February 2011 - The Business Lifestyle Magazine Digital Edition by Fort Bend Business Journal

Fort Bend/Katy

Volume 29 • No. 2

THE BUSINESS LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

FEBRUARY 2011

The Oasis:

Stafford’s Best Kept Secret INSIDE STORIES

n Fort Bend Engineering & Construction n Newsworthy / Names in the News n Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce Newsletter n The Tax Cuts of 2010 - Good News for Businesses $4.95

PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID PERMIT NO. 600 HOUSTON, TEXAS

AWARD WINNING CARE

Senior Care Center At OakBend Medical Center, our Senior Care Center was designed for older individuals experiencing mental, emotional or behavioral problems. Our goal is not only to treat these problems but to also help their families understand and learn to cope with these health issues. Our physicians and staff are dedicated to assisting older adults in maximizing their ability to function independently and enhancing their quality of life. The Senior Care Center is dedicated to maintaining every patient’s self-respect and dignity during all phases of treatment. The staff places much emphasis on restoring the patient’s optimal level of functioning through diagnosis and treatment of medical and psychiatric conditions and patient and family education. At OakBend, we place great value upon family involvement in the treatment process by urging family members to participate as much as possible in the program we provide. We believe that a patient’s recovery is enhanced when the family participates in the process. Signs and symptoms that may indicate a need for treatment: • Loss of interest in appearance • Hearing voices or imagining things that do not exist • Increasing difficulty remembering ordinary things • Needing more medication • Feeling useless, helpless, than should be necessary for hopeless • Confused thinking, difficulty a physical condition concentrating, disorientation • Personality changes over time • Refusal to take needed • Unexplained physical ailments • Excessive fears, anxieties, medication suspiciousness • Changes in eating and • Suicidal thoughts • Feeling rejected by others sleeping patterns, extreme • Growing inability to cope fluctuation in weight • Withdrawal from family, with daily living friends, and others • Changes in energy level • Depressed mood, extreme sadness or irritability

OakBend Medical Center 1705 Jackson Street, Richmond, TX 77469 Senior Care Center: (281) 238-7880 Fax: (281) 238-7834 Phone: (281) 341-3000 Referral Line: (281) 238-7890 www.oakbendmedcenter.org

TEXAS DIRECT AUTO SUPPORTS LOCAL STUDENTS AND THE GRANT-A-STARR FOUNDATION Texas Direct Auto, the nation’s largest independent car dealership, helped kick off the Grant-A-Starr Foundation’s (GASF) sponsorship drive as the presenting sponsor and are also donating radio spots in support of the Foundation’s 3rd annual 5K race and 1K Family Fun Run. The event is set for Saturday, March 5, 2011. The charity event will be held at the Sugar Land Memorial Park, 15300 University Blvd. The Foundation was founded in the celebration of the life of Grant Starr and is a non-proﬁt organization created solely for the purpose of advancing diagnostic testing to save children’s lives. The Foundation provides ﬁnancial support to Houston based research projects that are dedicated to the development of diagnostic testing capabilities which will reduce the time required to identify a child’s critical illness from days or weeks to only hours. Texas Direct Auto Director of Business Development Jessica DeMarr stated. “We are proud to be a part of this event and support the Grant-A-Starr Foundation’s dedication in advancing this life saving research.” The Grant-A-Starr Fun Run is unique because of the student steering committee. It is made up of local area high school volunteers who have taken a deep personal interest in the event. The group is lead by committee chairperson Paige Lambert. Ms. Lambert, a junior at Clements HS, says, “The Student Steering Committee and I are inspired and excited

by the local support from great companies like Texas Direct Auto. We are blessed to live in a community that works together and supports student led programs like the GrantA-Starr Fun Run. Many of us knew Grant and want to keep his memory alive by making each Fun Run event bigger and better than the one before. Texas Direct Auto’s sponsorship will help make that a reality. We would like to thank them for their participation!” Kevin Hohn, Steering Committee Adviser says, “The GrantA-Starr Foundation is thrilled to have Texas Direct Auto as our presenting sponsor for its 3rd annual 5K race and 1K Family Fun Run. Texas Direct Auto’s partnership will help elevate The Foundation’s primary fundraising event to a much higher level. Their enthusiastic support of The Foundation’s efforts and participation in the 2011 5K race are much appreciated.” As race director Scott Alexander notes, “We encourage companies and groups of friends to organize teams for the 5K run. It’s a great event and all donations go to early diagnostic research programs at two of the best hospitals in the world, Texas Children’s Hospital and Children’s Memorial Herman Hospital.” DeMarr says ‘We encourage everyone to sign up and participate in the Fun Run. This is a great way to contribute to this worthy cause.’ Details on how to donate or sign up for this event can be found at www.grantastarr.org.

SELL US YOUR CAR With over $500+ Million in annual sales, Texas Direct Auto is the Largest Independent dealership in the nation and is the largest eBay Motor’s dealership in the world! Visit us online or come to Stafford just southwest of Houston to see our huge lot and massive inventory that are sure to have exactly what you are looking for in your next car. 12053 SW Freeway, Stafford Texas 77477 • 281-499-8200

CONTENTS

Fort Bend/Katy

Cover Story

Volume 29 • Number 2 • February 2011 For subscriptions send check for $25 to Fort Bend Business Journal

The Oasis: Stafford’s Best Kept Secret pg. Special Feature

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

Fort Bend Engineering and Construction....................... 22 Valentine’s Gift Picks.......................................................... 41

Inside Stories Today is more important than tomorrow......................................................................................... 6 DeVry University announces Sugar Land location................................................................14 Gadberry Reports Katy is No.1..................................................................................................15 DeWalt Heritage Center debuts Dew House..........................................................................16 A 14-point Workers’ Comp annual checkup..........................................................................20 Big Shots - The Central Fort Bend Chamber Alliance Annual Awards...........................25 Senior Living is a full scope concept at Plantation at Quail Valley...................................34 FBSO in tune with Fort Bend County.......................................................................................36 UTHealth seeks community input.............................................................................................39 Imperial Sugar CEO launches new product...........................................................................40 Will Fort Bend Real Estate be Favored in Recovery?..........................................................42 Tax Changes for 2011- Everyone can benefit from a Roth IRA ..........................................56

GENERAL MANAGER............Michael Fredrickson EDITOR ...........................................Sharon Wallingford ADVERTISING DIRECTOR .............. Barbara McNeil MARKETING CONSULTANTS................ Dottie Childs Diane Strehl Ann Sturrock RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE SPECIALIST.........................................Becky Hall COLUMNISTS...............................Alan Sandersen Tim Stubenrouch CONTRIBUTORS . .......................Wayne Chandler Elsa Maxey Nancy Mills & Vicki Thompson Kelvin Ring Dori Wind ART DIRECTOR.................................Joey Belleza GRAPHIC DESIGNER / WEB.............Carlo Arcillas

Monthly Columns Alan Sandersen

Kolbe Curtice CCIM, CLS

Tax Smart Discusses

Commercial Real Estate Discusses

The Tax Cuts of 2010 Good News For Businesses.......... 17

The New Normal - Fort Bend.......... 59

Monthly Departments Data Beat...........................................................................................................26-29 Newsworthy.......................................................................................................30-31 Names in the News................................................................................................. 32 Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce Newsletter...................................................45-52 Service Directory...............................................................................................60-61 Dining and Entertainment.................................................................................62-64

Fort Bend Business Journal • February 2011

ON THE COVER The Oasis Medical Building Tower in Stafford Photo by Roy Nierdieck Photography

IP Phone Service Saves You

Big $$$

PURCHASING A TELEPHONE SYSTEM JUST BECAME OBSOLETE

• No Equipment To Purchase • No Capital Outlay • 2 To 100 IP Telephones

• Free Maintenance • Free Programming • Free Long Distance

WE KEEP UP WITH THE TECHNOLOGY FOR YOU Connect Multiple Offices Caller ID Name / Number E-Fax / DID / Voicemail to Email

Business Telephone Systems www.prostarcomm.com Voice Data Video

• • Serving Fort Bend County & Houston - Since 1992 Sales • Service • Intallation

ProStar Communications is an Authorized Panasonic Dealer

CALL FOR A QUOTE

281-265-3500 One Call, One Source, UNLIMITED SOLUTIONS System Moves • Voice Data Cabling Surveillance Cameras

Business Telephone Systems Voice • Data • Video Sales • Service • Intallation

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.

February 2011 • Fort Bend Business Journal

by Sharon Wallingford

Editor’s Preview February is a month of red

The Editorial Advisory Board Kolbe Curtice CCIM, CLS Managing Director – Colliers International | Fort Bend

hew, with property taxes paid, we now only have the national and state budget shortfalls to face. Expect the issues regarding taxes, spending, health care and insurance, entitlement programs, energy and electricity, water,

transportation, elementary, secondary and higher education, effective justice, property rights and tort reform to be among the hot issues. Expect to see red for

Jacqueline Baly Chaumette President and CEO Baly Projects, LLC

a while until everyone can get their hands around what is really needed and necessary. February is the month restaurants, florists, card shops and candy makers

Louis Garvin President Emeritus Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce

love to plan. Yes, this year it can still be in our budget. The colors red and white are generally the theme carried out in most stores. February is also National Engineer’s Week and National Heart month.

Dee Koch Grant Officer The George Foundation

Texas’ pro-growth, low tax environment has been critical in making Texas and Fort Bend county the powerhouses they are today. Texas and Fort Bend lead the nation in overall economic growth, job creation, low unemployment rate and

Becky Munnell President and CEO Blue Jungle Marketing

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

Fortune 500 companies. Fort Bend is ranked No 1 in employment growth in the United States according to the U.S. Department of Labor. It’s the fastest growing county in Greater Houston. Fort Bend has consistently ranked in the Top 3% of the nation’s counties in five key demographic measurements. Fort Bend can also be proud of its regional leadership in secondary education and its exceptionally educated and skilled resident workforce is proof that it’s a hot place to live, work and play. Texas and Fort Bend are leading examples of successful diversity in the

Tim Stubenrouch President First Community Bank

community and the workplace. For nearly 20 years, Fort Bend has been in the Top 20 counties in the United States for economic excellence and population growth. That is not expected to

John Whitmore Whitmore Company

change. After all, we stay right in the heart of the matter. Keep those cash registers ringing,

Contact: Sharon K. Wallingford skwcountry@aol.com

Sharon K. Wallingford

Barbara McNeil barbara@fortbendstar.com

Fort Bend Business Journal • February 2011

TODAY And receive the Business Journal in your mailbox for

ONLY 25 $

for 12 issues (1 year)

• DBA’s • Feature Stories • Business Columns • Service Directory • Fort Bend Chamber Newsletter • Land Transactions • Building Permits Mail with your check payable to: . Fort Bend Business Journal 4655 Techniplex Dr., Suite 300 • Stafford, TX 77477

Fort Bend/Katy

or charge my card $25 #________________________________________________ exp:_______________________________ Name:_ _______________________________________________________________________________________________ Business:______________________________________________________________________________________________ Address:_ _____________________________________________________________________________________________ City:__________________________________________________________________________________________________ State:_______________________________________________________________ Zip:_______________________________ E-mail:_________________________________________________________________

cut here

February 2011 • Fort Bend Business Journal

Today is more important than tomorrow in this Sugar Land private pre-school

By Wayne Chandler

here is an ever-increasing national emphasis on the importance of early childhood learning. There is one couple in Sugar Land with such a passion about this, that they are devoting their energy, resources, time and ideas to be the prime example of the merits of early education for those Fort Bend children who begin learning , many of them while they’re still in diapers. Lonnie and Sue Hutson are on a mission to change the world through their young students. They are convinced that

young people are capable of learning far more than most people can imagine. “I absolutely believe that we’re guiding some young people who will alter our world, ” says Lonnie, who, with his wife, Sue, are hands-on operators of a Kids R Kids Private Pre-School at SH 6 and West Airport Boulevard, and also own three other such facilities. Lonnie has counseled 18 other wouldbe preschool owners, and is increasingly lobbying state, regional and national entities for more funds and programs to promote early childhood education. If there were a national ranking of such centers, this Kids R Kids center would be Number One!

Fort Bend Business Journal • February 2011

Here’s why:

• A major regional evaluation team, after exhaustive interviews and study, recommended a rare full accreditation for this facility. • It has a webcam system where any parent, grandparent or guardian can monitor children’s day long activities. • It has an innovative 60-inch Smart Board iPad-type interactive information center on which even 2-year olds can play and learn. • There is a free-standing facility – Kidopoly – for associated physical education, recreation, and special events. • It has the first of its kind splashpad and playground. • These youngsters become conversant and capable on computers, go on field trips, have special educational programs brought to them, all in a secure environment. • There are dance classes, recitals, sign language, all aimed to promote self confidence. • All food is prepared, in house, under strict health regulations. • The school partners with a CPR training agency so that all staff members are qualified for CPR emergencies. The Hutsons have invested several million dollars in this nine-year old, twoacre center with a plethora of educational programs and equipment, and a staff that allows, on average, one teacher or aide for every six young students. All staff members receive yearly evaluations. There are weekend professional training sessions for improving teaching skills. (A teacher attending Saturday classes gets another day off during the week). The more the Hutsons learn about child development, the more they read about the worldwide studies that consistently show that” time’s a wasting” in a child’s brain development if they are not being properly stimulated. “Studies show about 75% of the brain continued on page 8

ValueBank Texas opens branch in Richmond

alueBank Texas announces the opening of it newest facility at 9710 South Mason Road in Richmond. This is their first branch expansion into the Richmond area and the tenth branch in Texas. The Richmond branch is a full services branch with convenient lobby and drive through hours, a 24-hour ATM, safe deposit boxes, personal and business checking, all types of loans including mortgage loans and financial investment services. “These are exciting times for ValueBank Texas. By opening a branch in Richmond we are able to offer greater access to our financial products and services,” stated Scott Heitkamp, president and CEO of ValueBank Texas.

“We are encouraged by the reception we have received from neighboring businesses and the people in the surrounding neighborhoods. We look Scott Heitkamp forward to providing a community banking experience for them,” stated Heitkamp. Carey Rector, Vice President and Commercial Lending Officer, Venessa Sandoval, Customer Service Manager and their team are eager to assist Richmond businesses and residents with all their banking needs. ValueBank Texas is an independent community bank that provides a widearray of financial services to individuals and corporate customers in the Texas. Chartered in December 1966, ValueBank Texas originally opened in

1967 as Texas State Bank and was the 12th bank in Corpus Christi. In December 1998, the bank changed its name to ValueBank Texas to better reflect its image in the community and vision, to be South Texas’ first choice in community banking. Today ValueBank Texas maintains branch locations in Corpus Christi, Ingleside, Orange Grove, Port Aransas, Aransas Pass, Portland, Rockport and now Richmond. Lobby Hours Monday - Friday 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Saturday 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Drive Up Hours

Monday - Friday 7:30a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Saturday 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Banking on Values

Come meet with us to see what a community bank can do for you!

Let’s Build a Future Together Business & Personal Banking Decisions Made Locally iPad Giveaway! Enter to win by opening a new account see details at branch

Member FDIC

10 Locations • 9710 S. Mason Road, Richmond • 281.633.9110 • valuebanktexas.com • SBA Preferred Lender February 2011 • Fort Bend Business Journal

continued on page 6

being developed by age three,” Lonnie said. “It’s 85% complete before a child’s sixth birthday. Brain cells must be ‘activated’ through specific stimulus and there is a limited time frame for each cell to receive this proper stimulation. If that doesn’t happen then that cell never will be used. It’s ‘use it or lose it ‘forever.” Lonnie notes that their center has multiple trainings on methods to stimulate the child’s brain. “Our curriculum and activities are designed to do it correctly.” said Lonnie. “There is a need to develop the entire child – social, emotional, physical and educational.” Lonnie noted that, while adults seek new experiences through vacations and other venues, a very young child is discovering new worlds all day every day, and their center hopes to make it a pleasant experience for the child. Some 250 youngsters, six months to five years, and then after school up to 12, come to this center Monday through Friday, and it’s a diverse student body. These children come from homes where 36 different languages are spoken. “We’ve had a young Russian boy who didn’t know a word of English when he came to us,” Lonnie reports. “Within six months he was fluent in English and he fits in perfectly with his peers.” The accreditation award which the center received recently came after a week long evaluation by a Quality Assurance Review Team of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools on Accreditation and School Improvement (SACS CASI). It’s a division of AdvanceED, the premier accreditation organization in the world, which for more than 100 years has been dedicated to advancing educational excellence worldwide – at all levels. Dr. James May, a former principal of Kempner High School in FBISD and a 30-year educator, and his wife, Jane, conducted scores of lengthy interviews of the owners, teaching staff and other key members. Dr. May stated, “This Kids R Kids childhood educational center clearly is a quality school. Without hesitation, after exhaustive interviews with virtually every member of this staff, I take great pride in recommending full accreditation for this facility. “Fortunately, there is increasing focus on recognizing the importance of early childhood education, and what’s being done in this center is an outstanding program which many public schools need to emulate. This is one of the fastest growing segments of early childhood education.” In the 21-page report on this center, the team stated that SACS CASI accreditation engages the entire school community in a continuous process of self-evaluation and improvement. The overall aim is to help those be the best

Fort Bend Business Journal • February 2011

that they can be on behalf of the students they serve. The report states, “This school goes above and beyond mere compliance with established curriculum. It has established partnerships with education leaders such as University of Texas Health Science Center and Children’s Learning Institute. Consequently, the teachers, education coordinator and other staff members aim to incorporate their shared vision into research-based curriculum and institutional methods that facilitate achievement for all students.” The team commended the school for “a systematic commitment to continuous improvement…rather than a celebration of the status quo.” It stressed that “parents have access to important information about the child’s activity and development.” Regarding parents’ access, the school installed an expensive webcam system whereby all interested parents may “tune in” on their child’s activity at virtually any time of the day. The SmartBoard, also an expensive addition with numerous software programs, allows youngsters to ask any question they can ask at any age. It’s their first opportunity at “googling” something. The owner of Kids R Kids International in Atlanta was impressed when he first visited the Sugar Land center and found this innovative and fun learning tool. He went back to headquarters and urged other KRK centers to investigate the SmartBoard. The Atlanta management team frequently calls on the Hutsons for comment or review of proposed programs. Lonnie never has accepted a penny for all of the counseling and time that he has spent with new owners of these centers. On February 1 Lonnie is heading a group of center owners to demonstrate some of their educational programs to Austin, in hopes of convincing Texas legislators to fund more early childhood learning. Most of this proposed funding would benefit students and families in less affluent populations in the state. Other educational entities are beginning to salute the Hutsons’ advanced programs. Lonnie sits on the advocacy workgroup of TECEC (Texas Early Childhood Education Coalition). He’s a member of the Coalition for Pre-K Quality and Accountability which was established by the Texas Association of Business. He recently was an invited panelist on TECEC’s annual summit, Preparing Highly Effective Childhood Teachers in Texas: A Focus on School Readiness and Professional Development.” He’s on the board of directors for the National Child Care Coalition, and he and Sue are lead agents for the Texas School Ready program in the Greater Houston area. After this recent accreditation he was asked to be a part of a future SACS audit team. Lonnie said that he always has been dedicated to helping young people learn. At 15 he taught a Sunday School class to youngsters. He’s headed Boy Scouts and other youth groups ever since. Now, the Hutsons are convinced that their mission is about to pay off.

Learn job-search survival tips at George Memorial Library

ave you been searching for a job and not having any luck? Maybe it’s time for a change in your game plan. Fort Bend County Libraries’ George Memorial Library, 1001 Golfview in Richmond, will present a free, three-part series of “Job-Search Survival Tips,” beginning on Tuesday, February 8, from 5:30 to 8:30 pm, in the Meeting Room of the library. The series will continue on February 9 and 10, at the same place and time. Different topics are discussed each night. The three-part series is designed to help all job-hunters, from those applicants applying for a position at a fast-food restaurant to executives looking for a position in a large company. The tips that are presented can help any applicant plan a more efficient job hunt and make a more favorable impression. Learn tips on writing a better resumé, researching prospective employers, interviewing and non-verbal skills, making a great first impression, networking, and much more. By developing an organized plan of action, the applicant is able to experience a more efficient job hunt with an increased chance of success. In the series, a team of 10 professionals, with decades of experience in corporate America between them, will share their insight and the experiences they themselves have had in the business world – from the perspective of the employer doing the hiring as well as the employee looking for a job. Led by head business coach, Mickey Mixon, the job-search survival team includes business owners, financial and mortgage advisors, computer consultants, sales and marketing professionals, and advertising and communications executives – all of whom volunteer their time for this workshop. “During these recessionary times, with more candidates competing for fewer available positions, it is imperative that those in the job-search scramble learn to effectively communicate their experience, skills, accomplishments and personal attributes in order to ‘sell’ themselves to potential employers,” says Mixon. “Our aim is to equip each participant in our program with the necessary skills to accomplish that goal.” The sessions are free and open to the public. Registration is not required, and late arrivals are welcome. For more information, call the libraries’ Public Information Office at 281-341-2677.

A Condo for the Price of a Room

Spacious condominium suites with private Gulf view balconies, kitchens and separate living and sleeping areas. Two swimming pools, tennis court, fitness center, barbecue/ picnic areas and much more. Centrally located to all the attractions, shops and restaurants on Galveston Island. • Just Steps from the Beach • Variety of floor and decor plans • Free Internet • Guest laundry and convenience store

World Class Golfing

Mardi Gras Galveston!

Weekend Stay and Golfing Package

February 25-27 and March 4-6

Golfing Rate Plans starting as low as $349.00 for the weekend... One bedroom Condo, 2 Persons, 2 Nights, Round of Golf at Moody Gardens Golf Course with Cart! Rates valid thru March 11, 2011.

Weekend Rate Plans starting as low as $308 inclusive for weekend. Join the celebration with the parades and entertainment. One bedroom Condo for 4 Persons. 2 Night minimum.

6300 Seawall • Galveston • TX • victoriancondo.com www.facebook.com/galvestonvictorian • 800.231.6363 Rates not valid with other discounts. Inclusive rates include all fees & taxes. February 2011 • Fort Bend Business Journal

COVER STORY By Sharon Wallingford | Photos by Roy Nierdieck Photography

The Oasis:

North View of Oasis and Grounds

Stafford’s Best Kept Secret

elcome to the best kept secret in the City of Stafford: The Oasis Medical Building Tower. The nine-story building, set on three-acres of greenbelt space, is first class in all respects with its stunning, Mediterranean facade, and high-end interior finishes; yet its true asset is in its location. Not only is this hidden gem minutes away from The Texas Medical Center and downtown Houston, but its physical address is in the City of Stafford, which has not collected property tax since 1995. The City of Stafford is part of Metro Houston located in Fort Bend County.

Fort Bend Business Journal • February 2011

Fort Bend County is currently home to more than 500,000 residents and is the fastest growing county in Texas with expectations to exceed an additional 1.5 million people within the next two decades. It is also ranked the most diverse. In addition, Fort Bend is ranked first in employment growth in the United States according to the US Department of Labor, and it has also been consistently ranked in the Top 3% of the nations’ counties in five key demographic measures. It excels in regional leadership in secondary education and for its skilled resident workforce. The county delivers on its promise of being a “Best Place to Live and Work” and for more than 25 years, it has been in the Top 20 counties in the United States for economic

Fort Bend/Katy

excellence and population growth. Excellent schools, affordable housing, and extensive recreational facilities (ranked first in total park area in an urban area ) have attracted families with impressive demographic profiles. As a result, the local employment base provides relocating companies with a diverse mix of professional, technical, skilled and unskilled labor with the highest educational attainment levels in the region. The existing tenants at 11929 W Airport Blvd know that “you really can have it all” since the building and immediate vicinity can stand alone as a destination location, or a 15 minute drive can provide all the perks that the fourth largest city in the United States has to offer. Due to the superior highways, corridors and Interstate freeways that surround the Oasis, just about anywhere in the Greater Houston area is quickly accessible. Houston is home to 29 Fortune 500 companies, 26% lower housing costs, 60 colleges and universities, the second largest Theatre District in the United States, the third largest marina in the United States, and

the world’s largest, prestigious medical center. However, most tenants locate at Oasis to enjoy the retreat away from the hustle and bustle. There is a plethora of restaurants, shopping and entertainment nearby; and a built in network of specialty service providers that already call the Oasis home. Notable tenants include Atrium Healthcare; a long term acute care hospital, Memorial Hermann Home Health & Hospice, American Laser Center, Oasis Pharmacy, and physicians specializing in diabetes and endocrinology. If that’s not enough, global business can be conducted daily and conveniently through two major Houston airports, and a regional one that is in Oasis’ backyard – the Sugar Land Regional Airport. It’s also important to note that there are several other complementary business entities in Oasis’ back yard. An assisted living complex and senior apartment units are in close proximity. With the baby boomer generation composing 30% of the population and growing, it’s increasingly imperative to identify areas that provide the necessary care, amenities, and support to this demographic.

Although the photographs speak for themselves, the physical attributes are worth noting. This class “A” medical tower has concrete-and-steel exterior face panels and contains all the necessary state-of the-art components, but was carefully designed to not have an institutional look and feel. It serves as a beacon to a calming, relaxed atmosphere that is a welcome oasis to the building’s tenants, patients and visitors. And on the ninth floor, it can all be seen from a spacious executive conference room with full-panel glass windows. The unsurpassed view rivals those of Downtown Houston’s skyscrapers and is available to rent for functions and business meetings. The view also encompasses Oasis’ lush green space that surrounds the building, complete with fountains, pathways, picnic tables and pavilions. Elaborate landscaping plays a major role in the overall aesthetics, and the interior contains high end finishes throughout with detailed oak paneling and custom continued on page 12

View of the grounds from the conference room. February 2011 • Fort Bend Business Journal

Exterior features include a pool, lake and fountain features and gazebo. Plush landscaping compliments the three acre campus. Photo by Sharon Wallingford

continued from page 11 granite in the lobby and corridors. A parking garage is conveniently attached to the building and provides ample covered parking. The Oasis Medical Building Tower was delivered to the market in late 2007, with 190,464 square feet of rentable space. Today 123,764 square feet are available to qualified tenants. As a result, new building ownership has engaged two teams of the city’s most renowned leasing groups and medical business specialists to provide the commercial real estate and business acumen needed to ignite interest. The commercial real estate team is headed by Ace Schlameus of Colliers International; while Helen Pokrajac, of Helen Pokrajac & Associates, has been retained as the medical expert and business development lead. Helen and Ace have worked together several times over the last 10 years to successfully lease medical office buildings. Both are extremely optimistic about this new effort and predict the building will soon become an icon for the city of Stafford and east Fort Bend county. “This facility offers incredible value over competing markets. Considering the synergies that can be gained from the heavy concentration of medical industry in the immediate community, and the fact that the Oasis is only fifteen minutes from the Texas Medical Center, makes this a wonderful opportunity.” states Ace Schlameus, senior vice president of Colliers International in Houston. “Houston-Sugar Land-Baytown MSA has over 13,000 practicing physicians, 120 hospitals and 20,216 hospital beds. Our location is perfect for medically related firms looking for affordable

Fort Bend Business Journal • February 2011

housing, business friendly government, and labor pools,” adds Helen Pokrajac, president of Helen Pokrajac & Associates, LLC Ace and Helen are assisted by Laura Schlameus, a vice president in office and retail services for Colliers International and Heather Barlow, the senior marketing director for Helen Pokrajac & Associates. The team is casting a wide net at the local, regional, national and global level in their leasing efforts since the building lends itself to so many types of entities in the healthcare sector. They concur that physician medical practices, medical device companies requiring light manufacturing, education, wellness companies, rehabilitative care, services and products for geriatric care, the food and nutritional industry, diagnostic and life sciences are among several immediate services that could establish a lucrative business presence here. “The possibilities are endless, and the dynamics will provide a built-in referral base to each other.” “We are very excited about this campaign and expect to attract a number of quality tenants. The team has been very aggressive in reaching out to the entire medical industry and we have already received encouraging responses from several high profile prospects interested in this Class A facility.” In addition to seeking out established businesses, the leasing team is beginning to introduce the project to organizations like BioHouston. These organizations help facilitate, and are responsible for technology transfers into private businesses. The Oasis is less than 20 minutes from the Texas Medical Center, which, according to the Greater Houston Partnership, is home to some 49 of the most renowned medical research and academic institutions in the world. “You might say that if your business locates here, you will “tower” over your competition,” adds Ace, who specializes in office, retail and investment services. On the leasing side: Ace Schlameus and Laura Schlameus represent Colliers International Throughout his 20-year investment and brokerage career, Ace Schlameus has developed direct experience in marketing, finance and transaction negotiation. His experience as a Senior Vice President of major Wall Street firms such as Prudential and the highly capitalized, Sam Waltons family owned, Llama Company, Ace has developed a global understanding of the real estate industry. Ace has served as broker and investment advisor for such institutional commercial real estate divisions as Sun Life Financial Services of Canada Inc., ING Group N.V., Aegon N.V. and many others. Tenant and Equity Owner representation assignments have ranged from Senior Leasing Broker of a large multi-tenant office portfolio to the sale or financing of multiple commercial properties. In the past 24 months Ace has been involved in over 100 transactions totaling over 1 million square feet, representing over $73 million dollars in revenues for his clients. He presently serves as a member on the Colliers International Healthcare Practice Group. Laura Schlameus is a vice president in office and retail services for Colliers International in the Houston region. She recently joined Colliers International from Grubb & Ellis. In the last five years, Laura has been responsible for formulating and executing the leasing and marketing strategy of a portfolio that represents over one million square feet of medical office space. In the past 24 months Laura has been involved in over 50

Ready to greet visitors to the Oasis are Ace Schlameus, left; Laura Schlameus; Janet Vincent, seated, Unilev Management Corporation property administrator; Helen Pokrajac; and Heather Barlow. A wide entrance allows guests and clients access to the lobby and elevators and provides accent points of oak carved paneling, granite tables along with mosaic features in the flooring. Photo by Sharon Wallingford

transactions totaling over 450,000 square feet of medical office space. During her career, Laura has demonstrated an entrepreneurial leadership in understanding the clients objectives then developing a custom approach to actualizing those goals. Laura has been recognized by the industry as a Top Guns Under Thirty, a coveted award for excellence in service and volume of deals completed. Laura has extensive marketing experience within the real estate industry and has worked with both institutional owners as well as individual owners. Her experience as a business development officer for the commercial mortgage and finance sector as well as the commercial title business has well prepared Laura for the direct marketing campaigns necessary in the current market conditions. Laura was consistently in the top 15 brokers in the Grubb & Ellis office. She was a member of the Board of Directors for Grubb & Ellis Houston Operations for the last two years. Laura has held the position of Senior Broker in charge of Data/Financial Analysis and Reporting for ten institutionally owned projects. On the Medical Business Development side: Helen B. Pokrajac and Heather Barlow represent - Helen Pokrajac & Associates, LLC Helen Pokrajac, MBA has extensive knowledge in all aspects of healthcare facilities marketing, physician relations and recruitment. As an authority in medical contract negotiations, she has been a key advisor to medical executives and played an instrumental part in numerous organization and physician’s business success. Both Helen and Heather are keenly aware of the needs of the medical community, and are able to contribute critical intelligence to owners for implementing solutions for medical investment projects. Helen has become a nationally known business advisor not only to physicians and senior executives at hospitals, but also to commercial property owners and investors. As President of Helen Pokrajac

& Associates, Helen has proven to have an extraordinary ability to seek out opportunities for sustainable local and global initiatives. Helen has held directorships for the Texas Heart Institute, Texas Children’s Hospital, Memorial Hermann and Hospital Corporation for America (HCA). Her knowledge of the clinical and political medical arena coupled with her unparalleled relationship skills, has ensured her success. The ability to speak five languages, has enabled her to cross many language and cultural borders, and aided in achievements abroad, especially in Europe and the Middle East. Working with several of the largest medical corporations, her physician relations and recruitment negotiations are varied and numerous. She is well versed in the legal, financial and administrative concerns for physicians seeking relocation, expansion or new practice start up. Her experience includes single physician practice, multi-specialty and surgical suites and large medical complexes, and business advisement She is familiar with physicians in the USA and abroad, and as a team was involved in the recruitment of over 500 physicians. Her extensive national and international professional contacts, assure her clients successful outcomes. Heather Barlow is the Senior Marketing Director at Helen Pokrajac & Associates, LLC . She manages the development and execution of the companies’ strategies for current and planned ventures, and plays an integral role in communicating the companies’ project initiatives to their clients and prospects. Her networking skills, relationships in the healthcare industry, and Marketing/Relations experience; coupled with her background and education in commercial design, provides a unique combination of expertise to Helen Pokrajac & Associates. Oasis Medical Building Tower is located at 11929 West Airport Boulevard in Stafford. For more information call Colliers International 713-222-2111. February 2011 • Fort Bend Business Journal

Kelly Blackstone appointed center dean

DeVry University announces Sugar Land location

eVry University, one of North America’s largest degree-granting higher education institutions for business, technology, and management education, announced that it has begun recruiting for the university’s newest Texas location in the Houston area, located at 14100 Southwest Freeway, Suite 100, Sugar Land, Texas 77478. Classes at DeVry University’s Sugar Land location are expected to begin in May. DeVry University Sugar Land will offer undergraduate and graduate degree programs, with both on-site and online classes available, under the university’s five colleges of Business & Management, Liberal Arts & Sciences, Engineering & Information Sciences, Media Arts & Technology and Health Sciences. DeVry University will offer degree programs year-round at the Sugar Land location, allowing students to earn a bachelor’s degree in as few as three years and an associate degree in two years. DeVry University’s Keller Graduate School of Management will also offer a number of master’s degree programs in business and technology. DeVry University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association. “We welcome DeVry University’s newest Texas location to the conveniently-located Sugar Creek Place complex,” said Sugar Land Mayor James A. Thompson. “DeVry University’s presence in the community supports our ongoing commitment to bringing new educational and career opportunities to

residents throughout our community.” DeVry University also announced it has appointed Kelly Blackstone as center dean at the Sugar Land Kelly Blackstone location. She will be responsible for launching and managing the new location, including enrollment, academics, marketing and operations. Blackstone has extensive experience in operations, academics and admissions and has worked in the private, proprietary

sector of higher education for more than eight years. She joined DeVry University in August of 2009 from the University of Phoenix, where she served as director of enrollment for five years. Blackstone holds a Bachelor of Arts from Texas A&M University and earned a Master of Business Administration from the University of Phoenix. “DeVry University has always shown a commitment to its students by providing top-quality education to prepare them for in-demand careers with experience that can be immediately applied in the workplace,” said Blackstone. “I am thrilled to be a part of this career-focused university and utilize my skills to help the new Sugar Land location grow and serve the surrounding community.”

Fort Bend Business Journal • February 2011

DeVry University has been providing high-quality, career-oriented education in Texas since 1969 with locations in Austin, Fort Worth, Houston, Irving, Richardson and San Antonio. Founded in 1931, DeVry University is one of the largest, private sector universities in North America, with nearly 93,000 students enrolled in the United States and Canada. The university’s mission is to foster student learning through high-quality, career-oriented education integrating technology, business, science and the arts. With more than 90 locations, DeVry University delivers practitioner-oriented undergraduate and graduate degree programs onsite and online that meet the needs of a diverse and geographically dispersed student population. Home to five colleges of study, including Business & Management, Engineering & Information Sciences, Health Sciences, Liberal Arts & Sciences, and Media Arts & Technology, DeVry University’s outstanding faculty members, work in the fields that they teach, providing students with real-world experiences that prepare them for high-growth careers. For more information about undergraduate and graduate degree programs offered at DeVry University or to register for classes, please call (866) 623-3870 or visit www.devry.edu. DeVry University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association, www.ncahlc. org. DeVry University, a part of DeVry Inc. (NYSE: DV), is based in Downers Grove, Ill. For more information about DeVry University, find us on Twitter @ DeVryUniv or visit www.devry.edu.

Gadberry reports Katy is No.1 By Wayne Chandler

hen the Gadberry Group announced in January that Katy, Texas, was the “most notable highgrowth area in the United States” in 2010, that information didn’t fall on deaf ears. The Gadberry Group is one of the most respected market data research firms in the nation. “There isn’t a major retailer in the country that doesn’t know who we are,” said Keith Osborn, sales director for Gadberry. Gadberry was formed in 2000 in Little Rock, Arkansas, to perform and sell market research to retailers throughout the nation. Then, in 2007, Gadberry started compiling residential information regarding high-growth areas, which

also is of benefit to most retail firms. “If a big retailer wants to know where to place its next store, this information is of great value to them,” Osborn said. Gadberry takes a complete census of the United States every 90 days, Osborn said, while the U.S. Census Bureau takes its count every 10 years. Osborn noted that the U.S. Census Bureau very likely won’t announce its overall census figures until this Summer, and, when it does, Osborn predicted that the Gadberry figures will be confirmed by the U.S. figures. The U.S. Census figures for states , needed so that states can adjust new political districts, were announced last month, but the detailed U.S. census figures won’t be completed for a while, Osborn said. Osborn noted that Katy has been in its Top 25 high growth areas in each of the past three years.

SHOWING THE GADBERRY REPORT – These Katy Area Economic Development Council staffers proudly show the news release from the Gadberry Group research firm, which lists Katy, Texas, as the fastest growing area in the United States for 2010. They are Gerardo Pineda, director of research and information systems, and Shelby Gurley, administrative assistant, at the KAEDC’s General Assembly breakfast in January.

“We know that Texas is dominating U.S. growth, “ Osborn said, noting that three Dallas-Fort Worth suburbs –Haslet, Keller and Frisco—are second, third and sixth, respectively. Osborn said , “ We know that growth in Fort Bend County, Katy and the Greater Houston area, continues to be amazing.”

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

Our professionals proudly serve Fort Bend & the Greater Houston area.

• Taxation • Tax Controversies • Litigation Support

Alan Sandersen

• Audits of Commercial and Governmental entities • Construction Companies

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

281.242-3232 www.sktx.com

February 2011 • Fort Bend Business Journal

Antiques, relics and ghost folklore part of the historic home’s treasures

DeWalt Heritage Center debuts Dew House By Elsa Maxey

or the first time, the turn of the century Dew plantation home is open to the public. Anchoring the DeWalt Heritage Center in east Fort Bend County, the magnificent home underwent its unveiling this Sunday as a historic museum. Lisa Glenn, volunteer chair and instrumental in the project since the grass roots effort began said, “It has been a team effort” with Dew descendants, the Dale Dacus family and numerous others being credited for their contributions. The Dew home was built more than 100 years ago, and today it is located at Fort Bend County’s Kitty Hollow Park, across from Sienna Plantation off State Highway 6, just three miles from its original location in the former DeWalt community, now part of Missouri City comprising Quail Valley, Riverstone and the Lake Olympia subdivisions. The home was moved in 2006, during a midnight trek to minimize traffic disturbance with the relocation effort directed by Mayor Allen Owen along with others orchestrating the historic home’s move. “In 2005 when I learned that Dew House might

In touch with a past era this weekend, Dew house heir, Muffie Moroney who donated the historic home in 2006 for historic preservation, is joined for the unveiling of the home as a museum. With Moroney (left) next to a exhibited bell that hung in a barn is DeWalt Heritage Center volunteer chair Lisa Glenn; Moroney’s granddaughter Carrie Renshaw, Dew family friend “Nan-nan” Nancy Woods, who was born in DeWalt and grew up in the same community; Missouri City Mayor Allen Owen and Fort Bend County Commissioner Grady Prestage.

Built around 1900 by Dr. Hugh S. Dew, the plantation home in east Fort Bend County has been turned into a museum and anchors the DeWalt Heritage Center now open to the public for viewing. The historic home was unveiled this past weekend.

be destroyed and started beating up Mayor Owen, Commissioner (Grady) Prestage and anyone who would listen,” Glenn said she sent a flurry of emails, and today, she is still incredulous about the end result. Commissioner Prestage led the charge with the county for what resulted in Fort Bend County’s partnership with the Fort Bend County Museum Association to preserve the Dew Plantation house. This past Saturday, as a prelude to the public opening, 67-year old Muffie Moroney, heir of the Dew family who donated the home in 2006 for historic preservation (actually it was sold to Fort Bend County for $1), was among the special guests at a small gathering. Moroney said she lived in the home and could remember when nights were much cooler in the summer time than they are today and sleeping with blankets was a must. She said she didn’t recall mosquitoes in this area, but remembers they were in Houston. So, what’s there to see at the Dew House? Ask the 200 visitors that came out on opening day, and they’ll tell of the informative guided tours. At the plantation home, the treasured Dew family owned items on display give visitors a glance of this area’s past after seeing a replica of a Dew-owned post office. There’s

Fort Bend Business Journal • February 2011

family owned porcelain china, a lightning rod used on the home directing lightning strikes into the ground to protect the home and family members, and there is also farm equipment. The family raised cattle, and sugar cane was grown on the plantation which was sent to the Imperial Sugar Company. According to the museum association, the Dew house was occupied by family members for over seven decades. Folklore includes incidents that probably have been embellished about ghosts that visit the house. Exactly what these Fort Bend ghosts are doing remains a mystery, but the latest tale is about something that took place at the home’s current location when it was being set up for its unveiling. Diane Ware, Special Project Manager with the Fort Bend Museum Association, oversees the Heritage Center. For the time being, the Center will be open to the public by appointment possibly through the summer and after that, it may be open one day a week. It is currently available for tours and special events. As for the overall effort, Glenn who volunteers at the home with her husband, says, “East Fort Bend County has its very own museum to preserve our rich past with future generations.”

YOU

AND

YOUR

TAXES

Tax Smart

By Alan Sandersen

Sandersen Knox & Co. L.L.P.

The Tax Cuts of 2010 - Good News for Businesses Are you wondering how your company is affected by the Tax Relief, Unemployment Insurance Reauthorization, and Job Creation Act of 2010 - aka the Obama Tax Cuts? This month, we discuss some ways your business can benefit from the new tax cut and tell you about your responsibility to enact the payroll tax cut for your employees. Paying Less Tax Under the New Legislation The Obama Tax Cuts are intended to bolster the economy by putting more money back in the pockets of business owners, thus allowing them up to hire more workers. But to take advantage of the new rules for deductions and depreciations, you have to understand the new provisions.

The Bonus Depreciation Doubled in Size Under the Obama Tax Cuts, the bonus depreciation amount jumped from 50% to 100%. This means businesses can write off 100% of eligible purchases (e.g., equipment and off-the-shelf computer software) bought and put in service between September 9, 2010 and December 31, 2011. In 2012, business owners can still take a bonus depreciation, but it will be back at the 50% level. Section 179 Deductions Also Got a Boost Section 179 deductions allow businesses to deduct the full purchase price of property from their gross income. Section 179 deductions differ from standard depreciations because they allow you to write off your expenses in

the same year you bought property, rather than spreading it out over time. Section 179 was bolstered under the Small Business Jobs Act of 2010 (signed September 27, 2010), with the allowable deduction set at $500,000 for 2010 and 2011. Now, under the Obama Tax Cuts, the maximum deduction will fall only to $125,000 in 2012, rather than to $25,000, as it would have without the recent tax cut package. This should inject confidence in the business owner that she can continue to invest in her business for the next few years - which is beneficial not just for her, but for the U.S. economy as a whole. Remember, Estates and trusts cannot take a section 179 deduction.

alan sandersen...

Understanding the Market Your Fort Bend Commercial Real Estate Experts

continued from page 57

Now

Colliers International is the second largest commercial real estate service provider in the world with 480 oﬃces in 61 countries.

Kolbe Curtice

30 Years Experience Multi-Discipline

Jim Pratt

25 Years Experience Oﬃce/Industrial

John Novak

7 Years Experience Medical/Oﬃce

Jason Dillee

5 Years Experience Land/Industrial

Jason Scholtz

1 Year Experience Oﬃce/Retail

Call us for assistance with Fort Bend oﬃce, retail, industrial or commercial land sales and leasing. Accelerating success. 15999 City Walk | Suite 250 | Sugar Land, TX 77479 | +1 281 494 4769 | www.curticecommercial.com February 2011 • Fort Bend Business Journal

OakBend Medical Center opens new Senior Care Center, now providing full-service family care in Fort Bend

akBend Medical Center opens the doors of a new senior care center, now making the leading Richmond medical facility a full-service family care center for every stage of life. The 16-bed facility is equipped with the latest technology and specialized medical team, within a warm and supportive family care giving environment. Physicians specializing in psychological, physical and emotional disorders many seniors face today work together to establish a plan back to better overall health. According to OakBend Senior Care Center Unit Director Judy Storms, the center is designed with the specific needs of seniors in mind – guided by the goal to achieve optimal well-being for each and every patient. “We are pleased to be able to fill a void that has existed in our community. The senior care center offers valuable support to our seniors and their families. We are proud of this new program,” said OakBend Medical Center Chief Executive Officer Joe Freudenberger. To learn more log onto www.oakbendmedcenter.org. Or call, (281) 238-7880.

OFFICE SPACE

FOR

L EASE

» approx. 1,500 sq. ft. » will subdivide » prime location » easy US 59 access

» phone & internet bundle available

John Novak 281-494-4769

Fort Bend Business Journal • February 2011

WE GIVE YOU THE

POWER TO BUILD YOUR OWN BUSINESS!

HOW MANY OF THESE GREAT FEATURES WILL YOU USE TO HELP GROW YOUR BUSINESS? • Your “OWN” Unique Multi-Page Website & Email Address • Logo, Address, City, State, Phone Numbers, Business Hours • 24/7 Administrative Access To Make Changes • 10 Custom Email Addresses

ORDER A POWER SITE NOW, AND YOUR PROFESSIONAL DESIGN AND SITE SETUP IS INCLUDED IN THE LOW PRICE!

281-690-4221

• Free Call Tracking Number • Photos Of Your Business Or Products • Google Map Of Your Location • Events, Job and Property Postings • Printable Coupons • Custom Pages • Customer Comment Link • Custom Videos

A 14-point Workers’ Comp annual checkup that can protect you against Work Comp claims By Kevin Ring

s we head into the New Year, this is a perfect time to take a step back and look at your Workers’ Compensation program. By assessing its strengths and weaknesses, you create a blueprint of potential dangers that could easily result in higher insurance premiums. To help you avoid higher premiums, we have put together a 14-point checklist to review to determine if you are doing all you can to safeguard your company and your employees: 1. Do you know your lowest possible Experience Modification Factor? Even if your Mod is low, working towards the lowest possible Mod is the best way to ensure long-term savings. 2. Have you reviewed your Injury and Illness Prevention Program (IIPP) recently? The IIPP should be a living document that is updated when new equipment or practices are introduced and changes occur with the company’s size or functions. 3. How effective is your hiring process? If injuries occurred shortly after hiring, the hiring and training process should be examined. Having a consistent process for background checks and medical exams help prevent hiring the wrong person for a job. 4. When was the last supervisors’ training?

Supervisors play a key role in the management of injuries as well as staff morale. Consistent training in both the functional and human relationship aspects of their jobs is essential to be sure they have the confidence and skills to create a high performance culture within their team. 5. How quickly are claims reported? If claims are not reported within 24-hours of the incident, there is work to be done. 6. If the accident investigation reveals measures that should be taken to prevent future incidents, how quickly are they addressed? The employers’ response to an injury sends a critical message to employees. In addition to a thorough investigative process, employers should have a response process in place – what are the options to resolve the problem, who is responsible for insuring changes are made and implemented, and how is this communicated to employees. 7. How many of your claims involved lost time? The percentage of claims that are lost time is another key metric in managing Workers’ Compensation expenses. A good target for lost time is no more than 20% – 25% of claims. Higher percentages are a red flag, signaling a problem. 8. How often are open claims and reserves reviewed? Excessive time lags in care or claims may indicate that a case can be spiraling out of control. At a minimum, open claims and reserves should be reviewed quarterly. 9. How many of your claims are litigated? Ideally, a 5% litigation rate is very good, 10%-15% is good and anything over 20% should be considered a red flag and warrant further analysis. 10. Do injured employees hear regularly from their supervisor and receive payments on a timely basis? Injured employees who feel neglected or hopelessly lost in the system are fodder for hungry lawyers. 11. Is your return to work pro-

Fort Bend Business Journal • February 2011

gram working properly? The sluggish economy and uncertainty over the sustainability of the recovery has put pressure on return to work programs. Examine your program to see if the jobs are meaningful, truly transitional, and meeting established metrics to return the injured employee to their original position in a timely fashion. 12. Are you and your employees prepared for an OSHA visit? OSHA has an aggressive agenda. If it’s been awhile since you’ve done a walkthrough to identify potential problems, reviewed your recordkeeping training documentation, written safety and health programs or discussed the procedure should an inspector appear, now is the time to do it. 13. How effective are your medical cost controls? While state statutes differ with respect to the extent to which employers can direct injured workers to certain medical providers, the medical management of a Workers’ Comp claim is essential to reducing costs. Evaluate your relationships with medical providers and medical bill review processes to be sure they are working for you and your injured employee. 14. What have you done about wellness programs and how successful have they been? Wellness programs have been front and center in 2010. If you have one, what are the participation rates and the results? Are you monitoring the correct metrics? If you don’t have one, now is the time to explore the options. Assessing your strengths and weaknesses will help you set priorities to ensure that your Workers’ Compensation program works effectively in 2011 and years beyond. . Kevin Ring is the Lead Workers’ Compensation Analyst for the Institute of Work Comp Professionals, the Asheville, NC-based organization that trains insurance agents to help employers reduce Workers’ Compensation expenses.

Fluor expands power maintenance services for Luminant Fluor performs work for 40 Luminant units totaling more than 13,000 Megawatts

luor Corporation has been awarded a multi-year contract extension to provide maintenance services for Luminant, a subsidiary of Energy Future Holdings Corp., including all of its fossil fuel power generation plant sites located throughout Texas. The undisclosed contract value was booked in the company’s fourth quarter. Fluor will supply supervision and craft personnel to support ongoing base crew maintenance as well as major outage and project work, construction services and plant modifications. Fluor began providing ongoing maintenance services at four of Luminant’s power sites in 1984 and has since grown the relationship to cover all of the company’s fossil power generating

sites and equipment repair center. The new contract runs through 2015. “Fluor is one of the largest providers of maintenance and outage support services to the power generation industry. This new contract exemplifies our breadth and depth of maintenance resources and provides us with the opportunity to deliver added value to this key client through a multi-site, multi-year program,” said Dave Dunning, president of Fluor’s Power Group. “Fluor’s 25-plus year relationship with Luminant has succeeded due to our companies’ mutual commitments to excellence in safety, first-rate quality and cost effectiveness,” said Rick Graves, Fluor’s senior vice president of the Power Group. “We value the confidence that Luminant has placed in us to provide maintenance services at their plant sites.” During outages on their coal units, Fluor craft manpower usually peaks between 1,000 to 1,500 workers. Fluor’s

equipment, tool and fleet management unit, AMECO, is also engaged with all of Luminant’s power plant sites providing complete craft support services. Luminant is one of AMECO’s longest ongoing clients for which it provides services. Fluor recently completed Luminant’s Oak Grove Units 1 & 2 clean coal project, and it was named POWER Magazine’s Top Plant of 2010. The project was also a Construction category finalist at the Platts Global Energy Awardsand was recently recognized by Power Engineering as a top coal plant finalist. Luminant is a competitive power generation business including mining, wholesale marketing and trading, and development operations. With a total of more than 15,400 megawatts of generation capacity in Texas, 2,300 megawatts are fueled by nuclear power and 8,000 megawatts fueled by coal. The company is also the largest purchaser of wind-generated electricity in Texas and fifth largest in the United States.

Where Family Memories are made...

Exceptional Location • Championship Golf • Fantastic Amenities Call Jennifer Rushlo, Membership Director, 281.494.9131, ext. 134 membership@sugarcreekcctexas.com • www.sugarcreekcctexas.com 420 Sugar Creek Boulevard 281.494.9131

February 2011 • Fort Bend Business Journal

Fort Bend Engineering and Construction

Consulting Firm Envisions solutions in and out of the box to achieve High-Performance buildings

ice & Gardner Consultants was established to provide commercial, institutional and government clients with a balanced approach toward achieving energyefficient buildings. The firm’s engineers and building professionals capably employ in-the-box solutions proven to considerably lower energy costs, yet they also devise outof-the box innovations to reduce life-cycle maintenance costs. This balanced philosophy is evenly applied across all three of their service arenas – mechanical, electrical and plumbing design; program management over large public bond programs; and commissioning to assure that building systems deliver the performance levels promised by design. With multiple Fort Bend projects in their portfolio, Rice & Gardner recently completed

the Fort Bend County Annex in Katy, Fluor Server Room in Sugar Land and Lufkin Automation Plant in Missouri City. The firm’s work in other parts of Southeast Texas includes multiple renovation projects at the Johnson Space Center and commissioning the 400,000-square-foot Boeing Center in

Rice & Gardner

Clear Lake; two of the area’s first certified Leadership for Energy Efficient Design (LEED) schools for Houston Independent School District; and a LEED-certified meeting center at Sheldon Lake State Park in northeast Houston. They have also renovated the San Antonio City Hall, designed HVAC systems for dialysis clinics throughout Texas and commissioned the historic Federal Customs House in New Orleans. Rice & Gardner encourages staff members to be active in the community. Jim Rice serves as the Education Division Chair for the Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce, Chairman for Fort Bend Cares and on the Literacy Council of Fort Bend County Board of Directors. He is also a member of the Fort Bend Independent School District Board of Trustees. Kevin Gardner is active in the Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce and the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo.

High-performance buildings are the hallmark of Rice & Gardner. Our services deliver energy efficiency for commercial, institutional and governmental facilities in Fort Bend County and Southeast Texas: n

n n

Mechanical, electrical and plumbing engineering design Building Commissioning Program Management

Each project is led by a member of our management team, assuring you of experienced guidance in optimizing your building operations: James D. Rice, LEED AP BD+C, CxA, CBCP President

James E. Thornton, LEED AP O+M, CxA, CBCP Vice President

6161 Savoy Drive

Suite 1212

Houston, Texas 77036

Fort Bend Business Journal • February 2011

Kevin G. Gardner, PE, CxA Senior Vice President

Jason M. Feit, PE Vice President

Robert Barrera, Jr. Vice President

713.482.2300

713.482.2314 fax

www.ricegardner.com

GOT NEWS?

Jones & Carter, Inc. is in business to help their clients be successful

ones & Carter, Inc., is a full-service engineering, planning, surveying, and consulting firm assisting public and private sector clients in design, development, implementation, and execution of today’s projects. Our capabilities include everything from project research, consultation, and design, to turnkey construction management of multimillion-dollar ventures. Established in 1976, Jones & Carter, Inc. has served the Fort Bend community by providing engineering services to cities, municipalities, developers, water districts, and the County. Today, Jones & Carter, Inc. provides

Email your news or press release to editor_fbbj@ fortbendstar.com We love to hear from you. Also, don’t forget to read The Fort Bend Star or visit www.fortbendstar.com Ideas & suggestion are also welcome.

services across the State of Texas. Hard work and the determination to get the job done right the first time have resulted in a steady expansion of business and a growing respect from the engineering community. Our team of experienced professionals is led by some of the leading Professional Engineers and Registered Professional Land Surveyors in the State. We are very proud of our more than 33 years of service as a quality civil engineering consulting and surveying firm and are committed to continuing our record of providing Smart Engineering and Smart Solutions™ to our clients. H

Fort Bend/Katy

4655 Techniplex Dr. Suite 300 Stafford, TX 77477

Fort Bend Engineering and Construction

Jones & Carter, Inc. has proudly served the Fort Bend Community since 1976.

We are in business to help our clients to be successful! Public Works

Transportation

Hydraulics & Hydrology

Surveying Austin

Brenham

Bryan/College Station

Land Development

Planning Dallas

San Antonio

The Woodlands

Houston (Corporate) | 6335 Gulfton, Suite 100 | Tel 713.777.5337 Rosenberg | 6415 Reading Road | Tel 281.342.2033 Smart Engineering. Smart Solutions.™ 110111 - J&C Half Page Ad.indd 1

www.jonescarter.com 1/18/2011 4:18:03 PM February 2011 • Fort Bend Business Journal

“Nursing Education & Practice: A Global Perspective”

Second global nursing conference at HBU to present nursing education and clinical practice

fficials with Houston Baptist University, Memorial Hermann Healthcare System and the United Kingdom’s University of Chester will host the second annual Global Nursing Conference March 14--15, at the Morris Cultural Arts Center on the campus of Houston Baptist University in Houston. Featuring some of the greatest minds at the forefront of nursing today, the two-day nursing forum will give nurses the opportunity to learn from trailblazers including Geraldine Bednash, PhD, CEO and Executive Director of the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN); Leah Curtain, ScD, RN, FAAN, Executive Editor of American Nurse Today; and Tim Porter-O’Grady, DM, seven-time winner of the American Journal of Nursing Healthcare Book of the Year Award. Registered nurses will also have the opportunity to earn up to 12.5 hours of Continuing Education contact hours by participating in the conference. The United States will continue to face an aging nursing workforce in the next decade.

As the general population ages, the demand for health services will increase exponentially. “In the next 15 years, it is projected that the nursing shortage in the United States will grow to more than a quarter of a million nurses,” stated Dan Wolterman, President and CEO of Memorial Hermann. “Healthcare organizations must be preparing now to find creative solutions to what could become a significant threat to our nation’s health. We believe that events like the Global Nursing Conference will help nurses, health systems and nursing educators be proactive in preparing for the changes that are on the horizon. Sharing knowledge has a positive impact on improving the quality of patient care.” In addition to attracting experienced nurses, organizers have created a discounted conference fee to encourage nursing students to attend the event. “We believe in providing tools so that the next generation of nurses can be prepared for whatever they may face as the healthcare industry changes,” said Dr. Robert B. Sloan, Jr., President of Houston Baptist University. “This conference will give students

unparalleled opportunities to interact with leaders from many different facets of nursing. This experience will give them a perspective they could not gain by reading textbooks.” Organizers are enlisting major sponsors to underwrite conference expenses to keep registration fees as low as possible--only $175 for the two-day event--for participating nurses. “All business leaders should be on board to make sure our nurses are ready for the future,” said Stewart Morris, Chairman Emeritus of Stewart Title Company. “Our company’s involvement as a sponsor of the Global Nursing Conference is important to our mission. A healthy medical community is a vital part of attracting great employees and new industries to Houston. It is key to preserving the quality of life we enjoy here.” Nurses interested in participating in the Global Nursing Conference are invited to sign up for a pre-registration priority list at www.list.GlobalNursing. org. Nurses and nursing students on the priority list will be notified when registration is open for the conference. Space for the conference will be limited to the first 500 nurses, nursing educators and nursing students who register for the event.

Fifth annual Heart of Katy Fun Run / Walk beats up its steps

HRISTUS St. Catherine Hospital in Katy invites the surrounding communities to participate in the fifth annual Heart of Katy Fun Run/Walk on Saturday, Feb. 12, where every dollar raised will support Katy’s only comprehensive heart program at CHRISTUS St. Catherine Hospital. The sanctioned, certified, chip-timed 5K Fun Run and Walk event will include a 5K Run, 1 Mile Kids Run, a 1 Mile Family Walk/Run, race awards and an after party with food, music and athletic massages. Awards will be given to the top three male and female participants in each category, to every 1-Mile Kids Run participant and to the overall Fun Run/Walk event winner. “With heart disease on the rise and

Katy and the Greater Houston area recently being dubbed the third most stressed out city in America, CHRISTUS St. Catherine Hospital is more and more aware of – and more and more committed to – encouraging healthy living,” said Dana Mersiovsky, chief development officer at CHRISTUS St. Catherine Hospital. “We’re proud to be Katy’s only comprehensive heart program, and the Heart of Katy Fun Run/ Walk is a great way to share our successes with our community and ‘walk’ together into a more heart-healthy future.” The fun-filled, family-friendly day will begin at 7 a.m. at CHRISTUS St. Catherine Hospital, 701 S. Fry Road in Katy, with late registration and packet pick-up. Event announcements and race line-up starts at 8 a.m., and the 1 Mile Kids Run for ages

Fort Bend Business Journal • February 2011

12 and under begins at 8:15 a.m., followed by the 5K Run at 8:30 a.m. and Family Walk/Run at 9:15 a.m. Kids Zone sponsor Chick-Fil-A will provide food during the after party, and KILT-FM 100.3 and MIX 96.5 will provide commentary, music and entertainment. Event participants will enjoy post-race leg stretches and calf massages provided by CHRISTUS St. Catherine Hospital Sports Medicine, and a 10:30 a.m. performance by the Morton Ranch High School Maverick Belles dance team. For more information on registration, sponsorship opportunities, packet pick-up or CHRISTUS St. Catherine Hospital’s cardiac program, visit www. CHRISTUSStCatherine.org or contact Dana Mersiovsky at (281) 599-6696 or emaildana.mersiovsky@christushealth.org.

FORT BEND The Central Fort Bend Chamber Alliance Annual Awards Banquet at Safari Texas Ranch

Gail Parker, Chamber President/CEO; Rocky Lane, Lane Real Estate, Board Member of the Year; Kamal Ariss, JE Dunn Construction, Chairman, Chamber Board of Directors.

Top row, from left: Janice Suchyta, Holoway Jones Law Firm,Committee Member of the Year; Rocky Lane, Lane Real Estate, Board Member of the Year; Lisa Matthews, ServPro, Ambassador of the Year; Lois Gremminger,Elge, Inc., Volunteer of the Year (Raymond Saage Award); Lt. Billy Teague, Richmond Police Department, Volunteer of the Year (Raymond Saage Award). Bottom row, from left: Kevin Patton, Kevin Patton State Farm, Business Person of the Year; Stanley Kucherka, Retired Fort Bend County Engineer, Public-Private Community Service Award; Becky Covell and Ann Council, on behalf of the late Orin Covell, Fort Bend Distinguished Leader Award; Barb Nuckles and JR Reddish, S&B Infrastructure, Corporate Partner of the Year.

Kamal Ariss, JE Dunn Construction, Chairman, Chamber Board of Directors; Ron Ewer, Legacy Ford, 2009 Business Person of the Year; Kevin Patton, Kevin Patton State Farm, 2010 Business Person of the Year; Gail Parker, Chamber President/CEO.

Kamal Ariss, JE Dunn Construction, Chairman, Chamber Board of Directors; Barb Nuckles, S&B Infrastructure; Gail Parker, Chamber President/CEO; JR Reddish, S&B Infrastructure. S&B Infrastructure was named Corporate Sponsor of the Year.

Outgoing Directors of the Central Fort Bend Chamber Alliance Board, from left: Mark Magee, Amegy Bank; Chuck Littlepage, IceBlue Advertising; Rocky Lane, Lane Real Estate; Lynne Humphries, Allen Boone Humphries Robinson, LLP.

The late Orin Covell, The George Foundation, was awarded the Fort Bend Distinguished Leader Award. Accepting on his behalf, from left: Jeff Council, Fort Bend County Treasurer; Becky Covell and Ann Council.

Kamal Ariss, JE Dunn Construction, Chairman, Chamber Board of Directors; Janice Suchyta, Holoway Jones Law Firm, Committee Member of the Year; Gail Parker, Chamber President/ CEO.

Retired Fort Bend County Engineer, Stanley Kucherka, second from left, was awarded the Public-Private Community Service Award for his dedication to Fort Bend County as both a public official and in the private sector.

BIG SHOTS

DBA (Assumed Names)

Data Beat (+) = More Names

This is a sample of the Assumed Names (DBAs) filed at the Fort Bend County Clerk’s office for December 2010. More Assumed Names may be viewed online at http://ccweb.co.fort-bend.tx.us/RealEstate/SearchEntry.aspx. There were 324 Assumed Names with Notary Fee for month of December. There were also 89 Assumed Names without a notary fee. 12/01/2010 Tielke Kathleen (+) Panty Bling 3719 Country Place Dr #115 77477 Kahler David Kahler Eko Service 5418 Forest Springs Dr 77339 Johnson Donald W Concrete And More 14514 Cd Rd 526 77583 Cisneros John J (+) Cisneros Installers 1124 Bowen St 77477 Benitez Margarita (+) “Sanacion De Familia” Ministerio De Evangelizacion Catolica 6711 Glenkirk Pl 77479

Kaiser Jarvis Jarvis Kaiser Contractors 5525 Reading Rd #1102

Mayweather Gerald Southern Coast Catering Service 538 Lynnwood Dr 77489

Khan Aisha (+) Kas Inspirations 6103 Evening Sun Court 77469

Vite Julia My Best Party 2010 George Ave 77469

Washington Ezra H Live 2 Laugh Enterprise 3127 Quail Valley East 77489

Elaiwat Salah Ultra Pressurewash Pressure Wash 1110 Foxland Chase 77479

Dougherty Robert Distinctive Motorcars 1306 Fm 1092 #507 77459

Zans Enterprises Inc Anz Wireless 17130 Beechnut St 77083

Brotherton Nicol T Bait Management Services 3402 Deerwood Lane 77459

Moore Michael R Hawksnest Farm 27119 S Karaugh Dr 77406

Sahami Soroush Auto Plaza Inc 311 South Eleventh St 77469

Baca Russell Baca Contractors 7906 Church St 77461

Carter Shawn Thy Kingdom Come W Shawn Carter Ministries 15223 Chaseridge Dr 77489

V&M Contractors Llc Rsw Construction 2718 Colony Park Dr 44779

Jz Loving Arms Inc Brown Jennifer Angela Jz Loving Arms Home Health Care Photojenique 9351 Eaglewood Glen Trail 77083 5330 Beechnut St 77096 Limas Daniel R.Z.L. Roofing 1934 Foster Leaf Ln 77406

King Lindell King Transportation 12410 Meadow Briar Dr 77477

Ross Louis Kent Jr Kross Productions 3927 Teal Run Place Court 77545

Davis Ranessa U Ditto (Meaning To Repeat...) 16107 Kensington Dr PMB #275 77478

Lin Bin Bin Lin Consulting 5207 Hadfield Ct 77479

Hanawa Amanda Treegloo Products 2234 S Ferrisburg Ct 77478

Chudej Lisa Lisa Chudej Contractor 14100 Del Papa #3 77047

Abou Deif Kimberly Big International 3615 Thunderbird St 77459

Garcia Alberto Alberto Garcia Contractor 14100 Del Papa St #3 77047

Yarmark-Whittaker April Divine Family Clinic 14522 S Post Oak Rd Suite #203B 77045

Krishi Inc New Trends Realty 5414 Gable Meadows Dr 77479 Dela Torre Jorge Luis Panda Cafe 15550 W Airport #B 77498

Nagar Association Of Houston Tx Nath 6314 Wagnes Way 77479

Rim-Sai Corporation Speedpost 5205 Mason Road 77450

Grace Business Investments Llc Shops At Almeda Shopping Center And Conn’s Appliance Store 3319 Wild River Dr 77406

Williams Aaron A W Transportation P O Box 1073 77545

Simon Crystal C (+) Pc Simon 3302 Bremerton Falls Dr 77459

Shorter Julie Julie’s Cleaning Service 7914 Short Road 77461

Labrie Monica (+) Piece By Piece Behavioral Consulting 9210 Hwy 6 S Suite C 77083

Atkinson Jerry Building Components Inc 11919 N Gauden 77071 Aguilar Ernesto ANZ 9311 East Creek 77461

Franco Connel Aaron Empire Home Services 4631 Summer Lakes 77479

Metamusephosis Llc Metamusephosis Llc

Bailey Bill (+) Bailey Realty Team 24818 Peach Knoll Ln 77494

Thompson N N (+) Cooper Pink Boutique 5706 Horseshoe Falls 77459

Alston Heather (+) Orbital Reflections 12110 Mulholland Dr 77477

Gibbs Brian Tseng Ventures 3000 Woodland Park 77082

Thompson Anthony J Big T’s Body Shoppe 1307 Magnolia Dale 77545

Ike Simon I Pace Medical 3423 Crosby Landing 77459

Cristo Steven Creative Design And Construction 7323 Colony View Ln 77459

Carter Rosa L Starcom Commodities 12265 Fondren 77035 Canales R Michael Mcphotonow.Com 11811 Scottsdale Court 77477 Patel Vinay Dharmadev 422 Colony Lake Estates Dr 77477 Wells Celina B (+) Wells Investment Properties 1114 Juniper River Ct 77471

Daniel Devon Daniel Salvaged Motors 2202 S Fountain Valley Dr 77459

Castleberry Debra Castleberry Consulting 23060 Deer Meadow Dr 77489

Ki Engineering Inc (+) Engineered Buildings Co 23007 Two Harbors Glen St 77494

Strader Ronald Rockin R Ranch 1714 Pepper Hill Ln 77479

Fort Bend Business Journal • February 2011

M.E.S. Natural Product Inc Edible Arrangements 4765 Fm 1960 Ste E 77069

2 G Holdings Delta Engineering Services 1519 Crescent Oak Dr 77459 Samuel Shahara Ges Transport 3904 E Teal Estates Cir 77545 Labrot Ronald O Lc Floral Designs Richmond Flower Shop 204 East Hwy 90 A 77406

James Gee Construction Inc Absolute Energy Raters 20907 Auburn Trace Ct 77450 Thomas Roy (+) All--World Travel 1027 Alexandra St 77477 Ludwig Delores (+) Ez Honey Do Kitchens 14106 Bay Gardens 77498 Arnold Bill Arm-Ed Academy 16831 Rippling Mill Dr 77498 Pryor Quida Friends Of The Disabled 5010 Riverstone Crossing 77479 Jaliawala Abdul Aziz Texas City Amusement 810 Fm 1092 Abernathy Donald Myherowhoswho.Com 6600 Fm 359 S 77441 Benge Margo Thewill2work 2722 N Doral Dr 77459 Gonzalez Alfredo V Jansac Trucking 9803 Penton Dr 77498 Brown Jimmy Evolution Kids Emporium 9022 Avebury Stone 77459

Labrot Ronald O Lcfd Richmond Flower Shop 204 East Hwy 90A 77406

Berry Garland Garland Berry Contracting 12211 Newbrook Dr 77072

Ammer Rudolph C The Oughtness Group (+) 1807 Breezy Bend Ste 100 77494

Atanu Andrew First-Class Medical Services 17806 Scenic Oaks 77407

DBA (Assumed Names)

Data Beat (+) = More Names

Thomas Kenneth Hour Of Power Christian Church County Rd 353 77422

Fh Group Llc Saine Ameerah Hernandez & Fernandez Dream Weaver Events 1400 Broadfield Suite 200 77084 2735 Lake Villa Dr 77459

Stewart Autumn Jus’ Stylz 67 Big Trail 77459

Perez Frank Albert Academic Solutions Of Texas 21015 Blue Topaz Dr 77406

Merlos Maria Esther D J Amesy Entretainment 310 Morton St Suite 392 77469

Hurd Princess M A Divine Solution 3107 Wellspring Lakes Dr 77441

Peter Banerji (+) Chettinadd Indian Cuisine 2127 Hwy 90A 77489

Carter Sterling L Carter Family Reunion 2011 14506 Griffin Willow Rd 77689

Asadifar Majid Mike’s Wholesale 5119 Pineridge Dr 77479

Allison Annette Louise Ali Brazil Aa Bookkeeping Services Extensions Rock Hair Supply 7210 Autumn Bluff Lane 77407 14402 West Bellfort #426 77498

Almendarez Brenda Underground Clippers Barbershop 2123 Quail Place Dr 77489

Santana Denise (+) The Good Shepherd Children’s Center (+) 4127 Scott Circle 77471

Hamilton Lexa (+) Omgosh!! 22710 Fossil Creek Circle 77450

Dathorne Patrick (+) All World Visas And Passports Services 1807 Turtle Creek Dr 77459

Jay Parmatma Llc Motel 6 27927 S W Freeway 77471

Blackwell Marva The Blackwell Properties Group (+) 21814 Canyon Peak Ln 77450 Pena Leonardo G Leo’s Welding & Disigns 19704A 1093 77407 Cooper Constance Cnc Tax & Financial Service 6710 Stiller Dr 77489 Paez Grace A Better Deal Bail Bonds 1200 West St 77471 Carreon Luz Elena G M Chevron 11836 Hwy 6 South 77498

Ali Brazil Delicious Curves 14402 West Bellfort #426 77498 Flaniken Bruce L Hvac Design 21018 Ripford Court 77406 Hernandez Cynthia V Sweet Deals Diabetes Supplies By Mail 8414 Quailcrest Dr 77489 Mcfarland James J Mac’s Value Store 2619 Falling Forest Court 77406 Uba Nathaniel Delight Auto 14514 Smith Bridge Ln 77498

Delgado Marlene Mdx 8338 Sandy Glen Ln 77071

Staley Shannon Off Cinco 4710 Deermeadow Falls Lane 77494

Sucker Free Llc The G 6 Group (+) 2639 Sable Ridge Ln 77494

Evans Chris W (+) 1 Extra Dollar.Com 503 Mckeever Rd Suite 1514 77583

Benes Joseph B Joseph B. Benes & Associates 19855 Southwest Freeway #130 77479 Parker Rene Roping Rodeo 606 Fawnwood Dr 77489 Hamilton Bridgett Ardyss System 2722 Youpon Glen Way 77545 Davis Nastocia Beau Ideal Imaging 6566 Sutton Meadows Dr 77086 Allwood Terence God First Then Money Entertainment P O Box 1368 77489 Rutledge Daniel Byron See Dans Pics 1613 Forest Fern Ct 77479

Rowe Eddie Jr Eli Security 2406 Ashmont Dr 77489 Suzanne Sansom Insurance Services Inc Suzanne Sansom Insurance Services Inc 3522 S Mason Ste 260 77450 Sanford Charles A Snowberry Retreat 2150 Town Square Place Suite 310 77479 B&Y Consulting Group B&Y Consulting Group 3007 Cotter Lake Cir 77459 Ee&I Services Lp Eagle Engineering & Inspections 3102 River Ranch South 77471 Benton Properties Management Benton Management 14905 Southwest Freeway 77478

Meza Tony (+) Meza Mechanical Inc. Air Conditioning & Heating 10307 Dell Court 77459 Fred’s Towing Service Freddie Altamirano 1103 Kroesche Rd 77471

Martinez Jacqueline Scribbles Bakery 1931 Lake Arrowhead Dr 77406 Stubbs Charles Movers R Us, Inc P O Box 663 77545 Nunez Robert C Jr (+) Bobby Jr. Enterprise 5122 Lyndhurst 77033

Wing Misty (+) The Wildwest Ranch And Grill (+) Coronel Santos M 7889 Se I 10 Frontage Rd 77474 Coronel Architecture Plus 14918 Stonelick Bridge Ln 77498 Sueing Anthony Sueing’s Lawn And Furniture Goldman James 3007 Shady Ridge Trail 77478 J - Go Design 2005 S Mason Rd 77450 Provost Solutions Llc T.I.P.S.S. The One Stop Silva-Garcia Jesus S Consulting Shop Jyl Landscaping 25618 Corey Cove Lane 77494 1720 Fm 1640 Apt 711 77406

Lopez Lilia P L & J Home Remodeling 1229 Ave I #4 77471 Nieto David D & C Transport 1204 S Hwy 281 78355 Hamilton Samuel Integrity Tax Relief P O Box 1886 77497 Nguyen Son Sn Photography 14803 Horse Creek Ln 77498 Jackson Marvin L Ii Marvelous Records 2931 Cherry Hills Drive 77459 Gutierrez Richard The Kings Five (+) 3202 Pine 77430 Tabor Melissa Swppp Manager 7153 Chasewood Dr 77489 Oberhoff Robert Digitalrao Solutions 815 Brooks Avenue 77471

Mejia-Pedraza Francisco J Mejia Mobile Mechanic 4615 Ray Allen Rd 77469

Patel Kuntal Mk Technologies 5706 Pearl Pass Ct 77479

Caldwell Douglas Electriccity.Com 5839 Baldwin Elm 77407

Williams Corey A W.S. Saints 16509 Boss Gaston 77498

Reed Carol Eyes Wide Open Management 818 Kings Forest Ln 77469

Gill-Roberson Carolyn (+) Pure Tax Service 1826 Grove Court Dr 77489

Williams Corey A West Side Saints 16509 Boss Gaston 77498

Narinesingh Sylvia Cp Integrations 6919 Brockington Dr 77494

Jafrani Hashim Memorial Dialysis Center 1006 Mocking Bird Way 77478

Rajabali Raheel R Cubed Web Solutions 1127 Ashford Pt 77478

Hopkins Rex Prompt Foreclosure Cleaning Service 3115 Pennywell Ln 77494

Paul Kurian Paul’s Handy Works 3031 Red Stag Pass 77459

Ezeani Victoria Jovic Fashionsmile Accessories 2818 Dove Country Dr 77477

Whitfield-Williams Sinceria Cute As A Button Hair Salon 8449 West Belfort Ste 138 77036

Sinisterra Katherine Venom Styles 414 Brooks Street 77478 Pettway Dona’ Dj Crashhh 1806 Creighton Drive 77489

Stearnes Rudolph Iii The Timeless Group (+) 3375 Westpark #421 77005 Fabbro Michael Fabbro Services 22155 Wildwood Park Dr #611 77469

February 2011 • Fort Bend Business Journal

Data Beat

January 2011 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

2009 Payments To Date

2008 Payments Change

Percent

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

22,314.71 4,618.80 33,229.43 1,104.06 71,120.46 449,782.78 27,718.47 2,665.19 5,237.48 294,594.05 847,060.59 5,771.57 1,035,164.99 2,965,139.84 0.00

23,853.00 5,132.02 26,085.65 1,046.20 72,885.96 436,990.27 22,868.32 3,600.30 5,859.93 320,735.46 772,716.59 4,020.47 829,773.59 2,806,617.31 1,079.82

-6.44% -10.00% 27.38% 5.53% -2.42% 2.92% 21.20% -25.97% -10.62% -8.15% 9.62% 43.55% 24.75% 5.64% -100.00%

22,314.71 4,618.80 33,229.43 1,104.06 71,120.46 449,782.78 27,718.47 2,665.19 5,237.48 294,594.05 847,060.59 5,771.57 1,035,164.99 2,965,139.84 0.00

23,853.00 5,132.02 26,085.65 1,046.20 72,885.96 436,990.27 22,868.32 3,600.30 5,859.93 320,735.46 772,716.59 4,020.47 829,773.59 2,806,617.31 1,079.82

-6.44% -10.00% 27.38% 5.53% -2.42% 2.92% 21.20% -25.97% -10.62% -8.15% 9.62% 43.55% 24.75% 5.64% -100.00%

COUNTY TOTAL 5,765,522.42

5,333,264.89

8.10%

5,765,522.42

5,333,264.89

8.10%

Top 20 City Sales and Use Tax Comparison Summary - January 2011 Please note that Sugar Land is 17th in sales tax revenues in the state. City

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

Net Payment This Period

Comp Payment Prior Year

% Change To Date

2009 Payments To Date

38,396,638.76 15,797,412.10 15,414,531.77 11,005,738.85 7,559,574.75 6,104,470.78 5,544,143.78 4,893,155.88 4,529,498.49 4,498,098.62 4,496,430.46 4,369,144.24 3,861,235.67 3,296,153.64 3,141,611.70 3,127,975.33 2,965,139.84 2,754,916.24 2,710,337.24 2,613,188.66

33,942,102.89 14,759,355.91 14,547,233.15 9,726,393.34 7,215,285.22 5,597,630.43 5,203,363.03 4,090,215.08 5,299,602.60 4,077,157.82 4,020,475.36 4,733,228.24 3,695,002.57 2,421,848.57 2,875,128.40 2,889,644.25 2,806,617.31 2,364,321.71 2,478,780.52 2,285,639.25

13.12% 7.03% 5.96% 13.15% 4.77% 9.05% 6.54% 19.63% -14.53% 10.32% 11.83% -7.69% 4.49% 36.10% 9.26% 8.24% 5.64% 16.52% 9.34% 14.33%

Fort Bend Business Journal â&#x20AC;˘ February 2011

2008 Payments Change

Percent

13.12% 7.03% 5.96% 13.15% 4.77% 9.05% 6.54% 19.63% -14.53% 10.32% 11.83% -7.69% 4.49% 36.10% 9.26% 8.24% 5.64% 16.52% 9.34% 14.33%

Data Beat

Commercial Building Permits

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

TYPE OF PERMIT

VALUE

MISSOURI CITY 1613 Independence Blvd. 6414 Hwy 6 1100 FM 1092 C 3281 Rocky Creek Dr 500 2127 Hwy 90A

Commercial New Commercial New Commercial Lease Space New Commercial Lease Alteration Commercial Alteration

Grand Total Valuation (Commercial & Residential)

12/01/10-12/31/10

ROSENBERG 2339 Hwy 36 2017 Mulcahy St.

Commercial Alteration Commercial Alteration

$18,950 $61,200

Grand Total Valuation (Commercial & Residential)

12/01/10-12/31/10

$84,512

STAFFORD 12201 Southwest Frwy 13843 North Promenade 450 12161 Southwest Freeway 11151 Cash Rd 10323 Greenland Ct 10635 Brighton Ln 12613 Executive Dr 12603 Executive Dr 220 FM1092 4403 Greenbriar Dr 12550 Jebbia Ln 3535 South Main 12315 Parc Crest Dr 100 1316 Staffordshire Dr 10101 Stafford Centre Dr B 11210 West Airport Blvd 12955 Stafford Rd 12650 Directors Dr 400 12371 South Kirkwood Dr 12790 South Kirkwood Dr 13802 Murphy Rd 1316 Staffordshire Dr 4000 Greenbriar 609 Dulles Ave 900 13843 North Promenade 1000 13843 North Promenade 500 10505 Fountaingate Dr 12670 Jebbia Ln 11833 Southwest Frwy

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

$527,000 $251,660 $500,000 $775,000 $180,000 $114,000 $161,550 $254,400 $285,000 $725,000 $560,000 $1,150,000 $238,682 $1,460,655 $208,500 $407,431 $125,000 $1,000,000 $300,000 $350,000 $100,000 $340,000 $300,000 $200,000 $160,000 $280,000 $350,000 $300,000 $125,000

Grand Total Valuation (Commercial & Residential)

12/01/10-12/31/10

$13,208,826

SUGAR LAND 4435 Greystone Way 3 Sugar Creek Center blvd Ste 400 9722 US Hwy 90A 927 Julie Rivers Dr 16770 Southwest Fwy 16510 Southwest Fwy 16019 City Walk

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

$674,280 $592,928 $1,805,000 $566,832 $833,612 $125,000 $143,802

Grand Total Valuation (Commercial & Residential)

12/01/10-12/31/10

$11,477,524

$900,000 $800,000 $15,300 $128,000 $10,000

OWNER/CONTRACTOR Sun Builders Missouri City 6 LP/Harco Services Inc. Baxi LLC/Warrior Electric Inc. The Office at Rocky Creek LTD/Asset Capital Builders Eng Richard M Tree/Maxx Builders

$7,750,452 Home Bldg & Lumber Co./Jodarski Construction Wolverine Property/Cantu Construction Company

Texas Instruments Cobalt Avera Freeport/Multi-Band/Angler Construction Chick-Fil-A/Landmark General Contractors Parker Hannafin/Angler Construction Teledyne Geophysical Instrucments Interior Remodel Maxim Silencers, Inc/Hilco Metal Roofing Supply CB Richard Ellis Facilities Management/Baro Companies/Empire Roofing Companies DCT Tx 2004 RN Portofolio LLP/Empire roofing Companies Ashcraft/European Bakery/StarTex Construction Dynamic Voice Data Inc/LS&A Constructors Int’l Buddhist Progress Society/B. Bell Builders Zoya Enterprise/Marlin Commercial Contractors Maintenance Supply Headquarters/Arch Con Corporation National Coupling/Herring Construction Company TAEP Stafford LP///CPAP/Brix Projects Wal Mart/John J. Campbell Co. Inc International Bible Church/Almanza Cement Works Hexion Chemicals/Labratory Mechanical MedCare Professional Group/Arch-Con Corporation GHRA Inc/Axis Development LLC Fort Bend Mechanical/Fort Bend Mechanical Ltd National Coupling/Herring Construction Company I/.D.I. Corporation/Jordan Paving Corporation Godfather’s Pizza/Maya Construction Cobalt Avera Freeport, LLC FS Compression/Cobalt Avera Freeport/Avera Capital Partners MSF Electic/Resico LLC Texas Textile/MRE Builders Houston Garden Center/MMK & S Ltd/Scohil Construction Services

First Colony Community Service/Industrial TX Corp American national Insurance Co/Gilbane Building Company Nguyen Family Partnership, Ltd/JTK Construction Inc August Companies Sugar Land Properties, Inc/Landmark General Contractor Inland Western Sugar Land Colo/FI Companies Town Center Lakeside Ltd/Skyline general Contracting

February 2011 • Fort Bend Business Journal

NEWSWORTHY Planned Community Developers welcomes marketing and event manager

Child Advocates of Fort Bend announces Magic Carpet Gala Child Advocates of Fort Bend (CAFB) invites you to join them for a Magic Carpet Ride on April 2, 2011 at Safari Texas Ranch. Presented by Sysco Corporation, Exchange Club of Sugar Land and the Indo-American Forum of Fort Bend, the evening promises to be glamorous and exotic while helping children whose lives have been torn apart by abuse and neglect. Sponsorship opportunities are now available and range from $1,500 to $8,500. If you are interested in becoming a sponsor, donating an auction item or attending the event, please call 281344-5106 or visit www.cafb.org for more details. Child Advocates of Fort Bend serves children in Fort Bend County whose lives have been torn –more- apart by abuse or neglect through its Court Appointed Special Advocates Program and Children’s Advocacy Center. With a force of more than 200 trained community volunteer advocates, Child Advocates touches the lives of more than 400 children each

Getting into the theme of it are (L to R): Harish Jajoo, Chair of Indo-American Forum of Fort Bend, Amy Mitchell, President of Exchange Club of Sugar Land, Child Advocates of Fort Bend Executive Director Ruthanne Mefford, and Al Gaylor, Vice President Industry Relations and Diversity of Sysco.

month. If you are interested in becoming a Court Appointed Special Advocate or Children’s Advocacy Center Volunteer, your chance is just around the corner. Volunteer Training begins January 31. For more information contact Volunteer Services at 281-344-5171 or go to www. cafb.org.

County communication center opens for business The Fort Bend County Sheriff ’s Office held an open house and grand opening on January 11 to showcase the new Emergency Communications Center. The $4 million Emergency Communications Center houses 15 Call Taker stations, 12 Radio stations, and a training room. A portion of the renovation was paid with grant funds through the Department of Homeland Security and administered by the Texas Terrorism Task Force which were used to upgrade the radio equipment. The new center is state of the art and the Sheriff ’s Office is proud to offer it’s services to the citizens of Fort Bend County. During the open house, other vendors and organizations that attended

included Greater Houston 911, Verint Technologies, Fisk, Turner Construction, and Motorola. Tours of the facility were given.

Fort Bend Business Journal • February 2011

Planned Community Developers, Ltd. (PCD) announces the addition of Shana Sonnier as Marketing and Event Manager for Sugar Land Town Square, the 32-acre lifestyle develop- Shana Sonnier ment located at the intersection of Highway 59 and State Highway 6. Sonnier’s new role will encompass producing events that make Sugar Land Town Square a destination location and contribute to the sense of community found in Sugar Land. By working with community partners, Sonnier will be able to bring exciting activities that represent the diversity and generosity of the community to the Plaza of Town Square. “We are excited to have Shana join our team and bring a new level of event programming to the Plaza,” said Sugar Land Town Square’s Executive Director Wende Buckley. “In listening to feedback this past year from the community, we believe the 2011 event program will continue with a blend of our most popular events and incorporate some exciting new programs such as farmer’s markets, Opry on the Square and a junior edition of Sugar Land Superstar. Shana’s experience and enthusiasm will be instrumental in both producing events and spreading the news about all of the great things happening in Town Square.” Sonnier’s previous experience includes 16 years as a marketing and promotions director in the radio industry where she created, produced and managed events of all sizes. She was also responsible for the successful marketing of radio programming features including contests, station ID’s and listener building promotions. “Working with Sugar Land Town Square is an excellent opportunity to marry my event marketing and production skills with my love of bringing people together,” said Sonnier.

Submit Newsworthy items to sharon@fortbendstar.com

House Appropriations Committee recommends closing Central Prison Unit The Texas House Appropriations Committee has introduced its suggested budget for the upcoming legislative session. As a result of Rep. Charlie Howard’s continued efforts, the committee has included a budget recommendation to close the central prison unit in Fort Bend County. “This budget recommendation is a win-win for all Texans. It will help assist in balancing our state budget, while at the same time creating economic opportunity for the Rep. Charlie Howard great people of District 26,” stated Rep. Howard. “If passed, this will provide additional business and industrial property for development which will bring more jobs and economic growth to Fort Bend County.” Last March, the Texas General Land Office estimated the 325-plus acres that the prison occupies are worth more than $33 million. The prison also sits on land that is zoned, in part, for the expansion of the Sugar Land Regional Airport. As development continues to expand toward the land area of the prison, and our state faces a multi-billion dollar shortfall, it is both economically practical as well as governmentally efficient to move the operations of the prison elsewhere. “This is an issue that I have been passionately working on with the city of Sugar Land for quite some time,” said Rep. Howard. “It is in the best interest of our state and my district to close the central prison unit and transfer its’ operations to another location. I am pleased to see our state’s leaders address this important matter.”

New H.E.B. coming to Sugar Land Store to be built at the Crossing at Telfair By Elsa Maxey The Crossing at Telfair, a retail center under development in Sugar Land, will have a new H.E.B. in the area of State Highway 6 and U.S. 90A, where the Hilton Garden Inn is located, next to the Telfair subdivision. The retail center which currently includes the 200- room Hilton Garden Inn, is planned to have a future office building and bank, a Mediterranean restaurant by the name of Fadi’s Mediterranean Grill currently under construction, and a medical office building at that site. Representing the first grocery-anchored retail development in Telfair, the H.E.B., according to developers, is expected to better serve the community in addition to offering greater convenience with retail shopping and family-centered amenities. Announcements indicate that the H.E.B. store is scheduled to open in Au-

gust and will be about the same size as the Sienna H.E.B. in Missouri City. Recently, a little over 15 acres were sold to San Antonio-based grocery chain, H.E.B., by a local area commercial real estate company which originally bought the land from Newland Communities, the developer of Telfair. In addition to the land sold to H.E.B. for the new store, the real estate group is reported to have also purchased acreage from Newland planned for development this year. As announced, about 100 acres have been designated for another hotel, a boutique hotel. Also planned is an 800-seat performing arts theater and an entertainment complex with a 38-lane bowling alley and laser tag facility. Construction is expected to begin this summer for opening the following year. In the same vicinity, the new minor league baseball stadium across the way on the opposite corner of US 90 and State Highway 6 will soon begin construction.

December sales tax revenue up for seven cities in Fort Bend County By Elsa Maxey The State Comptroller’s Office announce its latest state sales tax revenues for December and seven cities in Fort Bend County show an increase over the same period last year. Fulshear, Missouri City, Needville, Rosenberg, Simonton, Stafford and Sugar Land all show increases. State Comptroller Susan Combs said that in Texas, the state sales tax revenue in December was $1.81 billion, up 9.4 percent compared to December 2009. “This marks the ninth consecutive month of year-over-year improvement in sales tax revenues, with increases posted

across the board,” Combs said about their latest accounts statewide. “There were increases in the oil and natural gas and manufacturing sectors reflecting recovering business spending,” she said. Combs also reports that sales tax in the retail trade and restaurant sectors were also up. December state sales tax collections and January allocations to local governments represent sales that occurred in November. For neighboring Houston, the State Comptroller’s Office shows a 13.13 percent increase in sales tax rebates over last year. See graph on page 29 - Data Beat

February 2011 • Fort Bend Business Journal

NAMES IN THE NEWS Derek Finley earns Certified Financial Planner designation J. Derek Finley completed the requirements and is now a Certified Financial Planner, as designated by the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc. The CFP® designation is one of the most difficult certifications financial planners can earn, and denotes such planners as having achieved the highest levels of education and fiduciary responsibility. WJ Interests president Bill Jameson was certified in 1999; chief invest-

Hydro Resources coming to Sugar Land Town Square A new business is moving to the newest Class A office building in Sugar Land Town Square: Hydro Resources Holdings, Inc. “We welcome Hydro Resources into Town Don Janssen Square,” said Don Janssen, senior vice president of PCD. “We are very proud of this most-recently completed office building and hope new tenants will feel at home in our development, where we strive to provide a well-rounded officing experience complete with Class A amenities and topnotch dining and shopping within walking distance.” Hydro Resources Holdings, Inc. is a special application drilling contractor. The Town Square location will serve as corporate headquarters for Hydro Resources, which serves the groundwater, geothermal and environmental industries throughout the western United States. “The atmosphere, location and office amenities of the Sugar Land Town Square development made it an ideal choice for our new office,” said Hydro Resources President Alton Cherry. Located at 2245 Texas Drive, Suite 250, Hydro Resources will occupy 6,933 square feet of office space and is scheduled to open in May 2011.

ment officer Jared Jameson earned his certification in 2000. “Derek has worked hard during the past three years to meet the stringent requirements of this designation,” J. Derek Finley said Jared Jameson. Finley joined WJ Interests in December 2007 and is the first associate to be added since the company was founded in 1996. He is a 2007 graduate of the financial planning program at Texas Tech University, one of the few financial planning college programs in the country.

CFP® professionals must develop their theoretical and practical financial planning knowledge by completing a comprehensive course of study at a college or university offering a financial planning curriculum approved by CFP Board. They then must pass a comprehensive two-day, 10-hour CFP® certification examination that tests their ability to apply financial planning knowledge in an integrated format. Based on regular research of what planners do, the exam covers the financial planning process, tax planning, employee benefits and retirement planning, estate planning, investment management and insurance.

Villarreal appointed to Texas Economic Development Corporation Gov. Rick Perry has appointed Macedonio ‘Massey’ Villarreal of Sugar Land to the Texas Economic Development Corporation for a term to expire at the pleasure of the governor. The corporation supports programs and activities of the Governor’s Division of Economic Development and Tourism, including TexasOne, which markets Texas competitively and dynamically to businesses outside the state’s borders.

Villarreal is president and CEO of Precision Task Group. He is chair emeritus of the Houston Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, and a board member of the Greater Macedonio Villarreal Houston Partnership and Houston Community College Foundation. Villarreal received a bachelor’s degree from Texas A&M University at Corpus Christi.

Congressman Al Green chosen for leadership position in the Democratic caucus He will be an Assistant Whip in the 112th Congress The Democratic Whip Steny Hoyer has selected Congressman Al Green (TX-09) to be an Assistant Whip for the Democratic Caucus during the 112th Congress. With this appointment, Congressman Green becomes a member of the House Democratic leadership. “I am pleased to appoint Rep. Al Green as an Assistant Whip for the 112th Congress. He has already proven himself to be a leader among our Caucus, and I look forward to working with him to promote Democratic priorities of job creation and strengthening

Fort Bend Business Journal • February 2011

the middle class,” noted Democratic Whip Hoyer in a statement. “It is an honor for me to have been chosen to serve as an Assistant Whip. I will work hard to ensure unity Rep. Al Green within the Democratic Caucus and continue to support legislation that focuses on effectively helping all Americans during this time of economic recovery,” said Congressman Al Green.

ROCK SOLID Independent free papers bring buyers and sellers together with more audited circulation than your daily. During these times, it is more important to make the right advertising choice. We’re it. We can help your business.

Independent Free Papers of America

4655 Techniplex Dr., Suite 300, Stafford TX 77477 • Tel: 281-690-4200 February 2011 • Fort Bend Business Journal

Senior Living is a full scope concept at

Plantation at Quail Valley

Enhancing the lives of Seniors 55 and better

a friend, designed for TV, coffee with This is a multi- functional room g. doin are y Terr ty ll and Bet or just visiting as Ann Campbe

eniors looking for an affordable luxurious apartment home will find an ideal choice with Plantation in Quail Valley, an active senior-living community in Missouri City for those 55 years and better. Residents will welcome a lovely gated community with state- of- the-art amenities, beautiful sparkling pool and spa, fitness center, computer room, numerous social activities, catered lunches, housekeeping, free transportation, and planned trips. Bingo, bridge, Bible study, craft classes, health seminars, “Sit and Be Fit” classes, aerobic classes, “Wednesday Lunch On Us”, game night, pool tournaments, Friday Wii games and “Saturday at the Movies” are among the many activities and planned events that keep the residents quite active. Residents can also relax on their private balconies, or patios that over look the beautiful court yards. Or take a leisurely stroll through the community, and take in the peaceful surroundings, or join in some of the many fun activities. The planned trips to casinos,

Fort Bend Business Journal • February 2011

museums, wineries, theater, sports events, pot-luck suppers, Hawaiian luaus, birthday bashes and numerous monthly parties are offered to keep a fun pace everyone can enjoy. The residents also partake in monthly community projects that allow them to give back to the community. They have yearly food drives and clothing drives for the needy. They also adopt needy families during the holidays to make sure they all have gifts and food for each family. They can also collect school supplies and uniforms for the students at local schools that can not afford them. “Giving back to our community makes our residents feel that they are doing their part to enrich the community and lives of others,” said Community Director Cynthia Fitchett. “Our residents are truly an asset to Plantation and the community, and they give back so much and always with a warm caring smile. We are truly like a family at Plantation.” As many of the residents often mention, they are “here to stay.” With large spacious floor plans with walk in closets, individual

A bridge game in progress with Ben Schrader watching the play of Clyde Alton, Marjorie Alton, Marie Stephenson, and Sammie Kaye Stewart.

Pool is a favorite. Earl Snyder shows the onlookers, Betty Snyder and Leah Jennings, how it’s done

Exercising is always popular as demonstrated by Wanda Lindamood on the bike and Dorothy Pigman on the treadmill.

The beautiful, relaxing pool area is a welcome area when the weather is warm and dry!

washer and dryers, full size appliances, mini blinds, ceiling fans, security alarms, garages and storage units and 24- hour emergency maintenance Plantation offers seniors homes that are stylish, safe, bright and attractive. Plantation at Quail Valley also offers several options to seniors that can be customized for each individual: The offer of all bills paid and meal plan options that cater to any need the residents may have are among them. Located in the heart of Missouri City and voted one of the Best Places to Live, Plantation at Quail Valley has the best of both worlds. It is conveniently located to shopping centers, banks, grocery stores, post offices, churches, and the Quail Valley Golf Course, but yet tucked away in a quiet residential neighborhood. One and two bedroom apartments with a luxurious lifestyle and much, much more are available for prices starting at $965.00 - $1592.00. Come home to a lovely gated community in Missouri City, where all of amenities you deserve are at your finger tips. Let the professional and dedicated staff help you enjoy the “finer things in life” at the Plantation at Quail Valley. For more information visit us at www.plantationqv.com, or call (281) 208-4470 to set up a tour.

The library / computer room in use with Terrie Green on the computer while Frances Howard and Doris Shatynski look for new books.

The VAN! Used for field trips, errands, and any time transportation is needed February 2011 • Fort Bend Business Journal

FBSO in tune with Fort Bend County By Nancy Mills & Vicki Thomson

t’s just after 2 p.m. on Sunday when Dr. Hector Agüero magically lifts his baton. A gentle hush fills the Stafford Centre as 52 musicians from all walks of life prepare to captivate a sold-out audience. The Fort Bend Symphony Orchestra, now in its 19th season, continues to expand its fan base, particularly after it began performing regularly at the Stafford Centre in 2007. Since Agüero’s arrival in 2008, ticket sales have risen another 56 percent. Delivering five season performances and additional free concerts requires a significant time commitment from FBSO’s volunteer musicians. Weekly rehearsals plus two dress rehearsals precede each concert. Practicing at home is a given. Especially impressive is that most musicians hold demanding full-time jobs in industries such as oil and gas, retail, education and healthcare. Others juggle hectic schedules as homemakers and students. Yet, they find time to practice and genuinely look forward to playing together.

Since Dr. Hector Agüero became FBSO’s music director in 2008, the orchestra has increased the quality of its musical performances and expanded its repertoire to include more recognizable musical selections.

Photo by Coleman Locke and Becky Walker

Fort Bend Symphony Orchestra members Henry Watts, Bethany Hildebrandt, Liesl Schindler, Matt Tolman and Jami Thomson prepare for an Italian musical festa as they join fellow FBSO musicians to present Viva Italia! on Sunday, Feb. 20 at 2 p.m. at the Stafford Centre. Tickets are available at www.fbso.org or by calling 281.276.9642.

“FBSO members are passionate, committed musicians who perform because we love music,” said principal flutist Donna Fletcher, a music specialist at Velasquez Elementary in Richmond. “I think of it as my therapy and a way to relax from a busy schedule,” said Sharon Hresko, an 18-year member who serves as principal violist in addition to her management role at Shell Oil where she ensures delivery of IT services. Like many others in the orchestra, Hresko has played her instrument since childhood and performed in high school, college and community performing arts groups. A significant number of FBSO musicians hold honors such as All-State band and orchestra members and concerto competition and musical festival winners. Some have participated in international touring groups. Trombonist Lonny Yu played in the Texas A&M Trombone Choir and joined FBSO to continue her music after graduating in 2007. “It’s satisfying to have

Fort Bend Business Journal • February 2011

music in my life,” said the training/project manager for Tutti Frutti frozen yogurt and its parent company Wellspring, Inc. So intense is the commitment of FBSO musicians that some travel from Galveston and Wharton and schedule business trips and vacations around rehearsals and performances. Violinist Tofik Khanmamedov, Ph.D., owns a Sugar Land-based technology engineering company that licenses patented technologies to the oil, gas and petrochemical industries. He vividly remembers attending an evening rehearsal four hours after his plane landed from a European business trip. “In the second half of rehearsal, I was so sleepy I was falling out of my chair,” he laughingly said. “I feel a responsibility to the orchestra because when someone is missing, the balance of sound is not there.” The Russian-born chemical engineer believes music helps people overcome life’s difficulties. Drawing a parallel with the pressure released by an industrial relief valve, he says playing and listening

to music releases the pressures of life and makes people feel good. A host of helpers master countless roles to keep this 501(c)(3) organization running smoothly. Those working behind the scenes coordinate auditions, solicit financial gifts, staff the box office, promote concerts, answer phones and coordinate fundraisers among many other tasks. The cadre of volunteers is choreographed by seven-year FBSO board president and cellist Amy Floyd Billasch with help from eight other board members, most of which perform with the orchestra. “FBSO is completely supported by donations from the community, grants, fundraising events and ticket sales,” said Billasch, who is employed as national customer care manager for Lennar Corporation. “Our increased support makes me feel we’re doing things right.” The Fort Bend Symphony has an annual budget of about $50,000. Only about 30 percent of income is generated by ticket sales because FBSO focuses on providing affordable access to the arts. “It’s important to have arts organizations like FBSO in our community, as

it makes the arts more accessible to people who would otherwise be unable to attend due to transportation, cost or other factors,” Billasch added. Underwriting and sponsorship opportunities start at only $1,000 and include perks for donors. Most tickets for FBSO’s concerts at the 1,100-seat Stafford Centre are just $10 and $15 each. Discounts are available for seniors 55 and over, students, military with I.D and groups of 10 or more. Children 12 and under are free with a reserved ticket. In addition to affordability, FBSO patrons are attracted to the quality and mix of classical, contemporary and popular music. They also appreciate the Stafford Centre’s easy access that includes abundant free parking.

“My wife and I won FBSO tickets and were impressed by the quality and variety of music,” said Ben Carter, retired vice president of Woodforest Bank, who serves on FBSO’s Citizen’s Advisory Committee. “If you live in Fort Bend County and like concert music, you don’t have to drive into Houston. FBSO provides a quality orchestra right here.” Even with its growing success, FBSO is always on the lookout for fresh talent and opportunities to play for the community. This year’s plans include the annual statewide concerto competition that enables young artists to perform with FBSO. The orchestra also plans to continue its appearances with celebrity musicians. Since 2008, FBSO has performed with such legends as rock band Kansas, Ray Price, B. J. Thomas and Christopher Cross.

Remaining FBSO Concerts 2010-11 Season Sunday, Feb. 20

2 p.m

Viva Italia!

Stafford Centre

Saturday, Mar. 26

7:30 p.m.

Mozart’s Requiem

St. Peters United Methodist, Katy

Sunday, May 22

2 p.m.

Night at the Movies

Stafford Centre

orthopedic pain

should never be a way of life.

Dr. Christopher Smith is a leader in adult and pediatric orthopedics. Let him help you begin to live pain free. Do you have orthopedic issues related to joint pain, carpal tunnel or a nagging sports injury? As one of the leading, board certified orthopedic surgeons in Texas, Dr. Smith specializes in orthopedic conditions for both children and adults. His experience and use of state-of-the-art technology allow for quicker recovery times. Let Dr. Smith give you or your child the tailored treatment you need to live free of orthopedic pain. From total joint replacement and difficult fractures to high-impact sports injuries, Dr. Smith provides leading orthopedic care right here in Fort Bend County. Call 281-494-MOST (6678) for a personal appointment today.

L E A D I N G M E D I C I N E SM 1201 Brooks Street • Sugar Land, Texas 77478 281-494-MOST • MethodistOST.com 10MSLH104_Smith ad_7.5x4.75.indd 1

4/6/10 5:15:50 PM February 2011 • Fort Bend Business Journal

Appetites up for Men Who Cook

he Lamar Educational Awards Foundation urges everyone to strictly observe their New Year’s pledge to eat less. Save that hunger for “Men Who Cook, 2011” presented this year by Dr. Michael Amaro. Men Who Cook will feature the culinary treats of 55 “celebrity” cooks, along with dancing and auctions. The event will be held February 19 at 6:30 p.m. in the Texas Ballroom at Safari Texas Ranch. Jeff Council will be the auctioneer for the evening and the Billie Ledbetter Orchestra will provide the evening’s musical entertainment. Texas Radio Hall-ofFamer Rowdy Yates serves as the MC.

Front row L-R Chip Sutton, Lamar Meadows, Kenny Kucherka, Joe and Doris Gurecky; Back Row L-R Karen Chitty-Boe, Courtney Diepraam, Richard Hunton, Tom Shirley, Lonnie Meadows, Scot Hartfiel, Andy Sanford; Front - Shirley Kocich and Carolyn Banfield.

THE Solution for more affordable Business Insurance! What you do today, determines your future We can help...

281-565-2222 Jay Harris President

www.instx.com

Fort Bend Business Journal • February 2011

INSURER

Proceeds from the evening are used to support the creative ideas and classroom projects by Lamar CISD teachers that would otherwise go unfunded. L.E.A.F. also offers scholarship to graduating Lamar CISD students and to paraprofessionals working on their teaching certificates. In 10 years of existence, LE.A.F. has invested more than $1.25 million into LCISD schools. Sponsors supporting L.E.A.F. at the Silver level include Aetna, Automated Logic-Houston, Bank of America Merrill Lynch, Bill and Sandra Billingsley, Consolidated Home Health, Consolidated Property Advisors, Fluor, Gurecky Manufacturing Service, Jackie Leaman, Lee and Jan Leaman, Linebarger Goggan Blair & Sampson, Nalco, Neil and Carolyn Banfield, PBK Architects, RiverPark West, Trina and Andy Sanford, UnitedHealthcare and Universal Corrosion Specialist. Bronze level sponsors are Amegy Bank, Bonbrook Plantation, Cross Creek Ranch, Drymalla, First Southwest Company, Fulbrook, Gilbane, IDC Inc., Imperial Sugar, Kathy and Lonnie Meadows/Lamar and Dana Meadows/NewFirst Insurors, Lee Mahlmann, D.D.S. and Long Meadow Farms. Also, McGriff, Seibels & Williams of Texas, Memorial Hermann – Sugar Land, Methodist Sugar Land Hospital, NewFirst National Bank, Null Lairson, Paul and Janice Knight, Perdue Brandon Fielder Collins & Motts, Safari Texas, SouthWest Water Company, The Hunton Group, The Sweet Tooth Shoppe, Thompson & Horton, Vinson & Elkins, VLK Architects and WCJC/UofH SugarLand. Tickets for the gala are $60. For more information regarding L.E.A.F. or to purchase tickets, contact Janice Knight at 832-223-0334.

UTHealth seeks community input on proposed blood transfusion study

issouri City resident Jeanette Podbielski has been named project manager by a group of researchers at The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth) who are seeking community input for a proposed study comparing different types of approved blood products for severely injured patients. The purpose of this study is to compare the use of whole blood with the use of blood products such as platelets, plasma and red blood cells for people who have been involved in a major trauma event. Bryan Cotton, M.D., associate professor of surgery at the UTHealth Medical School and the study’s principal investigator, would like to examine whether using units of whole blood for patients requiring multiple blood transfusions upon arrival to the Memorial Hermann-

Texas Medical Center Emergency Department could possibly decrease the amount of blood products needed in an emergency room setting. Also, Cotton said the proposed study Jeanette Podbielski could provide data to see if there is an improvement in patient outcomes. He is on the faculty of the UTHealth Center for Translational Injury Research. In the proposed study, participants would be followed for the first 24 hours they are in the hospital. Trauma physicians would enroll a patient if he or she is considered a “good candidate.” This study would require physicians to begin emergency treatment without first obtaining an informed consent from the patient or a legal representative and/or family member. All reasonable attempts would be made to contact a

family member to discuss this study and obtain permission for the patient to be in the study. Patients can withdraw from the data collection part of the study. Cotton and members of his research team are presenting the proposed project and fielding questions at a series of meetings with a variety of groups depicted as representatives of Houston, Harris County and surrounding cities and counties. A member of the Committee for the Protection of Human Subjects (CPHS) is also attending the meetings to assist in answering questions related to emergency consent. Upon completion of the community consultation meetings, Cotton’s team will report to the CPHS (the university’s institutional review board), which will determine whether the university will participate in this clinical trial. For information, contact Jeanette Podbielski at 713-500-6407.

Ribbon Cutting RediClinic - Katy Area

Katy Gaston offically opens

Members from the Katy Area Chamber of Commerce, RediClinic staff and Katy-area residents celebrated the grand opening of a new RediClinic, located at 25675 Nelson Way in Katy, with a ribbon cutting ceremony inside the H-E-B store at Pin Oak and I-10 on Tuesday, Jan. 4. The new RediClinic location is a part of a 20-clinic expansion across Texas, and is the second RediClinic in Katy (the Grand Parkway RediClinic is located at 6711 S. Fry Road). RediClinic, a leading operator of retail-based healthcare clinics, is open seven days a week with extended weekday hours, and no appointments are necessary. For more information about clinic locations, hours of operation, services and prices, visitwww.rediclinic.com.

Fort Bend Couynty officials along with, left to right, Brian Clark, James Caughorn, Peter Ring, Jeff Cannon, Commissioner Meyers; Judge Bob Hebert; Sterling Moore, Mark Dessens, Nathan King, Nathan Hatcher, and numerous Fort Bend County officials gathered January 13 to officially open Katy Gaston Road. The Katy Gaston Road project includes reconstruction of the existing roadway from Cinco Ranch Boulevard to FM 1093 into a four-lane roadway with a dividing median. The county closed the ditches and installed curbs and gutters. Fort Bend County Commissioner Andy Meyers stated, “The improvements to Katy Gaston Road will be a welcome relief to the ever-increasing traffic volume in this fastest growing area of Fort Bend County. The county strives to provide safe, adequate mobility for our residents while keeping tax increases below the rate of inflation by continuing to reduce the tax rate.”

February 2011 • Fort Bend Business Journal

Sweet Growth: Imperial Sugar CEO launches new product in company’s Sugar Land birthplace By Elsa Maxey

mperial Sugar Company CEO and President John Sheptor confidently says that the company’s newly created sweet alternative, steviacane (tm) “will change the way that consumers look at sweet things in home baking and home beverage needs.” At the recent announcement of the new product that Sheptor is credited for naming, he told guests of a Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce hosted event that this is “a momentous point in history.” After all, the product roll out was formally made public at the launching of Imperial Sugar Company’ s new future in of all places, Sugar Land, “the city’s birthplace of the company,” said the CEO. But that’s not the only reason the product launch represents a significant chapter for the sugar company. Under Sheptor’s lead, the company is heading full steam ahead with intentions of expanding its portfolio with additional sweeteners. Sheptor, who grew up in a small village of Lancaster, New Hampshire, with a population of 3,000, has been Chief Executive Officer and President of the sugar company since John Sheptor January 2008. He first served as its Chief Operating Officer and Executive Vice President before his ascent to the top job of the $1 billion revenue sugar producing company, whose market capital is $160 million. Since being at the helm of the sugar company for three years now, he said his primary focus has been developing and implementing new strategies. At the recent unveiling of the steviacane product,

Sheptor said that the company, which has over 600 employees, is embarking on one of those over the next two to three years. “We have been investing in a line of organic sweetener products under the Wholesome Sweeteners brand,” showing a 30 percent growth yearly over the last 10 years. The company’s leadership philosophy and function is to inspire its workforce as it follows the company’s development, he explains, and he also maintains that it is important to create an environment of passion for the services and products provided to customers for a win-win outcome. The latest new product of the corporate

Fort Bend Business Journal • February 2011

sugar producing giant represents a compounded combination of both sugar from pure cane sugar and pure stevia, related to the carnation family plant. “We invented steviacane in March 2010,” Sheptor said, noting that stevia alone has no calories, is approximately 300 times sweeter than sugar, and has no glycemic index, although by itself it has challenges. Alone, stevia only brings a sweet taste, but when this high intensity ingredient is combined with sugar, Sheptor said it is able to hold moisture and it browns. The new tastes-like-sugar steviacane, “is the only stevia product you can bake with,” and “there’s a secret to all this,” he said. As a

result of a crystallization process, “we have eliminated a bad aftertaste and produced a product that is twice as sweet.” With approximately one third of the calories of sugar, steviacane now complements Imperial Sugar Company’s line of sweeteners. “In the last 5 years we’ve seen a very strong interest globally for stevia as a sweetener,” Sheptor said. “What we have done with our partner, Pure Circle, the producer of the stevia extract, is to bring two natural sweeteners together in this product, steviacane, to give consumers the attributes of both products.” The new sugar product’s extract— stevia, which is fused with raw sugar, comes from the plant’s leaves, where the natural sugars lie. The plant was found in the South American country of Paraguay and Sheptor said that indigenous people there, who used the “sweet leaf” as chewing gum, have consumed it for centuries. Today, stevia is grown in 15 countries and Imperial Sugar partners with the largest stevia processor in the world. In the next few months, steviacane will be available throughout the U.S.,

even through Amazon.com. H.E. B., which is one of Imperial Sugar Company’s partners in Texas, placed it on its shelves in November along with the company’s other new products. The Imperial Sugar Company is found on Facebook, where a free sample of steviacane may be requested by going to the company’s page. “Use it every way that you have used sugar in the past,” advises Sheptor, and “get the same sugar taste, the same sweetness level with half as much as the sugar.” “We are the oldest continuing sugar company in the state of Texas,” he said, and that “gives us a very important role in the state and we uphold the values and integrities the company has had over the 160 plus history.” The major U.S. sugar producing company has been in Fort Bend County since 1843. It’s what accounts for Sugar Land’s name and its city seal with the Imperial Sugar Company’s crown displayed in its logo. A resident of Sugar Land, Sheptor offices at the company’s headquarters on U.S. 90A, although since 2003, the

Imperial Sugar Company no longer refines sugar at the original plant, a site now destined for a new future, itself. Sheptor also has an office in Port Wentworth, Georgia, where operations are continuing to be maintained at a huge refinery, in addition to those in Gramercy, Louisiana, and through a joint venture, he said the company now has locations in Mexico. He also said that Imperial Sugar continues to own the Holly brand and uses it in a few applications. With an eye towards the future, the company intends to continue to research and develop additional natural sweetener, organic alternatives to establish itself as a leader as one of North America’s premier sweetener companies. Sheptor said steviacane is the first step, and the company has now begun “providing solutions to consumers to support their interests for healthier food.” You can have the remarkable traits of reduced calories with the great taste of sugar and other attributes, and get it all naturally, said Sheptor. “In the end of the day, the consumer votes for taste.”

Valentine’s Gift Picks Celebrating Romance

Berry Chocolate Bouquet

MONEY MAKERS FLAGS Flags and Poles Make Great Gifts 1517 Blalock Houston, TX 77080 713-461-1153 800-838-1153 www.moneymakersflags.com

EDIBLE ARRANGEMENTS

Missouri City • 8740 Highway 6 S 281-778-0070 Stafford • 12726 Fountain Lake Circle 281-313-7848 Sugar Land • 16126 South West Freeway 281-313-0039 Why give flowers when fruit is so much sweeter!!! www. EdibleArrangements.com

GOLD CONNECTION JEWELERS Custom designs are our specialty 206 U.S. Hwy 90A, Richmond 281-344-9900 M-F 10-6 Sat 10-4 “We Buy Gold!

February 2011 • Fort Bend Business Journal

Bottoms Up

Will Fort Bend Real Estate be favored in recovery? By Kelly Ferguson, CCIM

o the economy has bottomed. It may be premature to toast a new commercial real estate market sans recessionary woes, but it is certainly not to soon to prepare to play the upside in Fort Bend County real estate. In my September 2009 article I referenced the possibilities of a “U-”, “V-” or “W-” shaped recession/recovery. Today, it seems even the most optimistic predict that a “U” will define this recession, with a multi-staged and gradual recovery. Some economists still predict a “W”, with a second dip to bottom out before beginning a sustainable recovery. Either way, we find ourselves at the bottom of the “Great Recession”—thankfully not in the midst of another Great Depression. We recognize there are challenges yet, but we see light at the end of the tunnel. So where does commercial real estate fit into the recovery? We know that the bottoms of economic cycles present opportunities, but how do we identify them? Commercial Real Estate Commercial real estate lags the economy. Some economists claim property values have bottomed, while others predict they have further to fall. No one seems to disagree, however, that the path to recovery will be a slow one. Unemployment remains high and credit remains tight. Yet the worst of times presents the greatest opportunities for someone looking to participate in the

upswing in property values. The gradual recovery through 2010 and 2011 presents what Emerging Trends calls “the ‘opportunity of a lifetime,’ a limited window Kelly Ferguson to cash in on one of the best acquisition environments ever.” Vacancies may still increase, and rents may have further to fall if the commercial real estate market has not yet hit bottom. However, as employment growth emerges and more space is needed for added employees and equipment, the market will stabilize. Depressed prices due to weak demand and a tightly wound credit market create opportunities for investors with cash. Prices are well-below replacement costs, and if investors are patient and selective they can buy wisely. If they follow through with conservative management of operations and leasing, these investors can score big in the long run. Challenges The credit markets are far from normalized. Banks have been focusing on accumulating reserves, taking advantage of low interest rates and federal assistance. Many have been content to invest in CD’s for interest rate spread rather than make loans. At some point banks will begin selling assets, tapping these reserves and recognizing losses. The market is eager for banks to resume activity; however, it tepidly awaits

Fort Bend Business Journal • February 2011

the distressed assets that will be hitting the market —just how many will there be? We hope there will be just enough to help the market bottom and present investment opportunities. The FDIC expects hundreds more banks to fail, yet as the surviving banks resolve their balance sheet problems, they will eventually “act like banks” again and finance economic growth and real estate activity. The possibility of skyrocketing inflation is frightening to many. With the flood of government spending and hoards of investor cash and bank reserves that are going to eventually hit the market, it is a valid concern. Inflation would create obstacles for real estate, such as higher interest rates, which put downward pressure on prices and restrict business expansion and consumer spending. However, real estate offers protection because values increase for real assets during inflationary times. Further, investors able to obtain financing will have the benefit of paying off debt using cheaper dollars whose values would be depreciated by inflation. Fort Bend County and the Nation Our local economy was late in experiencing the recession. Being favored heading into the collapse, will Fort Bend be favored in the recovery? There are many strong arguments that it will, including: Employment. Relatively strong employment and income growth are the reasons Fort Bend was named by Forbes (Feb. 2010) as number one of the “Best Places to Get Ahead” and by CNN/

Money Magazine (Aug. 2009) as 6th in the nation for job growth. And while the Houston MSA did experience accelerated job losses—and actually surpassed the national rate—in 2009, initial numbers indicate that the area has actually experienced job growth in the past several months. Housing. Home prices did not rapidly rise in the boom years; thus, there was less correction in the market. Foreclosures and delinquencies have increased, but levels remain much lower than the national averages. The supply level of 6 months is healthy. The Houston MSA has shown remarkable strength in the mist of a national housing bust, and Fort Bend County has proven to be particularly strong. According to the MLS, average and median sales prices in Fort Bend actually increased in 2009. Local household finances are in better shape; consumer spending should thus bounce back quickly when job growth resumes. Industry As cited in my previous articles, our diversified industry base with strength in health care, energy and trade provided a buffer to the national recession; it will also facilitate our recovery. While off their peak, energy prices justify oil and gas exploration again, and production has a huge multiplier effect on our economy. Health care was one of the few sectors that has been experiencing job growth, and an aging population will sustain demand. Trade and distribution will be early to pick up as exports revive in a global recovery. As far as commercial real estate is concerned, our area has maintained a relatively good balance of supply and demand. Prices, vacancies and cap rates have remained relatively stable compared to other areas. The CCIM (Certified Commercial Investment Member) Institute named the Houston metro area as one of “2010’s Top 10.” The Institute used variables such as local GDP, unemployment, housing data, per capita income, and commercial real estate fundamentals to compile the list of 10 markets that are expected to perform well in 2010. These characteristics of our local market indicate that we will recover at least as fast—perhaps faster—than the rest of the nation. Opportunities With the knowledge that market bottoms present opportunities to ride the wave up, and the Houston area, especially Fort Bend County, is posed to recover with

(if not before) the rest of the nation, how should real estate investors respond? No one will sound a bell when the real estate market hits bottom. However, investors looking to capitalize on the upswing in commercial real estate can look for an improving job market and other indicators of economic stability. When comfortable with timing, they can make wise buys by focusing on quality and using traditional, conservative underwriting standards. For income-producing properties, they should once again use real operating numbers. For land, they should anticipate long-term holds. For all property types, underwriting should be based on a pure cash (unleveraged) model rather than a leverage-driven one. With depressed prices and low transaction volume, investors once again have time to be selective and find deals that have real, unleveraged yield that meets their requirements. Investors with cash are clearly at an advantage in today’s environment. However, financing can still be an option. Banks favor owner-users. Investors can also pool with other investors. Not only does this make it easier to meet hefty equity requirements for loans, it also gives investors the ability to diversify. Even investors able to meet equity requirements on their own might

consider teaming with other investors in order to invest in different properties—as well as different property types—to further diversify. Furthermore, passive investments in real estate, without the headaches of management, might make the investments more appealing. It might not be as simple as it once was, but users and investors still have the ability to take advantage of low interest rates. Lerleen Hawkins, Senior Vice President of Frost Bank, says, “We believe the worst is behind us and that it’s time for businesses to get ready for the future. We have the money to lend to good borrowers and are working with our customers to make sure they’re ready for the turnaround.” Many factors are yet unknown. More distressed real estate (both residential and commercial) than anticipated could hit the market. Much depends on inflation and job growth, which may make the economic and real estate recoveries painfully slow. It may be several years before the economy and real estate markets are running over with strength, but there is much to be grateful for in Fort Bend County. There are a number of factors pointing to a recovery that outpaces the rest of the nation. One need not be an eternal optimist to view the glass that is Fort Bend County as half full.

February 2011 • Fort Bend Business Journal

Katy firm doubles its size

egister Tapes Unlimited (RTUI), the national leader in creation and distribution of register tape and grocery shopping cart advertisement, has purchased a 41,304 square foot building in Park Ten, which will double the firm’s size. RTUI has purchased a 10-year old, two-story building at Langham Creek, and 3.31 acres of prime land in the heart of the Park Ten business park. Following renovations and IT infrastructure improvements, the building will house executive offices and key administrative functions, and facilitate expansion of production capacity from its current 72,000 sq. ft.. building on Park Row. RTUI distributes to more than 7,000 stores in the United States and maintains a demand for its services and products in 47 states, and anticipates rapid growth in the coming years. Doug Endsley, RTUI president and CEO, says his company has seen average sales growth of 30 percent each year over the past decade. The company employs 200 persons in the Greater Houston area, and an additional 600 employees or independent sales agents around the U.S. “The expansion in the Katy area of growing businesses such as RTUI is great

RTUI’s newest facility at Langham Creek

President and CEO Doug Endsley

Guadalupe

RIVERFRONT DUPLEX Each duplex can accommodate four adults and four children or rent both for groups. More pictures at

RioRatonDuplex.com book at

Fort Bend Business Journal • February 2011

832-788-2294

news,” said Lance LaCour, president/ CEO of Katy Area Economic Development Council. “RTUI is a long standing and established existing company that has provided solid employment and economic impact to the Katy area for many years.” RTUI converts customers’ blank register tape into a paper billboard on a daily basis. These tapes are distributed in more than 70 percent of the grocery supply stores in Texas. In addition, the Langham Creek facility will also be home to a relatively new RTUI venture called MyDailyDeals. com, an e-commerce site that offers consumers discounts up to 75 percent at a wide variety of Houston area businesses such as restaurants, health and beauty services, spas and other special events.. MyDailyDeals.com’s goal for its customers is to find the best local unique products and services at affordable prices. Merchants who participate in offerings through MyDailyDeals all are locally-based, Endsley said. Since 2003, KAEDC has helped facilitate more than 8,500 jobs and more than $1 billion in capital investment.

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

Welcome New Members Fort Bend County District Clerk

Annie Elliott, District Clerk 301 Jackson Richmond, TX 77469 281-633-7632 Elected Officials

Castle Dental

Chrissy Kopcak, District Manager 6261 Hwy 6 Missouri City, TX 77459 800-TO-SMILE Health Care

Frictn, LLC

Mark Fusco, President / Managing Member 16107 Kensington #268 Sugar Land, TX 77479 832-289-1795 Software

Gables Austin Colony

Gilbane Building Company

Park West Staffing Services, Inc.

Kinetic Energy

Seniors Helping Seniors

Light Bulb Resources

Sustainable Concepts

Momentumack Consultants, Inc

The Urban Foresters

My Fit Foods

Zodiac EMS

Dawn Landry, Sr Business Development Mgr 1331 Lamar, # 1170 Houston, TX 77010 713-209-1873 Construction Management

Ted Volf, Director of Sales 1111 Bagby St, # 2510 Houston, TX 77002 713-885-9370 Energy Utility

Michael Alexander, Director / Owner 4427 Forest Creek Dr. Missouri City, TX 77459 281-261-8107 Home Health Care

Jay Paley, President 14019 SW Fwy, Suite 301-234 Sugar Land, TX 77478 832-630-7822 Lighting Standards & Related Accessories

Matthew Mack-Adoh, Director 15200 Park Row Dr, #911 Houston, TX 77084 281-389-1845 Export & Import

Sierra Gunn, Nutritional Consultant 15820 Southwest Freeway, # 300 Sugar Land, TX 77478 281-971-2931 Restaurants

Diana Cross, General Manager 1011 Highway 6 S., #303 Houston, TX 77077 281-899-2100 Staffing Service

Michael Ashmore, President 16111 Kensington Dr. Sugar Land, TX 77479 713-277-0554 Retail

Grant Crowell, Owner 16107 Kensington Dr. #139 Sugar Land, TX 77479 832-731-6531 Trees

Anuli Ezumah, CEO 2122 Ridgeworth Ln Richmond, TX 77469 713-371-6089 Health Care

Karla Fulker, Community Manager 1800 Austin Parkway Sugar Land, TX 77479 281-980-6726 Apartments

www.FortBendChamber.com

February 2011 â&#x20AC;˘ Fort Bend Business Journal

Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce Newsletter

Membership

We Believe, in you, Thanks for Believing in US!

4 Years

Apollonia Dental, P.A. Isabel Vahedi, DDS, 281-565-4321

Milestone Member 5 Years Lone Star Directories LLC Joe Callus, 281-277-1181

Gillen Pest Control Gary L. Gillen, 281-342-6969 Carinoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Italian Kitchen Katherine Alyea, 281-261-2630

13 Years

AMC 24 @ First Colony Mall Dutch Betke, 281-277-5858

14 Years

Tyco Valves & Controls Jose Abdelnoor, 281-274-4606

Milestone Member 15 Years The Gables of First Colony Danielle Mitchel, 281-243-7000

16 Years 1 Year

Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce Newsletter

Fred Brown Insurance / Fred Brown Property & Casualty Eli Cruz, 713-541-5417 RTech Department Steve Palmer, 713-358-6000

2 Years

Gee Eye Care Kevin L. Gee, 281-778-9912 The Murillo Company Donna Murillo, 281-933-9702 Construction & Management Professionals, LLC George O. Puig, 713-202-3237

3 Years

PBX Systems, LLC Philip Roberts, 281-240-6163 Bank of Fort Bend Bruce Mercer, 281-276-1801 Translite LLC Nizar Mullani, 281-240-3111

6 Years

Halo Branded Solutions Barbara Williams, 281-242-9791 Sugar Lakes Family Practice Henry Mata, 281-565-2800

7 Years

Fastsigns Dave Tait, 281-491-7446 Russell & Smith Ford-Honda-Mazda Mark Rehkopf, 713-663-4111 TBG Partners John L. Wallace, 713-439-0027

KBR Alicja Siwek, 713-753-3157

Studio 6 Joe McDonald, 281-240-6900

Mercedes-Benz of Sugar Land Kenneth W. Enders, 281-207-1597

17 Years

8 Years

Chamberlain, Hrdlicka Lawrence Sherlock, 713-654-9622

9 Years

Inter-Active Health Care, Inc. Wilma Narvacan, 281-892-2000 X205 Bain & Barkley Steve Bain, 281-980-3100

Hilliard & Associates, PC Mike Hilliard, 281-242-2997

18 Years

Houston Community College Southwest Winston Dahse, 713-718-7737

19 Years

Houston Assoc. of REALTORS Fort Bend Branch Rhonda Flowers, 713-335-4240

12 Years

First Colony Church of Christ Nancy Burnett, 281-980-7070

Fort Bend Business Journal â&#x20AC;˘ February 2011

www.FortBendChamber.com

Jackson Air and Heat Brian Jackson, 281-240-1037

21 Years

Visible Applause Tom Ferguson, 281-980-3304

22 Years

The Ammerman Experience Terri Ammerman, 281-240-2026 Sandy McGee’s Restaurant & Catering Sandy McGee, 281-341-9151

23 Years

Silver Eagle Distributors, Inc. Kevin Kohl, 281-239-1197

32 Years

Flexicore of Texas Joe Phillips, 281-437-5700

upcoming events save the date

February

Government Relations Division Meeting

Business & Professional Division

Chamber Young Professionals (CYP)

Christine Spray – “Building an Effective Pipeline”

Skeeter’s: Sugar Land’s new Baseball Team

Chamber Young Professionals (CYP)

Business & Professional Division

Financial Planning for Young Professionals

Christine Spray – “Strategically Working the Room”

Safari Texas Saturday, February 5, 6:30 p.m.

Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce Wednesday, February 9, 11:30 a.m.

Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce Wednesday, February 16, 11:30 a.m.

Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce Thursday, February 24, 7:30 a.m.

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

www.FortBendChamber.com

March

Chairman’s Gala “An International Soiree”

Infrastructure Division

Become a member Today!

Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce Newsletter

Milestone Member 20 Years

Community Resources Division YIP Countywide Park Project Saturday, February 26

Community Resources Division

Children at Risk - Future of Fort Bend Children

Tuesday, February 28, 8 a.m. -1:00 p.m.

Commissioner James Patterson Monday, March 7, 11:30 a.m.

Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce Tuesday, March 8, 11:30 a.m.

Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce Wednesday, March 9, 11:30 a.m.

April Innovative Infrastructure Division Conference

Safari Texas Friday, April 1, 7:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Community Resources Division

YIP Investment in Youth Luncheon Safari Texas Tuesday, April 5, 11:30

The Grand Wine & Food Affair 2011 April 27 through May 1st

February 2011 • Fort Bend Business Journal

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

Innovative

INFRASTRUCTURE Connecting the Economic and Societal Demands of the Twenty-First Century

Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce Newsletter

APRIL SAVE THE DATE

Friday, April 1, 2011 7:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Safari Texas Ranch 11627 FM 1464 Richmond HARISH JAJOO, PE, CFM Infrastructure Division Chair

CEU Credits Availables

$2,000 Underwriter Premier Table for 8 and recognition on our marketing materials and at the event.

$1,000 Underwriter Premier seating for 4 and recognition on our marketing materials and at the event.

$500 Underwriter Premier Seating for 2 recognition on our marketing materials and at the event.

$800 Corporate Table for 8

$100 Individual Registration

The Regional Conference is a program of The Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce For Sponsorship opportunities or more information, please contact - E-mail: info@fortbendcc.org or 281-491-0222

Fort Bend Business Journal • February 2011

www.FortBendChamber.com

Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce Newsletter

Fort Bend Investment in Youth Luncheon Tuesday, April 5, 2011 11:30am -1:15 pm Safari Texas Ranch - Texas Ballroom 11627 F M 1464, Richmond The Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce, the George Foundation, and Safari Texas Ranch invite you to join us in our special recognition of students from Calvary Episcopal College Prep, Fort Bend ISD, Lamar Consolidated ISD, Needville ISD and Stafford Municipal School District participating in the 14th annual Youth in Philanthropy program. Ticket proceeds, donations and all contributions beneﬁt Youth in Philanthropy Scholarships to be awarded at the luncheon. Your attendance is validation of the importance of the studentʼs efforts.

Registration: ❒ Individual Ticket $30 ❒ Corporate Table of Ten $375 ❒ Scholarship Fund Donation

Austin • Bush • Calvary Episcopal • Clements • Elkins • Foster

Youth In Philanthropy Hightower • Lamar • Needville • Stafford • Terry • Willowridge • Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce • • 445 Commerce Green Boulevard • Sugar Land, Texas 77478 • • www.FortBendChamber.com • david@fortbendcc.org • • 281.491.2497 • Fax 281.491.0112 •

www.FortBendChamber.com

February 2011 • Fort Bend Business Journal

Ribbon Cutting Old Republic Title 4690 Sweetwater Blvd., Suite 290 Sugar Land, TX 77479 281-265-9500

Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce Newsletter

ld Republic Title has relocated to a new office location in the Founders Bank Plaza building at 4690 Sweetwater Blvd, Suite 290. With over 40 years of cumulative experience, the Sugar Land team of highly trained professionals are experts in both residential and commercial closings. Old Republic Title’s operating strategy focuses on providing clients with an exceptional closing experience. Old Republic maintains four direct branch offices serving the Sugar Land, Galleria, Champions and Kingwood areas of Houston. The Old Republic Title Insurance Group is one of the largest title insurance groups in the United States and is committed to being the most financially sound title insurer in the industry. Since 1992, it has earned the highest

financial strength ratings in the title insurance industry. No group has equaled its consistent high ratings which reflect the ORTIG’s strong capitalization, favorable operating performance, conservative investment strategy, strong commitment to technology, and its strategic relationship with its Chicago-based parent, Old Republic International Corporation.

The Urban Foresters 16107 Kensington Dr. #139 Sugar Land, TX 77479 832-731-6531

“D

id you know that properly maintained trees add tens of thousands of dollars in the value to your home or business? Are your trees in the best shape that they could be in? The Urban Foresters provides tree pruning, tree removal, stump grinding, deep root fertilization and all other tree care services. They promote superior customer service with education and understanding being the hallmark of their philosophy, “An informed client is a happy client!” Whether you need to “plant, prune or preserve,” the Urban Forester’s clients count on them for pruning, deep root feeding and planting trees on their properties. Grant Crowell, the owner, is a Certified Arborist (TX-3352A) and a Degreed Forester (Texas A&M Class of 2003.) Being a Fort Bend

Fort Bend Business Journal • February 2011

County native, Grant and his team are dedicated to keeping Fort Bend’s trees safe, beautiful and healthy for years to come. Call the experts, and get it done right! Their team services both residential and commercial clients, and we operate in all of the 10 counties that surround Houston. To have a free consultation with a Certified Arborist, call Grant Crowell at 832-731-6531. www.theurbanforesters.com.

www.FortBendChamber.com

A Beautiful Smile @ Lake Pointe 1447 Highway 6, #100 Sugar Land, TX 77478 281-277-9200

r. Lance Jue has quickly risen to prominence as one of Sugar Land’s leading dentist. He and his team at A Beautiful Smile At Lake Pointe utilize cutting edge technology to deliver the perfect smile for each individual patient. As an expert in LUMINEERS and SNAP ON SMILE, Dr. Jue is able to provide the minimally invasive, PAIN-FREE solutions for a healthier, more attractive smile. Our practice specializes in general care, cosmetic dentistry, lumineers and the latest technology in digital x-rays. Dr. Jue has much to offer the most apprehensive patient. Dr. Jue has been delivering outstanding dental care for 18 years. As a native Houstonian, he built his reputation by creating beautiful smiles for patients in the Houston/Sugar Land area

FORT

BEND

LEADERSHIP

FORT

BEND

LEADERSHIP F

and travels within the U.S and internationally. The dentist you choose to enhance your smile can make all the difference in the results you attain. Experience, dedication, and skill all matter, but it also takes an artistic eye to create a smile that perfectly complements a person’s facial features and personality.

Criminal/Judicial Session M

to our

sponsors:

Tejas Surveying, Inc. | Terracon | Premier Wireless Colliers International | Chick-fil-A at Sugar Land www.FortBendChamber.com

February 2011 • Fort Bend Business Journal

Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce Newsletter

www.FortBendChamber.com

The Grand Wine & Food Affair April 27 - May 1, 2011

A Sugar Land - Houston

Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce Newsletter

TrAdiTion

TheGrandWine&FoodAffair.com www.facebook.com/thegrandwineandfoodaffair

Fort Bend Business Journal â&#x20AC;˘ February 2011

www.FortBendChamber.com

Missouri City Parks projects receive “Outstanding” recognitions

everal Parks and Recreation projects in Missouri City are being recognized as outstanding parks and natural area projects by the Houston-Galveston Area Council of Governments. The Wetland Reforestation Project received an honorable mention in the “on-the-ground” projects category (under $500,000) of the H-GAC Parks and Natural Areas Award Program. The City’s Parks & Recreation Department, spearheaded by the City Forester & local volunteer organizations, have completed reforestation projects in three major City parks. The reforestation and wildlife habitat projects included planting 875 trees at Buffalo Run Park, Independence Park and Sta-Mo Park. The projects have also resulted in several Boy Scouts completing their Eagle Scout awards

and several civic organizations completing community service projects. This awardwinning project was completed with the help of numerous donations and 140 volunteers who worked a total of 450 hours. The total direct cost of these projects was $3,000, and most of the trees and materials were donated by local corporations. In addition, the Memorial Tree Program and the Junior Arborist Program received certificates of recognition in the planning and policy tools categories, respectively. The Memorial Tree Program allows residents to recognize a loved one, or honor a group or individual, with a tree planted in one of the City’s parks in their honor. The cost is $100, and participants also receive a customized page on the City’s website, displaying pictures and a written dedication of the person or group the tree honors. The Junior Arborist Program has been reaching out

Photo courtesy of Missouri City

Missouri City Parks and Recreation projects were honored recently by the HoustonGalveston Area Council of Governments. Attending the ceremony to accept two awards were, from left, Councilman Bobby Marshall, Parks and Recreation Director Larry Foos and Forester Paul Wierzbicki.

to students of Southminster Elementary School for three years. Fourth and fifth graders learn about the benefits and enjoyment of nature and giving back to their communities by planting trees on campus, watching climbing and arborist demonstrations, and becoming Junior Tree Detectives around their campus on Earth Week. The Parks and Recreation Department was officially recognized during a ceremony held on Jan. 18 at H-GAC’s offices in Houston.

Texas unemployment rate remains well below national average

Texas employers add 20,000 jobs in December

exas total nonfarm employment was up by 20,000 jobs in December, representing the addition of 230,800 jobs since December 2009. At 8.3 percent for December, the Texas unemployment rate remains well below the 9.4 percent U.S. unemployment rate for December. Annual job growth in Texas is also strong at 2.3 percent, as compared to the U.S. growth rate of 0.9 percent. “The annual job growth rate in Texas has steadily risen every month during the past 12 months and now stands at 2.3 percent for December,” said Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) Chairman Tom Pauken. “At the same time, Texas employers added jobs and our state ended the year with an increase of 218,200 jobs since January.” Goods-Producing industries showed

strong gains in December with Construction adding 8,700 positions for a total of 32,300 jobs added over the year; Manufacturing adding 3,100 jobs for a total of 28,000 jobs added over the year; and Mining and Logging adding 1,400 jobs for a total of 29,400 jobs added over the year. “Texas job growth across many industries offers employment opportunities for Texas workers,” said TWC Commissioner Representing Labor Ronny Congleton. “Staff at TWC and at more than 245 Workforce Solutions offices across the state stand ready to assist those job seekers who remain unemployed.” Leisure and Hospitality reported its second consecutive month of job gains with the addition of 6,600 positions in December, up by 25,000 jobs since December 2009. Additionally, Other Services, which includes automotive, computer, office

machine and appliance repair and maintenance, and service industries such as barber shops, funeral homes and business associations, increased by 3,400 jobs in December. “The Texas labor force expanded for the fourth consecutive month, currently at more than 12.2 million individuals,” said TWC Commissioner Representing the Public Andres Alcantar. “Job growth in the Goods-Producing industries was positive, with annual growth rates of 14.8 percent in Mining and Logging, 5.8 percent in Construction and 3.4 percent in Manufacturing.” The Midland Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) had the lowest December unemployment rate in the state at 4.9 percent. The Amarillo MSA had the second lowest unemployment rate in December at 5.3 percent, followed by the Lubbock MSA at 5.8 percent (not seasonally adjusted).

February 2011 • Fort Bend Business Journal

Sugar Land State of the City addresses things to come By Elsa Maxey

ugar Land, 2010’s safest city in Texas, 12th safest city in America, gears up for 2011 and moves towards becoming a destination of entertainment and culture. That was the prevalent message of the city’s state of the city address this month at the Sugar Land Marriott featuring Mayor James Thompson, who was assisted by Allen Bogard, the city manager. They capped off the 2010 accomplishments with the implosion of the Imperial Sugar factory buildings making way for the city’s new future at what will be another destination center in what was called a destination city. “A new chapter in the city’s history has begun,” said Mayor Thompson, “another year with great promise.” Bogard said that although the city has been dealing with the James Thompson economic downtown, “2011 will be an adjustment to a new normal.” The city budget shows a three percent reduction in operations and maintenance services and “we believe that will enable us Allen Bogard to maintain the balance” between recurring expenses and recurring revenues, said Bogard. The current fiscal year’s capital improvement program is reported to be the largest in city’s history at $145 million dollars. The city’s total budget is $282.6 million and Bogard predicts 2011 will be a financially successful year that will benefit from lower construction costs. “We are about to begin construction on our first class triple a caliber baseball stadium, which is our family oriented amenity,” said Mayor Thompson noting that construction is planned to start this March. The new baseball stadium will be located next to the imperial redevelopment project by Johnson Development. Mayor Thompson said that Johnson’s

latest plan includes a variety of mixed use areas such as single family residential and commercial components, the minor league ballpark, and green space. “We are all working together to ensure the future uses of this land will not only be our expectation, but the community’s expectation. “ The mayor also said that public meetings will be hosted by the Imperial project’s developer and the city will hold public hearings as well for the project’s kick-off projected for mid-May. This spring Sugar Land is planning to select a partner for an indoor concert venue. The city is hoping to finalize the acquisition of land for this purpose at the intersection of University Boulevard U.S. 59 and expects to execute a development agreement by Spring 2012 with construction to begin early 2012. The first step of Sugar Land’s arts program was also announced. It will be at Oyster Creek, home to a year long international exhibit by renowned French artist Bernar Venet. Oyster Creek will be transformed into an interactive walking tour with audio guides to accompany a large scale sculpture garden that will be installed. The scheduled unveiling for this month has been postponed and will be announced at a later time. For public safety and mobility, in 2011 Sugar Land intends to focus on the use of expanding technology and improving the clearance rate and it will initiate a license plate recognition and surveillance in its neighborhoods; also fire station #7 will be opened in the Telfair subdivision without expanding staff. This will be the city’s first LEED certified municipal building and it will better impact operating costs. Long term alternatives for a comprehensive mobility plan are also underway. Efforts in 2011 will see the beginning of construction of new surface water treatment plant at the intersection of Burney and Voss this year. More than 60 percent of the city’s $145 million capital improvement budget this year is devoted to the plant and its associated infrastructure to reduce reliance on groundwater mandated by the Fort Bend Subsidence

Fort Bend Business Journal • February 2011

District. The treatment plant is projected for completion and functionality in 2013. Other announced projects for 2011 include: The extension of University Boulevard through Riverstone to relieve congestion at the SH 6 and U.S. 59 intersection scheduled to start in Feb. 2011; approximate completion of the $16 million project is two years. Reconstruction of Dulles Avenue with upgrades budgeted at nearly $16 million are scheduled to begin in the spring and are anticipated to be completed by Winter 2012 resulting in an improved four lane road, curb and gutters with raised medians added between U.S. 90A and Avenue E. Both University Boulevard and Dulles projects are being accomplished with a significant partnership with Fort Bend County and city officials said they probably would not be possible without the county’s part and support from the county’s mobility improvement program. Intersection improvements will take place at SH 6, Cartwright and Lexington as a multi city partnership with Stafford and Missouri City. Access to the city’s first recreational facility; the Imperial Rec Center is scheduled to open in early Spring 2011. Renovations and improvements will continue for relocation of the adult senior center; construction expected to take nine to 12 months is estimated to be complete by early 2013. Continuing the park land efforts along the Brazos River corridor will focus along the river at the intersection of U. S. 59 and University Boulevard for designing a large festival site. Green space has been designated at the Sugar Land Regional Airport in accordance with a 90-day contract for open space for the general public to view aircraft taking off and landing; to be completed in the Spring 2011 and will feature a walking trail and picnic tables located to the south of the hanger complex on SH 6. New partnerships include the Mayor’s Fitness Council, Sugar Land Heritage Foundation and the Legacy Foundation.

ATULATION R G N S! O C Caroline Neal

Congratulations to Caroline Neal, a senior at Foster High School, for being selected as Texas Direct Auto’s “Scholarship Star” for January! Neal receives $1000 from Jessica DeMarr, Texas Direct Auto Director of Business Development. Neal is currently Colonel of the Foster Flair Drill Team, actively involved in her church and volunteers in charity organizations in the community. She plans to further her education at Texas A&M University majoring in Education or Communications.

1,000

SCHOLARSHIP! Find complete details and forms at

www.fortbendstar.com/scholarshipstar.doc

February 2011 • Fort Bend Business Journal

Tax Changes for 2011

Everyone can benefit from a Roth IRA By Dori Wind

“A

s always, a new year means changes to the tax code that affect your tax return,” said local attorney and licensed CPA Robert Rolnick. One huge change that can help with retirement planning, according to Rolnick, is the Roth IRA conversion rules. Rolnick explained that there are two main types of IRA accounts, the traditional or pre-tax IRA and the Roth or posttax IRA. Money held in traditional IRA accounts is money that has been deferred from your income. While the money in traditional IRA accounts grows tax free, the entire amount, both the pre-tax contribution amount and the growth of that money, is taxed when the money is withdrawn. Money in a Roth IRA account is money that was contributed to the account after you have paid income taxes on that money. When money is withdrawn from a Roth IRA account, both the original contribution and the growth on the contributions are withdrawn tax free. “The concept of converting a traditional IRA to a Roth IRA has been around for years,” Rolnick noted, “but, up until 2011, higher income individuals and couples were prohibited from making those conversions. Now, that income limitation has been removed and anyone can convert money in a traditional IRA account to a Roth IRA account. While you must pay ordinary income taxes on the amount converted when you make the conversion, once the account is converted, withdrawals are tax free.” While there are many factors that a taxpayer must consider before deciding whether to convert a traditional IRA to a Roth IRA, Rolnick noted that it is important to realize that you do not have to convert the entire account at once. For example, if you have $100,000 in a traditional IRA account, you can convert the entire $100,000 to a

Roth IRA account or any lesser amount. For 2010 the Roth conversion rules were greatly liberalized, but the rules which authorize taxpayer qualifications for making a Roth IRA contribution have barely changed. As in previous years, whether you can make a Roth IRA contribution depends on your filing status and the amount of your modified adjusted gross income. Rolnick provided examples of utilizing a Roth IRA for different income situations, but advised that due to the complexities of the tax laws that you should ask questions of your tax advisor to make sure that you understand the options available for your circumstances. If your filing status is married filing jointly or a qualifying widow or widower, and your modified adjusted gross income is under $167,000, then you can contribute up to $5,000 to a Roth IRA ($6,000 if you are 50 or older in 2010). If your modified adjusted gross income is between $167,000 and $177,000, the amount you can contribute is reduced. If your modified adjusted gross income is over $177,000, you cannot contribute to a Roth IRA. For 2009, the maximum amount of modified adjusted gross income you could have and still be able to contribute to a Roth IRA was $176,000. A person who is married, but filing separately and who lived with their spouse at any time during the year, and had a modified adjusted gross income of zero can contribute up to $5,000 to a Roth IRA ($6,000 if you are 50 or older in 2010). If your modified adjusted gross income is more than zero but less than $10,000 (the same as in 2010), the amount you can contribute to a Roth IRA is reduced. If your modified adjusted gross income is $10,000 or more, you cannot contribute to a Roth IRA. If your filing status is single, head of household or married filing separately and you did not live with your spouse at any time during the year, if your modified adjusted gross income is less than $105,000 (the same as in 2009), you can contribute

Fort Bend Business Journal • February 2011

up to $5,000 to a Roth IRA ($6,000 if you are 50 or older in 2010) If your modified adjusted gross income is at least $105,000 but less that $120,000 (the same as in 2009), the amount you can contribute to a Roth IRA is reduced. If your modified adjusted gross income $120,000 or more, you cannot contribute to a Roth IRA. Rolnick noted that there was another important change to the self employment health insurance deduction. If you were self-employed and had a net profit for the year, you may be able to deduct, as an adjustment to income, amounts paid for medical and qualified long-term care insurance on behalf of yourself, your spouse your dependents and, effective March 30, 2010, your child or children who were under the age of 27 at the end of 2010. Your child (or children) does not have to be your dependent to qualify for this deduction. The standard deduction (for taxpayers that do not itemize their deductions) for 2010 remains at $5,700 if you are single or married filing separately and $11,400 for married couples filing joint returns. The standard deduction for head of household filers has increased by $50 to $8,400 for 2010. In addition, the 2010 standard deduction is increased by any state or local sales or excise taxes paid in 2010 on the purchase of a new motor vehicle after February 16, 2010 and any net disaster loss you had in 2010 because of a disaster that occurred before 2010 and was declared a federal disaster after 2007. Changes were also made with regard to mileage deductions. Rolnick reported that the standard mileage rate for use of an automobile was decreased for 2010. In 2009, business use of your automobile could be deducted at a rate of 55 cents per mile driven for business usage, 24 cents per mile driven for medical or moving purposes and 14 cents per mile driven in service of charitable organizations. Those

alan sandersen... continued from page 17

rates for 2010 are 50 cents per mile driven for business usage and 16½ cents per mile driven for medical or moving purposes. The rate for miles driven in service of charitable organizations has not been changed and is again 14 cents per mile driven. The maximum amount of the adoption credit has increased to $13,170 and the credit is now refundable, meaning it can be received even if you do not owe any taxes. The maximum credit allowed for 2009 was $12,150. “To take advantage of these tax changes and to optimize your financial situation with regard to paying taxes, discuss your individual situation with your CPA or tax advisor,” cautioned Rolnick. “No one knows your situation and how the laws will affect it better than your personal advisor.” This article is for information purposes only and is not to be considered as tax or legal advice.

Section 179 Vs. Bonus Depreciations - Which Is Better? Section 179 deductions are available on all new and used equipment, whereas the bonus depreciation (set now at 100%, with no limit) is for new equipment only. Think of the bonus depreciation as an extra deduction you can take - but you must take it in the first year only. Which type of deduction is right for your business for tax year 2010 depends on a range of circumstances. Complying with the New Payroll Tax Cut The Obama Tax Cuts instituted a oneyear reduction in the Social Security tax for employees, from 6.2% to 4.2%. This means the single taxpayer making $50,000 will save $1,000 on taxes in 2011. The reduction in Social Security tax will not impact the employee’s future Social Security benefits. It’s up to business owners to adjust their employees’ withholdings. They must do so as soon as possible in January 2011,

but no later than January 31, 2011. Notice 136 lists the new amounts you should withhold from employees’ paychecks. If you withhold too much Social Security tax during January, you will need to make an offsetting adjustment in your employees’ pay as soon as possible and no later than March 31, 2011. Self-Employed Folks See a Reduction, Too. Those who own businesses with no other employees should also be aware of their new Social Security withholding amount, which fell from 12.4% to 10.4%. This combined with the 2.9% Medicare rate brings the total of the 2011 selfemployment tax rate to 13.3%. To learn more helpful information visit our website at www.sktx.com. Alan Sandersen is a columnist for the Fort Bend Business Journal and is a Partner with Sandersen Knox & Co, L.L.P., Certified Public Accountants. He can be reached at 281-242-3232. www.sktx.com. H

THERE’S A REASON YOUR

PARENTS DIDN’T NAME YOU

“ACCT#2299046.” Guadalupe

RIVERFRONT DUPLEX

Each duplex can accommodate four adults and four children or rent both for groups. More pictures at

RioRatonDuplex.com book at

832-788-2294

If people are going to trust a bank with their money, that bank ought to have the decency to learn their names and answer the phone when they call. Here, everyone is significant, no matter the size of the account. That might be a rarity these days, but not to us. f r o s t b a n k . c o m

we’re from here

Sugar Land 8410 Hwy 90A | Stafford 3531 S. Main Missouri City 3600 FM 1092 | 713.388.7600 MEMBER FDIC February 2011 • Fort Bend Business Journal

NACE MEMBERSHIP

Nace eats away at corrosion

United States

13,771

Canada

2,462

Mike Moss leads the corrosion fight

China

1,102

United Kingdom

729

Australia

486

Japan

434

Saudia Arabia

406

South Korea

354

United Arab Emirates

343

By Wayne Chandler

ACE is the place where the worldwide fight against all forms of corrosion begins. That place now is the Katy area’s Park Ten location, and the battle is beginning to get bigger. That’s the word which Mike Moss, senior director of NACE Operations and Education, gives to members. This non-profit society’s mission statement is “protecting people, assets and environment from the effect of corrosion. “ NACE was established in 1943, and had a hundred or so attendees in the Rice Hotel in downtown Houston in 1944. It will hold its next convention March 13-17 in George R. Brown Convention Center in Houston where more than 6,000 delegates from more than 25 countries are expected to attend. Moss said there will be 550 exhibi-

tion booths where there’ll be information about the latest advancements in corrosion science, education and engineering. The benefits of learning ways to detect, treat, and, in some cases, prevent corrosion are vast, Moss said, and the association’s targets include oil and gas pipelines, infrastructure, bridges and ships throughout the world.The association’s website at www. nace.com, lists more than two dozen symposiums, expositions and conferences --in addition to the world conference – scheduled in sites throughout the nation in 2011. Moss cited significant NACE advances this past year: • Membership increased to more than 25,000 members • 10,000 students received training in fighting corrosion • 7,000 marine vessels in Southeast Asia received NACE approval • 521 classes were conducted in 31 countries

Moss said that there still is a need for a massive public awareness effort because corrosion still is everywhere, relentlessly causing damage to people, assets and the environment. He indicated that most NACE efforts now are on land-based problems which can be solved with more education and dedication. NACE particularly is interested in partnerships with municipal utility districts where community drinking water and wastewater are affected. NACE depends on volunteers to help it accomplish many of its goals, Moss said. He lauded volunteer efforts around the world. Moss noted the fight against virtually all forms of corrosion is becoming more effective due to technology. NACE welcomes everyone’s interest in fighting corrosion, Moss said.

Barton Malow/Linbeck selected for Sugar Land baseball stadium By Elsa Maxey

ith a spring construction start date for an April 2012 opening day, the minor league stadium now has a builder. “We are about to begin construction on our first class, triple-A caliber baseball stadium, which is our family oriented amenity,” said Mayor James Thompson at the state of the city address held at the Sugar Land Marriott. “We are planning to begin construction in March this year,” he said, “at the new StarTex power field.” The City of Sugar Land announced the contractor selection of what it calls the preferred Design/Build contractor last week for construction of its minor league base-

ball stadium northeast of State Highway 6 and U.S. 90A. The city said negotiations on final costs are underway and a final decision is expected next month. Barton Malow/Linbeck will be both the general contractor and the design professional. The Design/Build contractor system the city is using is intended to minimize project risk by establishing a guaranteed maximum cost and reducing the delivery schedule by overlapping the design and construction phases of a project, according to the city. It said that 14 companies submitted proposals for contract consideration, and the list was narrowed down to five finalists in September. Headquartered in Southfield, Michigan, Barton Malow Company documents Navin Field of the 1930’s as its first sports project. The company with annual

Fort Bend Business Journal • February 2011

revenues exceeding $1 billion provides construction management, design-build, program management, general contracting, technology and rigging services. Linbeck, which is Houston-based, is a construction management company that has been in business since 1938. It is set up to help clients minimize risk and waste for achieving optimal results. One of those was Reliant Stadium, considered a world-class, state of the art multipurpose sports and entertainment facility. The company served as the Project Manager/Tenant’s Representative for its design and construction. Mayor Thompson credits many with the soon-to-be baseball stadium reality and said that “without the community and support, and those that really believe in what we are doing, this would never be possible.”

R E A L

E S T A T E

Commercial Real Estate

By Kolbe Curtice, CCIM, CLS

Managing Director Colliers International - Fort Bend

The New Normal I am asked regularly by friends, clients, and associates if Fort Bend commercial real estate activity is improving. The short answer is yes. Although far short of the exponential growth of a couple years ago, we have recently been seeing fairly robust activity in our office. Two years ago, with the capital markets frozen and business owners paralyzed by the reeling economy, new construction came to a virtual standstill and existing vacant space absorption in our market slowed to a trickle. We are now seeing business owners with solid business plans and balance sheets, starting to execute expansion and repositioning strategies. The new retail deals we are seeing are primarily service or foodrelated tenants. We have worked with several new restaurants which will soon begin construction in Sugar Land. In addition, medical-related continues to be a driver in our market. We recently inked contracts with several different doctors for new offices

as well as a location for the construction of a new orthopedic hospital. Although the increase in activity is encouraging, to see sustained local economic growth again, we will need to see capital begin to flow freely. That will lead to increased employment and consumer spending and the resulting trickle-down effect of demand for additional space and new development activity. Jack Cohen, chief executive officer of Cohen Financial, a leading national real estate investment firm, said this month that “there is not a capital shortage; rather, currently available capital is not always in the right place accessible for the right deals at the right time for the right reasons”. He goes on to say that what we are experiencing now is distribution issues. He says that today’s marketplace is a “Trophy versus Trauma” environment. For commercial properties that are leased, cash flowing and financed at low “loan to value” ratios, there is a feeding frenzy to finance those assets

by lenders flush with capital which creates a pricing bidding war. If however, one or more of those criteria are not present, there is “trauma” and those properties are radioactive to current lenders. Currently, national lenders are seeing their worst-ever profitability ratios. Too much capital, and no home for it, is putting pressure on investment dollars. Lenders need income and yield and treasury investments are yielding less than 1%. The scrutiny of borrowers and the increased standards for real estate projects is creating a “new normal” in the industry. For long- term sustainability, both nationally and here in Fort Bend, that would be a good thing. Kolbe Curtice is a licensed real estate broker. He is the managing director of Colliers International – Fort Bend, a full-service commercial real estate brokerage company located in Sugar Land Town Square. He can be reached at 281494-4769 or kolbe.curtice@colliers.com. H

Fluor Awarded $3.5 Billion EPC Contract in Australia Providing upstream services for unique coal Seam Liquefied Natural Gas project

luor Corporation announced today that it was awarded an engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contract by Santos Ltd. (STO AU) for its Gladstone Liquefied Natural Gas (GLNG) project in Queensland, Australia. Fluor’s EPC contract includes upstream facilities associated with the 7.8 million tonne-per-year liquefied natural gas (LNG) project that will extract and liquefy gas from coal deposits for eventual

export to Asia and other global markets. Fluor booked $3.5 billion in its fourth quarter of 2010 for this new contract. “Fluor looks forward to continuing its close working relationship with Santos, the GLNG partners and the state of Queensland in assisting them to become a leading supplier of LNG to key economies in Asia,” said Peter Oosterveer, president of Fluor’s Energy & Chemicals Group. “Fluor shares Santos’ and the partners’ commitment to build this landmark clean energy project with the highest performance in safety and project execution while maintaining worldclass environmental standards and close engagement with the local communities.” Fluor was previously awarded the upstream front-end engineering design contract in June 2009 by Santos for the

GLNG project and the early works contract in May 2010. Since then, Fluor has been working closely with Santos to engage with industry stakeholders, especially Peter Oosterveer local businesses, the Industry Capability Network and local interest groups to ensure maximum opportunities for Australian industry as the project progresses. Fluor has been a major player in Australia’s engineering and construction industry for nearly 60 years and currently has three office locations in Australia (Perth, Brisbane and Melbourne) with more than 1,300 professionals serving oil and gas, mining and industrial, maintenance and operations, and infrastructure clients.

February 2011 • Fort Bend Business Journal

Banks

To Be Listed Call

SERVICE DIRECTORY

281-690-4201

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

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

Founders Bank 281-325-5000 www.foundersbanktx.com Email: customerservice@foundersbanktx.com. Fax: 281-325-5050. Fort Bend County only. Locally owned and managed bank. 4690 Sweetwater Blvd., Sugar Land 77479 The State Bank of Texas 281-494-6686 www.tsbot.com nbb@tsbot.com. Nicki Black, 13010 Murphy Road, Stafford, TX 77477, Fax: 281-494-6747, , Locally and independently owned - our prime interest is you! Sterling Bank - Fort Bend 281-277-0100 12840 Southwest Freeway, Stafford, TX 77477, Fax: 281-277-0223, Serving owner-operated businesses with local decision makers.

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: 832-220-8051, Custom window coverings, personal style consultant, “expert fit” measuring and installation.

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.

Fire Extinguisher Service Gillen Fire Extinguisher Service Commercial/Residential 281-342-6969 www.GillenServices.com Gillen Fire Extinguisher Service provides a full line of fire extinguisher inspections, sales and services, as well as lighted exit sign inspections and service. Our highly trained staff can even provide fire extinguisher training for your employees. For all of your safety needs, call Gillen Fire Extinguisher.

Fort Bend Business Journal • February 2011

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

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

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

Insurance Agencies Insurance Solutions of Texas 281-565-2222 • 281-341-5060 www.insurancesolutionsoftexas.com Jay Harris, Auto, Home, Business, Flood Insurance. 14140 Southwest Freeway, Suite 150, Sugar Land, Texas 77478. 281-565-2222, Fax 281-565-3333. 2515 Ave. H, Rosenberg, Texas 77471. 281-341-5060, Fax 281-341-5558.

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. Reaching over 10,000 businesses monthly. The place to advertise to teach the vital Fort Bend County business community.

Medical Billing Complete Business Solutions 1-888-445-8609 cbsolutions@callmykate.com www.cbsbillingservices.com Complete Business Solutions, the medical billing professionals, is dedicated to improving your cash flow results. Our goals include: lower billing costs, savings of up to 50% by outsourcing with us, reduced rejection rates, faster payment of claims, average of 14 days response. To find out more about this and other services, visit our website for a FREE practice analysis and 50% off the initial set-up fee.

Nails P&L Nails – Sugar Land • 281-277-5072 PL Nails – Sienna Plantation • 281-778-8558 PL Nails - Katy • 281-347-1122 www.plnails.com Providing the most luxurious service available, PL Nails has Fort Bend county covered with locations in Sugar Land, Sienna Plantation, and Katy. Whether it be nails, body waxing, massage, or lots more, the expertly trained staff at PL Nails is committed to making your experience most pleasurable! Located at 4777 Sweetwater Blvd in the Kroger Shopping Center, Sugar Land, 281-277-5072. Located at 8880 Hwy 6 South, Suite 110 in the HEB Center, Missouri City, 281-7788558. Located at 25681 Nelson Way in the HEB Center near Katy Mills Mall, Katy, 281-347-1122.

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

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

To Advertise Call 281-690-4201

Optometrists

Real Estate / Residential

Elissa R. Wedemeyer O.D., FCOVD, F.A.A.O 281-499-2600 www.drwedemeyer.com 6026 Hwy. 6 Missouri City, TX 77459. Therapeutic Optometrist, in house optical with a large selection of frames and contact lenses, medical management of eye infections and diseases.

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

Pest Control - Commercial / Residential Gillen Pest Control 281-342-6969 - Fort Bend 979-532-5701 - Wharton www.GillenPestControl.com Family owned and operated in Fort Bend and Wharton Counties since 1963, Gillen Pest Control’s highly trained professionals know where bugs hide, what their eating and breeding habits are, and how to get rid of them. They try to avoid the use of chemicals inside by working with you to create a barrier on the outside of your home or business, thus keeping those unwanted pests at bay. From the first time we visit your home or business, you will recognize we are no ordinary pest control company!

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

Physicians

Colliers International, formerly Curtice Commercial Real Estate 281-494-4769 kcurtice@curticecommercial.com. Kolbe M. Curtice, CCIM, CLS, 15999 City Walk Suite 250, Sugar Land Square located at U.S. Highway 59 and State Highway 6, Fax: 281-494-3227, Brokerage, Development, Investment & Tenant Representation, 25 yrs exp. in Fort Bend. Riverstone Development Co. 281-499-8700 www.riverstone.com tom@riverstone.com. Tom Wilcox, 4855 Riverstone Blvd, Missouri City, Texas 77459, Fax: 281-499-8704, Luxury waterside living in Fort Bend from $200s to the many millions. Jeanne Gregory, CRS, GRI 281-344-8918 www.jeannegregory.com jeannegregory@earthlink.net. 14905 Southwest Freeway, Sugar Land, Texas 77478, Fax: 281-242-6754, Re/Max Southwest. Residential real estate sales & corporate relocation. Jennifer Weaver, ABR, CRS, GRI - 281-207-5037 www.jenniferweaver.com RE/MAX Southwest, 14905 Southwest Freeway, Sugar Land, Texas 77478. Residential sales and corporate relocation since 1979. Janet Williams, Realtor – 832.724.4894 Realm Real Estate Professional www.har.com/jlwilliams janetw4co@yahoo.com 14090 Southwest Frwy, Ste 102. Sugar Land, TX 77478, It’s a great time to buy a HUD foreclosure with FHA financing because you just pay $100 down payment + closing cost. Call for details. Providing services for buyers, sellers, renters. Also specialize in short sales for residential and commercial.

Staffing / Recruiting / Job Seeking

Immunizations & Drug Testing IMU Southwest, The IMUnization Clinic 281-313-7468 www.IMUnizationclinic.org imusouthwest@windstream.net. 3727 Greenbriar Dr. Suite 403, Stafford, TX 77477- Vaccines for children and adults for school, fertility, work, immigration, or travel needs. Daytime, Evening, and Saturday hours and no wait appointments available. Vaccine titers and Drug Testing for individuals or corporations. Certified Drug Testing Center & CDC Designated Yellow Fever Provider. We perform oral HIV testing also. Mobile on-site clinics available for churches and corporations.

Printers / Graphics

Technical ProSource Meeting Your IT Staffing Needs 713-272-8800 www.TechnicalProSource.com Serving Fort Bend companies since 1989 by providing all levels of IT personnel, contract, contract to hire and direct-hire. We are the IT experts! To save our clients time we offer Video Resumes which allow you to move faster through the interview process. Recognized in Forbes magazine as a leading Staffing Firm Provider. Recognized in Texas Monthly as Most Dependable Staffing Firm and voted Best of Staffing by CareerBuilder. We look forward to helping with your staffing needs.

Video Services

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.

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.

February 2011 • Fort Bend Business Journal

SERVICE DIRECTORY

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

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

Aristotle Grill The Greeks have landed in Sugar Land! Owner Hamid Panah and his staff have just opened on the corner of Hwy 6 and Hwy 59 providing the best Greek dishes in the area! Everything from appetizers to traditional Greek salads, to plates specials and traditional Gyro sandwiches, Chicken Shawarma & Kafte Kabobs, this is the place for a nice, relaxed atmosphere and elegant Greek dining! Aristotle Grill also caters employee lunches, business meetings, and corporate gatherings. Their goal is to leave their guests impressed! Open 7 days, Sun-Thurs 11 am -9 pm, Fri-Sat 11 am -10 pm. 2109-B Highway 6 @ Highway 59 South, Sugar Land. 281-277-7787. $ WB AURA Restaurant Chef/Owner Frédéric Perrier brings over 30 years experience to his newest venture - AURA. In an upscale yet casually comfortable setting, Innovative American Cuisine reigns and is highlighted in the numerous Daily Specials. AURA features only the finest, freshest ingredients. From Lunch Salads & Sandwiches to Dinner with Crabcakes and Filet Au Poivre to Diver Sea Scallops with Boneless Braised Short Rib ‘Surf & Turf’ appetizers and Farm Raised Chilean Sea Bass. No need to go to Houston or into Sugar Land for truly high quality dining experience... you will easily find it at AURA (without ‘Big Restaurant’ prices!) at Township Square - Missouri City. Lunch Mon-Sat 11-2. Dinner Mon-Thurs 5-9 and Fri-Sat 5-10. Please call for Reservations &/or Catering ~ 3400 FM 1092, 81-403-AURA (2872). $$ • WB

Candelari’s Pizzeria Albert Candelari began making sausage over 50 years ago. As the years have passed the flavor remains the same, which is why Candelari’s is the “King of Sausages”! They take that delicious Italian sausage and put it in pizzas, pastas, and sandwiches. Enjoy appetizers, salads, pastas, sandwiches, pizzas and desserts in there dining room, large patio, or full bar with large screen TV’s. Happy hour is Monday - Thursday 3 to 7pm. This casual dining experience is available at two locations in Fort Bend. Call either location for take-out or delivery. 7425 Hwy 6 S (Just North of Sienna) 832-947-0440 / 6825 S Fry Rd (Fry & 99) 281-395-6746. www.candelaris.com. $ • FB Charlie’s Restaurants and Catering, Poboys and Grill Two locations in Fort Bend. Cajun home cooked food. The “special” plate is a favorite with a choice of one meat, two sides and a roll. The meat choices range from brisket, sausage, and meat loaf, to baked chicken, turkey/dressing, ham, salisbury steak and spaghetti/meatballs. Home made desserts are a favorite feature. Catering is available for large to small functions, banquets, corporate or organization luncheons/dinners. 4719 Lexington @ Dulles, 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

Fort Bend Business Journal • February 2011

• 9920 Highway 90-A, Suite B-260, Sugar Land • 281-313-CHEF (2433). $ Fernando’s Latin Cuisine We are pleased to announce the arrival of Fernando’s Latin Cuisine-An exotic culinary adventure! Started by, Fernando Echeverria, the same owner of Los Andes by the Compact Center in Houston-Another wonderful Latin American restaurant. Fernando’s Latin Cuisine is located in the same building where Ruth’s Chris used to be. Featured dishes include Empanadas appetizer, Fileton, (Filet mignon) and Asada Y Camarones, Casually called the surf and turf. 14135 Southwest Freeway, in Sugar Land. 281-494-9087. wwww. fernandosrestaurants.com. $$ • FB Hickory Barn BAR-B-Q The Kiddy Brothers came to Houston with great BBQ on their minds. The first BBQ restaurant opened in 1953. Since then the family owned and operated business has been serving up great BBQ. Although times have changed, our idea of great BBQ hasn’t. Come by and see us. Catering available. • 11534 Wilcrest @ W. Belfort. 281-530-9382. $ J & L Café Homestyle Cookin’ like Grandma used to make! Joy Smith and Paul Jordan are back, and they’re cooking up a delightful assortment of homemade dishes to satisfy the heartiest of appetites. Since they opened their new restaurant, they’ve been serving up family recipes handed down for 3 generations. Stop by J & L Café and enjoy Chicken and Dumplings, Smothered Oxtails, Meatloaf, Ribs, Fried Catfish, Roast Beef, Mashed

Potatoes, Okra, and Cornbread Dressing, to name just a few menu items and daily specials. The assortment of Desserts includes Peach Cobbler, Cheesecake and Banana Pudding, all guaranteed to make your taste buds smile! Joy Smith, coproprietor, worked as Personal Chef to Former Houston Juneor Lee Brown for many years. Whole Cornish Hens are available on Sundays. Breakfast served Tuesday-Saturday 6-9am, Open for Lunch and Dinner Tuesday-Sunday, Closed Mondays. 1110 FM 2234 on the border of Stafford & Missouri City. 281-499-9895. $ Karl’s At The Riverbend Romantic Dining in the Country, across the creek from a horse farm. Swiss Chef Karl Camenzind’s menu features Angus steaks, Prime Rib, Wienerschnitzel, Trout Almondine and other fresh fish, Rack of Lamb, Steak and other wild game, Atkins specials, a budget weeknight menu offered along with the regular menu, plus a wonderful Sunday Brunch Buffet. Company Luncheons and Rehearsal Dinners invited. Open Tues-Sat for Dinner and Sunday Brunch 5011 FM 723 Richmond 281-2389300 www.karlsrb.com Read our reviews at www.b4-u-eat.com. $$ • FB La Magia Cafe & Pizza If you are looking for casual dinning with an easy atmosphere then La Magia is just the place for you! La Magia Café & Pizza recipes and menu are based on almost 30 years of Italian cooking. The dishes served at La Magia are prepared and cooked in the traditional Italian way, using fresh ingredients and herbs, giving them a home cooked flavor since 1980. In addition to authentic Italian cooking, La Magia offers popular American dishes. The pizzas are made with medium crust and cooked in a stone oven. This cooking process gives the dough a slow rise, for a true pizza flavor. All meals are prepared with extra virgin olive oil and the freshest ingredients and herbs. Open 7 days, Sun-Thurs 11 am -9 pm, Fri-Sat 11 am -10 pm. Lunch menu specials Mon – Fri. 3699 Highway 6 @ Settlers Way Blvd, Sugar Land. 281-5650366. $ WB Las Haciendas Mexican Bar & Grill Santos Escobar and his brother Ascension Escobar serve up dozens of heaping traditional

gourmet Mexican plates. Lunch Specials run weekdays from 11am - 3pm. Great margaritas, fajitas and much more. Catering available as well as a party room for private parties. • 12821 Southwest Freeway. 281-240-3060. $ • FB 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 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 281-3250071 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 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 continued on page 64

February 2011 • Fort Bend Business Journal

FOOD, DRINK, ENTERTAINMENT GUIDE continued from page 63

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 - MondayThursday 11:00-9:00pm, Friday & Saturday 11:00-10:00pm. Happy Hour 3:00-6:00pm. 4524 Highway 6, Sugar Land • Call 281-4912901. www.postoakgrillsugarland.com $$ • FB Sandy McGee’s Restaurant & Catering The “BEST” soups, gourmet sandwiches and salads in TEXAS. Casual Dining in Historic Downtown Richmond. Sandy McGee’s has a sterling reputation for “FRESH”. Mon.-Fri. 10am-9pm and Sat.-Sun. 10am-3pm. 314 Morton St., Richmond. 281-344-9393. $

Fort Bend Business Journal • February 2011

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. 11am9pm. Dine-In or Drive-Thru. 505 Murphy Rd (FM 1092) just south of Hwy 90 in Stafford, 281403-FAST (3278). $

To Advertise Meet & Eat Food Drink Entertainment Guide Call Barbara at 281-690-4201 or email at barbara@fortbendstar.com

Sell Your Car Online

FREE

www.FortBendAutoMarketplace.com

See some of the ads in print in the Star every week.

Sell Your Car Online

FREE

www.FortBendAutoMarketplace.com

See some of the ads in print in the Star every week.

back pain? neck pain? The Spine Center at Methodist Sugar Land Hospital is the comprehensive, coordinated option for you in Fort Bend County. For back and neck pain, there’s only one premier choice – Methodist Sugar Land Hospital’s Spine center. Whether you’ve had pain for just a few days or several long years, you’ll find everything you need to diagnose and treat your condition in a convenient location, with access to premier spine specialists and a complete range of treatment options. Getting started is easy. We will guide you through a customized treatment plan, with expedited access to world-class neurologists, neurosurgeons, orthopedic spine surgeons and interventional pain specialists. plus, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and the most advanced imaging and surgical technologies in the world are available on-site.

Stop enduring pain. Call today and begin your personal treatment plan. 281-313-BACK (2225).

Spine Center 16655 Southwest Freeway • Sugar Land, Texas 77479 281-274-7000 • MethodistSugarLand.com

LEADING MEDICINE®