February 2012 - The Business Lifestyle Magazine Digital Edition

Volume 30 • No. 2

THE BUSINESS LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

February 2012

TROY NEHLS :

Committed to Country, County and Community INSIDE FEATURE / STORIES

Cardiology - Focus on Medical Health Local Resources To Help Your Business Grow Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce Newsletter Data Beat Information

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DiamonD sponsor for The forT BenD Junior service League chariTy BaLL 2012

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exas Direct Auto, the nation’s largest independent car dealership located in Fort Bend County, is supporting this year’s Fort Bend Junior Service League’s (FBJSL) Charity Ball and Casino “Diamonds are a Girl’s Best Friend.” The event is scheduled for Saturday, March 3, 2012, at the Sugar Land Marriott Town Square. Guests will experience “a night at the diamond.”

This elegant gala will be an unforgettable evening enhanced by a sumptuous dinner, sensational music and dancing, casino games, a fabulous live auction, as well as a bid board and silent auction.

Proceeds from the event will benefit Lunches of Love and the FBJSL Community Assistance Fund. Debbie Buckner, Co-Chair of the Ball stated, “We are excited to have Texas Direct Auto as a Diamond Sponsor of the 2012 FBJSL Charity Ball ‘Diamonds are a Girl’s Best Friend.’ Their generous support, along with that of presenting sponsor Memorial Hermann Sugar Land Hospital and numerous others in the community, will help Lunches of Love continue to provide meals to children in need in the Richmond/Rosenberg area and will enable the organization to increase the number of children they are able to feed.”

Lunches of Love, a community outreach program of First United Methodist Church Rosenberg, is committed to helping end childhood hunger in Rosenberg and Richmond by providing a free nutritious sack lunch Monday thru Friday during extended school holidays, including Christmas break, spring break and summer.

Lunches of Love feeds children in need and those qualifying for the state’s free or reduced lunch program. Many children living in families facing food insecurity rely on school lunch as their only meal of the day; without Lunches of Love, these children would go hungry when school is not in session. Lunches of Love was launched during Christmas break 2009 and has quickly expanded

during that time, growing from initially feeding approximately 150 children each day to serving approximately 1,100 children each day during summer 2011. Funds from the Charity Ball will be utilized to sustain their current program as well as expand their program to reach even more children. For more information about Lunches of Love, visit www.lunchesoflove.net.

Fort Bend Junior Service League

Charity Ball Diamonds are

a Girl’s Best Friend 2012

Come experience the glamour and glitter of the Fort Bend Junior Service League 2012 Charity Ball and Casino “Diamonds are a Girl’s Best Friend.” Purchase your tickets now and help provide nutritious lunches for these children! For your convenience, you may order tickets online at www.fbjsl.com.

A variety of sponsorship and underwriting opportunities are available from $500 and up. For more information on sponsorship opportunities, to become a sponsor, or to purchase tickets, please visit www.fbjsl.com or contact Charity Ball CoChairs Mandy Boudreaux, Debbie Buckner, Jessica DeMarr or Audra O’Neal at charityball@fbjsl.com.

Presenting sponsor, Memorial Hermann Sugar Land Hospital, has led the way for a growing number of individuals and businesses eager to join the team. Top sponsors include Texas Direct Auto, Ameriprise Financial Services, Shayne & David Newell, and Sweetwater Radiology.

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Food and Beverages by Silver Eagle Distributors, Coca-Cola, Fish Place, Pier 36 Seafood & Oyster Bar, Ragin Cajun, Witt’s Catering, Fred Fogarty of Fogarty Financial, Kevin Patton of Kevin Patton State Farm and HEB. February 2012 • Fort Bend Business Journal

3

CONTENTS

Fort Bend/Katy

Cover Story

Volume 30 • Number 2 • February 2012 For subscriptions send check for $25 to Fort Bend Business Journal

TROY NEHLS: Committed to Country, County and Community

pg.

24

Special Features

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

Family Owned Business............................................................. 14

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

Technology and Communication................................................. 15

EDITOR ...........................................Sharon Wallingford

Cardiology - Focus on Medical Healthcare................................... 19

ADVERTISING DIRECTOR ..................Mary Doetterl MARKETING

Inside Stories

CONSULTANTS................ Jennifer Pappas-Blancas Diane Strehl Ann Sturrock

A Heartfelt Thanks Bestowed on Bill Hobby............................................................................. 8 Toyota and Lexus Dealerships Driving YMCA Tournament...............................................18 Fort Bend Texas Instruments to Close Plant in Stafford.....................................................22 Texas Unemployment Rate Drops to 7.8 Percent.................................................................23 Big Shots - CYP First Anniversary / Business Person of the Year..................................38

Monthly Columns

Patty Tristan RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE SPECIALIST.........................................Becky Hall CONTRIBUTORS . .......................Wayne Chandler Elsa Maxey ART DIRECTOR.................................Joey Belleza GRAPHIC DESIGNER / WEB.............Carlo Arcillas

Brian Covault Business Resources Discusses Local Resources To Help Your Business Grow ................. 9

Kolbe Curtice CCIM, CLS

Alan Sandersen

Commercial Real Estate Discusses Important considerations when negotiating Commercial Real Estate lease and purchase agreements..... 11

Tax Smart Discusses Discover new opportunities with joint ventures and strategic alliances........................... 13

Monthly Departments ON THE COVER Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce Newsletter...................................................27-34 Newsworthy.......................................................................................................36-37 Data Beat...........................................................................................................40-43 Service Directory...............................................................................................44-45 Dining and Entertainment.................................................................................46-47

4

Fort Bend Business Journal • February 2012

TROY E. NEHLS Candidate for Sheriff Fort Bend County, Texas

©2012 Fort Bend Business Journal Magazine No material from this publication be copied or in any way reproduced without written permission from the publisher.

FIND YOUR NEXT CAR Search new and used car inventories online - easy, simple, fast

Scan with your smart phone to launch website See some of the ads in print in the Star every week.

February 2012 • Fort Bend Business Journal

5

Editor’s Preview

by Sharon Wallingford

February brings new concepts and fresh business starts

G

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

et your restaurant guides and the popcorn ready. February is a month for the annual Academy Awards, Valentine’s Day, Black History Month, the Super Bowl, Groundhog Day, and all of these relate to the

Jacqueline Baly Chaumette President and CEO Baly Projects, LLC

business of food and local cinemas. As for Valentine’s, don’t forget to

make your reservations early and remember it’s leap year. Remember, there are lots of new restaurants in our communities from which to choose.

To observe Black History Month take the opportunity to see the movie “Red

Dee Koch Grant Officer The George Foundation

Tails” and visit a favorite book store or the library to read about their and many others accomplishments.

Our cover story features Troy E. Nehls, an energetic patriot and community minded citizen running for Fort Bend County Sheriff in 2012. Read how this US Army

Becky Munnell President and CEO Blue Jungle Marketing

Retired Major came back home after protecting our country and his men during battles in Iraq and Afghanistan.

In this issue the Business Journal welcomes OMB Valves and thanks them for bringing its Western Hemisphere headquarters to our county. It’s a $5.5 million initial

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

campaign for Stafford.

Former Lt. Governor and former UH Chancellor Bill Hobby revisited the University of Houston Sugar Land campus since he made his first footprint 15 years ago. Read about the growing campus and how its expected to boom in growth of students of all

Tim Stubenrouch President First Community Bank

ages and programs.

Allow your eyes to follow Cardiology specialists in our special section as they bring you the latest medical concepts and achievements in our community.

The annual Greater Fort Bend Economic Development Council will host its annual

John Whitmore Whitmore Company

Outlook meeting on February 16 at Safari Texas. Breakfast will be served and Evan Smith, editor of the Texas Tribune, is featured speaker. Call Carolyn at 263.242.0000 for reservations.

Enjoy the news in this issue. Let us hear from you. Keep the cash registers ringing.

Contact: Sharon K. Wallingford Sharon@FortBendStar.com

Sharon K. Wallingford

6

Fort Bend Business Journal • February 2012

Mary Doetterl Mary@FortBendStar.com

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February 2012 • Fort Bend Business Journal

7

A heartfelt thanks bestowed on Bill Hobby

By Wayne Chandler

F

ormer Texas Lt. Gov. William Pettus Hobby, Jr. was likely the first to place a footprint on the University of Houston Sugar Land Campus.

Most people who had anything to do with the creation of this thriving school, which just became part of the prestigious Tier One status of UH, said that the school wouldn’t exist today, had it not been for Bill Hobby.

As “The Governor” reminisced in a conference room in the brand new, spacious Fort Bend County University Branch Library, it seemed hard to believe that his efforts to bring a strong higher education facility to Fort Bend started more than 15 years ago.

The whole story unfolded about how the UH Sugar Land Campus was created when Hobby agreed to an exclusive interview for the Fort Bend /Katy Business Journal.

Hobby was invited to recall his part in it among old friends, Herb Appel and Bob Brown of the Greater Fort Bend Economic Development Council, and James Patterson, Fort Bend County Precinct 4 Commissioner, (who was instrumental in creating the partnership which brought the library to the UH campus), plus Richard D. (Dick) Phillips, associate vice chancellor of the UHSL campus, and Barbara Stanley, recently retired as UHS associate vice chancellor, local governmental relations and who had served in various capacities with the Governor for some 50 years.

Incidentally, Phillips is the first campus administrator to serve on the UH President’s cabinet, another sign of the growing significance of Sugar Land to the UH mission.

After an hour of recollections and “war stories,” as the Governor called them, the group adjourned to a luncheon where they were joined by a host of current and former

8

They told “war stories” about UH Sugar Land... from left, Bob Bown, former Lt. Gov. Bill Hobby, Herb Appel and UH Dick Phillips.

city and county mayors and movers.

In addition to the earlier group, there were Fort Bend County Judge Bob Hebert, Sugar Land Mayor James Thompson, former Sugar Land mayor Dean Hrbacek, former Sugar Land city councilwoman Mary von Tungelin, Sugar Land city manager Allen Bogard, Greater Fort Bend EDC President/CEO Jeff Wiley, WCJC President Betty McCrohan, UH System Associate Vice Chancellor University Outreach Marshall Schott, and Fort Bend Business Journal Editor Sharon Wallingford.

During the luncheon, Hobby gave great credit to former Mayor Hrbacek and Appel for the City of Sugar Land and Greater Fort Bend EDC support…. Mayor Thompson asked Hobby about the current UH chancellor Renu Khator, and the former chancellor was quick to comment that she is the second best chancellor/president that UH has ever had. Of course, Hobby was smiling…. When asked about the importance of partnerships, Hobby was told that there are plans for a UH-City of Sugar Land-private enterprise partnership. Hobby said, “that’s the way it should be.”

At the end of the luncheon, Phillips surprised the Governor with a birthday cake to celebrate his 80th birthday which was to

Fort Bend Business Journal • February 2012

come on January 19.

It was almost 15 years to the day— January 19, 1996 – that a Fort Bend County delegation headed by Hobby, then chancellor at University of Houston, traveled to Austin to plead the county’s case for approval of the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. Hobby, for UH, was seeking to create a Fort Bend County multiinstitution teaching center where students could complete bachelor’s and master’s degrees. The plan was to include the UH System, Houston Community College and Wharton County Junior College, to offer 30 full degrees beginning that summer.

Herb Appel, spoke to the Coordinating Board after Hobby. There were 21 members of the Coordinating Board which was being asked to approve a plan which the Texas Legislature had indicated that it wouldn’t consider since it was generally set on not financing any more colleges or universities.

“When the Governor entered the room, you would have thought that he was the Pharoh, “ said Appel. “They had such great respect and awe for this man who, as Texas lieutenant governor for 18 years, had been so powerful.” Appel said he thought that Continued, on page 10

Texas Community Referral Network

Business Resources

By Brian Covault

TCRN Founder/CEO

Local resources to help your business grow As a business, you want your name and logo seen whenever possible. That is the first rule of Marketing 101. Having that done strategically and affordably is a different story.

That can often be challenging. TCRN-Sugar Land is filled with resources to help every local business thrive. Whether you are a start-up business or a seasoned company cemented in the community, TCRN Business Services can provide resources every local business needs.

Signs and banners are one of the most inexpensive ways to have your business “get noticed.” It certainly is not the only answer, but is definitely one of them. Signs and banners can be utilized in different ways. If you are a brick and mortar business, the signage at your location needs to be eye-catching. The right sign can make all the difference in the world. A banner outside your location often alerts people to something specific and causes

you to stand out. These are great ways to differentiate your business from your competitors and other businesses around you. After all, “your” business is the one you want them to see and come to!

There are a lot of community events throughout the Fort Bend County area. At these events, you will see businesses with banners promoting their business. Why? They are an affordable way to brand your business and convey a certain message. Best of all, you can use it over and over again at multiple events. Another popular marketing tool utilizing graphics is vehicle wraps. This gives you a moving billboard that has thousands of impressions each day. Vehicle wraps can drive people to your website, or prompt them to call you. With a wrap, your business is seen all over town!

Every business needs signs and banners at

some point. Sometimes you need them at the last minute too. FASTSIGNS of Sugar Land not only has the capabilities to get you a banner the same day you order it, but they have been serving businesses in Fort Bend County for more than 20 years! They have state-ofthe-art equipment and can help you with all of your sign and banner needs affordably.

They are experts in vehicle wraps too, which are very difficult to install, but they have a team of professionals that are second to none and do a flawless job.

Not only do they do great work, but they are also extremely committed to our community and support dozens of local non-profit organizations with signs and banners for their galas and events. Community service is part of their mission and business model.

BRIAN COVAULT... continued on page 22

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A heartfelt thanks bestowed on Bill Hobby Continued, from page 8

Hobby’s request would be a “slam dunk.” It was. The Coordinating Board unanimously approved the request.

This board approval was the second major Hobby achievement in the quest for a Sugar Land education facility. Earlier, along with Appel, the local search party already had found a 256-acre site south of U.S. 59 at what was to be named University Boulevard.

The land was owned by Texas Department of Transportation (TXDOT) which had no immediate plans for it.

Hobby said, “I would have to say that my meeting with TXDOT didn’t meet with enthusiastic endorsement, but they didn’t push back too hard, and I decided to take the matter to the legislature.”

“When you are trying to pass any bill, there are an impressive number of obstacles that can doom it,” Hobby said. “Our bill needed a neutral bill number. The week it came before committee, a bill numbered 666 was killed because the number apparently had satanic significance… we weathered the storms and passed the bill.”

Hobby recalled that Bob Lanier, then mayor of Houston who previously had chaired the Texas Transportation Commission, asked Hobby: “Isn’t that the land you forced me and the department to buy from the prison system because you needed the money to balance the budget when you were lieutenant governor, and now you want them to give it away?” Hobby just grinned as he said he acknowledged this fact.

“After that, that’s all I did,” the Governor said, but Brown and Appel quickly said that this wasn’t true.

These two EDC officials still needed local support which readily came from the City of Sugar Land, Fort Bend County and the George Foundation over the next several years for millions of dollars to help finance the first two buildings, both in 2002 and 2004.

“When the Governor said that he would stand behind you… you could take it to the bank,” Brown said, and the Governor’s support helped raise millions of private

10

How about presidential candidate Hobby?

F

ormer Texas Lt. Gov. Bill Hobby considered running for the U.S. presidency in 2000. In his recent book, “How Things Really Work: Lessons From A Life in Politics,” Hobby has a little fun with his two-part platform at that time which included these features: WHAT I WILL NOT DO: • Raise your taxes. Or lower them either.

Presidents can’t do either one. Only Congress can pass a tax bill.

• Go to war in a country unless I’ve heard of it.

• Eliminate the deficit …(but) spend more on defense and education by telling you we have a surplus • Be your nanny. Nor tell you to stop smoking…or fasten your seat belt…put pills in a bottle nobody can open…or airbags that may kill you in your car ...or let government search you every time you get on an airplane • Tell other countries whom to elect as their president • Take contributions from greedy special interests • Let people call you at dinner to sell you something over the phone nor let companies play music when you’re put on hold.

HERE’S WHAT I WILL DO: • Declare victory in the war on drugs...we have put more citizens in prison…so we must have won • Make anybody who sues you unsuccessfully, pay whatever amount he was trying to extort..

• Do a superb job of running the executive branch of the federal government. After all, that is what the U.S. Constitution says the president is supposed to do.

He concluded, “Of course, I decided not to run, but think about it…would we have been better or worse off if I had?”

Fort Bend Business Journal • February 2012

money as well. Brown, as GFBEDC chairman, is credited with raising millions from the private sector.

The Governor and the EDC and other entities were able to sell the project to fellow residents because Fort Bend County had become among the fastest growing populations in the nation.

“We couldn’t have made all this happen without the Governor’s clout,” Appel has said many times since.

Hobby recalls in his recent book, “How Things Really Work: Lessons from a Life in Politics,” with Saralee Tiede, that he was named UH chancellor in 1995 when the university was in turmoil. “The faculty at the largest campus was in active revolt – they contended that the UH System administration was wastefully consuming resources that should be used at the main university. Enrollment was declining and the football team was losing. “My job at the UH System was basically to calm things down enough so that a well-qualified individual would be interested in running the system. It was to my advantage in taking on this job that Houston was my hometown and that people thought well of my advocacy for higher education while I was lieutenant governor.… I was more interested in goals than governance. I wanted to ensure that the university served its many students in the fastest-growing sector of the Houston metropolitan area – Fort Bend County.”

Hobby observed that urban university students tend to be part time and take longer to complete a degree. He noted that they tend to be older, and many are retooling for a new career. An urban university also has more minority students, and he knew that a Fort Bend student is 30 miles plus from the main campus, and may have tentative transportation options. A Fort Bend student needed to have a chance for an education close to home, and avoid expensive room and board expenses if the student went to a school out of town. That’s why he went to work, helping Fort Bend.

It was noted at the luncheon that the UH Sugar Land Campus, including 2,500 Continued, from page 12

R E A L

E S T A T E

Commercial Real Estate

By Kolbe Curtice, CCIM, CLS

Managing Director Colliers International - Fort Bend

Important considerations when negotiating Commercial Real Estate lease and purchase agreements Our firm represents hundreds of clients every year to buy, sell, and lease commercial properties. For most or those clients, pricing is the most important consideration. There are many other considerations, however, that can be critical to the success or failure of a transaction.

A few of the things that a prospective buyer or tenant should address in the negotiation process include: 1) Condition Of The Property – Is there work that the landlord or owner of the property needs to perform before it is transferred?

2) Agreement On Use – Are there restrictions covering the allowable uses for the property? In most cases in east Fort Bend, there are, and these should be negotiated and clearly identified in the lease or purchase agreement.

3) Are Economic Incentives Available For

The Property (beyond those that the owner or landlord may be offering)? - For example, local governmental entities will often offer economic incentives to companies considering leasing or purchasing property within their jurisdiction when it can be demonstrated that the company will provide an economic stimulus to the area.

4) Timing – Both commercial lease agreements and purchase agreements contain a number of dates and deadlines which must be met by both parties in the transaction. For example, in the case of a leased space where the Tenant’s contractor will perform the interior construction, the time period allowed for the approval and construction of the improvements must be defined. Defining that time period accurately is critical as rental payments typically become due immediately following

the end of the period. For land purchases with new construction planned, the period of time between the execution of the purchase agreement and the date that the earnest money becomes non-refundable (the “due diligence” period) should be negotiated and spelled out in the agreement. Following that period, the rights and remedies allowed in the agreement can be enforced by the seller. The “due diligence” period should be sufficient to allow the buyer enough time to secure appropriate financing for the property. It should also allow sufficient time for the buyer’s professionals to complete their required inspections, appraisals, etc. When new construction is involved, the seller should allow appropriate time to obtain architectural

KOLBE CURTICE... continued on page 35

February 2012 • Fort Bend Business Journal

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Fort Bend Business Journal • February 2012

A heartfelt thanks bestowed on Bill Hobby Continued, from page 10

Wharton County Junior College students, now has some 4,000 ‘face to face” students and about 1- 2,000 on-line students. It’s estimated that, with the new Tier One status, that the UH main campus share of the enrollment may double within two years.

Fort Bend isn’t the only community which has benefitted from Bill Hobby’s life of public service. He was born into a political family. Both his grandfathers were in the Texas legislature. His father also was a lieutenant governor and then became governor in 1917. His mother, Oveta Culp Hobby, was the first U.S. Secretary of Health, Education and Welfare and later headed the new Women’s Army Corps (WACs) during World War II. After graduating from Rice University Hobby served four years as a Lieutenant (jg) in the U.S. Navy. His family owned The Houston Post and he was president for 20 years before it was sold in 1983. He was the state’s longest serving lieutenant governor (from 1972 to 1991). In academia, he has received a host of honorary degrees, awards and directorships and been a member of a half dozen professional associations. He is active in the Hobby Center for the Study of Texas (Rice) and the Hobby Center for Public Policy (UH). He’s a board member for the Center for Public Policies Priorities (Austin) and still lectures occasionally at Rice, UH and the University of Michigan.

Hobby and his wife, Diana Poteat Stallings, have children Laura (Mrs. John) Beckwith, Paul, Andrew, and Kate (Mrs. Steve) Gibson.

A born Democrat, he has thrived on being able to negotiate with the strongest Republicans. He is a lifelong advocate for education, and still is at war with Texas Republicans. Hobby says that ”Texas Republicans are at war with higher education, particularly research universities, as well as secondary education. They want to make Texas a third world country.”

He’s often said, “Texas will do anything for education, except pay for it.”

Y O U

A N D

Y O U R

T A X E S

Tax Smart

By Alan Sandersen

Sandersen Knox & Co. L.L.P.

Discover new opportunities with joint ventures and strategic alliances In today’s highly competitive business environment, many companies are venturing into unfamiliar territory. Some are exploring opportunities across state lines or international borders. Others are branching out into different, larger or more complex projects and product lines. For many companies — particularly smaller ones — a joint venture or strategic alliance offers an opportunity to join forces with other construction companies to achieve business goals that one business couldn’t achieve on its own.

Differences and advantages - Joint ventures and strategic alliances have similar objectives, but they’re structured differently. Typically, a joint venture involves formation of a new legal entity, such as a partnership or limited liability company (LLC). A strategic alliance, on the other hand, is simply an agreement

between two businesses to pool their talents and resources. Both offer many advantages to the partners involved, including: • Additional manpower without the need to hire, • Access to new markets, • Pooling of talent, • Availability of specialized capabilities, equipment and technology, • Ability to bid on larger, more complex jobs, • Ability to spread risk among the members, • Enhanced bonding and financing capacity, and • Formation of new supplier relationships.

The most effective joint ventures and strategic alliances leverage members’ complementary strengths. In cross-border or international

ventures, for example, someone with specialized skills or experience might join with an out-ofstate or foreign company that offers an established local presence, knowledge of the market, and on-site labor, supply, and equipment.

Due diligence required - Before embarking on a joint venture or strategic alliance, it’s critical to vet prospective partners thoroughly.

If your business partner fails, you might be on the hook. It’s also important to document the arrangement carefully to ensure that it has welldefined objectives, each party’s responsibilities are clearly spelled out, and both rewards and risks are fairly allocated..

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

A Sugar Land Tradition... Renewed

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281.494.9131 x134 • www.sugarcreekcctexas.com 420 Sugar Creek Boulevard February 2012 • Fort Bend Business Journal

13

Special Feature: Family Owned Business

Southern Ice Cream offers special events & food service provider

S

outhern Ice Cream has operated as a family owned business for over 30 years. We specialize in ice cream distribution for the greater Houston area that expands throughout the greater Southeast Texas Region. Our products include a variety of national brands such as Blue Bunny, Good Humor, Ben & Jerry’s, Klondike & Blue Bell as well as specialty brands such as Ashby’s Sterling Ice Cream, Pacific Valley Dairy, Rosati’s Italian Ices & Texas based company Backyard Beverages Lemonade & Tea Concentrates.

Our unique product profile is perfect for Hotels, Restaurants, Parlor Shops and Special Events! We offer ice cream push cart rentals for social events such as corporate events, religious events, sporting events and any other ice cream social occasion. We recently renovated a 1967 original Good Humor ice cream truck (shown in this photo) as an addition to our special events and parade activities! Though not as vintage, we also have a hi-top van ice cream truck that can come to your event to hand out ice cream! These ice cream trucks are great for companies that want to show employee or customer appreciation or help promote their brand to the public. Either the push cart, vintage Good Humor truck or the modern ice cream truck will work for any type of event! Southern Ice Cream started in mobile vending distribution and has expanded over the years to incorporate our newest venture, which is foodservice for hotels, restaurants, clubs, schools &

parlor shops! What make us attractive for these types of venues are is our mouth-watering products, professional friendly staff, & our fleet of -40 degree delivery trucks! We pride ourselves on our personalized customer service and the ability to deliver efficiently while keeping the integrity of the product intact. The owners Mike & Sharon Johnston along with their daughter Michelle Franklin are committed to growing the foodservice and special events business and look forward to a great 2012! .

Ice Cream Special Events & Food service Provider

• Ice Cream Socials for Any Occasion!

• We specialize in Ice Cream Push Cart Rentals!

• Preferred Distributor for Blue Bunny, Ice Cream, Good Humor & Blue Bell Ice Cream • Rosati’s Italian Ices & Award Winning Ashby’s Sterling Ice Cream!

281.499.9837 • www.southernicecreamtx.com 13755 Greenland Dr. • Open 7 DAYS A WEEK • Bagged Ice & Dry Ice Available

14

Fort Bend Business Journal • February 2012

Special Feature: Technology & Communication

Premier Wireless pitches 2012’s Hottest Apps

W

ireless Technology now makes possible what was once considered impossible. Regardless of the industry you are in, today’s Smartphones are transforming the way business gets done.

Once considered only for the elite, today it is incredibly cost effective to provide these business tools to your employees in the field.

Today’s business apps make it easy to increase sales, improve customer service, reduce fuel costs and improve overall efficiency for your entire organization.

contact information!

• WorldMate – If you’re a frequent traveler and even if you’re not, WorldMate keeps your itinerary and travel plans all in one place. It also allows you book your travel easily while you are on the go and it will help you find the best deals based upon your preferences.

There are also workforce management applications that can be loaded onto a handset and integrated into your backend systems as well. These applications allow you to reduce paperwork and to increase daily productivity. A few key tasks that can be easily managed from a handset are: • Send work orders wirelessly to the field • Update job status in real-time • Dispatch the closest worker for last minute jobs • View Workers and equipment on detailed maps

• Quickly locate lost or stolen equipment • Panic Button to provide alert the office in the event of an emergency in the field Premier Wireless, a Sprint Certified Business Dealer has been specializing in delivering the right business applications and devices to its clients for the past 18 years.

Premier understands that your business depends upon the ability to manage your mobile workforce with transparency, flexibility and responsiveness. We make sure that you and your managers have the ability to do more than simply tell a manager where your vehicles, equipment or employees are located.

We provide you with real-time decision making information that create opportunities and improve your bottom line.

To find out how Premier can help you and your business grow, contact Premier Wireless at (281) 575-8500.

Go all out.

Ground-breaking technology? Check. Jam-packed features?

Go Unique all out.

Check. style? Check. Have it all plus truly Unlimited Go allan Everything out. data with Data plan and Jam-packed never worry about Ground-breaking technology?

Check. features? throttling, metering or Check. overages while onplus the truly SprintUnlimited network.

Check. style?

Have it all Go Unique all out.

Ground-breaking technology?

Check.

Jam-packed features?

Lea Bogle

Some of today’s top business apps include: • Documents To Go – this app allows you to view and edit Microsoft office documents from your phone. The free app, allows you to simply view the document.

When you purchase the app you are able to edit the document as well.

• GDocs – FREE – GDocs provides a better experience for viewing your Google Docs online, you can even download the text files for editing and then sync them back once you’re done!

• Bump –FREE – Quit collecting business cards that take up space and that you can’t find when you need them. With this app, you simply “bump” your phone together with the other person and swap your

data with an Everything Data plan and worryUnlimited about Check.

Unique style?

Check.

Have it allnever plus truly Ground-breaking technology?

Check.

Jam-packed features? throttling, metering or overages while on the worry Sprint about network. data with an Everything Data plan and never Check. Unique style? Check. Have it all plus truly Unlimited throttling, metering or overages while on the Sprint network. data with an Everything Data plan and never worry about throttling, metering or overages while on the Sprint network.

Motorola XPRT™

$29.99 Motorola XPRT™

$79.99 two-year price. Plus $50 mail-in rebate via reward card.

Requires a new-line activation (or eligible upgrade), on an Everything plan with data, Premium Data addon and two-year Agreement.

Samsung Conquer™ 4G

Samsung Epic™ 4G with Google™

Samsung Galaxy S™ II, Epic™ 4G Touch

$49.99

$99.99

$199.99

$99.99 two-year price. Plus $50 mail-in rebate via reward card.

Requires a new-line activation (or eligible upgrade) and twoyear Agreement on select plan with Premium Data add-on.

Samsung Conquer™ 4G

99 $29.99 $49.Conquer™ Samsung 4G Samsung99 Conquer™ 4G 99 $29. $49.

99 99 Contact your Sprint Preferred Retailer:$49. $29.

Contact your Sprint Preferred Retailer: Motorola XPRT™

Motorola XPRT™

$99.99 two-year price. Plus $50 mail-in rebate via reward card.

Requires a new-line activation (or eligible upgrade) and twoyear Agreement on select plan $99.99 two-year price.

Plus $50 with Premium Data add-on. mail-in rebate via reward card.

Requires a new-line activation $99.99 two-year price.

Plus $50 (or eligible upgrade) and twomail-in rebate via reward card. year Agreement on select plan Requires a new-line activation with Premium Data add-on. (or eligible upgrade) and twoPremier Wirelessyear Agreement on select plan 12220 Murphy Rd., with Premium Data add-on.

$79.99 two-year price. Plus $50 mail-in rebate via reward card.

Requires a new-line activation (or eligible upgrade), on an Everything plan with data, Premium Data add$79.99 Plus $50 on andtwo-year two-yearprice.

Agreement. mail-in rebate via reward card.

Requires a new-line $79.99 two-year activation price. Plus(or $50 eligible upgrade), Everything mail-in rebate on via an reward card. planRequires with data,a Premium Data add-(or new-line activation on and two-year Agreement. eligible upgrade), on an Everything plan with data, Premium Data addon and two-year Agreement.

Contact your Sprint Preferred Retailer:

Stafford, TX 77477 (281) 575-8500

$149.99 two-year price. Plus $50 mail-in rebate via reward card.

Requires a new-line activation (or eligible upgrade) and two-year Agreement on select plan with Premium Data add-on.

Samsung Epic™ 4G with Google™

$99.99 $99.99 $99.99

$149.99 two-year price. Plus $50 mail-in rebate via reward card.

Requires a new-line activation (or Samsung Epic™ 4G with Google™ eligible upgrade) and two-year Agreement on select plan with

$149.99 two-year price. Plus $50 Premium Data add-on.

Samsung Epic™ 4G with Google™

mail-in rebate via reward card.

Requires a new-line activation $149.99 two-year price.

Plus $50(or eligible upgrade) and two-year mail-in rebate via reward card.

Agreement on select plan with Requires a new-line activation (or Premium Data add-on. eligible upgrade) and two-year Agreement on select plan with Premium Data add-on.

Requires a new-line activation (or eligible upgrade) and two-year Agreement on select plan with Premium Data add-on.

Samsung Galaxy S™ II, Epic™ 4G Touch

$199.99 $199.9999 $199.$20.00 off $

Requires a new-line activation (or eligible upgrade) and two-year Agreement on

plan with Premium Data add-on.

Samsung Galaxy S™select II, Epic™ 4G Touch

a new-line activation (or eligible Samsung Galaxy S™ II,Requires Epic™ 4G Touch upgrade) and two-year Agreement on selectaplan with Premium add-on.

Requires new-line activationData (or eligible upgrade) and two-year Agreement on select plan with Premium Data add-on.

20 OFF

Bluetooth® Headset with new activation.

Additional restrictions may apply. See in store details.

Premier Wireless 12220 Murphy Rd., Stafford, TX 77477 281-575-8500

$20.00 off

Bluetooth® Headset $20.00 off with $20.00 new off activation.

May require up to a $ 36 activation fee/line, credit approval & deposit. Up to $ 350/line early termination fee ( ETF)Premier for advanced devices & up to $200 ETF/line for other devices (no ETF for Agreements cancelled in compliance with Sprint’s Return Policy). Phone Offer: Ends 3/10/12. While supplies last. Taxes and service charges excluded. No cash Wireless Bluetooth® Headset with new activation. back. Requires activation at the time of purchase. HTC EVO View 4G: Tablet plan required. Blackberry: Business customers may have Phone in the U.S. Allows photo & video playback on an HD capable auxiliary device but 12220 Murphy Rd., other plan options. Calls made without a voice plan: airtime ( 0.20/ min.) plus long distance ( $ 0.20/min.). HTC EVO 4G: First 4G it does not provide HD playback directly on the phone. Accessory cable available separately. HTC EVO 3D Content : Capture and record in 3D available with rear-facing camera only. 3D features compatible only with 3D content. Samsung Replenish: Optional solar charger must be purchased separately. Samsung Replenish Special Offer: Monthly Stafford, TX 77477 Additional restrictions may apply. See in store required $10 Premium Data Add-on charge is waived for savings. Not transferable to other devices. MiFi: Mobile Broadband Card data plan required. Connectivity dependent upon compatibility and speeds may vary. Mail-in Rebate: Requires purchase by 3/10/12 & activation by 3/24/12. Line must be active 30 consecutive days. Allow 8 weeks for details.

(281) 575-8500 rebate. Rebate will be fulfilled with a prepaid reward card. Reward Card: The American Express Prepaid Reward Premier Card ( “Card” ) is a prepaid Card that is usable only at U.S. merchants that accept American Express Cards. Some limitations apply. Offer valid only in the U. S. and Puerto Rico. Not redeemable for cash and does not have ATM access. Use Wireless Bluetooth® Headset new activation. of Card constitutes acknowledgement that it is given as a reward and no consideration, value, or money has been paid by the holder to American Express in exchange for this Card. USE OF CARD IS SUBJECT TO THE CARDHOLDER AGREEMENT. SUBJECT TO APPLICABLE LAW, A $ 3.00with MONTHLY FEE WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST CARD BALANCE, 12220 Murphy Rd., Premier Wireless STARTING SIX MONTHS AFTER CARD ISSUANCE. Card expires 6 years after the date of issuance if not depleted before.

For BALANCE, customer service and Cardholder Agreement, visit americanexpress.com/sprint or call 866-608-3756.

Issued by AEPCMC under license from American Express Prepaid Management Travel No Related May require up to a $ 36 activation fee/line, credit approval & deposit. Up to $ 350/line early termination fee ( ETF) for advanced devices & up to $200 ETF/line for other devices (no ETF for Agreements cancelled in compliance with Sprint’s Return Policy). Phone Offer: Ends 3/10/12.

While supplies Taxes and serviceCorporation. charges excluded. cash Bluetooth® Headset with new activation.

Stafford, TX 77477 Additional restrictions may apply.

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Offers notthe available in all available markets/retail locations or for all Sprint phones/networks.

Pricing, terms, people. fees & features vary for existing notand eligible for upgrade. restrictions See(including store or Sprint.com for details. ©2011 Sprint.

All rights Sprintonand are trademarks Research In Motion, logo, BlackBerry, BlackBerry in allSureType markets/retail locations with or forthe all U.S. phones/networks.

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Sprint the logo are are trademarks of Sprint.

Research In Motion, the RIM BlackBerry, BlackBerry logo and are registered Patent and Trademark Office and fees may &befeatures pendingmay or registered in other countriesnot– eligible these and marks of restrictions Research Inapply.

MotionSee Limited areSprint.com used withfor permission.

Android, Google, the Google logo and and Android Market trademarks of Google Inc. The HTC logo, and logo, HTC EVO are the the trademarks of HTC logo andOther SureType areare registered with the U.S. respective Patent and owners.

Trademark Office and may be pending or registered in other countries – these and other marks of Research In Motion Limited are used with permission. Android, Google, the Google logo and Android Market are trademarks of Google Inc. The HTC logo, and HTC EVO are the trademarks of HTC the property of their Corporation. marks Corporation. Other marks are the property of their respective owners.

12.8.2011_FEATUREPACKED_INSERT_4C

Contact your Sprint Preferred Retailer: Contact your Sprint Preferred Retailer:

Additional restrictions may apply.

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12.8.2011_FEATUREPACKED_INSERT_4C

February 2012 • Fort Bend Business Journal

15

Special Feature: Technology & Communication

Braintek slashes SPAM to serve as a guard

S

PAM! It’s a huge problem plaguing all of us. Surprisingly, many companies that we come across still do not have decent or any antispam protection at all. For companies that do not have adequate protection we recommend a free anti-spam service called MX Guard Dog, you can visit their site for more information, www.mxguarddog.com.

They do an excellent job of filtering out 95 percent of garbage emails that you don’t want in your inbox. Their service filters out junk email before it comes into your Outlook, stopping solicitation from Nigeria bank scammers, unwanted penis enlargements advertisements, and even viruses attached to emails.

Each user or mailbox can setup a login through the MX Guard Dog site and receive daily reports on what has been captured just

Greg Brainerd

in case an email was caught that should have been delivered.

“It sounds interesting, a free anti-spam service, but what’s the catch?” Of course, MX

Unlimited On-Site Unlimited Remote Unlimited Help Desk (281) 367-8253

˙

Guard Dog does require some sort of reimbursement. They do accept regular cash payments or you can put a link on your website that points to MX Guard Dog to earn credits.

“Wait, I don’t want a link on my website that advertises another site!” Yes, I know how you feel about that but before you shell out your hard earned cash to filter spam, take a look at our website, www.braintek.com, and tell me if you can find the link to MX Guard Dog. If you look real hard at our site, you’ll see at the very end of the page, in the footer, a small text link that says “Prevent Spam.”

That’s all it takes, a tiny little texted based link is what MX Guard Dog requires to use their free anti-spam service.

If your company would like help in evaluating issues with your email systems please feel free to give us a call at (281) 3678253.

1

www.braintek.com

One flat monthly rate* *call for details

serving the greater houston area 16

Fort Bend Business Journal • February 2012

Special Feature: Technology & Communication

Technology and Communication today

P

ointing customers at your branded website and social media accounts is where they need to be directed this day and age. If a company also uses sites like Facebook and Twitter, these can set the stage for things to come…like for those things that will land on your website, the platform where a statement can really be made.

But, it’s important to be part of the video revolution that’s here to stay, and Star Digital Studios can make it happen. Select a spokesperson that can clearly convey your message, or we’ll also help you with how you want to convey that message. We’ll even write a script and do the rest on our end.

Business heavy weights tell us that video today is a must have for e-business with any company or organization that has an online presence. Also, for e-commerce, video injected in something as basic as an email can get you great mileage. But you have to know how to do it, how long to make it and what to say to engage a viewer…and ca-ching…sales!

If you haven’t already done it, get started with using video to optimize your smart business practices. Do it both on your website and e-mails. You want a “sticky” website, and videos can provide that dynamic experience for those visiting your website, and they will want to come back. Show them the services you provide, how products work and more. The customers will be back to see what else you have to offer, and for that, don’t forget use

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

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

Elsa Maxey

Facebook and Twitter to promote new stuff.

We’re told that search engines now offer video as part of integrated search

results. Let Star Digital Studios help you.

Give us a call.

We’re also serving customers with many other video alternatives. The well known and respected Ocean Corporation, which has been providing career training since 1969, is one of Star Digital Studios’ clients. The company headed by John Wood, President, is in Houston near the Fort Bend community, and it offers training in commercial diving and nondestructive inspection.

Did we pique your interest? Star Digital Studios…we know the sky’s the limit!

Elsa is executive producer of Star Digital Studios, staff reporter of Fort Bend Star and Fort Bend/Katy Business Journal. She can be reached at 281-690-4280 or e-mail elsa@ fortbendstar.com. www.starvideoproduction. com. H

BOOST YOUR

WEBSITE AND GIVE IT

EXCITEMENT

!

Video sells and your customers will love it. It’s dynamic and engaging.

From conception to completion, at Star Digital Studios we offer all phases of video production including pre-production scripting, videography, editing, post-production effects and distribution, DVD duplication and authoring.

VIDEO ON DEMAND…IT’S A POWERFUL TOOL AND WE CAN HELP. CALL STAR DIGITAL STUDIOS TO BE SEEN AND GET THE ATTENTION YOU DESERVE

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281-690-4280

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Digital

www.starvideoproductions.com February 2012 • Fort Bend Business Journal

17

Toyota and Lexus dealerships driving YMCA tournament

F

ort Bend Toyota and Sterling McCall Lexus are signed on as the Signature Sponsors for the 2012 Y Spring Golf Classic. This year’s tournament, the Fort Bend Toyota/Sterling McCall Lexus Spring Golf Classic, will be held at Pecan Grove Country Club on Monday, March 26th, with a shot-gun start at 11:30AM. Mike Shaw, Fort Bend Toyota General Manager and Co-Event Sponsor, stated “We are so proud to be a partner with the YMCA on this tournament, because we know the positive impact that the YMCA is having on our community”.

The Y Spring Golf Classic will have a best ball scramble format and include oncourse competitions such as, closest to the pin, longest drive, and a putting contest. The tournament competition also includes a chance to win a $500 cash prize at a designated hole through the annual “Hit the Green Contest.” The event will include a fantastic lunch donated by Macaroni Grill and a delicious BBQ dinner donated by Swinging Door BBQ. In addition, golfers will enjoy complimentary on-course beverages and snacks during the course play.

Each golfer will receive great goodie bags that will include a shirt, balls, snacks and green fees for four future rounds of golf at designated area Arnold Palmer Courses.

During the dinner and awards ceremony, golfers can participate in both a silent and live auction that will benefit the Fort Bend Area YMCAs Partners Campaigns. The live auction will be led up by County Treasurer Jeff Council.

Although a few of the sponsorship opportunities have already been secured, there are still many ways for individuals, organizations and businesses to participate in the tournament. Available sponsorships include course sponsors, various team sponsorships and individual player sponsorships. Non-playing sponsorships include competition sponsorships, cart sponsorship, beverage station sponsorships,

18

Helping Drive the YMCA Future! – (From Left to Right) Front Row – Tiffany and Arianna Selph, Seated in Car – Brenda Robinson and Cindy Drabek, Y Volunteers, Behind Car – Brian Haines, Katy Y Executive, Steve Pierson, Y Volunteer, Mike Shaw, Fort Bend Toyota GM, Eric Schenkelberg, Fort Bend Y Group Executive, Charlie Myer, Y Advancement Officer, In Truck – Joey Dupuis, Sterling McCall Lexus GM, Jess Stuart, TW Davis Y Executive, Ryan Taylor, Y Volunteer and Bill Myers, Y Committee Chair.

hat sponsorship, bag tag sponsorship, “Hit the Green” sponsorship and tee sign sponsorships. In addition to the Fort Bend Toyota/Sterling McCall Lexus and meal sponsors, the YMCA Tournament has also signed on N-The-Zone Photography as the Gold Sponsor of the event. Other commitments of support to date have come from Best Buy, Stewart Title, Icon Bank, Liberty Tax Service, Precor Fitness and Severn Trent Services. Joey Dupuis, Sterling McCall Lexus General Manager and CoEvent Sponsor, stated “We would like to call upon the generosity of our fellow Fort Bend County businesses to join us in supporting the YMCA’s community efforts through this year’s tournament”.

All proceeds from the Fort Bend Toyota/ Sterling McCall Lexus Spring Golf Classic will go to the 2012 Partners Campaign fund of the YMCAs of Fort Bend County, which includes the Fort Bend Family YMCA in

Fort Bend Business Journal • February 2012

Missouri City, the T.W. Davis YMCA in Richmond and the Katy YMCA. Combined, the three YMCA Partners program funds will scholarship or subsidize over 3300 youth, families and individuals in character building YMCA programs, outreach, activities and memberships. “The YMCA strives to make it possible for everyone in the community to benefit from the YMCA regardless of their ability to afford it and the tournament funds will bring us that much closer to fulfilling our goal,” stated Charlie Myer, Y Regional Community Advancement Officer. The YMCA is a 501 C 3 Non-Profit organization dedicated to strengthening the foundations of community through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. For more information on the YMCAs in Fort Bend County, go to www.ymcahouston.org .

For more information about the 2012 YMCA Golf Classic, call Brian Haines at (281)392-5055.

Special Feature

CARD I O L O G Y Focus on Medical Healthcare

Free heart smart seminar and screenings

N

o one wants to think about the frightening possibility of facing a heart attack or a stroke. But if more people — family members, bystanders and the victims themselves — understood the warning signs better; they may help save more lives.

“Both a heart attack and a stroke can send warning signals hours, days, even weeks ahead of time,” says B. Keith Ellis, M.D., board certified interventional cardiologist and medical director of the Methodist Sugar Land Hospital Chest Pain Center. “Chest pain that’s triggered by exertion and relieved by rest may be an early predictor of a heart attack. In women, older adults and people with diabetes, symptoms may come and go, are often vague and may not be recognized.”

Too many people wait too long to get help, and more damage is done with each passing minute. The good news is new clotbusting heart attack drugs administered within one hour can stop a heart attack in progress. Stroke medication can stop and even reverse brain damage if given within three hours. “If you suspect either a heart attack or a stroke, seek emergency care immediately,” says Dr. Ellis.

Methodist Sugar Land Hospital has demonstrated the highest level of expertise in treating heart attack patients. Because of this expertise and delivery of care, Methodist Sugar Land Hospital has received Chest Pain Center Accreditation from the National

Panel of heart experts: Dr. Imran Mohiuddin,Vascular Surgeon; Dr. Sherman Tang, Interventional Cardiologist; Dr. Kesavan Shan, Diagnostic Cardiologist; Dr. Uttam Tripathy, Cardiovascular & Thoracic Surgeon; Dr. B. Keith Ellis, Interventional Cardiologist; Dr. Earl Mangin, Interventional Cardiologist; Dr. Tapan Rami, Electrophysiologist; Dr. Mahesh Ramchandani; Cardiovascular & Thoracic Surgeon.

Society of Chest Pain Centers (SCPC). The SCPC evaluation focuses on adherence to the following criteria: • Reducing the time from onset of symptoms to diagnosis and treatment.

• Treating patients more quickly during the critical window of time when the heart muscle can be preserved.

• Monitoring patients when it is not certain that they are having a heart attack to ensure that they are not sent home too quickly or needlessly admitted to the hospital.

A key component of the hospital’s accreditation is the speed with which heart attack patients are treated with percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in the Cath Lab. “PCI is critical to opening up the blocked artery and re-establishing blood flow,” says

Dr. Ellis. “The quicker that we can identify patients who are having heart attacks, transport them to the Cath Lab and begin the PCI, the better chance we have of saving lives and limiting damage to the heart.”

To learn more about heart attack and stroke please join us for a free Heart Smart Seminar & Screening on Thursday, February 23 from 6 – 8 p.m. at Methodist Sugar Land Hospital – Conference Center. To register please call 281-274-7500 or email SLRSVP@ tmhs.org. Refreshments, door prizes and free screenings for those attending the seminar.

Free screenings include a free blood pressure screening and a lab test gift certificate that includes testing for glucose and lipid profile (including cholesterol, triglyceride, HDL, LDL, VLDL and risk calculation).

February 2012 • Fort Bend Business Journal

19

Special Feature: Cardiology - Focus on Medical Healthcare

OakBend Medical Center’s Cardiology Program – Steadily Growing to serve our Community

O

akBend Medical Center has been a constant part of the Fort Bend community for over 50 years, dedicated to serving our community with high quality health care and convenience.

As heart disease remains the number one killer of men and women in America, OakBend understands that the development of a comprehensive cardiology program is important.

OakBend Medical Center currently provides diagnostic evaluation of heart and peripheral vascular disease and interventional treatments of the heart peripheral vascular disease studies and interventional treatment, studies and treatment of heart rhythm disorders. The

Dr. Yassir Sonbol

goal is to continue to increase the spectrum of cardiology services offered here in the West Fort Bend community, eliminating the need for patients to be

AWARD WINNING CARE

Signature Heart Services Heart disease is the #1 health related killer worldwide.

That’s why at OakBend Medical Center, we provide our patients with the best care possible, bringing together experienced Board Certified Cardiologists with decades of combined experience, the latest technology and advanced diagnostic tools.

If you’re looking for award-winning care, contact OakBend Medical Center today.

Jackson Street Campus 1705 Jackson Street Richmond, TX 77469

20

Phone: (877) 77-MY-HEART or (877) 776-9432 Physician Referral: (281) 341-4800 www.oakbendmedcenter.org

Fort Bend Business Journal • February 2012

transferred to other facilities, causing additional burden to the patient and their families.

OakBend Medical Center is constantly expanding the cardiology department with excellent physicians and support staff that are excited about the opportunity to bring new services to the community. Dr. Yassir Sonbol, Interventional Cardiologist, recently joined the OakBend Medical Group.

We are not only excited about the future of cardiology at OakBend, but honored for the privilege to bring it to our community.

For additional information about OakBend Medical Center or the OakBend Medical Group, please call (281) 341-3023.

Our expanding heart and vascular disease program features: • Automatic Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (ACID) • Carotid Ultrasound • Coronary Artery (CT) Scans • Diagnostic Heart Catheterization • Coronary Interventional Procedures • Heart Physical Disorders • Nuclear Cardiology • Peripheral Vascular Disease & Interventional Procedures • Stress Echocardiogram

WHY THE BEST TIME T O F I N D A H O S P I TA L I S BEFORE YOU NEED ONE.

You may not need a hospital now, but some day you might. Choosing the right hospital can make the critical difference. St. Luke’s Sugar Land Hospital is a full service, acute care hospital, delivering quality care in Sugar Land. We offer many of the services you might need, backed by a name you know and trust, and delivered with a special brand of caring, we call Faithful, Loving Care®. Don’t wait until you need us to find us. We’re here for you.

StLukesSugarLand.com

Highway 59 one block north of Highway 6 at Lake Pointe Parkway

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1317 Lake Pointe Parkway, Sugar Land, TX 77478 | 281-637-7000 February 2012 • Fort Bend Business Journal

21

The MOST Complete ORTHOPEDIC CARE for FORT BEND COUNTY Christopher K. Smith, M.D.

Adult & Pediatric Orthopedics

Jeffrey B. Wood, M.D.

Diseases & Deformities of the Spine

Kenneth M. Renney, M.D. Sports Medicine

Mark W. Maffet, M.D.

Knee & Shoulder Surgery, Sports Medicine

Carl A. Hicks, M.D.

Joint Reconstructive Surgery

Timothy C. Sitter, M.D.

Knee & Shoulder Surgery, Sports Medicine

Ray R. Valdez, M.D. Foot & Ankle

Methodist Orthopaedic Specialists of Texas

Methodist Orthopaedic Specialists of Texas (MOST) physicians are recognized as some of the finest board-certified physicians in the specialty of orthopedics. They provide comprehensive, world-class orthopedic care under one roof right here in Fort Bend County — from sports medicine to joint replacement, hand and wrist to ankle and spine care. They perform on a higher level, so you can, too.

Anthony J. Muffoletto, M.D.

Diseases & Deformities of the Spine

David A. Braunreiter, M.D. Sports Medicine

Eddie T. Matsu, M.D. General Orthopedics

Vincent C. Phan, M.D.

Hand & Upper Extremities

Same day appointments available. Call 281-494-MOST (6678) or email MOSTappts@tmhs.org.

Go to our website now to make an appointment by using your smartphone QR reader.

A

fter decades of service to Fort Bend, Texas Instruments (TI), the iconic 45 year old company in Stafford along with another computer chip company in Japan will be closing. The one locally…by the end of the year.

TI Spokesperson Whitney Jodry from Dallas, where the company is headquartered, said that the closure decision is “impacting people we care about and we are committed to the Houston area and will remain in Houston.”

The spokesperson also said that the company is continually assessing its factories based on their effectiveness and the demand for products. Jodry said the cost to upgrade the facilities was greater than to move product production to other facilities within the TI operations.

In Stafford, there are 1,000 employees

22

that work with TI and about 500 from the local site at the manufacturing factory, which is already up for sale, according to Jodry, will be gone by the end of the year, when the facility will close. Some of the jobs will end in July and the majority by December. Jodry said there are 1,000 TI local employees, 500 factory employees and another 500 are part of the “digital signal processor arm of the business,” like engineers and designers. That part of the TI business will remain in the Houston area, she said.

“Factory employees will be given an opportunity to apply for employment with other TI facilities,” said Jodry. TI has a total of 13 factories at the present time, 11 after the closures, and six of the sites, including the one in Stafford, are in Texas.

The TI company in Stafford will take “a year to ramp down the factory.” TI was among the earliest companies to locate in Fort County.

Fort Bend Business Journal • February 2012

Fort Bend Texas Instruments to close plant in Stafford

BRIAN COVAULT... continued from page 9

Getting your business noticed is a must.

At FASTSIGNS of Sugar Land, you get visual communications solutions including sign and graphic consultation, design, production, delivery and installation services. Whether you need architectural signs, vehicle graphics, point-of-purchase posters or a building identification sign, they can help. Meet your objectives - realize your full potential™ - and let them make you look great.

From small projects to large projects they can help your business get the exposure you want. FASTSIGNS of Sugar Land is located at 13444 Southwest Freeway, Suite 3 at the Dairy Ashford exit, or you can call them at 281 491-7446. FASTSIGNS of Sugar Land is a member of TCRN-Sugar Land and can be found under Professional Services on www.TCRN-SugarLand.com.

Brian Covault is a columnist for the Fort Bend Business Journal and TCRN Founder/ CEO, Texas Community Referral Network.

He can be reached at 281-342-8276. www. tcrn-sugarland.com. H

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

Texas unemployment rate drops to 7.8 percent

T

exas’ seasonally adjusted unemployment rate fell to 7.8 percent in December, down from 8.1 percent in November and down from 8.3 percent in December 2010.

The Texas Civilian Labor Force grew by more than 17,000 individuals in December, and now stands at more than 12.3 million Texans.

Texas added 20,200 nonfarm jobs in December for a total of 204,500 jobs added over the year. Private employers in Texas added 10,100 jobs in December for a total of 260,000 private sector jobs added over the year. Texas has experienced positive annual job growth for the last 20 consecutive months with annual growth rates at or above 2.0 percent for the last seven months.

“Texas continues to see signs of improvement in the labor market,” said Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) Chairman

Tom Pauken. “Texas’ unemployment rate has decreased for the third consecutive month, and now stands at 7.8 percent, which is the lowest since July 2009. Our state’s unemployment rate remains below the national unemployment rate of 8.5 percent.”

The Leisure and Hospitality industry added 4,100 jobs in December, totaling 41,200 jobs added over the year. This resulted in a robust annual growth rate of 4.0 percent.

Growth in the Manufacturing industry continued as this industry added 2,200 jobs in December for a total of 25,200 jobs over the year for an annual growth rate of 3.1 percent.

The Mining and Logging industry expanded by 2,000 jobs over the month, totaling 40,700 jobs gained over the year.

Large employment gains in Mining and Logging have resulted in this industry’s annual growth rate ranking highest among all of the major industries at 18.7 percent.

“I am encouraged to see our state’s

unemployment rate continuing to drop,” said TWC Commissioner Representing Labor Ronny Congleton. “TWC and our local workforce boards stand ready to help those seeking work in Texas find good jobs to provide for themselves and their families.”

Employment in Financial Activities expanded by 2,100 jobs in December, totaling 18,000 jobs added over the year for a 2.9 percent annual job growth rate—the highest for that industry since March 2007.

Professional and Business Services employment expanded by 1,600 jobs in December and added 53,100 jobs over the year. Having added jobs in nine of the past 12 months, the annual job growth rate for Professional and Business Services in December was 4.1 percent.

“Eight of the 11 major industries in Texas added jobs in December, and that’s good news for job seekers,” said TWC Commissioner Representing the Public Andres Alcantar.

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

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

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

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281.242-3232 www.sktx.com

February 2012 • Fort Bend Business Journal

23

COVER STORY

TROY NEHLS :

F

ort Bend County Precinct Four Constable Troy E. Nehls is a candidate for Sheriff of Fort Bend County in the Republican primary election currently scheduled to be held this Spring. A 19-year law enforcement veteran, Nehls has served two terms as an elected constable in Fort Bend County.

Committed to Country, County and Community

Several factors motivate Nehls to run for sheriff, the most pressing of which are a lack of adequate customer service provided to crime victims, the lack of sufficient focus on residential burglaries, and the “wasteful use of the resources currently allocated to the Sheriff’s Office.” Nehls believes he would bring improved leadership and vision. “I know that the street-level employees of the Sheriff’s office exemplify the best in law enforcement,” Nehls stressed, “but the management, operations, and mindset of the Fort Bend County Sheriff’s Office need to revamp into that of a proactive and efficient law enforcement services provider.”

The veteran constable believes residents should always feel confident they will receive courteous and professional service from the sheriff’s office. “Many victims of crime in Fort Bend complain they rarely received even a courtesy call from the Sheriff’s Office after their case is filed.”

Nehls stated that the Sheriff’s office files monthly Uniform Crime Reports to the Texas Department of Public Safety.

The reports record all major criminal offenses for which a report was taken by the Sheriff’s Office. “I compared the Fort Bend Sheriff’s Office crime solved rates to those in neighboring Montgomery County and Brazoria County and discovered that

24

Fort Bend Business Journal • February 2012

Political ad paid for by Troy Nehls campaign

Major Nehls with Ghazni Provincial Governor Shir Khosti discussing economic development opportunities in Ghazni.

Retired U.S. Army Major Nehls with Lieutenant DePrimo, and Afghanistan Prison Warden in Ghazni Province.

other counties are far more efficient at solving crime.”

For example, the Uniform Crime Reports indicate that over the past 10 years the Sheriff’s office has never solved more than 5% of burglaries, a number that is consistently 50% below the state average.

Nehls calles that statistic “Unacceptable” and said he is determined to improve the

Political ad paid for by Troy Nehls campaign

Sheriff’s office performance and create a culture committed to delivering better service to citizens.

Nehls stressed that upper management has failed to properly utilize employees within the Sheriff’s office. “Detectives should be available when residents are available, and we all know that is not just bank hours,” he said. “I intend to put into

place an evening shift of detectives for work on solving crimes in Fort Bend County.”

Nehls stated that this evening shift of detectives will also reduce the $3.1 million dollars in overtime bills accumulated by the Sheriff’s office over the past three years.

Nehls also said he believes upper management has taken advantage of the use of county owned “take-home” vehicles and pledged to carefully evaluate the practice. “All vehicle deployments will be reviewed to ensure county vehicles CONTINUES...

February 2012 • Fort Bend Business Journal

25

Fort Bend County Precinct Four Constable Troy E. Nehls and family.

only go home with personnel who are subject to being called out to serve residents in emergency situations,” Nehls said. “Of the approximately 727 Sheriff’s Office employees, 20% have take-home cars.” Nehls said elected officials have a responsibility to ensure employees are “fiscally responsible” with assets entrusted to them.

Nehls is convinced that the Sheriff’s Office leadership needs to create a more

26

positive work environment and intends to do so by implementing key management objectives: (1) emphasize professionalism for all employees of the Sheriff’s Office; (2) create and communicate formalized procedures for measuring employee performance and qualifications, and reward employees accordingly; and (3) incorporate frontline personnel into the important decision-making processes.

In addition to his law enforcement

Fort Bend Business Journal • February 2012

experience, Nehls retired as a Major in the Army Reserve, after 21 years of service that included overseas combat assignments in Bosnia, Iraq and Afghanistan. During that time, he earned several awards, including two Bronze Stars. “I am honored to have served my country for over two decades.”

Nehls, although hesitant to do so, shared a private experience that occurred during his assignment as Deputy Commander of a Provincial Reconstruction Team in Ghazni Province, Afghanistan. On May 20, 2008, a patrol team under Nehls’ command came under attack, and two Lieutenants, Jeffery DePrimo and Jeffery Ammon, were killed in the line of duty.” Nehls said that Lieutenants DePrimo and Ammon were dedicated leaders and committed to improving Afghanistan. As a sign of honor and respect Nehls wears a bracelet with their names engraved on it. “We must never forget our military veterans’ sacrifices for preserving our freedom,” said Nehls.

Nehls received a BA from Liberty University and a Masters in Criminal Justice from the University of HoustonDowntown. “My civilian education is very important to me and will help me to implement sophisticated law enforcement management practices to one of the largest sheriff’s offices in Texas.”

Nehls comes from a family of law enforcement professionals. His late father Edwin Nehls, served as a county sheriff in Wisconsin. Nehls has an older brother, Todd Nehls, who is in his third term as the elected Sheriff in Dodge County, Wisconsin. “I grew up in a law enforcement household, and serving citizens, both via law enforcement and the military, has been my focus for my entire career.” Nehls has an identical twin, Trever Nehls, an 18-year employee of the Sugar Land Police Department, who is seeking the Republican nomination for the Precinct Four Constable’s office.

Nehls resides near Richmond with his wife, Jill, and daughters, Jenna and Cambry. Jill is employed by Lamar Consolidated Independent School District as the Principal of historic Jane Long Elementary School.

Political ad paid for by Troy Nehls campaign

Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce Newsletter

Sugar Land Wine & Food Affair Formerly The Grand Wine & Food Affair

April 18 - 22, 2012

SugarLandWineAndFoodAffair.com www.facebook.com/sugarlandwineandfoodaffair Conrad N. Hilton College of Hotel and Restaurant Management Producing Partner and Beneficiary

www.FortBendChamber.com

February 2012 • Fort Bend Business Journal

27

Membership

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

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 Braman Winery

Dahill

Fort Bend Fit

IBC Bank

CRU Home

EquipXp, LC

The Harris Law Firm

Out of the Box Design, LLC

Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce Newsletter

Ashley Kubicek Marketing Director 3333 FM. 359 Richmond, TX 77469 361-649-7257 Winery

Susan O’Hara Owner 6726 Highway 6 Missouri City, TX 77459 281-969-7605 Retail

Rocco Chiovitti Sales Manager 919 Milam, Suite 105 Houston, TX 77002 832-703-2586 Office Equipment Vernon Darko President 1331 Gernini, Suite 103 Houston, TX 77058 281-286-1338 Exporter

Terrie Gorney Coach/Organizer 4611 Andover Ct. Sugar Land, TX 77479 832-443-1017 Health & Wellness Michael Harris Attorney 1330 Post Oak Blvd. Suite 2550 402 Main St. 4th Floor Houston, TX 77002 713-864-6401 Consultants, Professional

NETWORKNITES Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce

Richmond bone & Joint Clinic

15035 SW Frwy Sugar Land, TX 77478

(near Williams Trace Blvd.)

ThursDAY, February 2, 2012 5

pm

- 7pm

COMPLIMENTARY FOOD AND DRINKs Provided by:

Sahar Minhas Branch Manager 10570 Hwy 6 S. Sugar Land, TX 77498 713-285-2286 Bank Keron Weathered Interior Designer 935 Eldridge, Suite 103 Sugar Land, TX 77478 713-269-5475 Interior Design

Peoples Properties

Suzette Peoples Owner/Broker 3350 Highway 6, Suite 407 Sugar Land, TX 77478 281-980-3322 Real Estate, Residential

Regus

Stephanie Mullis Area Sales Manager Three Sugar Creek Center, Suite 100 Sugar Land, TX 77478 832-335-5574 Leasing Services

Sugar Land Dental Group

For more information contact Jan-michael Jenkins 281.491.0218 or jan@fortbendcc.org

28

Fort Bend Business Journal • February 2012

Kris Taylor, Operations Manager 510 Hwy 6, Suite 110, Sugar Land, TX 77478 281-565-0077 Health Care

www.FortBendChamber.com

February Healthcare Division

Are Electronic Health Records (EHR) helping or hindering your business goals?

How does health information technology affect reimbursements?

Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce Newsletter

UPCOMING EVENTS

SAVE THE DATE

YEAR ROUND

February 9, 2012, 11:30 am- 1:00 pm Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce 445 Commerce Green Blvd., Sugar Land Governmental Relations

State of the County- Judge Bob Hebert February 10, 2012, 11:30 am- 1:00 pm Safari Texas Ballroom 11627 FM 1464, Richmond Business & Professional

Social Media Basics with Christina Hawkins (Owner, GlobalSpex Web & Graphic Designer) February 15, 2012, 11:30 am- 1:00 pm Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce 445 Commerce Green Blvd., Sugar Land Infrastructure Division

TxDOT in 2012 with Mike Alford February 23, 2012, 7:30 am- 9:00 am Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce 445 Commerce Green Boulevard, Sugar Land Governmental Relations

Commissioner Grady Prestage February 29, 2012, 11:30 am- 1:00 pm Stafford Centre • 10505 Cash Rd., Stafford

March Healthcare Division

Best Practices in Healthcare March 8, 2012, 11:30 am – 1:00 pm Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce 445 Commerce Green Blvd., Sugar Land Business & Professional Division

Facebook for Business with Camille Rodriguez (Owner, Polka Dot Impressions)

NOW OPEN Saturdays Year Round 9am-1pm, RAIN or SHINE

HWY 90 at Imperial Development In front of the Char House & Silos

SHOP Local & EAT Well Local produce and edibles Live music . Chef tastings and demonstrations Picnic grounds

Hosted by Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce www.imperialsugarland.com for a listing of the vendors & activities.

SPONSORS FortBend CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

CONVENTION & VISITORS SERVICES

March 22, 2012, 11:30 am – 1:00 pm Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce 445 Commerce Green Blvd., Sugar Land

www.FortBendChamber.com

February 2012 • Fort Bend Business Journal

29

We Believe in you.

Thanks for Believing in US! 1 Year

6 Years

11 Years

Calvetti, Ferguson & Wagner, P.C. Manish Seth, CPA, CFE, 713-957-2300

7 Years

12 Years

Perry’s Steakhouse & Grille David Freeman, 281-565-2727

J. P. Impex, LLC. Ashok K. Bhagat, 281-303-5475

The Mathis Group Joseph H. Mathis, 281-265-6028

En-Touch Systems, Inc. Cindy Baca, 281-225-1000

Firethorne Wayne Meyer, 281-693-1010

Karl’s at the Riverbend Susie Camenzind, 281-238-9300

8 Years

13 Years

Anson Aviation, LLC Dana Atkinson, 281-242-2555

16 Years

Bracewell & Giuliani, LLP Derrick Mitchell, 713-221-1248

Fort Bend County District Clerk Annie Elliott, 281-633-7632 The Urban Foresters Grant Crowell, 832-731-6531 Kinetic Energy Ted Volf, 713-885-9370 George R. Willy P.C. George Willy, 281-265-2522

Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce Newsletter

Texwood Shows, Inc. Tony Wood, 832-274-3944 Papa John’s Pizza Toni Burns, 281-545-1282

2 Years

Harmony School of Science Huseyin Sari, 281-265-2525 Gee Eye Care Kevin L. Gee, 281-778-9912

3 Years

Fort Bend Employee Federation Karrie Washenfelder, 281-240-1865

Milestone Member 5 Years

Berg-Oliver Associates, Inc. Susan Alford, 281-589-0898 LoweryBank Steve Epps, 281-263-1100

Bob Hebert, Fort Bend County Judge Bob E. Hebert, 281-341-8608

Becks Prime Sugar Land Ltd. Mike Knapp, 281-242-6300 Camden Sugar Grove Rosie Gonzalez, 281-240-3900 Mercedes-Benz of Sugar Land Kenneth W. Enders, 281-207-1500

9 Years

Home Helpers Fort Bend Ronald Norsworthy, 281-207-5359 Girl Scouts of San Jacinto Council Regina Zaragoza, 713-292-0300

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

Chamberlain, Hrdlicka Lawrence Sherlock, 713-654-9622

6 Years

Milestone Member 10 Years

Fort Bend Family Promise Vera L. Johnson, 281-403-3923 Lone Star Directories LLC Joe Callus, 281-277-1181

30

Inter-Active Health Care, Inc. Wilma Narvacan, 281-892-2000

Fort Bend Business Journal • February 2012

Fort Bend Theatre Tarra L. McCain, 281-208-3333 Southwest Irrigation Systems, Inc. Peter Hudson, 281-494-3700

Mischer Investments Mark Kilkenny, 713-802-7900 Fort Bend ISD Nancy Porter, 281-634-1000 Welker, Inc. David Fish, 281-491-2331 Browne McGregor Architects, Inc. Jim McGregor, 713-850-1733

17 Years

Harris Construction Company, LTD Susan Harris Hohnbaum, 713-690-0791 RE/MAX Southwest Realtors Jennifer Weaver, 281-207-5037 Cy Sanders, CPA Cy Sanders, CPA, 281-491-9100 Russell & Smith Ford-Honda-Mazda Mark Rehkopf, 713-663-4111

18 Years

Assurance One of Texas, LLC Bob Young, 281-494-6400

19 Years

Sprint Sand & Clay LLC. Kyle Cain, 281-277-5404 www.FortBendChamber.com

Brookside Inspection Services Richie Ford, 281-242-6428 Dearborn & Creggs Stewart A. Jacobson, 281-277-6400

Milestone Member 25 Years RE/MAX Southwest Realtors Bette Lemon, 281-491-1776

Fort Bend Family YMCA Charlie Myer, 281-499-9622

23 Years

Fox & Associates, LLP Attorneys at Law John L. Fox, 713-871-2076

32 Years

Marshall J. Brown Company, Inc. Leah Malloy, 281-495-4800

33 Years

Flexicore of Texas Joe Phillips, 281-437-5700

22 Years

Houston Automobile Dealers Association Wyatt Wainwright, 281-980-3434

Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce Newsletter

21 Years

Milestone Member 30 Years

Planned Community Developers, Ltd. Les Newton, 281-242-2000

34 Years

Scanlin Electric, Inc. Joe A. Scanlin, 281-499-7614

For membership information, contact:

Fluor Corporation Matt McSorley, 281-263-1000

Jan-Michael Jenkins 281-491-0218

STATE OF THE COUNTY Fort Bend County in 2012 with Judge Bob Hebert Presented by:

Friday, February 10, 2012 11:30 am - 1:00 pm Fort Bend County Judge Robert Hebert

www.FortBendChamber.com

Safari Texas Ranch 11627 FM 1464 Richmond, TX 77407

February 2012 • Fort Bend Business Journal

31

Ribbon Cuttings

Energy Edge Consulting 16089 City Walk Sugar Land, TX 77479 281-277-3400 www.energyedgeconsulting.com

E Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce Newsletter

nergy Edge Consulting provides a full suite of energy management and advisory services to a wide range of businesses and institutions.

The Energy Edge team has over 80 years of combined experience in various aspects of the deregulated electricity and natural gas industries, and the knowledge and expertise from this experience is leveraged everyday

to deliver value to clients. Our clients range from single facilities to large multi-site corporations. Energy Edge Consulting can serve as your organization’s trusted advisor in navigating today’s energy related challenges.

Whataburger 10315 State Hwy 6 South Sugar Land, TX 77498 281-498-2248 www.whataburger.com

W

hataburger’s most recent grand opening supports Kempner Class of 2012. When Whataburger opened a new location in Sugar Land at 10315 State Hwy 6 South, Kempner High School seniors had more to celebrate than a new afterschool hangout. As part of the ribbon cutting celebration, Whataburger donated $500 to benefit Kempner High School’s Project Graduation, an allnight, chaperoned and safe celebration for Kempner’s Class of 2012. Members of the Chamber, Whataburger team members and representatives from Kempner High School joined Hugh Dobson, son of Whataburger founder Harmon Dobson, to officially ‘cut the ribbon’

32

Fort Bend Business Journal • February 2012

on October 18. A strong supporter of community, familyowned Whataburger will continue in its support of Kempner’s Project Graduation, the Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce, and other programs that benefit kids and families in the Sugar Land area. With its fresh, never-frozen burgers made to order in nearly 40,000 combinations and a wide range of breakfast and lunch options, Whataburger’s new Sugar Land location is already a popular destination for breakfast, lunch and dinner -- 24 hours per day.

www.FortBendChamber.com

Lasagna House 16754 SW Freeway, Sugar Land, TX, 77479 281-313-0325 www.lasagnahouse.com

L

asagna House offers traditional Italian entrées, scrumptious appetizers, fresh salads and decadent desserts accompanied by an extensive wine list.

We feel that great food and excellent service should be available at an affordable price. Lasagna House chose Sugar Land’s Town Square for our third location because of the appealing energy, feeling of neighborhood and variety of surrounding businesses. We offer dine-in, takeout and full-service catering options. The Lasagna House

originated in Chicago in 1942, but Houston has been home for over 30 years. Hours: Sunday - Wednesday 11 AM - 9 PM, Thursday 11 AM – 10 PM, Friday - Saturday 11 AM - 11 PM. Lasagna House • 16089 City Walk • Sugar Land, TX 77479 • 281-277-3400.

RediClinic RediClinic 530 Hwy 6 S. Sugar Land, TX 77479 www.RediClinic.com

R

ediClinic is high-quality, convenient, and affordable healthcare with locations at select H-E-B stores. RediClinic is staffed by speciallytrained clinicians who provide expert primary care and can order appropriate medications. Clinicians are often in partnership with doctors from an outstanding local healthcare system. Board-certified clinicians diagnose and treat more than 25 common conditions, and are able to write prescriptions when appropriate. Clinicians provide preventive care services that consist of screenings,

www.FortBendChamber.com

lab work, immunizations and physicals. Other unique and convenient services include the Weigh Forward™ weight management program, cosmetic consultations, a Stop Smoking for Good® Plan; also, RediClinic is a full service travel clinic. Open 7 days a week • Most insurance accepted • No appointments needed – Learn more at RediClinic 530 Hwy 6 S. Sugar Land, TX 77479. www.RediClinic.com.

February 2012 • Fort Bend Business Journal

33

Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce Newsletter

www.FortBendChamber.com

FORT

BEND

LEADERSHIP F

O

R

U

M

Municipal/County Government Sponsors

Perdue, Brandon, Fielder, Collins & Mott, LLP Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce Newsletter

Planned Community Developers Trustmark National Bank Null-Lairson, PC Gary Greene Realty-Markeith Spears Stargel Office Soutions State Farm Insurance-Darren Boone Totally You-A Mobile Spa City of Sugar Land

34

Fort Bend Business Journal • February 2012

www.FortBendChamber.com

KOLBE CURTICE... continued from page 11

plan approval from local governmental entities which have jurisdiction over the property. Also, if the property is not zoned for the intended use, the length of the due diligence period should be linked to both the buyer’s and seller’s ability to successfully secure the appropriate approvals.

That process is typically a combined effort by both the property owner (seller) and the buyer.

5) Cost of Transaction – As indicated above, there are generally a number of professionals and consultants that are engaged prior to a tenant opening in a leased space, or a buyer closing on a property purchase. These include architects, engineers, surveyors, appraisers, property inspection companies, (i.e. environmental or geotechnical, etc.), data and communication professionals, etc.. The costs for these professionals should be negotiated in advance and the lease or purchase agreement should clearly spell out the parties that will be responsible for the payment of those expenses.

6) Deed Restrictions – Particularly in Fort Bend County (with numerous master planned communities), many property sales are not only subject to the zoning ordinances of the local municipality, but they are also subject to deed restrictions placed on the property by the developer. In most cases those restrictions tightly control use, architecture, construction materials, signage, landscaping, exterior lighting, required green space, etc.

The deed restrictions for a property should be clearly understood by the buyer, and, if there are “gray areas” (i.e. cost of compliance, possibilities for variances, etc.), those should be addressed in the purchase agreement.

Commercial real estate transactions can take months, and in some cases years, to complete. All of the things that need to occur over that time period must be negotiated and included in the lease and purchase agreements. Prior to reaching the decision to lease or purchase, however, it is critical that buyers and tenants align themselves with professional consultants (i.e. real estate brokers or attorneys) who are able to assist them in negotiating the terms and conditions for the agreement that will govern their transaction.

Kolbe Curtice is a licensed Texas 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 281-494-4769 or kolbe.curtice@colliers.com.

Attention 401(k) Plan Sponsors and Business Owners Centurion Advisors is hosting a free webinar for 401(k) Plan Sponsors and business owners which will explain new ERISA rules and how they affect your company’s 401(k) plan. The webinar will clarify who the essential partners servicing your plan should be, as well as how much responsibility and liability they are taking on your behalf.

Don’t miss this unique opportunity to review and benchmark whether your plan is in the right hands.

Two webinar events will be offered.

Limited space is available: Wednesday, February 15th at 2pm Wednesday, March 14th at 2pm Please contact Paul Jackson at (281) 207-5485 or at paul@centurionadvisors.net to reserve your space.

19901 SW Freeway, Sugar Land, TX 281.207.5485

www.centurionadvisors.net

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

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

Sugar Land 8410 Hwy 90A Stafford 3531 S. Main Missouri City 3600 FM 1092 (713) 388-7600

FrostBank.com February 2012 • Fort Bend Business Journal

35

NEWSWORTHY Kroger ranks among the Top 50 organizations for multicultural business opportunities The Kroger Co. (NYSE: KR) has been named one of the “Top 50 Organizations for Multicultural Business Opportunities” by DiversityBusiness.com. Four Kroger stores service Fort Bend Couny.

Kroger was selected by more than 1.2 million women and minority-owned business owners who voted in an online election to name the Div50 - a listing of the top 50 corporate and organizational buyers of diversity products and services throughout the U.S. This is the third consecutive year that Kroger has received this recognition.

“Kroger is honored to be selected as one of the top 50 companies for creating multicultural business opportunities,”

said Reuben Shaffer, Kroger’s chief diversity officer. “We are inspired daily to foster a diverse, respectful and inclusive business by the nearly 1,000 minority and womenowned businesses we work with.

What makes this recognition so important to us is that the Div50 is directly selected by diversity business owners in the U.S.” Kroger has been a leader in supplier diversity in all aspects of its business for more than 30 years. Kroger currently spends more than $1 billion annually with diversity businesses.

The full list of the Div50 can be found here at http://www.diversitybusiness.com/Resources/DivLists/2012/ DivTop50/2012Div50C.htm.

Fifth annual Mardi Gras party to be hosted at new Lifechek Drug location If you can’t be in New Orleans on Fat Tuesday, don’t sweat it. The Central Fort Bend Chamber Alliance and Lifechek Drug are bringing New Orleans to Fort Bend County.

On Tuesday, Feb. 21, from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. the Central Chamber will hold its fifth annual Mardi Gras party at Lifechek Drug’s new location at 1100 Jackson Street in Richmond (US Hwy. 90 and FM 762).

Jabo and the Zydeco Prince Band will provide authentic Cajun sounds.

The event will be catered by Fish Place, Pier 36 Seafood and Oyster Bar, Ragin Cajun, Fred Fogarty of Fogarty Financial, Kevin Patton of Kevin Patton State Farm and Witt’s Catering. Beverages will be provided by Silver Eagle Distributors and Coca Cola. King cake will be provided by HEB. Several door prizes will also be awarded.

For more information, contact Angie Wierzbicki at (281) 342-5464 or angie@ CFBCA.org.

Fluor named one of America’s Safest companies by EHS Today Magazine Fluor Corporation (NYSE: FLR) has been honored by EHS Today magazine as one of America’s Safety Companies for 2011.

The list recognizes 12 firms representing a diverse range of industries. It is the second time that Fluor has received this award from EHS Today.

“It is an honor and a privilege to be recognized as one of America’s Safest Companies,” said Garry Flowers, Fluor’s senior vice president, Health, Safety & Environmental, Security & Industrial Relations.

“All facets of health, safety, and environmental responsibility are an integral part of Fluor’s work ethic and culture. It is at the forefront of every project we undertake for our clients around the world. They expect

36

and deserve our highest levels of safety on their jobs.”

According to EHS Today, qualifying companies must demonstrate a number of factors, including: support from management and employee involvement, innovative solutions to safety challenges, and effective training programs.

Fluor’s comprehensive ZERO IncidentsSM Program was highlighted as a distinguishing feature of its commitment to safety excellence. The program consists of 12 highimpact, injury reduction techniques with a goal of achieving a zero incidents rate.

Fluor is headquartered in Irving, Texas, and has offices in Sugar Land and around the world.

Fort Bend Business Journal • February 2012

2012-2013 Legislative appropriations request For the last several years, TxDOT has been undergoing a process of modernization. The Texas Sunset process, independent performance audits conducted in advance of the sunset process, and the Grant Thornton Management Review continue to help the Department evolve into a more transparent and deliberative agency that is responsive to the public and the legislature.

There are numerous planning documents that guide the department and local officials over the multiyear timeframe that projects are conceived, planned, and constructed.

The 2012-13 Legislative Appropriations Request (LAR) is one of the key elements of the department’s financial map and offers greater clarity into the transportation needs of the state in the next biennium and beyond.

TxDOT’s baseline request for 2012 is $8.3 billion and $7.2 billion for 2013. This is about $1.3 billion less than the current biennium. The drop in funds is mostly attributed to diminishing bond proceeds, lower federal stimulus expenditures, and lower federal reimbursements.

It is widely acknowledged that the unfunded transportation needs of the state are measured in the tens of billions of dollars over the next 25 years. In order to provide legislators with a clearer picture of how we may be able to increase the number of new projects that can begin in 2012 and 2013, TxDOT has requested exceptional items for general revenue, fewer diversions, and additional proceeds from Prop 12 General Obligation Bonds.

Additionally, because most of the money that is appropriated to TxDOT is dedicated by the constitution to public roads, the department included exceptional item requests for general revenue to support rail-related activities. This funding would be used to possibly draw down federal dollars and to complete preliminary engineering for a number of rail projects throughout the state.

Freudenberger named 2011 Business Person of the Year Joe Freudenberger, CEO of OakBend Medical Center, was named the Central Fort Bend Chamber Alliance Business Person of the Year for 2011.

Submit Newsworthy items to sharon@fortbendstar.com

Blu now open in Sugar Land Town Square

Rachel Steele to provide WFBMD update at Central Chamber Infrastructure Meeting West Fort Bend Management District (WFBMD) Executive Director Rachel Steele will provide an update of the group’s current projects and plans at the Central Fort Bend Chamber Alliance’s February Infrastructure Department meeting.

The program is open to the public and is scheduled for 8 a.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 1, at the chamber’s office, 4120 Avenue H, in Rosenberg. Seating is limited. Attendees must RSVP to 281-342-5464 or jheath@ cfbca.org.

Steele will speak about WFBMD’s plans

to partner more closely with the chamber, community development, and how that development has been impacted by the latest census, and the district’s expansion to accommodate community needs.

The Chamber Infrastructure Department’s purpose is to study and monitor mobility, existing and planned roadway construction, flooding and drainage issues and environmental concerns. The department meets the first Wednesday of each month at 8 a.m. at the Chamber office. For more information, please call (281) 342-5464.

2012 Imperial Park Recreation Center Counter Smash set for February 25 Following the success of Sugar Land’s Smash Bash table tennis tournament, the Imperial Park Recreation Center will celebrate the Year of the Dragon with a follow up tournament called Counter Smash on Feb. 25 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The Imperial Park Recreation Center, 234 Matlage Way, is next to Imperial Park and the Sugar Land Community Center.

The public is invited to watch the fun, fast-paced sport or participate in the tournament. The round-robin tour-

nament will consist of eight tables with matches for men’s singles, women’s singles and men’s doubles. During the event, there will be activities for everyone, including iPong, the Game Cube and more.

Refreshments will also be available throughout the event. Preregistration and a $5 entry fee are required to participate in the tournament.

For more information, contact the Parks and Recreation Department at (281) 275-2885.

Texas Commission on Environmental Quality announces program offering $4.5 million in grants The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality announces that up to $4.5 million in grants is being made available to eligible individuals, businesses, and governmental entities to support the development of a network of natural gas vehicle fueling stations to serve as a foundation for a self-sustaining market for natural gas vehicles in Texas.

The TCEQ Clean Transportation Triangle grants are part of the Texas Emissions Reduction Plan, and are offered to eligible entities that intend to build natural gas fueling stations along the interstate highways connecting Houston, San Antonio, Dallas, and Fort Worth.

These fueling stations must be located

no more than three miles from the interstate highways and must be made available to the public.

CTT program goals include ensuring that natural gas vehicles purchased, leased or otherwise commercially financed, or re-powered under the Texas Natural Gas Vehicle Grant Program have access to fuel; and building the foundation for a selfsustaining market for natural gas vehicles in Texas.

Application deadline is April 17, 2012, 5:00 p.m., CST. For additional up-to-date information visit the Texas Emissions Reduction Plan Web site, www.terpgrants.org or call 800919-TERP (8377).

Sugar Land Town Square’s newest eatery, BLU, is now open for business. BLU is a sophisticated boutique restaurant and lounge serving a blend of Euro-Asian cuisine and street foods from all over the world.

Menu selections include small bites, tapas, dumplings, soups, salads, main plates, rice, noodles and a wide range of Thai variations. BLU’s experienced Executive Chef Junnajet “Jett” Hurapan and his wife, Pastry Chef Jiraporn Hurapan, prepare all dishes in-house using fresh and local ingredients.

Their mission is for diners to savor innovative culinary creations, delicacies and delicious libations. Patrons will enjoy performances ranging from late night DJ’s, conga drum players, bands and soloists.

“We chose to open BLU in Sugar Land Town Square because we are from the area and dreamt of bringing something different to this incredible development,” says BLU Owner Amy Karnani. “We noticed that Sugar Land lacked a place where people could go and enjoy a feast of the senses – a unique mix of food, music, art and performance. BLU fills that void in the market.”

Located at 2248 Texas Drive, BLU occupies 5,366-square-feet of space, according to Planned Community Developers, Ltd. (PCD). The restaurant features a mixture of high-end furnishings and details, including imported onyx countertops, LED lighting, textured walls and finishes by a local artist.

A second bar has been added to the existing layout of the space that serves both the covered outdoor patio and inside dining area.

Charles Adams, vice president of retail for PCD, represented PCD in the transaction; Amy Karnani represented BLU. For a complete list of Sugar Land Town Square restaurants and retailers, visit SugarLandTownSquare.com. More information about BLU, including menus, can be found at BluSugarLand.com.

February 2012 • Fort Bend Business Journal

37

FORT BEND Fort Bend Chamber Young Professionals (CYP) first anniversary celebration

F

ort Bend Chamber Young Professionals, or CYP, is a professional group targeted towards young

professionals under 40 years of age.

The CYP first year anniversary was held on Thursday, January 12, 2012 at Azuma on the Lake in Sugar Land. In the last year CYP has offered a variety of

Santiago Garza, Carlos Borton and Crissy Nolan.

Jan-Michael Jenkins, Ray Aguilar, Catherine Duyka, David Crowl and Joel Perez.

Michole Fields, Kristin Wernecke, and Charlotte Young.

Alex Velasco, David Romain, Ryan Becker, Andrew Mulder and Carlos Lonsdale.

networking, educational, and philanthropic opportunities to young professionals in their monthly events offered throughout the year. The group is open to both members and prospective members of the Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce.

To learn more about the chamber or Chamber Young Professionals, visit www. fortbendchamber.com or email JanMichael Jenkins at jan@fortbendcc.org.

Business Person of the Year and Corporate Sponsor of the Year 2011 Award Winners, from left: Outgoing Board of Directors Chairman Kamal Ariss, JE Dunn Construction; Public-Private Community Service Award winner Joe Gurecky, Gurecky Manufacturing Service, Inc.; Board Member of the Year, Melissa Garcia-Martin, Garcia-Martin & Martin, L.L.P; Business Person of the Year, Joe Freudenberger, OakBend Medical Center; Committee Member of the Year, Andi Wallis, Texana Center; Corporate Partner of the Year, Mike Shaw, Fort Bend Toyota; Volunteer of the Year, Gilbert Limones, First Victoria National Bank, and Ambassador of the Year, Tom Wilson, Reading Road Self Storage.

BIG SHOTS

CONGRATULATIONS! Xiao Yu Anthia Liu

Congratulations to Xiao Yu Anthia Liu, a student at Trinity University and 2011 graduate of Stephen F. Austin High School, for being selected as Texas Direct Auto’s “Scholarship Star” for February! Frank Carranza, General Manager, presents the $1000 check. While attending Austin High School, Liu participated in various academic and extracurricular activities including National Honor Society, Speech and Debate, Spanish Club and Theater Club. Liu attends Trinity University where she studies Psychology and Film and Television Production. Liu was selected as part of Texas Direct Auto’s commitment to educational excellence through the “Scholarship Stars” program. Application details are listed below.

Register now and win a

1,000

$

SCHOLARSHIP! Find complete details and forms at

www.fortbendfocus.com

February 2012 • Fort Bend Business Journal

39

DBA (Assumed Names)

Data Beat (+) = More Names

This is a sample of the Assumed Names (DBAs) filed at the Fort Bend County Clerk’s office for December 2011. More Assumed Names may be viewed online at http://ccweb.co.fort-bend.tx.us/RealEstate/SearchEntry.aspx. There were 318 Assumed Names with Notary Fee for month of December. There were also 53 Assumed Names without a notary fee.

Gurley Roy R (+) Seven Star Tranport 1710 Regal Blue Ct 77545

Yates Travis (+) Yates Electrical Services 1903 W Laurel Oaks 77469

Braddy Kenneth Insurance Concepts 826 Pickett Hill Lane

T-Lady Management Inc T-Lady Communications Po Box 1602 77459

Berry Wanda Nalija Photography 7615 Tierra Verdedr 77083

Barber Robert Jr (+) Krazy Cheap 1407 Gentle Bend 77489

Rankin Tammie I A M F Stafford Youth League 6707 Gettysburg Dr 77469

Gurecky Donald Jr Gurecky Farms Trucking FM 1458 Chestnut Ln 77485

Greer Leroy Auto Direct 4202 Stonebridge Dr 77459

Leon Brennan Better Dealz R Us 7355 South Hwy 6 77083

Elder Claudia (+) Luna’s Creations 1922 Hollys Way 77479

Turner Jimmy C Brisket King 2603 Forest Ridge Dr 77459

Mcnorman Advertising LLC America’s Garage Doors and Gates 17424 W Grand Parkway Ste 178 77479

Diffley Jennifer D (+) Power Of Two Of More 27103 Skiers Crossing Dr 77493

Fata Ernest (+) Fishisfast 13000 Murphy Rd Ste 105 77477

Bell Kinnon (+) Ken’s Imaging 2003 Claire Court 77478

Putman Margie (+) Premier Home Maintenance Services D.B.A. Premier Glass & Mirror Po Box 16489 77496

Annamalai Siva Thara Consulting Engineering 8625 Graceful Oak Xing 77494

Ryan Linda (+) Premier Management Consultant Group 1010 Hannah Falls Ln 77545

Obeid Swalah (+) S & H Export 3410 River Ranch N Dr 77471 Buentello Roel Buentello Wrecker Service 4703 Ray Allen Rd 77469 Cortez Elsa Nicole Chinchilla Studios 2525 Cypress Lane 77471 Chacko Rhonney Opti-Lens.Com 1111 Highway 6 #115 77478 Chacko Rhonney Eyestyle-Eyewear,Com 1111 Highway 6 #115 77478 Tucker Mary E (+) M L Enterprise 1719 Magnolia Lake Ln 774406 Biniamini Hanna Aria Foundation Refund 7721 W Bellfort 77071

Kim Jonathan Katy Realty Group 25931 Brad Hurst Ct 77494 Clay Candace (+) Ooh Wee Trucking Company 16422 Lost Quail Drive 77489 Patterson-Rodriguez Hope M Mobile Houston Notary Service 212 Tara Plantation Dr 77469 Spaine Gustavus Aina (+) The Extra Mile Home Healthcare Services 9435 Eaglewood Spring Dr 77080 Faisal Khan Dds Pllc Parkway Pediatric Dental 7830 West Grand Parkway South Ste 270 77406 Faisal Khan Dds Pllc Grand Parkway Pediatric Dental 7830 West Grand Parkway South Ste 270 77406

Shadow Creek Business Inc Exxon Food Mart 333 Almeda 77545

Faisal Khan Dds Pllc Seablue Pediatric Dental 7830 West Grand Parkway South Ste 270 77406

Williams Brandelyn Bran New Genesis Counseling & Tutoring Services 11623 Oak Lake Park Dr 77498

Brewster Barry New World Dynamics 9119 Hwy 6 South Suite 230 #212 77459

Ar Sons Enterprises Inc Express Drycleaners 4110 Ave I 77471

Boehck Tanya (+) T R Processing 7722 Bayou Green Ln 77479

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Fort Bend Business Journal • February 2012

Payne Deborah Adrec Ventures 2026 Glenn Lakes Ln 77459 Buckner Marcus F (+) Visual Intake 2602 Lake Springs T 77406 Sloly Theodora A T-Lady Communication Srvcs Po Box 1602 77459

Bankett De’von (+) Complete Upgrade Mkjkc Holdings Inc 4315 Palmer Plantation 77459 Plantation Hardware 1221 FM 359 77406 Mendez Marc Jr Associated Groove Dynamics Muhammad Betty T 222 Savannah Moss Dr 77469 Sajidah’s 1310 Hollowood Land 77489 Hernandez Alberto Affordable Comfort - Fort Bend Svay Ratana 102 Ave A #3 77469 Fort Bend Donuts 1500 Jackson St Dozier David R Jr Ste 800 77469 Landsraad Systems 21030 Gladys Yoakum Dr 77406 Ivey Lee Jr Ivey Financial Consultants Bhr Enterprises LLC (+) 1851 Courtside Place Dr 77489 Nizam’s Kitchen 5211 Highway 6 Ste F 77459 Davis Johnny R (+) Family Liaison Health Care Patterson Etta 12250 So Kirkkwood Rd Dal’s Enterprise LLC Apt. 928 77477 13911 Willie Melton 77451 Schwank Tiffani A (+) Soliz Joe A (+) Fundraising Bling Joe A Soliz Cleaning Services 3114 Willow Trace Ct 77450 7702 Tierra Verde 77083 Gipson Kimberly Lavin-Mcintyre Tiffany (+) Little Lamb Photo Tiffany Lavin Modeling Agency 4514 Greenwood Trace 77494 4902 Mission Lake Ct 77407 Gipson Kimberly Brumback Peter (+) Little Lamb Photography B&B Strategic Trading 4514 Greenwood Trace Ln 77494 2935 Cotton Stock Dr 77479 Bonner Shannon T Chacko Ruben (+) Sha-La Lashes Stock-Lens.Com 2303 Rushbrook 77489 102 Esplanade Pl 77477 Suazo Paula Chacko Ruben (+) Tejas Divas Catering Eyestyle - Eyewear 2231 First St 77477 102 Esplanade Pl 77477

Milton Lorraine Lorraine’s Creations 8115 Weeping Willow Pl 77459 Reed Travis R Coastal Irrigation 17512 Hwy 6 77578 Babys 1st Furniture Inc Baby’s & Kid’s 1st 4310 Bluebonnet 77477 Marco Nicholas R NRM 4771 Sweetwater 77479 Shannon Muniz Brenda Power Of Two Or More 20610 Winlock Trace 77450 Mendez Sonia (+) Master and Associates Construction Group 735 Dulles Ave #311 77477 Dubec Eddie (+) D & G Woodworks 13311 Konak 77461 Ab Ventures Tomorrow’s Landscape and Irrigation 23315 Dunhill Ct 77494 Zurovec Matthew R (+) Zurovec’s Farm & Ranch 6621 FM 2919 77435 Wolff Tan Inc Golf Cars Of Houston West Katy 27227 Katy Frwy 77494 Williams Bryanna Pretty Fleet Auto Sales 12410 South Post Oak 77045 Galacka Inc Galacka Inc 1305 FM 359 Rd #F 77406 Galacka Inc Kccamps 1305 FM 359 Rd # F 77406

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 2011. More Assumed Names may be viewed online at http://ccweb.co.fort-bend.tx.us/RealEstate/SearchEntry.aspx. There were 318 Assumed Names with Notary Fee for month of December. There were also 53 Assumed Names without a notary fee.

Gurley Roy R (+) Seven Star Tranport 1710 Regal Blue Ct 77545

Yates Travis (+) Yates Electrical Services 1903 W Laurel Oaks 77469

Braddy Kenneth Insurance Concepts 826 Pickett Hill Lane

T-Lady Management Inc T-Lady Communications Po Box 1602 77459

Berry Wanda Nalija Photography 7615 Tierra Verdedr 77083

Barber Robert Jr (+) Krazy Cheap 1407 Gentle Bend 77489

Rankin Tammie I A M F Stafford Youth League 6707 Gettysburg Dr 77469

Gurecky Donald Jr Gurecky Farms Trucking FM 1458 Chestnut Ln 77485

Greer Leroy Auto Direct 4202 Stonebridge Dr 77459

Leon Brennan Better Dealz R Us 7355 South Hwy 6 77083

Elder Claudia (+) Luna’s Creations 1922 Hollys Way 77479

Turner Jimmy C Brisket King 2603 Forest Ridge Dr 77459

Mcnorman Advertising LLC America’s Garage Doors and Gates 17424 W Grand Parkway Ste 178 77479

Diffley Jennifer D (+) Power Of Two Of More 27103 Skiers Crossing Dr 77493

Fata Ernest (+) Fishisfast 13000 Murphy Rd Ste 105 77477

Bell Kinnon (+) Ken’s Imaging 2003 Claire Court 77478

Putman Margie (+) Premier Home Maintenance Services D.B.A. Premier Glass & Mirror Po Box 16489 77496

Annamalai Siva Thara Consulting Engineering 8625 Graceful Oak Xing 77494

Ryan Linda (+) Premier Management Consultant Group 1010 Hannah Falls Ln 77545

Obeid Swalah (+) S & H Export 3410 River Ranch N Dr 77471 Buentello Roel Buentello Wrecker Service 4703 Ray Allen Rd 77469 Cortez Elsa Nicole Chinchilla Studios 2525 Cypress Lane 77471 Chacko Rhonney Opti-Lens.Com 1111 Highway 6 #115 77478 Chacko Rhonney Eyestyle-Eyewear,Com 1111 Highway 6 #115 77478 Tucker Mary E (+) M L Enterprise 1719 Magnolia Lake Ln 774406 Biniamini Hanna Aria Foundation Refund 7721 W Bellfort 77071

Kim Jonathan Katy Realty Group 25931 Brad Hurst Ct 77494 Clay Candace (+) Ooh Wee Trucking Company 16422 Lost Quail Drive 77489 Patterson-Rodriguez Hope M Mobile Houston Notary Service 212 Tara Plantation Dr 77469 Spaine Gustavus Aina (+) The Extra Mile Home Healthcare Services 9435 Eaglewood Spring Dr 77080 Faisal Khan Dds Pllc Parkway Pediatric Dental 7830 West Grand Parkway South Ste 270 77406 Faisal Khan Dds Pllc Grand Parkway Pediatric Dental 7830 West Grand Parkway South Ste 270 77406

Shadow Creek Business Inc Exxon Food Mart 333 Almeda 77545

Faisal Khan Dds Pllc Seablue Pediatric Dental 7830 West Grand Parkway South Ste 270 77406

Williams Brandelyn Bran New Genesis Counseling & Tutoring Services 11623 Oak Lake Park Dr 77498

Brewster Barry New World Dynamics 9119 Hwy 6 South Suite 230 #212 77459

Ar Sons Enterprises Inc Express Drycleaners 4110 Ave I 77471

Boehck Tanya (+) T R Processing 7722 Bayou Green Ln 77479

Payne Deborah Adrec Ventures 2026 Glenn Lakes Ln 77459 Buckner Marcus F (+) Visual Intake 2602 Lake Springs T 77406 Sloly Theodora A T-Lady Communication Srvcs Po Box 1602 77459

Bankett De’von (+) Complete Upgrade Mkjkc Holdings Inc 4315 Palmer Plantation 77459 Plantation Hardware 1221 FM 359 77406 Mendez Marc Jr Associated Groove Dynamics Muhammad Betty T 222 Savannah Moss Dr 77469 Sajidah’s 1310 Hollowood Land 77489 Hernandez Alberto Affordable Comfort - Fort Bend Svay Ratana 102 Ave A #3 77469 Fort Bend Donuts 1500 Jackson St Dozier David R Jr Ste 800 77469 Landsraad Systems 21030 Gladys Yoakum Dr 77406 Ivey Lee Jr Ivey Financial Consultants Bhr Enterprises LLC (+) 1851 Courtside Place Dr 77489 Nizam’s Kitchen 5211 Highway 6 Ste F 77459 Davis Johnny R (+) Family Liaison Health Care Patterson Etta 12250 So Kirkkwood Rd Dal’s Enterprise LLC Apt. 928 77477 13911 Willie Melton 77451 Schwank Tiffani A (+) Soliz Joe A (+) Fundraising Bling Joe A Soliz Cleaning Services 3114 Willow Trace Ct 77450 7702 Tierra Verde 77083 Gipson Kimberly Lavin-Mcintyre Tiffany (+) Little Lamb Photo Tiffany Lavin Modeling Agency 4514 Greenwood Trace 77494 4902 Mission Lake Ct 77407 Gipson Kimberly Brumback Peter (+) Little Lamb Photography B&B Strategic Trading 4514 Greenwood Trace Ln 77494 2935 Cotton Stock Dr 77479 Bonner Shannon T Chacko Ruben (+) Sha-La Lashes Stock-Lens.Com 2303 Rushbrook 77489 102 Esplanade Pl 77477 Suazo Paula Chacko Ruben (+) Tejas Divas Catering Eyestyle - Eyewear 2231 First St 77477 102 Esplanade Pl 77477

Milton Lorraine Lorraine’s Creations 8115 Weeping Willow Pl 77459 Reed Travis R Coastal Irrigation 17512 Hwy 6 77578 Babys 1St Furniture Inc Baby’s & Kid’s 1st 4310 Bluebonnet 77477 Marco Nicholas R NRM 4771 Sweetwater 77479 Shannon Muniz Brenda Power Of Two Or More 20610 Winlock Trace 77450 Mendez Sonia (+) Master and Associates Construction Group 735 Dulles Ave #311 77477 Dubec Eddie (+) D & G Woodworks 13311 Konak 77461 Ab Ventures Tomorrow’s Landscape and Irrigation 23315 Dunhill Ct 77494 Zurovec Matthew R (+) Zurovec’s Farm & Ranch 6621 FM 2919 77435 Wolff Tan Inc Golf Cars Of Houston West Katy 27227 Katy Frwy 77494 Williams Bryanna Pretty Fleet Auto Sales 12410 South Post Oak 77045 Galacka Inc Galacka Inc 1305 FM 359 Rd #F 77406 Galacka Inc Kccamps 1305 FM 359 Rd # F 77406

February 2012 • Fort Bend Business Journal

41

Data Beat January 2012 Sales Tax Allocation Comparison Summary Reports Sales Tax Allocation Comparison Summary reports present data about monthly local sales and use tax allocation payments to local sales taxing jurisdictions.

These net payments represent monies identified for the local jurisdictions since the previous month’s distribution. These reports will allow you to compare current year sales and use tax payments with the previous year. When used with other local economic indicators, they may help indicate present and future trends.

County/City Fort Bend

Net Payment This Period

Comp Payment Prior Year

% Change To Date

2012 Payments To Date

2011 Payments Change

Percent

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

22,571.03 6,871.31 35,203.45 622.45 84,084.39 466,930.26 27,821.39 2,352.56 3,100.05 330,120.76 905,213.75 14,493.10 1,163,138.77 3,573,637.12 2,490.51

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

1.14% 48.76% 5.94% -43.62% 18.22% 3.81% 0.37% -11.73% -40.81% 12.05% 6.86% 151.11% 12.36% 20.52% U/C

22,571.03 6,871.31 35,203.45 622.45 84,084.39 466,930.26 27,821.39 2,352.56 3,100.05 330,120.76 905,213.75 14,493.10 1,163,138.77 3,573,637.12 2,490.51

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

1.14% 48.76% 5.94% -43.62% 18.22% 3.81% 0.37% -11.73% -40.81% 12.05% 6.86% 151.11% 12.36% 20.52% U/C

COUNTY TOTAL 6,638,650.90

5,765,522.42

15.14%

6,638,650.90

5,765,522.42

15.14%

Top 20 City Sales and Use Tax Comparison Summary - January 2012 Please note that Sugar Land is 17th in sales tax revenues in the state.

City

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

42

Net Payment This Period

Comp Payment Prior Year

% Change To Date

2012 Payments To Date

41,798,672.02 16,937,565.26 16,877,088.19 11,688,178.68 8,466,198.90 6,091,726.63 5,754,346.55 5,315,947.93 5,308,670.00 4,798,199.50 4,636,675.71 4,562,324.66 4,101,001.67 3,897,179.00 3,745,130.49 3,640,119.80 3,573,637.12 3,409,120.08 2,973,111.49 2,925,883.97

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 4,496,430.46 4,529,498.49 4,498,098.62 4,893,155.88 4,369,144.24 3,861,235.67 3,296,153.64 2,754,916.24 3,141,611.70 2,965,139.84 3,127,975.33 2,613,188.66 1,924,619.36

8.86% 7.21% 9.48% 6.20% 11.99% -0.20% 3.79% 18.22% 17.20% 6.67% -5.24% 4.42% 6.20% 18.23% 35.94% 15.86% 20.52% 8.98% 13.77% 52.02%

41,798,672.02 16,937,565.26 16,877,088.19 11,688,178.68 8,466,198.90 6,091,726.63 5,754,346.55 5,315,947.93 5,308,670.00 4,798,199.50 4,636,675.71 4,562,324.66 4,101,001.67 3,897,179.00 3,745,130.49 3,640,119.80 3,573,637.12 3,409,120.08 2,973,111.49 2,925,883.97

Fort Bend Business Journal • February 2012

2011 Payments Change

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 4,496,430.46 4,529,498.49 4,498,098.62 4,893,155.88 4,369,144.24 3,861,235.67 3,296,153.64 2,754,916.24 3,141,611.70 2,965,139.84 3,127,975.33 2,613,188.66 1,924,619.36

Percent

8.86% 7.21% 9.48% 6.20% 11.99% -0.20% 3.79% 18.22% 17.20% 6.67% -5.24% 4.42% 6.20% 18.23% 35.94% 15.86% 20.52% 8.98% 13.77% 52.02%

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 2015 Brown St 923 Buffalo Run 14635 Fairway Pines Dr 14623 Fairway Pines Dr 11718 S Garden St

Commercial Alteration Commercial New Commercial New Commercial Alteration Commercial New

$35,000 $3,800,000 $1,840,000 $1,090,000 $442,221

Grand Total Valuation (Commercial & Residential)

12/01/11-12/31/11

$7,207,221

ROSENBERG 28000 Southwest Fwy #H-3 1022 Blume Rd 1022 Blume Rd 5500 Avenue N 8014 Lake Commons Dr 4104 Avenue H

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

$20,000 $21,000 $27,575 $28,000 $30,000 $150,000

Grand Total Valuation (Commercial & Residential)

12/01/11-12/31/11

$276,575

STAFFORD 1203 Cravens Rd 12703 Southwest Frwy 11303 Fountain Lake Dr 610 Brand Ln 4007 Greenbriar Dr C 12650 Directors Dr 100 12650 Directors Dr 450 206 Brand Ln Stafford Oaks 4007 Greenbriar Dr C2 10575 West Airport Blvd

Commercial Addition Commercial Remodel Commercial Remodel Commercial Addition Commercial Remodel Commercial Remodel Commercial Remodel Commercial Remodel Commercial Remodel Commercial Remodel

$1,800,000 $680,000 $28,000 $150,000 $21,986 $393,261 $393,261 $100,000 $15,980 $230,000

Grand Total Valuation (Commercial & Residential)

12/01/11-12/31/11

$3,821,988.31

SUGAR LAND 1550 Lake Point Pkwy Ste 500 1325 State Hwy 6 2248 Texas Dr 230 Matlage Way 1229 Creek Way Dr Ste 104 13131 Dairy Ashford Rd Ste 260 13131 Dairy Ashford Rd Ste 400 13131 Dairy Ashford Rd Ste 500 16746 Southwest Fwy 146 Eldridge Rd Bldg 10H 16403 Lexington Blvd 3508 State Hwy 6 3301 Town Center Blvd S 7610 US Hwy 90A 1515 Lake Pointe Pkwy 13000 Executive Dr 12808 W Airport Blvd Ste 170 One Sugar Creek Center Blvd Ste 380 1111 Gillingham Ln 13135 dairy Ashford Rd Ste 100

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

$73,440 $447,000 $11,800 $22,826 $230,000 $34,307 $598,144 $489,391 $1,282,604 $540,000 $119,000 $120,499 $37,340 $14,708 $48,850 $945,668 $42,826 $21,799 $22,091 $212,000

Grand Total Valuation (Commercial & Residential)

12/01/11-12/31/11

$5,326,793

OWNER/CONTRACTOR Lally & Mason Inc Rosenberger Construction Rosenberger Construction Allied Fittings, LP/ Rosenberger Construction Arch-Con Corporation

Clay group LTD Fort Bend County Fort Bend County Lamar CISD MHI Oscar’s Tire Center

Redeemed Church of God/ Pillar & Strong Construction Residence Inn by Marriott/ Steve Hoegger & Associates Brewskis Pub & Patio-Fountains/ America’s Repair Everest Academy----ISGH-South Zone/ Cive Construction Carlyle /FR Houston Investors, LP/ GBNC Construction LP Momentive Specialty Chemicals Inc/ Southerland Industries Ind Momentive Specialty Chemicals Inc/ Southerland Industries Ind LA Utilities Inc/ Loggins Electrical Construction Dreammaker/ G B N C Construction LP Luby’s Cafeteria/ G D & C Contractoring Inc

Lake Pointe Town Center, LTD/MCR Construction Lake Pointe Town Center, LTD/Triton Construction Co Inc Town Center Lakeside, LTD/ AAA Awning Co, Inc City of Sugar Land/ USA Shade & Fabric Structures Lake Pointe Real Estate, LLC/JPAC, LLC GPI-M Sugar Creek, LP/Ruppel Construction GPI-M Sugar Creek, LP/Camden Construction GPI-M Sugar Creek, LP/Camden Construction Sugar Land Properties, Inc/Jerry Kachel Builder, Inc Trustmark National Bank/ Goldshire Developers, LLC (GC) Ft Bend ISD/Jamail & Smith Construction HSMEP William Trace, LP/Trojan Global Construction First Colony Mall LLC/Load King Manufacturing 90A Commercial Park Partners L/ SLI Design, Inc Sugar Land Veterinary Specialty/Custom Redesign GSL Fund 21 Sub D, LLC/Tellepsen Builders K/B Fund IV/Southern R&R Construction, Inc Parkway Portfolio I, LLC/BNC Construction Tramontina USA Inc./ Commercial Tenant Construction GPI-M Sugar Creek, LP/O’Donnell/Snider Construction

February 2012 • Fort Bend Business Journal

43

Advertising

SERVICE DIRECTORY

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.

Economic Development The Katy Area Economic Development Council (Katy Area EDC) www.KatyEDC.org - 281-396-2200 The Katy Area Economic Development Council (Katy Area EDC) , a 501 (c) 6 non-profit corporation, is a full service economic development corporation representing the Katy ISD area (Katy Area). Katy Area EDC : recruits new businesses, helps retain and expand existing businesses, helps create new businesses, facilitates the construction of business infrastructure and helps improve the quality of place and quality of life of the Katy Area.

Country Clubs 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.

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!

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

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.

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.

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. 281-9802666 (First Colony), 20015 Southwest Freeway.

281-343-5666 (Greatwood), Diagnostic testing and evaluation, Manufacturer’s routine recommended maintenance, domestic and foreign vehicle repairs, AAA approved, ASE certified. Ask about our Fleet Service!

Banks Vista Bank - 281-325-5000 www.vistabank.com Fax: 281-325-5050. Fort Bend County only.

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 owneroperated businesses with local decision makers.

44

Fire Extinguisher Service

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.

Floral Flowers By Tiffany LLC - 281-208-8681 www.FlowersByTiffanyStafford.com 508 F.M. 1092, Suite D, Stafford, TX 77477. 2011 CMUS Power Award Winner – Internet Customer Service Award. Beautiful Flowers for all occasions, Weddings, Events, Funerals, Plants, Fruit & Gourmet Baskets. Member of the Better Business Bureau and Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce. Mention the Fort Bend Business Journal for a special discount.

Fort Bend Business Journal • February 2012

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.

Jewelers The Gold Connection Jewelers 281-344-9900 • We Buy Gold www.goldconnection.net Full service jewelry store. Diamonds, Gold & Silver Jewelry and Watches. Repairs done on the premises.

Custom design are our specialty. Front door parking.

206 Hwy 90A, Richmond, Texas 77406.

Landscaping / Lawn Care JDT Lawn Care • 281-435-5408 Commercial property maintenance and landscaping service, fully insured professionals offering superior customer service and accountability, owner/operator and all employees were born and raised in Fort Bend County. High quality service from the ground up!

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 reach the vital Fort Bend County business community.

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

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

Medical Supplies Synicare Medical - 281-378-8040 www.synicaremedical.com synicaremedical@yahoo.com. 20333 State Highway 249, Suite 200, Houston, TX 77070, Fax 888-397-1240.

Synicare Medical is focused on providing high-quality service and customer satisfaction. Our entire team is committed to meeting those needs with professionalism and integrity. Synicare Medical specializes in durable medical equipment,medical supplies, and third party billing.We accept all private insurance and strive to meet the needs of every patient in a professional and caring way. Synicare Medical is owned and operated by Synicare Group LLC.

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, 281-778-8558. 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.

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; Visual Perceptual / Binocular Therapy; medical management of eye infections and diseases.

The office has a large selection of fashion frames.

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

All services available in Houston and surrounding counties.)

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 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.

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: 281-4998704, 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.

Remodeling / Outdoor Living Living Improvements 281-499-7000 www.living-improvements.com AWARD WINNING - 2010 Houston’s BEST “Outdoor Living Space” Living Improvements’ commitment to excellence makes us the perfect fit for your building needs. We have over 200 years cumulative in-house experience in the remodeling and construction industry making us highly skilled, professional and detail oriented striving to exceed our customer’s expectations. We feature outdoor living spaces, custom homes, interior and exterior renovations.

Our commitment to excellence is just one of the reasons we have over 4,000 satisfied customers.

SERVING FORT BEND & SURROUNDING COUNTIES FOR OVER 35 YEARS. See more on page 46

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

To be listed call at 281-690-4201

February 2012 • Fort Bend Business Journal

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SERVICE DIRECTORY

Medical Billing

SERVICE DIRECTORY

Staffing / Recruiting / Job Seeking 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.

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.

Storage Facilities Summer Lakes Self Storage 281.239.7199 www.SummerLakesSelfStorage.com 102 Benton Road @ FM 762 in the Richmond/Rosenberg area. Check out our monthly specials along with our unique facility and monthly community events. Happy New Year!

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

Windows / Sidings Aaron Schneider 832-878-7444 www.savemoresidingandwindows.com Save-More@Hotmail.com Business overview: Save-More Siding & Window Company is a premiere James Hardi Siding and Simonton Window firm. Our professionalism and attention to detail has set us apart from the rest. Call 832-878-7444 and deal direct with Aaron Schneider owner.

Aling’s Hakka Chinese Cuisine Welcome to Sugar Land’s first Hakka Chinese Restaurant! Using family recipes, Chefs Lin Motiwala and Gary Yan present this unique “Chindian” cuisine, a delicious fusion of both Chinese and Indian cookery (without the curry undertones). From savory steamed or pan fried Dumplings to traditional Indian-style Hakka dishes, as prepared in Bombay/Pune, like Chicken Lollipop, as well as American Chop Suey, each dish is prepared using the freshest ingredients to bring you a dining experience like no other. Lunch specials start at $6.95 for a 4 course meal. Open Tuesday - Sunday. Lunch: 11am3pm (Tues-Fri). Dinner: 5:30pm-10pm (Tues-Thurs & Sun) and 11pm (Fri & Sat). Aling’s is located in the First Colony Commons shopping center at Hwy 59 and Williams Trace Blvd. between Home Depot and Office Depot. 15425 Southwest Freeway, Sugar Land. Call 281-242-0432. www.alingshakka. com. $$ AURA Restaurant Chef/Owner Frédéric Perrier brings over 30 years experience to his newest venture - AURA. In an upscale yet casually comfortable setting, Innovative American Cuisine reigns and is highlighted in the numerous Daily Specials. AURA features only the finest, freshest ingredients. A three course prix fixe lunch for $12.95 to Mussles Marinieres, Roasted Red Snapper or Filet Mignon with Cognac Peppercorn Sauce. No need to go to Houston or into Sugar Land for a truly high quality dining experience... you will easily find it at AURA (without ‘Big Restaurant’ prices!) at Township Square - Missouri City. Lunch Mon-Sat 11-2. Dinner MonThurs 5-9 and Fri-Sat 5-10. Please call for Reservations &/or Catering ~ 3400 FM 1092, 81-403-AURA (2872). $$ • WB 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

To be listed call at 281-690-4204

46

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

Fort Bend Business Journal • February 2012

Karl’s At The Riverbend Romantic Dining in the Country, across the creek from a horse farm. Swiss Chef Karl Camenzind’s menu features Angus steaks, Prime Rib, Wienerschnitzel, Trout Almondine and other fresh fish, Rack of Lamb, Steak and other wild game, Atkins specials, a budget weeknight menu offered along with the regular menu, plus a wonderful Sunday Brunch Buffet. Company Luncheons and Rehearsal Dinners invited. Open Tues-Sat for Dinner and Sunday Brunch 5011 FM 723 Richmond 281-238-9300 www.karlsrb.com Read our reviews at www. b4-u-eat.com. $$ • FB Las Alamedas Restaurant & Cantina Las Alamedas Restaurant and Bar Continues the long standing tradition of fine Mexican food and beverages that began in 1980, is now relocated in Katy at The La Centerra Center. Join us seven days a week for our warm hospitality and anything from brunch on the weekends to private corporate events and everything in between. We are a total scratch kitchen featuring an extensive selection of authentic dishes. We are family friendly with a great children’s menu. Our patios were voted one of the top two in the Houston area. The only thing missing is you! We are open for lunch and dinner seven days a week and we serve brunch Saturdays and Sundays from 10am to 2pm. Our bar and lounge offers full meal service from open to close. Hours of operation are, Monday thru Thursday from 11am to 10pm, Friday from 11am to 11pm, Saturday from 10am to 11pm, Sunday from 10am to 9pm. BAR 11am till closing. 23501 Cinco Ranch Blvd., Suite F-140, Katy, TX 77494. 281-347-3030.

Reservations accepted by phone and on line by visiting our web site www. lasalamedas.com. $$ • FB

regular menu offerings. 3563 Hwy 6 @ Williams Trace, 281-265-0303. $ • WB Post Oak Grill Restaurant & Bar The Rios Family invites you to come and experience the same quality, ambiance and service that you have at the original Post Oak Gill. Join us for a wonderful culinary adventure featuring fine prime beef, chops, fresh seafood, soups, sandwiches, salads, and outstanding wine selection. Open lunch & dinner - Monday-Thursday 11:00-10:00pm, Friday 11:00-11:00p.m., Saturday 4:00-11pm, Sunday 10:00-9:00pm, & Sunday Brunch 10:00-2:00pm. Happy Hour 3:00-6:00pm. 1550 Lake Pointe Parkway, Sugar Land • Call 281-491-2901. www.PostOakGrillSugarland.com $$ • FB Tradicao Brazilian Steakhouse Tradicao Brazilian Steakhouse is the best new steakhouse in Fort Bend. Tradicao, pronounced Tra-dee-son, was named after the Brazilian word for “tradition” and founded on the idea to continue this traditional way of grilling. They are a family owned and operated churracaria whose goal is to make sure your dining experience is one you will never forget. Their prixe fixe menu includes 14 cuts of perfectly grilled meats brought to your table side, a large salad bar and hot sides. Tradicao would like to invite you to come join them, sit back and relax. Lunch Mon-Fri 11am2pm, Sat Closed, Sun 12-3pm. Dinner Mon-Thurs 5-9:30pm, Fri 5-10pm, Sat 4-10pm, Sun 5-9pm. Phone: 281-277-9292. 12000 Southest Freeway, Meadows Place, TX, 77477, www.TradicaoSteakhouse.com.

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 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

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February 2012 • Fort Bend Business Journal

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Fort Bend Business Journal • February 2012

Home is where the Heart is...

JOIN US FOR A HEART SMART SEMINAR RIGHT HERE AT HOME FORT BEND COUNTY

Our panel of heart experts includes: Dr. Imran Mohiuddin Vascular Surgeon

Dr. Sherman Tang

Interventional Cardiologist

Dr. Kesavan Shan

Diagnostic Cardiologist

Dr. Uttam Tripathy

Cardiovascular & Thoracic Surgeon

Dr. B. Keith Ellis - Moderator Interventional Cardiologist

Dr. Earl Mangin

Interventional Cardiologist

Dr. Tapan Rami

Electrophysiologist

Dr. Mahesh Ramchandani

Cardiovascular & Thoracic Surgeon



Methodist Sugar Land Hospital

YOUR HEART HEALTH BELONGS WITH METHODIST SUGAR LAND HOSPITAL When it comes to matters of the heart, you don’t need to travel far to receive the best heart care in the area. All the services you need are right here at Methodist Sugar Land Hospital. Our highly skilled doctors use state-of-the-art technology and surgical techniques, so you can get back to what really matters. Trust your heart to the experts at Methodist Sugar Land Hospital — your home for cardiac care.

Come meet our panel of multispecialty doctors who will discuss: • Heart disease • Signs and symptoms of a heart attack • The importance of seeking treatment right away when having a heart attack • State-of-the-art technology and surgical techniques at Methodist Sugar Land Hospital

HEART SMART SEMINAR Thursday, February 23, 2012  6-8 p.m.

Methodist Sugar Land Hospital - Conference Center To register: call 281-274-7500 or email SLRSVP@tmhs.org Refreshments  Door prizes

FREE SCREENINGS FOR THOSE ATTENDING:  Cholesterol/glucose lab test gift certificate  Free blood pressure screening

16655 Southwest Freeway Sugar Land, Texas 77479