortbendchamber.com or Ellen@fortbendcc.org or 281-491-0277 Cancellations must be received in writing and confirmed by 12 pm Friday, August 13, 2010.

Thereafter full payment is due

www.FortBendChamber.com 44

Fort Bend Business Journal • August 2010

Fort Bend Real Estate Market---2010

By John Whitmore

I

f you are going on a hunch, or statistics, the residential real estate business in Fort Bend County is on the mend. The one important point the people in the Real Estate business agree on is, “If you are in the real estate business, Fort Bend is the place to be.”

Translated into language you can best understand: The Worst Is Over and We Ain’t Hurt Much!

The average sales price this year was $234,923 versus the 2009 figure of $224,746. And, that’s important if you are sweating the sale of a home, the time it takes to sell a home in Fort Bend County declined by about 24 days.

Toni Nelson, veteran Fort Bend and Houston Realtor, noted, “Business is picking up according to the Houston multiple listing statistics.

These showed sales were up 5 per cent, Toni Nelson from 3,492 homes sold in the first six months of 2009 to 3,630 this year.”

At the same time, most people, whether selling or buying, agree there were some hard times in the past couple of years. But again, not as hard hit as some places like Las Vegas, or San Francisco, or San Diego or communities in Florida.

“We just didn’t have the huge real estate bubble they had---our home prices have always been more realistic than their’s,” observed Don Burns, with Hermitage ReMax. This veteran Don Burns Fort Bend real estate expert has been involved in real estate since 1971.

A shocking example is a three-bedroom cottage in Palm Beach, Florida, was on the market for $1.2 million as compared with the same type home in Missouri City selling for $195,000.

The figures, and results, are strong enough that the Greater Fort Bend Economic Development Council is using this as a theme for a national advertising campaign.

For example, did you know?

Fort Bend County ranked #1 in best places to get ahead (Forbes, 2010) Ranked #1 in Employment Growth (U.S. Dept. Labor) Houston is #1 home building market.

(Builders Magazine) Regional leader in household income (U.S. Census) Ranked in the Top 1 per cent of fastest growing counties in America (Census Bureau).

And the list goes on!

Perhaps the strongest element in the strength of both the Houston and the Fort Bend markets has been the success of the master-planned community.

Tom Wilcox, Vice President and General Manager of Riverstone Development and chairman of the Greater Fort Bend Economic Development Council’s Marketing Tom Wilcox Committee, feels a great deal of Fort Bends success comes from master planned communities.

In 2007, of the 53,000 homes coming into the Houston Metro market about 12 per cent were in the planned communities.

Today the number of master planned communities is about 25 per cent.

For example, there are four master planned communities active in Fort Bend today that are in the top ten in the Houston metropolitan area : Cinco Ranch, Telfair,

Sienna Plantation, and Riverstone.

One segment of the market that is extremely strong, he agrees, is the larger and more expensive homes, those in the $500,000 to $1.5 million plus that are selling for cash.

The consensus of those in the field was that to a large extent the lack of bank financing has hurt home sales. And, little of what has been discussed as a solution have much traction to succeed.

One even went so far as to say, “The mortgage crisis and the stock market crash were created by the government rather than the market place!”

The commercial real estate business does march to a different drummer.

Kolbe M. Curtice, who as president of Curtice Commercial Real Estate recently merged with Colliers International, “The good news was that in our field, in January the lights were turned Kolbe M. Curtice on. Businesses just couldn’t wait to talk about expansions.”

He did admit that in his field, the vacancies in Fort Bend are being adsorbed very slowly. One of the dark clouds he sees comes from the oil spill in the Gulf, causing some oil field companies to look at perhaps moving to Europe.

“Office occupancy is down…but there is no fire sale! You have to say our market is still strong and vibrant,” Curtice added. As an aside, he said health oriented businesses remain dominant in the Fort Bend market.

Putting it into perspective, Burns looked back to the mid-1980’s when the real estate market “really crashed.”

“That was a real train wreck, the light we saw at the end of the tunnel really was that locomotive with its lights on… by comparison, this market is much more stable.”

August 2010 • Fort Bend Business Journal

45

Data Beat DBA (Assumed Names)

(+) = More Names

This is a sample of the Assumed Names (DBAs) filed at the Fort Bend County Clerk’s office for June 2010. More Assumed Names may be viewed online at http://ccweb.co.fort-bend.tx.us/RealEstate/SearchEntry.aspx. There were 392 Assumed Names with Notary Fee for month of June. There were also 80 Assumed Names without a notary fee.

Gomero Giannantonio J Gian-Tech Services 23818 Allingham Ln 77494

Mukhles Md Sohail-Bin Xpress Glucometer P O Box 941716 77099

Grunauer Alejandra R Reigruche Studio 4331 Magnolia Lane 77478

Raven Sherry G Photography By Sherry 4702 Dunleigh Ct 77479

Gilbert Jeffrey (+) Gulf Coast Performance Parts 17302 Meadow Light Dr 77407

Sikes Patrick Brazos Bend Tannery 706 S Union St 77469

Dimicelli Sharon K Simply Sassy Paper 4506 Village Forest Dr 77479

Varghese Viju Ezcall123 7110 Adobe Meadows Ct 77479

Holman Deannea Butler Family Reunion 1918 Hammerwood Dr 77489

Carr Randall R.L. Carr Building Services 706 S Union St 77469

Mathew Biju T B Media Graphics 21950 Canyonwood Park Lane 77469

Holmes Albert Holmes Enterprises 2906 Youpon Glen Way 77545

Matthews Kendric K

Matthews Kendric K Man Fashion Model Senior Designer Style Master & Degree 2020 Kocky Falls 77469

Martinez Judith M Bazzar Decor 7355 State Hwy 6 S 77083

2020 Rocky Falls 77469

Allen Mary Ann D-Row Projects 12135 Meadow Pines Dr 77477 Martin Stephanie Martin & Assoc 11034 Ellison Ridge Dr 77406 Costa Mauro De Oliveira Emacon Services Llc 9007 Creeks Gate Court 77407 Saravia Gladys Gladys Saravia Dba Getfit4all 3422 Cannon Pass Ct 77478 Delasbour D Anthony Se’ance Manaement And Entertainment 1907 Sable Glen Ct 77469 Sattar Rukhsana Professional Car Audio Video & Tint 1054 Miles St 77462 Galvez Claudia Londono Majestic Cleaning Service 3022 Frontier Dr 77479 Gupton Brady Sonic Erotica 7326 Maple Run Dr 77479 Tal-Mart Inc Talberts Holiday Market 3803 B F Terry Blvd 77471 Wardsworth Cyne (+) Obnocious 15710 Rosebriar Dr 77489 Michael T Mccann Foundation Inc Bike For Mike 8426 Wallis 77441 Nguyen Hoang Lan A + Washateria 3806 Ave I #1 77471

46

Somer Paul D Grounds-One Professional Landscape Contractors 4438 Kirk Manor Court 77545 Millican James Reba’s Liquor 5809 Hwy Blvd 77494 Beil Gina Pizzini The Doc Magazine (+) 10706 Lakewood Oaks 77498

Short Brandi Mission 2 Millions 505 Woodside Dr 70363 Lopez Phillip E Pel Contemparts 2703 Turning Row Lane 77459 Lopez Phillip E Ne(2)Uz 2703 Turning Row Lane 77459

Mckee Anne Cache Properties 2626 Country Club Blvd 77478 Kline Edwin J (+) Dynamic Lawn’s & Landscaping Irvin Don R 20922 Medallion Pointe Dr 77450 Plantation Lakes 9375 Fm 521 77583 Allen Mary Ann Thedeathrowshirtcompany.Com (+) E5 Construction Llc P O Box 1864 77497 E5 Roofing And Construction 1116 Damon St 77471 Glover Albert Jr Girls Of Character Gailey Gracen P O Box 635 77459-0635 Activewear Couture 45 Scotsmoor Ct 77479 Hollis Lindsey I Do For You Services Retsky-Hammerman Dana (+) 3320 Fm 359 77406 Your Fairytale Vacation 3007 Red Stag Pass 77459 Medina Mario A Torch Welding Service Pappa La Rosa Inc 5706 Adquin Ln 77469 Rosa Ritas Mexican Restaurant 15407 Hwy 36 77461 Hall Cortney Hall Estates Matthews Kendric K 2318 Cardinal Elm St 77545 Supercenter In The United States President And Chief Executive Officer Pea-Mart Stores Inc Grocery Store Cash Register L

2020 Rocky Falls 77469

Laurenson Christopher R Rand Fencing And Decks 1311 Ashwood Dr 77498 Shin Seung Kyun Stop N Foodway 14440 Florence Rd 77498

Fort Bend Business Journal • August 2010

Fed Criminal Defense Lawyer College Master Of Law & Degree License

Holley D L (+) Favour Marketing Group P O Box 410 77469 Malakoff Maria Elsa Medianet 823 Sandpiper Drive 77478

Ali Tausif Karate Monkey 9635 Spring Cypress 77379 Robley William D (+) Automotive Technology Solutions 1926 Night Star Ln 77077 Rodriguez Miguel A M.I.F.E.R. Distribution Company 2018 Indian Clearing Trl 77471

Drew Bradley Lawrence Sloan Charlotte Abeo Languages Flowers For Sugarland 2611 Plantation 3227 Country Club Blvd 77477 Hollow Court 77459 Hawkins Stephen Michael (+) Startart, Llc. 11050 Auden Cir 77459

Idapco, Inc. Medi Pro International Pharmacy 7320 Us 90A #140 77479

Levingston Ivy Davis Simply Divyne Concepts 2406 Edgedale Drive 77489

Shields Michelle Y Overcomers Investments 3607 Elmwood Dale Dr 77545

Levingston Ivy Davis “Hot Seat” Solutions!

2406 Edgedale Drive 77489

Hiserodt Terry J (+) Alternate Energy Global 14834 Charlmont Dr 77083

Bible Cary Jr C B Productions 2719 Scottsdale Palms 77459

Smith Raycine New Vision Fo4 Prosperity 7726 Sign St 77489

Shakoor Batool Omar Mehran Used Car 10500 Fountain Lake Dr #814 77477

Tabb Christalynn Y Black Lotus Gems 8610 Steele Creek Lane 77459

Plasencia Juan Pablo Next Generation Auto Sales 6060 Kamas Ln 77461

Whiting Sheronne S Y G Logistics 2835 Green Hollow Ct 77489

Brown Evelyn R Advancing Stem Network 307 South Esplanade Ln 77477

Ray Brandon H (+) Paper Brain Productions 2622 Old Fort 77479

Larue Mark S H&L Power Cleaners 20103 Longheath Court 77407 Brown Evelyn R Eres Consultants First American Technologies 307 South Esplanade Ln 77477 Highgate Furniture 16200 Hickory Knoll 77059 Nisnisan Maria Emee Concerned Filipino-American Ramirez Bianca (+) Citizens Of Texas (+) La Potrankita Mexican 5914 Briar Hill Court 77479 Restaurant 6203 Fm 521 Rd 77583

Carter Sterling L Sterling Staffing Solutions P O Box 18705 77496 Haime-Abarca Floyd Idonea Group 21101 Kingsland Apt 128 77450

Data Beat DBA (Assumed Names)

Blake Homer Clifton Homer’s Soft Water 1118 Lark Ln 77469

Quesnel James Jds - Jim’s Drafting Services (+) 3119 Stratford Bend Drive 77498

Lopez Sandra Sandra Lopez 12800 Dunlap 704 77085

Garcia Shantell Lanybug Bowtique 17018 Dusty Mill Dr W 77498

Abernathy Donald Saucers Real Food 6600 Fm 359 S 77441

Lopez Veronica Veronica Lopez 12500 Dunlap #298 77035

Monroe Gerry The Lucas Foundation (+) 2911 Acacia Fair 77545

Abernathy Donald Saucers 6600 Fm 359 S 77441

Woo Thomas Mastermind Consulting Company 2314 Bent River Dr 77479

Talison Kalith Reflection Media 4352 Fm 1092 77477

Greak Andrea Asg Services 2612 Arcola Court 77471

Pomare Deborah Green Eye Technology 16535 Southwest Frwy #210 77479

Alvarado Carmen J Hair By Carmen 2745D Town Center Blvd 77479

Andrews Phillip Andrews Financial & Management Services P O Box 17176 77496

Silva Emily F Efs Art Consulting 21135 Kelliwood Arbor Ln 77450

Acosta Francisca J Latino Insurance Agency Llc 10410 Stockman Ln 77498 Persley Connie S Full House Internation Fellowship 2009 Sandy Knoll 77489 I D Enterprises European Wax Center 5608 Highway 6 77459 Dennis Bruce Hearts Of Men P O Box 339 77459 Torres Norma Nt Billing Services 11938 Scottsdale Dr 77477 Kennedy Vicki Lee Elliott Business Services 1802 Arrowhead Ct 77459 Grace Christopher All Stars Auto Transport 2601 Cartwright #9202 77459 Beyond Currys Llc Great W’kana Cafe’ 11720 W Airport Blvd Suite 600 77677 Herrera Wilmer Herrera’s Development 3231 Meadowcreek Dr 77459 Howell Lonnie L Rite Now Real-Estate 10510 Overview Dr 77498 Roberts Comfort D Smooth Cutz And Salon 508 Murphy Rd Ste E 77477 Mcmlxi Ltd River Oaks Paint & Body 3424 Fm 1092 77469

Villarreal Robert C (+) Air Bounce 2505 B F Terry Blvd 77471 Haag Ella Rose Handmade Princess 4106 N New Meadows Dr 77479 Scott Kristi Police Officer’s Wives Essential Resource Association 20900 Fm 1093 #8108 77407 Enriquez Jessica Sunshine Cleaning Service 1617 Carlisle 77471 Dominguez Asela Funes Auto Repair 16300 Boss Gaston Ste C 77478 Garzon Hernan R Forever Green Consultants 32718 Waltham Crossing 77441 The Wills Group Llc (+) Elements Therapeutic Massage 5706 Hwy 6 South 77459 Uam Green Cleaners Llc Uam 14131 Lake Trail Dr 77498 Russell Blandin Katy Home & Buisiness Cleaning Service 1407 W Grand Pkwy S 77494

Poole Candie Resume Resources 22762 Westheimer Pkwy Suite 515 77450

Rencher Alberta Horizon Southwest Llc 1730 Hodge Lake 77478

Mckenzie Cheryl First Childcare 1807 Haversham Ct 77545

Rencher Alberta Horizon Southwest Construction Llc 1730 Hodge Lake 77478

Khan-Swati Saad Saks 8314 Aliso Canyon Ln 77083

Beeson Stephen Gary (+) B & B Texas Services 8313 Southwest Frwy #211 77074

Bustoz Isidore Bad Boyz Bail Bonds 201 Fort Street 77469

Molloy James J Iii Gemini Consulting Partners 2450 Louisiana St Suite 400 77006

Pappa La Rosa Inc Rosa Ritas 15407 Hwy 36 77461

Hedge Denise Mercy Me 23618 Stratsborough Dr 77494

Johnston Lionel Turtle Grass Pools 23311 Leaf Ridge 77494

Cole Nicholas Blue Chip Marketing Company 4203 West Meadows Drive 77479

Oltesi Behavioral Health Serv Oltesi Ems Service 301 S 9Th St Suite 208 77469

Sims David A Complete Air Care 3806 Crow Valley Dr 77459

Valladares Maria Felicia Unlimited Services Transformations By Design Lllp 12840 S Kirkwood Rd #112 77477 Transformations By Design 1646 Blaisdale Rd Ste 1900 77406 White Karen Stovall Serenity Of Praise Priya Fashions Inc 15707 Gatebriar Drive 77489 Priya’s Salon 23730 Westheimer Parkway Mccaulley Tim F Suite G 77496 T&H Mats 15000 W Airport Blvd Gulf Technologies Apt 721 77498 International L C Economylubes.Com Mccaulley Tim F 68 Harbor View Dr 77479 Tmac Under Pressure 15000 W Airport Blvd Cross Ora L Apt 721 77498 Cross Connections P O Box 1161 77459 Daniels Brenda L Danbrel Realty Traditional Care Ems Inc 2703 Eros Ln 77459 Traditional Care Ems 8019 Weeping Willow Pl 77459 Maya Arturo A.M. Window Shine Loud Anthony L 4310 Saddle Drive 77461 Dipped In Butter 119 Copper Stream Ln 77406 Mayo Arturo Residential Design Resource Taylor Jeffrey 4310 Saddle Drive 77461 J T Apparel 4722 Andover St 77479 Smith Clayton L Power House Butler Nathaniel Authority Ministry Nalabu Networks 1366 New Tree Ln 77489 5010 Grove West Blvd #211 77477 Wyllie Daniel (+) Dna Records 3806 Auburn Grove Circle 77459

(+) = More Names

Cruz Juana Delia (+) El Huarache Antojitos Mexicanos 109 Av F 77477 Hart Wendell Hart Publishing Company 8902 High Haven 77083 Booker Jacqueline Jardin Consulting 308 8Th Street 77471 Pietsch David D&M Performance 1429 Rice St 77471 Van Cantfort Keri (+) Piddles And Plants 6934 Crockett Ridge Drive 77406 Smith Megan Mikeska Styl Duveru Wardrobe & Image Consulting 3603 Hawkins Circle 77459 Andrews Kennard A Ken Andrews Video & Photo 14303 Grace Meadow Ln 77498 Jennings Shirley Alley Art @ Southern Sister Designs 817 3Rd Street 77471

Ned David Recharge Academy Eagleone Enterprises Llc 9750 Hwy 6 South #107 77498 Eagle Electric Company P O Box 18333 77496 Debose Ida Special Events By Ida Niazi Baker 3002 Poplar Isle 77459 Greatwood Practice Management 19875 Southwest Freeway Onyeagu Onyema #110 77479 Star Motor Sports 2514 Sage Ct 77489 Clay Jimmy (+) Boss Regiment 9449 Briar Forest Dr #3538 77063 August 2010 • Fort Bend Business Journal

47

Data Beat

JULY 2010 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

% Change To Date

2009 Payments To Date

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

19,001.05 0.00 27,973.75 1,302.93 77,471.18 465,272.43 29,128.91 3,406.60 4,337.84 337,542.44 858,053.90 12,941.80 1,033,665.32 2,872,287.38 3,574.98

COUNTY TOTAL

5,745,960.51

2008 Payments Change

Percent

19,628.74 6,076.79 25,269.10 1,158.28 82,534.44 423,338.57 28,948.53 4,939.85 3,234.21 323,929.44 755,308.65 4,502.85 928,226.95 3,024,883.97 1,487.22

-3.19% -100.00% 10.70% 12.48% -6.13% 9.90% 0.62% -31.03% 34.12% 4.20% 13.60% 187.41% 11.35% -5.04% 140.38%

140,305.47 35,477.18 206,362.00 9,349.20 555,071.24 3,441,870.26 199,943.90 24,771.49 49,118.67 2,416,160.11 6,430,193.14 60,709.53 7,496,156.33 22,011,771.79 22,357.20

187,825.15 44,664.26 207,498.66 8,930.34 622,504.33 3,447,838.20 225,384.84 29,046.61 24,983.64 2,520,644.43 6,144,803.46 28,559.05 8,309,700.92 23,353,020.50 9,462.52

-25.29% -20.56% -0.54% 4.69% -10.83% -0.17% -11.28% -14.71% 96.60% -4.14% 4.64% 112.57% -9.79% -5.74% 136.27%

5,633,467.59

1.99%

43,099,617.51

45,164,866.91

-4.57%

Top 20 City Sales and Use Tax Comparison Summary - JULY 2010 Please note that Sugar Land is 16th in sales tax revenues in the state.

City

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

48

Net Payment This Period

Comp Payment Prior Year

37,452,453.26 17,081,612.84 15,863,041.94 11,032,191.05 7,316,482.59 5,950,900.77 5,352,068.43 4,819,323.28 4,473,281.71 4,256,626.43 4,480,516.21 3,868,094.12 3,738,936.17 3,266,836.05 3,290,667.30 2,872,287.38 2,830,535.16 2,739,523.48 2,486,481.57 2,533,713.39

37,108,337.06 14,751,165.96 14,906,587.48 10,183,041.76 7,122,837.92 6,008,818.52 4,847,475.15 4,041,028.91 2,721,953.44 4,295,555.47 4,159,513.52 3,759,085.51 3,639,445.87 3,504,786.08 2,686,848.08 3,024,883.97 2,582,435.66 2,576,540.56 2,168,210.09 2,724,768.09

Fort Bend Business Journal • August 2010

% Change To Date

0.92% 15.79% 6.41% 8.33% 2.71% -0.96% 10.40% 19.25% 64.34% -0.90% 7.71% 2.89% 2.73% -6.78% 22.47% -5.04% 9.60% 6.32% 14.67% -7.01%

2009 Payments To Date

2008 Payments Change

273,881,608.82 120,552,192.67 118,381,654.56 80,739,764.37 56,796,511.57 47,189,805.39 40,015,814.58 36,175,649.71 34,023,839.35 32,460,182.90 32,455,852.51 32,447,238.27 28,576,548.87 25,418,061.67 23,066,878.49 22,011,771.79 20,354,281.76 19,849,404.20 19,551,072.07 19,500,757.52

294,955,730.73 118,773,782.52 122,412,943.70 76,423,376.82 57,597,102.78 45,666,450.44 38,011,884.91 33,797,328.12 31,926,934.55 33,395,953.61 34,363,517.09 32,405,267.33 28,485,834.08 26,597,769.18 21,639,229.04 23,353,020.50 20,527,021.57 21,220,984.12 18,615,908.80 20,987,222.73

Percent

-7.14% 1.49% -3.29% 5.64% -1.38% 3.33% 5.27% 7.03% 6.56% -2.80% -5.55% 0.12% 0.31% -4.43% 6.59% -5.74% -0.84% -6.46% 5.02% -7.08%

Data Beat

Commercial Building Permits

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

TYPE OF PERMIT

VALUE

MISSOURI CITY 13380 S Gessner Rd 6215 Hwy 6 500 2601 Cartwright Rd N 13215 Stafford Rd 300

Commercial Alteration Commercial Alteration Commercial Alteration Commercial Lease Alteration

$146,800 $95,000 $48,000 $10,000

Grand Total Valuation (Commercial & Residential)

06/01/10-06/30/10

$299,800

ROSENBERG 3505 P F Terry Blvd 1912 Avenue H #G 1131 Blume Rd 4606 Avenue H 4227 Avenue H

Commercial Building Commercial Building Commercial Building Commercial Building Commercial Building

$480,000 $48,500 $25,000 $25,000 $20,000

Grand Total Valuation (Commercial & Residential)

06/01/10-06/30/10

$653,850

STAFFORD 11833 Southwest Frwy 4015 South Main 4800 Sugar Grove Blvd 400

Commercial Building Commercial Building Commercial Building

$125,000 $90,000 $19,000

Grand Total Valuation (Commercial & Residential)

06/01/10-06/30/10

$280,293

SUGAR LAND 3407 State Hwy 6 3015 Settlers Way Blvd 16605 Southwest Fwy Ste 335 7705 Us Hwy 90A 2507 Williams tace Blvd Ste 101 625 Industrial Blvd 2298 Texas Dr 16655 Southwest Fwy 2nd Floor 13135 Dairy Ashford Rd Ste 500 13135 Dairy Ashford Rd Ste 600 13135 Dairy Ashford Rd Ste 600 14141 Southwest Fwy Basement 16605 Southwest Fwy Ste 365

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

$999,568 $1,728,500 $101,384 $2,236,400 $85,000 $937,145 $93,165 $503,014 $290,700 $275,500 $407,300 $395,220 $126,287

Grand Total Valuation (Commercial & Residential)

06/01/10-06/30/10

$17,328,713

OWNER/CONTRACTOR Graystone Commerce Park LP/Turnbow Design & Construction SDI Missouri City Holdings LLC/Spec-Built, Inc. Palmer Center LP/Texaquip, Inc. Pike Road-Stafford LP/Bearden Management, Inc.

Cedros Paving Services LLC Long LZ Plumbing/Construction CSR Inc. Duran’s Carpentry & Roofing Lampson Della

Houston Garden Center/MMK & S Ltd./G Scohil Construction Services 3M/G Owner/Occupant Ammerman/G Commercial Tenant

McDonal’s Corp 42/491/Tdk Costruction Company Ft. Bend ISD/Divisionone Construction LP Methodist Hospital/South Coast Const. Services Inc Nalco Texas Leasing, LLC/Miner-Dederick Construction LL Gowda & Gowda LLC/K & P Construction HAAG Engineering Co/Sundance Construction Co (GC) Town Center Lakeside, LTD/Millis Development & Con (GC) TMH Medical Office Buildings/Spawmaxwell Company, LP GPI-M Sugar Creek, LP/O’Donnel/Snider Construction GPI-M Sugar Creek, LP/O’Donnel/Snider Construction GPI-M Sugar Creek, LP/O’Donnel/Snider Construction HE Sugar Land Building, LP/D E Harvey Builders, Inc. Methodist Hospital/South Coast Cont Services Inc.

Significant Land Transactions Some significant land transactions in Fort Bend during the month of June 2010. Land transactions can be researched on line at http:// ccweb.co.fort-bend.tx.us/search.asp?cabinet=opr. Some entries may be conveying mineral rights.

SELLER

BUYER

Sugarfield Community North Fort Bend Water Authority Association Inc Easter Henry (+) North Fort Bend Water Authority Iloani David Davidson North Fort Bend Water Authority Phillips Reginald W (+) Fort Bend Water Authority Picasso Jackeline North Fort Bend Water Authority

ACRES

SELLER

0.7884 Ac A402

Buhay Carlito (+) Love Linda M (+) Larin Yasmin Scott Rose Kern David M (+)

0.0107 Ac A361 0.0282 Ac A361 0.0282 Ac A361 0.0282 Ac A361

BUYER

North Fort Bend Water Authority North Fort Bend Water Authority North Fort Bend Water Authority North Fort Bend Water Authority North Fort Bend Water Authority Fu-Yu International Foundation Holy Temple North Fort Bend Water Authority

ACRES 0.0282 Ac A361 0.0282 Ac A361 0.0282 Ac A361 0.0282 Ac A361 0.0282 Ac A361 0.1483 Ac A32

August 2010 • Fort Bend Business Journal

49

NEWSWORTHY A call to community business leaders

July Sales Tax Revenue allocated to local governments

Community leaders lending a hand to ACHIEVE Fort Bend County are (l-r) Board President Lucia Street, James D. Rice, President of Rice & Gardner Consultants and FBISD Board of Trustee, Jean Goff, Vice-President of Post Oak Bank, Mike O’Connell with Southwest Water Company, and Stafford Mayor Leonard Scarcella. They are helping promote an upcoming ACHIEVE Fort Bend Mentoring Conference on Wednesday, Sept. 29, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Stafford Centre on Cash Road. The event will bring together various business and civic leaders in the community for the launching of a county-wide mentoring program to serve the youth in Fort Bend County. For more information call 281-340-1991, or visit www.achievefortbendcounty.org.

Pointsmith facility moves to Katy Houston-based Pointsmith, a Point of Purchase (P.O.P.) management services company announced the move of its headquarters to the City of Katy. The new 180,000 square foot facility with future expansion for an additional 60,000 square feet will now be the hub of all operations for the company, including the creative agency, account services, information technologies and systems and customer service call center.

Founded in 1947 as an outdoor billboard printer, today, the company specializes in developing strategic advertising campaigns from start to finish, Pointsmith is able to design, print, package, ship, inventory and fulfill orders, all from its Katy facility. For more information, visit www.pointsmith. com.

Olson holds town hall meeting in Richmond Concerns heard by U.S. Congressman Pete Olson of District 22 from citizens at the recent town hall meeting held in Richmond included the impact of the offshore drilling moratorium, those who work in various aspects of the energy industry, healthcare and the banking

50

industry. Olson said he had met with the Greater Houston Home Builders in July and their number one concern was the moratorium and its impact on people not buying new houses. Olson has held town hall meetings in Sugar Land, Pearland and Clear Lake.

Fort Bend Business Journal • August 2010

In July, the Texas Comptroller’s office announced state sales tax revenue for June amounting to $1.61 billion, a 2.2 percent increase compared to June 2009. In Fort Bend County, revenue payments to local governments from the state show that a total of 5,745,960.51 compared to 5,633,467.59 in June last year, representing almost a two percent increase.

Overall, Texas cities received $297.2 million, up 4.5 percent compared to July 2009. So far this calendar year, city sales tax allocations are still down 2.9 percent compared to the same time period last year. The comptroller’s office said Texas counties could anticipate sales tax payments of $27 million, up 3.9 percent compared to last July. So far this year, however, sales tax allocations to counties are down 6.4 percent compared to this point in 2009. For Fort Bend County’s local governments, 2010 payments to date account for 43,099,617.51 as compared to 45,164,866.91 in 2009, a -4.57percent change.

Although “total sales tax collections have now slightly exceeded year-ago levels for a third consecutive month,” according to Texas Comptroller Susan Combs, she said net collections in the oil and gas and manufacturing sectors expanded, “but collections from the all-important retail sector were down from the year-ago level.” Combs said that while overall economic activity is no longer contracting, a resumption of solid growth in sales tax collections is not yet in evidence.

The state comptroller sent $18.3 million to 170 special purpose taxing districts, up 10.6 percent compared to last July. Ten local transit systems received $100.1 million in sales tax allocations, up 0.5 percent compared to a year ago.

For details of July sales tax payments to local governments in Fort Bend County, see the Monthly Sales Tax Allocation list on page 48.

Submit Newsworthy items to editor_fbbj@fortbendstar.com

Back to School

NOW ENROLLING FOR Infants • Pre-School

Private Kindergarten After-School Programs!

Free Day Fridays Come see why so many kids love our schools. Join us for a free day in any one of our infant– school age classrooms on Friday, August 6th or Friday, August 13th.

Please call and reserve your child’s spot in advance to ensure availability.

This promotion is only valid for new students at participating Fort Bend Kids R Kids locations.

New Territory 8202 Homeward Way (281) 494-5437

Stafford 12475 Sugar Dale Drive (281) 240-1111

Sugar Land** 246 Fluor Daniel Drive (281) 240-5437

Sienna Plantation 4401 Sienna Circle (281) 778-3600

Greatwood/Canyon Gate 1250 Crabb River Road (281) 343-5437

Across from Mo. City YMCA** 2850 Colonial Lakes Drive (281) 261-6442

Twin Oaks - Richmond** 17317 Bellaire Boulevard (281) 491-4090

Cinco Ranch** 21955 Westheimer Parkway (281) 828-2273 Waterside Estates/Pecan Grove 2000 Waterside Estates (832) 451-1111

www.KidsRKidsHouston.com EXTENDED HOURS FROM 6:00AM – 6:30PM* With Bus Drop Off and Pick Up at Local Schools *Hours may vary at some schools. Call for details. ** Kindergarten program offered at select schools.

August 2010 • Fort Bend Business Journal

51

NEWSWORTHY Oakbend Medical Center opens new doors

OakBend Medical Center: From left: Brian Ellis, Houston Community Bank; Terry Crockett, Houston Community Bank; Tom Wilson, Reading Road Storage; Gail Parker Chamber President/CEO; Marvin Marcell, Fort Bend Toyota; Heidi McCaulley, Liberty Mutual; Bill Dostal, Dostal’s Designs in Fine Jewelry; Evalyn Moore; Mayor Hilmar Moore, City of Richmond; Lou Jackson; Shirley Jackson, La Casona Mexican Restaurant; Ron McCann, Chairman, OakBend Board of Directors; Joe Freudenberger, CEO OakBend Medical Center; Cheryl Stalinsky, City of Fulshear; Jeff Council, Fort Bend County Treasurer; Lisa Matthews, ServPro, and Cindy Reaves, OakBend.

Fort Bend Libraries’ computers down for scheduled maintenance Fort Bend County Libraries’ computers and telephones will be down on August 1 because of upgrades to the library system’s computer network. Patrons will not be able to use the libraries’ computers, WiFi, catalog, databases, printing services, self-check, or the Internet, nor will they be able to access their library account. Services are scheduled to resume on Monday, August 2.

On August 3 and 4, Fort Bend County Libraries’ library catalog (including patrons’ library accounts) and Overdrive service will not be available. Computer services will be available to the public, but printing services may be intermittent. All regular computernetwork services will resume on Thursday, August 5.

For any questions, call the library’s Public Information Office at 281-341-2677.

52

Fort Bend wheels - the convenience of rides While the Houston-Galveston Area Council looks ahead to provide future transportation needs, Tennille Jones of Fort Bend County Public Transportation Services, offers this help: DEMAND RESPONSES services is a shared ride service. For anyone living in Fort Bend County and/or is a visitor. The fare for a one-way trip is $1.00 per person.

The service is curb-to -curb and door-todoor for persons with disabilities.

Clients must call and make reservations for each trip. A client is able to make his reservation as early as 30 days in advance, up to 24 hours in advance. A trip is scheduled based upon availability, Monday through Friday, first drop off at 8 a.m. and last pick up at 5 p.m. (excluding holidays).

NEW FREEDOM service began February 2009 for Fort Bend persons with disabilities. Service runs Monday through Friday, first drop off at 8 a.m. and last pick up at 5 p.m. Registration is required to verify the disability requirement for the New Freedom grant. Registration forms are available on line at www.co.fort-bend. tx.us, and, if requested, can be mailed to

you. Once registered, clients must call for reservation for each trip, and a trip is based on availability. Riders in need of assistance may be accompanied by one attendant at no charge. Later this year, Fort Bend county officials intend to provide ambassadors on the vans to assist passengers who cannot travel independently.

FORT BEND COUNTY EXPRESS commuter service to the Texas Medical Center started last June 1. Currently , there are three park and ride locations: The Fairgrounds on Highway 36, University of Houston-Sugar land, and AMC Theaters in First Colony Mall.

The service is Monday through Friday (excluding holidays), morning, midday and evening routes. No need for reservations. Route and schedule is posted on the website.

TREK is a commuter service to the Galleria and Greenway Plaza area. Again, the same three park and ride locations.

Same days and hours as Fort Bend County Express.

For additional information contact Tennille Jones at 281-633-RIDE or at jonesten@co.fort-bend.tx.us.

Founders Plaza in Sugar Land gains three new tenants Colliers International, has announced that Founders Plaza, 4690 Sweetwater Boulevard, is gaining three new office tenants. Old Republic Title, Spartan Wealth Management and Bancroft Plastic Surgery will be open for business at the intersection of Sweetwater Boulevard and Lexington Boulevard in Sugar Land.

Old Republic Title relocated its Sugar Land office to Suite 290 and celebrated their grand opening on June 1, Old Republic Title’s fourth Houston-area location now utilizes 3,664 square feet on the second level. Mohr Partners Inc. represented Old Republic Title in the transaction.

Spartan Wealth Management’s new firm

Fort Bend Business Journal • August 2010

will be located in Suite 280 and is scheduled to open for business in September 2010, occupying 1,563 square feet of office space, Greg Bancroft is opening Bancroft Plastic Surgery in the remaining first floor space, Suite 140. The 2,627 sq. ft. surgery center is set to open on September 1. Bill Brownfield of Brownfield & Associates represented Bancroft Plastic Surgery in the transaction.

Kolbe Curtice, managing director of Colliers International – Fort Bend, represented the owner in all three transactions.

Currently, lease space between 1,500 and 8,000 sq. ft. is available at Founders Plaza.

Submit Newsworthy items to editor_fbbj@fortbendstar.com

Chesmar Homes, the reserve at Brazos Town Center

Join Riverbend and get in on the Excitement!

The Only Members Owned Club in Sugar Land.

Membership Benefits

Front row, from left: Justin Vickrey, First Community Bank; Alicia Davis, Central Fort Bend Chamber Alliance; Gail Parker, President/ CEO, CFBCA; Mayor Joe Gurecky; Scott Merovich, Chesmar Homes; Rhonda Salveski, Chesmar Homes; Don Klein, Chesmar Homes; Larry Coomer, Chesmar Homes, and Ron Ewer, Legacy Ford Lincoln Mercury.

Identity Homes chamber ribbon cutting

A Championship Golf Course Expanded Luxurious Men’s Locker Room 4 Outdoor Lighted Tennis Courts Olympic Size Swimming Pool New Fitness Facility Social Activities Private and Casual Dining

Riverbend Country Club is a traditional, private, full service Members Owned Country Club located in the heart of Sugar Land, just 25 minutes south of downtown Houston, Texas

For information about membership, please contact Tricia Hawks at 281.269.2526 or Triciarbcc@gmail.com

www.riverbendcountryclub.org

Register now to be a Identity Homes (At Kingdom Heights, Richmond): From left: Linda Richard, Prudential; George Boyum, American PromoPrint; Rocky Lane, Lane Real Estate; John Campbell, Identity Homes; Chance Brown Identity Homes; Charlie Braun, bizINTOUCH; Scott Lease, Identity Homes; Josh Faulkner, TruGreen; Kevin Patton, State Farm; Mike McCroskey, First General Services of Fort Bend; Gilbert Limones, First Victoria Bank Richmond, and Alicia Davis, Central Fort Bend Chamber Alliance.

Indermuehle & Co. sells 5750 Homeward Way in Sugar Land Indermuehle & Co. closed on the sale of a 3,000-square-foot office building on 1.38 acres at 5750 Homeward Way in Sugar Land in July. Tawnya Dornak with Indermuehle & Co. represented the Seller, BKC Ventures, L.P. and Loloy Reyes with Realty Executives represented the Buyer, ACP Health Care Resources, Inc.

and win a

1,000

$

SCHOLARSHIP! Find complete details and forms at

www.fortbendstar.com/scholarshipstar.doc

August 2010 • Fort Bend Business Journal

53

To Be Listed Call

SERVICE DIRECTORY

281-690-4201

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

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

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

Attorney At Law Law Office of Melissa G. Martin, P.C. 281-343-8914 www.mgmartinlaw.com Melissa G. Martin, P.C. , 19901 Southwest Freeway, Sugar Land, Texas 77479. A general practice law firm in Sugar Land. Handles all legal matters including, but not limited to, business and commercial law, family law, insurance, and personal injury. Will give you the individualized attention you need. Call for a free consultation 281 343 8914.

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

AAA approved auto repair.

First Tire & Automotive 281-313-2886 www.firsttireandauto.com Craig Popp, owner, 3 Sugar Land Locations.

960 Eldridge, 281-313-2886 & 2303 Williams Trace Blvd. 281-980-2666 (First Colony), 20015 Southwest Freeway. 281-343-5666 (Greatwood), Diagnostic testing and evaluation, Manufacturer’s routine recommended maintenance, domestic and foreign vehicle repairs, AAA approved, ASE certified.

Ask about our Fleet Service!

Banks Founders Bank 281-325-5000 www.foundersbanktx.com Email: customerservice@foundersbanktx.com.

Fax: 281-325-5050. Fort Bend County only.

Locally owned and managed bank. 4690 Sweetwater Blvd., Sugar Land 77479 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!

Sterling Bank - Fort Bend 281-277-0100 12840 Southwest Freeway, Stafford, TX 77477, Fax: 281-277-0223, Serving owner-operated businesses with local decision makers.

Blinks / Window Coverings Budget Blinds 281-416-8499 www.budgetblinds.com bdimmitt@budgetblinds.com. Bob Dimmitt, 1306 FM 1092, Suite 401, Missouri City, TX 77459, Fax: 832-220-8051, Custom window coverings, personal style consultant, “expert fit” measuring and installation.

Country Clubs

Charlton’s Body Repair 281-499-1126 www.charltonsbodyrepair.com.

Chuck Charlton, 1131 Staffordshire @ 5th St., Stafford, TX 77477, 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!

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.

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

The Houstonian Golf & Country Club 281-494-4245 www.houstoniangolf.com Nicole Scarbrough, Membership Private golf & country club, *Limited membership available.

54

Fort Bend Business Journal • August 2010

Fire Extinguisher Service Gillen Fire Extinguisher Service Commercial/Residential 281-342-6969 www.GillenServices.com Gillen Fire Extinguisher Service provides a full line of fire extinguisher inspections, sales and services, as well as lighted exit sign inspections and service.

Our highly trained staff can even provide fire extinguisher training for your employees. For all of your safety needs, call Gillen Fire Extinguisher.

Financial Products & Services Sugar Creek Financial Group 281-565-2266 www.sugarcreekgroup.com robroy@windstream.net. Robert H. Roy, ChFC, Fax: 281-565-2277, 12946 Dairy Ashford #430, Sugar Land, TX 77478. Life, Health, Pensions, Investments for businesses and individuals.

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

Home Health Care Texas State Healthcare 281-208-4344 www.txstatehealthcare.com What we do: Skilled Nursing - Home Health Aide Physical/Speech/Occupational Therapies - Medical Social Worker assisting with durable medical equipment needs and helping to provide Resources & Services in the Community - Wound Care - Catheter Care - Diabetic Care Lab Services IV Therapy and more... “Hometown Nurses Helping Hometown People”

Insurance Agencies 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. 281-341-5060, Fax 281-341-5558.

12 MONTHS LISTING FOR ONLY $300

B&B Locksmiths • 281-392-5500 www.bandblocksmiths.com. bblocksmiths@consolidated.net. 624 S. Mason Rd., Katy, TX 77450, Fax 281-395-5625. Full service locksmith including safe sales & service: Commercial, Residential, and Automotive.

Magazine Fort Bend 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 teach the vital Fort Bend County business community.

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

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.

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, in house optical with a large selection of frames and contact lenses, medical management of eye infections and diseases.

Pediatric Therapy MedCare Pediatric Group, LP • 713-773-5100 www.medcarepediatrics.com Occupational, Physical, Speech Therapy at home or at Rehab Center located at 12371 S. Kirkwood, Stafford, TX 77477. We also provide in home nursing services.

All services available in Houston and surrounding counties.)

Pet Control - Commercial / Residential Gillen Pest Control 281-342-969 - Fort Bend 979-532-5701 - Wharton www.GillenPestControl.com Family owned and operated in Fort Bend and Wharton Counties since 1963, Gillen Pest Control’s highly trained professionals know where bugs hide, what their eating and breeding habits are, and how to get rid of them. They try to avoid the use of chemicals inside by working with you to create a barrier on the outside of your home or business, thus keeping those unwanted pests at bay. From the first time we visit your home or business, you will recognize we are no ordinary pest control company!

Pharmacies

Staffing / Recruiting / Job Seeking

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.IMUnizationclinic.org imusouthwest@windstream.net. 3727 Greenbriar Dr. Suite 403, Stafford, TX 77477- Vaccines for children and adults for school, fertility, work, immigration, or travel needs. Daytime, Evening, and Saturday hours and no wait appointments available. Vaccine titers and Drug Testing for individuals or corporations. Certified Drug Testing Center & CDC Designated Yellow Fever Provider. We perform oral HIV testing also. Mobile on-site clinics available for churches and corporations.

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

Real Estate / Residential Colliers International, formerly Curtice Commercial Real Estate - 281-494-4769 kcurtice@curticecommercial.com. Kolbe M. Curtice, CCIM, CLS, 15999 City Walk Suite 250, Sugar Land Square located at U.S. Highway 59 and State Highway 6, Fax: 281-494-3227, Brokerage, Development, Investment & Tenant Representation, 25 yrs exp. in Fort Bend.

Riverstone Development Co. - 281-499-8700 www.riverstone.com tom@riverstone.com. Tom Wilcox, 4855 Riverstone Blvd, Missouri City, Texas 77459, Fax: 281-499-8704, Luxury 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.

Janet Williams, Realtor – 832.724.4894 Realm Real Estate Professional www.har.com/jlwilliams janetw4co@yahoo.com 14090 Southwest Frwy, Ste 102. Sugar Land, TX 77478, It’s a great time to buy a HUD foreclosure with FHA financing because you just pay $100 down payment + closing cost.

Call for details. Providing services for buyers, sellers, renters. Also specialize in short sales for residential and commercial.

Technical ProSource Meeting Your IT Staffing Needs 713-272-8800 www.TechnicalProSource.com Serving Fort Bend companies since 1989 by providing all levels of IT personnel, contract, contract-direct hire and direct-hire. We are the IT experts! To save our clients time we offer Video Resumes that allows the clients to move faster through the interview process. Members of Texas Association of Personnel Consultants. Voted Most Dependable Staffing Firm in Texas as noted in Texas Monthly, Voted Best of Staffing as recognized by CareerBuilder. We look forward to helping with your staffing needs.

Video Services Star Video Digital Production Services, 281-690-4280 Full-service video taping, editing and special effects for your business. Professional writing to finished commercials, training DVD’s, and corporate videos.

Help people find your business here!

To Advertise Call 281-690-4201 List your business in the Fort Bend/Katy Business Journal’s SERVICE DIRECTORY for only $300 for the whole year.

August 2010 • Fort Bend Business Journal

55

SERVICE DIRECTORY

Locksmith

Clearing the air… it’s a problem

By Wayne Chandler

Y

ou need to take a deep breath before you try to sift through all of the efforts to clear the air in Fort Bend county and the Greater Houston area.

It’s times like these that most residents can be thankful that Fort Bend isn’t in a heavily industrialized area. The county is subject to breezes which cast effluents from oil and chemical companies from the east and south.

But the air – and certainly the economic climate – is due to reach a lot of Fort Bend residents in the near future.

With all of the recent dramatic and forceful moves by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to cleanse the air we breathe, only the W.A. Parish power plant in the fairly remote and rural Thompsons area of southwest Fort Bend, has been touched by these federal actions, and only minimally at that.

The Parish plant, formerly the huge coal and natural gas-burning power plant of Houston Lighting and Power, now is owned and operated by NRG Energy. And, the July 6 1,300-page EPA edict which will affect power plants in 31 U.S. states , only mandates requirements which the Parish plant already meets.

Upon receiving the stern EPA announcement, David B. Knox of NRG, said: “The proposed EPA Rule mandates additional power plant emissions beyond what is currently required. While this will cause additional emission controls to be installed at plants across the nation, at Parish, we have already made that investment and have one of the lowest Nitrogen Oxide (NOx) emission rates of any coal plant in America. These reductions contribute to cleaner air for the residents of Fort Bend county.”

The real blockbuster EPA announcement which will have more effect on Fort Bend, came last June 30 when it invalidated air

EPAs Dr. Almendariz makes his case

T

he Environmental Protection Agency’s Regional Administrator Alfredo “Al” Almendariz said he didn’t invalidate the 122 Texas refinery and chemical plants which have operated under the TCEQ’s flexible air permits program. He disapproved of the TCEQ 15-year program which the EPA never approved.

“I’m an engineer, not a lawyer, but these flexible permits were wrong,” Almendariz said.

The June 30 EPA action was made “in the best interests” of everyone involved, Almendariz said. It’s a legal move to implement a final decision which would be consistent with the Federal Clean Air Act, he said.

“This action really is going to have every facility to live under standard permits,” the administrator said, “ and this will give each facility the chance to improve its operation.”

How long will these facilities have to meet EPA standards? “There’s not a strict deadline, “ he said, but every facility has been offered the opportunity to work under a “voluntary audit,” through the TCEQ. All of these changes won’t take place “overnight. It may take a year or more.”

Almendariz said that the EPA and the

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TCEQ have done “a lot of very good work together” through the years and “we’re not taking anything away from the TCEQ.” Almendariz confirmed that the state handles all comAlfredo Almendariz plaints about emissions causing children’s asthma, allergies and upper respiratory problems, rather than local health authorities.

Are there to be other plants to be cited for violations? The administrator declined to answer, but said that it’s the EPA’s goal to continue to have all plants throughout the state to reduce emissions.

Almendariz said that he was glad to hear that there are no Fort Bend County plants in violation of current EPA programs.

For all facilities Almendariz said that “there has been the potential to hide behind the rules…we had to draw the line.”

Almendariz was appointed the EPA regional administrator in November 2009, and is based in Austin, from where he monitors EPA regulations for Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas and 66 tribal nations. He wouldn’t compare Texas’ compliance with any of the other regional entities.

Fort Bend Business Journal • August 2010

Prior to his appointment, for eight years he was professor in the Department of Environmental and Civil Engineering at Southern Methodist University in Dallas. For the past 15 years Dr. Almendariz has worked in a variety of research and academic positions including a short time in 2002 for this same regional office.

Before joining SMU he was a chemical engineer with Radian Corporation in North Carolina. During and after college he worked as a research assistant at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s Center for Global Change Science at the Atmospheric Chemistry Laboratory.

Dr. Almendariz received his doctorate in Environmental Engineering from University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill’s School of Public Health. He holds an M.E. in Environmental Engineering from University of Florida.

He’s a third generation Texan, descended from Mexican and Mexican-American grandparents who settled in El Paso. His home now is in Dallas with his wife, Cynthia, a public school teacher in the Irving Independent School District, and their two sons, Ferris and Simon.

NRG Energy Plant near Thompsons meets environmental requirements.

quality permits of 122 plants across Texas, 19 of which are in Harris county and seven more in Galveston county. Still, there are no such industrial plants in Fort Bend. But the moves to improve our air may have serious economic effects for Fort Bend, too, possibly causing plant shutdowns and unemployment for many county residents.

All 1,300 energy plants in the state have been governed by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality since the 1990s, and all 122 of the plants which lost their permits have worked under “flexible air quality permits.” The Texas flexible permit system was installed in 1995 to allow facilities greater latitude in controlling air emissions. One part of a facility could pollute more than another so long as the overall plant emissions didn’t violate federal air standards.

Environmentalists and some Harris county municipalities have complained about this policy for years.

The EPA said that TCEQ still will be the point agency handling the new permits under the Clean Air Act. What exact new standards that these facilities will have to meet is expected to come in the weeks ahead in more meetings between the EPA and TCEQ. Meetings in the past several months between TCEQ and the new Regional Administrator Al Armendariz in Austin, have been tense, and the July 1 invalidation

announcement has set off another firestorm of comments from both environmentalists and oil and chemical representatives, which ignited political salvos, too. It continues to be a hot topic between Governor Rick Perry and his Democrat gubernatorial challenger, Bill White, who, as mayor of the City of Houston, often sided with the Sierra Club, Environment Texas, Air Alliance Houston, and other emissions critics of the state’s handling of pollution control.

Virtually all major oil companies who operate much needed refineries in the Greater Houston area have been targets of legal actions by the Sierra Club and Environment Texas, with more to come. Shell recently was forced into a $5.8 million settlement over violations of the Clean Air Act, and Chevron Phillips has been filed upon. Exxon Mobil Corp, owner of the largest U.S. oil refinery , may also face legal action soon as environmentalists claim Exxon has released tons of illegal pollution into the Harris county air in the last five years.

Neil Carman, a Sierra Club chemist who is spearheading these lawsuits, said, “The TCEQ is not enforcing the Clean Air Act in Texas, and these cases are clear evidence of the agency’s failure in carrying out its mission in protecting public health in Texas.” The Shell suit was settled last April, and the suit against Chevron Phillips Cedar Bayou plant

in Baytown, is ongoing. Exxon hasn’t commented on its pending lawsuit.

Regarding TCEQ’s flexible air quality permits, petrochemical spokespersons have been quick to point out that these permits were issued during the Clinton and Bush administrations without objection from the EPA. Patricia Braddock, a Fulbright & Jaworski lawyer for the refineries, said that this new EPA move means that the companies may have to upgrade “control technology that the Obama administration wants,” costing millions of dollars for each company.

Gov. Rick Perry blasted: “The EPA’s irresponsible and heavyhanded action not only undermines Texas’ successful clean air programs, but threatens thousands of Texas jobs, families, businesses and communities throughout our state.”

White said the state lost control of the permitting process through Perry’s mismanagement and promised to bring the process back into Texas government.

State Rep. Charlie Howard, Sugar Land Republican, and a member of the Texas Conservative Coalition, said, “The EPA’s unilateral and unwarranted takeover of air quality permits in Texas further proves that the federal government has a clear disregard for the authority of the Texas Legislature and for the principle of federalism. Washington is seeking to command and control all sectors of economic activity. This action must not stand.”

Jen Powis, , a Sierra Club lawyer, said, “At greatest risk are children and elderly residents.

The EPA’s intervention was a good first step, but it can and should go much further to enforce the Clean Air Act and really protect our health.”

The EPA says the Texas system masks pollution and makes it impossible to regulate emissions and protect public health.

Mark Vickery, TCEQ’s executive director, said that he was proud of the state’s “tremendous strides…in cleaning up the air in Texas.”

He said that the commission is working on new rules packages to address the EPA’s concerns.

“I’m eager to get back to the drawing board and have constructive law and sciencebased discussions with the EPA,” Vickery said.

“I’m hopeful that cooler heads will prevail.”

August 2010 • Fort Bend Business Journal

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Public Transportation woes: Where do we go from here?

By Wayne Chandler

T

he need for public transportation usually far outspeeds the service.

The Houston –Galveston Area Council is hoping that this won’t be the case in the Fort Bend/Katy area.

“I grew up in West Los Angeles area,” said Ann Hodge, president and CEO of the Katy Area Chamber of Commerce, “and we always had good bus service. I hope that this can happen here.”

Hodge was one of a couple dozen Katyarea residents expressing need to service rural areas, seniors and some of the workforce, particularly up and down I-10 and to new Katy medical facilities.

The Katy meeting was one of four locations where the H-GAC took notes last month on what residents think will be the big transportation needs in the next few years.

Shaida Dezfuli, H-GAC senior transportation planner, said that the Fort BendWaller-West Harris region, with its population explosion, probably will face acute transportation needs sooner than others in the eight-county area.

Cinco Ranch, Katy Mills, the Medical

A

Center, the Energy Corridor and downtown Houston all should be targets of high capacity transit, Dezfuli said.

“We also heard that they wanted service to the Westpark Tollway,” Dezfuli said,” and that a transit center in the Katy area would be beneficial.”

“Our scenario development (from this input) will be taking place this fall, and the Transportation Policy Council (TPC) approval will be sought in November or December,” she said.

Dezfuli was assisted in the regional meetings by Scott Miller and Michael Hochschild, senior project managers with HDR , a Houston engineering and consulting firm.

Fort Bend County Subsidence District

t their regular Board meeting on June 23rd, the Board of Directors of the Fort Bend Subsidence District approved three Groundwater Reduction Plans (GRPs) for permittees within the County: Frito Lay, Riverstone HOA, and Brazos Rivers Edge Community Association. Permittees within Regulatory Area A of the Subsidence District (central, northern and eastern FB County) are required to reduce their reliance on groundwater, beginning in just a few years. GRPs are designed to define how a permittee plans to meet the Subsidence District’s reduction requirements. These three GRPs, along with the Texas Instruments GRP already certified, are unique in the fact that they do not rely on the more traditional approach of conversion to a surface water source.

These GRPs utilize combinations of water

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Katy residents voice their transportation concerns at recent H-GAC meeting.

Miller explained that H-GAC is developing different scenarios to be in place before 2040 to meet the region’s transit needs.

The Houston-Galveston region is the sixth largest metropolitan area with a population of more than 5 million people. Driven by a robust economy the region’s projected growth is expected to reach 8.8. million people and 4 million jobs by 2035. It encompasses 7,705 square miles of urban, suburban and rural landscapes.

The H-GAC crew came with charts comparing transit systems including Dallas, Atlanta and Denver.

Dezfuli noted, “Compared to these three peer regions on a per capita basis, only the Dallas area provides fewer miles of service than Houston-Galveston, with Denver and Atlanta having the best…Houston-Galveston has invested significantly more in constructing and operating bus lines, than Atlanta, Denver and Dallas. There are 281 miles of dedicated bus lines in Houston-Galveston, whereas there are only 257 miles in the other three peer regions combined.”

Residents wishing more information about the regional transit framework study may visit www.h-gac.com/taq/transit.planning.

conservation, reuse of wastewater, and capturing rainwater. By solving their groundwater reduction requirements and by utilizing internal solutions and water reuse, they will not have to rely on an outside provider of surface water, such as the Brazos River. Other larger permittees are dependent on the Brazos River for their solutions through their certified GRPs. The largest project, Riverstone, will convert essentially 100% of their water demand for maintaining lake levels in the Riverstone subdivision to treated effluent reuse from the City of Sugar Land. Ultimately they will reuse a billion gallons of water each year. Frito Lay, like Texas Instruments will combine internal facility water reuse with newly implemented water conservation measures. Frito Lay is planning to install water conserving equipment and change procedures to save 50

Fort Bend Business Journal • August 2010

million gallons each year. Brazos Rivers Edge is capturing rainfall and storing it in a small onsite reservoir, to be used to refill their main lakes when their levels run low.

In all of these GRPs the solutions were unique and the Subsidence District applauds the permittees for their solutions in reducing their reliance on groundwater. By solving their conversion requirements with these methods, they have not put additional pressure on the increasingly taxed Brazos River. By the end of the summer, the District expects to have certified GRPs from all major water providers and should begin to see the implementation of those GRPs. For more information regarding the Fort Bend Subsidence District and our progress to date, please see our website www.fbsubsidence.org or contact our office at 281-3423273.

Surface water treatment plant groundbreaking a milestone for Missouri City

T

he July 15 groundbreaking ceremony for Missouri City’s new $27 million water treatment plant along the Brazos River marks a milestone for reducing groundwater usage and for teamwork on a city project.

The Groundwater Reduction Plan brings together 40 separate entities that have consolidated 57 well permits under a single permit.

The plant is being built to meet regulations set by the Fort Bend Subsidence District, which mandates that the groundwater withdrawals must be no more than 70 percent of total water demand by the year 2013. By January of 2025, withdrawals must be reduced to no more than 40 percent of water demand.

The plant is part of a $53 million surface water treatment project to assure future water needs for the community. “Water drives development, it drives the future of the City, so that $53 million investment in the development of the site and the plant itself is probably the most expensive thing we’ve ever done and it’s probably the most important thing we’ve ever done,” said Mayor Allen Owen.

“The plant will have an initial capacity of 10 million gallons a day when it goes into operation in the winter of 2011,” said Scott Hibbs, of Enprotec/Hibbs and Todd Engineers of Abilene. “It will expand in two phases to 21 million gallons in 2017 and later to 33 million gallons in 2027 as the population continues to increase.”

The surface water treatment plant, which will feature two reservoirs, also demonstrates a successful collaboration among the city, municipal utility districts and homeowners’ associations, who worked together toward achieving a cost-effective solution to reducing groundwater use for all. It is funded through user fees.

“The concept of having a city and municipal utility districts band together as a group to reduce groundwater will result in the cheapest water in Fort Bend County,” said Carl Bowles, who represents the Sienna Municipal

Photo courtesy of Missouri City

Officially kicking off construction of the Missouri City Surface Water Treatment Plant are from left: Mark Ludlow of Pepper Lawson; Morris Mitchell, of the Quail Valley Utility District; Councilmembers Brett Kolaja and Danny Nguyen; Mayor Allen Owen; Carl Bowles, of the Sienna MUDs; City Manager Frank Simpson; Public Works Director Scott Elmer; James Pirtle of the Quail Valley Utility District; Scott Hibbs, of Enprotec/Hibbs and Todd Engineers and Angelo Verdino, of the Quail Valley Utility District.

Utility Districts on the plan.

“The key is all the municipal utility districts working together on a plan that will be good for all involved.”

The state-of-the-art treatment plant, which has the capacity to store 100 million gallons of water, will process the liquid by: • Taking the surface water from the Brazos River; • Removing the dirt with high-tech membrane filters; • Treating and disinfecting the water • And, finally, sending the treated surface water to the various utility districts Project engineers say the quality of the refined water should exceed the quality of the groundwater that residents currently drink.

Please watch the City website: www.missouricitytx.gov and Council agendas for updates.

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August 2010 • Fort Bend Business Journal

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Fort Bend Business Journal • August 2010

AURA Restaurant Chef/Owner Frédéric Perrier brings over 30 years experience to his newest venture - AURA. In an upscale yet casually comfortable setting, Innovative American Cuisine reigns and is highlighted in the numerous Daily Specials. AURA features only the finest, freshest ingredients. From Lunch Salads & Sandwiches to Dinner with Crabcakes and Filet Au Poivre to Diver Sea Scallops with Boneless Braised Short Rib ‘Surf & Turf’ appetizers and Farm Raised Chilean Sea Bass. No need to go to Houston or into Sugar Land for truly high quality dining experience...you will easily find it at AURA (without ‘Big Restaurant’ prices!) at Township Square - Missouri City. Lunch Mon-Sat 11-2. Dinner Mon-Thurs 5-9 and Fri-Sat 5-10. Please call for Reservations &/or Catering ~ 3400 FM 1092, 81-403-AURA (2872). $$ • WB

FOOD DRINK ENTERTAINMENT GUIDE FOOD REVIEW: PETE & SHORTY’S Pete & Shorty’s Pete & Shorty’s, a restaurant that recently opened in the Sugar Land area, may remind you of just such a place has a full bar with special pricing on drinks all day, every day. Test the “cold beer” boast for yourself, with a Frozen Schooner of 20 ounces of your favorite brand for just $2.75, it offers is not trendy or transitory, but rather, venerable and traditional: good food at reasonable prices, served by friendly, decent people. It may not be rocket science, but Pete & Shorty shows us that creating a place where people really want to be is a science all in itself.

Pete & Shorty’s- 16549 Southwest Freeway • Sugar Land, TX 77479 Parking - parking lot What to Wear - business to casual Reservations - available but not required Seating - full bar as well as restaurant Price - $$ WHERE TO EAT NOW The following is a list of exceptional restaurants throughout in Fort Bend County & Katy Area. Prices reflect the average cost of a three-course dinner for one person, excluding drinks, tax and tip. $$$$=Very Expensive ($60 & Up) $$$=Expensive ($40-$60) $$=Moderate ($20-$40) $=Inexpensive (Under $20) FB=Full Bar WB=Serves Wine & Beer

Candelari’s Pizzeria Albert Candelari began making sausage over 50 years ago. As the years have passed the flavor remains the same, which is why Candelari’s is the “King of Sausages”! They take that delicious Italian sausage and put it in pizzas, pastas, and sandwiches. Enjoy appetizers, salads, pastas, sandwiches, pizzas and desserts in there dining room, large patio, or full bar with large screen TV’s.

Happy hour is Monday - Thursday 3 to 7pm. This casual dining experience is available at two locations in Fort Bend. Call either location for take-out or delivery. 7425 Hwy 6 S (Just North of Sienna) 832-947-0440 / 6825 S Fry Rd (Fry & 99) 281-395-6746. www.candelaris.com. $ • FB Charlie’s Restaurants and Catering, Poboys and Grill Two locations in Fort Bend. Cajun home cooked food. The “special” plate is a favorite with a choice of one meat, two sides and a roll. The meat choices range from brisket, sausage, and meat loaf, to baked chicken, turkey/dressing, ham, salisbury steak and spaghetti/meatballs. Home made desserts are a favorite feature. Catering is available for large to small functions, banquets, corporate or organization luncheons/dinners. 4719 Lexington @ Dulles, 281499-0808 and 1250 Texas Parkway, 281-499-2233. $ Chef for You Offers take out dinners prepared from scratch by professional chefs. Online ordering; Customized Catering Menus Available; Corporate Catering for Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner. Homemade Cakes, Cookies, and Brownies; Soups and Salads. New menus offered each week at www.chef4u.net • 9920 Highway 90-A, Suite B-260, Sugar Land • 281-313-CHEF (2433). $ Fernando’s Latin Cuisine We are pleased to announce the arrival of Fernando’s Latin Cuisine-An exotic culinary adventure! Started by, Fernando Echeverria, the same owner of Los Andes by the Compact Center in Houston-Another wonderful Latin American restaurant. Fernando’s Latin Cuisine is located in the same building where Ruth’s Chris used to be. Featured dishes include Empanadas appetizer, Fileton, (Filet mignon) and Asada Y Camarones, Casually called the surf and turf. 14135 Southwest Freeway, in Sugar Land. 281-494-9087. wwww.fernandosrestaurants.com. $$ • FB Hickory Barn BAR-B-Q The Kiddy Brothers came to Houston with great BBQ on their minds.

The first BBQ restaurant opened in 1953. Since then the family owned and operated business has been serving up great BBQ. Although times have changed, our idea of great BBQ hasn’t. Come by and see us. Catering available. • 11534 Wilcrest @ W. Belfort. 281-530-9382. $ continues...

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Incredible Pizza Company All-You-Can-Eat Buffet is Made Fresh, From Scratch, Every Day. Enjoy 30 varieties of Pizza, 3 Styles of Pizza Crust, Meatballs & Spaghetti, Piping Hot Baked Potatoes with All the Toppings, Soups, Fresh Pasta with a Choice of Sauces, a Salad Bar Featuring Over 80 Items Including 9 Different Homemade Salad Dressings, and Desserts. Pies, Cobblers, Bread Pudding, Cinnamon Rolls, Ice Cream, Cookies & Much More for only $6.99 per person. Corporate Events, Team Building, Lock-ins, Birthday Parties, and Every Day Fun! In addition to the Incredible Food, the 20,000 Square Feet of Play Space is a Blast for Kids and Kids at Heart. www.ipcsugarland.com Open Sunday-Thursday 11am-9pm, Friday & Saturday 11am-10pm, 3412 Highway 6 South @ Williams Trace, 281-313-0631. $ J & L Café Homestyle Cookin’ like Grandma used to make! Joy Smith and Paul Jordan are back, and they’re cooking up a delightful assortment of homemade dishes to satisfy the heartiest of appetites.

Since they opened their new restaurant, they’ve been serving up family recipes handed down for 3 generations. Stop by J & L Café and enjoy Chicken and Dumplings, Smothered Oxtails, Meatloaf, Ribs, Fried Catfish, Roast Beef, Mashed Potatoes, Okra, and Cornbread Dressing, to name just a few menu items and daily specials. The assortment of Desserts includes Peach Cobbler, Cheesecake and Banana Pudding, all guaranteed to make your taste buds smile!

Joy Smith, co-proprietor, worked as Personal Chef to Former Houston Juneor Lee Brown for many years. Whole Cornish Hens are available on Sundays. Breakfast served Tuesday-Saturday 6-9am, Open for Lunch and Dinner Tuesday-Sunday, Closed Mondays. 1110 FM 2234 on the border of Stafford & Missouri City. 281-499-9895. $ Karl’s At The Riverbend Romantic Dining in the Country, across the creek from a horse farm. Swiss Chef Karl Camenzind’s menu features Angus steaks, Prime Rib, Wienerschnitzel, Trout Almondine and other fresh fish, Rack of Lamb, Steak and other wild game, Atkins specials, a budget weeknight menu offered along with the regular menu, plus a wonderful Sunday Brunch Buffet. Company Luncheons and Rehearsal Dinners invited. Open Tues-Sat for Dinner and Sunday Brunch 5011 FM 723 Richmond 281-238-9300 www.karlsrb.com Read our reviews at www.b4-u-eat.com. $$ • FB 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 Lupitas Mexican Restaurant Jaime and Lupe Garcia have lived in Fort Bend for 36 years. Twenty-three of those years have been spent in the restaurant business. If you want authentic Mexican food made from only the freshest ingredients and at a reasonable price, go to Lupitas Mexican Restaurant formerly Pico De Gallo Mexican Restaurant. The Garcias continually concentrate on customer satisfaction. That includes the quality and freshness of their food as well as the family atmosphere of their restaurant. Dine-In, Take-out, and Catering available. 3121 Highway 6, Sugar Land • Call 281-265-6556. $ • WB Mangola’s Fine Italian Restaurant Serving fine Italian food to Southwest Houston and Fort Bend Country for more than 20 years. Conveniently located at 11786 S. Wilcrest @ Highway 59 S. Open for Lunch and Dinner 7 Days a week. Check out our website www. mangolasrestaurant.com. Call 281-498-6790 for reservations or to schedule your special event.

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Fort Bend Business Journal • August 2010

Mantra Fine Indian Cuisine Discover India with exotic spices and aromatic flavors that will awaken your taste buds and lift you off your feet, we will make you feel like royalty. Mantra Fine Indian Cuisine offers Lunch Buffet and To-Go lunch options, that’s in your budget and leave you to come back for more. Mantra caters to all from spicy hot to mild flavors. We prepare our meals fresh and offer a wide selection of healthy choices.

We have full menu and full bar and you can enjoy the evening out on our patio with your family or friends. Mantra also offers special catering promotions for parties and formal functions or any event any size, host in our restaurant or choosing of your choice. Hours of Operation: Monday through Thursday, Friday to Sunday, Lunch: 11a.m. to 2:30p.m. Lunch: 11a.m. to 2:30p.m. Dinner: 5:30pm to 10p.m. Dinner: 5:30pm to 11p.m.Come visit us at 15295 Southwest Freeway off of Williams Trace exit. For more information, contact us at 281-325-0071 or visit www.mantraofsugarland.com. $$ • FB Old Hickory Inn Barbecue More than 40 years in business in the Houston and Fort Bend area, Old Hickory Inn Barbecue is famous for their Old Fashion Hickory Smoked Barbecue and numerous Homemade Side Dishes, made fresh daily. They are available to cater your next event, for up to 3000 guests. In addition to great Barbecue, they make an awesome Gyro (Greek wrap featuring beef & lamb), and feature fruit cobbler, cream pies, rice pudding and cheesecake for dessert A casual dining experience in 3 convenient locations, with a drive-through window at the Highway 6 location.

Open 7 days a week, Sunday-Thursday from 11am-9pm, and Friday & Saturday 11am-9:30pm. 3334 F.M. 1092 @ Hwy 6 Missouri City 281-499-8904 / 8000 Hwy 6 @ Beechnut 281-983-5020 / 5427 S. Braeswood @ Chimney Rock 713-7238908. $ • WB Outback Steakhouse Inspired by Australia’s spirit of adventure, Outback Steakhouse has been an innovator in the culinary world by creating big, bold flavors using only the freshest ingredients. Voted #1 Best Steak in the 2009 Zagat Survey of National Full-Service Restaurant chains, Outback’s mission is to provide high quality fresh dishes at affordable prices. Explore Outback’s new menu with 15 meals under $15 including new choices, classic favorites and down under prices starting at $9.95. Our favorites include the Bloomin’ Onion®, Outback Special Sirloin with Grilled Shrimp on the Barbie, Honey Dijon Chicken with Sweet Potato Fries and much more! The local Proprietor is Anthony Antonidis. Open Mon.- Thur. 4-10 pm, Fri. 4-11 pm, Sat. 3-11 pm, Sun 11 am-9:30 pm. Located at 15253 Southwest Freeway, (Off Highway 59 and Williams Trace Exit) in Sugar Land, Texas. 281-980-4329. $ FB Panda Garden Panda Garden Restaurant, the three times winner for Best Oriental Restaurant in Fort Bend County, located at 3563 Highway 6 in Kroger Center, provides a warm, casual environment to best service all diners. The goal of our restaurant is to offer 100% satisfactory to the customers with variety selection of popular Hunan Cuisine. “We offer fresh, made from scratch meals that is unforgettably delicious!” Manager Kenny adds. The restaurant offers accommodations for small group meetings and wonderful party tray for catering to the near by businesses and schools. Panda Garden is open 7 days a week on Mon. – Sat.: 11a.m. – 10 p.m. and Sun. 11a.m. – 9:30p.m. Delivery is available everyday with a min. of $15.00 purchase. A lunch special is offered daily as well as the full regular menu offerings.

3563 Hwy 6 @ Williams Trace, 281-265-0303. $ • WB Pappa La Rosa Flying Pizza and Restaurant Pappa La Rosa Flying Pizza and Restaurant is a warm and inviting family owned and operated restaurant where pizza, pasta and subs are available on the menu, with daily specials. Catering, a private party room and birthday packages are also available. Dine in or take out. Open for lunch and dinner Tuesday – Sunday. • 16227 Lexington Boulevard, Sugar Land • Call 281-313-3500. $ • WB

Post Oak Grill Restaurant & Bar The Rios Family invites you to come and experience the same quality, ambiance and service that you have at the original Post Oak Gill. Join us for a wonderful culinary adventure featuring fine center-cut steaks, chops, fresh seafood, soups, sandwiches, salads, and outstanding wine selection. Open lunch & dinner - Monday-Thursday 11:00-9:00pm, Friday & Saturday 11:00-10:00pm. Happy Hour 3:00-6:00pm. 4524 Highway 6, Sugar Land • Call 281-491-2901.www.postoakgrillsugarland.com $$ • FB Sandy McGee’s Restaurant & Catering The “BEST” soups, gourmet sandwiches and salads in TEXAS. Casual Dining in Historic Downtown Richmond. Sandy McGee’s has a sterling reputation for “FRESH”. Mon.-Fri. 10am-9pm and Sat.-Sun. 10am-3pm.

314 Morton St., Richmond. 281-344-9393. $ Tacone Flavor Grill Fresh. Fun. Handmade. Unique Environment. Tacone is a Casual Quick Serve Restaurant with gourmet flavor at not so gourmet prices. Rated Best Gourmet Wrap Restaurant by Restaurant and Resorts. This franchise

based company from Los Angeles, CA has unique gourmet wraps, hot pannini sandwiches, salads, and smoothies. There is a BBQ Chicken Quesadillas waiting for you at Tacone. Make your other senses jealous! Sugar Land Town Square, 2228 Texas Drive, Sugar Land, 77479; 281-313-2300, fax: 281-313-2305. www.tacone.com. $ Tornado Burger Home of the famous Spicy Burger. Find out why Houston’s largest newspaper raves about their burgers! Read the review by the Houston Chronicle at: http://blogs.chron.com/cookstour/archives/2007/09/burgerology.html.

They make their burgers with fresh-ground chuck, and even their buns are handmade! The French fries are fresh Idaho potatoes cut right in front of you and fried to order! They compete with the multinationals with fresh food at low prices and very fast service. Their Philly Cheesesteaks are as good as Pat’s if not better! Open Mon. - Sat. 11am-10pm, Sun. 11am-9pm.

Dine-In or Drive-Thru. 505 Murphy Rd (FM 1092) just south of Hwy 90 in Stafford, 281-403-FAST (3278). $

Sugar Land welcomes Post Oak Grill

By Dori Wind

A

s Sugar Land continues to evolve into the best city in America, A-list restaurants are finding their way into the area. One premiere restaurant recently opened in the city is the Post Oak Grill in Lake Pointe Center. This establishment offers exceptional service, spectacular food and some of the world’s finest wines.

The restaurant’s over-sized multi-page wine book features diverse selections, including Whites, Reds, Bubbles, Chardonay, Merlot, Cabernet and unique wines from Italy, France, Chile, South Africa, Australia, New Zealand, and the United States. For a truly important celebration, you can enjoy a $900 bottle of Ribera Del Duero – Spanish Red Vega Sicclia “Unico” 1999. Sommelier & Proprietor Kevin Rios is ready to help with your wine requests or questions.

Patrons can also rent a wine locker; purchase wines at a discount from the restaurant; and know their favorites will always be available.

After ordering drinks, guests are served delicious duck pate and croutons, and proscuito and cheese biscuits or sourdough bread and basil butter. The duck pate is creamy and delicious. First Impressions (otherwise known as appetizers) lead off the menu, and the very first appetizer listed is superb. Even if you are not a lamb lover, you will love Lamb Lolipos. Anyone indifferent to lamb will likely lick the bones clean on this dish. The lamb is grilled and tossed in a spicy Hoisin Sauce and served on a bed of baby arugula – the greens are a decent portion and can serve as your salad.

Waitstaff and management are plentiful and extremely attentive.

Managers Roberto Militello and Bruno Ettore (formerly with Tony’s and Amici’s) love greeting guests, seating them, putting napkins in their laps and giving them tours of the wine room. Servers enthusiastically take your order and ask how you would like your salmon or steak cooked. The restaurant even features a signature Sugar Land dish served only at this location. The Sugar Land Cannelloni, served at just

the right heat, has a wonderful marinara and light Alfredo sauce.

Even though a dessert menu is not available, do not leave without one. Bread Pudding, Crème Brulee, Triple Chocolate Mousse Cake and Fresh Berries are off the menu. The Bread Pudding is truly delectable and reminds me of egg dipped French toast – only this toast is smothered in warm cinnamon-chocolate-Brandi sauce and topped with vanilla ice cream.

Along with his son Kevin, Mario Rios is the proprietor of Post Oak Grill. The restaurant features a spacious main dining room with comfortable booths and tables, as well as a private party room, and a separate bar complete with a big screen television. Situated on lakefront property with a unique walking bridge, the restaurant offers diners a choice of outdoor seating where you can observe the gorgeous Texas sunsets.

For more information on the Post Oak Grill, visit the website at www.PostOakGrillSugarLand.com, or stop by for lunch or dinner at 1550 Lake Pointe Parkway, just off Highways 59 and 6. Reservations are recommended, but not mandatory.

August 2010 • Fort Bend Business Journal

63

“Saving the World One Fiesta at a Time”

Café Teresita’s Opens

Another Restaurant in Sugar Land Planned for Later this Year

By Elsa Maxey

T

he Sugar Land Regional Airport Terminal has a new addition at its terminal building. In June, a Texas-style café, Café Teresita’s, geared up for business with a grand opening fiesta complete with a mariachi band. At this location, the “boutique” restaurant serves light breakfast and lunch items with daily hot specials weekdays starting at 7 a.m. and shutting down at 2 p.m., at around the time for an afternoon siesta.

“It’s been going excellent with more and more in-flight catering,” said Teresa Crespo, who owns the restaurant jointly with her husband, Jaime. She also said that customers say the cafe rivals those at airports in places like Boca Raton and Fort Lauderdale. With comments like those, “the City of Sugar Land should be proud of what they’ve done here,” she said.

Jaime and Theresa Crespo, are no strangers to the restaurant industry. In fact, they have a long history that dates back to when they met at Jalapenos restaurant on Kirby Drive in Houston in 1985. That’s where husband, Jaime, led the operation as a managing partner and served regular patrons for over 18 years before it closed. Some, to this day, remember the bottomless mimosas and impressive madeto-order, breakfast buffets. That was Jaime’s doing. In fact, renowned American celebrity chef, Emeril Lagasse, did a show there and then replicated the spinach enchiladas of that restaurant on his own cooking show. “They’re the same ones we prepare,” said Theresa.

She comes from a work history that includes destination weddings and special events that took her to Mexico and the Caribbean, when she was in the travel industry. Her true passion, however, has always been cooking. It shows on the café’s menu featuring award winning cuisine that includes fajitas, the famous spinach enchiladas, Texas Pecan Chicken, Mama’s Mexican lasagna and so many other tasty favorites.

“South Texan,” she says of the menu “with

64

Grand Opening of Teresita’s Café at the Sugar Land Regional Airport.

The dish above is a typical antipasto platter catered by Café Teresita’s that can be served on a plane.

a dash of spice and a lot of love.” She describes it as South Texas comfort food, “food fusion across the border, the Louisiana and Mexican border and a lot of other borders including the Southwest.” Her menu favorite is the pecan chicken. “It reminds me of most of the dishes my mother used to cook.”

For Theresa and Jaime, it’s about food mixtures and blending. He has Bolivian roots and hers are Cajun, and together they blend the two sets of family secret recipes making for that great taste, a whole lot of fiesta in one’s mouth! Just get a load of the Texas sized cookies with chocolate chips, cinnamon and oatmeal. They’re described as being sweet and spicy, but with a hint of cayenne. “They used to be known as ranger cookies,” said Teresa, “and they evolved with something we added, chocolate and chipotle, and they go very well together as a wonderful blend of flavors.” She

Fort Bend Business Journal • August 2010

said they also have the other kind, without the special blend, which are also in demand.

“We have something that is unique to Sugar Land and we want to have the feel and heart beat of Sugar Land with all the great things from Jalapeno’s,” said Theresa.

Right now, the cafe also delivers, primarily in old Sugar Land that includes The Hill, Sugar Mill, Sugar Creek, Venetian Estates, Alkire Lake, Barrington Place, Covington Woods, and Sugar Mill. There’s also another restaurant in the making in that area. “We have the space and have started construction at Eldridge and West Pirtle,” she said. Teresa and Jaime expect to be opening it sometime in late August or early fall. “We’ll be very much a local eatery,” she said.

As for Theresa, when you take a moment, you can’t help but see that she resembles TV cooking show personality, Paula Deen. Even her jovial manner resembles her and just recently, in mid-May, Theresa was a guest at her home. She went along with Dana Grubich of Sugar Land’s Aldo’s Gourmet “to enjoy a ‘Low Country Boil” in Savannah, benefitting the Bethesda Boys Home.

“In person, she very much more subdued,” says Theresa of Deen. “More sincere, very much someone who could be your next door neighbor, very much a southern lady.”

The energetic Jaime and Theresa food fusion duo, who have made their home in Sugar Land for about 25 years, are so passionate about what they do that they will also go on-site and do the cooking on request. They are active in the community and take time to do things with their two children, 16-year old Nick, who will be a junior at Kempner in the fall and 11-year old Andre, an avid Sugar Land Little League All-Star player who goes to Sugar Land Middle School.

Theresa says that her most significant inspiration for Teresita’s Café is her mom.

“Her table was always filled with great food, surrounded by lots of love and laughter, which I think is the true essence of the South and our cuisine.” She says their hope is that Teresita’s keeps that tradition alive in Sugar Land.

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