February 2013 - The Business Lifestyle Magazine Digital Edition

Volume 31 • No. 2

THE BUSINESS LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

February 2013

FLOORS ’N MORE, INC. We’ve Got You “COVERED” INSIDE STORIES

Stepping Up and Stepping Out For Children Video Advertising – It’s Got Real Value!

County Judge signs Friendship Agreement with Chancheng District, Foshan Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce Newsletter Fort Bend Newsworthy & Names in the News Data Beat Information

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Texas Direct Auto Proudly Supports Women In Need

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n their continuing commitment to community, Texas Direct Auto is a proud sponsor of the 8th Annual Girlfriends Giggle benefitting the Fort Bend County Women’s Center. The annual event is scheduled for Thursday, February 7th from 6:30 to 11 pm in the “Diva Den” at Fluor of Sugar Land located at One Fluor Daniel Drive.

The Girlfriends Giggle is the ultimate “Girls’ Night Out” for hundreds of ladies each year. Billed as a “Grown Up Girl Pajama Party” celebrating female friendships and supporting women in need, the evening includes a live deejay, dancing, pajama contest, restaurant fare, a martini bar, live and silent auctions, boutique shopping, dance lessons and personal indulgences including manicures, massages and hair styling.

Last year’s Giggle raised more than $100,000 for the Women’s Center largely due to the support of generous sponsors. Texas Direct Auto is proud to sponsor the valet on this great evening. “The Fort Bend County Women’s Center provides such a vital and important service to our community,” said Jessica DeMarr, Director of Business Development for Texas Direct Auto.

“Assisting survivors of domestic violence and providing them with the resources they need to start a new, self-sufficient and safe life is a mission we are proud to support.”

Tickets for the Girlfriends Giggle are $67 which is also the amount it costs to shelter a survivor of domestic violence and/or sexual assault at the Fort Bend County Women’s Center which has a 65-bed emergency shelter. In more than 30 years of serving Fort Bend, the Women’s Center has helped more than 35,000 women and children achieve violence-free lifestyles through their mission of assisting survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault and their children.

Title sponsors of the Girlfriends Giggle include Sweetwater OB/Gym Associates, Houston Fertility Institute and Dr. Jay Shenaq, M.D., F.A.C.S. To purchase the specially priced $67 tickets to the Girlfriends Giggle, visit www.fortbendwomenscenter.org or stop by the Women’s Center office located at 905 3rd Street in Rosenberg. For more information on becoming a sponsor or vendor at the event, call 713.291.7323 or email staceykuithe@gmail.com.

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Editor’s Preview

by Sharon Wallingford

Fort Bend is like a box of chocolates Sharon Wallingford

Barbara J. Carlson

scan with you smart phone to launch website

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ove conquers all - Love is work ‑ Love wins - Love brings joy and peace.

Happy Valentine’s Day to all our readers. We love you for supporting our magazine. Stores throughout Fort Bend county are featuring a full array of Valentines. So do the florists and restaurants. There is something for everyone on your list if you don’t wait until the last minute.

The month of February will be a busy month for all of us; as well as, a time to reflect and rest.

Businesspeople deserve rest. It also marks the birthdays of the late Presidents Abraham Lincoln and George Washington. A special exhibit on Lincoln will be held at the George Library on February 23 through April 4. Come hear Author John C. Waugh. Read more about it on page 29.

If you choose to reflect on historical dates of our nation and state, there are a few for this month. On February 10, 1866, the Reconstruction Convention met in Austin and declared Acts of Secession void; and adopted a Constitution harmonizing with the US Constitution. February also salutes Susan B. Anthony Day on the 15th which is also the same day we celebrate our present state constitution that was adopted in 1876. February is also a month for treaty anniversaries: February 22, 1819,

the Adams-Anis Treaty defined the boundary between US and Mexico and on February 23, 1836, a treaty was signed between the Texans and Cherokee Indians. I don’t know how long these lasted, but let’s add that on February 26, 1888, the Goddess of Liberty was placed atop the dome of the Capitol in Austin.

A couple of other dates will be Groundhog Day on the 2nd and the Chinese New Year on the 10th. No shadows, please, just some rain. This year the Chinese rotate to the green snake which is a sign of prosperity.

You will see red this month. Red symbolizes a strong heart, strong energy and strong character.

All of Fort Bend ranks high in these. Read for yourselves. The Journal wants you to meet Nemat and Safwat Sidarous who own and operate Floors ’N More, Inc., in Sugar Land. Their service to clients and the community leaves a lasting impression. Our columnists add their share of sweet advice. The reflection of our county shows up on every page of this issue. After all, Fort Bend county is like a box of chocolates.

Keep the cash register ringing.

Sharon K. Wallingford

The Editorial Advisory Board

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Kolbe Curtice CCIM, CLS Managing Director – Colliers International | Fort Bend

Becky Munnell President and CEO Blue Jungle Marketing

Jacqueline Baly President and CEO Baly Projects, LLC

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

Contact:

Dee Koch Grant Officer The George Foundation

Tim Stubenrouch President First Community Bank

Sharon K. Wallingford Sharon@FortBendBusinessJournal.com 281.690.4200 - Office

February 2013 H Fort Bend / Katy Business Journal

John Whitmore Whitmore Company

Barbara J. Carlson Barbara@FortBendBusinessJournal.com 281.690.4204 - Direct

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NTENTS COVER STORY

Floors ’N More, Inc. We’ve Got You “Covered”

pg.

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Nemat & Safwat Sidarous

Inside Stories Innovative technologies provide new level of cardiac

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care at Memorial Hermann Southwest .............................................................................. 8 Stepping up and stepping out for children.................................................................... 10 Fort Bend Judge signs Friendship Agreement with Chancheng District............... 12 YMCA and Fort Bend formalize public-private partnership...................................... 14 Ballard House in Katy to aid cancer victims.................................................................. 16 Katy Area EDC gets update, 2013 work plan................................................................ 18

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Decisions, decisions Judge Robert Kern has made thousands.............................. 20 Texana goes ‘Bollywood’ for Reaching for the Stars.................................................. 27 Child Advocates of Fort Bend announces 2013 gala plans...................................... 28 Civil War scholar journalist to speak at Lincoln exhibition......................................... 29 Rose Rich Auto Mile drives Boots & Badges 2013 event on February 9.............. 30 Have society and businesses become a madhouse?................................................ 32 Farha Ahmed, an attorney committed to excellence.................................................. 34

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Rotary Club of Rosenberg readies to fill gumbo bowls.............................................. 46

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Draca and Lin named 2012 honorees at Memorial Hermann Katy Hospital........ 51 Central Fort Bend Chamber recognizes ‘Champions’ at luncheon........................ 58 February 2013 H Fort Bend / Katy Business Journal

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

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Fort Bend / Katy Business Journal H February 2013

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Fort Bend/Katy Volume 31 • Number 2 • February 2013 For subscriptions send check for $25 to Fort Bend Business Journal

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4655 Techniplex Dr., Suite 300 Stafford, Texas 77477 281-690-4200 www.fortbendstar.com Single copy $4.95

NTENTS

PUBLISHER.................................... Beverly Carter

MONTLY COLUMNS

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

ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER . ..............Barbara Carlson

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

Elsa Maxey Star Digital Studios

Discusses Video Advertising – it’s got real value!....................................15

MARKETING CONSULTANTS

Diane Strehl

Ann Sturrock

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

CONTRIBUTOR ...........................Wayne Chandler

Alan Sandersen

Jessica Domel

Tax Smart

Elsa Maxey

Discusses The fiscal cliff deal – How it affects you..................................19

ART DIRECTOR.................................Joey Belleza

GRAPHIC DESIGNER / WEB.............Carlo Arcillas

DEPARTMENTS Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce Newsletter.............. 35-42 Newsworthy ................................................................. 44-49 Names in the News...................................................... 50-53 Data Beat...................................................................... 54-57 Service Directory.......................................................... 59-61 Meet & Eat - Food, Drink & Entertainment Guide.................................................... 62-63

ON THE COVER FLOORS ’N MOORE, INC. Safwat & Nemat Sidarous Owner

©2013 Fort Bend Business Journal Magazine No material from this publication be copied or in any way reproduced without written permission from the publisher.

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February 2013 H Fort Bend / Katy Business Journal

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There will be live music from Jabo “The Prince of Zydeco” and his band.

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At the heart of it all

Innovative technologies provide new level of cardiac care at Memorial Hermann Southwest Memorial Hermann Heart & Vascular Institute-Southwest is home to one of Houston’s largest cardiology programs. Here, a highly dedicated team of affiliated physicians uses state-of-the-art technology to perform the most advanced diagnostic, interventional and surgical procedures to treat heart disease, also called cardiovascular disease. Accolades abound for the Institute’s quality care, including Thomson Reuters 50 Top Cardiac Hospitals in the United States.

New technologies benefit patients with heart rhythm abnormalities As a leader in healthcare, the Institute is once again stepping forward with innovative technologies to deliver an even higher level of care to patients. One such technology is MediGuide™, a system that dramatically reduces the duration of fluoroscopy, a rapid sequence of X-rays, received by patients when catheters are inserted into their bodies to evaluate and treat heart rhythm abnormalities.

The Institute is the only hospital in Texas, and one of just five in the United States, offering this emerging technology.

Shanti Bansal, M.D., a board-certified cardiac electrophysiologist, is the first surgeon in Houston to use the new quadripolar biventricular implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD).

Inspired by global positioning systems, MediGuide applies 3-D visualization and precise navigation to pre-recorded 2-D X-ray images that serve as a base map during cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) implantations and cardiac ablation image-guided procedures. Automatic adjustments are made to the recorded images to allow for cardiac motion and respiratory changes. As a result, less fluoroscopy is used throughout a procedure, while giving physicians a clear view inside the heart.

“While every case is different, the MediGuide technology reduces radiation exposure by 50 percent, at minimum, and it can be up to 90 percent,” said Shanti Bansal, M.D., a board-certified cardiac electrophysiologist affiliated with the Institute.

Another elite technology offered by the Institute for patients with arrhythmia, or irregular heartbeats, is the quadripolar biventricular implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD). People with untreated arrhythmia are at a higher risk for permanent heart damage and stroke.

All ICDs monitor heartbeats and send electrical impulses to the heart – a process called pacing – to correct dangerously fast rhythms. ICDs use three thin wires, or leads, to deliver the impulses.

In traditional ICDs, one wire contains two pacing sites. In the quadripolar biventricular ICDs that single wire has four pacing sites.

This allows physicians greater flexibility in placing the leads and provides new possibilities for some patients who previously had no acceptable places to locate the leads.

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February 2013 H Fort Bend / Katy Business Journal

Treat Your Heart to Red Wine and Dark Chocolate University of Houston Sugar Land 14000 University Blvd.

Thursday, Feb. 21 6 – 8 p.m.

Enjoy a fun evening with cardiac healthcare specialists who will provide tips for a heart-healthy lifestyle. See exercise demonstrations, enjoy a sampling of light appetizers, red wine and dark chocolate and so much more. The event is free but space is limited.

To register, call 713.222.CARE (2273).

The highly skilled team of affiliated cardiac specialists approved to perform the TAVR procedure at the Memorial Hermann Heart & Vascular Institute-Southwest includes Johanna Higgins-Clowney, M.D., Devang Patel, M.D., Robert Baldwin, M.D., W. Carter Grinstead, M.D., Earl Mangin, M.D., and (not pictured) Luis Echeverri, M.D. (Larry Pullen Photography)

Contrast this to an 82-year-old male who recently underwent the TAVR procedure because he was so frail he was about to begin hospice care. A few weeks following his TAVR surgery, this reenergized gentleman was happily practicing his golf swing as part of his physical therapy rehabilitation.

Cardiac Rehabilitation provides strong support to promote heart health “Going from two electrodes to four electrodes opens up a world of possibilities as far as what we can do with left ventricle pacing,” said Dr. Bansal, who holds the distinction of being the first surgeon in Houston to use the new ICD. “We can electronically program the quadripolar biventricular ICD to optimally deliver pacing needs to the heart with a minimal drainage on the battery, while at the same time optimizing cardiac performance. In addition, this device allows us to change the location of pacing without adjusting the lead itself, so it eliminates an additional surgery that is often required for readjustments.”

TAVR is option to traditional open heart surgery Another relatively new technology at the Institute is transcatheter aortic valve replacement, or TAVR. This state-of-the-art procedure is for patients with severe aortic stenosis – a narrowing of the aortic valve opening – who are unsuitable candidates for traditional, open heart surgery. Less invasive, the innovative TAVR technology places a new aortic valve within the diseased valve while the patient’s heart is still beating. Memorial Hermann Southwest Hospital is among only a handful of U.S. hospitals performing the TAVR procedure.

Robert Baldwin, M.D., a Memorial Hermann-affiliated cardiovascular surgeon, said TAVR valve function is nearly equal to the valves used in open heart surgery. Additionally, valves used in Europe for the past 10 years show little sign of deterioration. Dr. Baldwin points to shorter hospital stays and faster recovery as major patient benefits of the TAVR procedure.

To help heart patients stabilize, slow or even reverse the progression of their cardiovascular disease, the Institute offers a personalized Cardiac Rehabilitation program. This medically supervised program addresses heart-healthy lifestyle changes through exercise, plus education about prescribed medications, nutrition, stress management, smoking cessation and other issues.

The program is particularly beneficial for those with congestive heart failure, angina pectoris (chest pain due to clogged heart arteries), recent heart attack, peripheral artery disease and other forms of cardiovascular disease, and for those who have undergone coronary artery bypass graft surgery, balloon angioplasty (PTCA) or pacemaker placement.

Classes meet for one hour, three times a week. A physician’s prescription is requested to participate and many insurance companies cover the program’s costs.

To learn more about the award-winning cardiovascular care at Memorial Hermann Heart & Vascular Institute-Southwest, visit memorialhermann.org.

“During a traditional aortic valve replacement, patients are normally hospitalized for one or two weeks,” he said. “Then it’s one to three months before they start to feel robust again.”

Fort Bend / Katy Business Journal H February 2013

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Pin Oak Charity Horse Show: Stepping up and stepping out for children

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

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FrostBank.com February 2013 H Fort Bend / Katy Business Journal

in Oak Charity Horse Show (www.pinoak.org) will host its 68th annual show March 20 through March 30, at the Great Southwest Equestrian Center in Katy. Most show events begin each day by or before 8 a.m. Admission is free for most Pin Oak Charity Horse Show competitions.

Established in 1945 by J.S. Abercrombie, Pin Oak Charity Horse Show is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit entity and is one of the leading horse shows in the nation. The 2012 show attracted approximately 1200 riders and 2000 horses. Proceeds from horse and rider entry fees, sponsorships, donations from supporters, and special event admission fees benefit Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston’s Ronald McDonald House Family Rooms, and Candlelighters Childhood Cancer Family Alliance. The show has raised almost $5 million for children’s charities since 1945.

Featured events for 2013 include: • The Second Annual “What to Wear to that Equestrian Affaire” Luncheon and Fashion Presentation by Tootsies (Chairs Alexis Caruselle, Janine Iannarelli and Elizabeth Wood) February 28 - 11:30 a.m.

-1:30 p.m. at The Wynden, 1025 South Post Oak Lane, Houston 77056 • $30,000 Pin Oak Charity Horse Show Ringside Gala – Week I March 23 – 6 p.m.

Great Southwest Equestrian Center, Katy • $30,000 Pin Oak Charity Horse Show Ringside Gala – Week II - March 29 - 6 p.m.

Great Southwest Equestrian Center, Katy • $25,000 Pin Oak Charity Horse Show International Hunter Derby presented by Valobra Jewelry- March 28 - 5 p.m., Great Southwest Equestrian Center, Katy One of the highlights of this event will be Moet & Chandon’s 2nd Annual “Hatter Derby,” during which 12 ladies are chosen from the crowd with Franco Valobra of Valobra Jewelry selecting the winner. The winner will receive a set of Valobra earrings and a magnum of Moet & Chandon champagne.

The Southwest Equestrian Center is located at 2501 South Mason Road.

gET invOlvEd aT

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ThE Pin Oak ChariTy hOrSE ShOw PrOCEEdS bEnEfiT TExaS ChildrEn’S hOSPiTal, hOUSTOn’S rOnald MCdOnald hOUSE faMily rOOMS and CandlElighTErS ChildhOOd CanCEr faMily allianCE.

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T h a n k yo u To o u r g e n e r o u s s p o n s o r s f o r m a k i n g T h i s e v e n T p o s s i b l e :

Fort Bend County Judge signs Friendship Agreement with Chancheng District, Foshan

Pictured left to right: Allison Wen, Fort Bend Friendship Committee; Ms. Yang Ti Li, Foshan New Media Park; Michael Liu, Fort Bend Friendship Committee; Isaac Horton, Scientific Production Ventures, LLC; Robert Hebert, Fort Bend County Judge; Jeff Wiley, Greater Fort Bend Economic Council; Dr. Thomas Randle, Lamar Consolidated ISD; Jason Sheng, Fort Bend Friendship Committee; Xinliang Li, President of Foshan New Media Park.

Fort Bend County Judge Robert Hebert and District Mayor of the Chancheng District, Foshan, Mr. Liu Donghao.

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n November of this past year, County Judge Robert Hebert accompanied by a delegation including members from the Greater Fort Bend Economic Development Council, the Friendship Committee, Lamar CISD, and business owners; traveled to the People’s Republic of China for the purpose of signing a Friendship Agreement between Fort Bend County and the Chancheng

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District, Foshan.

The Agreement, signed by the District Mayor of the Chancheng District, Foshan, Mr. Liu Donghao and Fort Bend County Judge Robert Hebert, is in essence a contract stating the two sides will work together to promote exchanges and cooperation in the fields of economy, trade, sports, environmental protection, science, technology, education, medical research and culture; to promote common prosperity and development between Fort Bend County and the Chancheg District, Foshan.

“This agreement has been a two year process and I am extremely appreciative of the Chinese Friendship

February 2013 H Fort Bend / Katy Business Journal

Committee for making this a reality.

While the county will move ahead on cultural and education initiatives, now is the time for our community to engage our friends overseas to identify and pursue business, education and cultural exchange opportunities,” said County Judge Robert Hebert.

Foshan is a city in central Guangdong province located in southern China with a population of 3.6 million. Key industries include: household electrical appliance and tool manufacturing; furniture; non-metal ore and manufacturing; electronics and communications; stainless steel products; plastic products and ceramics.

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At Methodist Oncology Partners, Dr. Darcourt is supported by the leading technology and highly skilled medical professionals of The Methodist Hospital System. And as an active member of The Methodist Research Institute, Dr. Darcourt can offer patients access to a wide range of clinical trials and the latest therapies to fight cancer.

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281.494.9131 x134 • www.sugarcreekcctexas.com 420 Sugar Creek Boulevard Fort Bend / Katy Business Journal H February 2013

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YMCA and Fort Bend county formalize publicprivate partnership on outdoor education camp

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et your backpack ready and grab your fishing caps and poles. At a recent Fort Bend County Commissioner’s Court meeting, the Court unanimously approved two agreements with the YMCA to partner on the development and programming of an outdoor education and recreation camp at Bates Allen Park near Kendleton.

The Bates Allen Park based project, a 235-acre site named Camp Cloud, will be a public-private partnership between the YMCA and the county that will develop outdoor recreational and educational facilities funded by YMCA fundraising efforts and constructed, owned and maintained by Fort Bend County on the park property.

“I very much look forward to working with the YMCA in making this a very successful project”, stated Fort Bend County Precinct 1 Commissioner Richard Morrison.

The park includes three lakes, San Bernard river frontage and the potential for riding trails, nature trails, picnic pavilions, and river boat ramps.

The agreements approved recently were divided into two separate agreements that included a Donation Agreement and a License Use Agreement. In the donation agreement, the County agreed to accept funds raised by the YMCA for the purpose of designing and constructing phased camp facilities as agreed upon in advance by the YMCA and county.

Once all funds are raised by the YMCA for a particular phase, the county will accept the funds from the YMCA to start the construction of the facilities that will be owned and maintained by the County. In the License Use Agreement, the YMCA is granted a 30 year renewable license to use the designated area of Bates Allen Park known as Camp Cloud to schedule and provide recreational and nature based programming.

When not in use by the YMCA, the designated area will also be available for

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Ready for Camp to Begin! - Commissioner Morrison and Y Leadership are “geared up” for camp activities to begin after agreement was approved. (From Left to Right) – Charlie Myer, YMCA Regional Advancement Officer; Mike Flory, Camp Cloud Co-Chair; Commissioner Richard Morrison; and Marshall Whichard, Camp Cloud Co-Chair.

scheduled activities by the County or third parties. “The YMCA is so excited to have the opportunity to provide outdoor education and recreation to area residents at such a beautiful and natural location as Bates Allen Park”, stated Charlie Myer, YMCA Regional Advancement Officer. Over the course of the next 12 months, YMCA volunteers led by Camp Cloud Project Committee Co-Chairs Marshall Whichard and Mike Flory, will be raising capital funds to start the first phase construction of the Camp Cloud Project, expected to start sometime in 2014.

Plans are still being formalized, but the goal of the first phase is expected to construct a multipurpose facility at the site to act as the main gathering area for the many planned programs and activities at the camp. This main facility will include, but not be limited to, open multipurpose program space, parking, restrooms, and office and storage space. Future phases of the project will include an outdoor amphitheater, archery range, raised nature trails, playground, splash pad, pavilions and docks. According to February 2013 H Fort Bend / Katy Business Journal

Marshall Whichard, Camp Cloud Co-Chair, “Our fundraising efforts will be broken into three focus areas that will include Foundation Support, Corporate Giving and Individual Support.” A formal campaign kick-off will be announced later this year.

Although the formal camp facilities had not been constructed at Bates Allen Park, programming started during the 2012 year. With approval from the Fort Bend County Parks and Recreation, the YMCA ran summer day trips to Bates Allen Park.

The joint program between the Fort Bend and TW Davis YMCAs was started in June of last year to provide area youth with the opportunity to enjoy and learn about nature and participate in outdoor activities that they may have never experienced.

During the course of the ten week summer program, upwards of 500 YMCA Outreach Program youth from urban and rural at-risk areas participated in the free week long day experiences at the park. Led YMCA, continued on page 18

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Post a video on your business website and reach your target customers. After all, those visiting it ended up at your site for a reason. So, tell them why they’re there and what you can do for them.

Do it with that “show me” attitude, the kind that a city in Fort Bend County strives to do as it preserves a historical tiein to its past.

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display ads and 25% better than text ads.

So, it stands to reason that a business can get a bit more “umph” from online video ads for a nice mix of combo advertising, and it’s a great customer grabber when it’s coupled with traditional ads.

Look into driving new revenue by adding a video spot to your website. Star Digital Studios will help you create a convincing reason for a prospective client checking you out and considering your product or service. Show them how your business stands out about the others. Give your business some personality on its website. Literally, align your business with a vision.

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We’re on standby waiting to hear from you. Open your doors to new clients with a video online!

Elsa Malakoff is a contributor to the Fort Bend Business Journal and Fort Bend Star and a Exevutive Producer of Star Video Productions. She can be reached at 281690-4280.

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15

Ballard House in Katy to aid cancer victims

By Wayne Chandler

H

ealthcare in Katy is becoming all encompassing. Two business people in Katy have stepped up to prepare a “home away from home” for cancer and other seriously ill patients and their families.

The Ballard House, a $3 millionplus, 24-suite, spacious state-of-the-art residence, will soon open its doors on South Mason Road at Cinco Park Drive, next door to Creech Elementary School.

Erin Ballard, a recovering cancer victim, and her grateful husband, Monty, are financing most of this home-away-fromhome style home through Cinco Charities, a 501 © (3) non-profit organization which has assisted more than 200 patients already.

Currently, the nearest hospitality home such as this is in the Medical Center in Houston.

“This (Ballard) house will be convenient for any patient who lives anywhere along the Grand Parkway or Westpark Tollroad,” Monty Ballard stated. “ It will be available for patients from anywhere, not just Katy,” Ballard said.

Ballard noted that there are many patients who, with their families, for years, have made the arduous commute to the Medical Center from West Houston and Fort Bend County.

“We’re helping patients now from Alaska, Georgia…Sealy,” said Ginger Hopper, a Katy realtor, who has chaired Cinco Charities since its inception in 2008. These patients come from all over due to the renown reputation of the Texas Medical Center, and more and more are being treated in Katy and Fort Bend through these same hospital affilliates.

Erin recalled that, when her cancer was detected in May, 2011, she was told by her Katy oncologist Dr. Sunil Patel about Cinco Charities, and the need for many of these patients and their families for free housing.

Erin and Monty almost immediately offered one of their large rental homes, remodeled, redecorated and furnished it. (It’s now called Erin’s House). The Ballards then

16

Ballard House in Katy

(l-r) Erin, Monty, and Ginger Hopper.

pledged $1.5 million toward a new facility.

Since then, the Ballards have pledged to guarantee the remaining construction costs.

Cinco Charities had begun a pilot program in 2008, and determined from the beginning that applicants never would be asked to pay. Ginger Hopper stated that Cinco has housed guests in local hotels and extended stay suites and loaner homes.

“Doctors have told us, had it not been for Cinco Charities providing housing, a number of them wouldn’t have been able to receive treatment,” Ginger said.

Last October 4, the Cinco Charities Board of Directors and special guests, the Ballards, presented an earnest money check for purchase of a 3.3 acre property from Newland Communities. On October 24, the deal was closed, and last November 8 there was a ceremonial groundbreaking.

Ginger said, “I was extremely excited to see the interest and compassion shown by the community of Katy… at the groundbreaking…For patients who will come from around the world to Katy for their medical treatments, February 2013 H Fort Bend / Katy Business Journal

may they find their medical miracles here, new friends and experience true Southern hospitality, Katy style.”

“This groundbreaking for the Ballard House marks a major milestone in the pathway to a dream launched many years ago by the Keller Williams team and Cinco Charities supporters across the Katy area,” said Frank Lombard, vice president of the Katy Area Economic Council. “Their tireless efforts and countless hours of devotion and hard work, combined with the dedication of Ginger Hopper and her fellow board members, can only be matched by the extraordinary generosity and leadership demonstrated by Erin and Monty Ballard, true living angels of mercy and compassion.

“The beneficiaries of their legacy include not only all of us that are blessed to call the Katy area our home, but the hundreds of patients and families that will find comfort, peace and healing in the Ballard House for many years to come…”

Ballard House is expected to be completed by late August. The house interior and exterior design will be influenced by Arcadian Texas Hill Country and have 24,000-square feet.

In addition to the 24 suites, there will be a chapel, common kitchen and dining area. Groups will be welcome to come in, cook and befriend guests, Ginger said.

BALLARD HOUSE, continued on page 19

TxDOT transportation forum to bring leaders together to discuss highway issues and opportunities Registration now open for Texas Transportation Forum, Feb. 17-19

W

ith more than 1,000 new citizens moving to Texas daily, the Texas Department of Transportation must continue to explore opportunities that will help the state keep pace with an ever-growing demand on our roadway system. From Feb. 17-19, transportation experts, government leaders and others will gather at the Texas Transportation Forum to discuss innovative ways to approach future challenges.

“Texas has always been a national leader when it comes to transportation and we are committed to continuing that tradition by

partnering with others to find solutions to our roadway challenges,” said Phil Wilson, TxDOT executive director. “Through innovation and efficient use of tax dollars, Texans can be assured we will continue to make progress on our highway system.”

Last month the Business Journal brought you the announcement and agenda for this years forum. Additional topics being discussed at the 2013 Texas Transportation Forum include: • Expansion of the Panama Canal and its impact on Texas • Supporting Texas’ Energy Opportunity • How Technology is Reshaping your Transportation Options Speakers include Harvey Rosenblum, executive vice president and director of research at the Federal Reserve Bank

of Dallas; Silvia Marucci, Panama Canal Authority; Congressman Roger Williams, U.S. House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee; Chairman Robert Nichols, Senate Transportation Committee; Sen. Glenn Hager Jr.; Sen. Juan Chuy Hinojosa; Sen. Kevin Eltife; Chairman Larry Phillips, House Transportation Committee and other leaders in transportation.

Another highlight of the Forum will be the first Texas visit of the Google selfdriving car. The car is equipped with state-of-the-art technology including onboard sensors and 3D map data, allowing drivers to safely reach their destination in a car under automated control. Google team members will be on hand to talk with attendees about the vehicle and the future of driving.

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Fort Bend / Katy Business Journal H February 2013

281.242-3232 www.sktx.com

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Katy Area EDC gets update, 2013 work plan

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ine new council members joined Katy Area Economic Development Council president and CEO Lance LaCour in listening to an encouraging membership report, with an update on the EDC’s five year work plan, and an outline for things to come in 2013.

After membership chairman Stan Stanley announced and introduced nine new council members, LaCour said that the council has set “aggressive, ambitious goals in order to keep Katy a great place to start a business and start a family.”

“We need to keep a proactive approach which will benefit everyone,” he said.

The program goals, part of the five-year work plan which was initiated in 2011, are: Develop, retain and attract talent; Diversify the tax base through industry attraction and business development; and Promote and enhance Quality of Place.

LaCour noted earlier that masterplanned communities around and near the Grand Parkway “are moving at fast speeds with construction. There’s dirt flying everywhere,” he said.

“We are starting to get more variety from retail and restaurants who are interested in supplying the needs which these homes and schools create,” LaCour noted. “We are starting to get the

YMCA and Fort Bend county formalize publicprivate partnership on outdoor education camp YMCA, continued from page 14

by YMCA Counselors and Texas AgriLife Extension Service personnel, the youth of the YMCA program enjoyed many outdoor activities, including: archery, canoeing, fishing, hiking, and environmental education.

“The summer program last year really showed the positive impact that nature can make on our youth,” stated Mike Flory, Camp Cloud Co-Chair. The project was fully funded by support from the YMCA of

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KAEDC’s Lance LaCour, Shelby Gurley, Melanie Easterling and Frank Lombard.

variety that people in Katy want.”

The plan, to date : • 1,200 new announced jobs • 2 million SF of industrial and 2.5 million SF of office, announced and under construction in Katy Independent School District • New brand development/ under implementation • New incentive policies adopted by the City of Katy and Katy ISD • EDC moved into a new larger facility • UH-HCC expanding programs/cooperation in Katy For 2013, LaCour pledged continued support of the EDC Leadership Task

Greater Houston’s Camping Services Board and the Fluor Foundation.

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. As a charitable and mission orientated organization, the YMCA strives to provide its programs and services to all in the community regardless of their ability to afford it. The aforementioned YMCA Camp Cloud and Outreach Programs are both great examples of the YMCA’s mission in action in Fort Bend County. To find out more about the YMCA or how you can volunteer or donate to the organization, go to www. ymcahouston.org.

February 2013 H Fort Bend / Katy Business Journal

Force to bolster training facilities in education, business and industry.

“We’ll continue to support developers in new business parks and spec buildings, “ LaCour said.

Plans also are to conduct visits, tours and webinars for area commercial brokers, develop brand ads, video and co-branding advertising opportunities, and develop an international relationship with Aberdeen Scotland and conduct an Offshore Technology Conference event in Katy with United Kingdom firms.

Regarding branding, LaCour said the council will seek more business support for improvement of intersections. Some 26 intersections have been identified for study.

LaCour said the council will continue to support roadway improvement projects in Harris, Fort Bend and Waller counties.

Under membership, sponsorship and administration, LaCour said the council goal is to acquire three new Super Package members at $30,000 each, and some $53,000 in new membership funding. A fifth annual golf tournament will benefit place/branding efforts and charity. The president said the council will purchase new computers and software to replace five-year old equipment.

The president concluded by thanking all of the committee volunteers and his administrative staff of Frank Lombard, vice president, and administrative assistant Shelby Gurley and information and research coordinator Melanie Easterling.

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.

The fiscal cliff deal – How it affects you By now, everyone has heard about the “fiscal cliff” bill signed into law on January 2, 2013, but what you might not understand is how it affects you. With that in mind, let’s take a closer look. The term “fiscal cliff” refers to the $503 billion in federal tax increases and $200 billion in spending cuts (according to recent Congressional Budget Office projections) that took effect at the end of 2012 and beginning of 2013–before Congress passed ATRA. It is the abruptness of these measures and possible negative economic impacts such as an increase in unemployment and a recession that has resulted in the use of the metaphor “fiscal cliff”.

The “Fiscal Cliff” Deal Personal tax rate. Marginal tax rates remained the same for most (10%, 15%, 25%, 28%, 33%, and 35%) except for those with taxable income greater than $400,000 (single filers) or $450,000 for married filers, whose rate increased to 39.6%.

Payroll taxes. The payroll tax “holiday” expired at the end of 2012 and was not extended.

This means that you’ll see 6.2% taken out of your paycheck for Social Security for the first $113,700 in wages for 2013 instead of 4.2%.

For the average family making $50,000 a year, this amounts to $1,000 less in their pocket.

Self-employed tax reverts to 15.3% up from 13.3% in 2012.

Unemployment Insurance. Federally funded unemployment insurance (UI) benefits, scheduled to end on December 29, 2012, were extended for another year, through December 29, 2013.

AMT. The AMT (Alternative Minimum Tax) “patch” (exemption amounts) was made permanent and indexed for inflation for tax years beginning in 2013 and made retroactive for 2012. Also, nonrefundable personal credits can be used to offset AMT liability. For 2012, the exemption amounts are $78,750 for married taxpayers filing jointly and $50,600 for single filers.

Child-Related Tax Credits. Child-related tax credits, used by families to offset their tax burden, have been extended under ATRA. Education. The American Opportunity Tax Credit, originally scheduled to revert to

the Hope Credit ($1,500), has been extended through 2017.

Marriage Penalty. The larger standard deduction for married couples filing joint tax returns is retained ($12,200 in 2013) as is the increased size of the 15% income tax bracket.

Generally, each spouse would need to earn income in excess of $80,000 (with no itemized

deductions) in order to be hit with the marriage penalty; however, the higher your income, the harder you get hit with the penalty. It usually makes more sense to file joint tax returns, however.

Teachers – K-12 teachers retain their above the line deduction for out of pocket expenses.

Sales Tax Deduction – Residents of Texas retain their sales tax itemized deduction Tax Season Delay Tax season filing for about 20% of all households will be delayed as late as march in some cases, while tax season for most wage earners was only delayed by about a week..

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

Ballard House in Katy to aid cancer victims BALLARD HOUSE, continued from page 16

Monty is confident that there will be financial support to provide for the house’s ongoing operational and maintenance expenses. The individual suites will be offered for naming rights.

St. Peter’s United Methodist Church sent a check for $30,000, for naming rights to the first of these rooms.

“We are in the process of rolling out our campaign to offer church groups, corporations and families opportunities to secure a room for naming honors,” Ginger said.

Cinco Charities formed through Ginger and her team when, in 2006, a Keller Williams International executive challenged his agents to ‘leave a legacy” in their community. Ginger said that in their brainstorming sessions they soon recognized that Katy was developing a huge medical center and that there was an urgent need to accommodate patients Fort Bend / Katy Business Journal H February 2013

in ways other than medical care.

“We knew of the phrase, ‘build it and they will come,’ and then we realized they’re already here.”

Jake Hallsted, founder of Grace Care Centers, and a longtime personal friend of the Ballards, is serving as general manager of planning and construction of Ballard House, acting on behalf of the Ballard Foundation. Greg Hughes, director of healthcare, PBK Architects, is the principal architect.

Ginger announced three new board members to Cinco Charities: Dr. Gregory Chronowski, associate professor, MD Anderson Cancer Center Department of Radiation Oncology; Andrew Hall, vice president, HMS Healthcare, a veteran of assisting startups of facilities similar to this facility; and Monty Ballard, founder and president of the Ballard Foundation “We are anticipating an early Fall 2013 grand opening,” Ginger said.

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Decisions, decisions. Judge Robert Kern has made thousands

By Wayne Chandler

I

n September, 1999, Texas Governor George W. Bush appointed as judge Robert J. Kern for the newly-created 387th District Court in Fort Bend County.

Last December, at “Last Docket,” Judge Kern entered his courtroom for the final official appearance to scores of well-wishers giving him a standing ovation. The appreciative audience included his court coordinator, court reporter and bailiff, all who had been with him for a decade, and his successor, Judge Brenda Mullinix, who had served with Judge Kern for the past eight years. It also included a host of lawyers who had assisted and helped process thousands of cases through this court which has been an emotion-packed family venue for 13 years.

How many cases? There is no recorded tally, but the estimate is about 70,000 hearings and trials.

This court handles adoptions, divorces, child custodies, family

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violence cases and Children’s Protective Services cases…. joy, heartache, satisfaction, sorrow, enmity… threats.

Judge Kern looks back on all of this decision – making and the gamut of feelings with a gentle shrug, “I just considered it my job.”

The judge went in to this new assignment in a new Judge Robert Kern court with his eyes wide open… wide open in awe… when he recognized that he was inheriting a mountain of cases in Fort Bend County which needed to be resolved – 9,000 cases, some of which obviously had been backlogged for months and years because there had been only one family court in the county until 1999.

Judge Robert J. Kern’s “Final Docket’

With no associate judge for the first five years, Judge Kern diligently researched, scheduled and heard these waiting issues, and within a couple of years he had wiped his inherited docket clean. “You see my desk…we don’t let cases stack up,” Judge Kern said.

The judge gives credit to a lot of competent and trusted lawyers, and counselors, as well as “a wonderful staff,” in making most of these decisions which change so many lives.

Adoption cases were special to Judge Kern. While most familymaking comes naturally, the families that are formed or reinforced through the adoption process are extra special, Judge Kern believes.

Final approval in court may come only after several bumps in the road…painful commitments, hours of interviews, criminal and legal research, psychiatric studies, medical tests and examinations, random visitations.

“These parents have a choice, and these kids soon will appreciate how special they are,” the judge said.

February 2013 H Fort Bend / Katy Business Journal

Fort Bend Symphony to present trio of master works February 17 to Edward Elgar’s Variations on an Original Theme for Orchestra, commonly called Enigma Variations. History holds that Elgar began playing a theme on the piano, then altered it slightly to reflect the characteristics of his friends. The resulting composition features 14 people in the variations, starting with Elgar’s wife and ending with a self-portrayal.

“Although FBSO concerts always include classical music, this is the first one since I became music director in 2008 that features all classical music,” said Agüero.

“Orchestral Masterworks is a wonderful opportunity for our audience to listen to, and enjoy, music they might not know. The program will also provide a great challenge for our players! They have asked for a program like this so I’m excited to finally program for their needs.”

Adult tickets are $12 and $17. Discounts are available for seniors 55 and over, students, military and groups of 10 or more.

Tickets are available at fbso.org or by calling 281.276.9642.

T

he Fort Bend Symphony Orchestra will welcome spring with Orchestral Masterworks featuring a trio of works by the great composers Ravel, Sibelius and Elgar. The February 17 performance, under the musical direction of Dr. Héctor Agüero, begins at 2 p.m. at the Stafford Centre, 10505 Cash Rd in Stafford.

The concert opens with the beautiful Karelia Overture by Finnish composer Jean Sibelius. This nationalistic piece celebrates the simple but noble spirit of the people of Karelia, a historical province of Finland that is now divided between Finland and Russia.

Also featured is Maurice Ravel’s Pavane pour une infante defunte, a piece that suggests how a princess would have danced a slow processional in the Spanish courts in earlier times. Both the original piano composition and the orchestral version that followed express the enthusiasm Ravel, a French composer, held for Spanish customs.

The first half of the concert concludes with the winner of the FBSO Young Artist Concerto Competition.

The second half of Orchestral Masterworks is devoted

The Frontier Fiesta Association at the University of Houston would like to create a long lasting partnership with your business by opening new market opportunities within the University of Houston.

Get exposure at the university’s largest event and one of the oldest traditions on campus!

For more information, contact: Eduardo Reyes Director of Development ffdev@central.uh.edu 281.961.2665

Fort Bend / Katy Business Journal H February 2013

Frontier Fiesta Date: March 21 - 23, 2013

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At SierCam Healthcare Services, our skilled, experienced and dedicated Staff works directly with your Physician to ensure that the Patients’ treatments and procedures are completed as Ordered in the Plan of Care. In an effort to maximize individualized healthcare, our professional staff coordinate and provides individualized Client Care with other healthcare providers involved in the rehabilitation process.

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Fulfilling Our Promise to Seniors

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Your input, comfort, relief and satisfaction are important to us. Our Compassionate Caregivers are dedicated to the provision of exemplary services to Austin, Fort Bend, Brazoria, Galveston, Harris, Waller, Matagorda, Lavaca and Wharton Counties. SierCam’s philosophy demands accountability which justifies our commitment to a stringent Code of Ethics and Integrity to assure our clients of a safe and secure home healthcare. Our skilled Professional Staff must pass a rigorous active Comprehensive diligent evaluation, administered by the Supervisory Registered Nurse.

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CHAP Accredited TDADS Licensed & Certified Medicare Certified Insured Practice Accepting Medicare/Medicaid HMO-Medicare HMO-Medicaid Private Insurance Private Pay February 2013 H Fort Bend / Katy Business Journal

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Fort Bend / Katy Business Journal H February 2013

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Advertorial

Floors ’N More, Inc. We’ve Got You “Covered” COVER STORY

S

ince 1994, one of Sugar Land’s most trusted floor covering and kitchen and bath remodeling stores, Floors ’N More, Inc., has been owned and operated by the Sidarous family. For nearly two decades, Safwat and Nemat Sidarous have been committed to one goal: To beautify Fort Bend’s residential and office community one home and one business at a time.

As an immigrant from Egypt in the early 1970’s, Safwat worked as an agricultural engineer and plant manager with one of the largest instant rice companies in the United States. After 20 years, Safwat left the industry, originally thinking he’d look into building and construction of new houses.

Upon the advice of his brother, Safwat researched the floor covering and light remodeling business as an alternative to the red tape riddled housing market.

“I wanted to live and work in Fort Bend so that I can personally inspect each job, answer any possible lingering questions about the process and make any changes to the plans with minimal down time or cost adjustments when possible,” Safwat explained. Safwat continued, “It’s amazing how much Fort Bend has grown over the

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Nemat & Safwat Sidarous

last 20 years, with growth seeing no end at this point.”

When asked what has been the key to the Sidarous’ longevity in tough markets, Safwat explained, “We have found loyal referrals to spread the good word about our customer service, industry knowledge and product selection as our best means of advertising. We have worked with clients who have returned to us to remodel their homes or after the purchase of a new home and now their children are calling us. You get repeat business because you give your customer a product that proves its worth and you give a service that is unmatched.

We are always striving to achieve the best on both fronts for our customers. We want the best for them because we truly care about their happiness after the work is completed.”

February 2013 H Fort Bend / Katy Business Journal

Safwat explained what is critical at the start of each project—that it is important to meet with the client and get a sense of direction for their specific project. “We like to ask a lot of questions. We need to understand the direction the customer wants to take. Is this job simply the desire for a change of color or is it a small part of a much larger theme for the whole house that they are striving for?”

Architecture, style, color and lines can make or break the effect as to how a job turns out. It’s not only finding the right tile, granite or wood but what room is it going in, what is surrounding it, what is the ambiance one wants to create and how do the walls align? If someone is working with a framer, completes the work in enclosing a room but doesn’t bring the floor expert in before that expense has already been allocated, a disastrous result ensues after the fact. Bringing all the trades together at the outset can result in a perfect picture without bearing the costly expense during an unorganized or rushed project.

“That is why it is so important that we recognize that each home is unique and each homeowner is unique. We strive to bring out the character and style of both the home and homeowner with every job, leaving our customers pleased with the results and giving them a price that pleases their wallets,” Safwat explained.

Safwat was asked if he had any regrets leaving Egypt. Safwat quietly responded, “No, not at all. So many sad things are happening in Egypt right now. This is the best country in the world. We are so blessed to live in the United States and call it home.”

FLOORS ’N MORE, INC. continues...

“ I wanted to live and work

in Fort Bend so that I can personally inspect each job, answer any possible lingering questions about the process and make any changes to the plans with minimal down time or cost adjustments when possible.

— Safwat

”

Fort Bend / Katy Business Journal H February 2013

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“ We want our customers to return. We want to leave a lasting impression with them.” — Safwat With a twinkle in his eye, Safwat was asked if he wanted to share something special. “Yes,” he began, “I have my son, Shadi, who works with us and who has become an expert in our business. He puts his heart and soul into each project. He has such a huge heart and knows what he’s doing, whether he’s helping his customer with carpet, floors, tile, counter tops or showers. And we live close by so we get to see his three children every day. What a joy to be so near three of our grandchildren. I wish my daughter, who lives in Canada, lived closer but we get to see them as often as possible.”

Floors ’N More, Inc.’s showroom is conveniently located in Sugar Land, right on Hwy 90A, a short trip from anywhere in Fort Bend. “If you can’t find what fits your needs in our showroom, we can get your custom orders or other selections through our vendors. Some customers think that they have to buy from another location. Oftentimes our

26

competition will inflate the price, costing the customer an unnecessary expense,” Safwat explained. “We want our customers to return. We want to leave a lasting impression with them.”

One of Floors ’N More, Inc.’s current jobs is at Texas A&M, redoing all of the floors and tile work. An ongoing project is with Williams Tower (previously known as Transco Tower), encompassing kitchenettes, a workout area flooring and bathrooms.

Floors ’N More, Inc. was also responsible for work at the Travelers Terminal in the Sugar Land Airport. No job is too big or too small for this established and most-highly

reputable family-owned business. “Distance is not an issue for us, as we illustrate with our commitment to once again be there for the prestigious Texas A&M as they again sought us out for their remodel,” Safwat explained.

What is key in completing a job— whether big or small—is not only the product meeting the customer’s satisfaction but the costs and staying within the customer’s budget, the professional’s vision in putting all the many pieces of the puzzle together and working with a professional who is a pleasure to work with. “It’s like a marriage and we have to be compatible,” Safwat emphasized.

Floors ’N More, Inc. offers the whole package, whether the customer works with Safwat or Shadi. During this tough economy, the customer deserves only the very best. Come by and visit this locally family-owned showroom. You will be pleasantly surprised with how much “More” you get.

FLOORS ’N MORE, INC. 7830 Highway 90A Sugar Land, TX 77478

281.242.5656 www.floorsnmoretx.com February 2013 H Fort Bend / Katy Business Journal

Texana goes ‘Bollywood’ for Reaching for the Stars

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isit exotic India as Texana Center’s Reaching for the Stars 2013 Gala goes Bollywood at Safari Texas on Friday, April 12. Legacy Ford is once again taking the lead as Presenting Sponsor for the event.

Franco Albarran, gala chair, has assembled an enthusiastic committee, that are hard at work putting together an evening to remember with great food, fabulous entertainment and the chance to bid on unique items in the live and silent auctions. Safari Texas will be transformed into all the glitz and glamour of a Bollywood set.

Honorary Chairs for this year’s event are Dr. William and Teresa Reading.

They are supported by a committee of distinguished community leaders; Michael

L to R: Tye Martinez; Ron Ewer, Legacy Ford; Chance Geary; and Jasmine Scott.

& Lisa Fredrickson, Himesh & Farrah Gandhi, Lois & Larry Gremminger, Mayor Vincent & Regina Morales and Bill & Thelma Shelton.

Judge Jim Richard will serve as the auctioneer. Back once again, by popular demand is Yvonne Washington & the Mix.

Texana is seeking items for both the silent and live auctions. Table sponsorships are available and begin at $1,500.

Individual tickets are $100 each.

For information about sponsorship or tickets contact: (281) 239.1427.

To purchase tickets online visit www. texanacenter.com.

Texana Center is a 501(c) 3 public, not for profit, organization that provides behavioral healthcare and developmental disabilities services to residents of a six county area that includes Austin, Colorado, Fort Bend, Matagorda, Waller and Wharton counties. Texana Center has its headquarters in Rosenberg in Fort Bend County.

Texana serves about 4,000 clients per month in its array of service programs that are located in each of the six counties, covering about 6,000 square miles.

Drilling rig equipment firm Hampco and G-Tech to build new facility along Grand Parkway in Katy

I

t’s a long way from Aberdeen, Scotland to Katy, but the two cities do have things in common.

Aberdeen is known as the “the Oil Capital of Europe,” while Katy is the headquarters of various petroleum industryrelated businesses, and is about to become home to one more: Hampco, a company that builds drilling rig equipment and which is owned by Scotland native Andy Grieve, who entered the drilling business while living in Aberdeen.

Hampco, which also does consulting, upgrades, maintenance and other services, only recently began experiencing a rise in its custom-equipment designing and manufacturing services — which brought about the need to build a new facility. “We’ve grown substantially over the last three years,” Grieve says, “and after doing a large amount of sub-contracting, the natural next step was to find a site and build a facility large enough

to handle the process of designing and building our equipment in-house.” Grieve says the facility may eventually expand in size based on the amount of business it handles.

Following a referral from the Greater Houston Partnership, the Katy Area Economic Development Council has worked over the past year to help Hampco grow and find a suitable site. After a rigorous site search, the company selected 11 acres at 1625 West Grand Parkway North and for a Phase 1, 36,000 sq. ft., $6 million facility, ultimately creating 50 direct jobs over the next two years. Grieve established a new development company for the project, G-Tech, and the industrial park will be known as the G-Tech Technology Centre. The Katy Area EDC plans to collaborate with Hampco and G-Tech to facilitate workforce training and recruitment incentives, technical assistance and potential energy incentives, says Lance LaCour, Katy Area EDC President and CEO. Fort Bend / Katy Business Journal H February 2013

“We are especially excited because G-Tech will fuel the location and incubation of future UK-based, technology-oriented energy companies, which is a target industry for Katy Area EDC,” LaCour says. “It is also fitting that the building and site is named the G-Tech Centre, as it is in close proximity to the Katy Technology Center Campus (53 acres) which contains Pathfinder Technology Center and the new Dyna-Drill Campus that is under construction. Both companies are part of Schlumberger and when completed, the Katy Technology Center will employ over 700 people.” About Hampco Hampco has been a multi-discipline provider of technical services and equipment to the international drilling industry since 1988. Grieve immigrated with his wife and children from Scotland to Katy in 2005. He stays in contact with a number of his fellow Scots in the petroleum industry who have immigrated to the U.S. like him, or plan to do so.

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Child Advocates of Fort Bend announces 2013 gala plans

C

hild Advocates of Fort Bend (CAFB) invites you to dive under the warm blue ocean with us to experience our Treasures Under the Sea Gala on May 4, in the Ballroom of the Sugar Land Marriott Town Square beginning at 6:00 pm.

Immerse yourself in an elegant evening of delightful treasures, ocean spectacles, and unpredictable shipwrecks. Paired with a delicious dinner, melodies from the band Funksion, and a dynamic live and silent auction, the night is expected to be one-ofa-kind. CAFB is thrilled to have Carole and Bob Brown serving as Honorary Chairs for the Treasures Under the Sea Gala. “The work Child Advocates of Fort Bend does has such tremendous impact on so many children and their families. Carole and I are honored to be part of this event,” says Bob Brown. The presenting sponsor for this exciting event is Exchange Club of Sugar Land.

“At the very heart of this event is the belief that every child deserves a safe and healthy childhood. Community participation in our Gala fundraiser is a crucial part of our mission to help children and families affected by child abuse,” says

Ruthanne Mefford, executive director at Child Advocates of Fort Bend. With more than 200 trained community volunteer advocates, Child Advocates touches the lives of more than 400 children each month.

Looking forward to a great Gala are L to R: Child Advocates of Fort Bend Program Assistant, Lianna Estrada; 2013 Board President, Mark Magee; Executive Director, Ruthanne Mefford; Events Specialist, Lisa Moore; and Honorary Chairs, Carole and Bob Brown (front).

Real estate agents that SELL HOMES advertise them in The Star H Local Agent H Local Advertising H Local Results

281.690.4200 4655 Techniplex Dr. Suite 300 • Stafford, TX 77477

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February 2013 H Fort Bend / Katy Business Journal

Civil War scholar journalist to speak at Lincoln exhibition on February 23

F

ort Bend County Libraries will host an Opening Reception for the exhibit, “Lincoln: The Constitution and the Civil War,” which will be on display at the George Memorial Library, 1001 Golfview in Richmond, beginning February 23, and continuing through April 4, in the Bohachevsky Gallery. The reception is scheduled for Saturday, February 23, with a special presentation by awardwinning writer and Civil War scholar John C. Waugh beginning at 2:00 pm.

Waugh will present “Lincoln’s OneTwo Punch for Black Freedom,” an account of how the president engineered the Emancipation Proclamation and the Thirteenth Amendment – the one-two punch that ended slavery forever in America. As the author of three books on Lincoln, Waugh has done extensive research on the president and his role in American history.

Waugh is an award-winning author of 11 books on the Civil-War era. He began his writing career as a journalist and bureau chief ofThe Christian Science Monitor. Since then, he has served as media specialist on the staff of Republican Vice President Nelson Rockefeller of New York and as press secretary to Democratic U.S. Senator Jeff Bingaman of New Mexico. In 1989, his focus turned to historical writing.

His first book, The Class of 1846, published in 1994, won the New York Civil War Round Table’s Fletcher Pratt Literary Award for the best nonfiction book of the year. He received the Grady McWhiney Award of Merit for significant contributions to the scholarship and preservation of Civil War History in 2000, and was inducted into the Texas

John C. Waugh

Institute of Letters, “for outstanding contributions to a literary Texas,” in 2011.

The exhibition, Lincoln: The Constitution and the Civil War, explores fundamental questions raised by Lincoln’s life, such as: how a self-educated lawyer with little administrative experience guided a divided nation through the crises of secession and Civil War; why Lincoln championed emancipation, how Lincoln’s capacity for intellectual and moral growth shaped his presidency; and how his legacy changed the nation.

His administration advanced the idea of the United States as a single, unified nation, and he set an agenda for inclusive democracy that continues to have resonance today. Drawing on recent scholarship, this exhibition encourages a deeper understanding of Lincoln’s life, policies, and accomplishments.

Fort Bend / Katy Business Journal H February 2013

Abraham Lincoln

Lincoln: The Constitution and the Civil War, a traveling exhibition for libraries, was organized by the National Constitution Center and the American Library Association Public Programs Office. The traveling exhibition has been made possible by a major grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities. Lincoln: The Constitution and the Civil War is based on an exhibition of the same name developed by the National Constitution Center.

Fort Bend County Libraries is sponsoring free programs and other events for the public in connection with the exhibit. Visit the library’s website – www.fortbend.lib.tx.us – for more information on upcoming programs.

The exhibit is free and may be viewed during regular library hours. For more information, call the library’s Public Information Office at 281-341-2677.

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Rose-Rich Auto Mile drives Boots & Badges 2013 event on February 9

H

ave you ever wanted to support emergency responders in your community but didn’t know how you could? It’s as simple as buying a ticket and attending a fun event.

The Rose Rich Auto Mile group of car dealerships will be the Presenting Sponsor of the Boots & Badges 2013, which benefits all emergency responders in Fort Bend County.

This year’s gala begins at 6 p.m. Saturday, February 9 at the George Ranch Historical Park’s main arena. The event features dinner catered by Safari Texas, dancing and fabulous live and silent auctions.

The Rose Rich Auto Mile is comprised of Finnegan Chrysler-Jeep-Dodge, Preparing for the Boots & Badges Gala 2013 are, from left, Robert Williams, President of Behind The Badge Charities; Aldo Cortes, General Manager of Gillman Honda; Virgil Skinner, owner of Fort Bend KIA; Gary McLellan, General Manager of Finnegan Auto Group, Kristi Farquar, event director for George Ranch Historical Park; Marshall Whichard, vice-president of Behind The Badge Charities; Ron Ewer, owner of Legacy Ford; Lee Hernandez, board member of Behind the Badge Charities and co-chair for Boots & Badges Gala; Commissioner James Patterson, board member of Behind The Badge Charities; John Norsworthy, board member of Behind The Badge Charities; and Nick Landoski, fleet manager of Fort Bend Toyota. Not pictured is Mike Shaw, general manager of Fort Bend Toyota.

Special Feature

Banking & Finance MARCH ISSUE

To Advertise Call Barbara J. Carlson 281-690-4204

Barbara@fortbendbusinessjournal.com Fort Bend/Katy

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Finnegan Chevrolet-Buick-GMC, Fort Bend KIA, Fort Bend Toyota, Gillman Nissan, Gillman Honda and Legacy Ford.

Behind the Badge Charities is a volunteer organization that provides emergency financial assistance grants to police officers, firefighters, paramedics, correctional officers, probation officers and emergency dispatchers who suffer injuries, illness or other disasters that create financial hardship not covered by insurance or other assistance.

Behind the Badge Charities has awarded more than $123,000 in financial assistance to date. Assistance has been presented to personnel from police departments of Richmond, Katy ISD, Sugar Land and Stafford, as well as the Fort Bend County Sheriff’s Office and Fort Bend EMS. Behind the Badge Charities also awards academic scholarships to eligible February 2013 H Fort Bend / Katy Business Journal

dependent children of emergency responders in Fort Bend County. Last year, over $11,000 in academic scholarships were awarded to students. The charity also supports programs to strengthen family relationships among emergency responders and promote positive interactions between youth and emergency responders.

Scholarships have been presented to children of personnel from the Richmond Fire Department, Fulshear Police Department, Fort Bend County Sheriff’s Office and Rosenberg Police Department.

Sponsorship opportunities for the gala range from $500 to $2,500.

Individual tickets are $35 each and tables of 10 can be reserved for $300.

Tickets and sponsorships are available at (888)-390-6105 or online at www.

BehindTheBadgeCharities.org.

ATTENTION : Fort Bend High School Seniors

CONGRATULATIONS! Bailey Wood

Congratulations to Bailey Wood, a senior at Fort Bend Christian Academy, for being selected as Texas Direct Auto’s “Scholarship Star” for February! Jessica DeMarr, Director of Business Development, presents the $1000 check. At Fort Bend Christian Academy, Bailey is a member of National Honor Society, National English Honor Society, Student Leadership Community and more. Bailey has received multiple awards for her academic performance, including the ACSI Outstanding Achievement Award, Fort Bend Christian (FBC) Soaring Eagle Award and Honors English Award. Bailey has also received awards for her athletic achievements as a varsity basketball player including FBC Offensive Player of the Year and FBC Most Improved Player. Beyond academics, Bailey is an avid contributor to the Fort Bend community.

She has devoted over 160 hours to helping coach various basketball camps in the area. Bailey has also volunteered at Houston-area shelters and has partnered with Habitat for Humanity to paint newly constructed homes. Bailey plans to attend Texas A&M University as a member of the Business Honors Program. Bailey 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

Fort Bend / Katy Business Journal H February 2013

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Have society and businesses become a madhouse?

Parallels between mental disorders and ‘normal life’ keep adding up

“I

nsane” has a clear meaning when we can look at it next to “sane” in the real world.

Unfortunately, that has become more and more difficult to do, says Mike Bartos, an author and former chief of staff at a state psychiatric hospital for the criminally insane.

“It’s not just because the media rely so much now on bizarre behavior to entertain their audiences,” says Bartos, author of “BASH” – Bay Area State Hospital – (www. mikebartos.com), a fast-paced tongue-incheek novel that stems from his decades of experience as a mental health-care professional.

“Take a look at what have become the ‘normal’ problems in modern America – some of them could be textbook examples of psychological dysfunction.”

Case – or rather, cases – in point: • OBESITY EPIDEMIC: Denial, compulsion, addiction and sublimation are just a few mechanisms at work in the psychology of a largely obese population.

Sublimation is the mature defense activity

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perpetrated when socially unacceptable impulses, such as sexuality, are redirected, in this case to the consumption of salty, fatty and sugary food. With more than two thirds of the U.S. population either overweight or obese, there is nothing sane about this health crisis.

• BANKING: The financial crisis that changed the world in 2008 can be largely owed to a cluster of “too big to fail” U.S. banks and their employees who thought they could continuously repackage terrible debt loans. Meanwhile, unqualified customers snatched up properties they couldn’t afford.

This was an undiagnosed mega-scale gambling addiction. Many in the financial world knew it simply could not be sustained but the players continued to ante up.

• CLIMATE CHANGE: Denial, denial, denial. The raw data from objective scientists overwhelmingly tells us man is largely responsible for warming global temperatures, yet we continue to use fossil fuels and to fill landfills with methane-producing waste. It’s a classic case; we completely ignore symptoms and evidence to maintain the status quo.

• A drugged nation: Marijuana, a natural February 2013 H Fort Bend / Katy Business Journal

relaxant, is outlawed in most states while tobacco and alcohol – responsible for incalculable violence and sickness, as well as tens of thousands of accidents and deaths each year – are lucrative and legal vice industries. Meanwhile, some pharmaceutical companies and physicians encourage substance abuse and chemical dependency by promoting pills to ease the inevitable emotional and physical pains that come with life.

“Many of my psychiatric patients suffered from addiction to both legal and illegal drugs. Sometimes it was hard to tell which came first, the addiction or the other mental health issues,” Bartos says. “The legal or illegal status of certain drugs seems to be completely arbitrary -- much like the behavior of a patient suffering psychosis,” he says.

• SPOILED-BRAT ADULTS: Narcissistic Personality Disorder isn’t only now accepted in society, it’s widely encouraged and celebrated, Bartos says.

Reckless driving and road-rage are just two examples in which individuals are so selfabsorbed, they believe their time and sense of entitlement are more important than the lives and safety of others. Throw on top of that our obsession with plastic surgery, need for constant attention on social media, and pre-occupation with consumer brands and we have pandemic megalomania.

• WAR: America has been at war for 10 years now, and leaders cannot say with any precision what we are doing with our current campaign in Afghanistan, nor what we accomplished with our last one in Iraq. It’s as if government leaders have a masochistic, sociopathic relationship with one percent of the U.S. population – the military, and their families. Young men are shipped off in the prime of their health, and often return physically or mentally damaged, if they come back at all. “Is this sane?” Bartos asks.

Fort Bend/Katy

Advertising Pays!

Attention Fort Bend Businesses, As experienced business professionals we all know the importance of these two words. As owners of family owned businesses we know the value of sharing our story and our philosophy with new and established customers. Whether we market our business by word of mouth or aspire to share it on a much larger scale, share it we must if we desire to exist and grow.

For more than 30 years, The Fort Bend / Katy Business Journal has been in the business of business. The Journal is the only locally owned publication in the Fort Bend area dedicated to focusing on your business. Whether the Journal is highlighting the creation of new enterprises, celebrating milestones of existing entities or reporting award winning business endeavors, it is the sole publication in the area dedicated to researching and sharing business stories.

The Journal has been an integral part of the phenomenal growth of Fort Bend County reporting on development opportunities, government growth strategies and regulations, and the community/ business synergies that comprise Fort Bend County. The Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce prints their monthly newsletter in our publication. To be a part of the Fort Bend / Katy business story, read the Journal and decide how you want to share your own story with the community.

Businesses can choose to be a cover story, part of a monthly theme focus, or to run a time appropriate ad for a specific event. The Journal also features business involvement in the numerous philanthropic projects that epitomize the county. Our knowledgeable advertising executives can discuss available business presentation options. State-of-the-art graphic designers and award-winning photographers are also available to present your visual story. The Business Journal cover stories are a testament to the professional ability of our writers.

Call 281-690-4204 today to talk with Barbara J. Carlson, Associate Publisher. She’ll help you through the entire process. It’s your business and your future. Develop it now by sharing it with others who need your services and expertise.

4655 Techniplex Dr., Suite 300, Stafford TX 77477 • Direct: 281-690-4204 • Barbara@FortBendBusinessJournal.com

Advertorial

Farha Ahmed, an attorney committed to excellence

W

hen local attorney, Farha Ahmed, is asked, “What is the difference between a big or small client in the business world,” Ahmed responds that her firm has the experience to handle both. What both types of clients have in common are relationships and getting the job done, ranging from an oil and gas distributor to a local grocer or from a homeowner to a commercial developer. All of these are current clients with Ahmed’s firm.

Having served on Sugar Land’s Planning and Zoning Commission during the four years of one of the heaviest growth periods in the City has been rewarding in adding to Ahmed’s specialized experience. Ahmed was there to hear and consider early plans of the baseball stadium and the beginning of new development of single-family homes in Telfair

along with its Recreation Center.

Developers value Ahmed’s attention to detail and her innate understanding of the development process that entails administrative hurdles at times and incentives certain commercial businesses are given through tax abatements. Ahmed also understands that City-elected officials are willing to reach out to new businesses, while gaining input from both city residents and established local business owners. Ahmed has the necessary insight to make the process for her clients and their projects successful.

It is not only large commercial developers that are able to arrive at a successful solution, but also the homeowner and the Homeowner’s Association in being able to reach a mediated settlement on a seemingly smaller issue of remodeling and renovation.

However, aging neighborhoods will also be facing more teardown requests which bring

on issues of updated architecture features and what latitude builders are given.

Being a homeowner in one of the largest Homeowner’s Associations in the area and having been elected to serve three years on the First Colony Board has allowed Ahmed to appreciate the perspectives and advantages from both sides of an issue.

In addition, Ahmed does compliance and legal consulting for startup hedge funds. Her completion with the Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce Leadership program has allowed her to network with field talented entrepreneurs throughout Fort Bend County.

Not only does a potential client want to find an attorney who is so centrally located in the heart of Sugar Land, but it’s also about connecting with the right attorney who has had exemplary experience and one who has the vision to assist the client in achieving his or her goals. Ahmed is your solution.

Commitment to excellence COMMERCIAL TRANSACTIONS • FAMILY LAW PROBATE • CIVIL LITIGATION

In Private Practice for 20 years 2150 Town Square Place Sugar Land, Texas 77479 Tel: 281.313.3839 www.farhaahmedlaw.com

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February 2013 H Fort Bend / Katy Business Journal

Farha Ahmed

. H ilt on C

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Save the dates!

10TH ANNUAL SUGAR LAND WINE & FOOD AFFAIR

Where top chefs share secrets, sommeliers get uncorked and you have exclusive access to the best wine & food around!

APRIL 24 TH - 28 TH , 2013 SugarLandWineandFoodAffair.com Sugar Land, TX 77478 : 713.SIPWINE SFW-Austin8.375x10.875.w bleed.indd 1

www.FortBendChamber.com

12/28/12 8:53 AM

Fort Bend / Katy Business Journal H February 2013

Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce Newsletter

C on ra d N

uc in g Pa le ge Pr od

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

Welcome New Members Advanced Home Technologies

Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce Newsletter

Richard Cassani, President 10555 Westpark Dr. Houston, TX 77042 713-732-0580 Audio-Video

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Cobalt Mortgage Jason Meinen, Branch Manager 520 Post Oak Blvd., Suite 455 Houston, TX 77027 832-308-5460 Mortgages

Huntington Learning Center

The Medical Executives

Chris Veillon, Owner 6202 Highway 6 Ste D Missouri City, TX 77459 281-208-5803 Educational Services

Ken Pratt, CEO 2646 South Loop West, Suite 400 Houston, TX 77054 713- 432-7916 Health Care

I Eat Sugar Land

Zonesty

Shane Steffek, Owner 13837-A Southwest Freeway #142 Sugar Land, TX 77478 281-382-4570 Caterers

Steve Sheaffer, President & CEO 5005 Riverway Dr., Suite 550 Houston, TX 77056 713-993-0000 Energy Broker/Marketer

Renew Laser & Skin Credit National Services Danish Ali, CEO Three Sugar Creek Center Blvd, Suite 183 Sugar Land, TX 77478 832-886-6961 Professional Services

Deseo at Grand Mission Jaime Vaccaro, Manager 19002 Mission Park Drive Richmond, TX 77407 281-344-0055 Apartments

Nina Desai, Owner 16605 Southwest Freeway, Suite 350 Sugar Land, TX 77479 832-491-2852 Medical Spa

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

SWE Pamela Daniel, Corporate Secretary 823 Buffalo Run Missouri City, TX 77489 281-240-3586 Manufacturers

February 2013 H Fort Bend / Katy Business Journal

www.FortBendChamber.com

Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce Newsletter FORT

BEND

LEADERSHIP F

O

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Criminal & Judicial Government Sponsors

All*Star Storage Mitchell & Duff, LLC. The Morales Law Firm Stratus Power Solutions, L.P. www.FortBendChamber.com

Fort Bend / Katy Business Journal H February 2013

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We Believe in you.

Thanks for Believing in US! 1 Year

9 Years

Anson Aviation, LLC Dana Atkinson 281-242-2555

Welker, Inc. David Fish 281-491-2331

The Himalaya Drug Company Linda Sparrow 713-863-1622

Property Acquisition Services, Inc. Mark Heidaker 281-343-7171

APAD First Colony LLC Allison Woodall 281-243-7000

H & R Block Jeannetta Williams 281-778-1467

You Only Younger Med-Spa Donna Braunreiter 281-937-7537

2 Years

Seniors Helping Seniors Michael Alexander 281-261-8107

Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce Newsletter

Hygeia Enviro-Clean, Inc. Dan Leone 281-970-1500

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Texwood Shows, Inc. Tony Wood 832-274-3944

3 Years

Neel-Schaffer, Inc. Sonny Smoak 713-783-7117

4 Years

Best Western Sugar Land Inn Nick Bhakta 281-232-0680

6 Years

Sugar Land Surgery Center Jill Finke 281-274-6670

8 Years

LoweryBank Steve Epps 281-263-1102

Milestone Member

10 Years

Home Helpers Fort Bend Ronald Norsworthy 281-207-5359

11 Years

Texas Oncology, PA Nancy Wells 281-277-5200 Sugar Land Marriott Town Square & Conference Center Michael Newbrand 281-275-8400

Browne McGregor Architects, Inc. Jim McGregor 713-850-1733

18 Years

Harris Construction Company, LTD Susan Harris Hohnbaum, 713-690-0791 Studio 6 Joe McDonald 281-240-6900

Milestone Member

20 Years

12 Years

Earthman’s Funeral Directors Southwest Susan N. Moody 281-240-3300

13 Years

24 Years

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

Visible Applause Tom Ferguson 281-980-3304

Nationwide Insurance Jim Murry 281-499-0377

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

Fort Bend Symphony Orchestra Amy Floyd 281-276-9642

17 Years

Fort Bend ISD Nancy Porter 281-634-1102 February 2013 H Fort Bend / Katy Business Journal

AccessHealth Carol Edwards, 281-633-3130

www.FortBendChamber.com

Jan-Michael Jenkins 281-491-0218 jan@fortbendcc.org

UPCOMING EVENTS

SAVE THE DATE February Governmental Relations Division

2013 State of the County February 15, 2013 • 11:30 am – 1:00 pm Safari Texas Ranch 11627 FM 1464, Richmond

March Governmental Relations

Let Texans Decide with John T. Montford March 4, 2013 • 11:30 am – 1:00 pm Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce 445 Commerce Green Blvd., Sugar Land

Education Division

Federal Relations Network Legislative Update with Jim Rice

Network Nites

February 1, 2013 • 7:30 am – 9:00 am Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce 445 Commerce Green Blvd., Sugar Land

March 21, 2013 • 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm 620 Highway 6, Sugar Land

Network Nites

Regus

February 7, 2013 • 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm Three Sugar Creek Center, Suite 100, Sugar Land

Frost Bank

Chamber Young Professionals Division

Golf Tournament at Quail Valley Country Club

Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce Newsletter

For membership information, contact:

March 28, 2013 11:30 am – 1:00 pm 2880 La Quinta Drive, Missouri City

Governmental Relations Division

2013 State of the County with Judge Bob Hebert February 15, 2013 • 11:30 am – 1:00 pm Safari Texas Ranch 11627 FM 1464, Richmond Chamber Young Professionals Division

Staying Young and Healthy February 21, 2013 • 11:30 am – 1:00 pm Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce 445 Commerce Green Blvd., Sugar Land

March Education Division

April Governmental Relations Division

Congressman Pete Olson April 1, 2013 • 11:30 am – 1:00 pm Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce 445 Commerce Green Blvd., Sugar Land Education Division

Update on School Finance Lawsuit April 4, 2013 • 11:30 am – 1:00 pm Fort Bend ISD Annex 16431 Lexington Blvd., Sugar Land

Texans Advocating for Meaningful Student March 1, 2013 • 11:30 am – 1:00 pm Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce 445 Commerce Green Blvd., Sugar Land

www.FortBendChamber.com

Fort Bend / Katy Business Journal H February 2013

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Ribbon Cuttings

ALPHAGRAPHICS SUGAR LAND

Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce Newsletter

10581 S. Highway 6, Suite 113 • Sugar Land, TX 77498 • 832-886-4311

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TITLE BOXING CLUB 4823 Highway 6 • Missouri City, TX 77459 • 855-232-2235

February 2013 H Fort Bend / Katy Business Journal

www.FortBendChamber.com

SIMON SPINE 14019 SW Freeway, Suite 310 • Sugar Land, TX 77478 • 832-886-4054

Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce Newsletter

www.FortBendChamber.com

THE HAMPTON AT MEADOWS PLACE 11919 W. Airport Blvd. • Stafford, TX 77477 • 281-240-1707

www.FortBendChamber.com

Fort Bend / Katy Business Journal H February 2013

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Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce Newsletter

This is your opportunity to enhance your value personally, professionally and as a community stakeholder. This ten-month program consists of monthly sessions and retreats covering a variety of topics.

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“The Leadership Forum allowed me to gain valuable insight into many different aspects of Fort Bend County. The relationships, networking opportunities & leadership skills I gained were priceless. I highly recommend the program to anyone looking to enhance their careers.”

-Himesh Gandhi, Sugar Land City Councilman “In 2012, Classic will graduate itʼs fourth executive from Leadership, and I intend to send at least one employees every year...more if I can spare them! I love this program so much that I am now the primary sponsor. It is a terrific program exemplifying all the best about Fort Bend County and the Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce. If you want to build personal and business relationships that last, while learning about the unique, special place we live, then enroll in Leadership... it works!”

-Don Kerstetter, Owner, Classic Chevrolet Sugar Land “It all adds up. Year after year, Fort Bend Leadership Forum provides consistent return on investment for our participants, businesses and our community.”

-Christopher Breaux, Principal, Whitley-Penn, L.L.P. As a newcomer to Sugar Land, I was so grateful to find that the Fort Bend Chamber had a leadership program. Having participated in the Class of 2010, the program exceeded my expectations. Besides having a diverse class mix, the speakers were outstanding and I learned more about Fort Bend than anticipated. Now I have a greater base of colleagues to access thanks to the camaraderie of my Leadership class!

-Karen Daly, City of Sugar Land, Assistant City Manager

For information please contact David Crowl at 281.491.2497 or David@fortbendcc.org

February 2013 H Fort Bend / Katy Business Journal

www.FortBendChamber.com

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4655 Techniplex Dr., Suite 300, Stafford TX 77477 • Tel: 281-690-4200 Fort Bend / Katy Business Journal H February 2013

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NEWSWORTHY GOT NEWS? Send your press release to sharon@fortbendbusinessjournal.com

Family-history research program set for Feb 19 Land and property deed records can be valuable tools for family-history researchers.

Learn how to use those records at a special program, “Find Your Ancestors in Deed Records,” on Tuesday, February 19, beginning at 10:00 am, in the Computer Lab at George Memorial Library, 1001 Golfview in Richmond.

Library staff from the Genealogy and Local History Department at Fort Bend County Libraries will review the various types of land and property deed records that are available online, on microfilm at the library, or that are filed at the courthouse. Deeds were recorded and kept before other types

of records were required. These records may include genealogical information that is not available through other sources, or that may confirm uncertain information, such as names of spouses, children and their spouses, or neighbors.

The program is free and open to the public. Seating is limited, however, and reservations are required. To register online at the library’s website (www.fortbend.lib. tx.us), click on “Calendar,” select “George Memorial,” and find the program. Participants may also register by calling the library at 281341-2608, or by visiting the library’s Local History and Genealogy Department.

Learn how to research public records at Sienna Branch library program Whether researching property for purchase or tracing family histories, one can find many public records online that are available to the public, free of charge.

Fort Bend County Libraries’ Sienna Branch Library will present the program, “Public Records at Your Fingertips,” on Thursday, February 28, beginning at 10:00 am, in the Computer Lab of the library, located at 8411 Sienna Springs Blvd in Missouri City.

Learn how to search online for public

records such as property records, court records, property-tax records, and much more, with minimal effort.

The program is free and open to the public. Seating is limited, however, and reservations are required. To register online at the library’s website (www.fortbend.lib.tx.us), click on “Calendar,” select “Sienna Branch,” and find the program. Participants may also register by calling the library at 281-2382952, or by visiting the library.

Get job-search assistance at Missouri City Branch Library series Fort Bend County Libraries’ Missouri City Branch Library, 1530 Texas Parkway, will present a series of free Job-Search Assistance programs in February. A representative from Texas Workforce Solutions will offer tips on a variety of topics for job-hunters. All programs will take place from 11:30 am to 1:00 pm, in the Meeting Room of the library.

The schedule of programs is as follows: • February 6 – Creating a Resumé & Completing the Application

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• February 13 – Creating References, Cover Letters, & Thank You Letters • February 20 – Evaluate Your Skills & Develop a Job-Search Plan • February 27 – Networking & Using Social Media • March 6 – Interviewing • March 13 – Rebranding Your Skills The programs are free and open to the public. For more information, call the branch library at 281-238-2100.

February 2013 H Fort Bend / Katy Business Journal

Quail Valley Exchange Club donates to Access Health

AccessHealth received funding from the Quail Valley Exchange Club for the purchase of an art supply cabinet and children’s furniture for their pediatric clinic in Missouri City. Pictured are Kelli Metzenthin, Kirk Wilkerson, Mark MacInerney, Dennis Griggs and Dr. Silpa Rao.

Free food, drink, live entertainment and plenty of prizes for all It’s become a Fort Bend County tradition. Every year, on Fat Tuesday the Central Fort Bend Chamber Alliance and Legacy Ford invites anyone and everyone to celebrate Mardi Gras Fort Bend-style.

On Tuesday, February 12, the Sixth Annual Chamber Mardi Gras Party will be held from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Legacy Ford Dealership, 27225 Southwest Freeway, Rosenberg.

Authentic Cajun music will be performed live by the Thibodeaux Cajun Band. This Cajun-style bash includes beverages from Silver Eagle Distributors and Coca Cola and delicious food from Witt’s Catering, Fish Place, Ragin’ Cajun, Floyd’s Cajun Seafood & Texas Steakhouse and Razoos. There will be live music from Jabo “The Prince of Zydeco” and his band.

For more information on this event or any of the Chamber’s programs, contact Melissa Tipton at 281-342-5464 or mtipton@CFBCA.org.

NEWSWORTHY

Comptroller Susan Combs distributes $531 million in monthly sales tax revenue to local governments State sales tax revenue in December was $2.17 billion, up 9.4 percent compared to December 2011.

“Strong sales tax collections continue in most major economic sectors in Texas,” said State Comptroller Susan Combs. “The strongest growth was from business spendingdriven sectors including oil and natural gas, manufacturing and construction.”

Combs will send cities, counties, transit systems and special purpose taxing districts their January local sales tax allocations totaling

$530.8 million, up 7.3 percent compared to January 2012.state.tx.us/taxinfo/allocsum/ compsum.html.

The sales tax figures represent November sales reported by monthly tax filers.

For details of January sales tax allocations to individual cities, counties, transit systems and special purpose districts, locate the Monthly Sales Tax Allocation Comparison Summary Reports on the Comptroller’s Web site at www.window.state.tx.us/taxinfo/allocsum/ compsum.html.

LOCAL SALES TAX ALLOCATIONS (JANUARY 2013) Recipient

Jan. 2013 Allocations

Change from Jan. 2012

Year-to-date Change

Cities

$349.3m

p7.0%

p7.0%

Counties

$36.6m

p11.0

p11.0%

Transit Systems

$118.2m

p7.2%

p7.2%

Special Purpose Taxing Districts

$26.7m

p12.5%

p12.5%

Total

$530.8m

p7.3%

p7.3%

%

Power tools for Caregivers — Six week seminar ®

A caregiver is someone who has taken on the very selfless role of caring for a loved one. Many times the caregiver has the great responsibility of making sure their loved one’s basic needs are met which requires work and dedication.

By taking care of his or her own needs, the caregiver will be able to better care for those who depend on them. Powerful Tools for Caregivers® is an educational program to help family and friends caring for older adults with long-term health conditions.

The free seminar consists of six classes, each of which focuses on different tools that will help guide the caregiver through

the caregiving journey. You will learn about setting goals, staying motivated and dealing with feelings of anger, guilt and depression, giving you the increased confidence and ability to cope with the demands of caregiving.

This six-week course begins Monday, March 4 and runs through Monday, April 8. Classes are held every Monday from 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. in the Sweetwater Pavilion Chapel at Methodist Sugar Land Hospital.

To register or for more information, call the Methodist Sugar Land Hospital Spiritual Care department at 281-274-7164 or email SNBowman@tmhs.org. Seating is Limited.

Fort Bend / Katy Business Journal H February 2013

Chamber’s Hispanic Business Division to conduct free tax seminar The Central Fort Bend Chamber Alliance will conduct its third annual Tax Seminar on Thursday, Feb. 7.

The free seminar, which is presented

by Kevin Patton State Farm Agency and Freebirds World Burritos, is scheduled from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Rosenberg Civic Center, 3825 Highway 36 South.

The seminar will cover both individual and commercial tax preparation. Lunch is provided.

Seating is limited. RSVP is required. To RSVP, contact Melissa Tipton at 281-3425464 or mtipton@CFBCA.org.

Award-winning American-French restaurant relocates to Town Square Aura Brasserie Moderne is now open for business in Sugar Land Town Square, according to Planned Community Developers, Ltd. Chef Frédéric Perrier uses French techniques and serves an extensive menu featuring American-French cuisine.

The restaurant is known for high-quality food and top-notch customer service.

After five years at its Missouri City location, Aura has relocated to 15977 City Walk, and occupies 2,045 square feet of retail space. The restaurant’s interior has a brasserie feel with an added modern chicness and semiopen kitchen.

For a complete list of Sugar Land Town Square retailers and restaurants, visit SugarLandTownSquare.com. More information about Aura Brasserie Moderne can be found online at aura-restaurant.com.

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Job search survival tips at First Colony branch library Have you been searching for a job and not having any luck? Maybe it’s time for a change in your game plan. Fort Bend County Libraries’ First Colony Branch Library will present a free, three-part series of “Job-Search Survival Tips,” beginning on Monday, February 18, from 5:30 to 8:30 pm, in the Meeting Room of the library, located at 2121 Austin Parkway in Sugar Land. The series will continue on February 19 and 20, at the same place and time. Different topics are discussed each night.

The three-part series is designed to help all job-hunters, from those applicants applying for a position at a fast-food restaurant to executives looking for a position in a large company. The tips that are presented can help any applicant plan a more efficient job hunt and make a more favorable impression.

Special Feature

Family Doctors and General Practitioners MARCH ISSUE

To Advertise Call Barbara J. Carlson 281-690-4204

Barbara@fortbendbusinessjournal.com Fort Bend/Katy

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Learn tips on writing a better resumé, researching prospective employers, interviewing and non-verbal skills, making a great first impression, networking, and much more. By developing an organized plan of action, the applicant is able to experience a more efficient job hunt with an increased chance of success.

In the series, a team of 10 professionals, with decades of experience in corporate America between them, will share their insight and the experiences they themselves have had in the business world – from the perspective of the employer doing the hiring as well

as the employee looking for a job. Led by head business coach, Mickey Mixon, the jobsearch survival team includes business owners, financial and mortgage advisors, computer consultants, sales and marketing professionals, and advertising and communications executives – all of whom volunteer their time for this workshop.

The sessions are free and open to the public. Registration is not required, and late arrivals are welcome. For more information, call the branch library at 281-238-2800 or the library’s Public Information Office at 281341-2677.

Sugar Land employees recognized for philanthropic efforts Many Sugar Land employees’ selfless, philanthropic efforts during 2012 benefited the Salvation Army, United Way, Toys for Tots and other charitable Fort Bend organizations.

Many of these employees were recognized for acts of charity and kindness at Sugar Land’s recent employee banquet.

Each year, the City celebrates “Champion Employees” at a banquet that recognizes individual contributions to making Sugar Land “One of America’s Best.”

“Sugar Land employees are dedicated to providing excellent customer service,” said Assistant City Manager Karen Glynn.

“This includes donating their time and talents outside of the normal work day to community organizations.”

Volunteer efforts during 2012 included the following activities: • Sugar Land Police Department participated in the Exchange Club Spaghetti Cook Off that benefits local charitable causes including Fort Bend Crime Stoppers, the Fort Bend Family YMCA and other Fort Bend non-profits.

• The Police Department distributed toys to under-privileged families through the “Santa Behind the Badge” program.

February 2013 H Fort Bend / Katy Business Journal

• Twenty-seven employees from departments across the city volunteered to teach basic business concepts to area schoolchildren through the Junior Achievement program.

• Employees adopted over 100 angels through the Salvation Army Angel Tree Program.

• In 2012, employees pledged $3,165 to the United Way. • The City held five blood drives last year, and employees donated a total of 77 pints.

• Fifty-two boxes of food were donated to Houston Marine Moms to benefit marines serving overseas.

• Thirty large bags of toys were collected for the Toys for Tots program at the Fort Bend County Holiday Bowl.

• An estimated 500 pounds of food was donated at the 2012 Employee Banquet for the Parks and Recreation Department’s “Share Your Holiday” food drive.

“We may not see the full returns on this investment for a while; however, I am positive the returns will be felt in our community and surrounding area,” said Outstanding Employee Team nominator Elizabeth Mangum.

NEWSWORTHY Access Health to host community sports challenge AccessHealth gearing up for Community Challenge Sporting Event The Event Community Challenge Event Committee is putting together a one of a kind, family style event to support AccessHealth in providing quality healthcare in the communities we service. The event will include softball and volleyball tournaments, a bucket raffle, concessions and some children’s events.

For additional information or to get involved with this event please call Kelli Metzenthin at (281) 342-3832 or Cindy Reaves at (281) 633-3169.

Rotary Club of Rosenberg readies to fill gumbo bowls Hot gumbo. Ahh-Yee!!! It’s time to prepare for the annual Gumbo Festival provided to Cajuns (in spirit or bona fide) in Fort Bend County by the Rosenberg Rotary Club.

This year’s event will be filled with Cajun music and Mardi Gras fun, and it’s scheduled for 6 p.m. Friday, February 8, in Building B at the Fort Bend County Fairgrounds.

Proceeds from the event go toward Rosenberg Rotary Club projects, including scholarships to graduating high school seniors in Lamar CISD and Needville ISD schools; support of parks projects in Rosenberg; and other charitable efforts and projects that

benefit this area.

Besides the sumptuous gumbo, the evening will be filled with Cajun music favorites and live and silent auctions.

Sponsorships ranging from $100 to $1,500 are available. Single tickets are $25 each and will provide all-you-can-eat gumbo and two adult drink tickets.

Other sponsorship packages are available.

For tickets or sponsorships or to donate an item toward the live or silent auction, call Club Past President Tom Stavinoha at (979)793-4313 or Club Secretary Ginger Johnson at (832)-526-2726.

University of Phoenix builds reading room for Stafford Boys & Girls Club In 2011, more than 70 percent of 4th and 8th grade students in Texas read below the proficient level (73 percent of 8th grade and 72 percent of 4th grade students).* University of Phoenix® partnered with the Stafford Boys & Girls Club to create a Reading Room to address and improve local literacy rates while demonstrating to kids that reading is fun and important.

Members of the University of Phoenix staff painted walls, decorated and put together furniture to create a learning-oriented environment for children of all ages. The newly assembled bookshelves are now filled with books and a ribbon cutting was held in January to unveil the Reading Room to the community.

In addition to providing a space for literacy education, the Reading Room will serve as a place for the community to gather and host special events. The Stafford Boys & Girls Club will host workshops throughout the year to promote literacy and provide families with a place dedicated to reading.

Preparing for the annual Rosenberg Rotary Club Gumbo Festival scheduled for 6 p.m. Friday, Feb. 8, in Building B of the Fort Bend County Fairgrounds, are, from left, Stanley Kucherka, Stephen Oldmixon, Mary Servantes, Hurley Johnson, Ginger Johnson, Jack Hamlett, Joyce Vasut, Frank Rao, Enrique Ramon, Hugh Conway, Gary Finch and Tom Stavinoha.

Richmond police begin a citizen’s academy on February 4 The Richmond Police Department is accepting applications for Class #20 of the Richmond Citizen’s Police Academy (RCPA).

The purpose of the Citizen’s Police Academy is to provide you with a better understanding of the operations of the Richmond Police Department. The classes begin on Monday, February 4 at the Richmond Police Department located at 600 Preston Street in Richmond. Class hours are from 6:30 p.m. until 9:30 p.m. Classes will be held every Monday for ten (10) sessions. The only cost for this opportunity is your time Fort Bend / Katy Business Journal H February 2013

and dedication. The classes will be both informative and entertaining.

Join the more than 400 involved citizens who have graduated from the Citizen’s Police Academy by completing an online application at http://ci.richmond.tx.us/CPA.html and emailing to LNeinast@ci.richmond.tx.us.

Hand written completed applications may be mailed to: Richmond Police Department Attn: MSgt. Lowell D. Neinast 600 Preston Street Richmond, Texas 77469 For further information, contact Master Sgt. Neinast at (281) 342-2849.

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Memorial Hermann Katy Hospital expands surgical options

Left to Right: Dr. Kent and Dr. Andrews pictured with da Vinci® Si Surgical System.

Memorial Hermann Katy Hospital is enhancing the experience of surgery through the use of a new surgical robot that minimizes risks and complications, as well as rates of conversion to open surgery, maximizing patient safety and quality of care.

The hospital’s new da Vinci® Si Surgical Systemis a third generation robot that offers technological advancements, including unparalleled precision, dexterity and control that enables physicians to take a minimally invasive approach for many complex surgical procedures, such as removal of the uterus, uterine fibroids and the prostate gland.

These new advancements benefit patients by enabling smaller incisions and less blood loss, thus reducing the patient’s length of stay and recovery time.

“The da Vinci enables our patients to have a faster recovery, shorter hospital stays, and less pain after surgery,” said Scott Barbe, CEO of Memorial Hermann Katy. “We want to offer our community the most advanced care close to home, and the new da Vinci allows us to do so.”

Theda Vinci Sibuilds upon the core technology of the existing da VinciSystems, which gives surgeons more capabilities than

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ever before, making surgery less complicated and more precise. These advancements include 3D HD visualization with 10x magnification, offering surgeons a superior view of the operative field; EndoWrist® instrumentation, providing da Vincisurgeons with larger range of motion; and Intuitive® motion technology, which replicates the operative experience by preserving natural eye-hand-instrument alignment and intuitive instrument control.

“The robot enables me to offer my patients a better operation and improved clinical outcomes with reduced blood loss and shorter operating times,” said Sarah Andrews, M.D., a gynecologist/obstetrician affiliated with Memorial Hermann Katy and the first physician to use the robot.

The hospital is the first in Katy to acquire the da Vinci Skills Simulator.

“The simulation technology is an advantage because it allows surgeons to further refine their surgical skills in a nonclinical environment,” said David Kent, M.D., a urological surgeon affiliated with the hospital. “This basically means that new surgeons can practice their skills in a virtual environment, not on their patient.”

February 2013 H Fort Bend / Katy Business Journal

Gaetti, Dierker, Watson to participate on guest panel The Sugar Land Skeeters have announced the club will host the first annual Skeeters Hot Stove Banquet, sponsored by Any Occasion Party Rental and Aztec Rental, on Thursday, February 21 from 7-9 p.m. at Constellation Field. With baseball right around the corner and in preparation for the Skeeters exciting upcoming 2013 season, fans are invited to partake in this special night of dinner and baseball talk among Houston and Sugar Land’s finest.

Leading a panel of guest speakers will be Skeeters Manager Gary Gaetti, as well as long-time Houston icons Larry Dierker and Bob Watson. Sugar Land resident and former Astros broadcaster Brett Dolan will serve as emcee for the event and host other baseball greats for good, old-fashioned baseball talk.

Dinner attendees will have the opportunity to enjoy a look back at a responsive, inaugural season for Sugar Land, as well as delve into Houston baseball history. Following the panel discussions, all attendees will be encouraged to participate in a question and answer session with the panelists.

“I think we’re going to have a lot of good stories to talk about,” said Skeeters Manager Gary Gaetti. “For me, next season can’t get here soon enough. I can’t wait to get back out there with the guys. So, I know we’re all going to enjoy the chance to talk baseball, talk about next season and interact with our fans.”

As a part of the evening, a special VIP reception will be held prior to the dinner, beginning at 6 p.m., and will feature a meet and greet with the banquet panel guests. A limited number of tickets are available for the VIP reception and dinner, which are priced at $100 each.

Individual tickets for the dinner only can be purchased for $75. Tables of 10 are also available for the dinner listed at $750, with VIP ticket tables of 10 priced at $1,000. All dinner tickets, VIP tickets and tables will be available for reservation.

NEWSWORTHY

Author and radio legend Dayna Steele launches website with the purpose of promoting prosperity Dayna Steele shares success tips on Houston’s Voice.

Success strategist and Houston’s Voice content partner Dayna Steele starts 2013 off with her launch of YourDaily$uccessTip. com. Throughout the week, the website gives visitors life lessons to propel their personal and professional progress.

“Everything you do sets your brand,” says Steele.

“There’s no distinct line between work and play.”

The website’s tips include courtesies such as sending handwritten notes to thank people for their help, as well as taking the time to double-check spelling when sending out e-mail. Steele insists such actions show sincerity and focus.

YourDaily$uccessTip.com complements Steele’s books, “101 Ways to Rock Your World” and “Rock to the Top.” The “ways” the books refer to include, “Dress for the job you want,” “Dare to be different,” “Follow your gut feelings,” and “Talk to strangers.”

Steele also believes strongly in the power of both face-to-face and social networking, as she shares in her speaking engagements during her national tours and websites such as Houston’s Voice. “The best way to network is to do things for those in your network without asking for anything in return,” Steele advises.

Steele’s drive stems from her early days in radio where she worked hard and made herself available when needed. No task was too large or small as she folded t-shirts, filed

A Texas company celebrates 125th anniversary

By Jessica Domel Break out the mixing bowl and preheat the oven… It’s time to celebrate. The maker of one of my favorite baking ingredients is celebrating a milestone this month—its 125th anniversary.

Adams Extract and Spice, the company that now makes Adams Best Vanilla Extract, was first started in 1888 in Michigan.

Why am I mentioning this? In 1905, John Anderson Adams, a pharmacist at the time, moved his family to Beeville, Texas. While in Beeville, Adams wanted to help his wife find a solution that wouldn’t bake or freeze out of foods the way traditional vanilla flavoring did at that time.

Using $6.71 in materials, Adams came up with the concoction now known as Adams Best Vanilla Extract.

I cannot tell you how many bottles of Adams Best I go through a year. I absolutely love vanilla, and I was excited to learn that Adams Extract and Spice is a Texas-based company.

According to the San Antonio ExpressNews, the company was based in Austin for many years before it moved to Gonzales in 2002.

There, in an 80,000 square-foot facility on 10 acres, Texans create extracts, spices and many other types of food flavorings that we use as we cook and bake every day.

So today, I tip my baker’s hat to a pharmacist whose wife wanted better vanilla and to the many Texans who help make my food better every day. Join me, won’t you?

Fort Bend / Katy Business Journal H February 2013

records, made coffee, and swept floors before taking the DJ’s chair. Steele earned respect as a long time radio personality and media strategist in part by volunteering and helping others. Known as the “Chief Tipster” of her very own Steele Media Services, she details her path from “rock diva to business expert.”

About Dayna Steele Author, entrepreneur, and reputed “rock star” Dayna Steele has connected with audiences since 1982. She began as an on-air personality for several Houston radio stations, eventually making her mark at rock radio powerhouse KLOL-FM. Dayna has also spent time in front of cameras guest hosting KHOU’s “Great Day Houston,” as well as Houston’s Voice. She currently shares wisdom on her new YourDaily$uccessTip.com website, powered by Steele Media Services.

Keep Texas Beautiful selects its board Keep Texas Beautiful (KTB), a statewide environmental non-profit organization, has announced its selections for a new board president and board members.

Julio Reyes, vice president of External Affairs for AEP Texas in Corpus Christi, is KTB president for 2013. Reyes has been active on the KTB Board of Directors for three years, and has assumed a variety of leadership positions including vice president, treasurer and chair of both the leadership and conference committees.

In addition to Reyes, Jamie Wolman of Keep Katy Beautiful from Katy, was selected a vice president; Myra Glover from Entergy in The Woodlands was selected as secretary, Cecile Carson, Keep America Beautiful, from Denton selected as treasurer and Jon Stephens from Avangard Innovative in Houston was selected as assistant treasurer.

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IN NAMES THE NEWS

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2013 Heritage Award to go to Foster Museum leaders March 5 Two volunteer leaders of a young and dynamic museum association will be honored on Tuesday, March 5, by the Fort Bend County Historical Commission.

Rene Lamb and Vickie Tonn are this year’s pending recipients of the historical commission’s annual Heritage Award. The prestigious award will be presented during a public reception scheduled for 7 p.m. at Safari Texas in Richmond.

The two Fort Bend County residents are officers of the Old Foster Community Museum board of directors.

In announcing the recipients for 2013, Historical Commission Chair Bert Bleil noted that Lamb and Tonn were chosen in recognition of their organization’s achievements “as an all-volunteer grassroots organization.”

Tonn is in her third term as president of the 10-member board, while Lamb is secretary and former interim president. Lamb is also the remaining charter member of the board, which organized in 2003.

“These volunteers exemplify the spirit

Vicki Tonn and Renee Lamb.

found throughout Fort Bend County,” Bleil said. “The Foster community and the northwest part of the county have demonstrated a tremendous desire to have a museum, as well as the drive and ability to achieve their vision.”

Both recipients have prior histories of civic involvement. Their diverse roles with the Foster museum include fund-raising, awarding of scholarships, acquisition of museum properties, and general management.

Fort Bend County Judge Bob Hebert

will present each honoree with a Heritage Award trophy, which consists of a bronze eagle mounted on a wooden base shaped in the outline of the county.

This will be the fifth year for the award.

Last year’s recipient was Sugar Land historian Bettye Anhaiser.

The Heritage Award, Bleil noted, was created to recognize the accomplishments by persons or organizations that resulted in the preservation or promotion of historical and cultural assets within the county.

Rod installed as new WCJC board member

New President of Fort Bend County Bar Association announced Joshua R. Leal assumed responsibility as president of the Fort Bend County Bar Association in January. Leal served as the 2012 president–elect for the association. The 2013 president-elect is Katy lawyer John Kelly.

The Fort Bend County Bar Association is comprised of approximately 400 members, including judges, attorneys and paralegals.

The Bar Association is involved in community activities such as an annual golf tournament and Fort Bend Lawyers Care, which is a non-profit providing free legal services to the community.

50

Leal graduated from Baylor University School of Law in 2004, and joined the Richmond based Showalter Law Firm as a civil litigation attorney, where he continues to practice. As president Joshua R. Leal of the Fort Bend County Bar Association, Leal will preside over bar association meetings, including monthly Continuing Legal Education luncheons, which present topics of current interest to legal professionals.

February 2013 H Fort Bend / Katy Business Journal

Photo by Amanda Heard

An appreciation reception to recognize Wharton County Junior College Board of Trustees’ member Phyllip Stephenson for sixteen years of service was held January 3 at the Hutchins Memorial Center in Wharton.

Amy Rod, of El Campo, was nominated by Stephenson to replace him in Board Position 4. The board unanimously voted to accept the nomination and Rod took the oath of office. Stephenson recently was elected as a member of the Texas House of Representatives. He resigned as a member of the WCJC Board of Trustees in order to take office for his newly elected position.

IN NAMES THE NEWS

Fluor’s Glenn Gilkey named Chairman of the CII for 2013 Fluor Corporation (NYSE: FLR) announced has that Glenn Gilkey, senior vice president for human resources and administration, was recently chosen by the Construction Industry Institute (CII) as the organization’s chairman for 2013.

Gilkey has been active in CII for more than a decade and previously served as vicechair during 2012. Gilkey is the first Fluor executive to serve as CII’s chairman since its inception in 1983.

“Glenn has always been a leader in our company, whether it’s been as the general manager for some of our largest offices like Sugar Land (Houston) and Haarlem or an operations lead, he’s always been passionate about those issues affecting our industry as a whole,” said David Seaton, Fluor’s chairman and chief executive officer.

“We are proud of Fluor’s participation in CII’s founding some 30 years ago and our continued support over the decades. CII, as an owner, contractor and academic research institution, is uniquely positioned to help our industry through developing best practices and knowledge sharing. We look forward to the research and outcomes that CII will achieve under Glenn’s leadership.”

“As one of the founding members of CII, Fluor has always been a leader in our organization, providing us access to the some of the best and the brightest minds in the industry.

Whether it’s safety, engineering, craft development, innovation or project management, Fluor’s insights have always been invaluable in shaping our work,” said Wayne Crew, director of the Construction Industry Institute.

“We know that under Glenn’s leadership, we will continue to focus on important issues facing all of our member companies like globalization as well as increasing the diversification of the capital build business

segments that participate in CII.” Gilkey is a 28-year veteran of Fluor and serves as the company senior vice president of human resources and Glenn Gilkey administration. As global head of HR and administration for Fluor, he is responsible for supporting all Fluor business lines, in all regions, for both home office employees and field staff and craft.

Prior to leading Fluor’s HR organization, Gilkey held numerous senior management and operations positions within Fluor.

Gilkey has also served as the general manager for Fluor’s Houston and Haarlem offices, as well as the operations lead for the Industrial and Infrastructure Business Group.

He is a graduate of the University of Texas with a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering and is a licensed Professional Engineer in the State of Texas.

Draca and Lin named 2012 honorees at Memorial Hermann Katy Hospital Each year, Memorial Hermann Katy Hospital recognizes an exemplary employee and physician who go above and beyond to create exceptional experiences for patients, their

fellow employees and others. Named 2012 honorees were Bobbi Draca, patient care technician, and Selina Lin, M.D., an OB/ GYN affiliated with the hospital.

Scott Barbe, CEO of Memorial Hermann Katy Hospital and Dr. Selina Lin.

Bobbi Draca

Fort Bend / Katy Business Journal H February 2013

51

IN NAMES THE NEWS

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$2 million gift names the Fred and Mabel R. Parks Cell Supply Center at The Diabetes Research Institute Fred and Mabel R. Parks Foundation of Sugar Land has made a $2 million gift to establish the Fred and Mabel R. Parks Cell Supply Center at the Diabetes Research Institute (DRI), located at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine. This generous gift will greatly impact the DRI’s singular mission to discover a biological cure for diabetes by restoring natural insulin production in patients.

DRI scientists and collaborators have already shown that patients who receive a transplant of pancreatic islet cells can live insulin-free and that the cells can function long-term. However, only a small group of patients are eligible for the procedure due to several challenges, among them is the limited supply of insulin-producing cells. The Fred and Mabel R. Parks Foundation gift addresses this challenge. The Center is charged with developing an unlimited supply of insulinproducing cells, which is a critical component in an exciting initiative underway at the DRI

– the development of a “mini-organ” that mimics the native pancreas.

“We wanted to be a major part of the cure,” stated Jim McClellan, president of the Fred and Mabel R. Parks Foundation and one of the organization’s four trustees. “After I took a tour of the Diabetes Research Institute, I was impressed not only by the people working there but also because it is solely focused on a cure. And that’s our motivation – to find the cure.”

Within the Cell Supply Center, DRI researchers will continue to pursue a number of different strategies to create an unlimited supply of insulin-producing islet cells, including xenotransplantation (using cells from other species), transdifferentiation (transforming other cell types into insulinproducing cells), and pushing adult stem cells down the path of sensing glucose and secreting insulin. They’re also looking at ways to regenerate – or regrow – islets that have been destroyed by the immune system.

Dawson at the bat as Skeeters community development director Kyle Dawson has joined the Sugar Land Skeeters as the senior director of community development.

Kyle will look to extend community awareness of the Skeeters organization Kyle Dawson and strengthen community and partner relationships. Kyle’s responsibility as the leader of the community development team will be to enrich and promote the Skeeters brand and experience of attending games at Constellation Field.

Prior to joining the Skeeters, Kyle worked for four years (2008-12) with the Chandler Supply Company. Kyle was responsible for

52

all daily business operations and was soon promoted to operations manager on January 1, 2009. He began his career with the Houston Astros and spent seven years (2001-07) in the ticket sales and services department. Kyle was promoted to premium sales manager in 2005, where he was responsible for the sales and service of luxury suites. Prior to being promoted to premium sales manager, Kyle was an account executive for group and season ticket sales.

Kyle is a native of Richmond and graduated from Lamar Consolidated High School and Baylor University. Kyle currently resides in Richmond and is married to the former Leigh Ann Perry. The couple has two children.

February 2013 H Fort Bend / Katy Business Journal

Jim McClellan, president and trustee of the Fred and Mabel R. Parks Foundation.

“Developing alternative sources of insulinproducing cells is one of the most critical challenges we face in our commitment to cure diabetes. Thanks to this new gift by the Fred and Mabel R. Parks Foundation, I truly feel like we are one step closer to reaching our goal,” said Robert A. Pearlman, president and CEO of the Diabetes Research Institute Foundation.

McClellan stated, “I’ve done a lot of research, and there are many organizations that say they are cure-focused but don’t actually spend their money that way. At the Foundation, we choose to be very specific.

We want to get something started and keep it going. We like that focus.”

The Diabetes Research Institute leads the world in cure-focused research.

The Diabetes Research Institute was created for one reason – to cure diabetes – which is and will continue to be its singular focus until that goal is reached.

IN NAMES THE NEWS

Brazilian Steakhouse names Erdmann general manager and sommelier Tradicao Brazilian Steakhouse welcomes Ledersan Erdmann as the General Manager and Sommelier of their Southwest Houston location. Ledersan, who moved to the US in 2000 from Brazil, was the natural fit.

“We are excited to have Ledersan on our team.” Says Vanderlei Bernardi, Tradicao’s Bay Area General Manager, “He has an impressive background in fine dining and hospitality that is a perfect fit with the Tradicao brand.”

Ledersan, an experienced restauranteur, brings more than 14 years of fine dining and restaurant experience to Tradicao Brazilian Steakhouse. Ledersan was born and raised in the South of Brazil and began his hospitality career at Fogo de Chao Brazilian Steakhouse in Sao Paulo, Brazil and moved to Houston in 2000 to assist with the opening of Fogo on Westeimer. Ledersan left Fogo in Feb. 2007 for the opportunity to open his own restaurant.

In Dec. 2007, Ledersan opened Guri do Sul in the Woodlands as General Manager and partner. Guri do Sul, while under Ledersan’s management, won numerous awards including The Woodlands Taste of the Town 2008 People’s Choice Award, and Award

Antignolo named director of food service Matthew Antignolo has been named Lamar CISD’s Director of Food Services.

Antignolo will oversee the food services for all Lamar CISD campuses.

A graduate of Texas Tech Matthew Antignolo University, Antignolo served as Director of Child Nutrition at Tomball ISD from 2003 to present. He also worked as a Child Nutrition Director for ARAMARK, a private company that provides food service to numerous school districts.

State of the City Welcomes the Highest Attendance

Ledersan Erdmann holding Tradicao’s private wine label.

of Excellence by Wine Spectator Magazine 2008-2010. Ledersan sold his share in Guri do Sul in April 2010 and stayed on as General Manager until October 2010. In November 2010, he began working at Perry’s Steakhouse and Grill in Memorial City and was later promoted to Assistant General Manager to the Perry’s Cinco Ranch location.

Ledersan has already put his stamp on Tradicao by revamping their wine list and adding unique wines and vintages to their ever growing wine cellar and even a private wine label called Tradicao. “My passion for wine stems from my Italian background. Before moving to Brazil, my grandparents were wine growers in Tuscany.” Says Ledersan. He is already planning wine dinners and pairings with the food. Ledersan plans to introduce an exciting happy hour which will feature half price wine by the glass, Brazilian appetizers and discounted caipirinhas and martinis.

“Many Brazilian Steakhouses do not offer the ambiance of a bar in addition to the dining experience--I want to change that perception.”

There are two locations to choose from – Southwest Houston/Fort Bend at 12000 SW Freeway or in Clear Lake/Webster at 201 W. Bay Area Blvd. To contact the SW Freeway location call 281-277-9292. To reach the Bay Area Blvd. location, please call 281-557-9999.

More information about Tradição Brazilian Steakhouse is also available on their website at www.tradicaosteakhouse.com.

Fort Bend / Katy Business Journal H February 2013

By Barbara J. Carlson Friday, January 18, 2013, was Sugar Land’s State of the City with Mayor James A. Thompson and City Manager Allen Bogard, hosted by the Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce.

James Thompson Not only did this year’s State of the City mark the highest attendance thus far, with over 800 attendees, but also the newsworthy updates look promising. While Houston, our neighboring city, is ranked the 320th Allen Bogard safest city in which to live, Sugar Land far surpassed Houston by winning the coveted spot as the 21st safest city. It comes down to safety. As Mayor Thompson stated, “Safety of our community is priority.”

Master planning has paid off for Riverstone and Telfair, as both neighborhoods rank in the top 20 selling master planned communities.

In meeting the City’s complex infrastructural needs with fiscally sound financial decisions, the result has netted Sugar Land not only excellent interest rates but top ratings.

With the upcoming Service Water Treatment Plant, the goal is to secure the City’s future water needs, while keeping cost down, so that Sugar Land doesn’t have to rely on ground water rights.

Sugar Land’s recycling program was previously only at a 10% participation rate.

Now with its new recycling program in place, the participation rate has increased to 30%.

With $241M in new investment and 1,000 new jobs coming to Sugar Land, the growth has allowed Sugar Land to keep a balanced tax base. Sugar Land’s property taxes continue to be the second lowest (city) in the State of Texas.

Enjoy the continued growth and prosperity of the great city we are so blessed to live in. We have much to be proud of.

53

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 2012. More Assumed Names may be viewed online at http://ccweb.co.fort-bend.TX.us/RealEstate/SearchEntry.aspx. There were 374 Assumed Names for month of December.

Butler Geraldine A.M.C.P.R. 16103 Samoa Way 77053 Williams Colette The Spa of Hope (+) Po Box 710338 77271 0338 Integrated Business Finance 12603 Southwest Freeway Suite 275 77477 Evans Lenore S (+) Immanuel 123 6602 Rowell Ct 77489 Washington Wendell L Sr Wendel’s Mowing Edging & Trimming 2403 Bedford Oaks 77545 Washington Clifford D 4J’s Trucking (+) 2822 Meadow Creek Dr 77459 Samborski Sean Barry Elephante 4931 Cotter Lake Dr 77459 Jimenez Jose G Jim-Tex Transport 1105 James Street 77471 Bellamy Allen Allen Bellamy-D/B/A Cpr & 1St Aid Class Student Manual Funds 500 Austin Street 77469 Gill Matthew (+) Matthew Gill Martial Arts 701 Twin Lane 77471 Oparaji Michael Oparaji Royal Foundation U.S.A. 16302 Setter Court 77489 Wilson Alina Q Ace Creations 2311 Pecan Valley Ct 77459

54

Simmons Kevin J (+) Simmons Psychiatry 4501 Cartwright Road Ste 505 77459 Rutherford Chad Emory Engineering & Consulting 8023 Cross Trail Drive 77479 Woods Shelly Pillars Sitemaker Solutions for Business 7407 San Simeon Dr 77083 Stojcic Snezana Live Like That 23600 Fm 1093 Apt 503 77406 Ndi Murphy Road Partners Ltd Murphy Road Mobile Home Park 12719 Murphy Rd 77477 Harper Kayla Luscious Couples Spa Loc 819 Third St 77471 Bridges Kathy Texas Girls Boutique 2601 Cartwright Rd Ste D 224 77459 Hubenak Diedra W (+) Hubenak Homes 4602 Kings Landing Ln 77494 Harris Chamara Health Necessities Case Management Services 10603 Forest Leaf Dr 77498 Harris Chamara Health Necessities, Llc 10603 Forest Leaf Dr 77498 Jackson Evelyn Evelyn’s Coffee House 4802 Taylorlake Ct 77407

Budak Mustafa Double-Headed Eagle 5010 Grove West Blvd Unit 1709 77477

Reglatory Licensing & Compliance LLC Medical Directors Of Texas 3727 Greenbriar Dr Ste 115 77477

Talking Back To God Inc (+) Love Is The New Green 22706 Johndale Ct 77494

Oniya Olatunde LG Auto 15410 Town Green Dr 774083

Bingley Janee East Austin Children’s Museum 3306 Farrel Hill 77545

Kubala Kelly W Potter’s Brush 2944 S Mason Rd Ste D 77450

Ukomadu Miracle Safeway Transit 16703 Prestonwood Dr 77407

Yancey Reginald H Ii Harpview Visions 6702 Chancellor Dr 77379

Jambulapati Sudershan A1 Auto Sales 4606 Schiller Park 77479

Steele Tylan J Steele Surgical Assisting 10 Westshore Dr 77459

Dr Rizwan Khan Pllc Smile Studio Orthodontics 5434 W Grand Parkway S 77406

Vanterpool Esther (+) Esther Products 16414 Lost Quail Dr 77489

Freund Steven Steve’s Truck Parts 10410 Bushnell Rd 77461

Vanterpool Kennedy (+) Prosperity Ministry & Publishing 16414 Lost Quail Dr 77489

Kelly Richard Launch Academy 5801 New Territory Blvd 77479

IQBAL Faisal Global Air Transport Services 19214 Garrett Knolls Ln 77407

IQBAL Faisal Vanterpool Kennedy (+) Houston International Kenes Company Flight Academy 16414 Lost Quail Dr 77489 19214 Garrett Knolls Ln 77407 Kennedy Elvonda (+) Maple Lamarcus Demond Simply Shears Maple’s Trucking Service 5405 Hwy 6 #200 77459 1216 Westwood Dr #503 77471 Henry Derrick Stewart Jerrica Icon X Media Glamour Hair 4519 S Ridgewalk Dr 77053 12000 Wilcrest Dr #202 77031 Rash Regina K Lofland Charles Regina Rash Cpa Pop’s Auto Sports & Services 21907 Grand Brook Ln 77469 307 Muirwood Ln 77498 Van Sloten Richard (+) Miller Kelly Ric’s Blue Diamond Pool Service The Creative Birds Studio (+) 7915 North Fork Hollow Ln 77407 3030 S Blue Meadow Cir 77479 Harrold Terrance Avila Andrea Elise At Door Service Massage Therapy, By Andrea 22303 Naple Hollow Ln 77469 Avila, Lmt 8 East Highway 90A 77469 Living Waters Christian Church Living Waters Christian Scopel Allen J Church As I P C Family Allen J. Scopel, E.A. Conferance 301 South 9th St Ste 113 77469 845 Staffordshire Rd 77477 Dubroc Autumn Autumn’s Wreath 13514 Lynnwood Ln 77498

Flores Jose Luis Jr Flores Homes 6811 Fm 521 77583

Hawkins William T Hawkins Real Estate Co 1811 Ave G 77471

Cbc Golf Cart Services Inc Cbc Enterprises Llc 3 Ulrich Street 77498

Prikryl Andrew J (+) Welding Specialties 5611 Kunz Rd 77461

Van Good Group LLC Eastex Industrial Supply Po Box 19219 77496

February 2013 H Fort Bend / Katy Business Journal

Kelly Richard Sugarland Preparatory Academy (+) 5801 New Territory Blvd 77479 Patterson Stacia L Rising Perespectives 25538 Creston Meadow Dr 77406 Houston Pawn Inc Hp Jewelry & Loan 403 S Hwy 6 Suite A 77498 Somji Eye Associates Pllc Horizon Eye Care & Optical 15920 Lexington Blvd 77479 Somji Eye Associates Pllc Sports Vision Performance Center 15920 Lexington Blvd 77479 Steppler Kristal Pulse Fitness 25315 Greenwell Springs Ln 77494 Kreuger Carl R Omni Custom Remodeler 1723 Copperwood Lane 77406 Panjwani Khairunissa (+) Nisha’s Salon & Spa 8817 Hwy-6 77459 Provost Al-Licia J Al-Licia’s Home Cafe’ 3203 Chino Valley Ct 77459 Mcdaniel Michael Am/Pm Carrier Service !

2934 Manion Dr 77459

DBA (Assumed Names) Lightfoot Sean M Apex Transportation 9119 Highway 6 Suite 230-180 77459 The Guenther Group Inc (+) Texas Originators 61 The Oval Street 77479 Underwood Land Company Inc Underwood Land Company 2806-D Winchester Rd 35761 Huskey Scott David Photoloom 6725 Fry Road Ste 700 Pmb #534 77494 Huskey Scott David Family Photoloom 6725 Fry Road Ste 700 Pmb #534 77494 Zhang Jianhua Territory Of The British Virgin Islands Bvi Business Companies Act. 2004 71 Stalybridge St 77479 Keesee Felix Bruce Bruce Keesee Real Estate 11930 Davis Mountains Dr 77498 Owens Tradese Vurv Hair Company 5614 W Grand Parkway Ste #102-163 77406 Herring Jody Jody Herring Photography 9911 Bellinger Ct 77459 Herring Jody Canon Hawk 9911 Bellinger Ct 77459

Data Beat (+) = More Names

Jones Ian Mcknight Elite Services LLC A1 Pressure Washing Yofresh Yogurt Greatwood 2601 Cartwright #D419 77459 6560 Greatwood Pkwy Ste 101 77479 Sierra Paula Galnap Catering Lee Jacky 7703 Butler Lakes Ct 77469 Alpha Omega Technical Production Galindo Lucia M (+) 19322 Suffolk Hollow Ln 77407 Galmap Catering 7703 Butler Lakes Ct 77469 Erowele Kingsley (+) Carenovate Magazine Delong Yolanda 9119 Highway 6 Delong Photography Ste 230 77459 25618 Durango Falls Ln 77494 Erowele Kingsley (+) Daaboul Jamil J Carenovmag.Com The Hookah King (+) 9119 Highway 6 3202 S Main St 77477 Ste 230 77459

Dike John Ibiyeomie Onurmark Race Productions LLC Happy Cleaners Maid Services Kemah Triathlon 3231 Brook Arbor Ln 77479 610 Gatemound Ct 77407

Johnson Linda D Newsome (+) Our Dream Cookies Po Box 784 77441 Chattman Ally P U Go Boy Enterprise 5500 Stafford Run Rd 77477 Winters Ashley Crystal Cleaning & Maid Services 3410 Cypress Landing Ct 77471 Pollman Enterprises LLC Pronto Pizza 13500 W Airport Blvd 77498 Amigos Cristianos L L C Texas State Healthcare & Hospice Care 2601 Cartwright Ste G 77459 Salem Victoria Lexi’s Sweet Temptations 12210 Hoggard Dr 77477

Ramirez Graziano Miguel G M R Tile And Remodeling 3823 Kitchen Hill Lane 77479

Hussain Mohammad Arif (+) Globe General Trading Company 522 Walnut Canyon Dr 77450

NGO IDA Sugar Land Donut Shop 2575 Eldridge Rd #F 77478

Wickliff Tanya Dugat (+) Ams Property Services 3022 Road Runner Walk 77459

Triplett Alicia Texas Institute of Career Advancement 4023 Greenbriar 77459

Higgins Bonnie F H H & M Trucking 1830 Lauren Place 77489

Garcia Nabor Casanova Buy & Sale Cars 509 Brand Ln #127 77477

Yevenes Raul Dc Raul Dc Auto Body Repair 16300 W Beltfort Ave Ste E 77498

Onyemem Emmanuel Emmit Motor 4611 S Main #7 77477

Onurmark Race Productions LLC Bridgeland Triathlon 610 Gatemound Ct 77407

Daniel-Johnson Wynanda (+) L & W Supply Company 1222 Ashford Valley 77478

Onurmark Race Productions LLC Houston Triathlon 610 Gatemound Ct 77407

Ibrahim Faheem (+) U Fone 2141 Preston St 77469

Onurmark Race Productions LLC Monster Mash Run 610 Gatemound Ct 77407

Solis Mariela E Marielas Cleaning 9 Austin St #9 77471

Onurmark Race Productions LLC Bodies in Balance Massage Therapy 610 Gatemound Ct 77407

Mathew Saji Cosmic Cool ( Airconditioning & Commercial Refrigeration-Services) 21710 Blackstone Ct 77469

Perry James T Jr James T. Perry, Jr. & Associates Attorneys At Law 9630 Roarks Passage 77459

Onurmark Race Productions LLC Onurleft Sports 610 Gatemojnd Ct 77407

Miles Prince My Friendly Tax Service 728 And 726 Murphy Rd 77477

Whiting Sheronne Trinity Care Group P O Box 414 77459

Akindona Tosin Victor Russell Deandrea G His Mercy Daycare Center Dgr Document and 10880 Bissonnet St Ste 156 77099 Process Services 7702 Copper Point Ln 77407 Timeless LLC Timeless Flores Emeterio 4801 East Columbary Dr 77471 Flores Home Services 23615 Windhurst Rd 77494 Wilmore Vivian Vivian Finer Things Lilley Deborah 402 Glen Park Drive 77489 D’s Co. 5103 Navajo Ct 77471 Wilkinson Furniture Companies Inc Ha Huong Thi Wilkinson Consulting Group Pl Nails & Spa 5 3811 Ave O 77550 530 Hwy 6 Ste 120 77479 Goel Sandhya (+) Yash Enterprises Llc 3702 Auburn Grove Circle 77459

The Shiloh @ Oasis (+) Shiloh Adult Day Center 8500 Cook Rd #H 77072

Solis De Benitez Laura Bensol Recyled Auto Parts 13811 Hwy 6 Ste H 77583

West Carletha (+) Homevations 10019 Halston Drive 77498

Hernandez Irene R (+) 3 Powers Transportation 6714 La Granada Dr 77083

M L Machine, Llc A.I.O. Machine Shop 15803 Barek Rd 77444

Stanley Cecly C.V. Stylings 6426 Bazel Brook 77489

Smith Charline (+) G.R.A.C.E. No. 5, Oes P O Box 86 77545

Fort Bend / Katy Business Journal H February 2013

Onurmark Race Productions LLC Hot Shot Photography 610 Gatemound Ct 77407 Mota Michael A N S M Computer Solutions (+) 3807 Carden Ln 77459 Onurmark Race Productions LLC Katy Half Marathon 610 Gatemound Ct 77407 Onurmark Race Productions LLC Fort Worth Triathlon 610 Gatemojnd Ct 77407 Onurmark Race Productions LLC San Antonio Triathlon 610 Gatemound Ct 77407 Onurmark Race Productions LLC Dark Horse Triathlon 610 Gatemound Ct 77407 Stokes Jeremy Greedies P O Box 997 77545 Shultz Larry (+) Sun Optimum DBA SOS Medical Supplies 12834 Murphy Rd 77477 Dreibelbis Raven (+) Raven Design Shop 27927 Barker Hollow Dr 77494

55

Data Beat

January 2013 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

Percent Change

2013 Payments To Date

2012 Payments To Date

Percent Change

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

41,249.18 9,861.27 55,704.25 857.94 80,112.76 528,542.25 31,905.88 3,746.09 3,384.98 338,085.49 956,793.00 12,349.76 1,249,916.93 3,221,800.39 0.00

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

82.75% 43.51% 58.23% 37.83% -4.72% 13.19% 14.68% 59.23% 9.19% 2.41% 5.69% -14.78% 7.46% -9.84% -100.00%

41,249.18 9,861.27 55,704.25 857.94 80,112.76 528,542.25 31,905.88 3,746.09 3,384.98 338,085.49 956,793.00 12,349.76 1,249,916.93 3,221,800.39 0.00

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

82.75% 43.51% 58.23% 37.83% -4.72% 13.19% 14.68% 59.23% 9.19% 2.41% 5.69% -14.78% 7.46% -9.84% -100.00%

COUNTY TOTAL

6,534,310.17

6,638,650.90

-1.57%

6,534,310.17

6,638,650.90

-1.57%

Top 20 City Sales and Use Tax Comparison Summary - January 2013 Please note that Sugar Land is 20th in sales tax revenues in the state.

City

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

56

Net Payment This Period

Comp Payment Prior Year

% Change To Date

2012 Payments To Date

44,882,128.90 18,388,318.37 16,901,430.03 12,546,565.20 8,267,978.84 6,117,951.72 6,048,558.03 5,898,031.56 5,497,290.74 5,195,036.73 5,170,746.89 4,537,508.03 4,447,322.73 4,436,520.13 4,047,144.46 3,970,848.70 3,340,489.64 3,261,316.69 3,260,089.90 3,221,800.39

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 5,308,670.00 5,315,947.93 4,562,324.66 4,798,199.50 4,636,675.71 4,101,001.67 3,897,179.00 3,640,119.80 2,587,247.21 3,409,120.08 2,925,883.97 2,641,905.82 3,573,637.12

7.37% 8.56% 0.14% 7.34% -2.34% 0.43% 5.11% 11.10% 3.41% 13.86% 7.76% -2.13% 8.44% 13.83% 11.18% 53.47% -2.01% 11.46% 23.39% -9.84%

44,882,128.90 18,388,318.37 16,901,430.03 12,546,565.20 8,267,978.84 6,117,951.72 6,048,558.03 5,898,031.56 5,497,290.74 5,195,036.73 5,170,746.89 4,537,508.03 4,447,322.73 4,436,520.13 4,047,144.46 3,970,848.70 3,340,489.64 3,261,316.69 3,260,089.90 3,221,800.39

February 2013 H Fort Bend / Katy Business Journal

2011 Payments Change

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 5,308,670.00 5,315,947.93 4,562,324.66 4,798,199.50 4,636,675.71 4,101,001.67 3,897,179.00 3,640,119.80 2,587,247.21 3,409,120.08 2,925,883.97 2,641,905.82 3,573,637.12

Percent

7.37% 8.56% 0.14% 7.34% -2.34% 0.43% 5.11% 11.10% 3.41% 13.86% 7.76% -2.13% 8.44% 13.83% 11.18% 53.47% -2.01% 11.46% 23.39% -9.84%

Data Beat

Commercial Building Permits

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

TYPE OF PERMIT

VALUE

OWNER/CONTRACTOR

MISSOURI CITY $650,000 $355,000 $300,000 $900,000

9839 Hwy 6 8741 Hwy 6 Res A 8735 Hwy 6 Res A 3833 FM 1092 Res C

Commercial New Commercial New Commercial New Commercial New

Grand Total Valuation (Commercial)

12/01/12-12/31/12

$2,205,125

Blaisdale Road 21175 SW Freeway

Commercial Building Commercial Building

$1,222,000 $9,500,000

Grand Total Valuation (Commercial & Residential)

12/01/12-12/31/12

$10,722,000

1000 FM 2977 2807 BF Terry Blvd 714 Grillo Way

Commercial Building Commercial Building Commercial Building

$2,140,000 $21,600 $25,000

Grand Total Valuation (Commercial)

12/01/12-12/31/12

$2,186,600

15625 Southwest Fwy 15625 Southwest Fwy 13017 Jess Pirtle Blvd Ste 100 13017 Jess Pirtle Blvd Ste 125 13017 Jess Pirtle Blvd Ste 150 13017 Jess Pirtle Blvd Ste 175 16902 Southwest Fwy Ste 106 16902 Southwest Fwy Ste 108 16902 Southwest Fwy Ste 100 16902 Southwest Fwy Ste 204 16902 Southwest Fwy Ste 206 16902 Southwest Fwy Ste 200 16902 Southwest Fwy Ste 210 16902 Southwest Fwy Ste 202 16902 Southwest Fwy Ste 208 13017 Jess Pirtle Blvd 11930 Dairy Ashford Rd 4997 Sweetwater Blvd 13849 Southwest Fwy One Fluor Daniel Dr Bldg C-1 2230 Lone Star Dr 555 Industrial Blvd IPC Bldg 1327 Lake Pointe Pkwy Ste 300 12645 W Airport Blvd 15281 B Southwest Fwy 2150 Town Square PL Ste 395 1650 State Hwy 6 Ste 190

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

$307,000 $300,000 $45,800 $45,800 $56,160 $59,980 $28,200 $125,600 $395,450 $59,450 $74,500 $154,450 $74,750 $108,100 $67,100 $260,800 $47,800 $35,096 $155,000 $39,401 $17,642 $68,247 $43,234 $1,334,527 $48,600 $43,560 $48,000

Grand Total Valuation (Commercial)

12/01/12-12/31/12

$4,059,907

Topique Construction Sienna 1688 LP/DLCA LLC Sienna 1688 LP/DLCA LLC SDI Missouri City Holdings LLC/Emeree Construction Group, IRC

RICHMOND

Marcus Tyler/Mohle Design Clayon Oaks Living . LTD

ROSENBERG LDF Construction Atlas Foundation Craft Master

SUGAR LAND Fort Bend MB Land, LP/Crossmark Devel & Constr LLC Fort Bend MB Land, LP/Crossmark Devel & Constr LLC Monticello Houston Properties/New York Real Estate Inc. Monticello Houston Properties/New York Real Estate Inc. Monticello Houston Properties/New York Real Estate Inc. Monticello Houston Properties/New York Real Estate Inc. Sugar Land Physicians Partners/Mission Consruction LP Sugar Land Physicians Partners/Mission Consruction LP Sugar Land Physicians Partners/Mission Consruction LP Sugar Land Physicians Partners/Mission Consruction LP Sugar Land Physicians Partners/Mission Consruction LP Sugar Land Physicians Partners/Mission Consruction LP Sugar Land Physicians Partners/Mission Consruction LP Sugar Land Physicians Partners/Mission Consruction LP Sugar Land Physicians Partners/Mission Consruction LP Monticello Houston Properties/New York Real Estate Inc. Sugar Land Properties, Inc./Global New Millenium Partners Sugar Land Properties, Inc./Big Services, Inc. Sugar Creek Village, LP/Kase Construction Lakepointe Assets, LLC/Mahaca Construction PCD/Penner Construction Vector Cable Co./Southern Facility SRV Const Dr. Hernandez/Forney Construction Texan Petrolite LTD Partnership/Benchmark Houston Builders, LP Covington First Colony Acquisition/Villagio Builders LLC Town Center Lakeside, LTD/O’Donnell/Snider Construction KBS Offices at Kensington, LLC/Cannon Enterprises, Inc.

Fort Bend / Katy Business Journal H February 2013

57

Late Mayor Hilmar Moore, County Judge Hebert honored with special awards

Central Fort Bend Chamber Alliance recognizes ‘Champions’ at annual awards luncheon

I

n January the Central Fort Bend Chamber Alliance held its annual Awards Banquet at Safari Texas Ranch in Richmond.

Categories honored included: Business Person of the Year (Dr. May Tape, DDS, Pediatric Dentistry), Corporate Sponsor of the Year (First Victoria National Bank), Volunteer of the Year, Raymond Saage Award (Lisa Matthews, Servpro of West Fort Bend County), Ambassador of the Year (Tom Wilson, Reading Road Self-Storage), Board Member of the Year (Kevin Kohl, Silver Eagle Distributors), Committee Member of the Year (Justin Ring, EHRA, and

Katie Yount, McDonough Engineering), Young Professionals Division Member of the Year (Justin Morales, Greenscape Associates) and Hispanic Business Division Member of the Year (Shirley Jackson, La Casona Mexican Restaurant).

The Chamber also presented two special, one-time awards. It honored late Richmond Mayor Hilmar Moore, who served in that post for a national record 63 years before his passing at age 92 on Dec. 4, with a Lifetime Service Award.

Moore’s wife and current Richmond Mayor, Evalyn, accepted it on behalf of the Moore family. It also recognized Fort Bend County Judge Robert “Bob” Hebert with a Legislative Leadership

Award. Hebert spearheaded an effort that ultimately reauthorized our National Flood Insurance Program for another five years, thwarting a proposal by the Senate Banking Committee that would have mandated the purchase of insurance for all areas protected by a levee, including areas in the 500-year Floodplain for a 500-year levee. Such a provision would have been economically devastating to Fort Bend County residents and businesses located behind FEMA accredited levees built and maintained by local taxpayers.

For more information about the Chamber or its programs, call 281-3425464 or email mtipton@CFBCA.org.

From left: Chamber Board Chair Joe Freudenberger, OakBend Medical Center; Board Member of the Year Kevin Kohl, Silver Eagle Distributors; Ambassador of the Year Tom Wilson, Reading Road Self-Storage; Committee Member of the Year Katie Yount, McDonough Engineering; Legislative Leadership Award winner Judge Robert Hebert; Business Person of the Year, Dr. May Tape, DDS; Committee Member of the Year, Justin Ring, EHRA; Raymond Saage Award Winner Lisa Matthews Servpro of West Fort Bend County; Young Professionals Division Member of the Year Justin Morales, Greenscape Associates; Hispanic Business Division Member of the Year Shirley Jackson, La Casona Mexican Restaurant; and Gilbert Limones, representing Corporate Sponsor of the Year First Victoria National Bank.

58

February 2013 H Fort Bend / Katy Business Journal

SERVICE DIRECTORY Accounting Terri L Sibbet, CPA 713-234-0618 Office Affordable, Accurate, Timely -Bookkeeping, Payroll, Payroll Tax Returns - Quickbooks, Financials, Sales & Property Tax Returns -Tax Return Preparation.

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

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

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

Auto Repair / Maintenance Auto Central-Automotive Service & Sales 281-499-9684 www.autocentral.biz david@autocentral.biz. David Fauvelle, 2526 Fifth Street, Stafford, Texas 77477, Fax: 281-499-0183, Fast, Friendly and professional automotive repair. ASE Blue Seal Certified, State Inspection Station, Diesel Repair, Open Saturdays 8-3.

Charlton’s Auto Body Repair and Vehicle Detailing 281-499-1126 www.charltonsbodyrepair.com Chuck Charlton, 1131 Staffordshire @ 5th Street, Stafford, Texas 77477, Charbody@aol.com, Fax: 281-499-1694, Complete collision repair. Frame & Unibody straightened. Expert computer color matching. Custom painting & pin stripping.

Honest service. 79 Years Strong and 3 Generations Proud!

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

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

960 Eldridge, 281-313-2886 & 2303 Williams Trace Blvd.

281-980-2666 (First Colony), 20015 Southwest Freeway. 281-343-5666 (Greatwood), Diagnostic testing and evaluation, Manufacturer’s routine recommended maintenance, domestic and foreign vehicle repairs, AAA approved, ASE certified. Ask about our Fleet Service!

Banks The State Bank of Texas 281-494-6686 www.tsbot.com nbb@tsbot.com. Nicki Black, 13010 Murphy Road, Stafford, TX 77477, Fax: 281-494-6747.

Locally and independently owned - our prime interest is you!

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

Country Clubs & Golf Courses Quail Valley Golf Club 281-403-8518 (Direct) 281-403-5910 (Golf Shop) www.golfquailvalley.com Quail Valley Golf Course offers 36 holes of championship golf, a full practice facility, lessons and Fort Bend / Katy Business Journal H February 2013

a fully stocked golf shop. The Missouri City Community Center at Quail Valley Golf Course hosts the Bluebonnet Grille at the 37th Hole, multiple event rooms as well as the 300 seat Magnolia Ballroom. Quail Valley Golf Course and the Missouri City Community Center are the perfect sites for your next meeting or big event.

For more information visit www.golfquailvalley. com Quail Valley Golf Course 2880 La Quinta Dr. is located at Missouri City, TX 77459.

Riverbend Country Club 281-269-2526 www.riverbendcountryclub.org triciarbcc@gmail.com. Tricia Hawks, 1214 Dulles Avenue, Sugar Land, TX 77478. Conveniently located in the heart of Sugar Land, Riverbend Country Club is just 25 minutes south of downtown Houston, Texas. Established in 1957, Riverbend continues its tradition as Fort Bend County’s only member owned club. Whether you’re looking for championship golf, fine dining, pools, tennis, fitness facilities or a wide variety of social and golf activities Riverbend is definitely the place to belong.

The Houstonian Golf & Country Club 281-494-4245 www.houstoniangolf.com A private golf and country club providing the area’s finest golf course and golf practice facilities along with fitness, pool, tennis, spa and dining amenities.

Golf and Club (non-golf) Memberships are currently available.

Floral Flowers By Tiffany LLC 281-208-8681 www.FlowersByTiffanyStafford.com 13230 Murphy Road, Suite 400, Stafford, TX 77477.

281-208-8681. 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.

Continued on page 60

To Advertise Call 281-690-4204 59

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.

Gourmet Food Tastefully Simple Connie Atkinson 281-731-8685 http://www.tastefullysimple.com/web/catkinson2.

Everyone’s lives are hectic! Let me show you products that are quick and simple to make - Tastefully Simple! All of our products are either ready to use or you just add one or two ingredients. We offer a wide range of foods that include; Beer Bread, Soups, Dips, Desserts, Dressings, and much more.

Earn FREE products by hosting a party for your friends. Everyone can taste and experience the simplicity and goodness! Tastefully Simple is look-

ing for consultants, full or part time! Earn money by spreading the word about this delicious company.

Once it is tasted - It is SOLD! Tastefully Simple is just getting started in Fort Bend County. Become a consultant and get in on a ground floor opportunity.

Contact me to book your party or for more information about the business. Connie Atkinson 281-7318685, busybee529@aol.com.

SERVICE DIRECTORY

RIVERFRONT DUPLEX

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

More pictures at

RioRatonDuplex.com book at

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832-788-2294

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.

Glass Block/Showers/Windows South Texas Glass Block 281-355-8882 www. stglassblock.com We offer complete glass block solutions, providing excellent service and product to all of our customers. We have been in business since 1995, serving the entire Houston and surrounding areas. Our excellent workmanship is unmatched both in the commercial and residential arena.

No job is too big for South Texas Glass Block.

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

Guadalupe

Jewelers

Prince Benefits Group 713-884-8399 www.princebenefitsgroup.com Partner with a strategically uncompromising and experienced insurance agency that specializes in employee benefits. We help you attract the right talent and keep them happy! The jewel in our crown of insurance is group insurance but we offer the complete spectrum of benefits for groups and individuals: health, dental, life, vision, disability, 401k, general liability, property, worker’s compensation, umbrella, commercial auto, COBRA administration, HR compliance, etc. Prince Benefits Group provides your company the leverage it needs to get what it needs.

Insurance Solutions of Texas 281-565-2222 • 281-341-5060 www.insurancesolutionsoftexas.com Jay Harris, Auto, Home, Business, Flood Insurance.

14140 Southwest Freeway, Suite 150, Sugar Land, Texas 77478. 281-565-2222, Fax 281-565-3333.

2515 Ave. H, Rosenberg, Texas 77471. 281-3415060, Fax 281-341-5558.

12 MONTHS LISTING FOR ONLY $300 February 2013 H Fort Bend / Katy Business Journal

Magazine Fort Bend / Katy Business Journal 281-690-4200 www.fortbendstar.com Fort Bend’s ONLY business publication. Reaching over 10,000 businesses monthly. The place to advertise to reach the vital Fort Bend County business community.

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

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. Nature’s Pest Control Nature’s Own Pest And Lawn Service 281-656-2847 www.naturesownpestcontrol.org 18035 W. Little York Rd. Ste. F, Katy, TX 77449. Using an exterminator that will practice the safest and most natural techniques for pest control can be reassuring and may be the only consideration for those who are determined to live green in every way. Natural pest control with the best guarantee in the business. At Nature’s Own, we will eradicate your bugs and make your home bug free once again. Don’t lose any sleep over these pesky bugs. Call Nature’s Own today. Mention Fort Bend Business Journal and receive a special discount.

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

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

Optometrists Elissa R. Wedemeyer O.D., FCOVD, F.A.A.O 281-499-2600 www.drwedemeyer.com 6026 Hwy. 6 Missouri City, TX 77459. Therapeutic Optometrist; Visual Perceptual / Binocular Therapy; medical management of eye infections and diseases.

The office has a large selection of fashion frames.

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.houstonvaccines.com houstonvaccines@gmail.com. 3727 Greenbriar Dr. Suite 403, Stafford, TX 77477- Vaccines for children and adults for school, fertility, work, immigration, or travel needs. Daytime, Evening, and Saturday hours and no wait appointments available. Vaccine titers and Drug Testing for individuals or corporations.

Certified Drug Testing Center & CDC Designated Yellow Fever Provider. We perform oral HIV testing also. Mobile on-site clinics available for churches and corporations.

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

Rain Gutters Sugar Land Rain Gutters & Remodeling 713-204-4664 SugarLandRainGutters.com Sales and installation of seamless rain gutters; repairing and cleaning out existing gutters and repairing fascia boards. Free Estimates and a 15 year warranty with all new installations. Also offering Organic Gardens and Landscaping by a degreed horticulturist. (Consulting and design fees apply). Locally owned and operated in Sugar Land, Texas.

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

Riverstone Development Co. 281-499-8700 www.riverstone.com tomw@johnsondev.com. Tom Wilcox, 4855 Riverstone Blvd, Missouri City, Texas 77459, Fax: 281-499-8704, Luxurious waterside living in Fort Bend from $200s to the many millions.

Jeanne Gregory, CRS, GRI 281-344-8918 www.jeannegregory.com jeannegregory@earthlink.net.

14905 Southwest Freeway, Sugar Land, Texas 77478, Fax: 281-242-6754, Re/Max Southwest. Residential real estate sales & corporate relocation.

Jennifer Weaver, ABR, CRS, GRI 281-207-5037 www.jenniferweaver.com RE/MAX Southwest, 14905 Southwest Freeway, Sugar Land, Texas 77478. Residential sales and corporate relocation since 1979.

Remodeling / Outdoor Living Living Improvements 281-499-7000 www.living-improvements.com AWARD WINNING - 2010 & 2011 Houston’s BEST “Outdoor Living Space” Living Improvements’ commitment to excellence makes us the perfect fit for your building needs. We have over 200 years cumulative in-house experience in the remodeling and construction industry making us highly skilled, professional and detail oriented striving to exceed our customer’s expectations. We feature outdoor living spaces, custom homes, interior and exterior renovations. Our commitment to excellence is just one of the reasons we have over 5,000 satisfied customers.

SERVING FORT BEND & SURROUNDING COUNTIES FOR OVER 35 YEARS. Video Services Star Digital Studios 281-690-4280 www.starvideoproductions.com A full service video production studio providing all phases of video production including professional writing, videography, editing, DVD duplication, distribution; also video deposition services to the legal community. For video needed for a TV commercial, website posting, employee training, promotional DVDs, special presentations, coverage of live events/ trade shows, or corporate videos, give us a call. If you are interested in something you do not see on our website, let us know and we’re ready to accommodate your needs!

SERVICE DIRECTORY

Newspaper

Water Softening and Purification Systems R & S Water Services 281-416-9353 www.rswaterservice.com info@rswaterservice.com R & S Water Service is a Full Service Licensed Water Treatment Company. We offer Cost-Effective and Long-Lasting Water Softeners. We are 30%-50% less expensive than other water softening companies and we offer the best customer service even after the sale! Sales, Service and Installation of Water Softeners, No Salt Conditioners, Reverse Osmosis Systems, Well Water Systems, Ambassador II Chem-Free Iron Filter Systems and Chloramine Removal Systems.

We also can test and repair Back Flow devices. For other services or any questions please contact us.

281-416-9353 or info@rswaterservice.com. **List with the BBB. **Licensed members of the TWQA Texas Water Quality Association.

12 MONTHS LISTING CALL BARBARA J. CARLSON AT 281-690-4204 Fort Bend / Katy Business Journal H February 2013

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

Aling’s Hakka Chinese Cuisine Welcome to Sugar Land’s first Hakka Chinese Restaurant!

Using family recipes, Chefs Lin Motiwala and Gary Yan present this unique “Chindian” cuisine, a delicious fusion of both Chinese and Indian cookery (without the curry undertones). From savory steamed or pan fried Dumplings to traditional Indianstyle Hakka dishes, as prepared in Bombay/ Pune, like Chicken Lollipop, as well as American Chop Suey, each dish is prepared using the freshest ingredients to bring you a dining experience like no other. Lunch specials start at $6.95 for a 4 course meal. Open Tuesday - Sunday. Lunch: 11am-3pm (TuesFri). 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 281-2420432. 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,

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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 Mon-Thurs 5-9 and Fri-Sat 5-10. Please call for Reservations &/ or Catering ~ 3400 FM 1092, 81-403-AURA (2872). $$ • WB BLU Restaurant | Lounge (New Listing) BLU boasts a globally influenced, Euro-Asian menu from acclaimed Executive Chef Junnajet “Jett” Hurapan. With a diverse background that spans cuisine from Thailand to New American and Mediterranean, Chef Jett’s dinner menu offers an extensive array of both small and larger plates perfect for sharing.

Looking for a great deal, come enjoy an incredible three-course lunch menu for $12 Tues - Fri, and $4 happy hour menu Tues Sun. BLU recently started a Live Jazz Sunday Brunch from 11am to 3pm!

Visit www. blusugarland.com ~ 2248 Texas Drive 281.903.7324. $$ • WB

To Advertise Meet & Eat Food Drink Entertainment Guide February 2013 H Fort Bend / Katy Business Journal

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 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

Call Barbara J. Carlson at 281-690-4204 or Barbara@fortbendbusinessjournal.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 Panda Garden

Las Alamedas Restaurant & Cantina Las Alamedas Restaurant and Bar Continues the long standing tradition of fine Mexican food and beverages that began in 1980, is now relocated in Katy at The La Centerra Center.

Join us seven days a week for our warm hospitality and anything from brunch on the weekends to private corporate events and everything in between. We are a total scratch kitchen featuring an extensive selection of authentic dishes. We are family friendly with a great children’s menu. Our patios were voted one of the top two in the Houston area. Please visit our website and like us on Facebook! The only thing missing is you! We are open for lunch and dinner seven days a week and we serve brunch Saturdays and Sundays from 10am to 2pm. Our bar and lounge offers full meal service from open to close. Hours of operation are, Monday thru Thursday from 11am to 10pm, Friday from 11am to 11pm, Saturday from 10am to 11pm, Sunday from 10am to 9pm. BAR 11am till closing. 23501 Cinco Ranch Blvd., Suite F-140, Katy, TX 77494. 281-347-3030. Reservations accepted by phone and on line by visiting our web site www.lasalamedas.com. $$ • FB

Panda Garden Restaurant, the three times winner for Best Oriental Restaurant in Fort Bend County, located at 3563 Highway 6 in Kroger Center, provides a warm, casual environment to best service all diners. The goal of our restaurant is to offer 100% satisfactory to the customers with variety selection of popular Hunan Cuisine.

“We offer fresh, made from scratch meals that is unforgettably delicious!” Manager Kenny adds. The restaurant offers accommodations for small group meetings and wonderful party tray for catering to the near by businesses and schools. Panda Garden is open 7 days a week on Mon. – Sat.: 11a.m. – 10 p.m. and Sun. 11a.m.

– 9:30p.m. Delivery is available everyday with a min. of $15.00 purchase. A lunch special is offered daily as well as the full regular menu offerings. 3563 Hwy 6 @ Williams Trace, 281265-0303. $ • WB Post Oak Grill Restaurant & Bar The Rios Family invites you to come and experience the same quality, ambiance and service that you have at the original Post Oak Grill. Join us for a wonderful culinary adventure featuring fine prime beef, chops, fresh seafood, soups, sandwiches, salads, and outstanding wine selection. Open lunch & dinner - MondayThursday 11:00-10:00pm, Friday 11:0011:00p.m., Saturday 4:00-11pm, Sunday 10:00-9:00pm, & Sunday Brunch 10:002:00pm. Happy Hour 4:00-7:00pm. 1550 Lake Pointe Parkway, Sugar Land • Call 281-4912901. www.PostOakGrillSugarland.com $$ • FB Fort Bend / Katy Business Journal H February 2013

Tradicao Brazilian Steakhouse Tradicao Brazilian Steakhouse is the best new steakhouse in Fort Bend.

Tradicao, pronounced Tra-dee-son, was named after the Brazilian word for “tradition” and founded on the idea to continue this traditional way of grilling. They are a family owned and operated churracaria whose goal is to make sure your dining experience is one you will never forget. Their prixe fixe menu includes 14 cuts of perfectly grilled meats brought to your table side, a large salad bar and hot sides. Tradicao would like to invite you to come join them, sit back and relax. Lunch Mon-Fri 11am-2pm, Sat Closed, Sun 12-3pm. Dinner Mon-Thurs 5-9:30pm, Fri 5-10pm, Sat 4-10pm, Sun 5-9pm. Phone: 281-277-9292. 12000 Southest Freeway, Meadows Place, TX, 77477, www.

TradicaoSteakhouse.com.

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February 2013 H Fort Bend / Katy Business Journal

cut here

Who else depends on

your heart?

Ad_7.25x9.75-4C_SugarLand.indd 1

Protect the heart of your family by attending a free heart seminar and screening event.

Learn your 10-year risk for heart disease. Join us at Methodist Sugar Land Hospital on:

Wednesday, February 20, 2013 | 6 – 8 p.m.

Visit methodisthealth.com/heartscreenings or call 281-274-7500 for more information and to register. Registration is required.

1/10/13 9:53 PM