December 2009 - The Business Lifestyle Magazine Digital Edition by Fort Bend Business Journal

Fort Bend/Katy

Volume 27 • No. 12

THE BUSINESS LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

December 2009

Forlano is Serious about Fort Bend County Law

special featureS

n Saluting the Economic Development Councils & the Chambers of Commerce n Fort Bend Private Schools & Day Cares n Spotlight on Emergency Centers feature stories

n Be Aware of Fraudulent E-Mails n Missouri City Earns “Very Good” Community Rating System Score n Names in the News / Newsworthy $4.95

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December 2009 • Fort Bend Business Journal

Publisher’s Preview by Carolyn Reed

Merry Christmas & A Prosperous New Year to You and Yours

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

Dear Readers,

Yes, I want my grandchildren to like the new toys that they unwrap on Christmas

Kolbe Curtice CCIM, CLS Curtice Commercial Real Estate

Louis Garvin President and CEO Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce

Will Hardee Financial Consultant RBC Dain Rauscher and Hardee Investment Group Dee Koch Grant Officer The George Foundation

Debbie Marcell, ABR, GRI Fort Bend Real Estate Prudential Gary Greene Realtors

Becky Munnell President and CEO Blue Jungle Marketing

Robert Roy Owner Sugar Creek Financial Group

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

Linda Starr Certified Master Coach Starr/CTC

Tim Stubenrouch President First Community Bank

Jeff Wiley President Greater Fort Bend Economic Development Council John Whitmore Whitmore Company

The holidays are drawing near, a time

morning, but more than that I want them

of reflecting on the past 11 months of 2009.

to know, really know, the man who went

I don’t know about you, but for me the year

through so much pain so that we could

has gone by at record speed. It has truly

have eternal life.

been a good, yet challenging year for the

It is important for us to teach our children

Journal. Thanks to our editorial advisory

about Jesus’ giving heart, and that he was

board, our columnists, our many advertis-

born to show us how to give, not just

ers, writers, and the great staff at the Jour-

material things, but the love and kindness

nal. I know we are all looking forward to

that is in all of our hearts. Whether it is by

2010 being a record year for our Fort Bend

giving to families that are less fortunate,

businesses as well as the Journal.

or giving our time to volunteer at shelters

We highlight our Chambers of Commerce

and organizations, our children need to

and the Boards of Economic Development

know that there are people out there that

in Fort Bend in this issue. They are such

need our love and support.

a crucial part of making Fort Bend a

So this Christmas, after you read “The

wonderful place to live, raise families, and

Night Before Christmas” to your children,

do business. It seems that every month

I hope you will follow it with the REAL

Sugar Land and Fort Bend County are

Christmas story. And after you sing “Jingle

making the news with another “Best”

Bells”, I hope you will sing “Away In A

designation.

Manger” and maybe “Happy Birthday”

In January we will start the year featuring Cardiologists and Orthopaedists.

With the media so wrapped up in

We will also have a feature on A New Year, A

commercializing Christmas, it is our jobs

New You!, and a Political Spotlight on Local

as parents and grandparents to make

Candidates. Those of you who would like to

sure that the children in our lives know

be included in the first Fort Bend Journal

the true meaning of Christmas, that they

for 2010, give me a call and let’s start the

are encouraged to be joyful in giving, and

year off right!

gracious in receiving.

With the holidays quickly approaching,

The staff here at the Business Journal

I thought it would be nice to discuss

wish you and yours a blessed Christmas

something that is always on my mind

and a Prosperous New Year!

around this time of year. It is so much fun to buy nice gifts for people, look at the lovely

Until next month, keep those cash registers ringing.

lights and sing carols, but I often wonder if we are really remembering what it is that we are celebrating at Christmas.

to Jesus.

Fort Bend Business Journal • December 2009

Carolyn Reed

Methodist Sugar Land Hospital

Leading CanCer Care

Jonathon Shaffer, M.D. Internist

Asha Murthy, M.D. Oncologist

Cindy Dworaczyk, Breast Cancer Survivor

Kelly Dempsey, M.D. Breast Surgeon

Clive Shkedy, M.D. Radiation Oncologist

I N e v e r T h o u g h T A r A s h C o u l d B e l I f e T h r e AT e N I N g .

That is, until I was diagnosed with Inflammatory Breast Cancer, one of the most deadly forms of breast cancer. I chose Methodist Sugar Land Hospital for my cancer care because I knew I could rely on their renowned specialists and unparalleled expertise. My team of dedicated physicians worked together to design a comprehensive treatment plan specifically for me which included diagnostic services, surgery, radiation treatment and chemotherapy — all at Methodist Sugar Land Hospital.

Today, I am cancer free! — Cindy Dworaczyk, Breast Cancer Survivor This is the Methodist level of cancer care — from diagnosis to survival, where leading technology and leading compassion — are leading to a cure.

If you would like to speak with Cindy Dworaczyk or for more information about Cancer Services offered at Methodist Sugar Land Hospital, call (281) 242- CURE (2873). To schedule your mammogram, please call (281) 242-PINK (7465).

16655 Southwest Freeway • Sugar Land, TX 77479

S Fort Bend/Katy

Cover Story Forlano Law Offices Earn High Praise For Comprehensive Legal Services

pg.

Volume 27 • Number 12 • December 2009

Special Features Fort Bend Private Schools & Day Cares........................................................ Spotlight on Emergency Centers......................................................................... Salutes to the EDC’s and Chambers of Commerce............................

29 48 61

For subscriptions send check for $25 to Fort Bend Business Journal 4655 Techniplex Dr., Suite 300 Stafford, Texas 77477 281-690-4200 TOLL FREE 1-888-430-7478 www.fortbendstar.com Single copy $4.95

PUBLISHER.................................... Beverly Carter ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER / EDITOR & MARKETING........................................ Carolyn Reed

Features

GENERAL MANAGER............Michael Fredrickson

State Recognizes Sugar Land for Multi-Cultural

MARKETING CONSULTANT.............Wanda Lockhart

and Community Volunteer Efforts...................................................................................... 36 Take Advantage of Part D -- Before It’s Too Late.............................................................. 38 Missouri City Earns “Very Good” Community Rating System Score ........................ 39

RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE SPECIALIST.........................................Becky Hall

Big Shots - Sugar Plum Market . ....................................................................................... 43

COLUMNISTS..................................... Will Hardee

Methodist Sugar Land Hospital’s Free Flu Shots

....................................................Alan Sandersen

and Community Toy Drive a SUCCESS............................................................................ 52

...........................................................Linda Starr

Texas Adds 41,700 Jobs in October................................................................................. 80

...........................................................Robert Roy

..................................................Tim Stubenrouch CONTRIBUTORS . ................................ Peter Pitts

M O N T H L Y C O L U M N S

Tim Stubenrouch Money Talks Discusses Be Aware of Fraudulent E-Mails.......................................... 10

Linda Starr

Will Hardee

Certified Master Coach

Financial Investment

Discusses Let's Take Inventory.......................... 6

Discusses The Psychology of Investing.................................... 12

Robert Roy

Alan Sandersen

Insurance Quotes

Tax Smart

Discusses It It Time To Review Your Financial Objectives?.......................... 8

Discusses Fetch, stay or roll over your 401(k) when you change jobs......... 14

MONTHLY DEPARTMENTS Newsworthy................................. 22-25 Names in the News..................26 & 28 Fort Bend Chamber Newsletter.... 53-60

Fort Bend Business Journal • December 2009

Data Beat..................................... 44-47 Service Directory......................... 72-75 Dining and Entertainment........... 76-79

.............................................................Dori Wind ART DIRECTOR.................................Joey Belleza PHOTOGRAPHER...............................Walter Hurst Hurst Photography

ON THE COVER Fredrick P. “Rick” Forlano Cover Photo by Hurst Photography

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December 2009 • Fort Bend Business Journal

Coac hing to in c rease produ c tivity

Notes from the Coach by Linda Starr / Starr/CTC

Let’s Take Inventory Okay, it’s December 2009 and time to put this year to rest, but before we do, let’s take a few minutes to look at what has been accomplished, and what we need to correct before starting a whole new cycle. Take a pen and paper and, for a start, let’s make a list of this year’s accomplishments along with some ideas for expansion for 2010. I suggest you make two columns; one for 2009 Accomplishments and one for 2010 Goals. Personal Domain What are you most proud of achieving? What have you learned, improved, produced? What obstacles have you overcome? What are you most proud of accomplishing? Physically, what have you achieved or

to prevent their ever arising again? What income/expense levels did you produce? Who do you need to thank for their business this year? Who do you want to ask for their business next year? What creative marketing ideas do you have to keep your business fresh and alive? Once you have listed your 2009 accomplishments, go back and create a vision for 2010. What do you want your theme to be for this new year? What major accomplishment do you wish to achieve in 2010 in each of the above domains? Learn from your past; boldly create your future! Linda Starr is this area’s most experienced Productivity Coach. She can be reached at linda@StarrCTC.com.

lost? What habits have you incorporated? What have you learned? What have you taught? Have you taken any ground emotionally? Have you expanded spiritually? Relationship Domain How have you improved the relationship with your beloved, your children, and family? What new friends, clients or contacts have you added this year? Which “drainers” have you eliminated from your life? In what way have you improved your communication skills… both listening and speaking? Career Domain What innovations have you incorporated into your work? Where are there recurring problems requiring a “permanent fix”

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Fort Bend Business Journal • December 2009

Methodist Family Medicine Group

LET OUR FAMILY CARE FOR YOUR FAMILY!

Ana Corteguera, D.O. Family Medicine

Lisa Holloway, D.O. Family Medicine

Tayma Shaya, M.D. Family Medicine

Jennifer Diamond, M.D. Family Medicine

Yana Finkelshteyn, M.D. Family Medicine

Mona Sheth, M.D. Family Medicine

Julie Hung, M.D. Internal Medicine/Pediatrics

Seva Papageorge, M.D. Family Medicine

The new Methodist Family Medicine Group is growing to better serve Fort Bend County – and you! Our physicians speak…

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With seven family practice specialists and one internist/pediatrician, each with her own unique background and interests, there is a physician on our staff who is right for you and your loved ones. Our physicians are all board certified and highly skilled, with extensive experience in diagnosing and treating illness and disease with a caring, hands-on, family-oriented approach. Each of our physicians has a proven commitment to improving the health and wellbeing of the Fort Bend community. And now, Methodist Family Medicine Group is supported by the leading technology and expertise of Methodist Sugar Land Hospital and its medical professionals and physicians. Current patients – reconnect with your family doctor at Methodist Family Medicine Group. New patients, give us a call.

 Call 281-275-0800 to schedule your appointment with Methodist Family Medicine Group.  Same-day appointments are available.  Now located on the Methodist Sugar Land campus in Medical Office Building One.

Family Medicine Group 16651 Southwest Freeway, Suite 400 Sugar Land, Texas 77479 281-275-0800

URAN

Insurance Quotes by Robert Roy

Is It Time To Review Your Financial Objectives? It is only natural to worry how your loved ones would fare financially if something were to happen to you. Especially today as many people have seen the value of their investments and retirement plans shrink alarmingly. Life insurance can help fill that void and protect your family, even if the worst were to happen. But, knowing how much and what kind of insurance to buy can be a tricky matter. A qualified life insurance advisor is a highly trained expert who can conduct a careful examination of your income, assets, expenses and financial objectives in order to determine the coverage that’s right for you. Having an adequate insurance program and financial plan in place when you need it is a lot like having a dependable jack and spare

tire available in your automobile when you have a flat tire. The spare tire will not prevent you from having a flat but it will surely reduce the consequences and inconvenience when it happens. As someone once said, “insurance is an intangible product that is not used until something bad happens.” That is a somewhat pessimistic viewpoint, but does address the primary objective or concern for a comprehensive review of your ability to recover from the pitfalls we could all face. A comprehensive review will help identify what is needed to prepare for the unexpected and protect your family’s financial well being, regardless of what happens. Personal emergency funds along with specific insurance coverage should form the basis for a sound

financial plan. Personal Emergency Funds. Most financial professionals recommend that a sound financial plan will include a minimum of three to six months of living expenses in an emergency savings fund. This money would be available to meet expenses during a job loss or during a waiting period before disability coverage kicks in. Many people have started down the road to financial disaster by relying on credit cards to meet these emergency needs. Recent studies show that Americans within the last 15 years have increased their debt by 80 percent. For a typical member

ROBERT ROY... continued on page 11

85% of Sales Success is Driven by Attitude Linda Starr, Houston’s most sought-after business coach, can ensure that your team has the right attitude to generate sales for your business. Having assisted hundreds of professionals and entrepreneurs significantly increase their revenues, Linda brings a unique understanding of market challenges. Her coaching offers real life skills and tools that enhance performance and bring results. Linda Starr Certified Business Coach Starr/CTC

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Fort Bend Business Journal • December 2009

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See some of the ads in Print in our classified pages every week. December 2009 â&#x20AC;˘ Fort Bend Business Journal

ING

Money Talks by Tim Stubenrouch / First Community Bank

Be Aware of Fraudulent E-Mails One of the things that we as community bankers do to help our customers, friends and community is to spread the word about issues that could touch any of us. We were recently made aware of a new attempt to defraud individuals and businesses who have bank accounts. It is important enough to deliver it to you here. This scan comes in the form of a fraudulent e-mail message that appears to come from the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC). According to reports, the subject line of the e-mail asks the recipient to check their bank deposit insurance coverage. It is designed to get our attention – our critical assets may be

at risk. The message body says that the recipient is getting the message because they have a bank account that is insured by the FDIC and it is at a bank that has failed. Now the sender really has our attention. The urgency continues as the message asks the recipient to visit the official FDIC website and go through certain steps to check the coverage for their account. There is a link provided for convenience, but the link does not go to the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. It is fraudulent, and visitors to the link are instructed to download and open their personal FDIC insurance file. That download would probably do some dam-

age to your computer. You should know that the FDIC never issues unsolicited e-mails to consumers or business owners. Nor does the FDIC have a “personal insurance file” on you. If you get an e-mail like this, do not follow the link and do not download anything. The e-mail is probably an attempt to collect personal, confidential information for the purposes of identity theft or even to gain access to your bank accounts. As always, if you have questions about the FDIC and insurance coverage on your deposits, contact your banker or visit www.fdic.gov, the official website of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. Remember – never follow links in mes-

Tax Accountants • Auditors Consultants to Business Member: American Institute of Certified Public Accountants

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Alan Sandersen 10

• Taxation • Tax Controversies • Litigation Support • Audits of Commercial and Governmental entities • Construction Companies

Fort Bend Business Journal • December 2009

130 Industrial Blvd., Suite 130 Sugar Land, TX 77478

281.242-3232 www.sktx.com

sages that are not from someone you know and trust. This is a great scam – we all trust the FDIC. One final recommendation – instead of following the link in any message, go to the website you want to visit directly to avoid the risk of being directed to a fraudulent site. Tim Stubenrouch is a Columnist for the Fort Bend Business Journal and is with First Community Bank, N.A., President - Fort Bend, 13135 Dairy Ashford, Suite 250, Sugar Land, TX 77478. He can be reached at 281-242-2262, fax: 281-242-1522, or email at stubenrouch@firstcommunitybank. net. H

ROBERT ROY... continued from page 8

of the so-called baby boom generation, the average $1,300 they have accumulated in their personal savings plan can evaporate in the blink of an eye after disaster strikes. Insurance Programs. Different types of insurance plans have been developed to help provide a basic foundation for your financial plan. Without an adequate plan, where would the money come from to meet your family’s expenses if you became sick or injured and unable to provide and income for an extended length of time? Would there be adequate assets and income for your family to pay living expenses if the worst happened and you died? Some of the types of insurance that should be considered include Life Insurance, Health Insurance, Disability Income Protection Insurance, and Long Term Care Insurance. Your insurance needs will change over time and should be reviewed regularly. A professional agent or financial advisor wants to build a relationship that lasts a lifetime, not just make a quick sale and never be seen again. To find a professional agent or other financial advisor, seek referrals from friends and family, or professionals such as accountants or attorneys. Interview a couple of different advisors, and inquire about their education and training. Many people prefer professionals with designations, such as Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU), Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC) and Certified Financial Planner (CFP). Robert Roy is a columnist for the Fort Bend Business Journal and owns Sugar Creek Financial Group. He can be reached at 281565-2266. H

Suzette Peoples now the Broker / Owner of Peoples Properties

uzette Peoples has created her own Real Estate Company called Peoples Properties. After 21 years working for several Franchises, she has decided it was time to promote her own brand and her own reputation. Suzette prides herself on Customer Service and her motto is “Putting People First” She has lived by this philosophy for over 21 years. Putting the needs of her clients above all else has proved to be very successful. 80% of her business is past clients and referral. Suzette says: “What better compliment and proof of success than that of past clients. If you treat your clients with the Best Service and knowledge that you can possible give, then your clients will tell their friends, family and neighbors how competent you are as a Professional Realtor.” Suzette is always trying to raise the Bar in her services and her experiences. She wants her clients to know that she takes their investment seriously and will always negotiate in

their best interest. Starting her own Company will enable her to continue with the level of service everyone should receive in their Real Estate transactions. She has a wonderful support team of Lenders, Title Companies, Inspectors and Licensed Assistant to make sure she continues to give the Best service to her clients. She focuses on the Quality of each transaction and not on the quantity. She will always continue to give her personal attention to every client. Suzette uses all the technology and marketing ideas that will help her clients get the best price and in the shortest time possible. Her marketing expertise and use of technology has put her in the top 1% of her field for many years. She prides herself in helping Buyers find the right home in the right location at the right price. She treats every transaction as if it were her own personal deal. If you expect the best, then contact Suzette Peoples with Peoples Properties. Please visit her web site at www.PeoplesProperties.com.

December 2009 • Fort Bend Business Journal

Financial Investment by RBC Wealth Management and H.H. “Will” Hardee, AWM - Financial Consultant

The Psychology of Investing Many times we make investing too hard. Through the years, I have found investor psychology plays a major role in when to buy and when to sell. Read the following and see if you can determine where we are in the current cycle. Also think about where you were one year ago. Enjoy and Happy Holidays. This article is provided by H. H. “Will” Hardee, AWM of the Hardee Investment Group and a Financial Consultant and Senior Vice President at RBC Wealth Management in Houston, and was prepared by or in cooperation with RBC Wealth Management. The information included in this article is not intended to be used as the primary basis for making investment decisions nor should it be construed as a recommendation to buy or sell any specific security. RBC Wealth Management does not endorse this organization or publication. Consult your investment professional for additional information and guidance. RBC Wealth Management does not provide tax or legal advice. RBC Wealth Management, a division of RBC Capital Markets Corporation, Member NYSE/FINRA/SIPC.

Event

Market Direction

Your best friend and neighbor has a cocktail party to which you are not invited.

The market is at the bottom. Call all your clients and tell them to buy if anyone will answer the phone. The market is in a basing formation and will rally shortly.

A friend invites you to a cocktail party. However, when the other guests see you they move to the other side of the bar. You are attending a cocktail party. People who know you come over to ask how the market closed today and what you think they should buy.

The market is in a major upswing.

You are attending a cocktail party. When people hear you are an investment advisor they come over and introduce themselves and discuss the market.

The market has had a large rally and there is good group rotation.

A client invites you to a cocktail party. When you enter the room he asks everyone to be quiet for a moment while he introduces you to all assembled as “his investment adviser”.

The market is nearing a top.

Your best friend invites you to a cocktail party and dinner in your honor.

The market has reached the top. Call your clients the next morning and tell them to sell everything. Of course, they won’t as they will think you are kidding. Therefore, sell everything you own so you will have the money to buy your own drinks as the market drops.

Did you know? There is a financial services firm in your backyard with a world of resources at its fingertips. RBC Wealth Management supports an open architecture to provide the comprehensive wealth management services and global resources you demand.

Did you know RBC Wealth Management:

Has dedicated trading platforms & resources for:

n Is the 6th largest financial services firm in the U.S. based on the number of registered representatives n Employs over 2,100 financial consultants in 206 offices across 42 states n Offers best of class lending solutions

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If you are interested in learning more about what the Hardee Investment Group offers, call H. H. “Will” Hardee, AWM, Senior Vice President – Financial Consultant at (713) 853-0879.

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IT’S HERE! Video. On Demand. 24/7. On your website. Are you taking advantage of this powerful tool to set yourself apart from the competition? You can now have your commercial playing around the clock to a global audience. Google and other search engines love video. A video on your website will place you higher in search rankings. And your customers love video. It’s dynamic and engaging. At Star Video Digital Productions, we can help you from conception to completion with your video marketing. Whether you need high-quality video for your website, a TV commercial for traditional cable or broadcast or a promotional video on DVD to deliver to potential customers, we can help.

December 2009 • Fort Bend Business Journal

Y o u

a n d

y o u r

t a x es

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

Fetch, stay or roll over your 401(k) when you change jobs Who says you can’t teach an old 401(k) plan new tricks? When you change jobs, you can choose the best “trick” to preserve the tax-deferred growth of your 401(k) plan and avoid current taxes and penalties that can chew up your savings. This is a major decision. Knowing how your choice will affect your retirement savings and your taxes is essential. Here are your basic options: Fetch. You can withdraw your investment savings from your previous employer’s retirement fund and keep the money as a lump sum. You’ll have to pay taxes on the money you withdraw, and your employer is required to take a 20% withholding from

your lump sum. If you’re under age 59 1⁄2, you may also face a 10% penalty tax. Stay. If you have more than $5,000 in your account, you can leave the money in your current plan, even if you’re changing employers. Just be mindful of possible regulations and restrictions, such as minimum balance requirements. Roll over. You can roll over the lump sum, avoid any penalties and defer taxes if you transfer the fund’s assets directly to an IRA or another employer plan. Or, you can request that the funds be distributed directly to you, and then deposit all the funds in an IRA or another employer plan within 60 days. There’s a complicating factor in going

the latter route, however. Your first employer may be required (under law) to withhold 20% of the gross amount for federal income taxes. When that happens, you have to make up that shortage in the rollover IRA to avoid paying tax on that amount not rolled over. The amount withheld will be applied to your tax liability for the year and will be refunded if you owe no other taxes. So, if you want to avoid paying taxes and penalties altogether, transfer your assets directly. Alan Sandersen is a columnist for the Fort Bend Business Journal and owns Sandersen Knox & Co, L.L.P., Certified Public Accountants. He can be reached at 281-242-3232. www.sktx.com H

Creating Strategic Financial Solutions Individual and Business Services Sugar Creek Financial Group Sugar Creek Financial Group 12946 Dairy Ashford, Suite 350 Sugar Land, TX 77478 281-565-2266 • 281-565-2277 fax

www.sugarcreekgroup.com e-mail: robroy@windstream.net Robert H. Roy, ChFC, CSA

Fort Bend Business Journal • December 2009

• Comprehensive Long Term Care Insurance Plans • Retirement and Wealth Accumulation Planning • Medicare Supplement Plans • Estate Planning Concepts • Individual and Group Life Insurance and Annuity Plans • Individual and Group Medical Insurance Plans • Individual and Group Dental Insurance Plans • Key Person and Business Continuation Plans

Missouri City Police Department’s Food Drive a Rousing Success

he “Show Me City” recently showed off its spirit of sharing by opening its heart to those in need. Residents packed five squad cars and part of a 20-foot trailer with food and nonperishable items during the Missouri City Police Department’s first annual “Operation Thanksgiving - Stuff the Squad Car” food drive on Friday, Nov. 20. “We had an extremely good turnout, despite the inclement weather, with several churches making large donations,” said Det. Sonny McClamrock, the food drive coordinator. “Although many people are hurting financially, Missouri City residents continue to open their hearts and want to help others less fortunate.” Chief Joel Fitzgerald, added, “This shows why Missouri City is a great place to live. The people who donated are very genuine about caring for others in need and they really

showed up despite the rain.” Donations will continue to be accepted through Wednesday, Nov. 25, at Public Safety Headquarters, 3849 Cartwright Road. The items will be donated to Beth-El Ministries, East Fort Bend Pantry and Second Mile Mission for distribution to needy families this Thanksgiving.

Det. Sonny McClamrock directs volunteers and police officers during a rainy day, as they unload donations received during Missouri City’s first annual “Operation Thanksgiving - Stuff the Squad Car” event. A total of five squad cars and part of a 20-foot trailer were filled with donated goods that will be handed out to the needy this Thanksgiving.

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COMING JANUARY 2010 ISSUE Deadline December 15

Special Feature

TO ADVERTISE CALL CAROLYN REED 281-690-4201 or 281-323-0185

Spotlight on Cardiologists Fort Bend/Katy

carolyn@fortbendstar.com December 2009 • Fort Bend Business Journal

or unto us a child is born She will give birth to a son, and you are to give Him the name Jesus, because He will save His people from their sins. Matthew 1:21 New International Version

May the Lord watch over you and bless you and your family as we celebrate the miracle of Christmas Greetings from the management & staff

Fort Bend/Katy

THE GOLD CONNECTION Your Full Service Jewelers Custom Designs are our Specialty 206 U.S. Hwy 90A, Richmond 281-344-9900 M-F 10-6 Sat 10-4

EDIBLE ARRANGEMENTS

Katy: 281-599-9994 Sugar Land: 281-313-0039 Eldridge Parkway (W Houston): 281-531-8900 Why give flowers when fruit is so much sweeter!!! www. EdibleArrangements.com

SUGAR LAND ANTIQUES Your Holiday Gift Source 210 Brooks Street, Sugar Land 281-494-7082 sugarlandantiques.com

Holiday Gift Picks

J LOGGINS JEWELERS Fort Bend’s Custom Jeweler www.jloggins.com 14015 Southwest Freeway at Sugar Creek 281-242-2900

Cool toys for all ages

RC HOBBY SHOP

13837 Southwest Freeway 59 Sugar Land, TX 77478 281-265-4844 www.RCHobbyShop.com Stores: Mon-Fri 10-6 • Sat 10-5 • Sun 12-5

TODAY’S VISION

Nicole Miller Eye Wear Sugar Land • 281-242-2020 Missouri City • 281-416-2010 2020sugarland.com todaysvision.com

J LOGGINS JEWELERS Fort Bend’s Custom Jeweler www.jloggins.com 14015 Southwest Freeway at Sugar Creek 281-242-2900

December 2009 • Fort Bend Business Journal

M & H

erry Christmas

from

appy Hanukkah

1131 Dulles Ave. â&#x20AC;˘ Stafford, TX 77477 Across from Riverbend Country Club

281-980-4440

Fort Bend Business Journal â&#x20AC;˘ December 2009

Please remember our soldiers this Christmas

‘T

was the night before Christmas. He lived all alone, in a one bedroom house made of plaster and stone. I had come down the chimney with presents to give, and to find out just who in this home did live. I looked all about,. A strange sight I did see, No tinsel, no presents, not even a tree. No stocking by mantle, just boots filled with sand, on the wall hung pictures of far distant lands. With medals and badges, awards of all kinds, a sober reality entered my mind. For this house was different. It was all dark and dreary I discovered that it was the home of a soldier, once I could see clearly. The soldier lay sleeping. silent, alone... curled up on the floor in this one bedroom home.

His face was so gentle, the room in such disorder... not how I had pictured a United States soldier. Was this the hero of whom I’d just read... curled up on a poncho, the floor for a bed? I realized the families that I visited this night, owed their lives to these soldiers who were willing to fight. Soon ‘round the whole world, children would play, and grown ups would celebrate a bright Christmas day. They all enjoyed freedom each month of the year, because of our soldiers, like the one lying here. I couldn’t help wonder how many lay alone, on a cold Christmas eve in a land far from home. This very sad thought brought a tear to my eye. I suddenly dropped to my knees and started to cry.

The soldier awakened and said in a rough voice, “Santa don’t cry, for this life is my choice.” I fight for our Freedom. I don’t ask for more. My life is my God, my country, my corps. Then the soldier rolled over and went back to sleep. But I just couldn’t help it, I continued to weep. I watched the soldier for hours, so silent and still... as we both shivered mightily from the winter night’s chill. I didn’t want to leave on that cold, winter night... this guardian of honor so willing to fight. Suddenly the soldier rolled over, and with a voice soft and pure... whispered, “Carry on Santa. All is secure.” I glanced at my watch, and I knew he was right. Merry Christmas my friend, and to all a good night!” NOTE: This poem was written by a U.S. Marine stationed abroad. His identity is unknown.

December 2009 • Fort Bend Business Journal

Santa, Mayor to light Sugar Land’s 40-foot Christmas Tree The 7th annual Christmas Tree Lighting is scheduled for Dec. 3, from 5-8 p.m., at Sugar Land Town Square. Mayor James Thompson and Santa Claus will light a 40-foot Christmas tree to kick off the new holiday season during an event that typically draws a crowd of thousands. This event will include holiday-themed celebrations for the whole family, with the highlight being the grand entrance of Santa Claus. Prior to his grand entrance, Santa and Mrs. Claus will be available for free professional pictures. Local retailers and organizations will offer children’s activities, which include face painting, holiday photos with Santa, make-up sessions for young girls, bean bag tosses and much more. There will also be a booth selling 50th anniversary t-shirts commemorating the City’s incorporation on Dec. 29, 1959. Main stage performances will include Sugar Land Super Star winner Nathaniel De Jesus, local school choirs and the Sugar Land Express Singers. There will also be stilt

COMING JANUARY 2010 ISSUE

walkers and festive characters like snowmen to enhance the evening’s entertainment. To help Santa make his grand entrance and avoid traffic congestion, a free shuttle service will run from Mercer Stadium, 16403 Lexington Blvd., to Town Square from 4:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Parking will also be available in the Texas and Lone Star Garages located in

Political Spotlight on Local Candidates

Fort Bend/Katy

Town Square. The performance schedule and other useful information are available at www. sugarlandtx.gov. All activities are free, with the tree lighting tentatively set for 7:30 p.m. For more information, contact the Sugar Land Parks and Recreation Department at (281) 275-2885.

Fort Bend Business Journal • December 2009

TO ADVERTISE CALL CAROLYN REED office: 281-690-4201 cell: 281-323-0185 carolyn@fortbendstar.com

December 2009 â&#x20AC;˘ Fort Bend Business Journal

NEWSWORTHY Missouri City Police detective receives national honor and special recognition Missouri City Police Detective Russell Terry recently received coveted local and national honors for his exemplary work in the line of duty. Citing Terry’s role as lead investigator in solving two major crimes, the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund selected him as its Officer of the Month for October. The organization praised Terry’s

Photos Courtesy of Missouri City

Pictured (l-r): Captain Geneane Merritt, Detective Russell Terry, Quail Valley Exchange Club President Stephen Wells, Chief Joel Fitzgerald and Assistant Chief Pat Worrell attend the presentation of a U. S. flag on Oct. 13 in recognition of Detective Terry’s award as Quail Valley Exchange Club Officer of the Year for 2008. Detective Terry was instrumental in solving two high-profile crimes in the City last year. The National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund also selected Terry as its Officer of the Month for October 2009.

leadership role in securing the arrests of suspects in a bank robbery and a murder. The veteran officer was also the recipient of another reward last month. Terry was presented with a flag that was flown over the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C. The flag was a special award for his being honored last May as the Quail Valley Exchange Club’s 2008 Police Officer of the Year. Marc Schwartz, President of the Gulf Coast region of the Exchange Club, contacted U.S. Congressman John Culberson (R-Texas) to arrange for the flag to be flown in Terry’s honor. Solving the crimes for which he was recognized “was a tireless effort on everyone’s behalf and I could not have achieved this honor without the help of other officers on the force who assisted in these investigations,” Terry said. Police Chief Joel Fitzgerald noted the importance of the distinction coming from two organizations. “Public safety always is our number one priority, and it is an honor for citizens to so formally recognize the acts of our officers in eradicating crime,” Fitzgerald said. “The hard work and dedication of all our officers serve the residents of Missouri City well on a daily basis.”

Rep. Pete Olson reading the Majority health care bill Rep. Pete Olson today joined his Republican colleagues in reading through H.R. 3962, the Democrat health care bill that will impact 1/6th of the U.S. economy and every single Americans’ choice of health care providers. There are several provisions that he has concerns with; including a surtax on every small business that fails to provide coverage, deep cuts to Medicare and increased taxes that will lead to fewer choices and lower quality care. Rep. Olson supports reforms that allow for high-risk pools to be created ensuring that those with pre-existing conditions can receive coverage and care, the ability for small businesses to pool together to gain access to

affordable insurance for their employees, and allowing Americans to purchase health insurance across state lines.

left to right: Reps. John Campbell R-CA, Bill Posey R-FL, Pete Olson R-TX, & Randy Neugebauer R-TX.

Fort Bend Business Journal • December 2009

Terry was honored by the Exchange Club on May 3, which makes its annual award based on the prior year’s service. Terry, along with all of the Memorial Fund’s 2009 Officers of the Month, will be honored at an awards luncheon in Washington, D.C. in May 2010 during National Police Week. Their stories also will be featured in the Memorial Fund’s 2011 calendar.

Sugar Land’s busiest intersection corridor gets overhaul just in time for holiday Innovative traffic control improvements at U.S. Highway 59 and State Highway 6 are expected to reduce potential frustrations at the City’s busiest intersection just in time for the holiday season. Sugar Land has reconfigured the southbound U.S. 59 approach to State Highway 6 to include triple turn lanes that enable more cars to quickly access State Highway 6. As part of the improvements, a dynamic message sign and LED lights installed in the pavement are intended to guide motorists more efficiently through the intersection. The intersection provides access to a critical transportation corridor used by motorists traveling to First Colony Mall, Sugar Land Town Square and many more retail stores and restaurants in the area. City traffic technicians have also reconfigured key intersections along Highway 6 near U.S. 59 to keep traffic moving. New specialized computer equipment utilizes vision techniques that accurately tracks vehicles and enables the traffic signals to be adjusted in real-time to better handle traffic demand. “With the new lanes turning left, there will be an increased amount of traffic travelling south on Hwy 6,” said Assistant Public Works Director David Worley. “The changes being made at the intersections of Highway 6 at Lexington Boulevard, Williams Trace and Town Center will help accommodate the increase of traffic flow and ensure that our motorists get through this section of Highway 6 without a long wait. This will be particularly important with the approaching holidays.”

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Report highlights the economic strength of Texas cities Conservative, Low-Tax, Limited Government Policies Proved Successful Today, State Representative Charlie Howard, (R-Sugar Land) proudly announces the results of the BestPerforming Cities 2009 report released by the Milken Institute, a non-partisan public policy think tank based in California, which shows that Texas is home to four of the top five best performing metro areas in the nation. Rep. Howard stated, “The 2009 BestPerforming Cities report for 2009 is validation of governance based on conservative principles and values.” The report, which was released on November 11, serves as “an objective scorecard for the economic vibrancy of metropolitan areas across the nation.” The report specifically cited Texas’ favorable business climate for placing “Texas and its metros in an enviable position”. The results overwhelmingly indicate the economic strength of Texas cities in 2009, relative to the economic downturn and the rest of the nation: • Austin/Round Rock is the top-ranked

metro area in the nation, which “seems poised to be among a handful of cities that will add jobs in 2009.” • Texas is home to the best performing large metropolitan area: Houston/Sugar Land/Baytown. • Midland, Texas claims the number one spot for best performing small metropolitan area, “courtesy of robust oil and gas exploration activity.” “It is not by accident or coincidence that Texas cities were ranked so highly by this independent research report,” stated Rep. Howard. He added, “Deliberate policy decisions by the conservative leadership of our state have positioned Texas as a relative economic powerhouse in the United States.” Since 2003, the Texas Legislature has restrained spending, passed lawsuit reform, partially deregulated insurance markets, and maintained a strong balance in the state’s Rainy Day Fund.” [For a full list of conservative accomplishments, please see: http://www. txcc.org/victories].

Rep. Howard concluded: “Although Texas is relatively strong today, we will face critical challenges in the future. Our response to each of those challenges must be measured and Rep. Charlie Howard guided by the same limited government, free market principles that have served Texas well.” The full Best-Performing Cities 2009 report can be downloaded on the Milken Institute website at: http://www.milkeninstitute.org/publications/publications. taf?function=detail&ID=38801218&cat =resrep. State Representative Charlie Howard represents District 26/Fort Bend County (part) in the Texas House of Representatives, and is a member of the Texas Conservative Coalition, the conservative caucus of the Texas Legislature.

Key Promotions Made to Sugar Land Police Department Command Staff Police Chief Doug Brinkley announced the promotions of Capt. Scott Schultz to assistant police chief and Lt. Michelle Allen to captain, effective Nov. 20. Capt. Scott Schultz The vacancies were created by the recent promotion of Brinkley, selected to replace Steve Griffith after he was promoted to assistant city manager for public safety. Schultz was previously responsible for the Staff Services Division, which includes the training division, recruiting division, budget analyst, crime analyst and departmental accreditation. In his most recent role, Schultz was instrumental in several new programs, including implementation of patrol rifles,

a new fitness program for SLPD police officers, implementation of Tasers and standardization of weapons for police officers. Schultz began his career with SLPD as a patrol offiLt. Michelle Allen cer in 1992. He was promoted to detective in 1994 and assigned to the Fort Bend County Narcotics Task Force until he was promoted to patrol sergeant in 1998. In 2003, he was promoted to lieutenant and served as the evening shift watch commander. Later that year, he was promoted to captain and placed in command of the patrol division. In Allen’s new role, she will command the patrol division, which includes traffic, crime prevention, the special enforcement district, patrol officers and beat account-

ability. Allen previously served as a patrol lieutenant over crime prevention, a program that partners with residents to increase safety within the community. She has also commanded the crime scene unit and internal affairs. Allen earned a master’s degree in criminal justice management from Sam Houston State University and a bachelor’s degree from Houston Baptist University with a double major in computer information systems and management. She also completed training in police supervision at the Law Enforcement Management Institute of Texas. Other promotions include Lt. James Davis, Lt. John Bauer, Sgt. John Torres and Sgt. Eric Pino, all of whom will be assigned to the patrol division.

December 2009 • Fort Bend Business Journal

NEWSWORTHY Texana Center breaks ground on new West Campus Texana Center marked a milestone with the groundbreaking of their new 8.5 million dollar West Campus. George Patterson, CEO welcomed everyone and Dianne Wilson, Texana Board of Trustees Chair thanked The George Foundation for their foresight in granting a $1.5 million challenge grant which was followed by several other large foundation donations including Gulf Coast medical Foundation, Houston Endowment, The Mabee Foundation and the Meadows Foundation. Gene Reed, Chairman of The George Foundation Board congratulated Texana and commented that the Trustees were committed to this project since Texana would be fulfilling an unmet need in west Fort Bend County. He was followed by Mayor Gurecky who welcomed the additional services for people with developmental disabilities to Rosenberg. Gail Parker, President of the Central Fort Bend Chamber Alliance also commented that she was proud to have Texana Center as part of the west Fort Bend community because these vital services provide better lives for people with developmental disabilities. The Texana West Campus Project will comprise of a modern one-story Learning Center for people with developmental disabilities and a new two-story Service Center. The new campus will be located on a 3-acre site, close to the existing location in Rosenberg and is designed by Ray + Hollington Architects and to be built by Tellepsen Construction. These will be the first LEED registered buildings in Rosenberg and will be designed to meet guidelines established by the US Green Building Council. When completed, the campus will serve close to 1,000 people with developmental disabilities each year; most living in or around the underserved areas in west Fort Bend County. The Learning Center will provide vocational training, habilitation services, employment assistance and supported employment services to people with developmental disabilities.

(l-r) JC Whitten, Texana Board Member representing Fort Bend County; Dave Hill, Tellepsen Construction; Richard Hollington, architect; Angela Waligura, Texana Board representing Fort Bend County; Steve McDowell, Texana Board representing Fort Bend County; Willie Greer, Texana Board representing Matagorda County; Dianne Wilson, Texana Board Chair representing Fort Bend County; Gail Parker, Central Fort Bend Chamber Alliance; Joe Gurecky, Mayor of Rosenberg; Gene Reed, Chairman of the Board, The George Foundation; George Patterson, Texana Chief Executive Officer.

These services are vital and needed, as there is no other provider in our service area offering equivalent programs. Texana believes it is important to develop people to their fullest potential and to do this, vocational and habilitation programs are essential - providing individuals with constructive tasks to accomplish, social connections with others and educational opportunities that would otherwise be unavailable. Our ability to continue providing these vital services, in an appropriate setting, depends in large part on community support. The Service Center will administer and deliver individual client services such as

case management, nursing services, and enrollment in respite care. Our Early Childhood Intervention program, which provides support to children under the age of three with developmental delays, will also be housed in our new Service Center. Texana Center is celebrating its 10th Anniversary this year, having been formed as a result of the merger of two organizations in September 1999. Texana is now one of the largest community-based programs in Texas, having 43 facilities across its six-county service area served by 560 staff. For more information visit www. texanacenter.com

Texana Center is a 501(c) 3 public, not for profit, organization that provides behavioral healthcare and developmental disabilities services to residents of a six county area that includes Austin, Colorado, Fort Bend, Matagorda, Waller and Wharton Counties. Texana Center has its headquarters in Rosenberg in Fort Bend County. Texana serves about 4,000 clients per month in its array of service programs that are located in each of the six counties, covering about 6,000 square miles. The Center is designated by the Texas Department of Aging and Disabilities Services as the Local Mental Retardation Authority and by the Texas Department of State Health Services as the Local Mental Health Authority. It is one the largest providers of Home and Communitybased Services in Texas. Texana Center is a member of the Texas Council of Community MHMR Services, the National Council for Behavioral Healthcare Services, and Mental Health Corporations of America.

Fort Bend Business Journal â&#x20AC;˘ December 2009

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KSA Engineers, Inc. named in the Zweig White Letter 2009 hot firm list! Management consulting and research firm Zweig White has identified the 200 fastest-growing engineering and environmental firms and KSA Engineers, Inc. is on the list! KSA was ranked #88 out of the 200 winners. This list features the design and environmental firms that have outperformed the economy and competitors to become industry leaders in the United States and Canada. KSA was honored at an awards reception at the Zweig White Hot Firm Conference held October 28 – 30 in Las Vegas. Mitch Fortner, Vice President, was in attendance to accept the award. KSA Engineers, Inc. is a Texas based civil engineering firm with a strong background in municipal engineering. Founded in 1978, we have grown to over 130 total employees located in 7 offices throughout the State – Austin, Longview, Lufkin, McKinney, Tyler, Sugar Land and our newest office in Amarillo. We have successfully completed over 10,000 projects for over 1,600 clients. For more information on KSA Engineers, Inc. please visit our website at www.ksaeng.com.

Mitch Fortner - Vice President, KSA Engineers, Inc.

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs leases suite at Oakbend Doctors Center – Southwest Freeway in Richmond, Texas

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs has leased approximately 11,200 rentable square feet within the OakBend Doctors Center – Southwest Freeway medical office building located in Richmond, Texas. McShane Development recently broke ground on the new 60,000 square foot, three-story facility that is scheduled for a Spring 2010 completion.

Stephen M. Doyle, Vice President of McShane Development Company’s Healthcare Division, is pleased to announce that the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs has leased approximately 11,200 rentable square feet within the OakBend Doctors Center – Southwest Freeway medical office building. The new medical office suite for the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs is situated in the OakBend Doctors Center medical office facility located on the second campus of OakBend Medical Center at Southwest Freeway and Williams Way in Richmond, Texas. The new medical building’s adjacency provides direct access to OakBend Medical Center, the new 90-bed full-service, acute care hospital that celebrated its Grand Opening on October 13, 2009. McShane Development Company recently broke ground on the new 60,000 square foot, three-story medical office building that is scheduled for a Spring 2010 completion. The specialized U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs tenant suite will contain exam rooms, clinical areas, office space and waiting rooms and will offer a convenient location to serve the wide ranging medical

needs of area veterans. “We are excited that the VA has selected OakBend Doctors Center – Southwest Freeway for the site of a new medical care office. The VA will join additional tenants within the facility that also provides modern features and convenient access to the adjacent and recently opened acute care hospital,” remarks Doyle. The Houston office of Cadence McShane Construction Company will provide the comprehensive tenant improvement services for the VA medical office suite. Marasco & Associates, Inc. will provide the conceptual design and overall space planning while Seeberger + Associates, LP has been chosen as the architect of record. Harrison Street Real Estate Capital, LLC, a private real estate equity firm, is participating with McShane Development Company in the development of OakBend Doctors Center – Southwest Freeway. For more information on leasing opportunities at this new Class A medical office building, please visit www.OakBendDoctorsSouthwestFreeway.com or contact Development Manager, Molly McShane, at 281.820.7016.

December 2009 • Fort Bend Business Journal

NAMES IN THE Chamber to recognize members at January Awards Luncheon Six members to be commended for outstanding service in 2009 Chamber members are typically those business owners and professionals whose commitments to growing their communities and businesses have set them apart from the crowd. Some of those members’ above-and-beyond efforts elevate them to even higher levels of success. The Central Fort Bend Chamber Alliance will proudly recognize six of those “above-and-beyond” efforts at its 2009 Annual Awards Luncheon. The event will be held Friday, Jan. 8, 2010, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Safari Texas Ranch Magnolia Room, 11627 FM 1464, Richmond. The categories to be honored for 2009 include: Business Person of the Year (won in 2008 by David Showalter of Showalter Law Firm), Corporate Partner of the Year (won in 2008 by OakBend Medical Center), Volunteer of the Year ~Raymond Saage Award (won in 2008 by Cindy Schmidt of the Fort Bend County Fair Association), Committee Member of the Year (won in 2008 by Justin Ring of Edminster, Hinshaw, Russ & Associates, Inc.), Ambassador of the Year (won in 2008 by Tom Wilson of Reading Road Self Storage) and Board Member of the Year (won in 2008 by Greg Nielson of the Houstonian Golf and Country Club). Reservations for the luncheon are $30 for Chamber members and $40 for prospective members and guests. After January 5 at noon, a $10 late fee will be added. Cancellations less than 72 hours in advance and “no shows” will be charged. Corporate Tables and Sponsor opportunities are also available. For reservations or more information call the Chamber at 281-342-5464 or email mromero@CFBCA.org.

Pictured, from left: Tom Wilson, Ambassador of the Year; Joe Freudenberger, representing OakBend Medical Center, Corporate Partner of the Year; David Showalter, Business Person of the Year; Greg Nielson, Board Member of the Year and Justin Ring, Committee Member of the Year (Not pictured: Cindy Schmidt, Volunteer of the Year – Raymond Saage Award).

Another first: Surgeon at Methodist Sugar Land Hospital performs leading-edge breast reconstruction procedures Pierre Chevray, M.D., Ph.D., plastic and reconstructive surgeon on staff at Methodist Sugar Land Hospital, recently performed the first-ever “perforator free flap” breast reconstruction surgeries in Fort Bend County. Dr. Chevray is nationally known for his expertise in the perforator free flap procedure, in which skin, soft tissue and tiny blood vessels are removed from the patient’s abdomen. The blood vessels are then matched to supplying vessels at the mastectomy site and reattached under a microscope. The tissue is then surgically molded into a new breast mound. Because these procedures do not remove any muscle from the abdomen, they avoid the common side effects of more traditional breast reconstruction surgery - pedicled TRAM flap procedure- including abdominal weakness or bulging. In addition, because

blood flow is robust from the attached vessels, the new breast is softer and more lifelike. By working in concert with the surgeons performing mastectomies, Dr. Dr. Pierre Chevray Chevray saves the patient from two separate surgeries – and from living for a time without a breast or breasts. In August, Dr. Chevray reconstructed the breast of one patient using a deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap immediately after Kelly Dempsey, M.D., breast surgeon on staff at Methodist Sugar Land Hospital, performed the mastectomy for cancer of the breast. In September, Dr. Chevray reconstructed both breasts of a patient using superficial inferior epigastric artery (SIEA) flaps immediately following bilateral mastectomies

Fort Bend Business Journal • December 2009

by Sandra Templeton, M.D., breast surgeon on staff at Methodist Sugar Land Hospital. Dr. Chevray practices at Methodist Sugar Land Hospital and The Methodist Hospital in the Texas Medical Center. He obtained his medical degree and Ph.D. in molecular biology from the Johns Hopkins University, and completed his plastic surgery residency at the Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore. Prior to joining the staff at Methodist Sugar Land Hospital, he practiced at M.D. Anderson Cancer Center where he specialized in breast reconstruction and rose to the rank of associate professor. For more information on the perforated free flap procedure, call The Methodist Institute for Reconstructive Surgery at 713441-6100. To schedule a mammogram at Methodist Sugar Land Hospital call 281242-PINK (7465).

Submit Newsworthy items to fbbj@fortbendstar.com

Methodist Family Medicine group continues to grow

Drs. Ana Corteguera, Mona Sheth, Tayma Shaya, Jennifer Diamond, Yana Finkelshteyn, Lisa Holloway, Julie Hung and Seva Papageorge.

ethodist Family Medicine Group, an affiliate of The Methodist Physician Organization, has added five local physicians to expand its outreach to the Fort Bend community. Drs. Tayma Shaya, Jennifer Diamond, Seva Papageorge, Mona Sheth and Lisa Holloway have joined the fast-growing practice, bringing the number of Methodist Family Medicine Group physicians to eight. The five doctors – each board certified by the American Board of Family Medicine – join Drs. Ana Corteguera, Julie Hung and Yana Finkelshteyn at Methodist Family Medicine Group, which was formally established on the Methodist Sugar Land Hospital campus earlier this year. “We are proud to welcome these outstanding physicians to the Methodist Family Medicine Group,” said Ayse McCracken, Chief Operating Officer for The Methodist Hospital Physician Organization and Senior Vice President at The Methodist Hospital System. “Their expertise in family medicine and their hands-on, personal approach to diagnosis and care fits perfectly with the practice’s culture and approach. And their efforts are supported by the technology and leading-edge services offered by Methodist Sugar Land Hospital.” Dr. Shaya earned her doctor of medicine degree at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio and performed her residency at Memorial Family Practice in southwest Houston, where she served as Chief Resident in 2001-2002. She has been honored multiple times for her compassionate work with patients, including awards from Memorial Hermann Hospital and the Texas Lions Club. Dr. Diamond earned her doctor of medicine degree at the

University of Texas Medical School in Houston, and performed her residency and internship at St. Joseph Hospital. In 1997, she was honored with the American Medical Women’s Association Janet M. Glasgow Memorial Achievement Award. Dr. Papageorge also graduated from the University of Texas Medical School in Houston and performed her residency at St. Joseph Hospital. She was honored during medical school with the Howard H. Hendrick Leadership Award and the Betty Murphy Award, given to the student with the qualifications most befitting a caring physician. Dr. Sheth earned her doctor of medicine degree from the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio. She performed her residency and internship at Memorial Hermann Southwest where she was named the Outstanding Senior Resident. Dr. Holloway is a graduate of the University of Health Sciences – School of Osteopathic Medicine in Kansas City. Her residency and internships were conducted at Oklahoma State Healthcare Center in Tulsa, Oklahoma, the Tulsa Regional Medical Center and Union Hospital/St. Barnabas Medical Center in Union, New Jersey. One of the hallmarks of Methodist Family Medicine Group is their ability to communicate with patients from many different backgrounds. Dr. Corteguera is fluent in Spanish while Dr. Finkelshteyn speaks Spanish and Russian. Dr. Papageorge is fluent in Greek, Dr. Sheth speaks Gujarati and Dr. Shaya speaks some Arabic. To schedule an appointment with the Methodist Family Medicine Group now located on the Methodist Sugar Land Hospital campus, please call 281-275-0800. December 2009 • Fort Bend Business Journal

NAMES IN THE Sugar Land Fire Chief Recognized for State Leadership The Texas Commission on Fire Protection (TCFP) recently recognized Sugar Land Fire Chief Juan J. Adame for more than 14 years of service on the commission. Appointed by Gov. George W. Bush and approved by the Texas Senate in 1995, Adame was credited with efforts to improve firefighters safety and the development of standards for education and training. Members of TCFP adopt policies in accordance with Chapter 419 of the Government Code. Upon adoption by the commission, these policies become state administrative laws collected under Title 37, Part 13, of the Texas Administrative Code.

Photo Caption: Pictured (L-R) during at a recognition ceremony are Connealy; Adame; Amy Baillargeon, of the Texas Governor’s Office; and Gary L. Warren, TCEP executive director.

Adame’s leadership resulted in more emphasis on firefighter safety with the development, modification and implementation of recommended changes regarding • personnel protective equipment; • self-contained breathing apparatus; • requirements for the development and maintenance of standard operating procedures for the proper use, selection, care and maintenance of equipment; and • establishment of education, training and certification standards for equipment. Similar efforts are currently being reviewed

and implemented in Sugar Land under Adame’s guidance. “In the fire service, I’m always impressed by those individuals who go beyond expectations,” said TCFP Presiding Officer Chris Connealy. “We’re expected to go to our job, we’re expected to put in a hard day’s work, but we’re not necessarily expected to get involved with other issues surrounding the profession. J.J. Adame is a hero of mine; he epitomizes service above self. “He has given so much to the Texas fire service. I don’t know that any of us truly know the level of service he provided to make our profession better, safer...when people of his caliber donate their time and sacrifice family, time and other pursuits to serve the needs of the greater good - being the Texas fire service - you’ve got to admire the heck out of him.”

Memorial Hermann Katy names Ricardo Bonnor, M.D. Medical Director of Bariatric Program Ricardo M. Bonnor, M.D. has been appointed Medical Director of the Bariatric Program at Memorial Hermann Katy Hospital. In his new role, Dr. Bonnor will oversee growth of the program and lead the charge to attain the Bariatric Surgery Centers of Excellence designation for the hospital. Dr. Bonnor graduated with highest honors from The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston and went on to complete his surgical residency at The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in

Dallas, where he underwent extensive training in general surgery principles, including laparoscopic surgery. He then completed his fellowship training in laparoscopic and bariatric surgery at Duke Ricardo Bonnor M.D. University Medical Center in Durham, NC. Dr. Bonnor is certified by the American Board of Surgery and is a fellow of the American College of Surgeons and the American Society for Bariatric Surgery.

OakBend welcomes new Doc! Dr. Lorelei Capocyan Obstetrics/Gynecology OakBend Medical Center New to her profession, Dr. Lorelei Capocyan is a Dr. Lorelei Capocyan staunch advocate of educating her younger patients and establishing an environment in which they are comfortable to ask questions and address concerns. She believes that her youth makes her younger patients, particularly students fearful of judgment, more likely to listen to recom-

mendations and share information important in their care. “I am most excited about preventative medicine like the HPV vaccine and how receptive patients are to these kinds of things,” said Capocyan. Capocyan is also dedicated to educating her pregnant patients about preventative healthcare in order to ensure the healthiest results for the mother and baby. She works to provide women of all ages with the right tools to make decisions about their health and lifestyle choices.

Fort Bend Business Journal • December 2009

She received her Doctor of Medicine degree and completed her internship at the University of Santo Tomas in Manila, Philippines. She completed her first obstetrics and gynecology residency at the Dr. Victor R. Potenciano Medical Center in Mandaluyong City, Philippines and her second at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center in Odessa. Capocyan was a resident physician in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Texas Tech before joining OakBend Medical Center.

Submit Newsworthy items to fbbj@fortbendstar.com

Special Feature: Fort Bend Private Schools & Day Cares

We don’t just Teach … We Educate!

apable, confident, courteous, cosmopolitan – these attributes best describe the students educated at Trent InternationalE School. Trent’s goal is to create the best possible learning environment by formulating an innovative curriculum that facilitates a thorough understanding of each area of study. By combining the world’s best traditional teaching methodology with modern, creative tools including digital media access to relevant information, Trent has developed a well balanced, comprehensive way to fuse Eastern methodology with Western innovation. BY the time they graduate, Trent students are able to contribute to intellectual topics with accuracy and eloquence, behave with dig-

nity and poise and possess the necessary tools for becoming true leaders in their community. Students are encouraged to be originators of their own ideas, thoughts and actions, to become self-sufficient and self-confident. The key to this success is the strongly held conviction of the founder, Ms Reeya Raman, that “if children’s hearts are preserved, then their minds are free and eager to absorb knowledge both within the structure of a traditional classroom and out in the real world”. Students in accelerated programs achieve honor status in many academic arenas including Duke University (SAT), NLC, NJHS, NHS and Study-Abroad programs such as Oxbridge, UK. Trent has been a bastion of academic

excellence and a pioneer of innovative teaching for 15 years. In 2009, the school successfully opened its high school, which had been open to students by invitation only, to the general public. What sets Trent apart and above the other schools is their fundamental commitment to help students achieve their potential, understand their place in the world and never feel lost. Students are more than passive recipients of knowledge; they become active participants in the learning process. The Trent experience, encompassing students, faculty and parents, is highly empowering. For more information, please contact Trent Admissions at 281-4914680/281-980-5800 or e-mail us at trentadmin@gmail.com.

December 2009 • Fort Bend Business Journal

Special Feature: Fort Bend Private Schools & Day Cares

Southminster School

The Voyage Begins Here

or more than fifteen years, Southminster School’s commitment to children and their intellectual, spiritual, and physical development beginning in the earliest years has provided a compass for our future leaders. The academically advanced curriculum and low student/teacher ratio foster the unique talents and abilities of all the children. Elementary students routinely score in the top 10 percent on national standardized testing and consistently win top honors at regional competitions in science, math, speech and the arts. Southminster School’s enrichment classes include Spanish, music, art, a unique Science Discovery Center and physical

education. Our graduates have attended national leadership summits, are members of the National Honor Society, captains of sports teams, members of student councils, and are volunteers in the community. Southminster School is accredited by SACS/CASI, members of HAIS, NAEYC, ACSI and boasts certification of all elementary and preschool teachers. The combination of a highly qualified staff and the commitment of parents and volunteers have enabled Southminster School to excel at broadening each student’s world through special events and activities available both on and off campus. 4200 Cartwright Road at Brightwater Drive, Missouri City; 281-261-8872. www.southminsterschool.org . H

Future Leaders Begin Here Southminster School, Fort Bend County’s best, academicallyfocused private Christian School, prepares future leaders by providing students opportunities to lead, serve, and learn. To find out more, visit us online at southminsterschool.org or call us directly at 281.261.8872.

The Voyage Begins Here™

Fort Bend Business Journal • December 2009

Kids ‘R’ Kids Schools of Quality Learning

hoosing a preschool for your children is one of the most important decisions a family can make. Parents should explore all of the available options and take time to find out what makes each facility unique. Parents of over 2,200 children in Ft. Bend County have done just that, choosing Kids R Kids Schools of Quality Learning as their childcare provider. At Kids R Kids Schools of Quality Learning you will see the most age appropriate atmospheres available for children. Instead of large age ranges the classrooms are separated into six to eight month differences. This helps teachers target much narrower developmental goals. Each classroom is equipped with age appropriate learning aides, supplies and stimulating activities. Most importantly, you will find the teaching staff to be one of the most experienced. While a great nursery and preschool environment is the key to child development, parents also want to find that same great situation for school-age children. With an activity room devoted to the schoolers, there is plenty of space for activities, and parents can still request time for homework with teacher assistance. One of the most important factors for parents choosing a great program is communication with their school. At Kids R Kids parents can log on to the Internet and view their children throughout the day on closed circuit cameras. Parents at Kids R Kids don’t have to wonder, they can see for themselves! To stimulate young minds you have to keep the atmosphere fun and exciting, that is the key to a child’s development. With 8 locations in your area, Kids R Kids believes children should be hugged first, than taught.

sugar LAND 1 1118 Highway 6 • South Sugar Land, TX 77498 281-575-0011

NEW TERRITORY 8202 Homeward Way Sugar Land, TX 77479 281-494-5437

waterside 2000 Waterside Estates Richmond, TX 77469 832-451-1111

Missouri City 2850 Colonial Lakes Drive Missouri City, 77459 281-261-6442

Discover the unique advantages at Kids ‘R’ Kids Schools of Quality Learning. • Hours of operation: 6:00/6:30am - 6:30pm Monday - Friday We provide the most • Age-appropriate playgrounds • Year-round programs available innovative facilities and for ages six (6) weeks to twelve (12 years) effective programs for • Active Learning curriculum for infants and toddlers through age 24 months children 6 weeks • Age-appropriate preschool and recreational programs 12 years old. • Additional available enrichment programs include: Kinderdance, Gymstation, Sports Fun, PC Kidz, Spanish • Full and Part Time Programs • Professional Teachers with High Standard Curriculum • Kid’s Cafe with nutritious Meals and Snacks • Spacious Classrooms and Multipurpose Gym • Before and After School Programs with Transportation • Field Trips and Special Events • Staff Trained in Development Appropriate Practices (DAP), First-Aid, CPR, and Early Childhood Education (ECE)

View your child’s room from home or office via a secured internet connection.

Richmond

stafford

SIENNA PLANTATION

GREATWOOD/CANYON GATE

17317 Bellaire Blvd. @ FM 1464 Richmond, TX 77407 281-491-4090

12475 Sugar Dale Drive Stafford, TX 77477 281-240-1111

4401 Sienna Circle Missouri City, TX 77459 281-778-3600

1250 Crabb River Road Richmond, TX 77459 281-343-5437

Special Feature: Fort Bend Private Schools & DaY Cares

International Preparatory School represents Cultural Diversity Written By Barbara Irving: IPS Parent

ost things worth having are most difficult to attain so what’s up with the International Preparatory School in Missouri City, Texas? The International Preparatory School represents a natural and exciting extension of our community in all of its cultural diversity. Upon entering the school one can’t help but get excited because the students are genuinely engaged about learning and they are magnets for their developing intellectual curiosities. Indeed that was a mouthful but just stop in and see for yourself! Founder and School Executive Director, Susan Rhorer McMahon, a Registered Nurse, followed her passion for education and founded the International School.

International Preparatory School www.InternationalPreparatorySchool.com

Integrity, Honesty and Service to Others

Emphasis on Trans-National Education

Open House

January 14, 2010 • 6:30pm to 8:30pm Grades Pre K through 8th grade Full Care Available Monday - Friday 7 am - 6:30 pm

Available After School Programs: • Voice • Guitar • Piano • Art • Kid Fit • Homework Assistance • Math Club and Chess Club

Extended Hours After School Program available until 6:30pm. For More Information Call: 281-208-1403 1717 DULLES AVE., MISSOURI CITY, TX 77459 FAX 281-208-1426

Fort Bend Business Journal • December 2009

She was the Co-Founder and served as Director of another private school in Sugar Land for thirteen years. Her goal was to create an environment of tolerance and acceptance of all people. The single greatest resource at the International Preparatory School is its dedicated and committed group of teachers who make up the faculty. The faculty reflects an extraordinary combination of scholarship, experience, achievement, and most of all concern for their students. They demonstrate their interest in each individual student, both in and out of the classroom. These brilliant faculty members were selected for their commitment to strong academic instruction, their superior academic backgrounds, personal enthusiasm for the school, and many had a long time relationship with Susan. In addition to teaching, most of the faculty are involved with extracurricular activities and assume the roles of class advisors, coaches, and/or club sponsors. More than half of the faculty has earned advanced degrees and average over fifteen years of teaching experience per teacher.

Special Feature: Fort Bend Private Schools & DaY Cares As children mature into citizens, they become a part of larger communities. Students of good character are aware of political and human rights issues beyond their local environment, and contribute to the well being of society at large. The International Preparatory School history curriculum emphasizes social and political decisions—not only those decisions faced by our own society, but also those faced in other countries and other times. Science classes include ethics and environmental issues. The Student Body Council was formed to not only develop leadership skills but also to encourage, support, and facilitate each student’s involvement in community service endeavors that both address the needs of the broader community and build a stronger school community. The Council under the direction of its Advisors and Susan are planning outreach trips and counsel students on their own individual and group projects. Current projects consist of a Diversity Garden, Adopting a military platoon for the holidays, and Annual Food Drive to help the low-income and disadvantaged in the community. All students are involved in these community service programs. International Preparatory curriculum supports the development of appropriate leadership skills. Through student government, student representatives from all grade levels offered training in leadership and are given practical opportunities to lead their peers. The result is a culture of honorable, ethical behavior. International Preparatory School students are extremely polite and well behaved in the classroom. It is a community of good character. Students learn to make responsible decisions and examine the consequences of those decisions. International Preparatory School prepares students in PreK-8 school years in a rigorous program of academic excellence. Students from a myriad of cultural, religious and economic backgrounds come together for an active and varied curricular and extracurricular programming. A goal of IPS is to form diverse and culturally aware and academically capable youngsters to be outstanding contributors to the future.

Bill Austin’s Gymnastics and Academy of Dance has Olympic past

ill Austin’s Gymnastics Academy is in their 32nd year of teaching gymnastics to the children of Fort Bend County. It’s estimated that over 18,000 students have attended classes during that 32 year time period. Bill Austin’s Gymnastics is extremely proud of their reputation for providing “safe and professional” instruction for children of all ages. A former coach for the United States Jr. Olympic men’s team, Bill Austin has had the honor of working with several past Olympic team members. His former student, Kevin Mazeika, was the men’s Olympic team coach in the 2004 Olympics. His other former student, Steve McCain, was also a member of that Olympic team. In 1996 when Bill Austin opened his new state of the art facility in First colony, it marked the beginning of Bill Austin’s Academy of Dance. With 2 beautiful dance studios, and professional, caring dance teachers, Bill Austin’s Academy of dance is recognized as one of the premier dance studios in Fort Bend County. With a staff that has well over 100 years experience in working with children, Bill Austin’s Gymnastics and Academy of Dance is proud to welcome all children into their facility for a “safe and professional” learning experience! For information please call 281-240-0999 (Gymnastics), or 281-565-5327(dance).

BILL AUSTIN’S GYMNASTICS

& Academy of Dance

Now Registering for the WINTER 2010 SESSION Celebrating 32 Years of Service in Fort Bend County!

• Gymnastics • Ice Skating • Dance • Arts & Crafts • Obstacle Courses • Snacks • And More! GYMNASTICS

DANCE ACADEMY

281-240-0999 281-565-5327 • Ages 18 months to 18 yrs. • Classes for girls & boys • Moms & tots classes • Tumbling for cheerleading

• Ages 18 months to Adult • Yoga Classes • Creative Dance • Jazz • Ballet

NEW CLASSES IN 2010 MOM’S EXERCISE • YOGA

16215 LEXINGTON BLVD. (Behind First Colony Mall)

www.billaustinsgymnastics.com

Discount for the first 100 new students!

Dance & Gymnastics Teachers Needed

December 2009 • Fort Bend Business Journal

Special Feature: Fort Bend Private Schools & DaY Cares

The Goddard School now enrolling Grand Opening in January 2010

n January 4, 2010, the Goddard School will open its newest Fort Bend County school in Richmond, Texas. The Goddard School can make a positive difference in your child’s life. Their warm loving atmosphere features a year round extended day program from 6:00 am to 6:30 pm, Monday through Friday. The Goddard early childhood program is designed to enhance the emotional, social, intellectual and physical development of your child from six weeks to five years of age. Your child’s areas of growth and development are highlighted on daily lesson plans in which the school faculty brings to life in appropriate and attainable ways. Children are encouraged to progress at their own pace according to their individual needs and abilities.

The new state-of-the-art custom designed building located at 6410 Sansbury Blvd., in Richmond, has been planned to provide a safe, healthy and stimulating environment. Two separate playgrounds have been designed to challenge and delight your child at every age. The Richmond location will also offer before and after-school enrichment and a summer program for children up to ten years of age. Dannette Brown, Executive Director and Ashley Patterson, School Director are looking forward to meeting Fort Bend County families for a personal tour of their brand new facilities. The school is hosting a special meet and greet event on December 17, 2009 from 4:00 - 6:00 pm. Private tours are also available by appointment. Call 281 232-5353 for enrollment information and visit the Goddard school website at www. goddardschool.com.

Opening January 4, 2010 CALL NOW TO ENROLL 281-232-5353

6410 Sansbury Boulevard • Richmond, TX 281-232-5353 • www.goddardschool.com 34

Fort Bend Business Journal • December 2009

Special Feature: Fort Bend Private Schools & DaY Cares

Infant care at its it’s best! best!

The Towne Creek School — Nurturing Children for 26 years

Come see why your baby should be at The Towne Creek School!

he Towne Creek School has been part of the Fort Bend Community for 26 years. What is so unique about this school? Since its inception, there has been one owner, whose concept has always been a learning environment with degreed, experienced classroom teachers, a curriculum focusing on the balanced child, an atmosphere of family, an open communication between school and parents, and a strong support system for the staff. Low turnover and staff longevity add to the pride of the school, as several staff members have been with the school for over ten years. Enriching and stimulating activities on a daily basis provide a curriculum where children enjoy the learning process, use their new knowledge in everyday situations, and assimilate that knowledge into their lives. Nurturing, loving, creative teachers work together as a team in order to provide that safe and enjoyable learning environment. The facility is designed to appeal to a variety of age groups, with three developmental playgrounds, an indoor gym, a library/computer room, outdoor pool and a game room for our afterschool students. A program based on 26 years of experience and a wealth of knowledge of child development, The Towne Creek School is a program devoted to producing happy, creative, confident children who love to learn. Check us out at www.thetownecreekschool.com or call 281499-8030. You won’t be disappointed!

26 years of excellence in early childhood programming Low infant-staff ratio, staff longevity Warm, nurturing, family atmosphere Strong foundation in child development Infants through Kindergarten Afterschool and Summer Programs

TEL: (281) 499-8030 www.thetownecreekschool.com 3311 Williamsburg Ln. Missouri City, TX 77459

COMING JANUARY 2010 ISSUE

Special Feature

Deadline December 15

Spotlight on Orthopaedics Fort Bend/Katy

TO ADVERTISE CALL CAROLYN REED 281-690-4201 or 281-323-0185 carolyn@fortbendstar.com December 2009 • Fort Bend Business Journal

State Recognizes Sugar Land The Beach Within Reach! for Multi-Cultural and Coastal-Texas-Style Galveston Getaway Special Rates Now Through Dec. 30 from $79*/night Sun-Thur

Festival of Lights at Moody Gardens Weekends Nov 14-Dec 19 & Daily Dec 20-Jan 2

SAVE ON TICKETS!!! For Our Hotel Guests we offer $4.95 per person Festival of Lights tickets. ADVANCE RESERVATIONS REQUIRED.

Dickens on the Strand Dec. 4-5-6 Weekend

from $129*/night for a 2-night Weekend Stay *2-night minimum weekend, Fri and Sat.

Golf Package

Community Volunteer Efforts

state-awards program showcasing government bestpractices recognized Sugar Land for a City-wide multi-cultural program and volunteer efforts during Hurricane Ike. Sugar Land received two of the five Municipal Excellence Awards announced during the Texas Municipal’s League’s (TML) annual conference last month. Competing against cities with populations exceeding 25,000, Sugar Land was named the state’s best in the categories of “Communication Programs” and “City Spirit.” In selecting Sugar Land for the Communications award, judges credited citywide efforts resulting in a number of new initiatives intended to facilitate greater citizen involvement. Led by a group of citizen leaders, existing multi-cultural programs were enhanced, employee training was planned and provided, new initiatives were implemented and dialogue improved with the various cultures that have contributed to Sugar Land’s distinction as one the state’s most diverse cities. Judges recognized efforts such as the City Manager’s Multi-Cultural Advisory Team; a 24-hour, public safety Chinese phone bank; employee cultural training; and other programs that enabled Sugar Land to accomplish the following goals: • Enhance the ability for the City to meet the needs of residents of all cultures and ethnic backgrounds. • Promote an understanding of all cultures among all of our residents. • Build opportunities for residents of all backgrounds to share in and be a part of Sugar Land.

from $77*/per night/per person for a 2-night Weekend Stay *2-night minimum weekend, 2 people, Fri and Sat. Thru Dec 2009. Includes a round of golf for two with cart. Guest to call Moody Gardens Golf Course to book tee time.

at The Victorian Resort & Conference Center

6300 Seawall • Galveston • hawthorn.com • 800.231.6363 *All rates plus tax, etc. Not valid Holidays, Special Events or with any other discount. Based on availability. Limited Offers - Subject to Increase. ADVANCE RESERVATIONS REQUIRED.

Fort Bend Business Journal • December 2009

Volunteers are pictured clearing debris during Hurricane Ike recovery efforts.

TML also acknowledged Sugar Land with a “City Spirit” award for efforts to mobilize volunteers during the aftermath of Hurricane Ike. Long before the storm devastated southeast Texas, Sugar Land envisioned an opportunity to utilize the many resources and talents in the community. Serve Sugar Land, the City’s signature volunteer program, was created to enable the City to further expand, enhance and enrich the services it provides to the community through volunteerism. The program served as the basis for a volunteer army that was supplemented during Hurricane Ike recovery with many more residents who answered the call for service. The act of volunteering was important for the morale of residents as well as those who received the assistance. Many residents were out of work or school and felt a sense of helplessness that was lessened by the ability to assist others in need. Others felt fortunate that they were spared the worst of the storm and wanted to help their neighbors. While City staff focused on public property, volunteers assisted on private property. An initial list of special needs residents, ill, elderly or housebound, had been pre-identified and contact was maintained with these residents before, during and after the storm helping to meet any of their needs. Volunteers performed a number of important tasks: • A “chainsaw gang” responded to numerous households to help remove trees that had fallen and were posing hazards to residents. • Those in need of ice, warm meals, toiletries, even pet food were served by other volunteers. • Volunteers staffed a point of distribution site where they provided ice and food to approximately 9,000 vehicles. • Debris drop off sites were established, and volunteers assisted in manning the sites alongside city staff. • Volunteers went door to door handing out more than 9,500 flyers with updated City news. Since Hurricane Ike, the Serve Sugar Land program has doubled in size to more than 800 volunteers who contributed an additional 4,200 hours of service in 2008 beyond recovery efforts associated with the storm. TML is a voluntary association of more than 1,100 Texas cities. Its primary objective is to serve the needs and advocate the interests of Texas cities, and it is the largest organization of its kind in the United States.

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Riverbend Country Club • Championship Golf Course • Tennis, Swimming and Fitness • Dining and Social Activities • Fort Bend County’s premier member-owned country club • Currently accepting applications for Membership

Call 281.269.2526 For current membership incentives or to schedule a tour of Riverbend

TRICIA HAWKS Director of Membership

December 2009 • Fort Bend Business Journal

Take Advantage of Part D -Before it’s too late

By Peter Pitts

rom November 15 until the end of the year, seniors can sign up for Medicare Part D -- the prescription drug benefit for seniors. And those who are unhappy with their existing coverage can switch to a new plan. All those eligible should take advantage of this “open enrollment” period. The healthcare reform bills working their way through Congress might soon make serious -- and unnecessary -- changes to Part D. And the consequences could be dire. Unlike most public health programs, the Medicare prescription drug benefit is administered by the private sector. The program is subsidized by taxpayer dollars, but seniors are

allowed to select the drug benefit that best suits their needs. Providers compete for this business, which leads to more choices, better service, and lower premiums. This feature -- the freedom to Peter Pitts comparison shop between competing Medicare drug plans -- is one of the reasons the program is both popular and cost effective. Part D has a 92 percent satisfaction rate among its beneficiaries. And the program has reduced the number of seniors without a drug plan by 17 percent. Meanwhile, the price of Part D over the next decade is expected to be nearly $120 billion less than originally estimated when the program was created. But the recent push for healthcare reform

Fort Bend Business Journal • December 2009

has put the program in danger. The healthcare bill recently passed in the House would enable the federal government to “negotiate” Medicare Part D drug prices. The government doesn’t negotiate, though. Just look at the drug benefit administered by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). At the VA, the government “negotiates” prices by requiring drug companies to sell their medicines at a price that’s s at least 24 percent of the non-federal average manufacturer price. That’s a price control; not a negotiation. When drug companies refuse to play ball, they’re not on the VA’s drug formulary, or list of preferred drugs. The Lewin Group, a health policy consulting firm, recently found that the VA formulary contains less than 65 percent of the nation’s 300 most-popular prescription drugs as a result of government negotiations. The most popular Part D plan, by contrast, covers nearly 95 percent of those meds. Of the brand-name drugs on the top-300 list, just 42 percent are on the VA formulary. A full 97 percent are available under the most-popular Part D plan. Another provision being considered on Capitol Hill would force pharmaceutical firms to offer a substantial rebate to the government for all drugs used by low-income Part D beneficiaries. Lowering the price of drugs for one group of seniors, though, would cause drug prices to rise for every other senior. The nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office has concluded that this proposal could cause drug prices to rise by 20 percent for most seniors! Any sort of price-fixing scheme would also stifle research and development. On average, it costs more than $1 billion to produce a new drug. Pharmaceutical companies must be able to recoup that cost. If government bureaucrats start tampering with drug prices, investment in new treatments will drop off dramatically. Fortunately, none of these provisions have been signed into law. The open-enrollment period gives seniors a valuable opportunity to get the most out of their Medicare drug benefit. Even beneficiaries who are happy with their current Part D plan should visit www.Medicare.gov and consider their options. There are dozens of plans out there, so everyone should be able to find one that’s both affordable and well-suited to their needs. Peter J. Pitts is President of the Center for Medicine in the Public Interest and a former FDA Associate Commissioner.

City Earns “Very Good” Community rating system score

issouri City has earned a “very good” Community Rating System Score of 7 from the National Flood Insurance Program, placing residents in a strong position to secure lower flood insurance premiums. Director of Public Works Scott Elmer emphasized the significance of this firsttime rating, saying at the Nov. 16 City Council meeting, that “most communities receive an eight or a nine.” Missouri City applied for participation in the federal flood management program in August and received its preliminary score based “on the City’s documentation of existing practices and on existing Scott Elmer improvements that have been made since then,” Elmer said. NFIP, an arm of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, rates U.S. cities on their efforts to implement preventive floodplain management measures and these standards are called the Community Rating System. The CRS program rates cities’ flood management practices through a 1 to 10 point system that rewards them for implementing organized and proactive measures (1 is the best score and 10 the worst). For Missouri City residents who live in a floodplain, the “7” rating means that the average homeowner of a $150,000 house

with a $50,000 content coverage, could see an $86 a year insurance discount by the end of next year. Elmer also stressed that residents living outside of the City’s floodplain should purchase flood insurance, too. Using a memorable Texas storm to illustrate the importance, he explained that “seventy percent of areas that flooded in Tropical Storm Allison were not in the floodplain.” With the City’s current CRS score, residents who live outside of the floodplain would have their insurance policies discounted by about 5 percent under current guidelines. The next step in the annual process is for FEMA to officially admit Missouri City into the CRS program, which is expected to happen in April or May. After that, insurance companies will be notified of the City’s rating and residents should see a rollback in their rates toward the end of 2010. With additional improvements such as an updated flood ordinance, the City could be classified as a “6” in the next year or two. Also on the agenda for Elmer’s presentation were digital flood insurance rate maps. The City and Fort Bend County are updating the area’s floodplain maps to define flood zones more accurately by ensuring that they reflect the current physical landscape. The map modernization process began in August,

2004 and the visuals were recently released to City and County officials for review. Results from the preliminary new maps created with “better data and new technology”, according to Elmer, show the total number of structures in the City’s floodplain down from 150 to 30. The reduction is attributable to such factors as the construction of a vast number of drainage projects and the creation of master watershed plans, Elmer said. Next in the process, FEMA will schedule a formal coordination meeting with the City and other affected agencies in the area. Then, the maps will be officially released to the public for a 90-day comment period and valid inquires will be investigated and resolved before the maps go into effect. The process could take from 90 days to two years. In the meantime, City officials encourage residents to view the new maps at: http://fbcmap.co.fort-bend.tx.us/floodplainmap/ and http://fbcmap.co.fort-bend.tx.us/floodmaptool/. For more information about Missouri City’s flood plain program, visit www.missouricitytx.gov “It will be in the homeowners’ best interest to look at the new maps on the Fort Bend County website,” Elmer said, adding that “we’ll have a link from our websites for homeowners to tell if they are in or out of a floodplain by entering an address on the interactive map. We will notify residents when the 90-day comment period begins on the new maps and when the maps come out.”

December 2009 • Fort Bend Business Journal

COVER STORY by Dori Wind

Forlano Law Offices Earn High Praise For Comprehensive Legal Services

Photos By Hurst Photography

By Dori Wind

rederick P. “Rick” Forlano has been practicing law in the Fort Bend and Houston area for more than thirty years. He is a general practitioner who has earned high praise from his peers and clients. He represents clients in criminal, civil, probate, juvenile and family matters. A graduate of the University of Houston Law Center, he has litigated cases all over the State of Texas in both state and federal courts. He currently holds the highest rating for a lawyer, AV, from the legal rating service of Martindale-Hubbel and is listed in Who’s Who, Who’s Who in America, Who’s Who in the World and Who’s Who in American Law. He is a member of the Fort Bend Bar Association, the Fort Bend County Criminal Defense Lawyers Association where he served as treasurer, the Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association, and the Texas Bar Association where he is a long time member of the Law Practice Management Committee. “Working with the Law Practice Management Committee, I travel across the state lecturing to attorneys and law students about the basics of establishing and maintaining an efficient and productive law practice,” said Forlano. “I enjoy mentoring young lawyers and helping them to start their careers. Having worked with a firm and also being my own boss in my own practice, I can explain the differences as well as the pros and cons of

Rick & Sharon Forlano

both types of practice and the business management for each type of firm.” Additionally, he shares his insights and expertise at Fort Bend and other county bar association seminars and programs in addition to speaking at Texas State Bar programs. Forlano is also uniquely qualified on law firm technology and loves discussing the advantages of technology in the field of law. He cites examples of how courts in Fort Bend could better employ technology to improve

Fort Bend Business Journal • December 2009

the present practice of law in the county. “We are seeing more and more court systems utilizing technology today, including the federal courts that require electronic filings and have basically gone paperless. Our local courts also need to upgrade and enhance technology capabilities, and to properly integrate the use of technology in everyday functioning.” He explains that, “Individuals coming before the court need judicial determinations in a timely manner and technology is an

Rick giving shoes to underprivileged children at the Exchange Club of Sugar Land’s Walk With Pride Event.

important tool in realizing this goal.” Forlano cites instances in some of his cases where clients have had to wait longer than necessary to have a probate matter finalized, or in some of his criminal matters persons were inappropriately arrested because the computer did not know a case had been reset. “It can be extremely embarrassing for someone who showed up in court with their attorney, had their case reset, but still got arrested at work in front of their boss, or at home in front of their family, because the computer system did not acknowledge the reset,” he continued. “I have a background in computer technology and I will continue to advocate for technology to be appropriately utilized in the judicial system.” Before becoming a lawyer, Forlano worked as a computer consultant in the oil industry where he designed and integrated computer systems for

the corporate offices of Shell Oil Company. “Fort Bend County has been very progressive in terms of technology. Now it is time for lawyers and judges to also adopt cutting-edge technology in their practices and courts so that the taxpayers and the judicial system are receiving the best product possible for the least necessary cost,” Forlano said. As a general practitioner over the past thirty-plus years, Forlano has always looked for opportunities to provide his clients with the best possible representation. In addition to embracing technology in his practice, he also employs mediation in cases which can save a client litigation expenses and generally obtain a quicker resolution of the matter. From his experience as a criminal defense attorney, Forlano sees that in addition to being tough on crime, lawyers and judges need to also be smart on crime. To this end,

he discusses innovative judicial programs that he believes would help not only his clients but the entire judicial process and the taxpayers of the county. He points out that the veterans in the Fort Bend County area should have a specialized court program. “This past session of the Texas Legislature provided for a veterans’ court program regarding certain criminal offenses and I would like to see this program instituted in the county. Houston recently announced that it will have such a court for veterans and we also need one here,” he said. Forlano is extremely familiar with veterans’ issues since he served in the United States Air Force. He commanded a Mobile Port Aerial Squadron and served on the staff of the 10th Air Force, retiring as a Major. continued on page 42

December 2009 • Fort Bend Business Journal

Rick as president of the Republican Club with the guest speaker, Ted Cruz, a candidate for Texas Attorney General.

continued from page 41 “Veterans returning home with post traumatic stress disorder and brain injuries who commit non-violent misdemeanor crimes need our help, instead of just being locked away in jail,” observed Forlano. “Fort Bend County already has a special drug court, mental health court and DWI court. Now we need a veterans court to rehabilitate those who put their lives on the line for us, and who deserve a second chance when they return home and experience problems readjusting to civilian life.” Juvenile delinquency is another area of the justice system where Forlano believes that the system should work smarter. “If we simply lock up our young people, then many times we only teach them to be worse criminals,” he noted. He warns that if we do not work to rehabilitate juvenile delinquents, then Fort Bend County will have no alternative but to keep building more and more jails. Rather than invest in jails, we need to invest in people. Over the last ten years, Forlano noted that in

his juvenile cases, he has only had two children locked up in a Texas Youth Commission facility. He also proudly talks about the kids who he has helped to go on to lead productive lives. One child in particular that he helped get into a residential facility in Wimberly was so successful in their program, that he became their shining star representing them around the area. He has represented people from all walks of life including donating his time doing pro bono work for many individuals and representing NFL and other sports figures, business executives, corporations and elected officials. In addition to an extremely active legal practice, Forlano is committed to helping Fort Bend County be the best community possible. He participates in numerous civic and community organizations and projects. “Fort Bend is a great place in which to live and raise a family. It has provided me with many outstanding opportunities and I look to give back as much as I can,” he explained. He is a life member of the Fort Bend County Fair Association, a member of the Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce, former President

Fort Bend Business Journal • December 2009

of the Meadows Community Improvement Association, President of the Burney Road MUD, Director of The Wilhelm Schole, Director of the Fort Bend Seniors Meals on Wheels, former Parliamentarian of the Republican National Hispanic Assembly of Fort Bend, and President of the Fort Bend Republican Club for three separate terms. Forlano has also been active in the Republican Party since before he was old enough to vote, starting off as the publicity chairman for his college young Republican club, working as the Fort Bend County campaign manager for Senator John Tower, working for many other Republican candidates including many of our current state and county elected officials and presently serving as General Counsel to the Republican Party of Fort Bend County. Forlano and his wife, Sharon, are members of Saint Theresa Catholic Church in Sugar Land. They have five children and two grandchildren. For more information about the Law Offices of Frederick P. “Rick” Forlano, call 713-621-6611 or visit his offices at Sugar Creek.

FORT BEND Methodist Sugar Land Hospital Sugar Plum Market 2009

Carl Hicks, M.D.

Leena Taneja, Leala Hall, Chris Siebenaler, Kaelyn Stolhand and Monica Ramirez.

Lisa Nobles

Linda Shkedy, Leena Taneja and Clive Shkedy, M.D.

Amy Saenz, Correna Terrell, M.D. and Julie Hung, M.D.

Frances Goerlich

Ray Valdez, M.D.

Deanna McDonald, M.D. and John McDonald.

Kelly Dempsey, M.D.

BIG SHOTS

Data Beat DBA (Assumed Names)

(+) = More Names

This is a sample of the Assumed Names (DBAs) filed at the Fort Bend County Clerk’s office for October 2009. More Assumed Names may be viewed online at http://ccweb.co.fort-bend.tx.us/RealEstate/SearchEntry.aspx. There were 300 Assumed Names with Notary Fee for month of October. There were also 102 Assumed Names without a notary fee. Dale William G Ii The Right Start (T.r.s.) (+) 4919 Mission Lake Ct 77407 Roberts Comfort P Comfort’s Child Care Center 1710 Hwy 2218 Ste 102 77471 Perez-andreessen Claudia Capa Autism Consulting 9706 Precious Stone Ln 77494 Warncke Alex Sure Fire Photography 9407 Highland Pointe Dr 77461

Olivacce’ Felicia Cycle Breaker’s Illiteracy And Poverty 3136 Oakwood Run 77498 Mns 2001 Inc Dish Warehouse 14503 Smith Bridge Lane 77498-2189 Harris Lissett (+) 1st Quality Caregivers 7818 Talladega Springs Ln 77407 Lazar L L C Star Painting Company 1211 Augusta Dr 77406

Gonzalez Mara (+) More Than Buttercream 7122 Lucky Star 77494 Cordova Maria G Lupita Innovations, Llc 7029 Loop 540 77417 Hanke T K (+) Coldstone Creek Enterprises 7414 Coldstone Creek Ct 77407 Jokinen David A Best Investments 115 Capri St 77478

Ramos Michael Anthony (+) Southwest Capital Investment Company 134 Lakeview Dr 77498 Parveez Khalid Pearl Land Auto 2711 Willow Springs Ln 77479 The Chicken Chef/el Pollo Cosinero Davila Cesar S 13218 Hwy 6 77583 Chaudhary Mazhar Aladdin Bistro 6350 Hwy 90 A #200 77478

Streby Richard A Jr Rockbottom Furniture Warehouse 4310 Ave H #22 77471 May Schuyler Aws Of Texas Dartland Reynold Quincy 1423 Hidden Terrace 77479 Chef Rey Llc 4144 Greystone Way Ste 609 Mcquillan Sarah S And D Designs Truong Tan 7110 Cranford Ct 77479 Sweetwater Music Group 702 Coggins Point Way 77479 Quilaton Leo A Excell Martial Arts Centers Broussard Zina 1942 Hayen Springs Lane 77469 A2z Transport 6615 Flowermound 77479 Mccrea Joseph Juice Master Teh Talysha P O Box 1012 77545-1012 Shani’s Time 2 Learn 8226 Solara Bend 77083 Taylor Leslie M Leslie M. Taylor Cpa Devereaux Enterprises Llc 4703 Kings Landing Ln 77494 Devco Property Preservation 5203 Playa Drive 77584 Masterpiece Creations Photography And Studios Inc Robison James Russell Masterpice Creations Shred Daddies Board Shop Photography And Studios, Inc. 4639 S Main 77477 6630 Indian Lake Dr 77489

Green Shermanda Cowgirl Couture 703 Aqua Vista Lane 77469

Land Ronald (+) Kc Lawn Services 2022 Hawthorne Brook Ln 77545

Gray Sharon The Apartment Barn (+) 3015 Bobcat Bend 77459

Allen Alisa Faith By Influence Enterprises P O Box 904 77497

Oshodi Aiodun The Oshodi Tapa Family Descendants (+) 11850 Bissonnet G376 77099

Adewole Christopher Homegate Mortgage Company P O Box 373 77489

Ramos Michael Southwest Capital Investment Co. Spires David 134 Lakeview Dr 77498 Eric Sharp 3419 Fountains Dr #1308 Samuel Selena Pre’ Fa Fashion Hanif Mohammad A (+) 1926 N Thunderwood Circle 77545 Ayaz & Adnan L.l.c. Dba Tigerland Express #2 Johnson Brenda 2950 S Mason Rd 77450 Bebe Johnson 12818 Club Lane 77099 Cosmos Hospice Of Arlington Llc Cosmos Hospice & Palliative Care Aravindakshan Jayan 8713 White Settlement Rd Spick ‘N’ Span Cleaning Company #102 76108-2113 14206 Hawkesbury Ct 77498

Rim-sjv Education Inc Kuman Math & Reading Center Of Richmond-pecan Grove 8019 W Grand Parkway S Suite 1053 77407 Sierra Susana G Loza Construction 311 Melon 77469

Hill Jeremiah Jere Smarthouse Investments 8315 Long Point 77055 Chikwem Stanley E Desuna Care Services 1530 Zinnia Rd 77489 Hanson Jeanie D & S Truck Parts & Repair 2700 Ave H 77471

Fort Bend Business Journal • December 2009

Green Shermanda Country Couture 703 Aqua Vista Lane 77469 Brownlow Mechelle Back On Track Credit Services P O Box 1369 77459 Stemmer Dawnna Pawprintz Fotos 9622 Ravensworth Dr 77031 Stemmer Dawnna Pawprintz 9622 Ravensworth Dr 77031 Linnard David W Risk Perspective 3414 Clearwater Court 77478 Allen Alisa A Date To Remember P O Box 904 77497

Bernal Laura Katy Carpet Cleaners 7307 Starflower 77494

Leatheart Lindsay (+) Coordinating Spaces By Lindsay 827 Sweet Pine 77450 Farquhar Chad C. Farquhar Construction 23722 Fm 1462 77461 Hodgetts Cathryn N.t.h. Oil Directory 7592 Fm 723 77406 Dosal Leonardo Fuel & Lubrication 9426 Westacare Place 77083 Okon Emmanuel Okem Academy Of Music 17515 Chestnut Trail 77407

Keller Louise K The Keller Method (+) 6203 Carnaby Lane 77471

Weinholtz Gabriel P Graphix Daddy 2710 Grants Lake Blvd Apt J-7 77479

Keller Louise K Louise K Keller Consulting 6203 Carnaby Lane 77471

Gaytos Benet (+) Shotcake.net 12123 Monticeto 77477

Stanley Mani Investments A & A Processing 3210 Brook Arbor Ln 77479

Peralta Javier S Cat Logistics Inc 1 Crestwood Cir 77478

Stanley Mani Investments Stanley Mani Realtors 3210 Brook Arbor Ln 77479

Rivera Juan C Just Maids 9203 Hwy 6 South Suite 124-415 77083

Kilpatrick Nora Do-it-all Janitorial Services.com 3514 Honey Creek Dr 77478 Russell Donald A1 Auto 2244 1st Street 77471 Turner Tamara Aj Consultants 12107 Donegal Way 77047

Mitchell Paul Powerchem Equipment 1860 Fm 359 #303 77406 Khoaja Laila M Layla’s Catering 2110 Spur Canyon Ct 77469 Acosta Stephanie (+) Kids On Board 10326 Paintbrush 77498 Gutierrez Mayra J Iglesia Gloria A Dios 555 Insurance Rd 77469 Selvan Mano Chakras 4114 Magnolia Ln 77478 Journeys Independent Christion Living Facility Inc Journeys Independent Christion Living Facility 14610 Waterloo 77045

Data Beat DBA (Assumed Names)

Odoms Riley Platinum Foreclosures Cleaning Services 16731 Quail Park Dr 77489 Crafter Melvin J Property Prep Services 3814 Smithers Ln 77459 Whitsey Timothy West Houston Fitness And Nutrition 16135 Talon Crest 77083 Vongruenigen Tomoe Okinawan Cultural Assocation Of Texas 33 Rippling Creek Drive 77479 Vongruenigen Tomoe (+) Ocat 33 Rippling Creek Drive 77479 Vongruenigen Tomoe (+) Rmd Texas 33 Rippling Creek Drive 77479 Vongruenigen Tomoe (+) Ryufu 33 Rippling Creek Drive 77479 Vongruenigen Tomoe (+) Ryukyukoku Matsuri Daiko Texas 33 Rippling Creek Drive 77479 Jenkins Willie F Iii N And Out Moving 8633 W Airport #1025 77071 Smith October October Dawn Photography 9323 Hillhaven Ct 77469

(+) = More Names

Maher Steven Pc Tech Bay 2711 Quail Valley East Dr 77489

Soffar Randy Room-a-long 706 W Greenbelt Dr 77498

Fitzgerald Mindy D D Stoning 4426 Desert Cliff 77494

Purvi M Parikh Dds Pllc A To Z Dental 1951 Lakeside Plaza Dr 77479

Ballard Kiara (+) E.v.o.l.v.e. Youth Program 2118 Creekshire Dr 77478

Soffar Randy Liv Industries 706 W Greenbelt Dr 77498

Miller Eddie R (+) Liberty Christian Center 1313 Ave E Apt 1 77471

Campbell Deborah On Time Transportation 3018 Barron Lane 77489

Soffar Randy Bumber Dumper 706 W Greenbelt Dr 77498

Sherrill Stephanie (+) Shared Treasures 2215 Masters Ln 77459

Butler Terril Lynn Jr Lightning Air Conditioning And Heating 3418 Bighorn Ct 77478

Mojo Vaughan Inc Southwest Pool & Spa Co. Po Box 429 77574

Roomes Hugh (+) Smart Cellular 2810 School St 77461

Patel Keyur Mdbug 5519 Linden Rose Ln 77479

Resendiz J Gregorio Resendiz Lawn Service 15730 Samoa Way 77053

Douglas Timothy N Creekside Community Church 1450 W Grand Parkway South Suits G-277

Gonzalez Jesus Whitetail Trucking 119 Thunder Basin Dr 77469

Castellanos Miriam A We Cook N Clean 5522 Baldwin Elm St 77407

Austin Melissa Caleb’s Faith 6642 Rowell Ct 77489

Castellanos Miriam A (+) Miramar Multiservices 5522 Baldwin Elm St 77407

Jones Georgia L Ga.l. Jones Properities 2119 Pepperglen Ct 77489

Austin Kelley Kelley Austin, Attorney At Law 12 Greenway Plaza Ste 1100 77046

Valadez Alma Hair By Alma 4807 Hwy 6 Ste 9 77459 Arnold Ted W Structural Solutions West 2110 Enchanted Oaks 77471 Emmons Daniel Emmons Consultants 7610 Swanson Dr 77406

Simoneaux Jana Baby G Designs And Photography Irausquin & Co Llc 2902 Talasek 77471 Sanrio 26535 Southwest Fwy Ndumia Kenneth Store 220 77479 Tbc Consulting Services 7210 Still Haven 77407 Mathis Veronica V’s Floral Designs Automotive Radio Equip Co Inc 26323 Cresent Cove Ln 77494 A.r.e. Co Inc Aka Automotive Radio Equip Co Inc Breese T Eric Ii (+) 515 Broad St 93405 Monarch Jewelry 15607 Edgemele Ct 77498 Yun Daniel Dan Acupuncture & Herbs Clinic Baker Ruben 1846 Snake River Rd Suite B Baker Pressure Washing Services 8723 Warrenford 77083 Rocha Erika G Leah’s Resale Shop Bonner Shannon T (+) 2801 Ave H 77471 Gulf Coast Healthcare Services 2303 Rushbrook 77489 Marquez Toni Artful Finishes Flores Stephen 1127 Austin Colony Dr 77406 Tmj-bsaf Design 1918 Wood Trails 77489

Lee Lethi Exclusive Total Wellness 822 Delford Way 77479 Janer Sein Jerry (+) American Medical Systems 2910 Great Lake 77479 Jones Melvin Louis Ii J’s Trucking 8823 Lu Ray 77469 Edwards Tonya Icon Insurance Agency P.o. Box 770 77545 Church Debra A Sunshine Service (+) 90200 Fm 1093 #6106 77407

F & S Global Services Corp Scott Brent 4720 Reading Rd #207 77471 Igwe Constantine City Cpr Training 8202 Ash Garden Ct 77083

Neal Barbara B J And Associates Inc 1720 Fm 1640 Rd 77469

Williams Carl Moonwalk & Things 18143 Bright Wood Pl Ln 77407

Mistry Shashi V Shashi V. Mistry Pe Consulting Engineer 19111 Edge Manor Ln 77407

Mathilumkal Group Llc Royal Travel And Tours 445 Fm1092 Suite 1000 77477

Eapen James K (+) Apna Beauty Salon 2429 Fm 1092 77459 Lennon Jonny Aaa Quallity Services, Jonny Lennon Dba 7243 Chasewood 77489

Lusk Laquita M Lusk Event Management 1307 East April Rain Ct 77489 Carranza Andrew Jr Cazzam Surveying Inc 5610 Killdeer Ln 77469

Bowden Mark W Prophotos For You 25227 Sterling Cloud Ln 77494

Muana Patrick K Bafco (Banyanie Agricultural & Community Development Foundation) 22815 W Waterlake Drive 77406

Levell Patricia Pat’s Lantern 7226 Sunrise Hill Lane 77469

Cazares Laura (+) Lmc Cleaning Services 16631 Great Oaks Hollow 77083

Levell Patricia Accent Workwear 7226 Sunrise Hill Lane 77469

Pinon M Albert Du Process Process Server 7402 Camino Verde Dr 77083

Minnoka Corp Fantastic Sams 2323 Imperial Canyon 77492

Fisher Sharilyn Koo Koo’s Treasures 15710 Wellshire Village Ct 77498

Rausch Robert G Iii Artisan Woodwinds 25235 Hamden Valley Drive 77406

Butler Leonard Dr. Clean Ice Machine 24419 Cirbekk Oj Kb 77494

Myles Cartrell Myles Transport Services (M.t.s.) 2019 Acorn Gun Tr 77545 Hurdiss Lawrence W Larry The Potter Black Jody R 11 Sullivans Court 77459 It Concepts 4514 Gladesdale Park Lane 77450 Buchanan John W Cairn Consulting Co Davis Stephon L 3906 West Valley Drive 77459 Stephon “007” Davis Entertainment / honey Knight Brian (+) Dripper Productions Casual Monkey Design & Printing 5503 Imperial Wood Ct 77583 19002 Mission Park #1321 77407

Lawler Christie J (+) Cjl Consulting 10447 Caribou Cove 77459 Garcia Juan Encanto’s Resale Shop 2801 Ave H 77471 Gdf Consultants Fagan Gaylin D 6302 Hidden Crest Way 77479

December 2009 • Fort Bend Business Journal

Data Beat

NOVEMBER 2009 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 monthâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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

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

26,263.00 7,720.17 40,025.19 1,546.51 89,496.95 574,551.35 31,533.66 4,062.03 2,969.61 347,382.84 947,971.47 5,293.19 1,218,608.55 3,509,651.20 1,250.71

31,910.48 7,220.66 36,278.76 1,555.10 96,766.92 557,466.93 45,468.61 5,171.20 3,337.39 387,812.52 985,652.34 2,754.37 1,453,698.72 3,394,135.48 1,713.99

-17.69% 6.91% 10.32% -0.55% -7.51% 3.06% -30.64% -21.44% -11.01% -10.42% -3.82% 92.17% -16.17% 3.40% -27.02%

County Total

6,808,326.43

7,010,943.47

-2.89%

2009 Payments To Date

2008 Payments Change

Percent

281,643.06 82,141.51 330,948.49 14,289.47 958,412.74 5,521,281.41 289,673.06 46,002.73 39,051.90 3,861,677.57 9,752,153.60 55,004.05 12,693,727.36 36,324,370.94 15,255.01

492,651.29 74,589.20 329,233.79 17,779.38 967,427.37 5,289,842.94 371,407.58 41,922.61 38,879.81 3,369,195.43 9,806,544.30 45,790.77 13,378,670.47 36,324,757.55 19,485.03

-42.83% 10.12% 0.52% -19.62% -0.93% 4.37% -22.00% 9.73% 0.44% 14.61% -0.55% 20.12% -5.11% 0.00% -21.70%

70,265,632.90

70,568,177.52

-0.42%

Top 20 City Sales and Use Tax Comparison Summary - NOVEMBER 2009 Please note that Sugar Land is 16th in sales tax revenues in the state. City

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

Net Payment This Period

Comp Payment Prior Year

41,803,741.27 18,575,523.07 18,090,812.86 11,624,687.95 9,198,605.72 7,917,026.34 5,545,766.14 4,880,768.64 4,777,761.73 4,951,139.96 5,503,560.68 4,356,869.16 4,444,628.59 4,405,893.23 3,509,651.20 3,195,796.64 3,426,965.45 3,430,670.64 2,985,447.91 3,067,006.65

43,923,424.68 21,018,128.02 19,511,993.12 12,828,205.04 10,520,319.37 7,945,901.71 5,866,267.81 5,842,026.16 5,614,211.11 5,456,634.49 5,926,254.52 5,099,321.39 4,768,751.71 5,263,768.51 3,394,135.48 3,425,012.97 3,725,946.63 3,751,061.13 4,212,240.14 3,520,336.36

Fort Bend Business Journal â&#x20AC;˘ December 2009

% Change To Date

-4.82% -11.62% -7.28% -9.38% -12.56% -0.36% -5.46% -16.45% -14.89% -9.26% -7.13% -14.55% -6.79% -16.29% 3.40% -6.69% -8.02% -8.54% -29.12% -12.87%

2009 Payments To Date

452,429,854.86 190,917,037.60 187,645,917.00 120,855,330.96 90,787,813.26 74,401,188.64 59,393,292.76 54,099,136.93 53,081,558.13 52,427,014.12 51,297,388.58 49,700,079.72 45,354,345.18 43,338,114.24 36,324,370.94 36,093,546.82 34,464,291.33 33,172,975.70 32,346,778.55 32,279,008.64

2008 Payments Change

Percent

460,375,879.33 211,723,621.12 198,298,051.62 135,494,139.35 97,685,364.33 75,795,111.78 62,802,822.93 61,156,459.75 56,923,439.52 54,719,582.84 58,715,827.99 54,637,585.97 45,452,134.52 47,098,064.33 36,324,757.55 34,788,328.88 36,677,375.49 35,354,998.82 36,062,644.99 34,605,598.44

-1.72% -9.82% -5.37% -10.80% -7.06% -1.83% -5.42% -11.53% -6.74% -4.18% -12.63% -9.03% -0.21% -7.98% 0.00% 3.75% -6.03% -6.17% -10.30% -6.72%

Data Beat

Commercial Building Permits

Some significant building permits in cities in Fort Bend during the month of October Address

Type of Permit

Value

Owner/Contractor

Rosenberg 5220 Avenue I 24401 Brazos Town Crossing 300 24301 Brazos Town Crossing 200

Commercial Building Commercial Building Commercial Building

$3,250,000 $42,000 $47,500

Grand Total Valuation (Commercial & Residential)

10/01/09-10/31/09

$3,396,655

Missouri city 3403 Cartwright Rd 2240 Texas Pkwy 100 8880 Hwy 6 RESA 10210 Hwy 6 1679 Cartwright RD 1783 Texas Pkwy 3281 Rocky Creek Dr 6840 Hwy 6 A

Commercial Remodel Commercial New Commercial New Commercial New Commercial New Commercial Remodel Comercial Alteration Commercial New

$90,000 $100,000 $60,000 $240,000 $100,000 $72,000 $120,000 $125,000

Grand Total Valuation (Commercial & Residential)

10/01/09-10/31/09

$1,016,750

richmond 512 South 7th St

Commercial Building

$59,412.50

Grand Total Valuation (Commercial & Residential)

10/01/09-10/31/09

$59,412.50

Sugar land 431 Eldridge Rd 1075 W Park One Dr 1400 Creek Way Dr Ste 201 1400 Creek Way Dr Ste 211 1400 Creek Way Dr Ste 221 1400 Creek Way Dr Ste 231 15820 Southwest Fwy Ste 200 54 Sugar Creek Center Blvd Ste 100 3355 State Hwy 6 One Fluor Daniel Dr 17510 W Grand Pkwy S Ste 320 One Sugar Creek Center Blvd Ste 110 3301 Town Center Blvd S

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

$4,024,917 $1,092,272 $139,975 $139,975 $139,975 $139,975 $173,950 $120,542 $175,000 $117,116 $60,000 $103,022 $550,000

Grand Total Valuation (Commercial & Residential)

10/01/09-10/31/09

$20,049,802

Regas Contracting Inc Penker Construction Inc

Atabic Church of Houston/First Texas Resources Texas Independence Plaza LLC/Competition Construction HEB Grocery Company LP/Ming Construction A-S 91 Ft Bend Parkway-Hwy 6 L/Global New Millenium Partners Quail Valley Station LLC/Steve Cook & Co. Inc Grand Retail Properties LLC/Wilson Commercial Inc. Asset Capital Builders Axiom Construction Co. Inc

Jimmy G. Myska/Living Improvements

First United Methodist Church/Brookstone, L P JJDT, LLC/Apollo Construction Lake Pointe Clinical Associate/Spawmaxwell Company, LP Lake Pointe Clinical Associate/Spawmaxwell Company, LP Lake Pointe Clinical Associate/Spawmaxwell Company, LP Lake Pointe Clinical Associate/Spawmaxwell Company, LP Texana Builders Sugar Creek Opportunity Fund I/Goldshire Developers, LLC Eqyinvest First Colony Owner L/WLH Consulting, Inc. Lake Pointe Town Center, LTD/Burton Construction Company Kimball Construction Services Parkway Properties LP/Commercial Tenant Construction GGP-Sugar Land Mall, LP/Prosser Wilbert Construction

Significant Land Transactions Some significant land transactions in Fort Bend during the month of October 2009. Land transactions can be researched on line at http://ccweb.co.fort-bend.tx.us/search.asp?cabinet=opr. Some entries may be conveying mineral rights. Seller

Buyer

Acres

Terrabrook Cinco Ranch Southwest Lp (+) Fort Bend County Of Fort Bend County Of Grand Mission Holdings Lp (+) Grand Mission Holdings Lp (+) Ferguson Thomas Bradford (+) Sdi Missouri City Holdings Llc Fort Bend County Municipal Utility District No 25 Lri Investment Group Ltd (+)

Cinco Southwest Municipal 0.0089 Ac Windmeadows Investors Ltd 1.163 Ac Swc Bellfort Eldridge Limited (+) 1.997 Ac Grand Mission Municipal Utility District No 1 0.0011 Ac Grand Mission Municipal Utility District No 1 0.0011 Ac Centerpoint Energy Centerpoint 200 Ac Energy Recources Corp (+) Centerpoint Energy Houston Electric Llc 19.971 Ac Public 1.403 Ac Fort Bend Count Municipal Utility 0.0101 Ac District No 25 Of Fort Bend County Texas

Seller

Buyer

Acres

Sugarland Properties Incorporated Sugarland Properties Incorporated Sugarland Properties Incorporated Sugarland Properties Incorporated Mandala Robert Rushing Albert R Sr Rushing Albert R Sr (+)

First Colony Property Owners Association Inc First Colony Property Owners Association Inc First Colony Property Owners Association Inc First Colony Property Owners Association Inc Houston City Of North Fort Bend Water Authority North Fort Bend Water Authority

0.2481 Ac 0.1845 Ac 0.1397 Ac 0.1541 Ac 5.9299 Ac 0.0870 Ac 0.0997 Ac

December 2009 • Fort Bend Business Journal

Special Feature: Spotlight on Emergency Centers

Award Winning Emergency Care

akBend Medical Center is the most comprehensive hospital in Fort Bend County, ranking first in the county for the range of medical specialties offered (25+ specialties). Our 24-hour Emergency Care Center at the Jackson Street campus is the only Advanced Trauma Center in Fort Bend County and is top-rated; scoring a prefect 4.0 for customer satisfaction. Equipped to handle everything from minor to life-threatening emergencies, we also offer a “Quick Care” program with an average turnaround time of 70 minutes for less serious illnesses and injuries. As our community and the need for quality healthcare continues to grow, we are proud to now offer a second full-service acute care hospital located at US Highway 59 and Williams Way Boulevard. Like our Jackson Street campus, our new second campus offers a wide range of patient services including a 24-hour emergency center medical/surgical

services, ICU, pediatrics, imaging, laboratory, pharmacy and a floor dedicated to women’s services.

Fort Bend Business Journal • December 2009

If you’re looking for award winning patient care, contact us today at 281.341.3000 or visit www.oakbendmedcenter.org.

Special Feature: Spotlight on Emergency Centers

AWARD WINNING CARE As our community and the need for quality healthcare continues to grow, OakBend Medical Center is proud to meet those needs with our array of award winning patient services. When seconds count the most, come visit our 24-hour Emergency Care Center.

OUR EMERGENCY CARE CENTER IS: • The only Advanced Trauma Center in Fort Bend County • Quick Care Program – average turn around time is 70 Minutes for less serious injuries and illnesses

1705 JACkson sTreeT, riChmond, TX 77469

281.341.3000 PhysiCiAn referrAl: 281.341.4800 www.oakbendmedcenter.org Phone:

December 2009 • Fort Bend Business Journal

Special Feature: Spotlight on Emergency Centers

Memorial Hermann provides personalized care to all senior patients

Ribbon cutting ceremony for the new Senior Emergency Center, includes the nursing staff, leadership team, and CEO Rod Brace.

s winter arrives, we are reminded of what makes this time of year so special: It’s about spending time with friends and family, celebrating holidays and traditions. Memorial Hermann Southwest Hospital also has many reasons to celebrate. We have launched many exciting new initiatives that reflect our commitment to providing the best possible care for the community we serve. We invite you to stop by and visit some of our newest areas, particularly those recent additions that reflect our commitment to serving patients over age 55, including: • Our new Senior Emergency Center, located on the 1st floor, next to our original Emergency Center. This specialized center offers more privacy and a dedicated medical team. Families of senior patients admitted to the Senior Emergency Center have access to a private waiting room. Patient triage rooms are larger, with amenities such as thicker mattresses, new furniture and enlarged wall clocks. • Our dedicated Senior Medicine unit, located on the 6th floor. This specialized unit

The Senior Emergency Center at Memorial Hermann Southwest provides personalized care to all senior patients.

treats patients with acute conditions requiring hospitalization. Our medical staff includes an interdisciplinary team of healthcare providers, affiliated physicians and a dedicated geriatric nurse practitioner. The team focuses on the prevention of complications and promotion of physical function and independence. • Our new Senior Behavioral Care unit, located on the 8th floor. This unique unit is specially designed for the treatment of patients with psychiatric and medical needs.

Fort Bend Business Journal • December 2009

It provides a safe, protected and modern environment, offering state-of-the-art equipment and security. Our talented, multidisciplinary team is available around the clock, seven days a week, offering a holistic approach to meeting the needs of our patients. At Memorial Hermann Southwest, we believe that seniors deserve specialized care. Comprehensive care tailored to the needs of seniors is a priority and we strive to provide the best patient experiences and outcomes.

Special Feature: Spotlight on Emergency Centers

Specialized Senior Care

Presenting comprehensive care tailored to the needs of seniors. At Memorial Hermann Southwest Hospital, we believe seniors deserve specialized care. Our new Senior Medicine unit, Senior Behavioral Care unit and Senior Emergency Center feature family-friendly atmospheres and renovated private rooms. Specially trained caregivers work with our senior patients to help prevent complications and promote physical function and independence. A low patient-to-nurse ratio enables our Senior Medicine unit to provide individualized attention. Our Senior Behavioral Care unit offers a holistic environment for meeting the special medical and psychiatric needs of senior patients. Additionally, our new Senior Emergency Center also provides streamlined, dedicated access to our award-winning cardiac and stroke care. To learn more about our specialized services for seniors, call 713.456.5000.

7600 Beechnut Houston, TX 77074 memorialhermann.org

December 2009 â&#x20AC;˘ Fort Bend Business Journal

Methodist Sugar Land Hospital’s free flu shots and community toy drive a SUCCESS

ethodist Sugar Land Hospital, in collaboration with Fort Bend Exchange Club, Sugar Land Exchange Club and Sugar Land Rotary, provided free flu shots to community members who participated in Santa’s Gift Exchange. Fort Bend residents graciously brought new, unwrapped toys or clothing items to Methodist Sugar Land Hospital in exchange for a flu shot. The toys and clothing will benefit local children in the Fort Bend area during this holiday season. “We were very pleased to see such a large turn-out on Saturday morning. It is great to work and live in a community that can come together for a wonderful cause that will benefit the children in our community. We are proud to partner with the local exchange and rotary clubs to provide this community offering and plan to do so again in 2010,” said Leena Taneja, Director of Physician Relations and Marketing. Organizers of Santa’s Gift Exchange 2009 are anticipating an increase of qualifying families due to recent economic downturns. Santa’s Gift Exchange will provide toys and clothing to more than 3,500 economically disadvantaged children in Fort Bend County. “A special thank you to the 200 plus people who attended the free flu shot and Santa’s Exchange event, as more children will now get the present they deserve,” said Lowell Stanton, CFO at Methodist Sugar Land Hospital.

Top Row: Kaelyn Stolhand; Lowell Stanton, CFO at Methodist Sugar Land Hospital; Betty Baitland, Sugar Land Exchange President; Dan Green, Rotary Club of Sugar Land President; Julie Hung, M.D., Methodist Family Medicine Group Bottom Row: Leala Hall; Armando Saenz and Leena Taneja.

coming january 2010 issue Deadline: December 15th

Special Feature

A New Year A New You! Fort Bend/Katy

Fort Bend Business Journal • December 2009

To Advertise Call Carolyn Reed 281-690-4201• Cell 281-323-0185 carolyn@fortbendstar.com

Upcoming Chamber Event

Oh What a Night!

Save the Date Fort Bend Chamber Chairmanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Ball January 16, 2010 For more information, please contact Ellen Bush at ellen@fortbendcc.org or 281-491-0277 www.FortBendChamber.com December 2009 â&#x20AC;˘ Fort Bend Business Journal

Thank You To Our Renewing Members 1 Year H-E-B Food & Drugs David Solis, 281-778-1300 Anco Insurance Dan McDonald, 281-633-3208 Gee Eye Care Kevin L. Gee, 281-778-9912 Isle PediSpa Eleanor E. Marsh, 281-565-8838 Travis & Hammond, P.C. Gregory R. Travis, 713-626-3800 The Murillo Company Donna Murillo, 281-933-9702 Sugar Land Plastic Surgery John T. Nguyen, M.D., 281-980-3661 The Woodhouse Day Spa Roland Benavicles, 281-208-9119 2 Years Lone Star Health Plans LTD, LLP Rand R. Wall, 281-313-9255 Translite LLC Nizar Mullani, 281-240-3111 24 HR Emergency Room Toby Hamilton, 281-277-0911 Christian Brothers Automotive David Funderburg, 281-499-4499 Founders Bank Jim Sturgeon, 281-325-5013 Hillwood Residential Lisa Chahin, 713-609-9219 St. Michael’s 24 Emergency Room Brian Orsak, 281-980-4357 ABWA - SWAPEN Thomasine Johnson, 281-835-9789 Candelari’s Prudence Allwein, 832-947-0440

Brazos Ranch Apartments Laura Loper, 281-342-4700 Perdue,Brandon,Fielder,Collins & Mott, LLP Robert Mott, 713-862-1860 3 Years American Cancer Society Meredith Phillips, 713-706-5635 Symphony Inn & Suites Mike Desai, 281-933-5550 Whole Foods Jay Dalton, 281-491-5577 Coffeyville Resources Dan Daly, 281-207-7711 4 Years The Fort Bend Church Keith Oliver, 281-980-8322 Johnny’s Custom Cabinets Johnny Guerrero, 281-498-8950 Trustmark National Bank Jason Bray, 281-637-4010 5 Years Sugar Lakes Family Practice Cindy Golden, 281-565-2800 Greater Houston Transportation Co. Robert Rugg, 713-428-5702 McDonough Engineering Corporation Ranney McDonough, 713-975-9990 GreenScape Associates, LLC Vincent Morales, 281-341-9975 6 Years Becks Prime Sugar Land Ltd. Mike Knapp, 281-497-4269 Shadowbrooke Apartment Homes Marie Mendez, 281-499-1025 Sugar Land Cancer Center Melissa Green, 281-274-8200

7 Years Stafford Oaks Veterinary Hospital Bridget Hendrix, 281-499-3538 Business Network International Alva Winston, 281-343-7336 Kiss Kiss Boutique Terri Bazbaz, 281-265-5477 (KISS) 8 Years NewFirst National Bank Tom Shirley, 832-344-2050 Geotech Engineering and Testing David A. Eastwood, 713-699-4000 Calvary Episcopal School Malcolm Smith, 281-342-3161 Bain & Barkley Steve Bain, 281-980-3100 Chef for You Personal Chef Service Marcie McCutchen, 281-313-CHEF (2433) E-Fusion Integrated Solutions, Inc. Charles Stauter, 713-559-1600 9 Years South Texas Medical Clinics, PA Charla Kulcak, 281-342-6006 Fort Bend Symphony Orchestra Marilyn Conger, 281-778-9410 The Terrace at First Colony Todd Werthman, 281-903-2000 10 Years StarTex Title Company Alice Keller, 281-340-7800 Graybar Electric Co., Inc. Larry Stryk, 281-340-5500 Texana Center George Patterson, 281-239-1300 Edminster, Hinshaw, Russ & Associates, Inc. Bob Ring, 713-784-4500

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Fort Bend Business Journal • December 2009

Renewing Members Continued OTHON, INC., Consulting Engineers Maria Ghali, 713-975-8555

Tallas Insurance and Financial Services Jeff Tallas, 713-271-2000

12 Years Hampton Inn Marlyne Epps, 281-565-0559 Jim Lawless, AIA Architecture Jim Lawless, 281-240-6101 George Ranch Historical Park Candace Jones, 281-343-0218 13 Years Sienna/Johnson Development, LP Susie Goff, 281-778-7777 Fort Bend County Susan Lowery, 281-341-4430 14 Years Browne Penland McGregor Stephens Architects Jim McGregor, 713-850-1733 MDIA, Inc. dba: Mark Dalton Insurance Agency Mark Dalton, 281-242-2333 tw telecom Jennifer Siwicke, 713-341-4000 Business Spirit Promotional Products Susan Hargarther, 281-208-1100

19 Years Champion Technologies, Inc. Nell Ciancarelli, 713-627-3303 15 Years Literacy Council of Fort Bend Russell & Smith Ford-Honda-Mazda County Mark Rehkopf, 713-663-4111 Brenda Bowman, 281-240-8181 TBG Partners 20 Years John L. Wallace, 713-439-0027 Fitts, Roberts & Co., PC R. Kay Parker, CPA, CFP, Ashton Woods Homes 713-260-5230 Shannon Parker, 281-561-7773 x8126 The Swinging Door Steven Onstad, 281-342-4758 Studio 6 Joe McDonald, 281-240-6900 21 Years Dannenbaum Engineering Wells Fargo Bank Texas, NA Corporation Rey Diano, 281-208-6222 Alan D. Hirshman, 713-520-9570 16 Years Tejas Surveying, Inc. Sugar Grove Church of Christ Randy McClendon, 281-240-9099 Richard A. Fancher, 281-530-9651 22 Years Sugar Land Plumbing Silver Eagle Distributors, Inc. Jeanne Edmunds, 281-242-6990 Julie Shavers, 281-342-2566 26 Years Phillip Hamman, III, PLLC John R. St. John Construction, Inc. Dennis Fernelius, 281-494-2299 John R. St. John, 281-494-8300 17 Years 30 Years Sprint Sand & Clay LLC. Marshall J. Brown Company, Inc. Kyle Cain, 713-984-1473 Leah Malloy, 281-495-4800

www.FortBendChamber.com December 2009 â&#x20AC;˘ Fort Bend Business Journal

Fort Bend Chamber Membership

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

Welcome New Members Alltech Warehouse, LLC Babu Joseph, CEO 3810 Silver Ridge Blvd. Missouri City, TX. 77459 956-537-3928 Export & Import

Katy Christian Ministries Sandy Faucett 5011 E. 5th Street Katy, TX. 77493 281-391-5261 Ministry

Storm Water Solutions, LP Bubba Beyer, Vice President 12200 Duncan Rd. Houston, TX. 77066 281-587-5950 Environmental Consultants

ESE Partners,LLC Erin Clark, Project Sales Consultant 10497 Town & Country Way, Suite 520 Houston, TX. 77024 281-501-6100 Engineering, Consulting

Meat & Greet Boutique Brendon Treanor, Owner 3340 FM 1092 # 180 Missouri City, TX. 77459 281-403-4444 Restaurants

T-Shirt Parties & More Stephanie Vigers, CFO 11134 Hwy 6, # 206 Sugar Land, TX. 77498 281-879-7500 Entertainment

RTech Department Steve Palmer, Business Development 10333 Harwin Drive, Suite 110 Houston, TX. 77036 713-358-6000 Computer, Sales & Service

TechRadium Susan Ley, Regional Sales Director 14015 Southwest Freeway, Suite 4 Sugar Land, TX. 77478 281-207-4893 Telecommunications

Foot & Ankle Associates Marco Vargas, CEO 17510 West Grand Parkway, Suite 530 Sugar Land, TX. 77479 281-313-0090 Physicians, Podiatry Idearc Media, LLC Errick Greene, SPM 1250 W. Sam Houston Parkway South, Suite 500 Houston, TX. 77042 713-832-8922 Advertising Services Jeff Samford State Farm Agency Jeff Samford, Agent/Owner 11420 Dairy Ashford, Suite 102 Sugar Land, TX.77478 281-201-5517 Insurance Providers

Russoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s New York Allyson Huston, Manager/Owner 10350 HIghway 6, Suite G Missouri City, TX. 77459 281-431-6637 Restaurants Smashburger Aaron Johnson, District Manager 2623 Town Center Blvd. Sugar Land, TX. 77479 936-264-6787 Restaurants

The Little Clinic Angie Blacklock, Marketing Coordinator 10250 Highway 6 Missouri City, TX. 77459 832-539-0035 Health Care Value Place Westchase Janine Howard 5959 W. Sam Houston S. Parkway Houston, TX. 77072 713-779-4441 Hotels & Motels

www.FortBendChamber.com 56

Fort Bend Business Journal â&#x20AC;˘ December 2009

Fort Bend Leadership Forum

www.FortBendChamber.com December 2009 â&#x20AC;˘ Fort Bend Business Journal

RIBBON

CUTT

INGS

Sugar Land Face & Body 16525 Lexington Blvd., Suite 150 Sugar Land, TX. 77479 281-313-0555

Dr. Eric Humble is thrilled to announce the opening of Sugar Land Face and Body, a full-service, cosmetic-surgery practice in the heart of Sugar Land. The comprehensive practice offers procedures ranging from rhinoplasty, breast augmentation, liposuction and tummy tucks to non-invasive Botox and facial fillers. Dr. Humble is fully trained in plastic and reconstructive surgery, as well as head and neck surgery, so patients can feel incredible peace of mind when in the hands of this accomplished, attentive surgeon. Along with his caring staff, Dr. Humble provides a safe and welcoming environment in which patients can reach their goal of finding happiness in the way they look and feel. For more information about Sugar Land Face and Body, please call (281) 313-0555.

Global Geophysical Services 13927 S Gessner Rd. Missouri City, TX. 77489 832-539-0000

Global Geophysical was built from the ground up by a team of some of the most experienced people in the seismic business. They have combined the innovation, responsibility, and accountability of the old geophysical industry with the latest technology, new equipment, and leanest organizational structure in today’s seismic industry. In much the same way that doctors use ultrasound scanning to obtain images from inside the human body, they use sound waves to image the subsurface of the earth for the purpose of locating hydrocarbon reservoirs. They “excite” the earth by introducing source energy into the ground, and they record the resulting vibrations that reflect back to the earth’s surface. The recorded data is processed with supercomputers to create a detailed model of the subsurface that can be used by exploration and production companies.

The Little Clinic 10250 Highway 6 Missouri City, TX. 77459 832-539-0035

The Little Clinic operates three convenient care clinics in select Kroger stores in the Houston area, including 10250 State Highway 6 in Missouri City, and clinics in Pearland and Richmond. Current clinic hours are Monday, Tuesday and Friday: 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.; Saturday: 8:30 a.m. – 6:30 p.m.; and Sunday: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. The Little Clinics are staffed with Board Certified Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioners and/or Certified Physician Assistants who can treat and write prescriptions for common illnesses, minor skin conditions and injuries. The clinics also provide physicals, screenings and vaccinations for the entire family, age 12 months and up. Appointments are not necessary.

Fort Bend Business Journal • December 2009

RIBBON

CUTT

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Pediatric Urgent Care 19875 SW Freeway, Suite 100 Sugar Land, TX. 77479 281-545-2323

Pediatric Urgent Care is a medical facility set to provide state of the art medical services to those who need it in an affordable, friendly, convenient, timely way. Pediatric Urgent Care provides services for those who need to be seen urgently by a physician but can’t get to their family physician, those who can’t see their family physician due to heavy scheduling, after hours or holidays, those who don’t want to be at the end of the waiting list at the emergency room and for those who do not have a physician. They will treat all pediatric illnesses including ear infections, lung infections, rashes and high fevers. Their hours of operation are Monday-Friday: 3pm-11pm and Saturday-Sunday: 12pm-10pm.

Power Energy USA

4606 FM 1960 Rd. W, Suite 400 Houston, TX. 77069 713-367-9700

Let Power Energy USA cut your costs without cutting corners. Power Energy is an electricity broker based in Houston, Texas. They provide expert energy consultants who work on behalf of your company, large or small, to help you save money. They help you accurately forecast market changes, strategize your long-term energy program, manage your energy program risks, and lock in the most innovative contracts and lowest rates for your company. They will review your energy usage, analyze your current and future energy needs, market your profile to several of the strongest electricity providers in the market, and then get back to you with your best options to Power Your Energy Savings. Let them shop for you.

Tri-Star Advisors, Inc. 5718 Westheimer Rd., Suite 950 Houston, TX. 77057 713-735-9200

Whether you’re planning for retirement, saving for your children’s college years, or laying a foundation for the next generation to build on, Tri-Star is there for you. They’ll help you construct investment strategies tailored to your goals and unique lifestyle. Their emphasis on personal, individualized service is especially useful during the current period of economic instability, when making sound decisions is difficult, and finding the right direction crucial. Let the other investment companies recommend their onesize-fits-all solution. At Tri-Star they know you need an investment strategy, not a financial straightjacket. People are different. So are their dreams. Their family of dedicated professionals and experts will guide you through the uncharted paths that lead to your future. At Tri-Star, who they are is about who You are. December 2009 • Fort Bend Business Journal

Upcoming Chamber Events T-Shirt Parties & More 11134 Highway 6, #206 Sugar Land, TX. 77498 281-879-7500

T-shirt Parties & More, also known as T-shirt Parties of Houston, was only a mobile service provider until now. T-shirt Parties & More is unlike any other arts and craft activities provider in the area. Customers are able to create quality t-shirts that will reflect their individual taste and style. It’s a mess-free craft that is fun and easy for everyone ages 3 and up to do. If you can color, you can do this and will be surprised at the amazing results! In addition to tshirt parties, we also offer other activities such as sand-art, plaster painting, spin art and animal bear stuffing. Custom screen-printing is also available. Walk-ins are always welcome. So whether you’re an individual, single parent, family or having a party and you’re looking for something fun and unique to do then T-shirt Parties & More is the right place for you!”

CIRCLES at Wrenway 1602 Wrenway Missouri City, TX. 77479 281-499-7882

CIRCLES at Wrenway, LLC management and staff held their grand opening on Wednesday, November 4, 2009. An upscale assisted living facility, CIRCLES at Wrenway, LLC, is a family-owned business under the management of Roy and Shelia Stewart and was officially formed on April 5, 2009. The goal for CIRCLES at Wrenway, LLC’s management is to provide 5-Star services to a diverse clientele (8 - 10 residents) who require minimal assistance with basic everyday needs geared specifically towards Veterans, independent seniors (couples or singles) and anyone over 18 years old, who is seeking the professional outreach services CIRCLES at Wrenway, LLC’s management and staff are committed to providing. For more information about CIRCLES at Wrenway, LLC visit: www.circlesatwrenway.com or call 281-499-7882, Photography by Grady Carter.

www.FortBendChamber.com 60

Fort Bend Business Journal • December 2009

Salute to the EDC’s and Chambers of Commerce

Branding Fort Bend County By Dori Wind

or more than a century branding has been a Texas tradition. Cattle ranchers across the state used simple and/or intricate designs to identify cattle belonging to individual ranches. Branding showed all others that one was part of a unique group. It also provided a sense of security that even if one inadvertently roamed away from home, others always knew where they had come from and where they belonged. Today, the concept of branding also allows loyal users of a product to know that they have the genuine article. Following in the Texas tradition of identifying a special group and verifying the authenticity of an extraordinary product, the Greater Fort Bend Economic Development Council is entering its second year of the Fort Bend Branding & Marketing Program. The program showcases the outstanding business and development opportunities that are uniquely available only in Fort Bend County, Texas. The goals of the program are to: (1) establish Fort Bend regionally and nationally as the premiere community in Greater Houston in which to live, work and play; and (2) to increase business relocations and expansions so as to create jobs that will increase demand for housing, increase property and sales taxes to support services, insure low tax rates and enable infrastructure of the highest quality. Jeff Wiley, President of the EDC states, “Initial efforts have been very rewarding as we continue to brand Fort Bend on a regional and national level. However, it is necessary to maintain the momentum established with this year’s campaign. For this program to continue to be successful we need increased private sector Jeff Wiley involvement both financially and numerically to help balance the public private partnership that has been created,” he continued. The focal point of the campaign is a logo design that features the Texas lone star and the capital letters FB embossed in gold sealing wax above the words Authentic Fort Bend County, Texas. The EDC is encouraging county businesses to add the logo to their own business cards, data and information, letterhead and envelopes, advertis-

ing brochures and pamphlets, as well as television commercials. Two videos are included in the package. One contains the logo that can be downloaded for computer use and the other contains television commercials about the county. At its November, 2009, monthly meeting, EDC President Jeff Wiley showed EDC members and guests how Planned Community Developers has currently incorporated the design into their business documents. The branding program is managed by a program oversight board comprised of EDC board members that significantly invested in the program including, The Johnson Development Corporation, Planned Community Developers, the Cities of Rosenberg and Sugar Land, and Fort Bend County. These entities, as the Program Oversight Board, represent all of the public and private sector investors that supported funding of the program. Branding packages are available to businesses throughout the county. The package includes a gold gift box containing illustrated cards showing various facets of life in Fort Bend County and the two videos of the logo and TV commercials. Written information about the numerous outstanding achievements and awards earned by the county, its cities and businesses is also included, as well as data about the county’s diversity, population, public school systems and institutions of higher education, workforce availability, housing and planned communities, health care, retail, social and cultural amenities, and parks and recreational areas. To fund the branding campaign, the EDC is requesting investment and pledges from businesses in the area. To find out more about the program, contact the EDC at 281-242-0000. The monthly meeting also included an announcement from Lufkin Automation’s General Manager Dewayne Atwell, that the oilfield service technology company had purchased 6.2 acres to build a new facility for its operations in the Lakeview Business Park in Missouri City. The purchase of the property in the Trammel Crow business Dewayne Atwell

continued on page 62 December 2009 • Fort Bend Business Journal

Salute to the EDCâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s and Chambers of Commerce

Branding Fort Bend County continued from page 61 park will provide the company with its present need for space as well as allow for expansion in the future. Steve Broker, Managing Engineering Business Development & Strategic Project Planning for Sunoco Logistics Partners, L.P., made a presentation about the phenomenal growth that his company has experienced since locating from Oklahoma to the Sugar Land area in 2005. The company includes operations of thousands of Steve Broker miles of oil pipelines allowing for the flow of oil through Oklahoma and Texas to designated refineries, storage facilities and shipping operations. He expounded on the increased value of his company, its impressive stock price advances and the extraordinary successes the company has experienced while being located in Sugar Land. He thanked the City of Sugar Land and the Fort Bend community for having a workforce that suited the companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s needs and for their collaborative efforts; specially mentioning Fluor Corporation, their current landlord, the school district, city and county government, and the EDC

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Fort Bend Business Journal â&#x20AC;˘ December 2009

that all helped the company to flourish. Jackie Chaumette, Sugar Land City Councilwoman, congratulated Broker on his companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s impressive success, investment and involvement in the community. She wished him well for the future. He acknowledged her comments by stating, â&#x20AC;&#x153;We look forward to our next Jackie Chaumette ten years in Sugar Land.â&#x20AC;? Missouri City Mayor Allen Owen had more good news for the EDC meeting with an announcement that Fort Bend County was home to another top public golf course. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Quail Valley has completed the six million dollar renovations to the second 18-hole public course and the course was recently rated,â&#x20AC;? he explained. He said Mayor Allen Owen â&#x20AC;&#x153;the raters stated that this was the finest municipal course they have ever rated.â&#x20AC;? On November 27th, the second course known as El Dorado will be open to the public. Located in the Quail Valley subdivision, the two courses are now city recreational facilities. Owen said that about 4,000 rounds per month are played on the course which opened in July. Owen also said that the city plans to tear down the old Quail Valley Country Club and replace it with a new community facility. The meeting concluded with a presentation by Mark Vogler with the Fort Bend County Drainage District who explained that new FEMA maps are out and that governmental Mark Vogler entities, businesses, developers, and homeowners should review them to determine if they are in flood plain areas. He explained an interactive website that can be accessed to review the maps and how to make comments about them back to FEMA. The maps designate flood areas which are then correlated to the governmentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s flood insurance program, so it is very important that the maps are reviewed by those interested in FEMAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s flood insurance program. For more information about the EDC, visit its website at www. fortbendcounty. org. To learn more about the Fort Bend Branding and Marketing Program visit its website at www.fortbendcounty.com.

Salute to the EDC’s and Chambers of Commerce

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550 Julie River Dr. • Suite 310 Sugar Land, TX December 2009 • Fort Bend Business Journal

Salute to the EDC’s and Chambers of Commerce

A New Name and A Bright Future Central Fort Bend Chamber Alliance

Governor Rick Perry at podium.

Central Fort Bend Chamber Alliance officers launching new name.

Embracing Change

hile change is not always a pill that is easy to swallow, 2009 delivered some very successful change to a nearly 100-year-old organization that has struggled, yet survived – even thrived – through wars, depressions and recessions, hurricanes and floods. First surfacing as the Rosenberg Chamber of Commerce in 1910, renaming itself as the Fort Bend County Chamber of Commerce in 1949, then the Rosenberg Chamber of Commerce & Agriculture in 1957, finally settling on the Rosenberg-Richmond Area Chamber of Commerce in 1966 and for 43 years hence, 2009 brought growth and a need for a new name. Welcoming the City of Fulshear as the 3rd “City Stakeholder” in March, the dualname quickly became obsolete, and even more so in the summer when the Hispanic Business Division and the Young Professionals Division were launched. Choosing to capitalize on its longtime location in the heart of Fort Bend County, knowing that being centrally located is a good thing – no matter what business you are in – that was quickly selected to be the defining descriptor for the new name. Also wanting to place focus on the partnership

of communities that was formed, another strong, positive descriptor was added to the name, “Alliance”, creating a final product that was unanimously felt to convey the organization’s strength and stature, “Central Fort Bend Chamber Alliance”. To further capture its essence, the positioning statement, “Partners In Commerce” is frequently incorporated as well. The Year In Review The eventful year was culminated with the Chamber’s Annual Celebration Ball (presented by OakBend Medical Center) in midNovember. A full-house enjoyed the opportunity to hear remarks by The Honorable

Fort Bend Business Journal • December 2009

Rick Perry, Governor of Texas, who attended the black-tie event as special guest. He spent much of the evening shaking hands and posing for photos, but also stopped long enough for a bit of good natured ribbing with gala emcee, Michael Garfield (The High Tech Texan) about “hair” and the famed AggieLonghorn rivalry. A gloomy economy was definitely not a spirit-dampener that evening! Starting with the Annual Awards Banquet held in January 2009, the iconic organization “hit the ground running”, not allowing negative economic forecasting to weigh it down. In addition to the already noted historic name-change, the addition of a new city stakeholder, and the launching of two new divisions, classified as “mini chambers within the chamber”, there was much to celebrate at the recent gala: • The annual Fort Bend Regional Infrastructure Conference (presented by HCSS Software, S&B Infrastructure and Bury

Leadership Class of 2010 members at opening retreat September 2009.

Salute to the EDC’s and Chambers of Commerce + Partners) was a “three-peat” sell-out, with more than 180 attendees and 27 sponsors at the October event that will move to a larger venue in 2010 (the Sugar Land Marriott) • The annual Chamber Golf Classic (presented by the Rose-Rich Auto Mile), held at the Houstonian was a sell-out for the second consecutive year with 144 golfers and 31 sponsors • Ten luncheons were held with dynamite speakers and multiple sponsors, Business Blenders were hosted at 14 businesses all over Fort Bend County, 30 businesses enjoyed ribbon cutting ceremonies and six more were showcased during ground-breaking events • The Chamber’s monthly newsletter, “The Focus” went “green”, becoming hightech and an online staple, securing more than 10,000 (ten thousand!) hits monthly, and receiving accolades far and wide • Fort Bend County Days at the State Capitol was re-introduced and attended by 60 Fort Bendites who visited 17 of the most powerful officials in the State, thus representing Chamber members in Austin • Big news was made with one of the many Resolutions of the Board of Directors, recommended by the very active Governmental

Darron Drago Senior Vice-President

Affairs Department, when it was read on the floor of Congress by Pete Olson, CD-22, thereby taking the Voice of Fort Bend to Washington and all over You Tube! • Monthly Business Excellence classes gave necessary know-how on topics from taxes to marketing to websites and beyond to business owners and professionals • Leadership Fort Bend graduated its twenty-third class, and started its twenty-fourth • The Chamber’s President/CEO, Gail Parker, graduated from the U.S. Chamber’s Institute for Organizational Management, following four consecutive years of class work.

Gail Parker

Joy Dowell

Alica Davis

Michelle Romero

Jeremy Heath

Brian Lee

100 Years in the Making Central Fort Bend Chamber Alliance president/CEO, Gail Parker, notes that the Board of Directors and staff have a lot planned for 2010 as the venerable old Chamber prepares to celebrate its 100th anniversary. Parker, who hails from Victoria, another historic Texas community, loves the heritage, and plans to showcase that as much as possible next year. “There are not many businesses around today that were in operation when the Chamber first opened its doors in 1910, but I wonder what those early Fort Bend business leaders would say if they could see us now! As the times have changed, so has the Chamber, in order to better serve the needs of the growing community, with its diversity, burgeoning population, and futuristic business technology. The Central Fort Bend Chamber Alliance has operated under many names, but it is still the same

Jeff Samples President

continued on page 69

Jay Rogers Chairman and CEO

Delores Hansen Senior Vice-President

Craig Bunk Senior Vice-President

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December 2009 • Fort Bend Business Journal

Salute to the EDC’s and Chambers of Commerce

Defining The Future - It’s here for you. Katy Area EDC Membership

District (181 square miles) which includes the City of Katy, parts of Harris, Fort Bend and Waller Counties; and, the Houston “Energy Corridor”. As a member your company can contribute to the positive growth and development of the entire region. Services offered by the KAEDC and its staff of professionals includes: • Building and maintaining a “state-ofthe-art” geographic information system with Web access. • Marketing and branding the Katy Area. • Responding to Site Selectors and the State of Texas with proposals and information about the Katy Area. • Providing confidential site selection services to business prospects. • Recruiting new businesses to locate in the service area. • Providing existing, expanding businesses with technical assistance and information on permitting, financing, incentives, site selection

he Katy Area Economic Development Council (KAEDC), a private, nonprofit, full-service economic development corporation, invites your company to join. Founded in 2003 with the mission of establishing the Katy Area as the premier location for families and businesses through planned economic growth and development, the activities include business attraction in the office, medical, light industrial and mixed use project sectors. Other objectives of KAEDC include retention and expansion of existing businesses and promotion and facilitation of infrastructure projects to support business development and to improve the quality of life for residents of the Katy Area. The primary service territory of KAEDC is generally defined by the boundaries of the Katy Independent School

and training. • Developing and maintaining business, demographic, and available building and site databases. • Conducting Economic Impact Analysis of new business and development projects in the Katy Area. • Developing and administrating incentive policies and programs. • Discouraging and/or opposing projects adverse to the quality of life, growth and development of the Katy Area. • Monitoring and supporting infrastructure projects which enhance business operations and improve the quality of life in the Katy Area. • Providing a forum for members to be informed of new project issues that will affect and enhance the Katy Area as a top place to live and a grow a business. continued on page 68

The Katy Area Economic Development Council

United in Building a Better Katy Area

Katy Area EDC appreciates PetroSkills OGCI decision to construct their new 30,000 sq. ft. office and conference facility that will employ 25 people at Katy Mills & Kingsland Blvd. PetroSkills will have a strong economic impact on the City of Katy and Fort Bend County hosting over 200 conference attendees weekly. The EDC was pleased to provide project management and technical assistance to help facilitate the acquisition and construction of the project in the City of Katy, Fort Bend County, and the Katy Area.

Economic Development Council

Teaming with Talent. Energizing the World.

Fort Bend Business Journal • December 2009

6301 S Stadium Lane Suite 111 Katy, TX 77494 info@katyedc.org 281-396-2200 www.katyedc.org

Salute to the EDC’s and Chambers of Commerce

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Salute to the EDC’s and Chambers of Commerce

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Defining The Future - It’s here for you. continued on page 66

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www.KWSW.com 68

• Facilitating workforce development programs and higher education opportunities for the Katy Area. • Assist in formation of new technology driven businesses as a founder of Technology Center West Houston. KAEDC Mission To establish the Katy area as the premier location for families and businesses through planned economic growth and development. Objectives • Diversify and expand the area’s tax base. • Build infrastructure for sustainable growth. • Expand our reputation as one of the world’s most desirable places to live, work, pray and play. Up till now our members’ guidance, financial support and participation have made us successful. We have played a major role in the creation of over 10,000 jobs and $1.5 billion in capital investment. This is our invitation for you to share in the excitement of creating an extraordinary world-class community. Benefits Members on our Board of Governors: • target and influence corporate relocations • formulate policy • oversee organizational structure Our top membership level is a growing group of people and organizations that provide leadership in the community. As part of Katy Area EDC you gain exposure and insight, and have an impact on the future of the entire three-county region.

Fort Bend Business Journal • December 2009

Strategic Partners serve on committees and drive implementation. They have broad access to information, analysis, reports and presentations that are valuable to their business and to their efforts to develop this community. Associates Level is a way to support Katy Area EDC while extending your network of business contacts. Associates attend general meetings and special events, and are eligible for committee and task group participation. Operations Katy Area EDC maintains a professional staff to secure corporate relocations and help implement our four-year strategic plan. This team is set up to meet the objectives of the organization and the needs of our members. Katy Area EDC has initiated or had a direct impact on dozens of recent relocation projects in the Katy Area such as Det Norske Veritas, Kellogg Brown & Root (KBR), Rooms-ToGo, Pathfinder Technology Center, Kraton Polymers and PetroSkills, among many others. Our organization also creates and promotes workforce development programs along with higher education initiatives. We maintain a state of the art geographic database for generating valuable statistics and analysis on this market. Members have managed access to this resource. The Katy Area includes the Energy Corridor with abundant talent and resources, sustainable growth, and a diversifying economy. Be a recognized part of these achievements -our exceptional schools, thousands of new jobs and billions in new capital investments. Join the KAEDC and help define the future. Call or email us today for a membership application. Visit our website for more details. www.katyedc.org

Salute to the EDC’s and Chambers of Commerce A New Name and A Bright Future Central Fort Bend Chamber Alliance

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continued from page 65 community-driven, business-focused organization it was intended to be a century ago. And we take great pride in that!” Parker says that another source of pride is the Chamber’s focus on ALL businesses, whether a small one-man operation, or a national corporation. The Departments and Divisions run by the Central Fort Bend Chamber Alliance offer business assistance and advantages, as well as opportunities for involvement, no matter what the area of interest. “To get the most bang for your buck”, says Parker, “we encourage those who pay annual dues to the Chamber to become involved and engaged members by selecting an area that best suits their interests and begin participating. Join a Department, committee or Division, and attend meetings. You will be heard and you can shape the future of this organization and make a difference in your community!” Other staff of the Chamber includes Joy Dowell – vice president, Jeremy Heath – marketing director, Alicia Davis – membership director, Brian Lee – communications director, and Michelle Romero – operations director. Chairman of the Board in 2009 is Lynne Humphries of Allen Boone Humphries Robinson, LLP, incoming Chair for 2010 is Dan McDonald of Anco-McDonald Waterworks, and Treasurer for 2009 and 2010 is Tom Crayton, CPA. Kamal Ariss of JE Dunn South Central was recently elected to serve as Vice Chairman in 2010. For more information about the Central Fort Bend Chamber Alliance, call 281-342-5464 or visit the website at www.CFBCA.org.

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The Fort Bend County Chambers of Commerce, Fort Bend and Katy Economic Development Councils whose contributions have made Ft. Bend one of the fastest growing communities in the nation December 2009 • Fort Bend Business Journal

Salute to the EDC’s and Chambers of Commerce

Katy Area Chamber of Commerce 2009 Accomplishments

he Katy Area Chamber of Commerce has been serving the greater Katy area business community as its voice and assisting with business development and economic growth since 1960. The Chamber also continues to assist families and businesses with relocation services. Monthly luncheons, breakfasts and After Hours networking events were conducted to provide the members with ample opportunities to conduct business with one another. Last year our Chamber embarked upon a new membership level. We launched our Partner Level and our 3 inaugural Partners are Christus St. Catherine Hospital, Tradition Bank and WoodCreek Reserve. Our Partners were each presented with our Crystal Star. It has become a tradition for our Chamber to recognize an outstanding volunteer, an outstanding business, and an outstanding citizen each year at the annual gala. Sharon Rhoads was recognized as Volunteer of the Year; Chick Fil A, the Business of the Year, and Kerry Gilbert was honored as Citizen of the Year. The Chamber has served countless businesses in the community through their Business Resource Center and provided free consulting by SCORE. They work closely with the businesses throughout the community to assist them in their efforts to grow their businesses. The Chamber participated in over 60 ribbon cuttings and ground breaking ceremonies in 2009. The Katy Area Chamber of Commerce launched a new benefit for all Chamber members in January. We provided our Members with our first Webinar on “Federal Employment Laws Have Already Changed – Is Your Company Ready?” The response to the webinars has been fabulous. Chamber members came together to support the “Chamber Herd” to purchase animals raised by the KISD students at the FFA Livestock Show and Rodeo. These dollars directly benefit the scholarship program. The Chamber proudly represented Katy at the Capitol as they sponsored “Katy Day in Austin” in March. The morning was consumed with ceremonial activities at the

Capitol and photographs at the Capitol with key elected officials. This event was structured to be educational in addition to providing an opportunity for our business and community leaders to get better acquainted with our elected officials. The Chamber celebrated the outstanding achievements of the Katy ISD teachers by holding a “Teacher of the Year” luncheon which recognized each of the 53 campus teachers of the Year. The Katy Area Chamber of Commerce Health & Wellness Elder Care Committee, committed to increasing access to services for Katy area older adults and people with disabilities, took a proactive approach on

Partner Members Troy Maxwell, Woodcreek Reserve, Downy Vickery, Tradition Bank. Christa Clifton, Christus St. Catherine Hospital and Ann Hodge, Chamber President/CEO.

Representative Bill Callegari, Citizen of the Year Kerry Gilbert and his wife Joy (Kerry R. Gilbert & Assoc), Representative John Zerwas, and Troy Maxwell, chairman of the Chamber Board.

Representative Bill Callegari, Rusty Wylie and his wife Amy (Chick Fil A - Business of the Year), Representative John Zerwas, Troy Maxwell, Chairman of the Chamber Board and Beth Nightingale, Chamber Secretary.

Fort Bend Business Journal • December 2009

these issues and formed a Katy Senior and Disabilities Transportation Committee. They produced an easy to read Katy Area Services Transit Guide that provides contact information for both the public and private transportation services serving the Katy area. Released in early October, the Guides have been widely distributed throughout the Katy area. The Chamber celebrated the rich heritage of the community by producing the 29th Annual Katy Rice Harvest Festival. The event has been named Best Community Event and one of the Houston area’s top ten festivals. The Chamber conducted the annual Golf Tournament with M.K.T. Mortgage as the title sponsor. It was a perfect “Chamber Day”. The Chamber also joined with LaCenterra at Cinco Ranch to produce the 6th annual Home for the Holidays. 2010 Projections The Board of Directors is currently involved in the development of the program of work for 2010. They are finalizing their legislative package and they will continue to work closely with their elected officials and the KAEDC to enhance the quality of life for their community. They anticipate a more extensive effort for the Health and Wellness Committee as Katy becomes the “Medical Center West”. Education will continue to play an extremely important role in the program of work for the Chamber. Visitor and tourism programs will continue to be expanded to meet the needs of the visitors to their community. They will expand the business programs and seminars directed to small and midsized businesses. They will continue to conduct monthly networking events such as the breakfast, luncheon and business after hours. Their efforts will expand to tell the story of the community and the outstanding quality of life it provides. Additionally, they will continue to find ways to showcase the excellent opportunities for businesses in the Katy community.

Salute to the EDCâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s and Chambers of Commerce

December 2009 â&#x20AC;˘ Fort Bend Business Journal

To be listed

Call Carolyn Reed

at 281-690-4201

S E R V I C E D I R E C T O R Y

Accountants Gerald Blakemore, CPA P.C. • 281-201-1809 www.geraldblakemorecpapc.com gerald@geraldblakemorecpapc.com Tax preparation and consulting for business and individuals. Accounting and bookkeeping services. Member: QuickBooks ProAdvisor® Program. No charge for initial consultation. Douglas T. Brown, CPA • 281-265-8366 www.douglastbrown.com. doug@douglastbrown.com. One Sugar Creek Center Blvd., Suite 970, Sugar Land, TX 77478. Tax preparation and consulting for individuals, businesses, trusts and estates. Accounting and bookkeeping services for small to medium size businesses. Serving all of Houston, Katy and Sugar Land. We focus on your needs to provide exactly the service you require. Call or email for a free consultation. Dennis Fernelius, CPA • 281-342-5342 Now affiliated with Philip Hammon III, PLLC CPA’s, 2501 1st Street, Rosenberg, TX 77471, 281-342-5342 or www.philhamman.com. Continuing to serve the East Fort Bend Business community • Questions call 281-261-7551 • Personal/Business tax planning and compliance • Accounting • Popular accounting software setup and support. Sandersen, Knox & Belt, LLP • 281-242-3232 www.SKBTexas.com asandersen@skbtexas.com. Alan K. Sandersen, CPA, 13401 Southwest Freeway #101, Sugar land, TX 77478, E-mail: Fax: 281-242-3252. Taxation, financial statements, audits-business/governmental.

Advertising Fort Bend Business Journal • 281-690-4200 www.fortbendstar.com Fort Bend’s ONLY business publication. Fort Bend Focus • 281-690-4242 www.fortbendfocus.com Fort Bend’s ONLY feature magazine Direct mailed to almost 40,000 homes every month in Fort Bend’s most affluent subdivisions. Fort Bend Star - 281-690-4200 www.fortbendstar.com We have been delivering a free community newspaper to homes throughout Fort Bend County longer than ANY OTHER Newspaper.

Advertising, Promotional Specialties Blue Jungle Marketing - 281-240-6700 www.bluejunglemarketing.com jmunnell@bluejunglemarketing.com. Jim Munnell, 10700 Corporate Drive, Suite 100, Stafford, Tx 77477, Fax: 281-240-6711, signs, promo. products, tradeshow displays, web design, etc.

Business Spirit Promotional Products 281-208-1100 www.BusinessSpirit.com Gifts • Travel Mugs • Caps • T-shirts • Briefcases • Food Gifts • Sport Towels • Knives • Rulers • Golf Items • Awards • Pens • Calculators • Canvas Bags • Calendars • Manicure Sets • Key Tags • Mirrors • Letter Openers • Flashlights • Imprinted Plastic Bags • Journals • Radios • Crayons • Coffee Mugs • Stress Relievers • Jackets • Chocolates • Nuts • plus 475,000 other items on our website!

Air Conditioning & Heating/Sales & Service Fresh Air, L.P. • 281-499-3511 www.freshairinc.com sonnyr@freshairinc.com. Sonny Roncancio, 5702 Power Line Rd., Richmond, TX 77469. Fax: 281-3441189, Serving Fort Bend Since 1971; Residential & commercial sales/service.

Auto Repair / Maintenance AAMCO of Stafford • 281-879-0055 12103 Murphy Road, Stafford, Texas 77477. Complete Car Care Center. Lifetime Warranty Available. Specializes in Foreign and Domestic vehicle. Certified and Professionally Trained Technicians with over 40 years of experience. State of the Art Diagnostic testing equipment. Honors manufacturer’s and extended warranties. Free towing available. Free shuttle service available. FREE Nationwide Warranty. Auto Central-Automotive Service & Sales 281-499-9684 www.autocentral.biz david@autocentral.biz. David Fauvelle, 2526 Fifth Street, Stafford, Texas 77477, Fax: 281-499-0183, Fast, friendly and professional automotive repair. AAA approved auto repair. Charlton’s Body Repair • 281-499-1126 www.charltonsbodyrepair.com. Chuck Charlton, 1131 Staffordshire @ 5th St., Stafford, TX 77477, Fax: 281-499-1694, Complete collision repair. Frame & Unibody straightened. Expert computer color matching. Custom painting & pin stripping. Honest service. 79 Years Strong and 3 Generations Proud! 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!

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Fort Bend Business Journal • December 2009

Banks Frost Bank - Stafford • 713-388-1191 www.frostbank.com Barry Beard, 3531 S. Main, Stafford, TX 77477, Fax: 713-388-7883, Three Fort Bend County locations to meet your banking needs. Founders Bank • 281-325-5000 www.foundersbanktx.com Email: customerservice@foundersbanktx.com. Fax: 281-325-5050. Fort Bend County only. Locally owned and managed bank. 4690 Sweetwater Blvd., Sugar Land 77479 Houston Community Bank - Fort Bend 281-343-7700 www.houstoncommunitybank.com cleatherwood@houstoncommunitybank.com. Claude Leatherwood, Greatwood Lakes Bldg., 19855 SW Frwy, Ste 100, Sugar Land, TX 77479, Fax: 281-343-7787. Full service community bank. Houston Community Bank - Stafford 281-208-2111 www.houstoncommunitybank.com jsmith@houstoncommunitybank, Jeff Smith, 13811 Murphy Road, Stafford, TX 77477, Fax: 281-208-4420. Community bank offering a broad range of financial services. The State Bank of Texas • 281-494-6686 www.tsbot.com nbb@tsbot.com. Nicki Black, 13010 Murphy Road, Stafford, TX 77477, Fax: 281-494-6747, , Locally and independently owned - our prime interest is you! Sterling Bank - Fort Bend • 281-277-0100 12840 Southwest Freeway, Stafford, TX 77477, Fax: 281-277-0223, Serving owner-operated businesses with local decision makers.

Blinds / Window Coverings Budget Blinds • 281-416-8499 www.budgetblinds.com bdimmitt@budgetblinds.com. Bob Dimmitt, 1306 FM 1092, Suite 401, Missouri City, TX 77459, Fax: 832220-8051, Custom window coverings, personal style consultant, “expert fit” measuring and installation.

Business Coaching The Growth Coach • 281-841-6680 www.TheGrowthCoachHouston.com g.smith@thegrowthcoach.com The most experienced business coaching team in Ft Bend County! Our staff has over 50 years combined experience mentoring business owners. We help busy entrepreneurs to slow down, catch their breath, reflect and map out the critical changes they need to improve their businesses and lives. Our clients get results! In the end they make more money, work less, and enjoy a better life.

Carpet Cleaning All Star Rotokleen • 281-731-0755 www.allstarcleanpro.com John Sturrock, 435 FM 1092, Suite B-1 #561, Stafford, TX 77477, Fax: 281-438-5771, Organic cleaning solution with low moisture.

Catering Chef for You Chef Service & Catering 281-313-2433 www.chef4u.net. 9920 Highway 90-A, Suite B-260, Sugar Land, Texas 77478, Call Marcie to handle your next luncheon or dinner party. Check our online Corporate Catering Menu which can be customized to meet your needs.

Chiropractors Smouse Chiropractic & Scoliosis Center • 281-494-5144 www.scoliosistreatmentctr.com doctor.scoliosis@worldnet.att.net. Gary F. Smouse, DC, and Stephanie M. Smouse, BS, DC, 14015 Southwest Freeway #9, Sugar Land, TX 77478, Fax: 281-4942975, Chiropractic care with a non-surgical treatment of scoliosis.

Computer, Sales & Services Fast-Teks On-site Computer Services Greater Sugar Land / Katy Fort Bend Area • 281-857-6227 www.fastteks.com mkirkpatrick@fastteks.com. Business & residential computer specialists. Troubleshooting, Virus Removal, DSL & Cable setup, Wireless Networking, Data Back Up and Recovery, Preventative Maintenance Agreements, Website Development and more. 281-857-6227. New Dimensions Multimedia Computing • 281-980-4106 www.newdimcomputers.com normvoss@newdimcomputers.com. Norm Voss, 1108 Soldier’s Field Court, Suite 100, Sugar Land, TX 77479, Fax: 281-980-4107, Computer Sales, Service & Networking.

Construction Material Provider Sprint Sand & Clay Dispatch 281-277-5404 www.sprintsandandclay.com Sprint Sand & Clay is a full-service construction material provider of sand and clay type material with trucking, excavation, demolition, and other construction capabilities. Sprint Sand & Clay will work with you to provide everything you will need to start a successful build project. Whether a contractor is looking for select fill, sand or mulch; Sprint Sand & Clay can provide you with the material you need, when and where you need it. P.O. Box 19129 Houston TX 77224.

Country Clubs 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 Nicole Scarbrough, Membership Private golf & country club, *Limited membership available.

Debt Collection Services Beta Financial Services LLC • 281-208-0656 Roger Harris, Manager. Beta Financial Services LLC, 2601 Cartwright Road D161, Missouri City Texas 77459. Office 281-208-0656. Fax 281-403-3415

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

Identity Theft

Financial Products & Services Cohen Jacobs Financial Services C.J. Eaden, CITRMS • 281-499-8484 www.cybercopsusa.com idtking@yahoo.com, 802 Texas Parkway Suite G, Stafford, TX 77477 Fax: 281-499-2712 Providers of Identity Theft Protection and Restoration for individuals and small business owners, including a suite of services which provides help in every phase of Identity Theft. We help small business owners comply with new Federal Trade Commission guidelines on Identity Theft. Free training and education provided.

Cohen Jacobs Financial Services C.J. Eaden, CITRMS • 281-499-8484 www.cybercopsusa.com idtking@yahoo.com, 802 Texas Parkway Suite G, Stafford, TX 77477 Fax: 281-499-2712 Providers of Identity Theft Protection and Restoration for individuals and small business owners, including a suite of services which provides help in every phase of Identity Theft. We help small business owners comply with new Federal Trade Commission guidelines on Identity Theft. Free training and education provided.

S E R V I C E

Insurance Agencies Hardee Investment Group @ RBC Wealth Management • 713-853-0879 www.hardeeinvestmentgroup.com will.hardee@rbc.com Will Hardee, 1001 Fannin Street, Ste. 1200, Houston, TX 77002, Fax: 713-651-3366, 800-838-0757 tollfree. Investment management, financial long term planning and consulting. Sugar Creek Financial Group • 281-565-2266 www.sugarcreekgroup.com robroy@windstream.net. Robert H. Roy, ChFC, Fax: 281-565-2277, 12946 Dairy Ashford #350, Sugar Land, TX 77478. Life, Health, Pensions, Investments for businesses and individuals.

Fitness Center Curves for Women Pecan Grove - 832-451-8160 Sugar Land by the Mall - 281-240-0998 Stafford - 281-564-6161 Missouri City - 281-208-9260 30 minute fitness & weight loss center for women.

Gifts Edible Arrangements – Stafford The Fountains Shopping Center 281-313-7848 (281-31-FRUIT) Fresh fruit arrangements and gift boxes for pick-up and delivery in a variety of sizes. Our arrangements are hand-sculpted fresh fruit “bouquets” that artfully resemble floral arrangements and can be customized with gourmet chocolate, plush bears, and Mylar balloons. An edible arrangement is perfect way to say thank you, happy birthday, get well or congratulations, great for any meeting or celebration.

Agentwalker.com - State Farm Insurance 281-265-0711 tracy@agentwalker.com - Tracy Walker ChFC, CLU, CASL. AKA Soccer Mom, Baseball Mom, Football Mom 15510 Lexington Blvd Ste N Sugar Land, TX 77478 Providing Insurance and Financial Services Assurance One of Texas, LLC 281-494-6400 email@sugarlandinsuranceagent.com. Cherie Young, 245 Commerce Green Blvd., #110, Sugar Land, TX 77478. Members of Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce since 1993. Full Service Independent Insurance Agency specializing in the Best Customer Service available. 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. Mark Dalton Insurance Agency 281-242-2333 www.mdaltoninsurance.com service@mdaltoninsurance.com. Mark Dalton, 101 Southwestern Blvd. #106, P.O. Box 1205, Sugar Land, TX 77487-1205, Fax: 281-242-9162, Auto, Home, Life, Business, Insurance. Serving Ft Bend County for 25 yrs. Dan Noltensmeyer & Associates 281-342-7200 Nationwide Insurance, 19974 Southwest Freeway, Sugar Land, Texas 77479, Fax: 281-342-7203 State Farm Insurance • 281-265-0707 tracy.walker.le19@statefarm.com. Tracy Walker, 15510 Lexington #N, Sugar Land, Texas 77478, Fax: 281-265-0707, Mutual funds, IRA’s, Life, Business Insurance, Auto, Home, Health.

December 2009 • Fort Bend Business Journal

D I R E C T O R Y

To be listed

Call Carolyn Reed

at 281-690-4201

S E R V I C E D I R E C T O R Y

Investment Companies Edward Jones • 281-494-3737 www.edwardjones.com Gayle.Swafford@edwardjones.com Gayle L. Swafford - Financial Advisor. 4623 Austin Parkway, Sugar Land, Texas 77479, Fax: 888-849-8932, Financial services firm specializing in helping individual investors achieve their goals. Your local source for a variety of investments and financial services.

Jewelers J Loggins Jewelers Fort Bend’s Custom Jeweler • 281-242-2900 www.jloggins.com info@jloggins.com. 14015 Southwest Freeway, Sugar Land, TX 77478. Fax: 281-242-0839. Custom Design, Custom Repairs, Custom Makeovers. Full-Service Fine Jewelry Store, carrying famous designer lines.

Law Offices The Showalter Law Firm • 281 341 5577 www.showalterlaw.com mail@showalterlaw.com. David W. Showalter, 1117 FM 359, Suite 200 Richmond, TX 77469 Fax: 281-3415572. Law Office of Melissa G. Martin, P.C. 281-343-8914 www.mgmartinlaw.com Melissa G. Martin, P.C. , 19901 Southwest Freeway, Sugar Land, Texas 77479. A general practice law firm in Sugar Land. Handles all legal matters including, but not limited to, business and commercial law, family law, insurance, and personal injury. Will give you the individualized attention you need. Call for a free consultation 281 343 8914.

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

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

Medical Equipment & Supplies Active American Mobility & Medical Supply, 281-265-3155 www.aamobility.com 15229 Southwest Freeway, Sugar Land, TX 77478, Fax: 281-265-6058. Full line of mobility solutions and medical supplies.

Mortgage Realty Plus Mortgage - 281-403-3905 realtyplus@acninc.net. We have experienced loan officers to find the right mortgage. Experienced Realtors to explain the process & answers your questions to help you find a house and negotiate a contract to achieve you Real Estate goals. 2823 Dulles Ave., Missouri City, 281-403-3905, fax 281-403-1080, 1-877-405-3905. BBB Member, License No. 227

New Construction, Custom/ Planned Community Lakes of Mission Grove - 281-341-7010 www.mission-grove.com missiongrove@ev1.net. Sam Harrison, 1121 F.M. 359, Richmond, TX 77469 Fax: 281-341-5572. New Home Builders, LLC - 281-980-3390 ww.NHBrealtor.com dmiller@realtor.com. Diana Miller, 19901 Southwest Freeway, Sugar Land, Texas 77479, Fax: 281-9807640 Real estate firm specializing in new construction, custom/planned community.

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

Optometrists Today’s Vision - 281-242-2020 www.2020sugarland.com todaysvision@2020sugarland.com. 15337 Southwest Frwy., Sugar Land, TX 77478 - Williams Trace @ Hwy 59 (Next to Conns). Thomas P. Arnold, O.D., Melissa C. Moeller, O.D., and Associates. Therapeutic and Pediatric Optometrists.

To be listed call at 281-690-4201 74

Elissa R. Wedemeyer O.D., FCOVD, F.A.A.O 281-499-2600 5425 Hwy. 6 #B-100 Missouri City, TX 77459. www. drwedemeyer.com. Therapeutic Optometrist, in house optical with a large selection of frames and contact lenses, medical management of eye infections and diseases.

Fort Bend Business Journal • December 2009

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.

Pest Control/Commercial ORKIN - Commercial Services www.orkin.com 713-784-2706 - April Shane-wilton (South Of I-10) 713-952-4500 - Dana Mowe (North Of I-10) Orkin services customers in a wide variety of industries, and we tailor our pest management solutions to fit your facility. Call today for a comprehensive inspection with pest pressure evaluation including quote and to find out about our “Orkin Triple Guarantee” and customized 7-step solution. VISIT OUR WEB SITE AT WWW.ORKIN. COM TO LEARN MORE.

Pharmacies Ed’s Pharmacy - 281-499-4555 Ed Sziy, 3740 Cartwright, Missouri City, TX 77459, Fax: 281-499-7088. Walgreen’s Drug Stores Hwy 6 @ Williams Trace - 281-980-5780 Lexington @ Dulles - 281-499-0231 24Hr Hwy 6 @ FM 1092 - 281-208-5904 24Hr Grand Parkway @ Hwy 59 - 281-633-0299 With more locations throughout Fort Bend to serve you better

Physicians Immunizations & Drug Testing IMU Southwest, The IMUnization Clinic 281-313-7468 www.IMUnizationclinic.org imusouthwest@windstream.net. 12869 Capricorn St. 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.

Plants, Interior Design Interiorscapes of Houston 281-933-0470 Alan L’ Roy, P.O. Box 218023, Houston, TX 77218, Fax: 281-277-0541, Interior plant maintenance, Serving Sugar Land & Fort Bend County, Specializing with a devotion to a degree beyond the usual.

Plumbing Supplies Morrison Plumbing Supply & Showroom 281-499-3299 10404 Cash Road, Stafford, TX 77477, Designer Quality at Clearance Prices. Your complete source for name brand faucets and fixtures at competitive prices.

Printers / Graphics Blue Jungle Marketing - 281-240-6700 www.bluejunglemarketing.com jmunnell@bluejunglemarketing.com. Jim Munnell, 10700 Corporate Drive, Suite 100, Stafford, Texas 77477, Fax: 281-240-6711, signs, promo products, tradeshow displays, web design, etc. 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 Bearden Development • 281-568-4185 budt@beardendevelopment.com. 10460 W. Sam Houston Parkway S., Suite 200, Houston, TX 77099, Commercial office, warehouse and manufacturing facilities for lease or build to suit. Commercial development and investments. 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, 20 yrs exp. in Fort Bend. Indermuehle & Co. - Commercial Real Estate 281-240-9090 www.icotexas.com lindermuehle@icotexas.com. Larry Indermuehle, 2333 Town Center Drive Suite 300, Sugar Land, TX 77498, Phone 281-240-9090 - Fax: 281-240-9070 - 1800240-9090, Commercial real estate sales, leasing and investments. 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. Mimi Kwan, Realtor CRS, GRI, ABR, e-PRO, Broker-Associate 281-208-51100 www.mimikwan.com MimiKwan@Realtor.com. 4500 Highway 6 @ Austin Pkwy, Sugar Land, TX 77478-4488, Office: 281-2655533 ext. 1212 *** Toll Free 877-373-6293 ext. 1212, Direct: 281-208-5110-Fax 281-208-5151. RE/MAX Fine Properties. Each office independently owned/operated. Riverstone Development Co. - 281-499-8700 www.riverstone.com tom@riverstone.com. Tom Wilcox, 4855 Riverstone Blvd, Missouri City, Texas 77459, Fax: 281-499-8704, Luxury waterside living in Fort Bend from $200s to the many millions. Telfair by Newland Communities 281-325-0032 www.telfair.com 1310 Heritage Place, Sugar Land, Texas 77479. Fax 281-325-0051. Telfair by Newland Communities – The Art and Soul of Great Living from the $260’s to Over $1 Million.

“The Power of Three” Team 281-207-5155 www.3realtors.com Denise Hulse, Kathy Richardson & Michele Sergie. RE/MAX Southwest, 14905 SW Freeway, Sugar Land, TX 77478. Email: info@3realtors.com. Residential Real Estate and 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.

Staffing Service / Temporary Help Strategic Employer Services, LLC Professional Employer Organization (PEO) 281-277-3006 www.strategicemployerservices.com Strategic Employer Services, LLC is a Fort Bend County based PEO providing full service human resources benefits to small businesses, enabling them to compete aggressively with larger organizations to hire and retain productive employees. Our offices are located at 4411 Bluebonnet, Suite 108, Stafford, Texas 77477. (10/07)

Transportation TREKEXPRESS 281-633-RIDE www.trekhouston.org jr@trekhouston.org. Commuter bus service from Fort Bend County to Uptown/ Galleria and Green way Plaza. Managed by TREK and funded by Fort Bend County Commuter Service.

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

Wash / Laundry / Drop-Off Coin Laundry @ Stafford - 281-261-6191 504–C Murphy Road@Ave. E, Large Commercial, Front load Washing machines; Wash, Dry & Fold same day service. Club welcome, both business or individuals. 7 days, 8 am-10pm

Waste Collection Services Sprint Waste Services Dispatch 281-491-7775 www.sprintwaste.com Sprint Waste provides trash collection services to a wide variety of commercial customers throughout Houston and as far away as El Campo and Victoria. Whether you are a business looking for a permanent waste solution or a general contractor with a temporary need, Sprint Waste has roll-off boxes, front load containers, and garbage compactors to meet your every need. P.O. Box 940820 Houston TX 77094.

Web Site Design & Programming DonDulin.com - 281-238-4719 www.dondulin.com don@dondulin.com, Don Dulin, P.O. Box 1840, Richmond, TX 77406, Fax: 281-239-6193, Complete web development; marketing, database, e-commerce and hosting.

Help people find your business here! Call Carolyn Reed 281-690-4201 • 281-323-0185

List your business in the Fort Bend/Katy Business Journal’s SERVICE DIRECTORY for only $300 for the whole year.

carolyn@fortbendstar.com

December 2009 • Fort Bend Business Journal

S E R V I C E D I R E C T O R Y

Food Review: FERNANDO’S restaurant

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.

Food Drink

$$$$=Very Expensive ($60 & Up) $$$=Expensive ($40-$60) $$=Moderate ($20-$40) $=Inexpensive (Under $20) FB=Full Bar WB=Serves Wine & Beer

ENTERTAINMENT

GUIDE

Owner Fernando Echeverrira’s restaurant offers fresh food and great service. Fernando’s has created a menu to satisfy everyone’s taste buds. A visit to Fernando’s begins with a charming waiter who pulls out chairs and hands you the cloth napkin. Service is excellent. The meal begins with plantain chips and a smooth dipping sauce made of mayonnaise, carrots, parsley, lemon and cilantro. You cannot taste the mayonnaise. If you like chicken, Soteado is a great choice. Two chicken breasts, baked in a wine-lemon-butter sauce with a little garlic, are so tender they actually melt in your mouth. Rice, grilled vegetables, and frijoles (black beans) along with Italian bread and butter complete the meal. The restaurant offers a blend of South American cuisine with a touch of Italian. Fernando’s Latin Cuisine - 14135 Southwest Freeway • Sugar Land Parking - parking lot What to Wear - anything from business casual on up Reservations - available but not required Seating - private room(s) & wine room Price - $$

AURA Restaurant • Chef/Owner Frédéric Perrier brings over 30 years experience to his newest venture - AURA. In an upscale yet casually comfortable setting, Innovative American Cuisine reigns and is highlighted in the numerous Daily Specials. AURA features only the finest, freshest ingredients. From Lunch Salads & Sandwiches to Dinner with Crabcakes and Filet Au Poivre to Diver Sea Scallops with Boneless Braised Short Rib ‘Surf & Turf’ appetizers and Farm Raised Chilean Sea Bass. No need to go to Houston or into Sugar Land for truly high quality dining experience...you will easily find it at AURA (without ‘Big Restaurant’ prices!) at Township Square - Missouri City. Lunch Mon-Sat 112. Dinner Mon-Thurs 5-9 and Fri-Sat 5-10. Please call for Reservations &/or Catering ~ 3400 FM 1092, 81-403-AURA (2872). $$ • WB

A Unique Dining Experience 14135 Southwest Freeway Sugar Land, TX 281.494.9087 www.FernandosRestaurants.com 76

Fort Bend Business Journal • December 2009

Barry’s Pizza • Barry’s Pizza at the Fountains was opened in 1997 with the idea of creating the best pizza in Fort Bend. Barry’s customers have said that Barry’s has more than fulfilled their goals! From our dough and pizza sauce, made fresh daily, to Barry’s own signature Mozzarella Cheese, we have been thrilling the pizza lovers of Fort Bend for over 8 years. Barry’s is a full service, full menu restaurant going to great lengths to maintain excellent quality and service. • 11303 Fountain Lake Dr. • 281-494-0666. $ • 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 Charlie’s Restaurants and Catering, Poboys and Grill • Two locations in Fort Bend. Cajun home cooked food. The “special” plate is a favorite with a choice of one meat, two sides and a roll. The meat choices range from brisket, sausage, and meat loaf, to baked chicken, turkey/dressing, ham, salis-

bury steak and spaghetti/meatballs. Home made desserts are a favorite feature. Catering is available for large to small functions, banquets, corporate or organization luncheons/dinners. 4719 Lexington @ Dulles, 281-499-0808 and 1250 Texas Parkway, 281-499-2233. $ Chef for You • Offers take out dinners prepared from scratch by professional chefs. Online ordering; Customized Catering Menus Available; Corporate Catering for Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner. Homemade Cakes, Cookies, and Brownies; Soups and Salads. New menus offered each week at www. chef4u.net • 9920 Highway 90-A, Suite B-260, Sugar Land • 281-313-CHEF (2433). $ Fernando’s Latin Cuisine • We are pleased to announce the arrival of Fernando’s Latin Cuisine-An exotic culinary adventure! Started by, Fernando Echeverria, the same owner of Los Andes by the Compact Center in Houston-Another wonderful Latin American restaurant. Fernando’s Latin Cuisine is located in the same building where Ruth’s Chris used to be. Featured dishes include Empanadas appetizer, Fileton, (Filet mignon) and Asada Y Camarones, Casually called the surf and turf. 14135 Southwest Freeway, in Sugar Land. 281-4949087. wwww.fernandosrestaurants.com. $$ • FB Hickory Barn BAR-B-Q • The Kiddy Brothers came to Houston with great BBQ on their minds. The first BBQ restaurant opened in 1953. Since then the family owned and operated business has

been serving up great BBQ. Although times have changed, our idea of great BBQ hasn’t. Come by and see us. Catering available. • 11534 Wilcrest @ W. Belfort. 281-530-9382. $ Incredible Pizza Company • All-You-Can-Eat Buffet is Made Fresh, From Scratch, Every Day. Enjoy 30 varieties of Pizza, 3 Styles of Pizza Crust, Meatballs & Spaghetti, Piping Hot Baked Potatoes with All the Toppings, Soups, Fresh Pasta with a Choice of Sauces, a Salad Bar Featuring Over 80 Items Including 9 Different Homemade Salad Dressings, and Desserts. Pies, Cobblers, Bread Pudding, Cinnamon Rolls, Ice Cream, Cookies & Much More for only $6.99 per person. Corporate Events, Team Building, Lock-ins, Birthday Parties, and Every Day Fun! In addition to the Incredible Food, the 20,000 Square Feet of Play Space is a Blast for Kids and Kids at Heart. www. ipcsugarland.com Open Sunday-Thursday 11am9pm, Friday & Saturday 11am-10pm, 3412 Highway 6 South @ Williams Trace, 281-313-0631. $ J & L Café • Homestyle Cookin’ like Grandma used to make! Joy Smith and Paul Jordan are back, and they’re cooking up a delightful assortment of homemade dishes to satisfy the heartiest of appetites. Since they opened their new restaurant, they’ve been serving up family recipes handed down for 3 generations. Stop by J & L Café and enjoy Chicken and Dumplings, Smothered Oxtails, Meatloaf, Ribs, Fried Catfish, Roast Beef, Mashed Potatoes, Okra, and Cornbread Dressing, to name just a few menu

Traditional Mexican Recipes for Great Mexican Food Fajitas, Parrilladas, Enchiladas, Quesadillas,Chiles Rellenos, Pollo Asado,Baby Back Ribs and more...

12821 SW Freeway at Corporate Dr. Stafford, Texas 77477 281.240.3060 • 281.240.3135 (fax) HAPPY HOUR Monday-Friday 11am-7pm

Free Mini Buffet Monday Thru Friday

4pm-7pm

DAILY SPECIALS MONDAY

Chicken Fajitas for 2.............. $12.99 Domestic Draft Beer Pitchers... $5.99 Tequila Jose Cuervo................. $2.99

TUESDAY

Haciendas Plato....................... $7.99 Regular Margarita.................... $1.99 Corona..................................... $3.00

WEDNESDAY

Fajitas & Shrimp for 2............ $17.99 Draft Beer................................ $1.50 Strawberry Margarita............... $3.99

THURSDAY

Pollo A La Playa....................... $9.99 Bottled Domestic Beer ............ $2.00

FRIDAY

Parrillada for 2....................... $23.99 Hacienda-Rita.......................... $4.99 PRIVATE ROOM AVAILABLE. GIFT CARDS ALSO AVAILABLE

SATURDAY

Fajitas for 2 & Ribs................. $16.99

SUNDAY

Buffet 10pm to 3pm Fajitas, Shrimps Ribs and more............ $9.99 Coronitas................................... $.99

Sunday Brunch Buffet

10AM - 3PM FOOTBALL HAPPY HOUR SATURDAYS & SUNDAYS DISCOUNTED DRINKS AND SNACK BAR

5 OFF

Buy 1, Get $5 OFF your second meal! Dine-In only. Not valid with lunch or other specials. 1 coupon per table. Expires 12-30-09

FREE ICE CREAM

December 2009 • Fort Bend Business Journal

items and daily specials. The assortment of Desserts includes Peach Cobbler, Cheesecake and Banana Pudding, all guaranteed to make your taste buds smile! Joy Smith, co-proprietor, worked as Personal Chef to Former Houston Mayor Lee Brown for many years. Whole Cornish Hens are available on Sundays. Breakfast served Tuesday-Saturday 6-9am, Open for Lunch and Dinner Tuesday-Sunday, Closed Mondays. 1110 FM 2234 on the border of Stafford & Missouri City. 281-499-9895. $ Karl’s At The Riverbend • Romantic Dining in the Country, across the creek from a horse farm. Swiss Chef Karl Camenzind’s menu features Angus steaks, Prime Rib, Wienerschnitzel, Trout Almondine and other fresh fish, Rack of Lamb, Steak and other wild game, Atkins specials, a budget weeknight menu offered along with the regular menu, plus a wonderful Sunday Brunch Buffet. Company Luncheons and Rehearsal Dinners invited. Open Tues-Sat for Dinner and Sunday Brunch 5011 FM 723 Richmond 281-238-9300 www.karlsrb.com Read our reviews at www.b4-u-eat. com. $$ • FB Las Haciendas Mexican Bar & Grill • Santos Escobar and his brother Ascension Escobar serve up dozens of heaping traditional gourmet Mexican plates. Lunch Specials run weekdays from 11am - 3pm. Great margaritas, fajitas and much more. Catering available as well as a party room for private parties. • 12821 Southwest Freeway. 281-240-3060. $ • FB Lupitas Mexican Restaurant • Jaime and Lupe Garcia have lived in Fort Bend for 36 years. Twenty-three of those years have been spent in the restaurant business. If you want authentic Mexican food made from only the freshest ingredients and at a reasonable price, go to Lupitas Mexican Restaurant formerly Pico De Gallo Mexican Restaurant. The Garcias continually concentrate on customer satisfaction. That includes the quality and freshness of their food as well as the family atmosphere of their restaurant. Dine-In, Take-out, and Catering available. 3121 Highway 6, Sugar Land • Call 281-265-6556. $ • WB Mangola’s Fine Italian Restaurant• Serving fine Italian food to Southwest Houston and Fort Bend Country for more than 20 years. Conveniently located at 11786 S. Wilcrest @ Highway 59 S. Open for Lunch and Dinner 7 Days a week. Check out our website www.mangolasrestaurant.com. Call 281-498-6790 for reservations or to schedule your special event. Mantra Fine Indian Cuisine • Discover India with exotic spices and aromatic flavors that will awaken your taste buds and lift you off your feet, we will make you feel like royalty. Mantra Fine Indian Cuisine offers Lunch Buffet and To-Go lunch options, that’s in your budget and leave you to come back for more. Mantra caters to all from spicy hot to mild flavors. We prepare our meals fresh and offer a wide selection of healthy choices. We have full menu and full bar and you can enjoy the evening out on our patio with your family or friends. Mantra also offers special catering promotions for parties and formal functions or any event any size, host in our restaurant or choosing of your choice. Hours of Operation: Monday through Thursday, Friday to Sunday, Lunch: 11a.m. to 2:30p.m. Lunch: 11a.m. to 2:30p.m. Dinner: 5:30pm to 10p.m. Dinner: 5:30pm to 11p. m.Come visit us at 15295 Southwest Freeway off of Williams Trace exit. For more information, contact us at 281-325-0071 or visit www.mantraofsugarland.com. $$ • FB Old Hickory Inn Barbecue • More than 40 years in business in the Houston and Fort Bend area, Old Hickory Inn Barbecue is famous for their Old Fashion Hickory Smoked Barbecue and numerous Homemade Side Dishes, made fresh daily. They are available to cater your next event, for up to 3000 guests. In addition to great Barbecue, they make an awesome Gyro (Greek wrap featuring beef & lamb), and feature fruit cobbler, cream pies, rice pudding and cheesecake for dessert A casual dining experience in 3 convenient locations, with a drive-through window at the Highway 6 location. Open 7 days a week, Sunday-Thursday from 11am-9pm, and Friday & Saturday 11am-9:30pm. 3334 F.M. 1092 @ Hwy 6 Missouri City 281-499-8904 / 8000 Hwy 6 @ Beechnut 281-983-5020 / 5427 S. Braeswood @ Chimney Rock 713-723-8908. $ • WB

Fort Bend Business Journal • December 2009

Outback Steakhouse • Inspired by Australia’s spirit of adventure, Outback Steakhouse has been an innovator in the culinary world by creating big, bold flavors using only the freshest ingredients. Voted #1 Best Steak in the 2009 Zagat Survey of National Full-Service Restaurant chains, Outback’s mission is to provide high quality fresh dishes at affordable prices. Explore Outback’s new menu with 15 meals under $15 including new choices, classic favorites and down under prices starting at $9.95. Our favorites include the Bloomin’ Onion®, Outback Special Sirloin with Grilled Shrimp on the Barbie, Honey Dijon Chicken with Sweet Potato Fries and much more! The local Proprietor is Anthony Antonidis. Open Mon.- Thur. 4-10 pm, Fri. 4-11 pm, Sat. 3-11 pm, Sun 11 am-9:30 pm. Located at 15253 Southwest Freeway, (Off Highway 59 and Williams Trace Exit) in Sugar Land, Texas. 281-980-4329. $ FB Panda Garden • Panda Garden Restaurant, the three times winner for Best Oriental Restaurant in Fort Bend County, located at 3563 Highway 6 in Kroger Center, provides a warm, casual environment to best service all diners. The goal of our restaurant is to offer 100% satisfactory to the customers with variety selection of popular Hunan Cuisine. “We offer fresh, made from scratch meals that is unforgettably delicious!” Manager Kenny adds. The restaurant offers accommodations for small group meetings and wonderful party tray for catering to the near by businesses and schools. Panda Garden is open 7 days a week on Mon. – Sat.: 11a.m. – 10 p.m. and Sun. 11a.m. – 9:30p.m. Delivery is available everyday with a min. of $15.00 purchase. A lunch special is offered daily as well as the full regular menu offerings. 3563 Hwy 6 @ Williams Trace, 281-265-0303. $ • WB Pappa La Rosa Flying Pizza and Restaurant • Pappa La Rosa Flying Pizza and Restaurant is a warm and inviting family owned and operated restaurant where pizza, pasta and subs are available on the menu, with daily specials. Catering, a private party room and birthday packages are also available. Dine in or take out. Open for lunch and dinner Tuesday – Sunday. • 16227 Lexington Boulevard, Sugar Land • Call 281-313-3500. $ • WB Post Oak Grill Restaurant & Bar • The Rios Family invites you to come and experience the same quality, ambiance and service that you have at the original Post Oak Gill. Join us for a wonderful culinary adventure featuring fine center-cut steaks, chops, fresh seafood, soups, sandwiches, salads, and outstanding wine selection. Open lunch & dinner - Monday-Thursday 11:009:00pm, Friday & Saturday 11:00-10:00pm. Happy Hour 3:00-6:00pm. 4524 Highway 6, Sugar Land • Call 281-491-2901.www.postoakgrillsugarland.com $$ • FB Sandy McGee’s Restaurant & Catering • The “BEST” soups, gourmet sandwiches and salads in TEXAS. Casual Dining in Historic Downtown Richmond. Sandy McGee’s has a sterling reputation for “FRESH”. Mon.Fri. 10am-9pm and Sat.-Sun. 10am-3pm. 314 Morton St., Richmond. 281344-9393. $ Tacone Flavor Grill • Fresh. Fun. Handmade. Unique Environment. Tacone is a Casual Quick Serve Restaurant with gourmet flavor at not so gourmet prices. Rated Best Gourmet Wrap Restaurant by Restaurant and Resorts. This franchise based company from Los Angeles, CA has unique gourmet wraps, hot pannini sandwiches, salads, and smoothies. There is a BBQ Chicken Quesadillas waiting for you at Tacone. Make your other senses jealous! Sugar Land Town Square, 2228 Texas Drive, Sugar Land, 77479; 281-313-2300, fax: 281-313-2305. www.tacone.com. $ Tornado Burger • Home of the famous Spicy Burger. Find out why Houston’s largest newspaper raves about their burgers! Read the review by the Houston Chronicle at: http://blogs.chron.com/cookstour/archives/ 2007/09/burgerology.html. They make their burgers with fresh-ground chuck, and even their buns are handmade! The French fries are fresh Idaho potatoes cut right in front of you and fried to order! They compete with the multinationals with fresh food at low prices and very fast service. Their Philly Cheesesteaks are as good as Pat’s if not better! Open Mon. - Sat. 11am-10pm, Sun. 11am-9pm. Dine-In or Drive-Thru. 505 Murphy Rd (FM 1092) just south of Hwy 90 in Stafford, 281-403-FAST (3278). $

Discover Indian Cuisine at its finest in Sugar Land... Exotic Spices, Aromatic Flavors and Ambience that will leave your senses tingling

t Mantra we bring fine dining with an Indian flair to Sugar Land. Our elegant restaurant has garnered rave reviews for the quality of its food and the excellence of its service. Waking up your taste buds and opening your senses can be quick and easy with our lunch buffet and express lunch to-go options. Longing for a more relaxing escape? Enjoy the patio and outside hookah bar or meet your friends and family for the perfect evening out. Mantra combines a warm atmosphere with intoxication food and prompt, courteous service. You’ll notice the gorgeous golden walls and wine colored linens when you walk in, but it’s that amazing aroma that will start your mouth watering. Maybe you thought all Indian food was spicy hot... but there’s something for every appetite on this menu. Start with a crispy samosa stuffed with potato and peas or with one of the house specialties like mango chicken and your

taste buds will be ready for more! If you love mild, sweet flavors, choose a silky, creamy chicken korma. For a tangier flavor, try chicken Jalfrezi made with fresh tomatoes and vegetables... and for the brave at heart, the fiery, peppery bite of Vindaloo is a must. No Indian meal is complete without bread... try the pillowy naan baked in the traditional clay tandoori oven, or indulge in the sampler basket. Close with the sweetness of Gulab Jamun, a syrup drenched pastry, or the irresistible house-made ice cream, and you’ll wish the meal would never end. We invite you to come discover India, here in Sugar Land off of 59 North and Williams Trace in the Home Depot parking lot. For more information, call 281-325-0071, Our hours of operation are Lunch time 11a.m. to 2:30p.m. and Dinner hours are Monday through Thursday 5:30p.m. to 10p.m. and Friday to Sunday 5:30p.m. to 11p.m. visit us at www.mantraofsugarland.com.

December 2009 • Fort Bend Business Journal

Texas Adds 41,700 Jobs in October Texas unemployment rate nearly two percentage points below U.S. rate

otal nonagricultural employment in Texas increased by 41,700 positions in October with significant increases in Professional and Business Services and Education and Health Services. The Texas seasonally adjusted unemployment rate rose slightly to 8.3 percent in October, up from 8.2 percent a month ago, and continued to trend well below the U.S. seasonally adjusted unemployment rate of 10.2 percent. “In October, the Texas job market regained some lost ground experienced over the past several months, although it is too soon to indicate a trend,” said Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) Chairman Tom Pauken. “The Texas unemployment rate continued to edge upward as our state continues to feel the effects of the national economic downturn.” Education and Health Services employment grew in October with the addition of 14,900 jobs, and Professional and Business Services added 10,800 positions in October. Employment in the Financial Activities industry increased by 4,500 jobs in October. “Reports of job gains in October are good news, and certainly better than the alternative, but we remain concerned about the many Texans who still cannot find work,” said TWC Commissioner Representing

Labor Ronny Congleton. “We want to encourage those seeking work to take advantage of the job-search and training services available at our workforce centers across Texas.” Employment in the Leisure and Hospitality industry was up in October by 2,600 jobs, while Trade, Transportation and Utilities reported an increase of 2,500 positions in October. Construction employment continued to experience job losses with a decrease of 9,400 jobs

Tom Pauken

last month. “We are encouraged by increased employment reports across most industries in October specifically in the service providing sector which includes health care, business and finance,” said TWC Commissioner Representing the Public Andres Alcantar. “TWC and the 28 local workforce development boards remain determined to help out-of-work Texans find jobs.” Please note that the unemployment estimates for the United States and Texas in this chart are “Not Seasonally Adjusted” for purposes of comparison to the “Not Seasonally Adjusted” Metropolitan Statistical Area data.

Civilian Labor Force Estimates for Texas Metropolitan Statistical Areas Not Seasonally Adjusted (In Thousands) October 2009

September 2009

October 2008

C.L.F.

Emp.

Unemp.

Rate

C.L.F.

Emp.

Unemp.

Rate

C.L.F.

Emp.

Unemp.

Rate

United States

153,635.0

139,088.0

14,547.0

9.5

153,617.0

139,079.0

14,538.0

9.5

155,012.0

145,543.0

9,469.0

6.1

State of Texas

12,073.2

11,090.2

983.0

8.1

12,067.8

11,073.0

994.8

8.2

11,812.2

11,200.3

611.9

5.2

83.5

78.4

5.1

6.1

83.9

78.6

5.3

6.3

82.8

79.6

3.2

3.9

Amarillo

131.3

124.0

7.3

5.5

131.3

123.7

7.6

5.8

130.3

125.6

4.7

3.6

Austin-Round Rock

906.9

842.0

64.9

7.2

903.5

838.4

65.1

7.2

877.6

837.0

40.6

4.6

Beaumont-Port Arthur

183.5

163.6

19.9

10.8

183.0

163.4

19.6

10.7

183.2

168.7

14.5

7.9

Brownsville-Harlingen

150.0

134.2

15.8

10.5

150.8

134.6

16.2

10.7

145.7

135.4

10.3

7.1

College Station-Bryan

109.8

103.2

6.6

6.0

108.5

101.5

7.0

6.5

110.9

106.5

4.4

4.0

Corpus Christi

207.6

191.6

16.0

7.7

206.6

190.2

16.4

7.9

206.3

196.3

10.0

4.8

3,228.2

2,960.5

267.7

8.3

3,225.8

2,956.5

269.3

8.3

3,158.5

2,991.4

167.1

5.3

Dallas-Plano-Irving MD

2,149.2

1,970.7

178.5

8.3

2,149.6

1,970.1

179.5

8.4

2,112.9

1,998.8

114.1

5.4

Fort Worth-Arlington MD

1,079.0

989.7

89.3

8.3

1,076.2

986.4

89.8

8.3

1,045.8

992.7

53.1

5.1

309.8

280.3

29.5

9.5

310.1

279.8

30.3

9.8

301.3

281.8

19.5

6.5

2,843.9

2,603.3

240.6

8.5

2,837.3

2,596.0

241.3

8.5

2,809.6

2,663.0

146.6

5.2

162.4

150.8

11.6

7.1

161.8

150.0

11.8

7.3

160.1

151.9

8.2

5.1

96.8

88.3

8.5

8.8

96.9

88.0

8.9

9.2

92.9

88.0

4.9

5.3

Longview

111.4

102.5

8.9

8.0

111.2

102.1

9.1

8.2

109.3

104.6

4.7

4.3

Lubbock

143.8

136.0

7.8

5.4

143.9

135.7

8.2

5.7

143.3

138.0

5.3

3.7

McAllen-Edinburg-Mission

301.0

267.3

33.7

11.2

298.8

264.3

34.5

11.5

282.9

261.9

21.0

7.4

Midland

77.7

73.2

4.5

5.8

78.5

73.7

4.8

6.1

76.8

74.6

2.2

2.8

Odessa

75.7

68.9

6.8

9.0

75.8

68.8

7.0

9.2

72.8

70.3

2.5

3.4

San Angelo

53.7

50.1

3.6

6.7

53.8

50.0

3.8

7.0

52.8

50.5

2.3

4.3

975.1

906.9

68.2

7.0

976.1

906.7

69.4

7.1

953.8

906.9

46.9

4.9

Sherman-Denison

57.4

52.5

4.9

8.6

57.6

52.6

5.0

8.7

56.4

53.4

3.0

5.3

Texarkana

65.0

60.4

4.6

7.0

64.6

60.2

4.4

6.8

64.5

61.4

3.1

4.8

102.2

94.0

8.2

8.0

102.3

93.8

8.5

8.3

101.8

95.6

6.2

6.1

59.1

54.5

4.6

7.8

59.3

54.5

4.8

8.1

58.8

56.4

2.4

4.1

113.7

105.8

7.9

6.9

113.5

105.4

8.1

7.1

112.1

107.0

5.1

4.5

73.9

68.1

5.8

7.8

74.0

68.1

5.9

7.9

73.0

69.2

3.8

5.2

Abilene

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Fort Bend Business Journal • December 2009

LaCenterra is more than the areaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s premier shopping destination ... itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a lifestyle, an attitude, a relaxed way of living the good life. Our place at your pace.

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23501 C i n Co Ra n C h B o u leva Rd

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