Volume 30 • No. 8
THE BUSINESS LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE
August 2012
BUILDING A LEGACY IN FORT BEND Patrick Sexton, Partner and Ron Ewer, Owner Legacy Ford. INSIDE STORIES & FEATURES
Fort Bend Women in Business Fort Bend Women in Business - Yearbook 2012 Fort Bend Newsworthy & Names in the News Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce Newsletter Data Beat Information 4.95
$
PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID PERMIT NO. 600 HOUSTON, TEXAS
ROCK SOLID Independent free papers bring buyers and sellers together with more audited circulation than your daily. During these times, it is more important to make the right advertising choice. We’re it. We can help your business.
M
E
M
B
E
R:
Independent Free Papers of America
4655 Techniplex Dr., Suite 300, Stafford TX 77477 • Tel: 281-690-4200
Editor’s Preview
by Sharon Wallingford
Riding on Fort Bend: Where you can meet the future tomorrow
W
hen one thinks
the voting primaries over, your mailbox
immediately brings
may seem empty. Don’t fret more is
to mind the thoughts
coming. The postal service is prompt
that cooler days are on the way and
at my residence. If you are hearing
students and teachers will be returning
complaints about service and timely
to their classrooms. So there’s much to be
delivery you might remind your business
excited about. The anticipation will need
associates that it was in August 1857
to carry us to September 22 which marks
when the first overland mail coach left
the first day of Fall. Feel the enthusiasm
San Antonio for San Diego. Would you
as it heightens for all high school,
care to send a telegram instead of a text
collegiate and pro football games. The
or tweet?
dates on our calendars are full once again
entrepreneurs and caring residents
increases for back to school apparel,
resided in the State of Texas at that time.
sporting activities and those longed for
One year prior - in 1856 - the Texas
fall get-to-gethers and fund raisers.
legislature presented land endowments insane, and orphaned.” What incredible
company executive can become a major
markers we have set along the way.
supporter in the community knowing
Becky Munnell President and CEO Blue Jungle Marketing
Alan Sandersen Certified Public Accountant Sandersen Knox & Co. L.L.P.
Tim Stubenrouch President First Community Bank
That brings us to the fifth annual
the travel industry is changing. Marvel
Jewels of Fort Bend and five more
how Legacy Ford owner Ron Ewer took
gracious ladies who will be honored
a chance on the community he loves to
because they have given so much to
embrace, and how he changed to meet his
their communities and this county. The
customers needs.
luncheon event is set for September 20 at
John Whitmore Whitmore Company
Safari Texas. I know you will want to be there so mark your calendar now.
Day on August 26. Be sure to review our special women’s section and congratulate and service.
Fort Bend Business Journal • August 2012
Contact:
Keep those cash registers ringing!
Sharon K. Wallingford Sharon@FortBendStar.com
Sharon K. Wallingford
Mary Doetterl Mary@FortBendStar.com 281.690.4204
these women on their years of dedication
2
Dee Koch Grant Officer The George Foundation
to state institutions for the “deaf, blind,
read to know how a forward thinking
tall and celebrate Women’s Independence
Jacqueline Baly Chaumette President and CEO Baly Projects, LLC
Shows you what type of
for the weekends. Yes, and shopping
Every businesswoman needs to stand
Kolbe Curtice CCIM, CLS Managing Director – Colliers International | Fort Bend
We can be inpatient creatures. With
of August it
Now speed up. This month is a must
The Editorial Advisory Board
I chose MD Anderson in Sugar Land - Michelle Williams
When I had breast cancer, the world’s leading care was right here. My team of experts in Sugar Land focused only on me and my cancer. They guided me through advanced MD Anderson treatment options including surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, clinical trials, and support services. They customized a plan just for me. Having MD Anderson in my community kept me close to my two boys and close to home. I chose MD Anderson in Sugar Land. Find Your MD Anderson today.
Appointments Available
713.745.9940
FindYourMDAnderson.com
The Woodlands
Katy
Sugar Land
Texas Medical Center Bay Area
CONTENTS
Fort Bend/Katy
Cover Story
Volume 30 • Number 8 • August 2012 For subscriptions send check for $25 to Fort Bend Business Journal
Building A Legacy In Fort Bend pg.
22
Special Features
PUBLISHER.................................... Beverly Carter
Fort Bend Women in Business.................................................... 33 Fort Bend Women in Business - Yearbook 2012. .......................... 40
Inside Stories
Chad Ellis Law and Business Discusses The Affordable Care Act: A Tax, For Doing Nothing................ 15
Alan Sandersen Tax Smart Discusses Health Care Reform Now You Can Make Plans.............. 17
Kolbe Curtice CCIM, CLS Commercial Real Estate
MARKETING CONSULTANTS................ Jennifer Pappas-Blancas Diane Strehl Ann Sturrock RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE SPECIALIST.........................................Becky Hall CONTRIBUTOR ...........................Wayne Chandler Michelle Patterson
GRAPHIC DESIGNER / WEB.............Carlo Arcillas
Discusses Commercial Real Estate Financing....................................... 19
Elsa Maxey Star Digital Studios Discusses Put Your Brand in Motion - Credit The Past & Look Toward The Future...... 21
Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce Newsletter...................................................25-32 Names in the News...........................................................................................50-51 Newsworthy ......................................................................................................52-55 Data Beat...........................................................................................................56-59 Service Directory...............................................................................................60-62 Meet & Eat - Food, Drink & Entertainment Guide............................................62-64 Fort Bend Business Journal • August 2012
EDITOR ...........................................Sharon Wallingford
ART DIRECTOR.................................Joey Belleza
Monthly Departments
4
GENERAL MANAGER............Michael Fredrickson
ADVERTISING DIRECTOR ..................Mary Doetterl
County to offer wireless emergency alert soon........................................................................ 6 Her cup is full: Staggs tells all about water.............................................................................10 It’s your choice! A Ford Mustang or F-150 Truck??.............................................................12 August is world breastfeeding month.......................................................................................13 Get your “Bee” caps on...............................................................................................................13 Fluor and City of Sugar Land reach long term development and land deal..................16 MAMA Fulshear pushes city to the top....................................................................................18 Fifth anniversary of JEWELS of Fort Bend..............................................................................43 The Power of Women in the private sector drives positive economic change.............44 Big Shots - Morales sets clear vision for Rosenberg...........................................................46
Monthly Columns
4655 Techniplex Dr., Suite 300 Stafford, Texas 77477 281-690-4200 TOLL FREE 1-888-430-7478 www.fortbendstar.com Single copy $4.95
ON THE COVER LEGACY FORD Patrick Sexton & Ron Ewer Photo Courtesy by Legacy Ford
©2012 Fort Bend Business Journal Magazine No material from this publication be copied or in any way reproduced without written permission from the publisher.
Top Producer Coldwell Banker United
Terri Kurkjian
Arlene Rolsen
FORT BEND Real Estate All-Stars
Realtor, GRI, CDPE, PMN
RE/MAX Fine Properties
281.250.7513
Realtor, ePro, BPO certified, NNA, NSA
Durmoye Realty
281.804.8353
Emelia Appel
Veronica Valentz
Hank Mann Mike Harness & Sherry Miles
Barbara Montgomery
Realtor ABR, CBR, GRI RE/MAX Heritage
20 yrs of Real Estate Experience
281.352.6950
713.444.0484
Rhonda Beavers
Cathy Simeone
281.216.3217
Realtor ABR, GRI, CSP, ASP
RE/MAX Fine Properties
Mike 281.340.4122
713.254.0631
Sherry Glazener
Fort Bend’s Finest
Sherry 281.340.4111 Prime Properties
281.207.5060
Sonia Cousins
Denise Hulse
713.826.2373
RE/MAX Southwest
Realtor-HALL of Fame
Keller Williams Realty
RE/MAX Southwest
713.854.0923
appel@garygreene.com Better Homes & Garden Gary Greene
Kristi Bajjali
RE/MAX Fine Properties
Paula and William Johnson
Realtor - 23+ yrs experience
Hank Mann Team RE/MAX Fine Properties
713.582.1654
832.595.1474
Cathy Stubbs
Dorothy Yee
281.433.4462
Broker/Owner Wayne Stone Properties
Jeanne Gregory
Realtor, GRI, ePro Heritage Texas Properties
281.980.6849
Wayne Stone
Joan Berger
281.414.8400
Top Producer
RE/MAX Southwest
Realtor, ABR, GRI
Better Homes & Garden Gary Greene
713.898.3938
Realtor Assoc. - sherry@waynemuray.net
Weichert Realtors Wayne Murray
713.628.9205
Top Producer
RE/MAX Fine Properties
281.433.4462
County to offer wireless emergency alerts soon
T
here’s a new way to get emergency alerts on your mobile device, it doesn’t cost you to receive them, and the Fort Bend County Office of Emergency Management doesn’t have to pay to send them. “What’s not to love” you might ask? Nothing. The new alerts are called Wireless Emergency Alerts, they’re built into your mobile handset and developed by the Federal Government as a way to communicate with mobile phones even when calling, texting and data transmission are not possible. They are one part of the Integrated Public Alert and Warning System, or IPAWS. “During Hurricane Ike many residents reported that phone calls weren’t going through,” recalls Jeff Braun, Emergency Management coordinator for Fort Bend County, “This will ensure that we can send messages to any phone connected to a mobile phone tower within any area we specify. Even if you cannot call out, we can notify you of potential immediate threats.” In fact this scenario is fairly common during a disaster. Mobile phone towers have a certain number of connections they can handle, and they work fine during daily use. During a disaster though, the combination of increased call volume and decreased network capacity from utility disruption creates the perfect storm that keeps phone calls and even text messages and data from being sent. Wireless Emergency Alert messages are sent to Fort Bend County residents by Local, State and Federal government agencies, although at first the messages will primarily be from the National Weather Service. In the near future, the Fort Bend County Office of Emergency Management will be able to send these messages as well, although some software upgrades need to happen before the capability will be here. Braun notes, “We are looking at several solutions in place to extend this capability,
6
ideally this can be implemented with no additional cost to Fort Bend County.” The Wireless Emergency Alert messages don’t come through like text or email messages; instead they pop-up on your phone’s screen like a push notification from an application. If you drive into an alert area after a message has been sent, you will still receive a message on your phone, since the alerting service is constantly looking for new devices to alert. You can opt-out of certain messages if you don’t want this service on your phone. You can choose to block AMBER alerts and Immediate Threat messages, but the Presidential alerts will always be enabled. This service is protected from abuse by requiring that alerts are only “Immediate Threats,” meaning they pose a serious and credible risk to the alert receiver. These messages don’t cost you anything to receive on your phone since they are not text messages. The carriers pay for all costs associated with sending these alerts. So far, AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile and Verizon have agreed to send the messages, as have many other smaller carriers.
Fort Bend Business Journal • August 2012
These messages, primarily from the National Weather Service, will begin being sent to applicable mobile phone handsets this year. If you have an older phone, you will not start receiving the alerts until you buy a WEA compatible phone or upgrade your existing handset, although it’s unknown how many handsets will be upgradable through software only. To make sure you are able to receive these critical alerts, follow these steps: • Ensure your phone is WEA computable by looking for the logo to the right on the packaging. If you are unsure, contact your carrier. • Ensure that all alert types are enabled in your Alert Settings The Fort Bend County Office of Emergency is taking steps to ensure that you are always tuned-in to the latest emergency information through not just these alerts, but digital signage, an 1670 AM Alert radio station (for travelers within Fort bend County), our own FBC Alerts, and our Twitter and Facebook sites. Be sure you and your family are prepared for all hazards we face in Fort Bend County: visit http://prepare.fbcoem.org
JX35
Southwest INFINITI congratulates the 2012 Fort Bend Women in Business
SOUTHWEST INFINITI A Fred HAAS Company
713-779-2800 August 2012 • Fort Bend Business Journal
7
Methodist Sugar Land Hospital unveils treatment for dangerous blood clots
T
wo surgeons at Methodist Sugar Land Hospital recently performed Fort Bend County’s first ultrasound accelerated thrombolysis procedure, a faster and more effective method of treating blood clots related to deep venous thrombosis, or DVT. Vascular surgeon, Imran Mohiuddin, M.D. and cardiothoracic surgeon, Uttam Tripathy, M.D., used the new EKOS drug delivery catheter with ultrasound transducers to directly administer clot-dissolving medication and perfuse the drug deep into the patient’s blood clot. “It’s not unusual for patients with a dangerous blood clot to present at the emergency room in severe pain and in need of immediate treatment,” says Dr. Mohiuddin. “In the past, the medications
Uttam Tripathy, M.D. and patient, Ms. Omar Williams.
used to dissolve the clot could take hours or even days to work. The EKOS system allows us to deliver clot-busting drugs directly into the clot itself, reducing the amount of time the patient is in pain and eliminating
potentially harmful impacts.” DVT is the major cause of massive pulmonary embolism, which results in about 60,000 deaths each year in the U.S. In addition, as many as 70% of the estimated 600,000 new cases of DVT that develop each year will lead to post-thrombotic syndrome, which causes permanent debilitating damage in the affected veins and valves. Most cases of DVT occur in patients who have recently had surgery, broken limbs, cancer or history of a heart attack, stroke or congestive heart therapy. In rare cases, DVT can be caused by long periods of sitting. Clots related to DVT usually form in the leg or pelvis but sometimes occur in the arm or chest. Symptoms include redness or skin discoloration, calf or leg pain or tenderness, METHODIST, continued on page 16
METHODIST SUGAR LAND NEUROLOGY ASSOCIATES Personal attention, high-tech care for your peace of mind Dr. Eddie Patton, Jr., and Dr. M. Faisal Khan are pleased to welcome Larry Tran, M.D., to Methodist Sugar Land Neurology Associates. Together they offer diagnosis and treatment of the most common — and most complex — neurological disorders. From sleep apnea, migraines, epilepsy and dementia, to complex spine, peripheral neurological disorders and neuromuscular disorders, the physicians at Methodist Sugar Land Neurology Associates can provide answers and options using the latest in technology and therapeutic techniques, backed by the resources and staff of Methodist Sugar Land Hospital. Regain your quality of life. Call Methodist Sugar Land Neurology Associates today. Larry Tran, M.D., Eddie L. Patton Jr., M.D. and M. Faisal Khan, M.D.
Board-certified neurologists with a special emphasis on neurophysiology, neuromuscular disorders and sleep medicine. Located on the Methodist Sugar Land Hospital campus in Medical Office Building Two, Suite 131. Call 281-494-6387 to schedule an appointment.
Medical Office Building Two • 16659 Southwest Freeway, Suite 131 Sugar Land, Texas 77479 • 281-494-6387 MethodistSugarLandDocs.com
8
Fort Bend Business Journal • August 2012
IS YOUR WEB SITE LIVING UP TO ITS POTENTIAL?
Can you even call the “company” that set up your web site to update your information
We will build you a 4 to 5 page web site that you can update any time you want. We include
• Hosting • Up to 10 custom emails addresses • Up to 5 web pages
• FREE call tracking phone number • Google map of your location • Printable coupons
Call today and ask about a FREE video included with your web site purchase
• 24/7 admin access for you to make changes or updates • Your own unique URL or we’ll use your existing web address
www.FortBendStar.com
281-690-4221 Michael@FortBendStar.com
Her cup is full: Staggs tells all about water By Wayne Chandler
S
uEllen Staggs runs City of Sugar Land’s Water Utilities Department, the largest such facility in the biggest city in Fort Bend County, and has done so for the past seven years. Right now the city provides an average of 15 million gallons of water per day from 17 water wells for its some 80,000 customers, but the operation soon will grow larger, and, Staggs says, will allow the city to diversify its water supply. That’s because the City of Sugar Land is building a $69 million water treatment plant to treat surface water from the Brazos River through the Oyster Creek canal system. That water supply system
Guadalupe
RIVERFRONT DUPLEX
Each duplex can accommodate four adults and four children or rent both for groups. More pictures at
RioRatonDuplex.com book at
10
832-788-2294
SuEllen Stagg
will make available nine million gallons of water a day. That water treatment plant, at Voss and Burney Road, has been under way for about a year, and is expected to be operational by next July. Testing will begin next March, Staggs said. That plant site is on 10 acres, with a 27-acre reservoir. As the city of Sugar Land grows, this new water source is expected to more than meet the needs for its residents for decades to come. The city then will have surface and well water available. Recognizing the state’s mandate to get off of reliance to ground water, the city took on this huge surface water project to meet all challenges, Staggs said. But with surface water come other challenges due to the need for extra chemical treatment of surface water, but Staggs is confident that the city will be just fine. Surface water requires treatment, not with chlorine used from ground water, but with chloramines required by the federal government. Chloramines can be used on any water source and is the disinfection process for Sugar Land. In some neighborhoods outside of Sugar Land which have been using surface water, some residents have complained about the new and harsher water as being corrosive to some residential pipes. Anticipating a possible problem in Sugar Land, Staggs said that her new system is including a Ph adjustment
Fort Bend Business Journal • August 2012
and has the capacity to add a corrosion inhibitor that will eliminate that issue. To mitigate potential water taste concerns the city has added carbon filters. Cost of the additional filter is $6 million, Staggs said, but it’s included in the overall project now. In any system using chlorine or chloramines, it impacts kidney dialysis patients while undergoing treatment, and the water used in fish tanks and bowls. Additional treatment by the end user will be needed there. Staggs, who has 49 employees, anticipates that she’ll need about eight more for the new treatment plant, but not until about July, 2014. The city has contracted with a private firm to operate the new plant for the first year. Staggs came to the city utilities department 15 years ago as assistant director after years with SouthwestWater and Severn Trent, operators for scores of municipal utility districts. Although she grew up and received her bachelor of science degree in Michigan she likes to quote, “ I got to Texas as soon as I could.” She went to work for SouthwestWater after receiving her MBA from University of Houston. “It was a great opportunity to learn the business, “ Staggs said. A few more things that Staggs is responsible for in the City of Sugar Land with the $36 million budget: 2 wastewater plants; 423 miles of distribution lines, 27,435 water meters, 3,817 fire hydrants, and the RiverPark system. Staggs feels very comfortable in managing a department which is mostly men. Women, more and more, are getting management roles throughout government and business. Many women, such as SuEllen, have had the opportunity to focus on career development and accept more challenging positions because they no longer have children living at home. “It now means,” SuEllen smiled, “that I don’t have to feel pulled between home and career. I can fully focus on the city and our customers to make sure our water supply is sustainable and abundant.”
FIND YOUR NEXT CAR Search new and used car inventories online - easy, simple, fast
Scan with your smart phone to launch website
LIST YOUR CAR FOR SALE ONLINE FREE www.UsedCarLover.com
August 2012 • Fort Bend Business Journal
11
It’s your choice! A Ford Mustang or F-150 Truck??
W
ould you prefer to drive a brand new Legacy Ford Mustang or F-150 Truck? That’s what will be asked if you’re the lucky winner of the Rotary Club of Richmond’s Auto Raffle! Make plans to attend the 13th Annual Cowboys in the Caribbean Fish Fry Event on Saturday, April 6, 2013 at the George Ranch Historical Park from 6pm to 9pm. Buy your auto raffle tickets now or at the event, but don’t miss your chance to make this decision. Ticket cost is $100 which includes dinner at the Caribbean Fish Fry event. Tickets go on sale August 15, 2012. And the Rotary Club of Richmond will pay the sales taxes when you pick up your new vehicle. Legacy Ford is the Caribbean Sponsor of
the event and has partnered with the Rotary Club of Richmond to provide the vehicle for this exciting fundraiser. So, save the date! Come join us and have some fun while helping to raise funds Rotary needs to change lives around the world and right here in our own community. This event is the club’s largest fundraiser of the year, enabling the club to provide scholarships to local high school graduates and assist the local community by partnering with or supporting organizations such as, the Fort Bend Women’s Center, Fort Bend Family Health Center, T. W. Davis YMCA and the Fort Bend County Fair & Rodeo. Tickets may be purchased from any member of the Rotary Club of Richmond, or stop by the Central Fort Bend Chamber Alliance at 4120 Avenue H in Rosenberg, or
by emailing Rotarian Tom Crayton at tom@ tomcraytoncpa.com. Rotary – an organization of business and professional leaders united worldwide in humanitarian service -has more than 1.2 million members in more than 33,000 clubs in over 200 countries and geographic regions. For more information, please visit www. rotaryrichmond.org.
Rotary Club Richmond, Texas
MUSTANG OR TRUCK? - Be the Winner Rotary Club of Richmond Auto Raffle
Sponsored by:
For more information visit www.rotaryrichmond.org
12
Fort Bend Business Journal • August 2012
August is world breastfeeding month
“E
very Ounce Counts” with breastfeeding mom’s at the Fort Bend Family Health Center Women, Infant and Children Supplemental Nutrition Program (WIC) Program. August is World Breastfeeding month.
Get your “Bee” caps on for August 24
H
ave you heard the buzzzzz? The Literacy Council of Fort Bend is preparing for its third annual Great GrownUp Spelling Bee. The “Bee” is set for Friday, August 24 from 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. at the University of Houston-Sugar Land’s Brazos Hall located at 59 South and University Boulevard. “We are seeking corporate sponsors to enter teams of 3 adults (age 21 and over) in our grown-up spelling bee. Sponsorships and underwriting opportunities are available and range from $5,000 to $100,” says Olson. The Literacy Council will provide each team with a word list to study in preparation so all of the contestants can “BEE” prepared. Hopefully Fort Bend County’s leading corporate citizens will sign up for this fun, unique event. Individuals are not required to enter a team to support the event; you can match your sponsorship money with a local nonprofit organization that would like to enter a team. Your sponsorship will be recognized as part of the team name (e.g., “Team ABC sponsored by Generous Donor”). For more information, please contact Spelling Bee Co-Chair, Crissy Nolen at crissy.nolen@colliers.com or Development Director Jennifer Belt at jbelt@ftbendliteracy.org.
All pregnant women are encouraged to give their babies the best start in life, and breastfeeding a baby is the first step. Every ounce of breast milk counts toward making a new baby healthy for the rest of their life. According to Carol Edwards, CEO of Fort Bend Family Health Center, “We are proud to recognize and be a part of World Breastfeeding Month and feel the WIC program is an important part of having a health community.” “For premature babies whose immune function is underdeveloped, human milk provides protection against life threatening infections,” states Jeanne Lober, Lactation Consultant with the Fort Bend Family Health Center WIC Program. “Premature infants that receive human milk are 45% less likely to develop infections compared to premature infants that receive formula. A new mother of a premature baby needs to
start pumping her breasts soon after delivery to establish her milk supply. WIC is available to help her with a hospital grade breast pump and provide instruction on how to pump. The Fort Bend Family Health Center WIC program issued 49 pumps last year to mother’s of premature babies to help them get a better start in life.” The WIC Breast Pump Program also assists mother’s returning to work or school. By issuing an electric breast pump, mothers are able to maintain their milk supply and offer human milk rather than formula when they are separated from their babies. WIC offers incentives for mothers who choose to breastfeed. A special Breastfeeding Peer Counselor Program offers one-on-one counseling, breastfeeding classes and phone support to pregnant women and new moms. Call WIC at 281-238-2316 for more information.
Join Riverbend and get in on the Excitement! The Only Members Owned Club in Sugar Land. Membership Benefits 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
August 2012 • Fort Bend Business Journal
13
Never! Never! Never! Pay for service on your telephone system again • Free Programming • Free Maintenance
• Free Long Distance • Free Caller ID
All for the same price you’re currently paying the telephone company. The monoply is over. Only from Business Telephone Systems www.prostarcomm.com Voice Data Video
Connect Multiple Offices Caller ID Name / Number E-Fax / DID / Voicemail to Email
• • Serving Fort Bend County & Houston - Since 1992 Sales • Service • Intallation
ProStar Communications is an Authorized Panasonic Dealer
CALL FOR A QUOTE
281-265-3500 One Call, One Source, UNLIMITED SOLUTIONS System Moves • Voice Data Cabling Surveillance Cameras
Business Telephone Systems Voice • Data • Video Sales • Service • Intallation
A Sugar Land Tradition... Renewed
For information on membership options, contact Kelly Buettner in our Sales and Marketing office today! 281.494.9131 x134 • www.sugarcreekcctexas.com 420 Sugar Creek Boulevard 14
Fort Bend Business Journal • August 2012
A T T O R N E Y - A T - L A W
Law and Business
By Chad Ellis
Attorney-At-Law Ellis and Irwin, L.L.P.
The affordable care act: A tax, for doing nothing Everyone by now is aware the U.S. Supreme Court upheld President Obama’s signature legislation, the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, which includes the hotly debated individual mandate to purchase health insurance. Rarely does a ruling from our highest Court garner such attention. However, few predicted that the Court would uphold the Act as a tax, or that Chief Justice John Roberts, appointed by President George W. Bush, would author the majority opinion so holding. The opinion, at nearly 200 pages, is too lengthy to fully analyze in my short space here. However, several points of Robert’s reasoning certainly merit discussion. The Government’s first argument was that Congress has authority to require the purchase of health insurance under the Commerce Clause of the Constitution, which authorizes Congress to regulate conduct that substan-
tially effects interstate commerce. Many have already observed, and Roberts unsurprisingly agreed, the Commerce Clause presupposes an activity to be regulated and failing to purchase insurance is not an activity. In short, Congress cannot regulate a person for doing nothing, and therefore the Act fails constitutional muster under the Commerce Clause. But the case doesn’t end there. The Government’s second argument was that the individual mandate is constitutional as a tax. Robert’s opinion on this point is now well known. Most interesting about Robert’s opinion is his observation that while Congress has no authority to regulate a person for doing nothing, Congress does have authority to tax a person for doing nothing. Indeed, this is troubling. But Roberts is quick to point out that it is abundantly clear that the Constitution makes no guarantees a
person may avoid taxes by inactivity. In fact, the Constitution explicitly contemplates a tax for simply existing. Roberts writes at length explaining this point. In short, however, Congress can tax a person for doing nothing. Therefore, the Act is constitutional. Roberts took care to repeatedly point out that the Court was not passing judgment on the wisdom of the Act, or whether the Act embodies sound policies, pointing out that such judgment is entrusted to the Nation’s elected leaders who, as Roberts puts it, “can be thrown out of office if the people disagree with them.” If that wasn’t clear enough, Roberts goes on to say, it is not the Court’s “job to protect people from the consequences of their political choices.”
CHAD ELLIS... continued on page 48
Telfair Commercial Tracts at Highway 59 and University Now “On the Market” FOR SALE
Scan to access Telfair’s commercial tract brochure. Free QR Code Readers: iPhone/Android - Scan or RedLaser BlackBerry - QR Code Scanner
HIGHWAY 59 & UNIVERSITY BLVD, SUGAR LAND +/- 178 Acres for Commercial Development; Can Be Divided • Prime Freeway Intersection and Frontage in “Downtown” Sugar Land •
Within the 2,018-Acre Telfair Master-Planned Community • Ideal for Office, Retail, Hotel, Mixed Use
Professional Medical Office Building Opportunities • Telfair is the #1 Selling Community in Fort Bend
•
•
Subscribe to commercial tract specific updates: www.telfair-commercial.com Kolbe M. Curtice CCIM
281 494 4769 MOB 281 802 2260 kolbe.curtice@colliers.com
DIR
Charles Herder
713 830 2100 MOB 713 825 8088 charles.herder@colliers.com
DIR
Corbin Janssen
281 269 3444 MOB 281 344 7271 corbin.janssen@colliers.com
DIR
www.colliers.com/markets/sugarland August 2012 • Fort Bend Business Journal
15
Fluor and City of Sugar Land reach long term development and land deal
A
in such diverse industries as chemicals and petrochemicals, commercial and institutional, government services, manufacturing, oil and gas, renewable energy and transportation infrastructure. The company employs more than 45,000 employees worldwide and has offices in over 25 countries. Fluor is headquartered in Irving, Texas. Due to Fluor’s current lease in Sugar Land expiring in 2021, the company has been in the process of reviewing its longrange facility needs based on its current operational functions and business efficiencies. As part of the process, Fluor reviewed numerous options in the Greater Houston area before choosing Sugar Land. The city competed against other communities in order to be selected as the
Methodist Sugar Land Hospital unveils treatment for dangerous blood clots
“The doctors in the Emergency Department told me that if I had waited another hour or so, I might not be alive today. But I like to think I was blessed to have an angel working through Dr. Tripathy’s hands to save my life.” “The EKOS system gives us an effective tool to treat patients who are in extreme distress and in danger of suffering a dangerous embolism,” says Dr. Tripathy. “The catheter allows us to reach the clot directly through the vein and the ultrasound energy ensures that the drug is diffused evenly, dissolving the fibrin strands that create clots and allowing blood to flow. This delivery system represents a major step forward in the treatment of this serious health risk and in certain cases of pulmonary embolism, can be life-saving.” For more information or to schedule an appointment with Dr. Tripathy, Dr. Mohiuddin or another cardiothoracic or vascular surgeon in your area, please call the Methodist Sugar Land Hospital physician referral line at 281-274-7500.
major employer in Sugar Land - Fluor Enterprises, Inc., a subsidiary of Fluor Corporation, has reached an agreement to remain in the city for the foreseeable future. Fluor Enterprises, Inc. is the primary operating subsidiary of Fluor Corporation, a Fortune 500 and S&P 500 company. Fluor is in the process of purchasing additional land in Sugar Land and developing a long-term plan to remain in the City. The land is located in the Telfair commercial development, not far from the company’s current facilities along State Hwy. 6. Fluor Corporation is the largest U.S.-based, publicly traded engineering, procurement, construction and maintenance services firm, working
METHODIST, continued from page 8
especially when walking or standing; swelling of the affected body part; a sensation of warmth; or leg fatigue. For Ms. Omar Williams, a school teacher from Dallas, EKOS was a life-saver. Williams, 62, was in Sugar Land visiting family members when she began having severe chest pain that affected her ability to walk or even talk. When she arrived at Methodist Sugar Land Hospital, the Emergency Department staff confirmed that she had suffered a pulmonary embolism, and Dr. Tripathy was called in to perform the EKOS procedure. “My story is a miracle,” Williams said.
16
Fort Bend Business Journal • August 2012
preferred location for Fluor’s long-term strategy. In order to remain competitive, an incentive package was offered. On July 3, City Council approved a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Fluor Enterprises, Inc. that outlines the terms of incentives offered prior to entering into a land purchase agreement for a project site of approximately 50 acres at southeast corner of U.S. Highway 59 and University Boulevard. In exchange for the incentives, the terms of the MOU require the company to make significant capital investment and maintain a workforce of at least 2000 jobs at the facility. The city would also provide assistance with relevant State incentives. The terms also address a time line that allows for long-range facility and site planning as well as the construction of a multi-facility campus. “Fluor has been fortunate to call Sugar Land home since the early 1980s,” said Richard Meserole, vice president & general manager of Fluor’s Sugar Land office. “Sugar Land is great place to work, raise families and be involved in the local community. We look forward to being part of the local economy and community for years to come.” “Fluor is one of Sugar Land’s longest existing corporate partners,” said Mayor James Thompson. “We are extremely pleased that the company’s long-range planning includes remaining in Sugar Land. We look forward to working together to ensure our public private relationship continues for many years to come.” Next steps include Fluor’s finalization of a land purchase agreement with Newland Communities and formal applications for the incentives outlined in the MOU in order to formalize the understanding into binding agreements.
Y O U
A N D
Y O U R
T A X E S
Tax Smart
By Alan Sandersen
Sandersen Knox & Co. L.L.P.
Health care reform – Now you can make plans On June 28, the United States Supreme Court upheld the majority of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act of 2010, a much-anticipated decision that has fostered significant debate. All that aside, there is now some certainty to plan as both businesses and individuals will be impacted financially. The chief issue involved whether or not it was constitutional for the act to require, by 2014, for all individuals to have a basic level of health insurance or else require them to incur an imposed cost. The Supreme Court, in a 5-4 vote, declared this constitutional to the ears of a divided nation. But what does this mean for businesses and individuals in the coming years? • Starting in 2010 and available until 2013, small businesses will receive tax credits when they provide health care coverage to their employees. • Effective 2014, businesses with over 50 employees failing to provide health care
coverage to their employees with be penalized, starting at $40,000 with increments of $2,000 per employee possible. Some will simply elect to pay the cost. • Certain requirements will be put in place, defining the scope of the health care coverage businesses must provide. Some requirements were put into effect in 2010, some will go into effect in 2012. • Starting in 2013, high-income taxpayers will see higher Medicare taxes. When taxpayers reach certain income limits, they will be required to pay an additional 0.9% Medicare tax on the income that surpasses these set limits. Additionally, taxpayers will pay a new, 3.8% Medicare tax on unearned income to the extent that their modified adjusted gross income exceeds certain thresholds. • Starting in 2013, the act increases the medical expense deduction floor, raising the threshold for deducting unreimbursed medi-
cal expenses from 7.5% to 10% of adjusted gross income. • Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) for health care will change in 2013, limiting the annual contributions to FSAs for medical expenses. This is a very brief overview. An excellent implementation timeline tool can be found at www.htimeline.com. It covers a variety of planning considerations covering a broad spectrum of the bill’s impact. Business owners and individuals should contact their insurance advisors along with their tax advisors (and potentially their legal advisors in some cases) in order to effectively plan before any pitfalls are inadvertently discovered. Alan Sandersen is a columnist for the Fort Bend Business Journal and is a Partner with Sandersen Knox & Co, L.L.P., Certified Public Accountants. He can be reached at 281-2423232. www.sktx.com. H
August 2012 • Fort Bend Business Journal
17
“MAMA FULSHEAR” pushes city to the top of the hill By Wayne Chandler
C
heryl Stalinsky thinks that all of her former career moves have helped her in her current job as Economic Development Director for the City of Fulshear. In her past lives she has raised seven children, managed political campaigns in Houston, and been a fund-raiser, marketer and owned a travel agency, but feels her greatest accomplishments are her 17 grandchildren. “My husband and I used to ride our motorcycle out here years and years ago,” Cheryl said, “when we used to identify the tiny community of Fulshear as “the first hill west of Houston.” The landscape reminded me of Marlin and I felt immediately at home here.” And there, she says, began her love affair with Fulshear. There’s a lot humming around “that hill” now and Cheryl, 30 years after those leisurely rides, is right in the middle of it. Now, in her’60s, she has developed a close rapport with the townsfolk in “Old Fulshear,” the owners and operators of the new upscale restaurants and boutiques, plus the politicians, developers, builders and realtors who are changing the face of this community. When some of these people get together and talk about how things are changing they talk about how busy Cheryl is, and call her “Mama Fulshear” or “Ms. Fulshear.” “After a bit of bad press in Fulshear, I decided to paint that pig and have a party and thus began a series of annual events starting every year with St. Patrick’s Day,” says Ms. Stalinsky nee McClanahan, with a smile. “When I talk with anyone they soon know that my favorite subject is Fulshear,” Cheryl notes. She’s learned how to draw a crowd. Last year she staged the fourth Fulshear Freedom Festival on July 4 which drew 4,500 persons to this community which still, officially, only has about 1,100 persons. This year, with the heavy rains dousing everything on June 30, the festival was delayed and
18
Mama Fulshear: Cheryl Stalinsky
hastily organized on July 4 and it still attracted a good crowd to a beauty contest and the music of Moses Rangel and the Little Big Band. In coming months, Fulshear festivities will feature a celebration at the State of the City address by Mayor Tommy Kuykendall on October 12, a third annual Scarecrow Festival on October 20 featuring a contest of crafted scarecrows, and the annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony on December 1, when they’re hoping to have the Fort Bend Boys Choir perform, and will have their annual Christmas Light Parade, where everything from horses to golf carts sparkle in the night with Christmas lights. Meanwhile, in a project update to the city, Cheryl noted that Fulshear’s marketing efforts have caught the eye of developers around the nation, highlighted by the recent purchase of blossoming Cross Creek Ranch to Johnson Development. Cross Creek and other Fulshear developers are planning some 7,000 new homes within a decade, bringing a prediction of a population of more than 30,000 residents by 2019. The City of Fulshear has 11 square miles in its city limits and 38 more square miles in its Extra Territorial Jurisdiction (ETJ), which makes its total land area size slightly
Fort Bend Business Journal • August 2012
smaller than the City of Galveston. This gives Fulshear the ability to become larger than Sugar Land. Cheryl also noted in her report that requests for city approval of both residential and commercial plans has increased by 38 per cent over 2011. The city has passed its first zoning ordinance and has invited operators of water and wastewater services to submit proposals. She noted that sales tax receipts “continue their strong growth with an increase of 47 per cent over last year.” Cheryl related how she happened to get involved with the City of Fulshear. Her husband of 30 years had finally agreed to leave urban Houston. Cheryl was bored as all of her children had left the nest in Weston Lakes, and she wanted something to do. Through a friend in 2007 she asked the Fulshear city secretary if she could help. Her first tasks were to answer phones, run errands and do anything else that was asked. When the city’s person in charge of permits and registrations left, she took over that job, which led to “selling Fulshear in every way that I could.” Within a year, the City Council agreed that Cheryl’s efforts were helping the city’s economy and she was named Economic Development Director. She still holds the title under Mayor Tommy Kuykendall, who now is in his second two-year term, and Cheryl claims is “he is the best thing that has happened to Fulshear.” Kuykendall, who moved to Fulshear in 2002, almost immediately was named to the city planning commission, and was elected mayor for the first time in 2010. He is vice president of a Houston engineering firm after serving 12 years with TxDOT in the RichmondRosenberg area. Cheryl works closely with Kuykendall and City Administrator C.J. Snipes who came to Fulshear in 2010, and calls Cheryl “our guiding light.” Cheryl looks back on her achievements and summarizes, “It’s like a garage sale… I know when I leave someone will come in and do it even better, but I’ll have wonderful memories.”
R E A L
E S T A T E
Commercial Real Estate
By Kolbe Curtice, CCIM, CLS
Managing Director Colliers International - Fort Bend
Commercial Real Estate Financing For the past several years, limited access to capital has held new commercial real estate construction activity in Fort Bend to a minimum. Depending on who you ask, the reasons for the lack of financing vary. Many experts feel that although banks may have had plenty of capital available, their loan committees have been less concerned with real estate risk than they have been with the regulatory risk. Following the economic collapse in 2008, state and federal regulators put increasing pressure on banks to tighten underwriting criteria and to re-classify commercial real estate loans. Failure to comply could put banks at risk of receiving downgraded ratings, which could result in higher capital reserve requirements (the amount of reserve capital that banks must hold in proportion to their outstanding
loan amounts) or increased Federal Deposit Insurance Company (FDIC) premiums. Fortunately, we are beginning to see improvement. Clients of ours who are researching financing for occupied properties are finding available capital, particularly if the owner of the property will also be occupying more than 50% of the building. In those cases, the properties will qualify for small business administration (SBA) financing. Under the U.S. Small Business Administration’s (SBA) 504 Loan Program, 504 loans can provide small businesses access to the same type of long-term, fixed-rate financing enjoyed by larger firms. Interest rates are equivalent to favorable bond market rates. The 504 Loan Program defines a business as small if its net worth is under $7 million
and net profits, after taxes, are under $2.5 million. Almost any type of legitimate business is eligible for 504 financing, including manufacturing, wholesale, service, professional service or retail. A 504 loan may be used to purchase fixed assets such as land and improvements (including owner-occupied buildings), grading, street improvements, utilities, parking lots and landscaping. It may also be used for construction of new facilities or to modernize, renovate or convert existing facilities. Soft costs like architectural and legal fees, environmental studies, appraisals, and interest and fees on the construction and/or interim bank financing can also be rolled into the loan.
KOLBE CURTICE... continued on page 48
Tax Accountants • Auditors Consultants to Business Member: American Institute of Certified Public Accountants
Our professionals proudly serve Fort Bend & the Greater Houston area.
Alan Sandersen
• Taxation • Tax Controversies • Litigation Support • Audits of Commercial and Governmental entities • Construction Companies
130 Industrial Blvd., Suite 130 Sugar Land, TX 77478
281.242-3232 www.sktx.com
August 2012 • Fort Bend Business Journal
19
Richmond State of the City with
Mayor Hilmar Moore & City Manager Terri Vela on the future of Richmond
Friday, August 10 - 11:30 am - 1:00 pm Fort Bend Country Club - 2627 FM 762 - Richmond
LEADERSHIP FORTJBEND
Proudly Serving the Fort Bend Business Community For More Than 100 Years.
A Distinguished Program of the Central Fort Bend Chamber Alliance Est. 1986
4120 Avenue H Rosenberg, TX, 77471 281.342.5464 www.CFBCA.org
Enrollment for the Class of 2012-13 is open. Please contact Jeremy Heath at jheath@CFBCA.org for more information.
Free Server Monitoring for IT Professionals
www.owlerts.com 20
Fort Bend Business Journal • August 2012
DIGITAL
STUDIO
VIDEOS
Behind the Scene
By Elsa Maxey
Executive Producer Star Video Productions
Put your brand in motion – credit the past and look towards the future A business history video is a moving portrait of your road to success What inspired you to start your business? The production of a video that shows the highlights of your company’s development and business philosophy can be more than just interesting. It can be inspirational! Brand your beginnings, your business’ heritage with a video documentary. It can be about taking a look at the founder’s life, which in all likelihood is you. This business history video can be biographical and include where you grew up, the experiences that shaped you, those that tell of how you arrived at the significant benchmarks that are a credit to what eventually transformed the business into a success.
It’s important to start with concept development and then, inject supporting historical benchmarks. You can narrate this piece or someone else can do it. Like no other visual medium, a business video will offer audiences the dynamic and engaging interpretation of your organization from your perspective. It’s how you see it and how you did it! All in all, this can turn out to be a documentary with a historical base showing the evolution of your business for broadcast presentation, web applications and/or DVD use. This video documentary will have lasting value as it brings the business’ history to life, acknowledging the work of the past to the present providing the inspiration for the future development of your business. Star Digital Studios will help you share how the business changed over the years whether you or someone else gets tells the story that will turn out to be your business’ brand portrait
in motion, literally. Do it to mark the anniversary of the founding of the business. The motion over time with the use of video visuals is the next best thing to being there and doing it firsthand. We can help you leverage the collective memory of your organization as you share the stories that you have told, which can be enhanced with those others that have been told describing stages of what you did to shape the future of your business. Give us a call and we’ll help you communicate your relevant stories and images of a new beginning, perseverance, survival, and business success. Elsa Malakoff is a contributor to the Fort Bend Business Journal and Fort Bend Star and a Exevutive Producer of Star Video Productions. She can be reached at 281-690-4280. Go www.Starvideoproductions.com or email us elsamaxey@starvideoproductions.com.
FAMILY HEIRLOOM VIDEOS Star Digital Studios will record oral histories and incorporate photos that tell a story about your family. That’s because they are worth . saving and we’ll do it with video, one of the best ways to hold on to your . loved one’s life stories. Let us help you. We will scan and touch up old . photos and produce a DVD as a video with a photo montage and add . current video that can be narrated. Give us a call for a free consultation . to create what will be a family heirloom that could be updated for future generations. Save your family history today. Call Us Now!
Capture Your Family History Using Video
STAR Digital
STUDIOS
Video... it’s a powerful tool and we can help. 4655 Techniplex Dr., Suite 600 • Stafford, Texas 77477 • 281.690.4280 • www.StarVideoProductions.com August 2012 • Fort Bend Business Journal
21
COVER STORY
Building A Legacy In Fort Bend
I
t’s no secret that auto manufacturers and dealers have fallen on challenging times in recent years, including Legacy Ford along Southwest Freeway in Rosenberg. Auto sales plummeted as the recession settled in and carmakers faced uncertain futures. The industry appears to be back on stable ground and dealers are surviving. Few are thriving, though, like Legacy Ford. The dealership says the source of their success is their ability to adapt to modern consumer demands and by being a living, breathing piece of the Fort Bend County community. COMMUNITY CONTACT “We chose the name Legacy Ford for a reason. At the heart of everything we do, is community involvement. Our goal is to help our neighbors and we don’t expect anything in return. However, it seems like the more we give, the more we get. We don’t just throw money at organizations. We also share our time and our assets,” said Legacy Ford owner, Ron Ewer. Ewer moved his wife Juliana and his two sons to Fort Bend in 2005 when he purchased the dealership. He knew his family was going to be involved in the community and this included living here. He says the
22
Ron and Juliana Ewer and family
Fort Bend Business Journal • August 2012
dealership annually donates more than $130 thousand to local organizations and both Juliana and Ron are involved with numerous organizations. One of their beneficiaries is Fort Bend Seniors Meals on Wheels, to which Legacy Ford donates vehicles, employee volunteer time, money, and more. Legacy Ford is also involved with the Fort Bend County Women’s Center, Rosenberg Little League Baseball, and many others, including the Texana Center which recently recognized Legacy Ford with its Major Supporter of the Year Award. Ewer points out, “modern customers do a lot of their shopping online and it’s harder to reach them. For that reason, it’s more important than ever to build personal relationships wherever we can find them. Being involved with more than a dozen local organizations gives us ways to do that.” QUALITY CREATES CHANGE The quality of Ford vehicles has skyrocketed over the last few years. This is great news for Ford, customers, and dealerships. However, it also brings a challenge to dealers. Legacy Ford used to earn a significant portion of its revenue from warranty repairs but Ford’s quality has improved so much, it decreased the amount of traditional service work it does. To compensate, Legacy Ford expanded its body shop and service department in
Ron and Texana client Amy Crane
2011 with a new 15,000 square foot body shop, as well as ten service bays loaded with state of the art technology and a focus on the changing customer needs. “This is the best facility of its kind in Texas. We’re able to provide higher quality work with speedier times on all makes and models,” said Eric Munson, body shop manager. At the new body shop, Legacy Ford even displays customers’ vehicles online as they go through the repair process so customers can check in on the progress. “The ten extra service bays were built in response to growing needs for wheel and tire repair, as well as increased demand for medium and heavy duty truck repair and maintenance,” said Luis Hidalgo, service manager. The average age of vehicles on the road is 11 years old, and more of those cars and trucks carry a Ford badge than any other manufacturer. Gerald Powell, parts manager, says his department is bustling every day, “Ford cars are dependable. But after a while, they’re going to need replacement parts; that’s where we come in.”
for Apple and Android users, allowing customers to quickly and easily shop on-the-go, the same as they would online at home. They are also including QR codes in their marketing to make it even easier to search the Legacy Ford website. Patrick Sexton general manger and operating partner says “Customers are more knowledgeable and demanding than ever before. This phone app is a way for us to give them what they want and need. Consumers don’t have time to spend hours shopping at the dealership anymore. They want to do research on their own terms.” CUSTOMER SERVICE AND THE MOTOR TREND DIFFERENCE “Ford vehicles are looking better and quality is improving every year. That’s very apparent with the 2013 Ford Escape, which is now in dealerships, and the 2013 Ford Fusion, which will arrive soon. Ford’s look, quality, technology, and fuel efficiency make our job easier. But if we don’t have excellent customer service, we won’t be able to make sales; customers could simply go to a different Ford dealer,” says Sexton, “that’s why we spend a lot continues....
THERE’S AN APP FOR THAT
Eric Munson is Body Shop Manager
Customers do a great amount of their shopping online. By the time they get to the dealership, they know exactly what they want. Years ago, Legacy Ford responded by posting its vehicles with photos and prices online. But now, they’re trying something new to the automotive industry. They recently launched the Legacy Ford smartphone application
Gerald Powell, Parts Manager
August 2012 • Fort Bend Business Journal
23
BUILDING OUR LEGACY ONE CUSTOMER AT A TIME
Patrick Sexton, Luis Hidalgo and Robert Englehardt
of time training our employees.” Legacy Ford has won Ford Motor Company’s President’s Award, the manufacturer’s top honor, four consecutive years which is one of four Ford dealerships in Houston. He says the award is largely based on results of customer satisfaction surveys. Another unique offering is the Motor Trend Certified designation for Legacy Ford’s used car buyers. With the Motor Trend certification, Legacy Ford repairs dinged cars and replaces lost keys at no additional charge. They even offer free repairs, up to $500. “The Motor Trend distinction really sets us apart from competitors. You can’t find higher quality or more thoroughly examined used cars anywhere. We put our money where our mouth is with this certification,” touts Luis Hidalgo, service manager. A PLACE TO CALL HOME Legacy Ford isn’t just participating in the Fort Bend County community; they’re also building a home-like community within the dealership. “We don’t all see each other every day but employees get to know each other through community service
24
Patrick Sexton with Lanette Schultz and Cyndi Schultz Chumchal
Owner Ron Ewer says, “Our mission begins within our dealership family. Our innovative team of spirited employees and management is united in satisfying our customers’ needs and is dynamically focused on the future.” With those ideals, Ewer’s Legacy Ford is building a legacy of its own that is shared with the employees and the Fort Bend community. Building their Legacy, one customer at a time.
Michelle Whitley - Legacy Ford controller
projects and through our newsletters, which recognize family milestones like new births and family members who join the armed forces. We genuinely care about each other and enjoy being here, which affects the way we interact with customers in a very real way,” says Michelle Whitley, controller.
Fort Bend Business Journal • August 2012
281-342-5611 27225 Southwest Freeway Rosenberg, Texas www.LegacyFordTX.com
Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce Newsletter
SAVE the DATE
2012 State of the Schools
Friday, September 7, 2012 11:00 am - 1:00 pm Sugar Land Marriott Town Square 16090 City Walk - Sugar Land
www. FortBendChamber.com Please contact Farrah Gandhi for more information at farrah@fortbendcc.org - 281.566.2152
The Advocate forfor business in in Fort The Advocate businessexcellence excellence FortBend BendCounty County
SAVE the DATE 2012 State of Higher Education
Friday, October 12, 2012 11:00 am - 1:00 pm Sugar Land Marriott Town Square 16090 City Walk - Sugar Land
www. FortBendChamber.com Please contact Farrah Gandhi for more information at farrah@fortbendcc.org - 281.566.2152
TheAdvocate Advocate for for business business excellence The excellenceininFort FortBend BendCounty County
www.FortBendChamber.com
continues....
August 2012 • Fort Bend Business Journal
25
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 Blessed Be Hope for Three, Inc.
Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce Newsletter
Darla Farmer, President 10200 West Airport Blvd., Suite 100 Stafford, TX 77477 800-317-0878 Foundations
Blue Sky Development, Inc. Nina Freeman, Account Manager 14100 Southwest Freeway, Suite 230 Sugar Land, TX 77478 281-980-9494 Pipeline Transportation
Evans Business Advisory Service, Inc. James Evans, President 16107 Kensington Dr., Suite 205 Sugar Land, TX 77478 281-788-8739 Business Consultants
Gallagher Benefits Services, Inc. John Patton, Benefits Consultant 1900 West Loop South, Suite 1600 Houston, TX 77027 713-358-5226 Financial Services
26
Geico Insurance
NMR Design Group
Tom Maler, Owner 4405 B Highway 6 Sugar Land, TX 77478 407-222-2848 Financial Services
Nina M. Ramirez, Senior Designer 404 Oxford Suite 3409 Houston, TX 77007 305-338-6641 Interior Design
Independence Bank Nancy Colmenares, VP/Business Development 14455 West Loop South, Suite 150 Houston, TX 77027 832-615-6885 Banks
Jambone’s Grill Pub Wendy Brooks, Owner/President 16227 Lexington Blvd. Sugar Land, TX 77479 281-494-7455 Restaurants
Lookout Services, Inc. Arden Morley, CEO 4134 Bluebonnet Dr., Suite 110 Stafford, TX 77477 713-668-6200 Computer Business Solutions
Fort Bend Business Journal • August 2012
Brian Smith, Owner/Veterinarian 9212 Sienna Ranch Road Missouri City, TX 77459 281-778-5244 Animal Hospitals
The Old Trading Post Lindsey Hollin, Marketing Director 9903 FM 2759 Richmond, TX 77469 281-545-8064 Events
Sugar Lakes Family Practice Anne Marie Ponce de Leon, MD 1327 Lake Point Parkway, Suite 500 Sugar Land, TX 77478 281-565-2800 Physicians, Family Practice
PCS International Inc. Muzaffar Vohra, VP Operations 132 Eldridge Rd., Suite A Sugar Land, TX 77478 281-265-0111 Export & Import
Sienna Plantation Animal Hospital
Surendra Patel Family, LLP Surendra Patel, President 625 Lakeshore Dr. Sugar Land, TTX 77478 281-565-3290 Hotels & Motels
PKJ International Sijo Jose, CEO 12999 Murphy Rd., Suite N6 Stafford, TX 77477 832-548-2000 Distributer
For membership information, contact: Jan-Michael Jenkins 281-491-0218
www.FortBendChamber.com
Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce Newsletter
UPCOMING EVENTS Leadership Forum
Class of 2013 Reception & Alumni Reunion
August
August 1, 2012 • 5:00 pm – 7:00 p.m. Classic Chevrolet 13115 Southwest Freeway, Sugar Land Government Relations
City of Richmond Commissioner Gary Gillen and City Manager Terri Vela August 13, 2012 • 11:30 am – 1:00 p.m. Safari Texas Ranch 11627 FM 1464, Richmond
September
Government Relations September 10, 2012 • 11:30 am – 1:00 pm Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce 445 Commerce Green Blvd., Sugar Land
Business and Professional
Five Things Every Small Business Should Know About Computers with Charles Swihart August 22, 2012 • 11:30 am – 1:00 p.m. Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce 445 Commerce Green Blvd., Sugar Land Infrastructure Division
Missouri City with City Manager Ed Broussard August 23, 2012 • 7:30 am – 9:00 a.m. Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce 445 Commerce Green Blvd., Sugar Land
Business and Professional
Legal Seminar with Carl Favre September 26, 2012 • 11:30 am 1:00 pm Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce 445 Commerce Green Blvd., Sugar Land
Network Nites
Modern Spine
Infrastructure Conference
Governmental Relations
Business and Professional
Commissioner James Patterson
October
Infrastructure Division
September 13, 2012 • 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm 16659 Southwest Freeway, Suite 151, Sugar Land
October 8, 2012 • 11:30 am – 1:00 pm Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce 445 Commerce Green Blvd., Sugar Land
September 27, 2012 • 7:30 am - 5:00 pm Safari Texas Ranch 11627 FM 1464 Rd. Richmond
Future of Marketing with Howard Spencer October 17, 2012 • 11:30 am – 1:00 pm Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce 445 Commerce Green Blvd., Sugar Land
SAVE THE DATE
www.FortBendChamber.com
August 2012 • Fort Bend Business Journal
27
We Believe in you. Thanks for Believing in US! 1 YEAR
Liberty Logistics Suhail Shariet, 713-659-0599 American Promoprint Tiffany Pace, 281-238-5155 HVJ Associates, Inc. Syed Jafar, 281-933-7388
Sara Appliance & Electronics Mehul Parikh, 281-277-1522 La Escondida Mexican Grill Sergio Espinosa, 281-403-3306
3 YEARS
Ninyo & Moore Jay Sunderwala, 713-973-8400
Spring Creek Barbeque Ellis Dyson, 281-499-8222
Sugar Land Med-Ped Clinic, P.A. Subodh K. Bhuchar, 281-491-2555
Luminess Air LP Maria Carrasco, 713-532-2408
Enhanced Energy Services of America, LLC Christopher Prejean, 281-302-5470 Red Oak Grill Yosef Abuata, 281-491-2890
Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce Newsletter
Sugar Creek Auto Performance Nick Dixon, 281-208-9100
Rosen Studio for Architecture David Rosen, 281-731-8862 411eat.com Robin Nicholson, 832-607-9100 Candyland Vacations, LLC Candy Smits, 281-980-3289 Champion Energy Services Jocelyn Gordon, 281-653-0059
2 YEARS
Classic Messaging LLC Dominic Cashiola, 281-494-6250 PPG Industries Deron Patterson, 281-841-0829 The Phoenix Design Group, Inc. Charlie Litchfield, 281-499-0600 Meadows Place Senior Village Chris Richardson, 281-240-1932 Senior Trust Alliance Ron Norsworthy, 281-207-5359
28
Fort Bend Business Journal • August 2012
4 YEARS
The Colonnades at Reflection Bay Christy Medlin, 713-434-3800 Sterling Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation Sterling L. Carter, 281-240-3140
6 YEARS
MECO Wayne Switzer, 281-276-7600 State of Texas Representative, District 28 John Zerwas MD, 281-533-9042 US Global Fuels Rasheed Dhuka, 281-565-1111 Fort Bend Rheumatology Associates, PLLC Tara Hernandez, 281-980-1742 Diagnostic Cardiology of Houston Matt Mahoney, 713-776-9500
7 YEARS
G & A Partners David Vasquez, 713-784-1181
8 YEARS
The Enchanted Forest Judy Jones, 281-937-9449
Richmond Bone and Joint Memorial Hermann Medical Group Cheryl Bertrand, 281-344-1715
Plantation at Quail Valley Emmie Lukish, 281-208-4470
Aquamaker, LLC Imran Khanji, 713-229-0400
Burgess & Niple, Inc. Joseph Reue, 281-980-7705
Dorf Ketal Chemicals, LLC Matthew Knight, 281-491-3700
Touchstone Fine Properties Julia Mickum, 281-499-8181
Goodwill Industries of Houston Charles C. Canton, 713-692-6221
SMART HR Deborah Twigg, SPHR, 281-313-1315
9 YEARS
Milestone Member 5 YEARS
St. Luke’s Sugar Land Hospital Bill Beauchamp, 281-637-7000 Aura Restaurant Frederic Perrier, 281-403-2872
Ben Bridge Ken Killingsworth, 281-313-8900 Camden Sugar Grove Rosie Gonzalez, 281-240-3900
Milestone Member 10 YEARS
RE/MAX Fine Properties Minesh Patel, 281-265-5533
www.FortBendChamber.com
Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce Newsletter
For membership information, contact: Jan-Michael Jenkins 281-491-0218 jan@fortbendcc.org
Milestone Member 10 YEARS
14 YEARS
Universal Lights, Inc. Ronni Cohen, 281-491-0600
Fort Bend Junior Service League Catherine Kubala, 281-636-6272
Freed Advertising Gerald Freed, 281-240-4949
Comcast Cable Houston Region Ray Purser, 713-895-2680
Old Republic Title Diane McClure, 281-265-9500
Sam’s Club Bennett Murff, 281-295-2525
11 YEARS
Greatwood Retirement & Assisted Living Lesha Vacarro, 281-343-8400 Fort Bend Financial Bridget Yeung, 281-277-0012 Alamo Stone Company Tom Molloy, 281-240-4600 Silverado Senior Living Le Riggs, 281-277-1221
Milestone Member 15 YEARS First Southwest Company Greg Lentz, 713-651-9850
Milestone Member 20 YEARS The Hunton Group Richard Hunton, 713-266-3900
24 YEARS
Marion, Montgomery, Inc. Jayme Chalkley, 713-523-7900
27 YEARS
Prosperity Bank John Rebeles, 281-269-7200 James G. McClellan, CPA/PFS James G. McClellan, 281-240-0330
18 YEARS
West Houston Medical Center Todd Caliva, 281-588-8080
19 YEARS
Sundance Construction Company Kevin H. Harris, 281-277-1000
12 YEARS
Milestone Member 30 YEARS
268th District Court Judge Brady G. Elliott 281-341-8610
Noble Corporation Tom Madden, 281-276-6100 Aguirre & Fields, LP Randi Zumwalt, 281-340-8900 JRM Architects, Inc. Jim Merriman, AIA, 281-242-5255
2012
13 YEARS
RBC Capital Markets Jan Bartholomew, 713-651-3342 Colliers International - Fort Bend Kolbe Curtice, 281-494-4769 Granite Properties Inc. Sandy Benak, 713-781-8000 OTHON, INC., Consulting Engineers F. William Othon, 713-975-8555
www.FortBendChamber.com
Location:
QUAIL VALLEY GOLF COURSE
SAVE THE DATE November 5th, 2012
For more information contact Jan-Michael Jenkins at 281-491-0218 or jan@fortbendcc.org August 2012 • Fort Bend Business Journal
29
Ribbon Cuttings
Braman Winery 3333 FM. 359 Richmond, TX 77469 281-762-1375 www.bramanwine.com
Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce Newsletter
T
he Braman family’s roots run deep in South Texas, and Braman Winery is the next installation in a 300- year family legacy: ranching, real estate, oil production, and now winemaking. Owners Joe and Dee Braman established the winery in 2010 on their family ranch property. The new Richmond tasting room is decorated in an eclectic Old World Style to match the tasting room in Refugio that Dee designed. Braman Winery has winemakers in New Mexico and California crafting wines after the Braman profile with top-notch grapes from all over the country. Of course, wines made from Texas grapes are on the horizon, as is the opening of a tasting room in the town of Refugio. The current location has so much to offer. We are able to host events like small weddings, private parties, and special events. Several
different tiers make up the wine portfolio. Labels Fringe Benefits, Sparkles, b10 (Braman 2010), and Braman Legacy have distinct personalities, focuses, and strengths. Fringe Benefits is a fun, flirty series full of unique wines geared towards relaxing with casual attitude. The Sparkles line contains a sweet sparkling wine and mimosa made with all natural orange juice. B10-names after Braman and 2010 are perfect for non-traditional wine drinkers: the best fruit is chosen each year for spectacular wine. Overall, Braman wines take the formality out of wine drinking and make it all about fun, family, and friends.
Pro-Optix Eye Care 16103 Lexington Blvd, Suite I Sugar Land, TX 77479 281-242-1331 www.prooptixeyecare.com
P
ro-Optix Eye Care is dedicated to providing complete family eye care. We offer full medical oriented exams including glaucoma screenings, pediatric exams, diabetic screenings, and also full eye exams including a prescription for glasses. We also have a full optical with designer eyewear. Our goal is to have every patient become part of the Pro-Optix family. We are a family of Optometrists and we wanted to open a place of our own where we could focus on personalized
30
Fort Bend Business Journal • August 2012
patient care. We always wanted a clinic where patients felt at home and through our relationships we would grow. We differ from other offices because we focus on personalized patient care and like to walk through everything with our patients. Through our vast experience and network we are able to cover a full spectrum of eye care. We are young, aggressive, and we understand the value of the relationships we have.
www.FortBendChamber.com
Center for General and Laparoscopic Surgery, PA 138 Eldridge Road, Suite E. Sugar Land Texas 77478 281-232-3886 / 281-302-5838 www.otahmd.com
T
he Center For General and Laparoscopic Surgery provides compassionate and comprehensive surgical care. Dr. Ese Otah and her staff realize that acute surgical illness can be unexpected, painful, debilitating, disheartening. Dr. Otah and her warm staff believe in treating and caring for patient’s as they would treat themselves and families. Dr. Ese Otah is a board certified general surgeon and is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons. She has additional certification as a wound care specialist. Dr. Otah manages acute and chronic surgical diseases including gallstones, hernias, gastrointestinal
cancers, appendicitis, soft tissue tumors and abscesses, and weight loss. Dr. Otah was born in Brooklyn, New York. She completed her medical training at the SUNY Health Science at Brooklyn Downstate Medical Center. Her surgical training was completed at New York Medical College. She obtained additional specialized training in minimally invasive surgery at the University of Texas Medical School at Houston. Same day appointments are available and most insurance are accepted. She performs surgeries at several local hospitals in Houston and Sugar Land.
Total Heart Cardiovascular Consultants 138 Eldridge Road, Suite E. Sugar Land Texas 77478 281-232-3886 / 281-302-5838 www.otahmd.com
T
otal Heart Cardiovascular Consultants, under founder Dr. Kenneth Otah, was started as an outreach to make a difference in the dismal outcomes of patients with cardiac and lower extremity vascular disease. The services provided cater to medical needs encompassing general cardiology, invasive endovascular medicine, and limb salvage. In addition to providing through care, this practice serves as a forum for and dissemination of education for the whole patient with cardiovascular disease. Dr. Kenneth Otah believes in treating the whole patient body, spirit, and soul. Dr. Kenneth Otah was born in London and
www.FortBendChamber.com
his training completed in London, Nigeria, the United States. He completed his medical training with distinction in pharmacology and trained in vascular medicine and cardiology at the Imperial College in London. He completed his internal medicine and general cardiology training in New York at SUNY Brooklyn- Downstate Medical Center. He then completed a specialized fellowship in vascular medicine at John Hopkins School of Medicine. Dr. Kenneth Otah practices in many of the local hospitals in Sugar Land and Houston and has flexible office hours as well as satellite offices in Houston to meet patients’ needs. August 2012 • Fort Bend Business Journal
31
Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce Newsletter
www.FortBendChamber.com
Ribbon Cuttings
Sienna Plantation Animal Hospital 9212 Sienna Ranch Road Missouri City, TX 77459 281.778.5244 www.siennaplantationanimalhospital.com
S Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce Newsletter
ienna Plantation Animal Hospital is a new, state of the art, 5300 sq. ft. facility that is located on an acre of land on the corner of Sienna Ranch Rd. and Sienna Circle (next to Baines Middle School). The new location is custom built to include a large exercise yard for our canine patients while allowing for ample parking and attractive landscaping. The building provides us with numerous upgrades over our former facility. There is a large, elegant lobby; a comfort room for clients to visit with hospitalized patients; a separate isolation ward
for potentially contagious animals; a large, state-of-the art intensive care unit; an outstanding surgical wing with additional surgical capacity compared to our previous clinic; a room for digital x-ray equipment, including dental x-rays; a large treatment area for hospitalized patients; four examination rooms; a large boarding facility for dogs with larger runs and kennels; a separate, quiet room for our kitty boarders with room for exercise and a large window for their daily amusement.
Sugar Lakes Family Practice, CardioVIP 1327 Lake Pointe Parkway, Suite 150 Sugar Land, Texas 77478 281-302-6066
C
ardioVIP is the first and only heart health approach of its kind creating an integrated, personalized approach to cardiovascular wellness. The CardioVIP offering combines a unique mix of the latest cutting-edge cardiovascular physical diagnostic tests and state-of-the-art blood tests with a team of seasoned, experienced health care professionals to drive improved outcomes. At the core of the CardioVIP Program is the personalized coaching that delivers
32
Fort Bend Business Journal • August 2012
current tailored lifestyle, fitness and nutrition information and education. CardioVIP provides physicians and patients with comprehensive test results and information that characterize the degree of heart disease and stroke risk in more depth than other standard tests. CardioVIP is the most comprehensive clinical solution to improved cardiovascular health, fitness level, and well being - minimizing heart disease and stroke risk factors, now and for the long term.
www.FortBendChamber.com
August 2012 • Fort Bend Business Journal
33
Special Feature: Fort Bend Women In Business
Jennifer Weaver, ABR, CRS, GRI
Jennifer Weaver with RE/MAX Southwest is SOLD on Fort Bend
A Fort Bend County Neigborhood 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 succesful one.
✓Experience ✓Professionalism ✓Dedication
www. JenniferWeaver.com
281-207-5037
RE/MAX Southwest • 281-491-1776
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 multi-use 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 33 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.
Jeanne
GREGORY CRS, GRI, ABR Commitment to excellence in practice for over 15 years COMMERCIAL TRANSACTIONS • FAMILY LAW PROBATE • CIVIL LITIGATION
2150 Town Square Place
RE/MAX Southwest Each Office Independently Owned & Operated
Sugar Land, Texas 77479
Re/Max Hall of Fame Re/Max Platinum Club
Tel: 281.313.3839 Fax: 281.313.3842 www.farhaahmedlaw.com
Farha Ahmed
BY APPOINTMENT ONLY Farha Ahmed Attorney at Law
34
Over 600 Homes Sold. But the most important homes I sell is yours! Give me a call for all your Real Estate needs!
Fort Bend Business Journal • August 2012
www.jeannegregory.com jeannegregory@earthlink.net
713-854-0923 - cell 281-207-5017 - office
Special Feature: Fort Bend Women In Business
Texan Bank’s new president is All Business
K
risti Koncaba of Texan Bank knows all too well the challenges that today’s businesses face. A native of Southeast Houston, she has spent the last 15 years in positions that have given her an up close view of some of those challenges. Kristi completed her studies at San Jacinto College and earned a Bachelor’s degree in American Jurisprudence and a Master’s degree in Human Resource Management from the University of Houston/Clear Lake. Throughout her banking career, Kristi has been involved with managing
the functions of HR, IT, and bank operations. In addition, she has been involved in the acquisition and merger of six financial institutions. One of those acquisitions, the purchase of First National Bank of Refugio, was completed with a $23 million capital raise. The bank was rebranded as San Antonio National Bank, and it’s unique focus was on the “unbanked” population of Texas. In her position there as Executive Vice President and COO, she was instrumental in growing this new brand throughout South Texas. In addition, through Kristi’s efforts the bank was named as one of the best places to work in San Antonio, two years in a row.
All this hard work and experience proved extremely beneficial in her next career move, the purchase of Bank of Fort Bend, which has now been rebranded as Texan Bank. During the transition process, she was appointed interim President for the bank, a position she did not take lightly. She did this job so well that the board unanimously voted to remove the Interim title and make her the President of Texan Bank. She is currently the only female Bank President in the Greater Houston area. Kristi would like to extend an open invitation to your business: “Give us a call today and we will come to you.”
s
August 2012 • Fort Bend Business Journal
35
Special Feature: Fort Bend Women In Business
PAULA JOHNSON Each Office Independently Owned & Operated
281-352-6950 ORCHARD LAKES ESTATES
One of Fort Bend’s “Rising Stars” Vy Nguyen
I Pristine Coventry 1 story w/ 3 car garage. 4 bedrooms/3 full baths. Beveled gl. dr leads to ceramic tile entry, foyer, den and kitchen/ breakfast. spacious split formals and all bedroom w/ new carpet. Lite art niches & skylites at entry. Gourmet kitchen with corian counter tops, 42’’ cabinets, Island kitchen and black appliances. Den with custom cabinets with glass doors. Huge master suite w/ whirlpool tub & sep. Shower. Custom patio cover 900 sq. ft. with flag stone patio. Central vac. system. Custom hunter/douglas shades. $267,000. 13606LPL
am a proud resident of Fort Bend County. I am a working mom, law professor, female entrepreneur, and a practicing attorney in Fort Bend County. I have clients from Stafford, Sugar Land, Richmond-Rosenberg, Meadows, and Mission Bend area. My law firm is a member of the Better Business Bureau and specializes in family law, civil litigation and business law. I have a respectful rapport with the Honorable Judges in Fort Bend County and continue to represent clients from all types of socioeconomic backgrounds. Fort Bend County is one of the greatest places for an entrepreneur to thrive in because of its burgeoning diverse community. I am proud to be a small business owner and a candidate for State Representative of HD 26 for Fort Bend County and strive to represent our great community in my endeavors.
VyNGUYEN Democrat For A Stronger Texas Candidate for State Representative HD 26
www.VyForTexas.com Pol Ad paid for by the Vy Nguyen Campaign, Treasurer Gordon Quan
36
Fort Bend Business Journal • August 2012
H
713.820.1495
Special Feature: Fort Bend Women In Business
Mirvana Acupuncture is getting to the point!
T
hrough the dedication and leadership of business owner Sonya Patel, LAC, Mirvana Acupuncture & Chinese Herbs continues to expand and thrive as a place where patients receive excellent care. Located in the heart of Sugar Land at 736 Highway 6, Suite 103, the clinic is now in its second year of operation and continues to maintain the coveted A rating from the Better Business Bureau (BBB). In addition Mirvana Acupuncture recently received the 2012 BBB Award for Excellence, Winner of Distinction. Ms. Patel is passionate about not only providing individual patients with customized services but also collaborating with other healthcare providers in the community to offer the best options when it comes to complementary medicine. Through the use of acupuncture and herbs
Ms. Patel addresses a variety of conditions including Fertility, Pain Management, Stress/Anxiety, Sleep Disorders, Menopause and Allergies/Asthma to name a few. The office décor and location of Mirvana Acupuncture and Chinese Herbs have also been instrumental in its success. It is and upscale, contemporary clinic designed with the patient’s comfort in mind. The clinic is reminiscent of a spa; soothing decor and natural material enhance the relaxation and healing therapies. Mirvana Acupuncture combines ancient medicine with modern technology including 24 hour on-line scheduling, email reminders for appointments and an electronic patient database. Sonya understands the importance of giving back to the community. She has been a volunteer for the American Red Cross, and has helped raised funds for victims of
natural disasters, Shriner’s Hospital, and was a rider for the MS-150. She continues to volunteer & raise funds for charities throughout Texas. Sonya is nationally certified and a Fellow of the American Board of Oriental Reproductive Medicine, Integrative Pain Management, and Cosmetic Acupuncture, and Cancer care by Memorial SloanKettering. Sonya is a member of the National Association of Professional Women. She graduated as valedictorian of her class from both the University of Houston (BS Nutrition & Foods, 1999) and in 2002 with a Masters of Science from the American College of Acupuncture & Oriental Medicine. For more information contact 281 491-0110 Sonya Patel, LAC, MSOM, FABORM. Mirvana Acupuncture and Chinese Herbs. www.mirvacu.com.
It’s our birthday! We are celebrating with 20% off all bath and body products. All bath and body products on sale through August 7 - 20% off All WoodSprite products on clearance for 50% off Mirvana Acupuncture and Chinese Herbs www.mirvacu.com • 281-491-0110 Please allow 24 hours for Herbal Compound refills.
HOURS: Mon: 9am-4pm Tue: Closed Wed: 9am-7pm Thu: 9am-12n Fri: 9am-4pm Sat: 9am-1pm August 2012 • Fort Bend Business Journal
37
Special Feature: Fort Bend Women In Business
VENETIAN ESTATES
Beautifully Renovated 1-story waterfront home situated on quiet cul-de-sac. Features open floor plan w/windows galore; formal dining room w/bonus room; kit w/granite counters/stainless appliances; upgraded tile/wide plank wood flrs; granite counters in all baths;computer area; secluded master suite/custom closets; luxury master bathrm w/ whirlpool tub & oversized slate walk-in shower. Enchanting backyard offers renovated deck w/custom lighting, refurbished sparkling pool w/fountains. Professional landscape, surround sound & replaced boat pier. Backyard is made for entertaining! $674,900.
Accident Forgiveness. Your rates won’t go up just because of an accident. Get Allstate® Your Choice Auto Insurance today.
(281) 242 3222
Arlene R. Rolsen, CRS
JANE PENAN SPELLMAN, CIC, LUTCF
281-414-8400
arolsen@cbunited.com • www.arlenerolsen.com
101 Southwestern Blvd. Suite #135 SUGAR LAND janespellman@allstate.com
Feature is optional and subject to terms, conditions and availability. Safe Driving Bonus won’t apply after an accident. Patent pending. Allstate Fire and Casualty Insurance Company: Northbrook, IL. © 2009 Allstate Insurance Company
DR. ELISSA WEDEMEYER O.D. FCOVD, FAAO
Therapeutic/Optometric Glaucoma Specialist Board Certified In Vision Therapy Reading/Visual Skills Program
• Medical Management of Eye Diseases • Children’s Visual Perceptual Testing and Therapy • Co-Management of Laser Surgery • Contact Lenses • Complete Line of Fashion & Professional Frames • Comprehensive Eye Exams for the Whole Family • SPORTS WEAR: Swimming Goggles, Sunglasses & High Tech Sports Glasses
281-499-2600
Dr. Wedemeyer is dedicated to providing the best possible care to every patient, and places a strong emphasis on individual attention and quality time to meet patient needs.
6026 Highway 6 • Missouri City, TX 77459 • www.drwedemeyer.com 38
Fort Bend Business Journal • August 2012
Special Feature: Fort Bend Women In Business
ver i n n 5th A
sary
Meet the JEWELS of Fort Bend
Joyous, Extraordinary Women Enriching Lives
Mary Favre Jacqueline Chaumette
Melissa Hayslip
proudly announces the 2012 Sandra Billingsley
Kathy Huebner
Champagne Reception, Luncheon and Style Show BENEFITTING
Safari Texas Ranch Thursday, September Twentieth, Two Thousand and Twelve 11:30 am - 1:30 pm Safari Texas Ranch u 11627 FM 1464 u Richmond, Texas Special Thanks to Our Official Jewels Contributors
Alisa Murray Photography - Official Photographer J Loggins Jewelers - Official Jeweler Pamela Printing - Official Printer
MASTER OF CEREMONIES Michael Garfield The High-Tech Texan®
Safari Texas Ranch - Official Venue Salon Eben & Day Spa - Official Salon May W. Tape, D.D.S. - Official Entertainment Sponsor
Tickets & Sponsorship Opportunities u 281-690-4242 or www.FortBendFocus.com
August 2012 • Fort Bend Business Journal
39
Fort Bend Women In Business Yearbook 2012
Farha Ahmed
Nicki B. Black EVP Branch President
FARHA ATTORNEY
2150 Town Square Place Sugar Land, Texas 281.313.3839 www.farhaahmedlaw.com
THE STATE BANK OF TEXAS Stafford
Kaelyn Bujnoch
Physician Relations & Marketing Coordinator 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.
Locally Owned & Operated
www.tsbot.com 13010 Murphy Road Stafford, TX 77477
16655 Southwest Freeway Sugar Land, Texas 77479
By appointment only.
281-494-6686
281-274-7000
Kristi Koncaba
Jeanne Gregory
Paula Johnson
Kristi Koncaba was appointed President of Texan Bank after successfully reorganizing the Bank and getting the company moving in the right direction while serving as interim President. She is currently the only female Bank President in the Greater Houston Area.
CRS, GRI, ABR Re/Max Hall of Fame
ABR, GRI CBR Your Realtor who “Lists to Sell”
It’s a great time to buy or sell in Fort Bend County. THE MOST IMPORTANT HOME I SELL, IS YOURS!
Paula, a Realtor with RE/MAX Heritage, and a Realtor for 21 years particularly likes meeting different people. Everyday is a different situation because people are different.
President
s
www.TexanBank.com
281-276-1800 40
Fort Bend Business Journal • August 2012
Direct: 713-854-0923 www.jeannegregory.com jeannegregory@earthlink.net RE/MAX Southwest 14905 SW Freeway Sugar Land, TX 77478 281-491-1776
RE/MAX Heritage 4675 Sweetwater Blvd. Sugar Land 281-352-6950
Fort Bend Women In Business Yearbook 2012
Beverly Carter
Becky Chalupa
Jessica DeMarr
Publisher
Associate Chief Nursing Officer
Director of Business Development -Texas Direct Auto
Newspaper and Magazine publishing for 34 years
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 continue to bring new programs to our community.
Jessica DeMarr is the Director of Business Development for Texas Direct Auto. She has been the driving force in assuring that Texas Direct Auto be known worldwide as the place to go to buy or sell a car. She is also responsible for initiating and overseeing all of their community efforts in Fort Bend County. She is committed to making a difference not only in her workplace but also in her community.
Fort Bend Star Fort Bend Business Journal 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
Janet Leatherwood
16655 Southwest Freeway Sugar Land, Texas 77479
281-410-6103
281-274-7000
Find Your Dream Car at www.texasdirectauto.com
Chief Nursing Officer
Executive Producer
Elsa Maxey
Vy Nguyen
As Chief Nursing Officer, Janet Leatherwood has led the development of new programs at the hospital for the past 10 years. The hospital appreciates her dynamic leadership in bringing the Texas Medical Center home to Fort Bend County.
Provides Full-Service Digital Video Production for:
Democrat For A Stronger Texas
• TV COMMERCIALS • EVENTS • EMPLOYEE TRAINING • PROMOTIONAL VIDEO • WEBSITES • LEGAL DEPOSITIONS
Candidate for State Representative HD 26 www.VyForTexas.com
16655 Southwest Freeway Sugar Land, Texas 77479
281-274-7000
4655 Techniplex Dr. Suite 500, Stafford, TX 77477
281-690-4280
Pol Ad paid for by the Vy Nguyen Campaign, Treasurer Gordon Quan
August 2012 • Fort Bend Business Journal
41
Fort Bend Women In Business Yearbook 2012
Sonya Patel, LAC
Arlene R. Rolsen, CRS
Jane Penan Spellman
Sonya Patel is a University of Houston graduate and in 2002, she earned a masters degree in Acupuncture & Oriental Medicine. She is licensed by NCCAOM and Texas State Board. Sonya is certified and a Fellow of the American Board of Oriental Reproductive Medicine, Integrative Pain Management, and specializes in other ailments. Sonya is extensively involved with local charitable organizations. (TXAC00633)
We salute Arlene who believes in exceeding her clients expectations by providing personal attention and exceptional service throughout the Greater Fort Bend Area.
CIC, LUTCF, PSA Allstate Premier Service Agency
281-242-3222
101 Southwestern Blvd. #135 Sugar Land, TX 77479
281-491-0110
281-414-8400
Mirvana Acupuncture www.mirvacu.com
E-mail: arolsen@cbunited.com www.arlenerolsen.com
Leena Taneja
Jennifer Weaver
Director of Physician Relations & Marketing
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.
Certified Residential Specialist As a Realtor® and Relocation Specialist in Greater Houston and Fort Bend County since 1979, it has been my privilege to help hundreds of families find a place to call home. Put my experience to work for you! You will be Sold on Service! RE/MAX Southwest
16655 Southwest Freeway Sugar Land, Texas 77479
281-274-7000
42
Jane has over thirty 30 of Insurance Experience. Serving your insurance needs would be our privilege. Please call us for a quote!!!
Fort Bend Business Journal • August 2012
14905 SW Freeway Sugar Land, TX 77478 281-491-1776
Call Direct: 281-207-5037
E-mail: Jennifer@JenniferWeaver.com
Dr. Elissa Wedemeyer FCOVD, FAAO
Dr. Wedemeyer, therapeutic optometrist, has been providing comprehensive vision exams in Fort Bend County for 23 years. Her practice is state-of-the-art, with new technology and equipment. Her frame and contact lens selections are top quality. Many medical insurances are accepted for emergency eye care and eye exams. 6026 Highway 6 Missouri City TX. 77459
281-499-2600
Fort Bend Focus Magazine Hosts 5th Anniversary JEWELS of Fort Bend Joyous, Extraordinary Women Enriching Lives
F
ort Bend Focus Magazine, the county’s premier magazine showcasing people, places and happenings, is celebrating the fifth anniversary of their signature event honoring five extraordinary women whose contributions to our community make them real gems. Fort Bend Focus Honors the JEWELS of Fort Bend is scheduled for Thursday, September 20, 2012 with a premier Luncheon and Style Show featuring fashions by Dillard’s honoring this year’s Fort Bend JEWELS – five Joyous, Extraordinary Women Enriching Lives. Fort Bend Focus Magazine is pleased to introduce the five JEWELS selected for 2012: Sandra Billingsley, Jacquie Chaumette, Mary Favre, Melissa Hayslip and Kathy Huebner. From the Fort Bend Junior Service League to the Sugar Land Cultural Arts Foundation to the Lamar Education Awards Foundation, these women are all committed to making our community the best place to live, work and raise our families. Fort Bend Focus Magazine is pleased to recognize their efforts while doing something that they all feel passionate about: supporting our community. Proceeds from Fort Bend Focus Honors the JEWELS of Fort Bend will be invested back into our community by supporting a worthy organization: Casa de Esperanza. The mission of Casa de Esperanza de los Ninos - the House of Hope for Children - is to provide a safe place for children in crisis due to abuse, neglect or the effects of HIV. Casa de Esperanza provides residential, medical and psychological care according to the needs of each child. In 2010, the Fort Bend County Program of Casa de Esperanza provided 15 Fort Bend children with 3,057 days of care, and six community foster families currently resident in Fort Bend. “We are thrilled to be celebrating our fifth anniversary event in support of such an extraordinary organization as Casa de Esperanza,” said Lisa Fredrickson, publisher of Fort Bend Focus Magazine. “Securing our
future by providing for the welfare of our children is a cause very close to our hearts at Fort Bend Focus, and the Fort Bend County Program needs our support to continue caring for our greatest asset as a society: our children.” This year’s fifth anniversary event will also shine the spotlight on the women who have previously received the designation as a JEWEL of Fort Bend. They are: 2008 JEWELS Carole Brown, Dee Koch, Tami McGuire, Billie Wendt and KK West; 2009
The 2012 Jewels of Fort Bend: Mary Favre, Melissa Hayslip, Jacqueline Chaumette, Sandra Billingsley and Kathy Huebner. Photo by Alisa Murray Photography. Shot on location at Star Cinema Grill - Missouri City.
JEWELS Billie Neuhaus, Lizz Sansone, Ann Smith, May W. Tape and Donna Kay Tucker; 2010 JEWELS Carolyn Banfield, Peggy Duggan, Brigit Engleman, Lynn Halford and Cassandra Went; and 2011 JEWELS Doris Gurecky, Pat Hebert, Cari Middaugh, Judy Schmid and Lucia Street.” While the event will be the highlight of Fort Bend Focus Honors the JEWELS of Fort Bend, the September magazine will feature a beautiful spread showcasing photos and biographies of the five JEWELS
along with sponsors of the event and a yearbook photo of all twenty-five JEWELS. Distributed directly to Fort Bend homes each month, as well as in rack distribution at businesses and retailers throughout the county, the special Fort Bend Focus Honors the JEWELS of Fort Bend section will pay homage to these special women and their community service. “Because of the efforts of the wonderful, caring individuals who devote so much of their time and talent to our philanthropies, especially these twenty-five women, our community is a better place,” said Fredrickson. “Fort Bend Focus Magazine is proud to honor their commitment to Fort Bend County and be able to give back to the community that has so graciously supported us.” This year, Fort Bend Focus Honors the JEWELS of Fort Bend will include a raffle to further benefit Casa de Esperanza. One hundred percent of the proceeds from the raffle will benefit the non-profit agency. Tickets for the raffle are $25 each and are available for prepurchase or for purchase at the event. Fort Bend Focus Honors the JEWELS of Fort Bend is open to the public and will be held at Safari Texas Ranch in Richmond from 11:30 am to 1:30 pm on Thursday, September 20th. In addition to the Luncheon and Style Show, event sponsors will be treated to a private Champagne Reception with the JEWELS prior to the event. Sponsors to date include Emerald Sponsor Safari Texas Ranch; Ruby Sponsors Alisa Murray Photography, Hardee Investment Group, J Loggins Jewelers, Pamela Printing and Salon Eben and Day Spa; Corporate May W. Tape, DDS and Sapphire Sponsor Southern Sister Designs. Sponsorships range from $1,000 to $7,500 and include magazine advertising. Individual tickets are available for $65. For sponsorship information or to purchase tickets, contact Fort Bend Focus Magazine at 281-690-4242 or visit www. FortBendFocus.com.
August 2012 • Fort Bend Business Journal
43
The Power of Women in the private sector drives positive economic change By Michelle Patterson
I
was leaving late for a meeting the other day and half-joking, half-seriously told my husband, “I forgot my cape!” “Huh?” he replied. “Yeah, my wonder woman cape!” So, I—the 40-something soccer mom, wife, CEO, and California Women’s Conference Executive Producer—was definitely feeling superhero powers (or lack thereof) while juggling all those responsibilities. Many of today’s women are trying to be modern day super heroes. After all, we have the qualities that have been proven to create, nurture, and transform. Women are shaping their communities, impacting their families, and creating positive change. Yet, it is easy to get caught up in the daily grind to do it all and be everything to everybody. Often, what happens is that our capes get tangled up or we trip over them as we rush to save the world. Others see this happen quite frequently. “As women, we have, for generations, learned to juggle family, career, volunteer work and, hopefully, even some alone time. Even with all the juggling and multi-tasking we do as women most of us still manage to feel that we are not good enough. We are our own judge and jury and seem to, more often than not, pronounce a ‘guilty’ verdict on ourselves. The charge? Not doing enough, being enough, giving enough or having enough. We are often plagued with toxic thoughts that turn into feelings of inadequacy.” The Women Army: Power in Numbers It’s time to face the facts and see that we, as women, are making a powerful difference in business, in today’s economy, and in family. Perhaps in looking at where change is being enacted, women in general will feel
44
more satisfied with what they are doing as part of this change movement. Charles D. Vollmer, the founder of Jobenomics, a national grassroots movement dedicated to creating 20 million new US private sector jobs by year 2020, has much to say when it comes to women and our economy: “This is the decade of women-owned businesses. They have greater financial needs and incentives. There are more qualified women with some even serving as heads of households. These women have more opportunities, are highly educated, and have fewer cultural barriers.” It can also be said that there is power in numbers. The Bureau of the Census states that women currently outnumber men in the United States by six million. Recent economic figures also show a dramatic shift in job demographics, and, therefore, in economic power. Statistics show nearly eight million jobs have been lost by men and, for the first time in this nation’s history, women now hold a majority of the nation’s jobs. In 2006, a database was created that measured the economic and political power of women in 162 countries. The conclusion was the greater the power of women, the greater the country’s economic success. This is even more when examining a recent Senate bill that failed 52-47, which was eight votes short of the 60 required that would have provided legislation ensuring that women receive equal pay. In contrast, countries that have equality in pay are flourishing. Women are also the most influential consumers. Contributing to the total $7 trillion in consumer and business spending in America, women influence 85% of all purchasing decisions, including half of products that would seem more oriented to men, such as automobiles, home improvement items, and consumer electronics. The impact that women have
Fort Bend Business Journal • August 2012
on our nation’s market alone is substantial. For products related to home life, it’s been reported that moms represent a $2.4 trillion market. These statistics make women the key target audience for any successful business. Women are also now being targeted by boards to join and offer their insights about how women think and make decisions about purchases. Those that have added women as board members are also realizing greater financial success. Catalyst’s 2010 statistics conclude that companies with a significant percentage of women on their boards performed better than those with no women on their boards—by 84% return on sales, 60% return on invested capital, and 46% return on equity. As Monique Nadeau, President and CEO of the Hope Street Group explained, “[B]ecause women overwhelmingly hold the consumer purchasing power in our country, whether we’re talking about individuals or households, their understanding of the market allows them to start businesses with a high degree of insight about both their potential customers and competitors.” Time to Get Your Cape Out of the Dry Cleaners! By all accounts, it could be said that women truly are superheroes. We can take
care of our families and save the economy single-handedly. That means you are more than enough – whether you are winging our way up the Fortune 500 ladder or you are building an entrepreneurial idea into a viable business. You. Are. Enough. As a result, it is important to end the negative self-talk where that little voice is telling us that we are still not doing enough even when working around the clock. You can wear your super hero cape without feeling guilty about what you ar trying to achieve in running a business, managing a family, and holding up the economy while looking fabulous in those Louboutins. More than just superheroes, we are nurturers who are helping to heal our economy and adding a decidedly feminine – and fresh – approach to achieving the well-being of the economy. There is nothing to feel guilty about there. If anything, we should feel proud that we can contribute so much during such challenging times. Now, don those capes, girls (ladies), and take flight! Visionary and lauded business
COMING SEPTEMBER 2012 ISSUE
accelerator Michelle Patterson is CEO of Event Complete—a full service event management company. Michelle may be reached online at www.eventcomplete.com. Female Factoids Just how powerful are women in today’s marketplace? Consider these additional facts and figures: • Women account for 85% of all consumer purchases including everything from autos to health care: · 91% of New Homes · 66% PCs · 92% Vacations · 80% Healthcare · 65% New Cars · 89% Bank Accounts · 93% Food · 93 % OTC Pharmaceuticals - American women spend about $5 trillion annually; over half the U.S. GDP (source: Sheconomy.com) • Women purchase over 50 percent of traditional male products, including automobiles, home improvement products and consumer electronics (source:
girlpowermarketing.com) • Senior women age 50 and older control net worth of $19 trillion (source: MassMutual Financial Group-2007) • Over the next decade, women will control two thirds of consumer wealth in the United States and be the beneficiaries of the largest transference of wealth in our country’s history. Estimates range from $12 to $40 trillion. Many Boomer women will experience a double inheritance windfall, from both their parents and husbands. The Boomer woman is a consumer that luxury brands want to resonate with. (source: Claire Behar, Senior Partner and Director, New Business Development, Fleishman-Hillard New York) • In the U.S., 75 million moms make or influence 85 percent of all household purchase decisions, representing $2.1 trillion in annual spending power. (source: girlpowermarketing.com) • 91% of women in one survey said that advertisers don’t understand them (source: She-conomy.com).
Special Feature
Banking & Financial
Make sure your banking or financial services are advertised to over 11,000 businesses in our special feature in September Fort Bend/Katy
Volume 26 • No. 12
THE BUSINESS LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE
December 2008
RBC Opens New Sugar Land Office WHAT’S INSIDE
■ Saluting the Chambers of Commerce & the Economic Development Council ■ Improving Your Financial Situation In 2009 $4.95
Deadline: August 10 To Advertise Call Mary Doetterl 281-690-4204 • Mary@FortBendStar.com
Fort Bend/Katy
www.FortBendStar.com August 2012 • Fort Bend Business Journal
45
FORT BEND Mayor Vincent Morales sets clear vision for Rosenberg
A
crowd of more than 400 came to hear the Central Fort Bend Chamber Alliance and Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce co-hosted “State of the City” luncheon message in July at Safari Texas. The luncheon featured an address by Rosenberg Mayor Vincent Morales and opened with an invocation by Rev. Deborah Pirhoda of Rosenberg’s First Assembly of God Church. The Rosenberg Police Department Color Guard posted the colors, while Ryan Ballard and Brooks Green, members of Boy Scouts Troop 1880, led the Pledge of Allegiance. Edward Crowell III, executive director of Imperial Arts, sang the National Anthem. The Marvin Gaspard Trio provided musical entertainment courtesy of Imperial Arts of Rosenberg. Morales, who was elected in May 2011, presented a detailed overview of Rosenberg’s current growth and future development potential, highlighting the community’s unique position as the “Hub of the Gulf Coast.” The Mayor cited Rosenberg’s geographic location, at the intersection of several major transportation modes within the Greater Houston-area, including highway and rail, coupled with the availability of large tracts of developable land, a driver of continued development. Morales also touched on exciting developments in store for Historic Downtown Rosenberg including recent application for designation as a Texas Cultural District, upcoming renovation
Boy Scouts Ryan Ballard and Brooks Green from Scout Troop 1880 were present to lead the Pledge of Allegiance.
Tom Crayton, Central Fort Bend Chamber Alliance Chairman of the Board; Shanta Kuhl, Central Fort Bend Chamber Alliance President/CEO; Mayor Vincent M. Morales, Jr.; Keri Schmidt, Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce President/CEO; Bruce Mercer, Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce Chairman of the Board.
Edward Crowell III and Robyn Miller of Imperial Arts of Rosenberg are join by Mayor Morales and The Marvin Gaspard Trio.
Senator Glenn Hegar visits with the Mayor.
of the Cole Theater, and the opening of a Arts Center; along with projects aimed at revitalizing the City’s Highway 90A corridor; and ongoing infrastructure and public safety improvements including expansion of the city’s animal shelter, and construction of a new fire station. Morales highlighted Rosenberg’s great quality of life, including a low crime rate, a steady, diversified economy,great recreation opportunities, and concluded by emphasizing his vision for a prosperous, invigorated City.
Color Guard (Jasmine Roberts, Jerry Rice, Billy Hammack, Sgt. Brian Baker, Sean DeRoch) from the Rosenberg Police Department.
BIG SHOTS
ATTENTION : Fort Bend High School Seniors
CONGRATULATIONS! Kathryn Lynne Bishop
Congratulations to Kathryn Lynne Bishop, a graduate of Kempner High School, for being selected as Texas Direct Auto’s “Scholarship Star” for August! Kathryn, an accomplished violinist, writer, student, and volunteer, will be attending Schreiner University next year. While at Kempner High, she balanced violin, theatre, UIL Literary Criticism Team, Math and Science Competition Club, National Honor Society, English Honor Society, and National Technical Honor Society, as well as being President of Highest Symphony Orchestra and Secretary of the French National Honor Society all while taking challenging Honors and AP classes. In addition, she was a Youth Department Volunteer and Teen Council Member at the Fort Bend County Libraries and a Volunteer Violinist with the Fort Bend Symphony Orchestra. Kathryn plans to study English, Creative Writing, or Shakespearian Studies at Schreiner University. Kathryn was selected as part of Texas direct Auto’s commitment to educational excellence through the “Scholarship Stars” program. Application details are listed below.
Register now and win a
1,000
$
SCHOLARSHIP! Find complete details and forms at
www.fortbendfocus.com
August 2012 • Fort Bend Business Journal
47
Centurion Advisors Corp. offers the following services: • Investment Services • Portfolio management based on your risk assessment • Fee-only variable annuities (no up-front commissions or surrender charges) • 401(k) / 403(b) portfolio management • 401(k) plan development and benchmarking • Comprehensive wealth management Investment Advisory Services offered through Centurion Advisors Corp. Paul B. Jackson, CFA, CIPM President
19901 Southwest Freeway • Sugar Land 281.207.5485 paul@centurionadvisors.net www.centurionadvisors.net
KOLBE CURTICE... continued from page 19
Financing for other needs such as working capital, inventory, debt consolidation or refinancing are available through a separate SBA 7(a) Loan Guaranty Program. A typical 504 project is structured with fifty percent of the project costs provided through a local private bank. This senior loan is usually for a 10-year term at a fixed or variable rate, depending on the relationship with the lender. Forty percent of the project costs are financed with a fixed-rate debenture secured with a junior lien from a SBA Certified Development Company (CDC). The debenture is backed by a 100 percent SBA-guaranty. The final 10 percent of the project cost is provided by the purchaser. The low 10 percent down payment is the big attraction of this program. Loan maturities of 10 or 20 years are available. Interest rates on 504 loans are pegged to an increment above the current market rate for five-year and ten-year U.S. Treasury rates. The rate on the 504 loan is fixed for the life of the loan and is set when the CDC sells the bond to fund the loan. Effective all-in rates on 20-year bonds, which include all fees and closing costs, vary monthly. Most local Fort Bend banks have a loan officer specializing in SBA lending. SBA loan advantages to the business: • Low down payment • Fixed rate on the SBA 504 portion • Long term - 504 loans are for 10- or 20-year terms • Low interest rate. Even with fees and closing costs included in the rate, the 504 program offers a low fixed rate for a subordinate mortgage loan. The blended rate between the lender portion and the SBA’s 504 portion makes the project very affordable, particularly for small businesses. Last month, over 375 attendees packed the Sugar Land Town Square Marriott for a commercial real estate conference focusing on commercial real estate financing. The
CHAD ELLIS... continued from page 15
Sugar Land 8410 Hwy 90A Stafford 3531 S. Main Missouri City 3600 FM 1092 (713) 388-7600
48
Fort Bend Business Journal • August 2012
FrostBank.com
None of this of course has ended the debate about the Act. Both parties continue to spout their talking points on whether Roberts got it right, and no doubt efforts will continue to repeal the Act or challenge other aspects of it. So while the future of the Act may remain uncertain, what is clear, as Benjamin Franklin observed long ago, “in this world nothing can be said to be certain, except death and taxes.” Chad Ellis is a columnist for the Fort Bend Business Journal and a partner with Ellis and Irwin, L.L.P. This article is not intended to provide specific legal advice for a particular situation. Legal advice can only be provided in the course of an attorney-client relationship with reference to all the facts in a specific situation. He can be reached at 832-595-1242. www.ei-law.com.
members of the capital markets (commercial financing) expert panel were all in agreement on the current level of activity in Houston. All felt that Houston is getting more fairly valued these days and lenders are actually starting to compete for business. One developer said that his company was even beginning to go to the secondary financing markets to take advantage of the competition and to try to improve financing terms. That availability was non-existent a couple of years ago. The panel reported that lending for speculative developers was still all but non-existent. Lenders would rather finance existing assets than new construction because there’s an immediate benefit (no waiting time to construct and lease the properties). Banks are actually competing for occupied properties, and investors are receiving multiple term sheets from banks. Some banks, however, already have a lot of commercial real estate exposure and aren’t too interested in increasing it despite great fundamentals. One of the panelists commented that banks headquartered out of Texas are nervous that a drop in oil price could pause our economy at any moment. For the foreseeable future, the panel felt that financing will keep us from overbuilding. They reported that there are currently forty-two proposed office developments in Houston. Of those, only eight are actually under construction, with only six of them over 50% pre-leased. As existing vacant space is absorbed, new buildings will be able to prelease to the required levels to meet current bank underwriting. With the current level of inventory and prospect activity in Fort Bend, I expect to begin hearing about new construction activity as early as next year. Kolbe M. Curtice CCIM, CLS is a licensed Texas Real Estate Broker and is the Managing Director of Colliers International – Fort Bend, 15999 City Walk, Suite 250, Sugar Land, Texas, 77479. He can be reached at 281-4944769 or kolbe.curtice@colliers.com.
Sizzling Hot Summer! 3 nights, 4 people, $499 All Inclusive, Valid Sunday - Thursday, June 1st to August 16th
am.ily F r o F Fun ..
Victorian G Vacation Chalveston eck List 3Flip Flop 3Beach Tos 3Sunglass wels 3Beach Haes 3Sun Tan ts Lotion
p. o l F p Fli Flop. Flip Flop. Flip
GOT NEWS? Email your news or press release to sharon@FortBendStar.com We love to hear from you. Also, don’t forget to read The Fort Bend Star or visit www.fortbendstar.com
6300 Seawall • Galveston • TX • victoriancondo.com www.facebook.com/galvestonvictorian • 866.204.8287
Valid thru 8.15.12. Inclusive rates include all fees & taxes. Based on availability. Not valid with any other discounts.
THIS IS ONE OF MANY VICTORIAN SPECIALS, CALL TODAY FOR DETAILS. August 2012 • Fort Bend Business Journal
49
NAMES IN THE NEWS A Leadership training program produced by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce
David Crowl & Jan-Michael Jenkins of the Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce complete another year at Institute for Organization Management
I
nstitute for Organization Management, the professional development program of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, announces that Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce’s David Crowl, has recently completed his second year and Jan-Michael Jenkins has completed his first year at the Institute for Organization Management, a four-year nonprofit leadership training program at Loyola Marymount in Los Angeles. “Institute participants are recognized across the country as leaders in their
Aguilar joins Classic Chevrolet Ray Aguilar, a trusted Fort Bend advocate and volunteer, has joined Classic Chevrolet as their Business & Community Relations Sales Manager. Ray is involoved with Fort Ray Aguilar Bend’s Meals On Wheels, Bend Chamber, Central Alliance Chamber, American Red Cross, Fort Bend Womens Center, YIP program as well as many others. Ray has logged in many volunteer hours and is always ready to lend a helping hand wherever needed. Ray’s steller reputation is an asset to Classic Chevrolet in Sugar Land. Ray Aguilar, a trusted Fort Bend advocate and volunteer, has joined Classic Chevrolet as their Business & Community Relations Sales Manager. Ray is involoved with Fort Bend’s Meals On Wheels, Bend Chamber, Central Alliance Chamber, American Red Cross, Fort Bend Womens Center, YIP program as well as many others. Ray has logged in many volunteer hours and is always ready to lend a helping hand wherever needed. Ray’s steller reputation is an asset to Classic Chevrolet in Sugar Land.
50
communities,” said Raymond P. Towle, IOM, CAE, the U.S. Chamber’s vice president of Institute for Organization Management. “These individuals have the knowledge, skills, and dedication to achieve professional and organizational success in the dynamic association and chamber industries.” Fort Bend Chamber President & CEO, and 2010 Institute graduate Keri Schmidt commented, “Our goal is for everyone in our organization to graduate from this premier program. Providing educational opportunities to our team makes us a stronger chamber.” Since its commencement in 1921, the Institute program has been educating tens of thousands of association, chamber, and other nonprofit leaders on how to build stronger organizations, better serve their members and become strong business advocates. Institute’s curriculum consists of four weeklong sessions at five different university locations throughout the country. Through a combination of required courses and electives in areas such as leadership, advocacy, marketing, finance, and membership, Institute participants are able to enhance their own organizational management skills and add new fuel to their organizations, making them run more efficiently and effectively. Graduates of Institute receive the IOM recognition, signifying completion of 96 hours of course instruction in nonprofit
Jan-Michael Jenkins & David Crowl.
management. In addition, participants can earn credit hours toward the Certified Chamber Executive (CCE) or Certified Association Executive (CAE) certifications. Nearly 1,000 individuals attend Institute annually. Institute is a 501(c) (3) affiliate of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and is the premier nonprofit professional development program for nonprofit professionals, fostering individual growth through interactive learning and networking opportunities. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is the world’s largest business federation representing the interests of more than 3 million businesses of all sizes, sectors, and regions, as well as state and local chambers and industry associations.
Lindsay Lucas named as new Director Lindsay Lucas is the new Director of Development for the Fort Bend County Museum Association. She is a graduate of the University of Texas/San Antonio and has worked for the past three years as the founder/owner of Lean On Me Events. She and her husband live along FM 359 and look forward to being part of the community for many years ahead. For the past couple of months she has worked part time at the McFarlane House and
Fort Bend Business Journal • August 2012
her strong event planning and organizational skills were of great benefit during the Lone Star Stomp. Lindsay also possesses excellent written and verbal skills, some graphic design experience, and lots of creative initiative She is very excited about being part of the Museum/ Ranch team and is already planning new ways for raising the charitable $$’s that keep us going forward. She will bring a great deal of enthusiasm, graciousness, and expertise to the not-for-profit organization.
Submit Newsworthy items to sharon@fortbendstar.com
RigNet announces acquisition of Nessco Fort Bend employer RigNet, Inc. (Nasdaq:RNET), a leading global provider of managed remote communications solutions to the oil and gas industry, announced that it has acquired Nessco Group Holdings Ltd. (“Nessco”), an Aberdeen-based international leader in the field of telecommunications systems integration for the oil and gas industry. The acquisition broadens and strengthens RigNet’s communications offerings to the oil and gas industry, allowing the company to provide its services over the life of the field from drilling through production, both offshore and onshore, around the globe. RigNet will also be leveraging its global footprint to bolster the international reach of Nessco’s systems integration business. The all-cash purchase price was £29.5 million ($46.4 million) for the business and working capital, including the purchase of Nessco’s 30,000 sq. ft. headquarters facility in Aberdeen, with RigNet paying up to an additional £1.6 million ($2.5 million) through November, 2012 upon satisfaction of certain post-closing events. Assuming such post-closing events are met, the total purchase price would be £31.1 million ($48.9 million), with £26.9 million ($42.3 million) being paid for the business and Nessco’s headquarters facility plus an additional £4.2 million ($6.6 million) being paid for working capital. “Our customers will have immediate access to a broader range of integrated communications solutions as a result of this acquisition,” said Mark Slaughter, RigNet’s Chief Executive Officer and President. “Additionally, RigNet will now have the ability to support customers across the entire oil and gas value chain. I am also pleased that our debt refinancing for this transaction preserves our financial flexibility moving forward. This acquisition greatly expands the talent base of the RigNet family and underscores our commitment to investors and customers to grow and expand our business, both organically and through strategic acquisitions,” Slaughter continued. The combined business will operate under the RigNet brand, though the systems integration offerings will be co-branded with
the Nessco brand for the time being. RigNet’s Aberdeen operations will be moved into Nessco’s facility, with the combined Aberdeen operation to be led by Ian McPherson, currently Managing Director of Nessco. No
material reductions in force are anticipated at this time and both companies expect business operations to continue as usual. Nessco’s contracts, both with clients and suppliers, will remain in force.
Kreisle named chairman of the Texas Historical Commission Matthew Kreisle III of Austin has been named chairman of the Texas Historical Commission for a term to expire at the pleasure of the governor. The commission works to preserve Texas’ architectural, archeological and cultural landmarks. Kreisle is a senior partner and managing principal at Page Southerland Page. He is a member of the Texas Society of Architects, American Institute of Architects and International Interior Design Association, and a past citizen advisor to the City of Austin Downtown Commission. He is also a past president of the Heritage Society of Austin, past chair of the Austin Chamber of Commerce Economic Development Associates, past board member of the Real Estate Council of Austin, and a past recipient of the Austin History Center Association Katherine Drake Hart Historic
Preservation Award. Kreisle received a bachelor’s degree from the University of Texas. The Fort Bend Historical Commission is a member of the Texas Historical Commission and meets quarterly throughout the year. The Fort Bend County Historical Commission is charged with encouraging and assisting historical awareness and appreciation within the county. Additionally, it institutes and carries out a continuing survey of the county’s historical buildings, sites, cemeteries, archeological sites, both public and private, and other historical features within the county. It assists and advises organizations and individuals in the process of application for Texas Historical Markers. It reports to the Fort Bend County Commissioners Court and the Texas Historical Commission.
Fort Bend County receives Distinguished Budget Presentation Award For the ninth year, the Government Finance Officers Association(GFOA) of the United States and Canada awarded Fort Bend County with the “Distinguished Budget Presentation Award” for its budget. The award represents a significant achievement and reflects commitment to meeting the highest principles of government and budgeting. In order to receive the Budget Award, Fort Bend County had to satisfy nationally recognized guidelines for effective budget presentation that includes a policy document, financial plan, operations guide and communications device. Budget documents must read “proficient” in all four categories and the fourteen mandatory criteria within
those categories to receive the award. Pamela Gubbels, director of Finance & Investments, accepted the award on behalf of Fort Bend County. County Judge Robert Hebert recognized Gubbels and the Office of Finance and Investments during Commissioners Court on June 26th for this outstanding achievment. The Government Finance Officers Association is a nonprofit professional association serving over 17,600 government finance professionals throughout North America. The GFOA’s Distinguished Budget Presentation Awards Program is the only National Awards program in governmental budgeting.
August 2012 • Fort Bend Business Journal
51
NEWSWORTHY Key funding for I-69 includes Fort Bend County National Study: Texas Top State in transportation, infrastructure CNBC’s 2012 Top States for Business study gives Texas the top spot in the infrastructure and transportation category for the second year in a row. “Texas stands alone as the leader in economic development and job creation and providing the infrastructure for that activity is a daily undertaking for our team,” said Texas Transportation Commission Chairman Ted Houghton. “We are moving forward with multiple mega projects across the state, including the I-35 corridor expansion and I-69 from south Texas to east Texas. Activities like these undoubtedly helped us surge to the top of the ranks.”
Overall rankings 2012: They scored all 50 states on 51 measures of competitiveness developed with input from business groups including the National Association of Manufacturers and the Council on Competitiveness. States received points based on their rankings in each metric. Then, they separated those metrics into ten broad categories, weighting the categories based on how frequently they are cited in state economic development marketing materials. That way, the study ranks the states based on the criteria they use to sell themselves. Here are the ten categories ranked in the study: • Cost of Doing Business • Workforce • Quality of Life • Economy • Transportation & Infrastructure • Technology & Innovation • Education • Business Friendliness • Access to Capital • Cost of Living
52
Key funding details to advance I-69 in Texas has been announced by TxDOT officials. The funding for the Fort Bend County portion is included. A total of $17 million has been allocated to develop US 59 relief options at Lufkin, Nacogdoches and Corrigan. In the Liberty County area, $6 million was allocated to improve US 59 to a controlled access facility. Another $12 million will fund frontage roads and ramps and the removal of crossovers on US 59 from Loop 463 to US 87 in Victoria. Also, $6 million has been allocated to US 59 projects in Fort Bend and Wharton counties. In South Texas, $40 million in funding will go toward construction of a relief route in Premont on US 281. On US 77, $60 million is dedicated to the design-build project from Driscoll to Kingsville. In Laredo, $9 million
will be used to construct an overpass on Loop 20. These improvements were recommended by the citizen planners of the I-69 segment committees. The funding is part of the 2012 Unified Transportation Program, which the Texas Transportation Commission recently revised to include an additional $2 billion for highway projects across the state. The I-69 Texas route is planned to run from the Rio Grande Valley and Laredo to Texarkana and occupy the footprint of existing highways, including US 59, 77, 84 and 281 and SH 44. In addition to a stretch of US 77 in South Texas designated as I-69 in 2011, about 80 miles of US 59 in the Houston and five miles in the Texarkana area are being reviewed to determine if the sections meet interstate specifications.
Lamar CISD enhances communication trends
TxDOT $2 million grants announced
Lamar CISD is becoming more “social,” improving the District’s ability to communicate by introducing new methods of providing information. The district has updated the look of its website and launched several new social media sites. Lamar CISD now has a Facebook page, which is being updated on a regular basis. The district’s Twitter feed is also operational and is being used to spread information about the district. The website, Facebook and Twitter will all be used for general news, upcoming events and emergency updates. Numerous Lamar CISD administrators — including Superintendent Dr. Thomas Randle — have Twitter accounts. The district’s Twitter feed — @LamarCISD — is a great place to start following them. Rounding out the list of the District’s social sites are Pinterest and YouTube. The YouTube channel, when fully developed, will feature information about the District in a more “visual” medium. For links to all Lamar CISD’s social media sites, go to the District’s website. www.lcisd. org.
A $2 million TxDOT grant will be shared among 10 communities for landscaping projects along local highways. The communities – Muenster, San Saba, Woodway, Athens, Angleton, Coppell, San Marcos, Allen, Waco and Arlington – are winners of the 2012 Governor’s Community Achievement Awards, which were recently announced by Keep Texas Beautiful. The annual awards recognize the best grassroots environmental programs in the state.
Fort Bend Business Journal • August 2012
Fort Bend feud revisited Political and personal differences among Fort Bend County residents heated to a fever pitch on Aug. 16, 1889. The Woodpeckers were holed up in the county courthouse, and the Jay Birds were determined to flush them out. Hear Bruce Kelly present why “all hell broke loose” on that fateful day 123 years ago when the Fort Bend County Historical Commission meets on Tuesday, August 21 at 3 p.m. in the George Library main meeting room. 2001 Golfview, Richmond. 281/3418635.
Submit Newsworthy items to sharon@fortbendstar.com
Pinot’s Palette coming soon to Sugar Land Town Square Pinot’s Palette, a popular arts and crafts studio, will open its doors in September in Sugar Land Town Square. Pinot’s Palette is an art and entertainment studio that offers instructional art classes in an interactive and social atmosphere. The Town Square location will be the studio’s fourth in the Greater Houston area. At Pinot’s Palette, art teachers direct students with step-by-step instruction to recreate the evening’s featured painting, often a famous piece of artwork. Students are allowed to bring their own cocktails to each group session, and leave the studio with the painting they’ve created. “We couldn’t think of a better location for our studio,” said Diana Vasquez, owner of Pinot’s Palette. “There is something for
everyone at Sugar Land Town Square, and we are thrilled to be a part of such a diverse and exciting development.” Pinot’s Palette will be located at 16170 City Walk and will occupy 2,198 square feet of retail space. Jesse J. Tollett of Jesse J. Tollett & Co. represented Pinot’s Palette in the transaction; Charles Adams, vice president of retail for PCD, represented PCD, according to Planned Community Developers, Ltd. (PCD) who made the announcement. For a complete list of Sugar Land Town Square retailers and restaurants, visit SugarLandTownSquare.com. Additional information on Pinot’s Palette can be found online at PinotsPalette.com/ SugarLand.
NRG Energy reaches agreement with Houston’s GenOn NRG Energy, Inc. (NYSE: NRG) and GenOn Energy, Inc. (NYSE: GEN) have signed a definitive agreement to combine the two companies in a stock-for-stock tax-free transaction, creating the largest competitive generator in the United States. Add a diverse fleet of approximately 47,000 megawatts (MW) with asset concentrations in the East, Gulf Coast and West and a combined enterprise value of $18 billion “This combination ushers in a new era of scale, scope, and market and fuel diversification in the competitive power industry,” said NRG President and CEO David Crane, who will continue his present positions with the combined company. “The greater depth and breadth gained through the combination with GenOn will put NRG in a uniquely strong position to fulfill the needs of American energy consumers in the 21st century.” The transaction enhances annual combined company EBITDA by $200
million by 2014 by realizing cost and operational efficiency synergies. In addition, the transaction will enable the combined company to reduce its interest and liquidity costs, and realize other balance sheet efficiencies, in aggregate, of $100 million per year. As a result, total recurring FCF benefits generated by this transaction will be approximately $300 million per year. “This combination will deliver immediate value to the shareholders of both companies who will benefit from the combined company’s merger synergies, balance sheet efficiencies, increased scale and additional geographic diversity,” said GenOn Chairman and CEO, Edward R. Muller, who will join the NRG Board of Directors as Vice Chairman. “NRG and GenOn are a great fit geographically and operationally and we look forward to working together to capture efficiencies from the scale associated with the transaction to deliver enhanced value to our investors.”
Job-Skills Workshop at Missouri City Branch Library Fort Bend County Libraries’ Missouri City Branch Library will present a free Job-Skills Workshop on Thursday, August 9, from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm, in the Meeting Room of the library, located at 1530 Texas Parkway. LaTonya Rogers, Regional Seminar Facilitator for Workforce Solutions, will begin the workshop at 10:00 am, with a session on resumés. Get tips on creating or improving a resumé so that it will catch the attention of prospective employers and accurately portray the skill sets of the job-hunter. From 11:00 am to 12:00 noon, Rogers will discuss Job-Search Techniques. Learn the value of networking with different sources, getting a foot in the door, and landing that job. Those attending the workshop will break for lunch on their own from 12:00 noon to 1:00 pm. The workshop will resume at 1:00 pm, with a session on rebranding skills. Rogers will discuss different skill sets and the different ways they can be applied to various jobs. Carolyn Davis, Director of Career Planning and Resources at Houston Community College Southwest, will discuss “Career and Job Development: The Role of Personality and Preparation” from 2-3:00 pm. The workshop will conclude with a session on “Job Sites Online,” presented by the library staff, from 3-4:00 pm. Learn about the different online resources that are available to assist job-hunters. The workshop is free and open to the public. For more information, call the branch library at 281-238-2100 or the library’s Public Information Office at 281341-2677.
August 2012 • Fort Bend Business Journal
53
NEWSWORTHY Maya Durnovo, Ed.D Dean of Workforce & Economic Development & Executive Director, Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses Initiative Maya Durnovo is the Dean of Workforce Development for HCC- Northwest College and the executive director of the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses Initiative. As dean, she develops partnerships with business and industry, provides leadership to local school districts and collaborates with Texas community colleges and universities on workforce issues. Durnovo manages several grants, all of which she has personally authored. She has brought over $4 milliongrant dollars to HCC. In 2009, Maya implemented the college’s first Center for Entrepreneurship, a collaborative initiative
with the West Houston Chamber of Commerce, and Newspring, a nonprofit Spring Branch organization. Durnovo also authored the grant that brought the Maya Durnovo Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses Initiative to Greater Houston. Mayor Annise Parker launched the program on February 24, 2011 with strategic partners: Greater Houston Partnership, Houston Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Houston Minority Supplier Developer Council and UH
Small Business Development Center. In 2009, she received the prestigious statewide Carl M. “Cheesie” Nelson Administrative Leadership Award from the Texas Association of Community Colleges, and in 2010, HCC’s Chancellor Eagle Award for Outstanding Leadership across the entire HCC system and most recently the 2011 Houston West Chamber of Commerce STAR Award for the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses Initiative. Durnovo has a Doctorate in Higher Education Administration from the University of Houston and is also a graduate of Leadership Houston.
Ruggles Green to open in September Eco-friendly restaurant brings innovative design and menu to health-conscious residents Sugar Land Town Square’s newest eatery, Ruggles Green, will be open for business in September. Ruggles Green is a locally owned restaurant with three locations in the Greater Houston area offering high-quality local and organic foods in a family-friendly atmosphere. Menu selections include salads, sandwiches, burgers, tacos, pastas, and wood-fired pizza. The restaurant will also serve beer and wine and specialize in offering organic, glutenfree and vegetarian options. Ruggles Green provides a haven for those with food allergies because everything is made to order and more than 80 percent of the menu can be made
gluten free. Located at 15903 City Walk, Ruggles Green occupies 4,000 SF of space. Planned Community Developers, Ltd. (PCD) announces amenities include a private room for special events, easily accessible parking and extensive patio seating. The restaurant features energy-efficient LED lighting, sustainable building materials such as bamboo, reclaimed woods and re-purposed items in addition to herb gardens and hydroponic plant systems both inside and in the patio area. “Our goal for the Sugar Land location is to open the highest rated Green restaurant
in Texas and to achieve the highest level of recognition in efficiency and sustainability – a Four-Star Certified Green Restaurant TM from the Green Restaurant Association.” said Federico Marques, vice president of marketing and co-founder of Ruggles Green. “One of the many reasons we chose Sugar Land Town Square for our newest location was the support we’ve seen in the community for going green while providing healthier options for families.” Charles Adams, represented PCD in the transaction; Ignacio Osorio of Champions Real Estate Group, LLC represented Ruggles Green.
Sales tax collections trending up in Sugar Land Sales tax collections in Sugar Land continue to grow at a healthy pace despite a one-month anomaly created by an auditing adjustment. A state audit adjustment of more than $797,700 resulted in a sharp one month decline of Sugar Land sales tax receipts for the month of July, which reflect sales occurring during the month of May. According to Texas Comptroller's Office, the adjustment was needed for a refund
54
to a Sugar Land utility company that overpaid sales taxes from April 2008 through November 2011. The taxes should have been paid to other jurisdictions. Without the adjustment, July collections are 17.83 percent higher than the monthly budget and 20.6 percent higher than the adjusted July 2011 allocation. Year-to-date sales tax revenues for Sugar Land are 6.58 percent higher than budgeted.
Fort Bend Business Journal • August 2012
Sugar Land's tax collections represent more than 50 percent of Fort Bend County's total collections. "We are very pleased to see the growth in sales tax this year for our city, the county and the state," said City Manager Allen Bogard. "The City intends to follow up with the comptroller's office to further discuss the audit adjustment and the opportunity to repay this over time."
Submit Newsworthy items to sharon@fortbendstar.com
FIRST ANNUAL
-STAR C L L L A
H
SIC AS
S
alata to its growing list of restaurants coming to Sugar Land Town Square. Salata, a create-your-own salad bar, will offer diners the opportunity to customize salads and wraps with a wide variety of fresh ingredients to choose from. The eatery will also offer a Greek yogurt bar and accompaniments for breakfast or afternoon snacks. “When scouting for potential locations in the area, we were drawn to the energy found at Sugar Land Town Square,” said Berge Simonian, owner of Salata. “The ample parking and co-tenancy in the development won us over. We look forward to bringing a healthy lunch option to town square diners.” Salata will be located at 2170 Town Square Place, and occupy 2,847 square feet of retail space, according to PlannedCommunity Developers, Ltd. (PCD). The town square location will be the restaurant’s eighteenth system-wide, and will feature an outdoor patio with views of the Plaza and fountain. The interior will be designed using similar finishes found in other Salata restaurants. Dwayne Bohac of Republic Central Realty, Inc., represented Salata in the transaction; Charles Adams, vice president of retail for PCD, represented PCD. For a complete list of Sugar Land Town Square retailers and restaurants, visit SugarLandTownSquare. com. More information about Salata may be found online at www.MySalata.com.
H
presents the
TEXA N
Salata to bring healthy dining option to Sugar Land Town Square
The Fort Bend County Museum Association
Don’t miss your chance to take a swing for history! Hearken back to the grand Antebellum age of the 1860’s for a family-friendly event showcasing America’s favorite past time. Vintage baseball is a gentlemen’s (or ladies) game where expertise is not necessary. Help us make the first year a grand slam by taking advantage of a premium sponsorship opportunity or by playing on a team. Roster space is limited to the first 50 players.
SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES All proceeds benefit the education and preservation efforts of the FORT BEND COUNTY MUSEUM ASSOCIATION For information, contact Lindsay at 281.342.1256 or allstar@fortbendmuseum.org
Recycle the World.org in Katy is adding cities across the nation
R
ecycle the World.org is an Internet community business that promotes the benefits of reusing, recycling, giving and
sharing. The company website is 100% free to use and promotes the giving of items instead of just throwing them away. “We want to educate and encourage the Recycle The World community to post suggestions, make comments and give advise on our forms, blog, and facebook,” says We want businesses to check out our website and encourage your community to use www.RecycletheWorld.org “Businesses can add our logo and a link from their city site to our website to encourage your community to recycle and help others. Any written article in your community paper would be appreciated too.”
Guadalupe Riverfront DUPLEX Each duplex can accommodate four adults and four children or rent both for groups.
More pictures at www.RioRatonDuplex.com
832-788-2294
August 2012 • Fort Bend Business Journal
55
DBA (Assumed Names)
Data Beat (+) = More Names
This is a sample of the Assumed Names (DBAs) filed at the Fort Bend County Clerk’s office for June 2012. More Assumed Names may be viewed online at http://ccweb.co.fort-bend.TX.us/RealEstate/SearchEntry.aspx. There were 399 Assumed Names with Notary Fee for month of June. There were also 84 Assumed Names without a notary fee. Kinney Brandi L Collins Archie Lee Jr (+) Everpresent Help Amcal Productions Home Health Agency 511 Land Grand Drive 77406 2427 Morning Meadow Dr 77489 Wilson Michelle Lopez Diana Miche International Beauty Center Christ Creations Gift Shop 2419 Texas Pkwy Ste 200 77489 2827 North Main 77477 Argueta Danelia Ajose Akinkunmi (+) Visional Marketing Bellaire Driving Institute 5555 New Territory Blvd #9207 15112 Bellaire Blvd 77083 Shireman Julie (+) Lymuel Aquanetter Shireman Financial Beginnings Years Daycare 1700 Rivercrest Dr #1409 77478 7615 Goudin Drive 77489 Murray Kristie S (+) Kulcak Scott A (+) Kristie’s Innovations Energy Insurance Group 1238 Blackhawk Ridge Ct 77471 2223 Thistlerock 77479 Murray Johnathan (+) Garcia Brienna (+) Jkworks Forever Tru 1238 Blackhawk Ridge Ct 77471 22155 Wildwood Park Rd #123 77469 Fisher-Afolabi Joy Apple of His Eyes Learning Center Williams Rona 2107 Ruffian Lane 77477 Just for Your Intimates 3302 Farrel Hill 77545 Ephran Nikisha (+) Agape Creations Mathai John K (+) 20118 Brookwood Hollow 77407 Jk Construction & General Repair 1630 Parkview 77459 Mamora Daulat D (+) Pe-Primers Baughn-Jones Brenna 11011 S Wilcrest Ste B 77099 Reflections Of You Interiors 3922 Barrel Hoop Cir 77479 Nwachukwu Nnaemeka Acute Logistics Davis Shirley 5323 Meadow Canyon Dr 77479 A Mystic’s Eye/Inwired Expressions 711 Glenford Dr 77489 Albert Halfon Enterprises Inc Floors By Halfon Torres Rudy A Sr (+) 12999 Murphy Rd C-1 77477 Torres Inc. 2511 Band Rd 77471 Davis Monique Gifts, Accessories, Etc. Elebute Kehinde A (+) Po Box 954 77459 Pioneer Global Marketing 1206 Turtle Creek 77489 Hernandez John D Vending Express Davis Frank III 527 Tara Plantation Dr 77469 Jr. Express Po Box 928 77406 Callaway William H B C Services (+) Okereke Onyii Gibson 17623 Sagemont Square Ct 77407 Broadline Ventures 6811 Clover Walk Ln 77469 Gustafson Deborah W The Finished Point (+) Blanchfield Joan E 2611 Little Lake Ct 77406 Blanchfield & Associates Legal Nurse Consulting Jeanpierre Stephanie Marie (+) Po Box 1519 77471 King Steps Daycare 10538 Long River Dr 77498
56
Fort Bend Business Journal • August 2012
Perez Manuel Scissors Barbershop 1104 3Rd St 77471
Sutaria Chintan Balaji Tax 18326 Mable Pond Ln 77407
Beloney Lance LCB Engineering & Automation 6114 White Frye Dr 77494
River Connection Ministries Inc Fatherheart Ministries 13515 Southwest Freeway Ste 208 77478
Stokes Clifford (+) Kilipo’s Kitchen 23110 Fm 1093 77406
Boyum George (+) The Motivation Recognition Group (+) 1128 Westwood Dr 77471
Clarke Erick Remon (+) Destiny In Grace 3910 Highland Vale Ct 77545
George Omolola Eniola Mary’s Love Pre-School Int. 8223 Woodland Willow Dr 77083
Harris Lacorey R L. Remone Harris Ministries 3910 Highland Vale Ct 77545
Vannak Ros & Saophirom Mak Seafood Inc Baytown Seafood Restaurant 2409 Fm 1092 Rd 77459
Webb Micah Urban Katz Entertainment 1211 Wesley Dr 77477 Federico Andrea A Mother’s Touch 23126 S Waterlake Dr 77406 Henry Jonathan Beyond Artificial 3919 Reefton 77459 Gonzales Katherine S (+) Lucky Charm Design 17407 Hanoverian 77407 Lawson Ortierre (+) Odl Engineers & Constructors 22126 Emerald Run 77469 Alfred-Higgins Tamika Vic Computers 12623 Bethany Bay Dr 77584 Pregnancy Resource Center Pregnancy Resource Medical Center Of Ft. Bend Co. 2918 Ave I 77471 43 2012059932 06/05/2012 Gayle George S III (+) George Gayle Properties 7007 Hunt Lane 77441 Asset And Estate Liquidators Inc Engineering Services Company 3222 Oakmont Drive 77479 Asset And Estate Liquidators Inc Esco Machine And Supply 3222 Oakmont Drive 77479 Ramji Sharareh Hussein (+) Serendipity Events 4771 Sweetwater Blvd 77479
Johnson Tyrone Connect Services By T & J 7315 Eden Crossing 77407
Brooks Vernon Brooks Lawn Service 1811 Wood Orchard Dr 77489 Mutchler Jenae N Jenae Sais Quoi 623 Fair Oak Drive 77477 Anderson Linda (+) La & Associates 3610 Greenleaf Lodge Ln 77545
Khowaja Sania (+) Chic 5403 Drakeview Ct 77479
Parker Kyle (+) Say What U Wanna Say Clothing 614 Beech Bend Dr 77489
Anderson Gerald R Smart Reseller Network 5706 Berkshire Ridge Dr 77479
Callahan Amber (+) Plantfit 6022 Dabney Hill Ct 77479
Barwey Sangeeta Heartistic Expressions 22410 Bellows Bend Dr 77450 Mccormick Heather (+) Fit Brigade 5946 Turkey Creek 77459 Black Ronald R Sr (+) Passionate About Tennis and Health 2223 Mountshire Dr 77489 Siennaco Enterprises LLC Got Baby Stuff? 3619 Brushy Lake Dr 77459 Siennaco Enterprises LLC Glitzy Fashion Jewelry 3619 Brushy Lake Dr 77459 Siennaco Enterprises LLC 1364 Firearms Company 3619 Brushy Lake Dr 77459 Lara Jeriah (+) Jp’s Wings N Rice 8751 Highway 6 South 77083 Millis Marshall (+) Circle M Services 5113 Fm 762 77469
Owens Richard Allen (+) Ownes Electric 9311 Union St 77461 Mckinnon Lea Pampryn Care 1402 Green Moss Ct 77489 Halfon Albert Floors By Halfon 12999 Murphy Rd C-1 77477 Wright Joey Pronet Camps 8427 Chicka Manga 77083 Wright Joey Wright Interest P O Box 1092 78630 Levine Cynthia M Purple Beaver Creations: Murals And More 830 Lake Grayson Dr 77494 Bush Sheldon Garage Solutions 2819 Steelhead Dr 77045 Jamison Keisha Naveya’s Services 710 Dalewood Drive 77489
DBA (Assumed Names)
Data Beat (+) = More Names
Herrera Elizabeth Potty Training In Style 5211 Hillbrook Ct 77479
APTP Holdings Inc Jet Flight 7119 Sienavista 77083
Fonseca-Garcia Giovanna Titanium Cleaning Services Po Box 196 77487-0196
Bennett Terrance Greenwood Group 2601 Cartwright Rd 77459
Comer Ronald Keith Infinite Builders 1103 Beecroft 77498
Iwuala John Neat 3Arms Enterprise 8003 Marisol Drive 77083
Albrecht Kristen Sassy Cakes Bakery 1125 Crabb River Road Suite 160 77469
Mishra Pooja (+) Aarna Enterprises 6523 High Knoll Dr 77479
Dyche Joseph Brandon (+) Wisteria Property Management Group 21506 Hawkspur Ridge St 77406
Amin Mohamed (+) Luxury Royal Limo 1526 Brook Grove Dr 77450
Muhammad-Walker Islah Nana Goose 4903 Ridgestone 77053 Muhammad-Walker Islah Missouri City Circulator 4903 Ridgestone 77053 Muhammad-Walker Islah Heavenly Treats 4903 Ridgestone 77053 Takla LLC Citrusblue 25518 Merrimac Trace Ct 77494 Sparkles Fast Food Inc Dairy Queen 1005 Herndon Dr 77471 Serrano Marco Marco Welding and Fabrication 27318 N Karaugh Dr 77406 85 2012061310 06/07/2012 Hughes Kenneth Texas Pride Cookers 1527 Mammoth Springs 77469 King Nathaly D K Sprinklers 7338 Windy Port Ln 77407 Gilbo Rhonda Optimum Management Group, LLC 3222 Confederate Drive 77459 Meadors Tia Winks 2727 Round Hill Ct 77494 Bridges James W Jr Jesus’ Purse 331 W Alkire Lake Dr 77478 Pullin Leo Winfred Winfred’s Glass And Frame Shop 1103 Lawrence St 77471
Dennis Bruce (+) Hearts Of Men Outreach 5680 Highway 6 #319 77459
Teykl Todd Needville Stringers 6722 Pisklak Rd 77469
Woods Charles (+) Real.Live.Entertainment. 16507 Lazy Ridge 77053
Durst Robert (+) Fort Bend Auto Storage And Recovery 9452 Hwy 6 South 77083
Idowu Babatunde TJI Motors 19419 Lincoln Heights Ln 77407
Im Chantha Westco Donut 4610 Fm 723 77406
Project Fitt The Fitt Me Project (+) 20900 Fm 1093 Rd #9307 77407 Zepeda Rose M The Zenda Room (+) 20900 Fm 1093 Rd #9307 77407 Morgan Travis (+) PTL Solutions 4118 FM 2218 77469
Cantu Juan M (+) Jc Refinishing Services 618 Jeff Davis Dr 77469 Sexton Rebecca Shining Stars Homeschooling 2912 Camelot Ln 77459 Davila Erasmo La Luz Paint Co. 8111 Glorieta 77083 Akam LLC Ashford Homebuying Solutions Po Box 2864 77487-2864
First American Technologies (+) First American Rogers Barbara T & Venus Holdings Elder Care Provider Service 19901 Southwest Fwy 77479 7019 Dickson Way 77489 First American Technologies (+) Fares Zachariah First American Essential Services Eagle Security 19901 Southwest Fwy 77479 6219 Gladewell Dr 77072 At Your Beck & Call LLC Beck & Call Consulting 10330 Highway 6 Suite D-177 77459 At Your Beck & Call LLC Beck & Call Recruiting 10330 Highway 6 Suite D-177 77459
Frost Robert (+) Figure Four Ranch 7021 Fm 1489 77476 Mackey Delores (+) A Plus Pharmacy 8449 W Belfort Suite 222 77071
Shaw Catherine M (+) Skip & Catherine Auto Sales 10159 Rose Willow Ln 77423
Smith Heather Farrah (+) Creations Bay Farrah 27122 Harvest Pointe Ln 77494
White Michael Jr Samir’s Trucking Co. 2334 Rush Brook Dr 77489
Johnson Traleseia (+) Lisa’s Unique Creations 15315 Southwest Fwy 77478
Daniels Delano Jamal Aikens Donald A (+) Pinnacle Solutions Alpha Omega Security 13602 Laurel Terrace Ln 77498 7103 Savannah Glen Ln 77469
Valle Angie (+) Organize With Simplicity 7114 Tara Blue Ridge Dr 77469
Valano Michael (+) L.M.G. Services 20527 Birchmond Dr 77444 Hassan Sayed Abouel (+) Honesty Modle Farm (R&D) 12718 Blanton Ln 77478 Aguirre Stacey Elite Medical Imaging, L.L.C. 3074 Antler Way 77459 Garcia Manuel G And P Trucking 903 Greenbelt D 77498 Ali Tajuddin S (+) All Peoples F. H. 5315 F.M. 521 Road 77585 Vezey Michael (+) Nufaze Po Box 1006 77497 Vezey Michael (+) Auto Fuzion Po Box 1006 77497 Vezey Michael (+) Nufaze Enterprises Po Box 1006 77497 Garcia Santiago III (+) Family Tradition Cookers 4215 Fielder Green Ln 77469 Roberts Earlandra Discovery Kids Child Development Center 1423 Acorn Court 77489 Neely Brian A Dub Hop 15934 Chimney Rock 77489 136 2012062737 06/11/2012 Neely Brian A Hip Step 15934 Chimney Rock 77489 137 2012062738 06/11/2012 Williams Tristen Mr. Vip Sports Foundation, Inc. 2911 Acacia Fair 77545 Williams Tristen Kansas City Design Center 2911 Acacia Fair 77545
Young Caroline Iris Caroline Iris Photography 26150 Twin Stone Ln 77494 Price Tamika Diapered By Design 2010 Calbeck Ln 77545 Jordan Roslyn Shoppe At Magnolia Park 5715 Buffalo Gap 77459 Smith Azure D Heartsease Haven 1947 Vermillion View St 77545 Duvall Michelle (+) Michelle Nichole Productions 13837-A Southwest Fwy Ste 110 77478 Greer Victor Impressive Entertainment 10214 Springfield Ridge 77494 Rountree Ondra (+) O&K Enterprises 9019 Creeks Gate Ct 77407 Omni-Trinity Corporation Elight Books 14818 Jackson Sawmill Ln 77498 Mendiola Regina Panama Spl Cargo 17314 Candela Dr 77083 Gonzalez Victor H G & C Cleaning Services 1322 Thomas Jefferson Way 77459 Limerick David Jr (+) Dl Rig Spirits 22103 Rockchester Dr 77450 Mcfarlain Henry Lee Jr Mcfarlain Group 9423 Oakland Lake Way 77459 Mcfarlain Henry Lee Jr Mcfarlain Group Consulting 9423 Oakland Lake Way 77459 Mitchell-Wilson Vanessa (+) Elegance By V Po Box 705 77545
August 2012 • Fort Bend Business Journal
57
Data Beat
July 2012 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
2012 Payments To Date
2011 Payments Change
Percent
Arcola Beasley Fulshear Kendleton Meadows Place Missouri City Needville Orchard Pleak Richmond Rosenberg Simonton Stafford Sugar Land Thompsons
34,355.01 11,630.83 47,947.15 700.66 79,566.23 551,211.39 32,203.80 3,599.72 20,565.61 321,970.21 1,044,687.80 10,052.41 1,230,122.10 2,782,129.90 0.00
11,449.97 6,947.02 42,333.49 1,126.98 69,739.82 446,133.39 28,336.28 3,918.67 3,891.11 302,659.80 929,959.09 19,271.88 1,018,909.11 3,613,988.65 3,723.68
200.04% 67.42% 13.26% -37.82% 14.09% 23.55% 13.64% -8.13% 428.52% 6.38% 12.33% -47.83% 20.72% -23.01% -100.00%
200,902.91 56,832.74 356,893.65 5,986.61 593,398.88 3,656,802.55 227,419.53 20,290.14 52,452.66 2,324,785.35 7,300,832.88 82,925.10 8,291,698.76 24,652,366.54 11,119.50
152,635.23 44,052.06 257,511.55 10,699.79 519,979.02 3,311,066.20 206,649.82 23,532.87 28,820.35 2,250,248.90 6,603,376.65 72,311.57 7,679,139.68 23,150,906.65 14,730.42
31.62% 29.01% 38.59% -44.04% 14.11% 10.44% 10.05% -13.77% 81.99% 3.31% 10.56% 14.67% 7.97% 6.48% -24.51%
COUNTY TOTAL
6,170,742.82
6,502,388.94
-5.10%
47,834,707.80
44,325,660.76
7.91%
Top 20 City Sales and Use Tax Comparison Summary - July 2012 Please note that Sugar Land is 17th in sales tax revenues in the state. City
Houston San Antonio Dallas Austin Fort Worth Arlington El Paso Corpus Christi Plano Round Rock Amarillo McAllen Lubbock Midland Frisco Irving Sugar Land Abilene Grand Prairie Laredo
58
Net Payment This Period
Comp Payment Prior Year
% Change To Date
2012 Payments To Date
46,560,434.97 18,882,115.90 17,784,990.48 12,531,118.99 9,018,243.11 7,079,093.03 5,598,470.64 5,622,831.81 5,650,752.83 4,788,812.81 5,156,809.64 4,561,215.82 4,372,556.96 4,270,317.16 3,810,589.67 3,436,810.93 2,782,129.90 3,008,674.06 3,112,785.85 3,043,840.05
39,529,753.13 16,530,785.04 16,658,081.23 11,316,588.28 6,964,832.06 6,228,548.18 6,285,929.17 4,934,507.37 4,405,703.12 5,022,459.99 4,843,856.75 3,949,844.08 3,835,985.08 3,775,860.27 3,313,526.44 3,320,816.02 3,613,988.65 2,982,399.65 2,945,034.34 2,810,368.91
17.78% 14.22% 6.76% 10.73% 29.48% 13.65% -10.93% 13.94% 28.25% -4.65% 6.46% 15.47% 13.98% 13.09% 15.00% 3.49% -23.01% 0.88% 5.69% 8.30%
322,649,463.02 139,600,010.13 131,414,986.51 90,292,421.87 65,100,679.09 50,767,382.71 43,171,857.50 41,234,976.90 40,374,700.07 37,733,450.58 37,584,560.65 34,651,673.73 31,742,460.78 30,200,073.70 28,006,239.86 27,448,204.77 24,652,366.54 24,350,086.65 22,508,064.62 22,069,679.36
Fort Bend Business Journal • August 2012
2011 Payments Change
288,830,486.30 126,998,632.67 123,014,242.87 83,283,688.05 57,079,269.94 48,143,645.01 42,891,921.34 35,388,018.42 37,762,807.94 37,877,491.75 35,638,154.52 32,634,909.98 29,774,047.93 26,521,005.22 24,902,320.84 26,895,422.95 23,150,906.65 21,473,406.16 19,602,028.89 20,048,725.71
Percent
11.70% 9.92% 6.82% 8.41% 14.05% 5.44% 0.65% 16.52% 6.91% -0.38% 5.46% 6.17% 6.61% 13.87% 12.46% 2.05% 6.48% 13.39% 14.82% 10.08%
Data Beat
Commercial Building Permits
Some significant building permits in cities in Fort Bend during the month of June ADDRESS
TYPE OF PERMIT
VALUE
MEADOWS PLACE 12002 Southwest Freeway
Commercial Buildout
$1,800,000
Grand Total Valuation (Commercial)
06/01/12-06/30/12
$1,800,000
MISSOURI CITY 13221 S Gessner Rd 1135 Hwy 90A 4309 Sienna Pkwy 650 4717 Hwy 6 6000 Hwy 6 14810 Fairway Pines Dr
Commercial New $14,500,000 Commercial New $650,000 Commercial Lease Space New $112,000 Commercial Lease Alteration $100,000 Commercial Remodel $13,200 Commercial New $8,900,000
Grand Total Valuation (Commercial)
06/01/12-06/30/12
$24,275,200
RICHMOND 5200 Ransom Rd.
Commercial Building
$350,000
Grand Total Valuation (Commercial)
06/01/12-06/30/12
$350,000
23601 Southwest Freeway
Commercial Building
$350,000
Grand Total Valuation (Commercial)
06/01/12-06/30/12
$350,000
STAFFORD 11210 West Airport Blvd 4800 Sugar Grove Blvd 440 12788 Fountain Lake Cir 1316 Staffordshire Dr 4119 South Main 4655 Techniplex Dr 700
Commercial Remodel Commercial Remodel Commercial Buildout Commercial Building Commercial Building Commercial Remodel
$30,000 $16,833.61 $1,167,300 $40,000 $1,650,000 $42,322.05
Grand Total Valuation (Commercial)
06/01/12-06/30/12
$2,946,455.66
SUGAR LAND 1333 Industrial Blvd 2245 Texas Dr 322 Brooks St 1216 Eldridge Rd 13131 Dairy Ashford Rd Ste 100 2245 Texas Dr Ste 470 12560 Reed Rd Ste 400 16605 Southwest Fwy Ste 175 1659 Southwest Fwy 13435 University Blvd
Commercial Addition Commercial Addition Commercial Addition Commercial Addition Commercial Buildout Commercial Buildout Commercial Buildout Commercial Buildout Commercial New Commercial New
$90,875 $56,457 $15,000 $46,764 $123,096 $162,525 $271,705 $189,634 $830,000 $1,137,449
Grand Total Valuation (Commercial)
06/01/12-06/30/12
$4,789,561
OWNER/CONTRACTOR Texas Direct Auto
Burton Construction Abrahan Thomas/Marlin Commercial Contractors The Shops at Sienna Ranch LTD/Asset Capital Builders Eqyinvest Owner I LDT LLP/Robert Aguilar Target Corporation/Prime Retail Services, Inc.
Stone Construction LLC
ROSENBERG
Carl’s Junior/Global New Millennium
Wal Mart/Mahoney Constrution Inc Parkway Realty Services/Nancy Remodel Arnt/Luna Brothers Inc Ogle School/Regas Contracting National Coupling/Herring Construction Company PJM Investments, LLC/DMac Construction Co Techniplex 5 LP/Rychlik Job Service
Tramontina USA, Inc/Sundance Construction Co Town Center Lakeside, LTD/United Constructors of Texas BKC Venture Partners, LP/Living Improvements 1216 Eldridge Holdings, LP/Generator Supercenter GPI-M Sugar Creek, LP/J H Premier Construction, Inc Town Center Lakeside, LTD/Trademark Construction & Remod Pelec Development, LTD/Angler Construction Methodist Hospital/South Coast Const Services Inc Sugar Land Properties, Inc/Super Tech Construction Timewise #287-05/Landmark Industries
August 2012 • Fort Bend Business Journal
59
Advertising
SERVICE DIRECTORY
Fort Bend / Katy Business Journal 281-690-4200 www.fortbendstar.com Fort Bend’s ONLY business publication. Fort Bend Focus 281-690-4242 www.fortbendfocus.com Fort Bend’s ONLY feature magazine Direct mailed to almost 40,000 homes every month in Fort Bend’s most affluent subdivisions. Fort Bend Star 281-690-4200 www.fortbendstar.com We have been delivering a free community newspaper to homes throughout Fort Bend County longer than ANY OTHER Newspaper.
Auto Repair / Maintenance Auto Central-Automotive Service & Sales 281-499-9684 www.autocentral.biz david@autocentral.biz. David Fauvelle, 2526 Fifth Street, Stafford, Texas 77477, Fax: 281-499-0183, Fast, Friendly and professional automotive repair. ASE Blue Seal Certified, State Inspection Station, Diesel Repair, Open Saturdays 8-3. Charlton’s Auto Body Repair and Vehicle Detailing 281-499-1126 www.charltonsbodyrepair.com Chuck Charlton, 1131 Staffordshire @ 5th Street, Stafford, Texas 77477, Charbody@aol.com, Fax: 281-499-1694, Complete collision repair. Frame & Unibody straightened. Expert computer color matching. Custom painting & pin stripping. Honest service. 79 Years Strong and 3 Generations Proud! Colony One Auto Center 281-980-4440 www.colonyoneauto.com Rod Tate, 1131 Dulles Avenue, Stafford, TX 77477, Fax: 281-261-0048, Complete state of the art automotive repair & maintenance facility. First Tire & Automotive 281-313-2886 www.firsttireandauto.com Craig Popp, owner, 3 Sugar Land Locations. 960 Eldridge, 281-313-2886 & 2303 Williams Trace Blvd. 281-980-2666 (First Colony), 20015 Southwest Freeway. 281-343-5666 (Greatwood), Diagnostic testing and evaluation, Manufacturer’s routine recommended maintenance, domestic and foreign vehicle repairs, AAA approved, ASE certified. Ask about our Fleet Service!
Banks The State Bank of Texas - 281-494-6686 www.tsbot.com nbb@tsbot.com. Nicki Black, 13010 Murphy Road, Stafford, TX 77477, Fax: 281-494-6747. Locally and independently owned - our prime interest is you!
60
Economic Development The Katy Area Economic Development Council (Katy Area EDC) www.KatyEDC.org - 281-396-2200 The Katy Area Economic Development Council (Katy Area EDC) , a 501 (c) 6 non-profit corporation, is a full service economic development corporation representing the Katy ISD area (Katy Area). Katy Area EDC : recruits new businesses, helps retain and expand existing businesses, helps create new businesses, facilitates the construction of business infrastructure and helps improve the quality of place and quality of life of the Katy Area.
Country Clubs & Golf Courses Quail Valley Golf Club 281-403-8518 (Direct) 281-403-5910 (Golf Shop) www.golfquailvalley.com Quail Valley Golf Course offers 36 holes of championship golf, a full practice facility, lessons and a fully stocked golf shop. The Missouri City Community Center at Quail Valley Golf Course hosts the Bluebonnet Grille at the 37th Hole, multiple event rooms as well as the 300 seat Magnolia Ballroom. Quail Valley Golf Course and the Missouri City Community Center are the perfect sites for your next meeting or big event. For more information visit www.golfquailvalley.com Quail Valley Golf Course 2880 La Quinta Dr. is located at Missouri City, TX 77459. Riverbend Country Club 281-269-2526 www.riverbendcountryclub.org triciarbcc@gmail.com. Tricia Hawks, 1214 Dulles Avenue, Sugar Land, TX 77478. Conveniently located in the heart of Sugar Land, Riverbend Country Club is just 25 minutes south of downtown Houston, Texas. Established in 1957, Riverbend continues its tradition as Fort Bend County’s only member owned club. Whether you’re looking for championship golf, fine dining, pools, tennis, fitness facilities or a wide variety of social and golf activities Riverbend is definitely the place to belong. The Houstonian Golf & Country Club 281-494-4245 www.houstoniangolf.com A private golf and country club providing the area’s finest golf course and golf practice facilities along with fitness, pool, tennis, spa and dining amenities. Golf and Club (non-golf) Memberships are currently available.
Floral Flowers By Tiffany LLC 281-208-8681 www.FlowersByTiffanyStafford.com 508 F.M. 1092, Suite D, Stafford, TX 77477. 2011 CMUS Power Award Winner – Internet Customer Service Award. Beautiful Flowers for all occasions, Weddings, Events, Funerals, Plants, Fruit & Gourmet Baskets. Member of the Better Business Bureau and Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce. Mention the Fort Bend Business Journal for a special discount.
Fort Bend Business Journal • August 2012
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 Prince Benefits Group - 713-884-8399 www.princebenefitsgroup.com Partner with a strategically uncompromising and experienced insurance agency that specializes in employee benefits. We help you attract the right talent and keep them happy! The jewel in our crown of insurance is group insurance but we offer the complete spectrum of benefits for groups and individuals: health, dental, life, vision, disability, 401k, general liability, property, worker’s compensation, umbrella, commercial auto, COBRA administration, HR compliance, etc. Prince Benefits Group provides your company the leverage it needs to get what it needs. Insurance Solutions of Texas 281-565-2222 • 281-341-5060 www.insurancesolutionsoftexas.com Jay Harris, Auto, Home, Business, Flood Insurance. 14140 Southwest Freeway, Suite 150, Sugar Land, Texas 77478. 281-565-2222, Fax 281-565-3333. 2515 Ave. H, Rosenberg, Texas 77471. 281-341-5060, Fax 281-341-5558.
Jewelers The Gold Connection Jewelers 281-344-9900 • We Buy Gold www.goldconnection.net Full service jewelry store. Diamonds, Gold & Silver Jewelry and Watches. Repairs done on the premises. Custom design are our specialty. Front door parking. 206 Hwy 90A, Richmond, Texas 77406.
Magazine Fort Bend / Katy Business Journal 281-690-4200 www.fortbendstar.com Fort Bend’s ONLY business publication. Reaching over 10,000 businesses monthly. The place to advertise to reach the vital Fort Bend County business community. 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.
12 MONTHS LISTING FOR ONLY $300
Complete Business Solutions 1-888-445-8609 cbsolutions@callmykate.com www.cbsbillingservices.com Complete Business Solutions, the medical billing professionals, is dedicated to improving your cash flow results. Our goals include: lower billing costs, savings of up to 50% by outsourcing with us, reduced rejection rates, faster payment of claims, average of 14 days response. To find out more about this and other services, visit our website for a FREE practice analysis and 50% off the initial set-up fee.
Medical Supplies Synicare Medical 281-378-8040 www.synicaremedical.com synicaremedical@yahoo.com. 20333 State Highway 249, Suite 200, Houston, TX 77070, Fax 888-397-1240. Synicare Medical is focused on providing high-quality service and customer satisfaction. Our entire team is committed to meeting those needs with professionalism and integrity. Synicare Medical specializes in durable medical equipment,medical supplies, and third party billing.We accept all private insurance and strive to meet the needs of every patient in a professional and caring way. Synicare Medical is owned and operated by Synicare Group LLC.
Newspaper Fort Bend Star 281-690-4200 www.fortbendstar.com We have been delivering a free community newspaper to homes throughout Fort Bend County longer than ANY OTHER Newspaper.
Open MRI Upright MRI of Sugar Land 281-494-0505 www.mri911.com CLAUSTROPHOBIC? Upright MRI is the only True OPEN MRI in Sugar Land. We scan patients standing, sitting, or lying down. For the first time, patients can be scanned in weight-bearing postures and in their position of pain. It is ideal for patients who have difficulty lying down due to respiratory or cardiac problems. Mention this ad and receive $25 off your first scan. 2655 Cordes Drive #150, Sugar Land, 77479. Open Monday – Friday 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Optometrists Elissa R. Wedemeyer O.D., FCOVD, F.A.A.O 281-499-2600 www.drwedemeyer.com 6026 Hwy. 6 Missouri City, TX 77459. Therapeutic Optometrist; Visual Perceptual / Binocular Therapy; medical management of eye infections and diseases. The office has a large selection of fashion frames.
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.)
Pharmacies Ed’s Pharmacy 281-499-4555 Ed Sziy, 3740 Cartwright, Missouri City, TX 77459, Fax: 281-499-7088.
Physicians Immunizations & Drug Testing IMU Southwest, The IMUnization Clinic 281-313-7468 www.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 tomw@johnsondev.com. Tom Wilcox, 4855 Riverstone Blvd, Missouri City, Texas 77459, Fax: 281-499-8704, Luxurious waterside living in Fort Bend from $200s to the many millions. Jeanne Gregory, CRS, GRI 281-344-8918 www.jeannegregory.com jeannegregory@earthlink.net. 14905 Southwest Freeway, Sugar Land, Texas 77478, Fax: 281-242-6754, Re/Max Southwest. Residential real estate sales & corporate relocation.
Jennifer Weaver, ABR, CRS, GRI 281-207-5037 www.jenniferweaver.com RE/MAX Southwest, 14905 Southwest Freeway, Sugar Land, Texas 77478. Residential sales and corporate relocation since 1979.
Rain Gutters Sugar Land Rain Gutters & Remodeling 713-204-4664 SugarLandRainGutters.com Sales and installation of seamless rain gutters; repairing and cleaning out existing gutters and repairing fascia boards. Free Estimates and a 15 year warranty with all new installations. Also offering Organic Gardens and Landscaping by a degreed horticulturist. (Consulting and design fees apply). Locally owned and operated in Sugar Land, Texas.
Remodeling / Outdoor Living Living Improvements 281-499-7000 www.living-improvements.com AWARD WINNING - 2010 & 2011 Houston’s BEST “Outdoor Living Space” Living Improvements’ commitment to excellence makes us the perfect fit for your building needs. We have over 200 years cumulative in-house experience in the remodeling and construction industry making us highly skilled, professional and detail oriented striving to exceed our customer’s expectations. We feature outdoor living spaces, custom homes, interior and exterior renovations. Our commitment to excellence is just one of the reasons we have over 5,000 satisfied customers. SERVING FORT BEND & SURROUNDING COUNTIES FOR OVER 35 YEARS.
Skin Care NeriumAD Age Defying Treatment 863-673-5256 www.shortmouthyblond.nerium.com NeriumAD improves the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, uneven skin tone, enlarged pores, aging and sun damaged skin. Created by a local hospital to aide in the treatment of skin cancer the effects of this cream are beyond amazing! Join the network marketing program that is second to none - get in on the ground floor today or just experience the best anti-aging cream you will ever find!! 30 day money back guarantee! See the results for yourself at shortmouthyblond.nerium.com. See more on page 62
List your business in the Fort Bend/Katy Business Journal’s SERVICE DIRECTORY for only $300 for the whole year.
August 2012 • Fort Bend Business Journal
61
SERVICE DIRECTORY
Medical Billing
SERVICE DIRECTORY
Video Services Star Digital Studios 281-690-4280 www.starvideoproductions.com A full service video production studio providing all phases of video production including professional writing, videography, editing, DVD duplication, distribution; also video deposition services to the legal community. For video needed for a TV commercial, website posting, employee training, promotional DVDs, special presentations, coverage of live events/trade shows, or corporate videos, give us a call. If you are interested in something you do not see on our website, let us know and we’re ready to accommodate your needs!
To be listed call at 281-690-4204
FOOD, DRINK, ENTERTAINMENT GUIDE WHERE TO EAT NOW - The following is a list of exceptional restaurants throughout in Fort Bend County & Katy Area. Prices reflect the average cost of a three-course dinner for one person, excluding drinks, tax and tip. $$$$=Very Expensive ($60 & Up). $$$=Expensive ($40-$60). $$=Moderate ($20-$40). $=Inexpensive (Under $20) . FB=Full Bar. WB=Serves Wine & Beer.
Aling’s Hakka Chinese Cuisine Welcome to Sugar Land’s first Hakka Chinese Restaurant! Using family recipes, Chefs Lin Motiwala and Gary Yan present this unique “Chindian” cuisine, a delicious fusion of both Chinese and Indian cookery (without the curry undertones). From savory steamed or pan fried Dumplings to traditional Indian-style Hakka dishes, as prepared in Bombay/Pune, like Chicken Lollipop, as well as American Chop Suey, each dish is prepared using the freshest ingredients to bring you a dining experience like no other. Lunch specials start at $6.95 for a 4 course meal. Open Tuesday - Sunday. Lunch: 11am-3pm (Tues-Fri). Dinner: 5:30pm-10pm (Tues-Thurs & Sun) and 11pm (Fri & Sat). Aling’s is located in the First Colony Commons shopping center at Hwy 59 and Williams Trace Blvd. between Home Depot and Office Depot. 15425 Southwest Freeway, Sugar Land. Call 281-242-0432. www.alingshakka.com. $$ AURA Restaurant Chef/Owner Frédéric Perrier brings over 30 years experience to his newest venture - AURA. In an upscale yet casually comfortable setting, Innovative American Cuisine reigns and is highlighted in the numerous Daily Specials. AURA features only the finest, freshest ingredients. A three course prix fixe lunch for $12.95 to Mussles Marinieres, Roasted Red Snapper or Filet Mignon with Cognac Peppercorn Sauce. No need to go to Houston or into Sugar Land for a truly high quality dining experience... you will easily find it at AURA (without ‘Big Restaurant’ prices!) at Township Square - Missouri City. Lunch Mon-Sat 11-2. Dinner MonThurs 5-9 and Fri-Sat 5-10. Please call for Reservations &/or Catering ~ 3400 FM 1092, 81-403-AURA (2872). $$ • WB
Guadalupe
RIVERFRONT DUPLEX
Each duplex can accommodate four adults and four children or rent both for groups. More pictures at
RioRatonDuplex.com book at
62
832-788-2294
BLU Restaurant | Lounge (New Listing) BLU boasts a globally influenced, Euro-Asian menu from acclaimed Executive Chef Junnajet “Jett” Hurapan. With a diverse background that spans cuisine from Thailand to New American and Mediterranean, Chef Jett’s dinner menu offers an extensive array of both small and larger plates perfect for sharing. Looking for a great deal, come enjoy an incredible three-course lunch menu for $12 Tues - Fri, and $4 happy hour menu Tues - Sun. BLU recently started a Live Jazz Sunday Brunch from 11am to 3pm! Visit www.blusugarland.com ~ 2248 Texas Drive - 281.903.7324. $$ • WB 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
Fort Bend Business Journal • August 2012
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. $$ • FB Karl’s At The Riverbend Romantic Dining in the Country, across the creek from a horse farm. Swiss Chef Karl Camenzind’s menu features Angus steaks, Prime Rib, Wienerschnitzel, Trout Almondine and other fresh fish, Rack of Lamb, Steak and other wild game, Atkins specials, a budget weeknight menu offered along with the regular menu, plus a wonderful Sunday Brunch Buffet. Company Luncheons and Rehearsal Dinners invited. Open TuesSat for Dinner and Sunday Brunch 5011 FM 723 Richmond 281-2389300 www.karlsrb.com Read our reviews at www.b4-u-eat.com. $$ • FB Las Alamedas Restaurant & Cantina Las Alamedas Restaurant and Bar Continues the long standing tradition of fine Mexican food and beverages that began in 1980, is now relocated in Katy at The La Centerra Center. Join us seven days a week for our warm hospitality and anything from brunch on the weekends to private corporate events and everything in between. We are a total scratch kitchen featuring an extensive selection of authentic dishes. We are family friendly with a great children’s menu. Our patios were voted one of the top two in the Houston area. Please visit our website and like us on Facebook! The only thing missing is you! We are open for lunch and dinner seven days a week and we serve brunch Saturdays and Sundays from 10am to 2pm. Our bar and lounge offers full meal service from open to close. Hours of operation are, Monday thru Thursday from 11am to 10pm, Friday from 11am to 11pm, Saturday from 10am to 11pm, Sunday from 10am to 9pm. BAR 11am till closing. 23501 Cinco Ranch Blvd., Suite F-140, Katy, TX 77494. 281-347-3030. Reservations accepted by phone and on line by visiting our web site www.lasalamedas.com. $$ • FB Las Haciendas Mexican Bar & Grill Santos Escobar and his brother Ascension Escobar serve up dozens of heaping traditional gourmet Mexican plates. Lunch Specials run weekdays from 11am - 3pm. Great margaritas, fajitas and much more. Catering available as well as a party room for private parties. • 12821 Southwest Freeway. 281-240-3060. $ • FB Lupitas Mexican Restaurant Jaime and Lupe Garcia have lived in Fort Bend for 36 years. Twentythree of those years have been spent in the restaurant business. If you want authentic Mexican food made from only the freshest ingredients and at a reasonable price, go to Lupitas Mexican Restaurant formerly Pico De Gallo Mexican Restaurant. The Garcias continually concentrate on customer satisfaction. That includes the quality and freshness of their food as well as the family atmosphere of their restaurant. Dine-In, Take-out, and Catering
available. 3121 Highway 6, Sugar Land • Call 281-265-6556. $ • WB Nizam Kitchen Not your Average Indian Cuisine! Welcome to the best cuisine from two of the most vibrant cities in South Asia -- Hyderabad in India and Karachi in Pakistan. Hydrabadi Cuisine boasts of Biryani, Haleem, Mughlai and Tandoori specialities that are reminiscent of the lavish entertainment by the aristocrats. Combining the best of both of these exotic cities, you will be treated like royalty when you step into Nizam’s Kitchen. We will surely look the other way if you are tempted to lick your lips in anticipation when the aromas come wafting through and your mouth begins to water... Open TUE. THU. 11am-3pm/5pm-9:30pm; FRI. - SUN. 11am-10pm, MON. CLOSED. We are 100% Zabihah Halal. Located at 5211 Highway 6 south, Suite F., Missouri city, Tx 77459. 832-284-7007. Nizamskitchen.net $$ 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 Post Oak Grill Restaurant & Bar The Rios Family invites you to come and experience the same quality, ambiance and service that you have at the original Post Oak Grill. Join us for a wonderful culinary adventure featuring fine prime beef, chops, fresh seafood, soups, sandwiches, salads, and outstanding wine selection. Open lunch & dinner - Monday-Thursday 11:00-10:00pm, Friday 11:00-11:00p.m., Saturday 4:00-11pm, Sunday 10:00-9:00pm, & Sunday Brunch 10:00-2:00pm. Happy Hour 4:007:00pm. 1550 Lake Pointe Parkway, Sugar Land • Call 281-491-2901. www.PostOakGrillSugarland.com $$ • FB Tradicao Brazilian Steakhouse Tradicao Brazilian Steakhouse is the best new steakhouse in Fort Bend. Tradicao, pronounced Tra-dee-son, was named after the Brazilian word for “tradition” and founded on the idea to continue this traditional way of grilling. They are a family owned and operated churracaria whose goal is to make sure your dining experience is one you will never forget. Their prixe fixe menu includes 14 cuts of perfectly grilled meats brought to your table side, a large salad bar and hot sides. Tradicao would like to invite you to come join them, sit back and relax. Lunch Mon-Fri 11am-2pm, Sat Closed, Sun 12-3pm. Dinner Mon-Thurs 5-9:30pm, Fri 5-10pm, Sat 4-10pm, Sun 5-9pm. Phone: 281-277-9292. 12000 Southest Freeway, Meadows Place, TX, 77477, www. TradicaoSteakhouse.com. August 2012 • Fort Bend Business Journal
63
Subscribe
TODAY And receive the Business Journal in your mailbox for
ONLY 25 $
for 12 issues (1 year)
• DBA’s • Feature Stories • Business Columns • Service Directory • Fort Bend Chamber Newsletter • Land Transactions • Building Permits Mail with your check payable to: Fort Bend Business Journal 4655 Techniplex Dr., Suite 300 • Stafford, TX 77477
Fort Bend/Katy
or charge my card $25 #________________________________________________ exp:_______________________________ Name:_ _______________________________________________________________________________________________ Business:______________________________________________________________________________________________ Address:_ _____________________________________________________________________________________________ City:__________________________________________________________________________________________________ State:_______________________________________________________________ Zip:_______________________________ E-mail:_________________________________________________________________
64
Fort Bend Business Journal • August 2012
cut here
M A I N TA I N I N G A F U L L R A N G E OF MOTION REQUIRES A FULL RANGE OF SERVICES.
When you can’t perform at your best because of an injury or are simply suffering through pain and need a total joint replacement, turn to St. Luke’s Sugar Land Hospital. Our board-certified orthopedic surgeons will diagnose and develop a treatment plan that’s right for you. Whether your need is rehabilitation or surgery, you can rest assured that you’ll receive the best care possible, backed by a name you know and trust. Our priority is to get you back on your feet in the shortest time possible, so you can go back to enjoying your active lifestyle.
StLukesSugarLand.com generated at BeQRious.com
Highway 59 one block north of Highway 6 at Lake Pointe Parkway 1317 Lake Pointe Parkway, Sugar Land, TX 77478 | 281-637-7000
BACK PAIN? NECK PAIN? The Spine Center at Methodist Sugar Land Hospital is the comprehensive, coordinated option for you in Fort Bend County. For back and neck pain, there’s only one premier choice — Methodist Sugar Land Hospital’s Spine Center. Whether you’ve had pain for just a few days or several long years, you’ll find everything you need to diagnose and treat your condition in a convenient location, with access to premier spine specialists and a complete range of treatment options. Getting started is easy. We will guide you through a customized treatment plan, with expedited access to world-class neurologists, neurosurgeons, orthopedic spine surgeons and interventional pain specialists. Plus, physical therapy, occupational/hand therapy, and the most advanced imaging and surgical technologies in the world are available on-site.
Stop enduring pain. Call or email today and begin your personal treatment plan. 281-313-BACK (2225) or SpineCenter@tmhs.org.
16655 Southwest Freeway • Sugar Land, Texas 77479 281-313-BACK (2225) • MethodistSugarLand.com
Connect with us.