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

Fort Bend/Katy

Volume 29 â&#x20AC;˘ No. 1

THE BUSINESS LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

JANUARY 2011

Sugar Land Medical Associates provide healthcare for the entire family! INSIDE STORIES

n Financial Resolutions for 2011 n StratITsphere Data Center Brings Its Clout to Katy n Building Futures Look Green n Big Shots - Hyatt Place Grand Opening $4.95

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

OakBend Medical Group OakBend

Medical

Group consists

community-minded group of physicians who provide services in the heart of Fort Bend County. We offer many locations for the convenience of our patients. Our services are provided by excellent physicians whose specialties include Family Practice, Infectious Diseases, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ear Nose and Throat, Geriatrics, Weight Loss, Home Visits, Nursing Home Visits and Hospice Care.

We currently have office locations serving: New Territory • Sugar Land • Richmond Rosenberg • Williams Way

Coming Soon: Morton Road / Grand Parkway • Fulshear

Dr. John Butler • Dr. David Sycamore • Dr. Henry Garza III • Dr. Douglas Thibodeaux • Dr. James Pearce • Dr. Owen Capocyan Dr. Karen Rakers • Dr. Lorelei Capocyan • Dr. Joe Anzaldua • Dr. Irene Ejedepang-Koge • Dr. Robbyn Franklin

Physician Referral: (281) 341-4800

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

CONTENTS Cover Story

Volume 29 • Number 1 • January 2011 For subscriptions send check for $25 to Fort Bend Business Journal

Sugar Land Medical Associates provide healthcare for the entire family!

pg.

4655 Techniplex Dr., Suite 300 Stafford, Texas 77477 281-690-4200 TOLL FREE 1-888-430-7478 www.fortbendstar.com Single copy $4.95

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

Inside Stories Memorial Hermann Sugar Land’s Advanced Wound Center................................................ 8 StratITspere data center brings its clout to Katy...................................................................12 Texas employers add 19,100 jobs in November...................................................................14 Downed towers clear way for Imperial project......................................................................16 An insightful and readable look into the unique economy of Fort Bend County.........18 Building futures look green..........................................................................................................20 WCJC’s rolling into a new year and another decade of learning......................................22 New economic impact study of Port of Houston approved...............................................24 New Year Resolutions for 2011..................................................................................................36 Big Shots - Hyatt Place Grand Opening/Fort Bend Chamber Christmas Party...........45 Fort Bend County to use new employee health care concept . .......................................50 TMJ Property Services and Pinnacle Alliance Fund announce 5.5-acre retail, entertainment development deal in Missouri City....................................52 Sugar Land Home and Garden Show comes to Stafford Centre.....................................58

Monthly Columns

Fort Bend/Katy

GENERAL MANAGER............Michael Fredrickson EDITOR ...........................................Sharon Wallingford ADVERTISING DIRECTOR ....................... Dean West MARKETING CONSULTANTS................ Dottie Childs Barbara McNeil Jerry Poscovsky Ann Sturrock RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE SPECIALIST.........................................Becky Hall COLUMNISTS................................. Dr. Azul Jaffer Alan Sandersen Tim Stubenrouch CONTRIBUTORS . .......................Wayne Chandler Elsa Maxey Dori Wind John Whitmore

Dr. Azul Jaffer

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

Medical Talks Discusses

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

Erase any trace of stress with simple, effective beauty strategies ... 35

Alan Sandersen

Tim Stubenrouch

Tax Smart Discusses Tax relief, unemployment insurance reauthorization, and job creation act of 2010.................. 31

Money Talks Discusses Financial resolutions for 2011......... 47

Monthly Departments Names in the News................................................................................................. 46 Newsworthy.......................................................................................................48-49 Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce Newsletter...................................................37-44 Data Beat...........................................................................................................54-57 Service Directory...............................................................................................60-61 Dining and Entertainment.................................................................................62-64

Fort Bend Business Journal • January 2011

ON THE COVER Sugar Land Medical Associates Dr. Alan J. Reichman and Dr. Abraham K. Peringol

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

Independent Free Papers of America

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

by Sharon Wallingford

Editor’s Preview It’s a new year and a new decade

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

Jacqueline Baly Chaumette President and CEO Baly Projects, LLC

Louis Garvin President Emeritus Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce

Dee Koch Grant Officer The George Foundation

Becky Munnell President and CEO Blue Jungle Marketing

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

Tim Stubenrouch President First Community Bank

John Whitmore Whitmore Company

Contact:

t’s a new year and a new decade. Yet, another fresh opportunity for businesses to become even more creative and to grow and prosper. It will be the year of the metal tiger when the Chinese New Year arrives on February 3. Our team is growing. Joining our staff this month is Barbara McNeil. Come by and say welcome or stop a minute and get to know her when she’s out and about the community. A native Houstonian, Barbara is a journalism graduate of Southwest Texas State University and comes to us by way of The Houston Chronicle, Houston Community Newspapers, and the Houston Business Journal. Her years of expertise are a welcoming asset to our team. What are your New Year Resolutions? See what several area business people had to contribute on page 36 . If you are looking to add a fresh, more appealing look to your office space, you will welcome the comments found in “The Future Looks Green” on page 20. John Whitmore is quick to engage readers with the mass of economic growth that has taken the county by storm. His report begins on page 18. Wayne Chandler adds his comments about the StratITsphere Data Center coming to Katy. Then, Elsa Maxey takes our eyes on a journey across the county to the new retail and entertainment happenings in Missouri City. We were saddened to learn of the sudden closing of Amici’s restaurant in Sugar Land Town Square, but are excited to learn that the film industry is reengaging in our communities with at least two upcoming movies being shot over the next several months. February will also bring National Engineer’s Week, and an emphasis on construction. We salute the family practice at Sugar Land Medical Associates. We’ve added some stress reducing, beauty strategies, an update on tax relief, and financial resolutions to make you feel more at ease. We’re introducing an exceptional wound center available at Memorial Hermann. Included in our scope of articles for the month are a reminder about a regional water conference, up coming chamber events, health care concepts, and educational opportunities for all ages. It’s only just begun and it’s already become an incredibly busy season. Keep those cash registers ringing.

Sharon K. Wallingford skwcountry@aol.com Barbara McNeil barbara@fortbendstar.com

Fort Bend Business Journal • January 2011

Sharon K. Wallingford

TODAY And receive the Business Journal in your mailbox for

ONLY 25 $

for 12 issues (1 year)

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

Fort Bend/Katy

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

cut here

January 2011 • Fort Bend Business Journal

Outloud Promotions finds its place in the business world By Sharon Wallingford

nce in the business world, it was location, location, location. Well, today location is still important, but that saying could be easily matched by the words promotion, promotion, promotion. Ask Shanna and Jeff Crain of Richmond, who promote themselves as creative resources for promotional products. These two entrepreneurs and business degree graduates of Texas A&M University are also young parents to two children in a $20 billion industry world providing access to over 3,500 suppliers and over 300,000 varieties of products. “Promotional products are one of the most efficient advertising mediums available in business today and have tremendous value to the end user,” says Shanna, president, who started Outloud Promotions

seven years ago as a one person part-time business and woman owned sole proprietorship when the children were babies. “There were lots of ups and downs with starting and maintaining a new business and having a child with food allergies and a second child,” she adds. “Jeff’s first career was in construction, but it has always been our - Jeff’s and mine - dream to run Outloud together as a family owned and operated business. We currently have a client base ranging from large corporations, to schools and churches, to family owned business like ourselves. It’s taken time to build it, but we are growing our customer base by providing exceptional customer service with cost effective promotional items. Our services include embroidered apparel, t-shirts and hats, koozies and pretty much anything with your logo on it.” Risk is a large part of taking the first step.

Jeff and Shanna Crain confer with client.

IP Phone Service Saves You

Big $$$

PURCHASING A TELEPHONE SYSTEM JUST BECAME OBSOLETE

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

• Free Maintenance • Free Programming • Free Long Distance

WE KEEP UP WITH THE TECHNOLOGY FOR YOU Connect Multiple Offices Caller ID Name / Number E-Fax / DID / Voicemail to Email 6

Business Telephone Systems www.prostarcomm.com Voice Data Video

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

ProStar Communications is an Authorized Panasonic Dealer

Fort Bend Business Journal • January 2011

Business Telephone Systems

CALL FOR A QUOTE

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

The last advice that Jeff’s father gave to him before he died was that he wished that he had taken more risks in his career when he was younger. “We feel that his advise plus lots of prayers have led us to take on the challenge and risk of focusing all our efforts on Outloud Promotions.” Shanna wanted a company name that would emphasize what she felt promotional products should do, get people talking about your company Outloud. “There were many trials for Shanna running her own company while raising her two children, but through hard work, great customer service, and lots of referrals Outloud slowly grew over the next seven years,” says Jeff, explaining how in 2010 that goal became a reality. “We have always communicated extremely well together, and that has been one of the reasons for our success. Outloud has been successful by providing exceptional customer service and being honest and dependable with our customers. We love to partner up with our clients and come up with the innovative, unique products to meet their needs and goals with cost effective solutions.” They have customers all over Texas. “They continue to use us because they know that we will take care of their needs.” Promotional products are used by almost every industry. The healthcare sectors alone spend $2.3 billion. Consumer products, schools, universities, and associations all spend over $1 billion each. The industry is large and has grown continuously faster than the average economy for the last three decades. Currently the top three markets in the industry are healthcare, financial, and education. Up-and-comers include renewable energy, construction, and automotive. For additional information, call (832) 771-8322 or you can check out www.outloudpromotions.com.

OFFICE SPACE

FOR

L EASE

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

» phone & internet bundle available

John Novak 281-494-4769

January 2011 • Fort Bend Business Journal

Memorial Hermann Sugar Land’s Advanced Wound Center successfully treats non-healing wounds By Nancy V. Mills, APR | Photos by Larry Pullen Photography

“If

you have a wound that won’t heal, tell your doctor about the Memorial Hermann Sugar Land Hospital Advanced Wound and Hyperbaric Treatment Center.” That’s the recommendation of Victor Atun, M.D., a plastic surgeon who became an advocate of the Center after the patients he referred achieved outstanding results for their non-healing wounds. Another advocate of the Center is Eric Henry, a 40-year-old Houston resident who narrowly avoided a foot amputation after a toe blister became infected. Henry received successful treatment at the Center under Dr. Atun’s care. The Memorial Hermann Sugar Land Hospital Advanced Wound

Fort Bend Business Journal • January 2011

and Hyperbaric Treatment Center opened in December 2008 to meet the needs of patients with chronic or problem wounds in the greater Fort Bend County area, according to William Riley, M.D., the hospital’s chief medical officer who helped oversee the opening. The Center utilizes a wide range of therapies to supplement antibiotic therapy, nutritional counseling and the surgical removal of dead, damaged or infected tissue. Among them are negative pressure wound therapy, bioengineered skin substitutes and hyperbaric oxygen therapy. Henry’s story is common among patients who come to the Advanced Wound and Hyperbaric Treatment Center. A blister on his big toe, the result of wearing new shoes at a family wedding, ruptured and created a sore. For two weeks, Henry, a diabetic, treated the infection successfully. After two weeks though he says it was like somebody flipped a switch

and the infection set in. He sought help from a podiatrist. “Initially there was some healing, but in the middle of my treatment, I came down with a Strep B infection which ravaged my foot,” Henry said. “The infection took over my foot and went up my leg. It became so severe that the prognosis was bleak and amputation was eminent.” Henry was literally in the operating room facing amputation when Dr. Atun encountered his surgeon and offered to treat him. “I was in the right place at the right time,” says Dr. Atun. “By the time Mr. Henry had made it to the operating room, the infection had invaded the bones in his foot. I asked his surgeon to give me a chance to treat him at the wound center in an attempt to avoid amputation.” At the Center, Henry received negative pressure wound therapy. A surgical suction device periodically extracted excess fluid from his wound, keeping it moisture-free. In addition, he received four skin grafts, two using his own skin and two using bioengineered skin. Henry also received hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT), a noninvasive procedure that administers 100 percent oxygen under increased atmospheric pressure. HBOT stimulates the growth of new blood vessels, decreases swelling and inflammation, helps white blood cells kill bacteria and improves the body’s natural healing process. Originally developed in the 1940s to cure deep-sea divers of the “bends,” HBOT is now used to treat conditions like diabetic ulcers, chronic bone infection, crush injuries and failing skin grafts and flaps. HBOT is also used to treat acute arterial insufficiency (plaque buildup in the limbs) and tissue damage caused by radiation therapy.

Administering HBOT

William Riley, M.D., Aftab Hashim and Victor Atun, M.D., are pleased with the outstanding results the Memorial Hermann Sugar Land Hospital Advanced Wound and Hyperbaric Treatment Center has provided to patients who had wounds that were resistant to healing. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy, provided in a chamber such as those behind them, is one of the many advanced wound care therapies used at the Center.

The Advanced Wound and Hyperbaric Treatment Center at Memorial Hermann Sugar Land holds three hyperbaric chambers. Each 8-foot-long, glass-domed capsule can hold a patient weighing up to 400 pounds. Patients comfortably slide in and out of the chamber while lying on a bed that provides up to 2 feet of clearance around three sides of the body. Because the atmospheric pressure in the chamber increases from 1.5 to two times the outside pressure – the equivalent of being anywhere from 33 to 45 feet below sea level – patients may feel temperature changes. Their ears may also pop, similar to what happens when changing altitudes in an airplane. Some patients describe HBOT as an easy scuba dive while staying dry. These treatments, however, provide many comforts not found under the sea. Patients can nap or watch television. They can lie flat, on their sides, or with their heads raised and enjoy a full 180-degree view around them. One of the keys to successful HBOT is the highly trained medical professionals who monitor patients and talk with them via a two-way intercom system. They also try to maximize patient comfort by determining preferences like wearing scrubs or gowns, using sheets or blankets, head elevated or flat, and the proper temperature. “The glass is so clear you don’t even know you’re in a chamber,” said one patient shortly after sliding out of a chamber at the Center. Three weeks earlier, a lawnmower blade had severed three of his fingers. Skin grafts were performed and after only six HBOT treatments, this Katy resident experienced significant healing. Henry, who is claustrophobic and stands at a towering 6’5” and weighs 320 pounds, took more time to adjust to his HBOT treatments. “I had one nurse who babysat me because I was so anxious,” he says. “She sat right there and talked to me on the phone. She kept me calm. I probably had 8 inches of clearance around me but the chamber is transparent so it gives you a feeling of openness. I watched the Family channel or the game channel and cruised through the two-hour treatment.” After just one week of HBOT, Henry saw improvement. After a month, he was able to use an antiseptic wash and apply a sterile bandage to his wound. A little over two months after he began treatments at the Center, Henry was back to work. “The wound care center is a godsend,” exclaimed Henry. “Without their help, I’d be without a limb at this time. They’re very knowledgeable and they took their time to plan a course of therapy and see me through it.” continued on page 10 January 2011 • Fort Bend Business Journal

preserved skin elements that are critical for healing. Scientists grow newborn foreskin tissue, obtained through informed-consent guidelines, in a laboratory setting and layer it with bovine collagen. “The skin substitute is applied at our Center just like a skin graft, but without the surgery,” said Hashim. “When applied to an open wound, it delivers young, healthy cells to the hard-to-heal wound to stimulate cell growth and speed healing. We have seen excellent results with this therapy.” The major benefit of using bioengineered skin grafts over a patient’s skin is that surgeons don’t have to surgically remove skin from the patient’s body, which creates another wound.

Dedicated staff provides comprehensive wound care

William Riley, M.D., chief medical officer at Memorial Hermann Sugar Land Hospital, and Kim Lavalle, nurse manager at the hospital’s Advanced Wound and Hyperbaric Treatment Center, discuss a patient’s care.

continued from page 9

Wound care specialists review each patient’s needs Dr. Riley said one of the reasons the Center is so successful in treating patients with non-healing wounds is because of its multidisciplinary team approach. A panel of physicians evaluates patients to determine the best therapies to promote healing. Center Director Aftab Hashim, M.B.B.S., M.H.A., M.P.H., said the physician panel includes specialists in podiatry, infectious disease, plastic surgery and family medicine. A cardiologist and a vascular surgeon recently joined the Center to treat patients with peripheral artery and vascular disease. They can insert balloons, stents or blood vessel grafts to increase blood flow and promote healing in patients who have insufficient blood flow to their limbs. Offering the latest treatments in wound care also contributes to the Center’s success in treating wounds that resist healing. Bioengineered skin substitutes are cryo-

Because Hashim has personally experienced the benefits of advanced wound care – his mother suffered quietly with a non-healing wound while he lived out-of-town – he is proactive in meeting the needs of patients and their families. “After the panel physician conducts a total evaluation, we make sure patients and their families understand what is behind these non-healing wounds,” he says. “We provide several options and consult with the referring physician.” The Center also makes arrangements for home health and ambulance services, if insurance allows, so the patient gains maximum benefit from the Center’s comprehensive services. Hashim and the panel physicians are vigilant in spreading the word that treatment is available for wounds that resist healing, regardless of when they occurred. Dr. Atun adds another recommendation. “Seek immediate care for any non-healing wound that is more than two weeks old or that changes rapidly.” For more information about the Memorial Hermann Sugar Land Hospital Advanced Wound and Hyperbaric Treatment Center, or for a physician referral, please call 281.725.5433.

Apligraf is the only bioengineered skin substitute that is FDA approved and indicated for both venous leg ulcers and diabetic foot ulcers. Photo provided by Organogenesis Inc.

Fort Bend Business Journal • January 2011

PUBLIC Fort Be Journal INSERT January MATER 12-17-1

LATITU JOB NU MHH-10 CLIENT Memor JOB NA Emerge LIVE: n/a TRIM: 7.25" x BLEED: n/a COLORS 4cp; 85 FORMA Press R to Pub. QUESTI Pat Har @ 214-

Know where to go Our emergency services can handle anything from minor injuries to major trauma. At Memorial Hermann Sugar Land Hospital, we’re prepared to handle more types of emergencies than any other hospital in the area. Whether it’s a minor injury or something more serious, our 16-room Emergency Center is ready to provide efficient, patient-centered care. Additionally, our advanced Emergency Center has been ranked in the top five percent for patient satisfaction in the country.* To learn more about our leading ER services, call 713.222.CARE.

memorialhermann.org *As measured by Press Ganey®

MHH107002_ERad_FBK_02.indd 1

January 2011 • Fort Bend Business Journal 12/17/10 4:13 PM

StratITsphere Data Center brings its clout to Katy By Wayne Chandler

tratITsphere, an infrastructure-focused data consulting and service firm with impressive Fortune 250 and 500 clientele, moves to the Katy area this month. Stephen Webster, StratITsphere president and CEO with 20 years of experience in designing and implementing data center solutions, announced that his firm is moving to 1510 Primewest Parkway, north of I-10 and west of Park Row to a former industrial building covering 94,000 square feet and seven acres. Webster will start a rare Tier 4 data center -- to be the only one in the Greater Houston area --which he says will be “carrier-neutral,” able to work with any existing carrier which a new client may already own. “It will be a co-location facility where companies can feel comfortable availing themselves of our consultation and service.” Webster was introduced at a festive Katy Area Economic Development Council General Membership Assembly breakfast in the Katy ISD Education Support Complex by Lance LaCour, KAEDC president and CEO. LaCour said StratITspehe’s presence in Katy will bring a number of valuable benefits to the Katy area, not the least of which will be more than $10 million in capital Investment. “The Tier 4 infrastructure will act as a magnet for

THE Solution for more affordable Business Insurance! We can help...

GROUP HEALTH INSURANCE BUSINESS PROPERTY AND LIABILITY

281-565-2222 Nationwide®

Insurance & Financial Services Jay Harris

Nationwide Is On Your Side®

President

www.insurancesolutionsoftexas.com

Fort Bend Business Journal • January 2011

INSURER

Katy Lands StratITsphere -- From left, Katy Area EDC vice president Frank Lombard, Stephen Webster, president and CEO of StratITsphere, and KAEDC president and CEO Lance LaCour.

recruiting other corporate data centers and IT firms to the Katy area,” LaCour said. He said that this deal has been a year in the making, and that the Katy AEDC will continue to partner with StratITsphere to recruit other IT firms. Many firms will benefit from the strong infrastructure of StratITsphere without risking huge sums of money, LaCour said. Webster stressed that his firm’s strong suit is in security for its clients, out of the 100-year flood plain, away from a concentrated urban environment but convenient enough to major Greater Houston clients in oil and gas, pipeline, refining, power, utilities and energy/commodities trading. The Katy-based facility initially will employ 10 to 15 people, most of them with years of IT know-how, and expect to eventually hire up to 35 employees. Clients served for consulting and services already include the United Kingdom’s BG Group PLC, CenterPoint Energy, Gexa Energy, Hearst Newspapers, Igloo Products and Marathon Oil. “StratITsphere has developed a vendor agnostic approach to recommending specific solutions that complement customers’ strategic directions,” Webster said . This approach guarantees that his firm isn’t in the “reselling business,” he said. For the past two years Webster and StarITsphere has operated in Humble, Texas, near his home. Among Webster’s achievements, was his implementing a $200 million global infrastructure transformation strategy for BG Group PLC. He has had experience with Dynegy, Enron and Tenneco. He is a graduate of the University of Texas at Austin and has an MBA from University of Houston. Webster’s partner and longtime friend is Sean Curry, the firm’s CTO. Curry also was with BG Group where the Network Professional Association honored him as a “Distinguished Fellow,” one of only six in the world, for his innovative approach to technology. Curry is a U.S. Marine Corps veteran. Webster said that StatITsphere will stress its ability to eliminate huge capital investments in order for their new clients to find security and service solutions.

Chamber to recognize members at January Awards Luncheon Six members to be commended for outstanding service in 2010

ven in the face of a challenging economic climate, the Central Fort Bend Chamber Alliance has remained a strong, viable growth engine for area businesses. That is in large part due to the volunteerism and commitments made by its members. The Central Fort Bend Chamber Alliance will proudly recognize several of those members at its 2010 Annual Awards Luncheon. The event will be held Friday, Jan. 14, 2011, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Safari Texas Ranch Magnolia Room, 11627 FM 1464, Richmond. Event sponsors are Allen Boone Humphries Robinson, LLP, Amegy Bank, Fort Bend Toyota, JE Dunn Construction and SouthWest Water Co.

The categories to be honored for 2010 include: Business Person of the Year (won in 2009 by Ron Ewer, Legacy Ford Lincoln Mercury), Corporate Partner of the Year (won in 2009 by Silver Eagle

Pictured, from left: Back row: Kevin Kohl, Silver eagle Distributors; Elliot Wood, Silverstream Southwest; Frank Gracely, Perdue Brandon Fielder Collins Mott, LLP; Patrick Sexton, Legacy Ford Lincoln Mercury. Front row: Cliff Terrell, WCJC; Georgia Flynn, Avant-Garde Solutions, Inc.; Juliana Ewer, Legacy Ford Lincoln Mercury; Tom Crayton, Thomas J. Crayton, CPA.

Distributors), Volunteer of the Year ~Raymond Saage Award (won in 2009 by Cliff Terrell, Wharton County Junior College), Committee Member of the Year (shared in 2009 by Frank Gracely, Perdue Brandon Fielder Collins Mott, LLP, and Elliot Wood, Silverstream Southwest), Ambassador of the Year (won in 2009 by Georgia Flynn, Avant-Garde Solutions, Inc.) and Board Member of the Year (won in 2009 by Tom Crayton, CPA.). Reservations for the luncheon are $30 for Chamber members and $40 for prospective members and guests. After January 11 at noon, a $10 late fee will be added. Cancellations less than 72 hours in advance and “no shows” will be charged. Corporate Tables and Sponsor opportunities are also available. For reservations or more information call the Chamber at 281-342-5464 or email reservations@CFBCA.org.

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

January 2011 • Fort Bend Business Journal

Texas Employers Add 19,100 Jobs in November Texas unemployment rate increases slightly to 8.2 percent

exas total nonfarm employment was up by 19,100 jobs in November, representing the addition of 192,100 jobs in the last year. The Texas unemployment rate rose slightly to 8.2 percent in November and continued to trend well below the U.S. unemployment rate for November at 9.8 percent. The Texas unemployment rate has ranged between 8.1 and 8.3 percent during 2010. “Texas employers have added jobs in eight of the last 12 months, setting the pace for the rest of the nation,” said Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) Chairman Tom Pauken. “Most industries recorded positive growth over the year.”

Civilian Labor Force Estimates for Texas Metropolitan Statistical Areas Not Seasonally Adjusted (In Thousands) C.L.F. United States State of Texas Abilene Amarillo Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos Beaumont-Port Arthur Brownsville-Harlingen College Station-Bryan Corpus Christi Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington Dallas-Plano-Irving MD Fort Worth-Arlington MD El Paso Houston-Sugar Land-Baytown Killeen-Temple-Fort Hood Laredo Longview Lubbock McAllen-Edinburg-Mission Midland Odessa San Angelo San Antonio-New Braunfels Sherman-Denison Texarkana Tyler Victoria Waco Wichita Falls

153,698.0 12,226.9 84.7 134.0 917.7 189.3 159.6 119.9 214.9 3,246.7 2,165.6 1,081.0 316.4 2,906.3 169.2 96.5 112.0 148.1 313.6 74.7 71.2 54.9 989.4 58.2 66.0 103.6 59.1 119.1 73.5

November 2010 Emp. Unemp. 139,415.0 11,214.6 79.2 126.4 852.7 168.4 140.6 112.4 196.8 2,979.1 1,986.3 992.8 283.9 2,656.7 155.6 88.3 103.8 139.1 275.9 70.7 65.8 51.3 914.4 53.3 61.3 95.4 54.7 110.4 67.9

14,282.0 1,012.3 5.5 7.6 65.0 20.9 19.0 7.5 18.1 267.6 179.3 88.2 32.5 249.6 13.6 8.2 8.2 9.0 37.7 4.0 5.4 3.6 75.0 4.9 4.7 8.2 4.4 8.7 5.6

Rate

C.L.F.

9.3 8.3 6.5 5.7 7.1 11.0 11.9 6.2 8.4 8.2 8.3 8.2 10.3 8.6 8.1 8.5 7.3 6.1 12.0 5.3 7.5 6.6 7.6 8.4 7.1 7.9 7.5 7.3 7.6

153,652.0 12,158.3 84.5 133.7 913.1 187.1 157.5 119.0 212.8 3,229.5 2,155.7 1,073.8 312.3 2,885.4 168.0 95.6 111.8 147.7 309.2 74.4 71.0 54.8 985.6 57.9 65.9 103.1 58.9 118.4 73.3

October 2010 Emp. Unemp. 139,749.0 11,193.5 79.2 126.5 850.4 167.7 140.0 112.0 196.0 2,972.6 1,983.5 989.1 281.5 2,647.5 155.2 87.8 103.8 139.1 274.4 70.6 65.7 51.4 913.8 53.2 61.2 95.3 54.6 110.2 68.0

13,903.0 964.8 5.3 7.2 62.7 19.4 17.5 7.0 16.8 256.9 172.2 84.7 30.8 237.9 12.8 7.8 8.0 8.6 34.8 3.8 5.3 3.4 71.8 4.7 4.7 7.8 4.3 8.2 5.3

Rate 9.0 7.9 6.3 5.4 6.9 10.4 11.1 5.9 7.9 8.0 8.0 7.9 9.9 8.2 7.6 8.1 7.1 5.8 11.3 5.1 7.4 6.3 7.3 8.1 7.1 7.6 7.3 6.9 7.3

C.L.F. 153,539.0 12,055.3 83.7 131.9 897.8 184.6 153.5 117.5 209.6 3,193.0 2,127.0 1,066.2 311.1 2,876.6 164.7 95.1 110.1 146.9 303.5 74.1 70.8 54.0 973.8 57.2 65.1 102.0 58.4 116.2 72.7

November 2009 Emp. Unemp. 139,132.0 11,105.1 78.7 124.7 835.0 166.0 137.7 110.6 194.0 2,937.6 1,956.8 980.9 282.4 2,644.6 153.1 86.7 101.7 138.9 269.9 69.7 64.5 50.5 906.8 52.5 60.8 94.0 53.9 108.2 67.2

14,407.0 950.2 5.0 7.2 62.8 18.6 15.8 6.9 15.6 255.4 170.2 85.3 28.7 232.0 11.6 8.4 8.4 8.0 33.6 4.4 6.3 3.5 67.0 4.7 4.3 8.0 4.5 8.0 5.5

Possible joint venture with WCID No. 2 Texas Instruments proposes financing $1.3 million project it needs By Elsa Maxey

mutually beneficial relationship is what Texas Instruments (TI) is proposing to Fort Bend County Water Control and Improvement District (WCID) No. 2 by providing up-front financing for a project it needs for compliance. It’s one that the district would be implementing with several other add-ons that would have been financed by bond money had the bond proposition been approved in November. Last Wednesday during a special district board meeting, TI representatives presented a plan to finance a sanitary sewer lift station and force main project as a developer reimbursement contract. It will cost an estimated $1.3 million. TI representatives said the company’s current discharge industrial wastewater takes place in accordance with a state permit and it is now being required to redirect its industrial waste water away from the surface. Having WCID No. 2 design, construct, and implement the necessary infrastruc-

ture to accomplish this compliance need is desirable to TI since it has an existing relationship with the district as one of its customers for some of its water and sewer needs. WCID General Manager Owen Matherne said the joint venture endorses the kind of regionalization driven by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality as it aims to reduce the number of permits it issues throughout the state. TI has been in Stafford since 1967, long before there was much in the area, said Dawn Schomer of TI. “There were corn fields and sugar canes,” when IT moved here with no infrastructure, she said. Schomer also said the site has three drinking water wells and IT had to build its own sanitary and industrial waste water treatment system. It was reported that TI has an ongoing relationship with the state and it has been working with the EPA, which recently visited the TI site when it requested that the company’s discharge no longer go to the surface. By hooking up with WCID No. 2 to comply with the requirement, it will simplify the redirection of the waste water

Fort Bend Business Journal • January 2011

for disposal as it interfaces with the district’s system with the addition of pipe routing that will be designed and constructed. Although no action was taken, the board will review the proposal requiring the district to reimburse TI the $1.3 million at a future date, which could come from future bond funds approved by taxpayers. WCID No. 2 currently receives tax revenue from TI, and sewer revenue amounts to $712,000 per year in fees, according to the district’s engineer Matthew Breazeale. The joint venture as proposed would increase the district’s tax base revenue, and the district would own and operate the disposal function. It was reported that there would be no feasibility study required to move forward with the project as would be the case with companies not yet established or under development. TI, a global semiconductor company located on the 12200 block of the Southwest Freeway, manufactures products for computers, cell phones, data input, and other devices and accessories. Its design, sales and manufacturing operations are located in more than 30 countries.

Rate 9.4 7.9 6.0 5.4 7.0 10.1 10.3 5.8 7.4 8.0 8.0 8.0 9.2 8.1 7.1 8.9 7.6 5.4 11.1 5.9 8.9 6.5 6.9 8.2 6.5 7.9 7.7 6.9 7.6

Professional and Business Services increased by 5,600 jobs in November, adding 61,200 positions from a year ago. Leisure and Hospitality employment increased by 4,700 positions in November for a total job gain of 19,100 jobs since November 2009. “Consistent job growth over the past year offers employment opportunities for Texas workers,” said TWC Commissioner Representing Labor Ronny Congleton. “Staff at TWC and the 240 workforce centers across the state are committed to assisting those job seekers who remain unemployed.” Employment in Education and Health Services increased by 4,300 jobs in November with a total of 47,900 jobs added in this industry since November 2009. Financial Activities employment increased by 2,000 jobs in November, adding 5,900 jobs over the year. In November, Information employment increased by 1,700 jobs; Construction added 1,000 jobs; and Mining and Logging grew by 300 positions. “Recent job growth has spurred

an increase in the Texas labor force which has continued to expand for the third consecutive month, currently at 12.2 million workers,” said TWC Commissioner Representing the Public Andres Alcantar. “Job seekers should take advantage of the many services available at no-cost from their local workforce

development boards across the state.” The Midland Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) had the lowest November unemployment rate in the state at 5.3 percent. The Amarillo MSA had the second lowest unemployment rate in November at 5.7 percent, followed by the Lubbock MSA at 6.1 percent (not seasonally adjusted).

Texas Nonagricultural Wage And Salary Employment Seasonally Adjusted+ Oct. '10 to Nov. '10 INDUSTRY TITLE TOTAL NONAG. W&S EMPLOYMENT TOTAL NONGOVERNMENT** GOODS-PRODUCING Mining & Logging Construction Manufacturing SERVICE-PROVIDING Trade, Trans. & Utilities Information Financial Activities Profess. & Business Svcs Education & Health Svcs Leisure & Hospitality Other Services Government

Nov. 2010*

Percent Change

Nov. '09 to Nov. '10

Oct. 2010

Nov. 2009

Absolute Change

Percent Change

10,432,200 8,588,500

10,413,100 8,577,000

10,240,100 8,402,100

19,100 11,500

0.2 0.1

192,100 186,400

1.9 2.2

226,300 575,100 838,400

226,000 574,100 844,400

197,700 561,700 815,700

300 1,000 -6,000

0.1 0.2 -0.7

28,600 13,400 22,700

14.5 2.4 2.8

2,041,500 187,600 632,300 1,290,300 1,407,800 1,024,500 364,700 1,843,700

2,043,700 185,900 630,300 1,284,700 1,403,500 1,019,800 364,600 1,836,100

2,048,000 200,500 626,400 1,229,100 1,359,900 1,005,400 357,700 1,838,000

-2,200 1,700 2,000 5,600 4,300 4,700 100 7,600

-0.1 0.9 0.3 0.4 0.3 0.5 0.0 0.4

-6,500 -12,900 5,900 61,200 47,900 19,100 7,000 5,700

-0.3 -6.4 0.9 5.0 3.5 1.9 2.0 0.3

Please note that the unemployment estimates for the United States and Texas in this chart are “Not Seasonally Adjusted” for purposes of comparison to the “Not Seasonally Adjusted” Metropolitan Statistical Area data.

Understanding the Market Your Fort Bend Commercial Real Estate Experts

Now

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

Kolbe Curtice

30 Years Experience Multi-Discipline

Jim Pratt

25 Years Experience Oﬃce/Industrial

John Novak

7 Years Experience Medical/Oﬃce

Jason Dillee

5 Years Experience Land/Industrial

Jason Scholtz

1 Year Experience Oﬃce/Retail

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

Downed towers clear way for Imperial project’s continuation at former sugar factory site By Elsa Maxey | Photos by Larry Pullen & Morris Malakoff

hen workers went inside a former Imperial Sugar Company building, reports indicate they heard metal cracking in the one that was still standing although it had been detonated along with the other one that had already fallen. A Facebook post said, “it doesn’t want to come down- only one building did. They are assessing the situation to see what went wrong.” The workers, about seven of them, made it out and that metal tower, joined the other fallen structure as it fell about an hour later. This was the implosion of Dec. 19, an historic moment at the former Imperial Sugar Co. refinery on U.S 90A that would change the look of the area. Former sugar factory employees were there to witness the first metal tower’s fall at 7 a.m., and they waited patiently for

Fort Bend Business Journal • January 2011

the second one to fall as it capriciously did on its own almost like taking time to see the premises changing immediately below it before it too contributed to the developing future community. Coordinating the implosion of the buildings was Houston Astro Hall demolition famed contractor D.H. Griffin of Texas, Inc. along with ESE Partners., LLC, a leader in the field of environmental engineering. The area has been undergoing clearing for several months. The Johnson Development Company’s Imperial project is headed by General Manager Shay Shafie. The iconic red brick Char House will remain as part of the project and be preserved to house the Sugar Land Heritage Foundation’s museum. Shafie said the two towering smoke stacks, original to the site, are also being preserved in place for future use and

Concern about Fort Bend emergency plan

FEMA reimbursement questioned By Elsa Maxey

D there will be other historic elements incorporated into the redevelopment plans. These include the classic Imperial Crown logo and other artifacts. The Imperial project is a 700 acre master-planned community intent on incorporating features of the historic Imperial Sugar Factory. It is geographically adjacent to the land where the new minor league baseball stadium will be constructed. In this redeveloped area, the Johnson Development Company plans a mix of retail, commercial, hospitality, restaurants, office and urban residential buildings. Shafie said, “The implosion will be memorable, not only because of its significance in preserving the integrity of the historical structures, but also for its role in helping bring new life and development to the area with Imperial as its historic center.” This quadrant of Sugar Land, including the former Imperial Sugar Factory that was closed in 2003, is undergoing massive transformation and the changing land sites are becoming more apparent to passersby. The city’s master plan for this area, in addition to the sugar factory redevelopment and the new minor league stadium projects, also includes a significant portion of land across from the Sugar Land Regional Airport which has been dedicated for the development of a professional business and technology park.

oes Fort Bend County have a hazard mitigation plan? What is it, anyway? It is considered to be one component of the county’s comprehensive emergency management plan in case or an emergency. This component is essential because as part of the emergency plan, having a hazard mitigation plan is a condition for receiving disaster assistance. “The hazard mitigation program is a planning document to initiate long term mitigation measures after a major disaster,” said D’Neal Krish, Fort Bend County Community Relations Manager. “We have had one for several years and it has been updated every five years. She advises that in April, Fort Bend County Commissioners were ready to take care of a required update. For grant funds to be received in conjunction with the plan update, Krish said commissioners court authorized a 25 percent match, but “one of the problems we ran into as far as timing was that congressional budgeting had not been passed.” She said the delay on the part of congress did not only affect only this program. “We have been experiencing that on a couple of our grants,” she reports, and because of the delay, the portion in the plan addressing mitigation vendor and cost arrangements could not be completed. In October, Krish said commissioners court authorized staff to proceed with contract negotiations with a vendor. The county was not operating without a plan, but rather the plan was up for renewal,” she said. “They are a 75 percent partner,” she said of the feds and “the county is having to wait, if that partner does not come through.” A source alerted the "Star" about Fort Bend County not adhering to a deadline on the hazard mitigation plan with FEMA and

going six months without one subjected it to noncompliance, which would mean that Fort Bend County would not receive federal assistance, should there have been a disaster. Critical of County Judge Bob Herbert’s role as the director of the county’s Office of Emergency Management (OEM) for the delay, the "Star" was told that the judge relies on Jeff Braun, the Emergency Management Coordinator, who has been teaching a class at the University of Houston. Krish confirmed that Braun is teaching a graduate level class at UH. “A seminar on emergency management at the main campus, a night class and he’s doing it on his own time.” As for the hazard mitigation plan component, it’s currently undergoing update, according to Judy Lefevers, OEM Regional Planning Coordinator. Fort Bend County hired J.S.W. and Associates, Inc., to assist it with the mitigation plan update. “We’re very excited about the vendor’s experience and we’re hoping to improve this plan,” said Lefevers and noted that there’s a first meeting to get jurisdictions together on the effort this week. The Fort Bend’s OEM office expects to meet an April 2011 deadline and will be sending its plan to the state for extensive review before it goes to FEMA.

January 2011 • Fort Bend Business Journal

An insightful and readable look into the unique economy of Fort Bend County By John E. Whitmore

ithout doubt, the first question asked of any of us involved in business development is: “Are we through that ‘Recession’ thing?” observed Jeffrey C. Wiley, President of the Greater Fort Bend Economic Development Council. My response to that is “I am cautiously optimistic, but I won’t know for sure until we get into 2011. Thankfully, there are signs, lots of them that ‘maybe’ the worst is behind us,” Wiley quickly added. Jeffrey C. Wiley To this we can say without hesitation or qualifications: “If you are in business, just be glad you are in Texas.” And, pushing the envelope even further I can say with conviction: “And be delighted that you are in Metropolitan Houston and even happier that we’re in business in Fort Bend County,” Wiley said expanding his thought. “Probably, to be accurate, we should not even call the economic times we have just experienced a recession because In many parts of our nation, the slow down we have experienced would just be considered a mild economic boom,” he added to give a prospective to the subject. But, this “Recession” we are going through did not just drop on us, it had been building for a year or so. The current recession or economic problems started giving subtle hints of problems in 2007. Real clues began appearing in late 2008 when we saw monthly unemployment figures hitting above 5 per cent. In January 2009, when the recession really started in Fort Bend County, the unemployment rate hit 6.1 and then rose to 8 per cent by mid year and wound up the year at an average rate of 7.2 per cent. For most of 2010 the unemployment rate was in the 8 per cent range until September when it started a down turn to 7.7 per cent.

As frightening as these figures might be, they do not represent an accurate picture of what was happening in Fort Bend County. There are some very important figures that are necessary to understand that support the contention, we are in the right place at the right time. For many years, Fort Bend County has attracted more than 20,000 new people a year, most of who were attracted by the availability of new jobs plus an abundance of master planned communities. Thus to get a better picture of the unemployment “problem” in Fort Bend, you have to take into consideration that we are continuing to grow in population, while some states and regions are losing people. While our labor force continues to grow as do the number of jobs available, it is the rate at which new residents enter our county that accounts for the upward pressure on our unemployment rate The census figures estimate there were about 556,870 of us living in Fort Bend in 2009 with just under 275,000 in the labor force. So, it certainly looks as if the worst is over and we are seeing relief from the pains of recession and of unemployment. Fort Bend remains one of the nation’s top producers of new job growth and that’s not too shabby for coming out of a recession. I for one am a great deal more confident about the next six months than I was just a year ago. We are coming out from under the cloud of recession. We will know for sure we are out from the cloud of recession by mid-2011. I think the recession cycle door will be closed in 2012. As a further indication that maybe the recession is behind us, just look at what the businesses in Fort Bend are doing and you will see growth. Even today we see strong projects developing across all of Fort Bend County, not just in the traditional hot spots. The impact of the improvements in mobility will increase the economic growth in all of Fort Bend County. For example, Bob Graf, head of Missouri City’s economic development department,

Fort Bend Business Journal • January 2011

noted while there is not a lot of demand for speculative business construction, there is strong market for existing buildings. To this demand, he said, there are strong companies talking about building Bob Graf in Missouri City in the future, not just renting space. This picture holds for the bulk of Fort Bend, there is room for growth without kicking off a large construction program. Matt Fielder, Economic Development Director of Rosenberg, said the seemingly rapid growth along the highways, was driven by new rooftops. This growth is not only bringing new people, but new jobs. For example, just one new business in his back-yard will bring in 500 new jobs next year. Regina Morales, Matt Fielder economic development head for Sugar Land, looks for some major moves into the city to soak up some more of the vacant prime office space. For example, a large financial concern will soon add 450 new jobs and fill about 90,000 Regina Morales feet of a 500,000 square foot vacant Class A office building. A similar strength in filling vacant office space is felt in the Katy area, too as well as support for two new hospitals in the area, Lance LaCour, the economic development officer for the region, added. Those working in economic development also report a significant number of companies who were “just looking” a couple of years ago are coming back and talking about making moves into Fort Bend.

THERE’S A REASON YOUR

PARENTS DIDN’T NAME YOU

Just looking at our existing market gives rise to a great deal of optimism for the future. While our growth was originally spawned by Metropolitan Houston, Fort Lance LaCour Bend has been successful enough that today it ranks as a market of its own. And, the success of growth is across the county rather than concentrated in just a few points. To a large part, this growth across the county has been a function of significant improvements in mobility. For example, in the 70s and 80s, our growth was accommodated by U.S. 59 being upgraded to an Interstate Freeway. When the bridge across the Brazos became part of the freeway system, the center of the county was brought into dynamic growth. As rudimentary as it is, State Highway 99 connecting U.S. 59 and U.S. 10 has pulled the Katy area directly into the path of Fort Bend’s growth. And, as that roadway is improved, further explosive economic development will follow. Underway today is an exciting venture that effectively makes the area around Rosenberg and Kendleton a virtual inland port for Mexico. Approximately 800 acres of land is currently under development to develop an intermodal center where rail and truck advantages and a foreign trade designation will allow Fort Bend to claim its share of trade related opportunities. Under the general name of Triple Fork, large track areas as well as warehouses will become a central point of shipment for products from Asia to areas throughout the United States, Traffic that has been unloaded in Long Beach, California will be unloaded instead of in Mexico and shipped to an 800 acre facility in Fort Bend where it will be shipped throughout the United States. Ain’t this just great!

“ACCT#2299046.” If people are going to trust a bank with their money, that bank ought to have the decency to learn their names and answer the phone when they call. Here, everyone is significant, no matter the size of the account. That might be a rarity these days, but not to us. f r o s t b a n k . c o m

we’re from here

Sugar Land 8410 Hwy 90A | Stafford 3531 S. Main Missouri City 3600 FM 1092 | 713.388.7600 MEMBER FDIC

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

Fort Bend/Katy

To advertise call: 281-690-4201

barbara@fortbendstar.com January 2011 • Fort Bend Business Journal

Building Futures Look By Dori Wind

“T

he future for commercial and residential building is definitely green,” explained Missouri City resident Shayna Finn, an associate with Leo A Daly. Leo A Daly is an architecture, planning, engineering and interiors firm with local, national and international clientele. Located in the Houston area, Leo A Daly regularly collaborates with their engineering component, Lockwood, Andrews & Newnam, a firm that has done various Sugar Land projects. The company has also completed numerous projects with Sabic Americas Inc for their Sugar Land Business Park office. Building green according to Finn encompasses many aspects of a project. Leo A Daly provides comprehensive innovative

Green services to its clients covering all facets of a project from how and where to use recycled building materials to creating work cubicles with more sunlight for the employees. The latest trends in eco-friendly building include whitewashing a traditionally black rooftop to reflect the heat off rather than absorb it, and collecting rainwater in underground barrels that feed into a sprinkler system to water the landscape. “Our company is proud to be a leader in implementing many green steps in our office and in our building projects, starting with minimizing our paper consumption, recycling, encouraging our employees to get LEED® Accredited (many of them are) and encouraging many of our projects to be LEED® Certified,” said Finn. Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED®) is an internationally recognized green building certification system helping

Fort Bend Business Journal • January 2011

to save energy, improve life for the users and for the surrounding environment, reduce emissions into the environment and the all around general carbon foot print on the planet. Shayna Finn “ADA compliance, sustainability and multitasking are also important concepts in new building projects,” stated Finn, a graduate of the Interior Design School at Texas Tech University “Generally ADA mandates are really common sense,” she observed. “For example transition strips on stair steps help people know how far apart the stairs are and allow them to differentiate the distance going up or down. On a recent trip to Mexico where there were no transition strips, I noticed a lot of people in a high-end resort tripping up and down the stairs. For people with depth perceptions issues, the ADA mandated the stair strips for their safety.” “Some people may be born with a disability, others have accidents with short term or long term affects, and the rest of us will age into disabilities,” Finn related. “Our firm is very cognizant of the safety issues and we make certain our clients’ projects are Texas ADA as well as federal ADA compliant.” Finn pointed out that for quite a while Texas ADA was more restrictive than federal law, but now federal mandates are catching up to Texas. “In today’s office building interiors,” Finn commented, “there are a lot less private offices and more cubicles which are currently designed with lower barrier walls. People want work spaces that allow for more collegial team interaction,” she continued, “so we are designing spaces that allow employees to visit over the panels and assist each other as needed. We are also creating collaborative corners - a corner area with a

large countertop to hold spontaneous meetings – rather than in a conference room.” Accommodating multitasking employees is also an evolving trend in the workplace. Employees may be listening to instructions on headphones while typing on their computer, so Leo A Daly works closely with these clients to make certain they design employee workspaces with all the appropriate options. Headphone connections, computer cable or Wi-Fi, video capabilities and phone systems can all be incorporated into a work area as needed. Leo A Daly’s philosophy is that good design is good business. Good design is essential to growth, productivity, efficiency and creation of an image, which corresponds to a company’s goals and values. Successful interiors are the result of a process based on the committed interaction of all participants, but the client is the most important participant in the design process. “Working closely with our clients, said Finn, “our goal is to create exceptional projects that enhance and enrich the human experience. We succeed by providing exemplary design services, and by constantly exceeding our clients’ goals and expectations.” Finn has worked on projects in Houston and throughout the country. She assisted with expanding and renovating Hobby Airport and on the design of the Kraton Polymer Lab in north Houston. She recently finished working on a new ice hockey arena in Minnesota, and renovations to Lamar University’s football stadium and new athletic complex. To review or discuss a single architectural, engineering, or planning and interior design need or gain additional information visit them at their website www.leoadaly.com. They are an experienced company committed to project excellence. The Houston office of Leo A Daly specializes in Aviation, Corporate Interiors, Healthcare, Higher Education, Federal, and Sports & Recreation.

January 2011 • Fort Bend Business Journal

WCJC: Rolling into a new year and another decade of learning

By Wayne Chandler

etty McCrohan stays on roller skates. As president of the Wharton County Junior College which sprawls across Wharton, Matagorda and much of Fort Bend County, she headquarters in Brazos Hall, the huge building that WCJC shares with University of Houston Systems Sugar Land (UHSSL) on University Boulevard at U.S. 59 in Sugar Land. “But I’m not there very much. I’m out in the community,” she said. As she heads up a junior college that has been growing by a 20 percent enrollment increase for the past few years, she’s almost always visiting other WCJC sites, in meetings with other educational , business and governmental agencies, the

Texas Legislature when it’s in session, or attending other community functions where the junior college is involved. McCrohan rides in every morning from her Betty McCrohan home in Glen Flora, a small town two miles east from Wharton, and reads and answers emails and telephone messages, and then is off to meetings on various campuses, and then usually to some evening function for the college. How can she manage all of these campuses ? ( The Wharton campus now has 2,700 students, Richmond -Rosenberg 2,200, and Bay City 500, plus 2,400 at the Sugar Land campus). “I have great people, committed to

Fort Bend Business Journal • January 2011

specific roles,” she said. The WCJC Sugar Land enrollment is double the size of UHSSL’s, and indications are that it will continue to show the most growth as the word gets out that this facility is becoming a “convenience store” for any person --from 18 to 80 -- who seeks more education. These applicants may be straight from high school, or single parents in their 30’s, or retirees. There’s a niche on this campus, for everyone . To help these new students blend in to the WCJC family, the president , last October, hired a vice president for student services, David Leenhouts, 53, a psychologist and a veteran educator, to help with the process. “We’re set up to see that everyone gets a good fit,” Leenhouts said. Most students are assigned an advisor and given placement and aptitude tests to help guide them. “This junior college system is uniquely poised to help the community move forward,” McCrohan said. “Much of the world is accepting secondary school education as the norm. They don’t see the value of (further) education. If it waits too long we won’t be much better off than a third world nation.” McCrohan has been dedicated to improving education since she started teaching in public schools 38 years ago, and soon recognized that she wanted to chart a better course in education. She was graduated from San Angelo State University with a Bachelor of Science degree, and then earned a master’s degree in Administration from the University of Houston. By 1978 she had accepted the position of director of budgeting/ compliance at Houston Community

College, and then became vice president of administrative services for HCC. In 1989 she joined WCJC as executive vice president and chief financial officer. In 1998 she was named interim president and CEO, and elevated to president and CEO in 2001. She has overseen the opening of three new campuses, one in

Matagorda County and then RichmondRosenberg and Sugar Land in Fort Bend County. Her office has been in the $37 million Brazos Hall since April 2009 where WCJC and UHSSL share 44 classrooms, including five computer labs, along with nine science labs, 73 faculty offices, an exercise facility, bookstore,

and a two-level 150-seat auditorium. “This building is an admirable example of successfully embracing the collaborative spirit in higher education,” McCrohan said. It has been a good marriage, WCJC and UHSSL. The community college offers a comprehensive two-year program , a wide range of post-secondary educational programs, including an Associates of Arts degree, and Associate of Arts degrees in both Teaching and Applied Science. The university then offers junior, senior and graduate courses leading to more than 30 bachelor’s and master’s degrees. Some critics have questioned the quality of the learning and the faculty. “They (the critics) are uniformed, “ retorts McCrohan. She claims the colleges here have a higher ratio of professors with PhD’s, and the classes are smaller than those in many other institutions of higher learning. Perhaps word of mouth is the best advertising. Here are some comments from WCJC students and graduates…”close to home…an education I can afford…quality education at a reasonable price…I work part time and have time for school…small class settings…state of the art facility… continued from page 36

WCJC announces new construction management degree and scholarship

eady to meet the demands of a growing field, WCJC is introducing a two-year Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree in Construction Management at the Sugar Land campus. Scholarships in the amount of $500 are available to qualifying students who wish to pursue this degree. In addition to general education courses, the Construction Management curriculum includes coursework in construction materials, estimating, scheduling, basic AutoCAD, project management, mechanical and electrical systems planning, and construction documents. Individuals who complete the Construction Management A.A.S. degree at WCJC are eligible to transfer to the University of Houston to pursue a bachelor of science (B.S.) in the Construction

Management Technology program. According to a 2009 salary survey by the National Association of Colleges and Employers, individuals with a bachelor’s degree in construction management received job offers averaging $53,199 a year. The degree also prepares those who opt for self-employment as owners of general or specialty trade construction firms. The U.S. government projects employment of construction managers to increase by 17 percent during the 2008-18 decade – faster than average for all occupations – as the level and variety of construction activity expands. Population and business growth is expected to result in new and renovated construction of residential dwellings, office buildings, retail outlets, hospitals, schools, restaurants, and other structures. In addition, the government predicts

that a growing emphasis to make buildings more energy efficient and address the nation’s infrastructure – roads, bridges and water and sewer pipes – as well as the need to increase energy supply lines will fuel the demand for construction managers. In order to be considered for the $500 scholarship, a student must be enrolled full-time at WCJC and enrolled in ENGR 1304 (Engineering Drawing) for the Spring 2011 semester. Registration is currently in progress. Scholarship applications are available online at www.wcjc.edu and the application deadline is January 21, 2011. For additional information about the WCJC Construction Management degree, contact Jo Ann Lurker, program director, at 979.532.6339 or 1.800.561.9252, ext. 6339.

January 2011 • Fort Bend Business Journal

New economic impact study of Port of Houston approved

professional services contract to study the recent economic impact of the Port of Houston was among several matters approved during a December regular public meeting of the Port Commission of the Port of Houston Authority. Chairman James T. Edmonds presided over the meeting with Commissioners Steve Phelps, Kase Lawal, Jim Fonteno, Jimmy Burke, Janiece Longoria and Elyse Lanier. Also at the meeting, the Cement Council of Texas, represented by Jan Prusinki, Executive Director, and Matthew W. Singel, Program Director, presented the 2010 Portland Cement Association Sustainable Leadership Award to Jim McQueen, P.E., the Port Authority’s Chief Construction Manager. The award, exemplifying sustainable development, recognized an infrastructure project at Bayport that used rollercompacted concrete, a construction method that provides benefits of speed and efficiency. Strong steel performance In his monthly report, Chief Executive Officer Alec G. Dreyer said November’s performance continued the pattern of the past three months, with stronger steel numbers outshining container performance during the month. The Port Authority handled 219,000 tons of steel in November 2010 -- more than twice the year-ago levels, an increase of 128 percent. “The last nine months of 2010 have been a game of catch-up for us, given the record levels of steel that moved through Port Authority facilities in the first three months of 2009,” Dreyer said. “The port needs just 180,000 tons of steel in December to close the gap entirely and to have 2010 end up with an annual steel number above 2009,” Dreyer said. “The good news is that our midmonth projections show steel coming in around 190,000 tons for December.” He also noted that year-to-date container revenue is up a robust 16 percent compared to the same 11-month period in 2009, with container ton-

nage up 7 percent for that period. Ship arrivals at Port Authority facilities this year through November are more than 4 percent higher than the same 11-month period in 2009, Dreyer said. Ship arrivals are up 12 percent at the Turning Basin and up 7 percent at container facilities. He also noted barge traffic has shown significant growth all year and is up 17 percent in November year-to-date. Economic Analysis The Port Commission awarded John C. Martin Associates, LLC, an up to $90,000 professional services contract to measure the Port of Houston’s economic impact on the region, state and nation. Job generation, employee earnings, business revenue and state and local taxes generated by port business activities will be the focus of the study update. Other tools that will help gauge the impact include focused interviews with firms providing services to the cargo and vessels handled at the public and private terminals along the Houston Ship Channel. Martin Associates completed economic impact studies for the Port Authority in 2007 and 2002. The 2007 study showed that 785,000 jobs throughout the U.S. and $118 billion in annual regional economic impact are related to business activities at the Port of Houston. Strategic Planning The Port Commission awarded a two-year, $200,000 contract to Post, Buckley, Schuh & Jernigan, Inc. (PBS&J) for professional stormwater consulting services. The firm will aid and advise the Port Authority Environmental Affairs Department on stormwater quality matters related to operations by the Port Authority and its tenants, and other maritime industry users of Port Authority facilities. Commissioners supported underwriting a proposed study by the Mickey Leland National Urban Air Toxics Research Center with $100,000 of Port Authority funding. The study will measure air benefits from Port Authority emission reduction strategies. For more than 20 years, the Center has

Fort Bend Business Journal • January 2011

been successfully assembling diverse funding partners and science teams to design, fund and implement high quality research projects. The Port Authority has supported several air quality initiatives and strategies that the Center undertook in adjacent port communities. The current study is expected to demonstrate the benefits to public health from port emission reduction strategies for drayage trucks, ocean-going vessels and cargo-handling equipment, which are all part of the Port Authority’s Clean Air Strategy Plan initiatives. About the Port of Houston Authority The Port of Houston Authority owns and operates the public facilities located along the Port of Houston, the 25-milelong complex of diversified public and private facilities designed for handling general cargo, containers, grain and other dry bulk materials, project and heavy lift cargo, and other types of cargo. Each year, there are more than 7,700 vessel calls at the port, which ranks first in the U.S. in foreign waterborne tonnage and second in overall total tonnage. The port authority plays a vital role in ensuring navigational safety along the Houston Ship Channel, which has been instrumental in Houston’s development as a center of international trade. The Barbours Cut Container Terminal and Central Maintenance Facility are the first of any U.S. port facilities to develop and implement an innovative Environmental Management System that meets the rigorous standards of ISO 14001. The second recertification of those facilities in 2009 included an extension for the state-of-the-art Bayport Container Terminal. The port authority is the first port authority in the world to receive ISO 28000:2007 certification for its port police and the perimeter security operations at both the Barbours Cut and Bayport Terminals. Additionally, the port is an approved delivery point for Coffee “C” futures contracts traded on the New York Board of Trade’s Coffee, Sugar & Cocoa Exchange. For more information, please visit www.portofhouston.com.

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

281.690.4200

3.99

4655 Techniplex Dr. Suite 300 • Stafford, TX 77477

* Pre-owned

Car Loan Sale

Take advantage of 2 ways to save: Save on a pre-owned car purchase. Or, save by lowering your current payment. Visit your neighborhood First Community Bank branch to ﬁnd out how! Cinco Ranch

Rosenberg

Richmond

Sienna Plantation

Sugar Creek

First Colony

281-395-0440 281-778-0098

281-341-1100 281-275-5111

281-344-0693 281-275-5151

Hurry, this great rate offer expires December 15, 2010! *Rates shown are Annual Percentage Rates and are subject to change. Loans are subject to approval based on First Community Bank credit underwriting guidelines. Maximum loan value is 100% of the purchase price or the NADA average trade-in value, whichever is less. Minimum loan amount is $3,000 and maximum loan amount is $75,000. Terms range from 12 months to 60 months based on age of vehicle being financed, with oldest vehicle financed being six years old. Loans are available on automobiles and light trucks up to one ton. Reconditioned or salvage vehicles are not acceptable as collateral. All vehicles will require visual inspection at closing by a First Community Bank representative. Loans exclusively for individuals with vehicles titled in Texas; not available to businesses and bank employees. Borrower pays all applicable fees. Proof of insurance is required. Offer expires December 15, 2010. ©2010 First Community Bank. Member FDIC. All rights reserved.

January 2011 • Fort Bend Business Journal

American Heart Association’s flagship cookbook serves up over 600 recipes

he American Heart Association has released a new version of its original, most comprehensive cookbook— a must-have for your kitchen. The New American Heart Association Cookbook 8th Edition, affectionately dubbed as “Big Red” due to its bright red cover and hefty size, contains 600-plus recipes, including more than 150 new ones — all reflecting the Association’s recommendations for healthy living. The revised version of the flagship cookbook features a blend of classic family favorites, one-dish meals, vegetarian options, trendy ingredients and globally inspired dishes, such as Curried Pumpkin Soup, Salmon Fillets with Mango-Strawberry Salsa and Chicken Gyros with Tzatziki Sauce. “The New American Heart Association Cookbook is the perfect resource for recipes that not only taste great but also feature nutritious ingredients and use healthy cooking techniques that give you peace of mind,” said Dr. James T. Willerson, president and

medical director, Texas Heart Institute. “With their distinctive, interesting flavors that speak to today’s palate, the diverse recipes will appeal to everyone in the family,” said Molly Clayton Personal Chef, CDM, CFPP. In addition to a robust recipe collection that ranges from appetizers to desserts, The New American Heart Association Cookbook includes appendices such as “Shopping with Your Heart in Mind,” “Menu Planning for Holidays and Special Occasions” and “How Your Diet Affects Your Heart.” Each provides relevant information about improving and maintaining heart health. The New American Heart Association Cookbook 8th Edition is available at bookstores and online everywhere. About the American Heart Association The American Heart Association is the nation’s oldest and largest voluntary health organization dedicated to fighting heart disease and stroke. Our mission is to build healthier lives by preventing, treating and defeating these diseases – America’s No. 1 and No. 3 killers. We fund cutting-edge research,

conduct lifesaving public and professional educational programs, and advocate to protect public health. To learn more or join us in helping all Americans, call 1-800-AHAUSA1 or visit americanheart.org. Did you know that less than one percent of Americans meet the ideal health definition, mostly at the expense of identified risks based on their nutrition status? To find out what simple nutrition steps you may need to take to improve your overall heart health and your heart score, visit mylifecheck.org and take the My Life Check Assessment.

Peter Cort Marzio 1943–2010

he Greater Houston populous is thankful Peter Marzio, the visionary director of the Museum of Fine Arts dedicated his career to making the art of world cultures accessible to all. In 1982, Marzio was recruited by the trustees of the MFA Houston and the two became a perfect match. He loved the city’s entrepreneurial spirit, “can do” attitude, and diversity. Greater Houston welcomed him, and he embraced the city and museum. As director, he directed major expansion and construction projects, led capital campaigns, and served on many boards and advisory councils. He was a member of the Association of Art Museum Directors, and its President from 1988 to 1989. From 1997 to 2000, Marzio was chairman of the Federal Council on the Arts and Humanities in

Washington, D.C. He became a member of the Wallace Foundation Board in New York in 2001. He was also president of the Houston Museum District Association from 2001 to Peter Cort Marzio 2005. A prolific author, his most recent books included American Art & Philanthropy (2010), Masterpieces from the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston: Director’s Choice (2009) and A Permanent Legacy: 150 Works from the Collection of the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston (1989). During Marzio’s 28-year tenure, the museum’s collections grew from 13,000 artworks to 62,172. Attendance soared from 380,000 to over 2 million a year. Exhibitions proliferated, and grew from 26 in 1983 to 41 in 2009. He often recounted how art had changed

Fort Bend Business Journal • January 2011

his life. As a freshman on an athletic scholarship at Juniata College in Pennsylvania, he took a course in art history. A class assignment sent him to the Frick Collection in New York, where he was inspired by a Goya painting. This first museum visit was the beginning of his belief that art had the power to enrich life. He went on to earn a Ph.D. from the University of Chicago in Art History and American History. He began his career at the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C., as a curator of Prints and Drawings. There his prolific exhibitions and publications were innovative and celebrated for their democratic spirit and broad appeal. In 1978, he became director of the Corcoran Gallery of Art, where he worked to expand the audience base, strengthen its art school, and promote its famous permanent collection of American and European art.

HAVE YOUR OWN

WEBSITE WITHOUT SPENDING A FORTUNE!

• A CUSTOM WEBSITE ADDRESS

that you can promote on your business card (and elsewhere) which sends people directly to your own website

• A TOLL-FREE NUMBER

and analysis reporting of calls (at no additional cost) for your business so you can see results.

• ACCESS TO SITE STATISTICS

View, track, and print out reports related to visits and searches to your site • 24/7 ADMIN SITE ACCESS

for you to make quick and easy changes to your site whenever you want... and as often as you want

• CUSTOM EMAIL ADDRESSES

up to 10 email addresses of your choice (at no additional cost) using your Power Site domain name

Brought to you by your local community newspaper

• NEW AND IMPROVED DESIGNS

with lots of great features (look inside for details) • SEARCH ENGINE OPTIMIZATION

helps in delivering traffic to your site with site enhancement efforts

281-690-4221

• MENU What’s for dinner? Let customers see what’s on your menu before they come. Upload an image of your menu, making it easy for prospects to feel great about the dining experience in advance.

• WEEKLY AD

• WEBSITE

Make sure you have lots of photos on your site so prospective customers can learn more about you. Some businesses will want to display before and after photos to show what great work they do!

You can choose your own web address. It will link directly to your Power Site and, in effect, becomes your own. Promote this web address on your business cards and in your business so customers will know how to reach you on the web. They can e-mail you directly from your Power Site. You will also have 24/7 access to the admin portion of your website to make changes as needed.

• VIDEOS

• COUPONS

Use your Power Site to showcase any print ads, increasing your advertising exposure and viewer interest.

• PHOTOS

If a picture is worth a thousand words, then a video should be worth a million. Have a current TV commercial here or produce a custom video (or ask us how we can do one for you). Online videos will bring more people to your business.

• MAP Partnering with Google, we will provide visitors to your site with a map of your location, making it very easy for them to find you.

People love coupons!! Use Power Sites to display them and be sure to showcase “Internet Only” offers. We can set up your expiration dates to auto advance for low maintenence. This is a great way to bring in new customers!

• CUSTOMER COMMENTS If you would like, customers and the general public can come to your site and post thoughts or reviews of your business. These comments mean a lot to new visitors to your site that are thinking of doing business with you.

• CUSTOM EMAIL ADDRESSES Obtain up to 10 custom email addresses at no extra cost using your Power Site domain name (like bill@billspizza.com and/or customerservice@ billspizza.com, etc.)!

• CALL TRACKING Track and quantify your calls! We will assign a phone number that will forward calls to your business while capturing the info on the call. Reports can be generated to tell you how many people responded to your print and/or online ads. You will be able to see the numbers of the callers, the duration of each call, and even listen to every single call if you wish (to monitor your own customer service internally). All at no additional cost! This feature is easily worth $50-$60/month all by itself, but it is included in the price of your Power Site!

ALL THIS! AT AN AFFORDABLE

per week

Brought to you by your local community newspaper

281-690-4221

WE GIVE YOU THE

POWER TO BUILD YOUR OWN BUSINESS!

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

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

281-690-4221

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

YOU

AND

YOUR

TAXES

Tax Smart

By Alan Sandersen

Sandersen Knox & Co. L.L.P.

Tax relief, unemployment insurance reauthorization, and job creation act of 2010 A new tax bill was recently endorsed by the President. The bill passed by the House and Senate and forwarded to the President contained many key provisions. In addition to extending the Bush tax cuts, providing relief from the AMT, and cutting the employee’s share of payroll tax by two percentage points, the recently passed “Tax Relief, Unemployment Insurance Reauthorization, and Job Creation Act of 2010” (Tax Relief Act) extends a host of other important tax breaks for businesses and individuals. Individual tax relief The following tax breaks for individuals that expired at the end of 2009 have been retroactively reinstated by the Tax Relief Act and extended through 2011: • The election to take an itemized deduction for State and local general sales taxes instead of the itemized deduction permitted for State and local income taxes. • The above-the-line deduction for qualified higher education expenses. •The $250 above-the-line tax deduction for teachers and other school professionals for expenses paid or incurred for books, certain supplies, equipment, and supplementary materials used by the educator in the classroom. • The increased contribution limits and carryforward period for contributions of appreciated real property (including partial interests in real property) for conservation purposes. • The provision that permits tax-free distributions to charity from an Individual Retirement Account (IRA) of up to $100,000 per taxpayer, per tax year. Individuals also will be allowed to make charitable transfers during January of 2011 and treat them as if made during 2010. • The look-thru rule for certain regulat-

ed investment company (RIC) stock in determining the gross estate of nonresidents. • The increase in the monthly exclusion for employer-provided transit and vanpool benefits to equal that of the exclusion for employer-provided parking benefits. In addition, the new law extends for an additional year (i.e., through 2011) the rule allowing premiums for mortgage insurance to be deductible as qualified residence interest. Business tax relief. On the business side, the following business tax breaks that expired at the end of 2009 have been retroactively reinstated and extended through 2011 by the Tax Relief Act: •The research and development credit. •15-year writeoffs for qualified leasehold improvements, and restaurant buildings (and certain improvements to such restaurant buildings). • 7-year writeoffs for certain motorsports racetrack property. • The employer wage credit for activated military reservists. • The active financing exception from the Code’s Subpart F rules for a controlled foreign corporation predominantly engaged in the conduct of a banking, financing, or similar business. • Look-through treatment of payments between related controlled foreign corporations. • The Indian employment credit. • The new markets tax credit. • Accelerated depreciation for business property on an Indian reservation. • The railroad track maintenance credit. • The special expensing rules for certain film and television productions. • The mine rescue team training credit. • The election to expense advanced

mine safety equipment. • Expensing of environmental remediation costs. • The deduction allowable for domestic production activities in Puerto Rico. • The American Samoa economic development credit. • The rules exempting from gross basis tax and from withholding tax the interestrelated dividends and short-term capital gain dividends received from a RIC by certain foreign persons (extended to apply to tax years of a RIC beginning before 2012). •The inclusion of a RIC within the definition of a “qualified investment entity” under the provisions of the Foreign Investment in Real Property Tax Act as codified in. Code Sec. 897 . • The enhanced deduction for contributions of food and book inventories, and computer equipment for educational purposes. • A liberal rule for S corporations making charitable donations. •The special rules for interest, rents, royalties and annuities received by a taxexempt entity from a controlled entity. • Empowerment zone tax incentives. •Renewal community tax incentives. • Tax incentives for investments in the District of Columbia. • The work opportunity credit (extended for four months (through the end of 2011). • Qualified zone academy bonds. In addition, the new law extends for an additional year (i.e., through 2011) the temporary exclusion of 100% of gain on the sale of certain small business stock. 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

January 2011 • Fort Bend Business Journal

COVER STORY By Sharon Wallingford | Photos by Morris Malakoff Photography

Sugar Land Medical Associates provide healthcare for the entire family!

n America it’s family physicians who provide a personal medical home for people of any age. These are physicians who have completed at least three years of specialty training, learning how to deliver a range of acute, chronic and preventive medical care services. In addition to diagnosing and treating illness, they also provide preventive care including routine check-ups, health risk assessments, immunization and screening tests, and personalized counseling for maintaining a healthy lifestyle. It’s family physicians who also manage chronic illnesses and coordinate care with other sub specialists. From heart disease, stroke and hypertension, to diabetes, cancer and asthma, family physicians provide primary care for the nation’s most serious health problems. In Fort Bend County, Sugar Land Medical Associates are the premier healthcare service providers in the Sugar Land area. Located in the one-story white stucco and glass office center at 14815 Southwest Freeway, Sugar Land Medical Associates has a focus on preventive medicine and health maintenance by providing wellness exams, routine and sports physicals, and patient education. In a calm and relaxing atmosphere, Dr. Alan J. Reichman and Dr. Abraham K. Peringol provide nearly 45 years of combined experience. “We offer quality healthcare for the entire family. Each individual is equally served. Your wait is short and our highly skilled service-orientated bilingual staff, combined with a facility uniquely designed for all your diagnostic testing, which helps ensure that every patient receives the most accurate results on lab studies. We accept most major insurance coverage providers. Rest assured we strive to assure the same high standards of quality, technical skills and customer service.” “We help our patients share in the responsibility of exercising good health practices for themselves and their families. Our healthcare practice offers “same-day” appointments with 24-hour coverage in case of emergency and easy referrals to other physicians, as needed.” Our office provides medical care for most primary care conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, hypertension, thyroid disease, as routine physical exams and check ups, behavioral disorder management, well woman and well male exams, minor wound care, preventive care and cancer screening, skin lesion removal, school and camp physicals, worker compensation, travel and routine immunizations, pre-employment physicals, seasonal flu vaccinations, drug screenings,

Fort Bend Business Journal • January 2011

Dr. Alan J. Reichman

diet and weight counseling and treatment, Botox treatments, exercise/ workout routines, smoking cessation, sports medicine and injuries, cholesterol monitoring, and chronic disease management. Three languages - English, Spanish, Malayalam - are spoken in the office. These family physicians provide employment, purchase goods and services and even generate income to other health care organizations. A recent study by the Robert Graham Center for Policy Studies evaluated the impact of family physicians generation of income for other local health care organizations such as hospitals and nursing homes. The study found that in Texas, family physicians have an economic impact of $1,114,843 per doctor, per year. The total impact of family physicians in Texas is estimated to be $5,370,200,197 per year. The Commonwealth Fund’s Commission on a High Performance Health System seeks to move the United States toward a health care system that achieves better access, improved states that the United States cannot achieve a high performing healthcare system without

Fort Bend/Katy

Dr. Abraham K. Peringol

“…developing the workforce required to foster patient-centered primary care…” Furthermore, the American Academy of Family Physicians, American Academy of Pediatrics, American College of Physicians and American Osteopathic Association have called for a patient-centered medical home for all Americans. Dr. Reichman is a graduate of Witwatersand Medical School in Johannesburg, South Africa. He completed an intership in Family Practice at Johannesburg General Hospital and his residency at South Africa Military Hospital in Pretoria, South Africa. Since 2005, he has been board certified in Clinical Lipidology, doctors that help manage your cholesterol and find treatments that will fit your needs. In the United States, nearly one-third of individuals over the age of 20 have high cholesterol, a risk factor for both heart attacks and strokes. This new type of medical specialist has emerged to treat the legions of patients who have this potentially lifethreatening cardiovascular condition. He continues to hold medical licenses in South Africa and Texas since the late 60’s and early 70’s. His professional affiliations and medical society memberships for

the past four decades have included the American Medical Association, Harris County Medical Society and the Texas Medical Association. His vast years of clinical experiences have included private practice and group associations in Sugar Land, Stafford and Houston. His hospital appointments and service have included Chairman of the Board at Fort Bend Community Hospital in Stafford, January 1986 – December 1988; Chief of Staff, Fort Bend Community Hospital, January 1986 – December 1988; and Vice Chief of Staff, January 1982 – December 1986. In 1997 he co-authored “Triiodothyronine (T3) Treatment of Euthyroid Fibromyalgia” for the Clinical Bulletin of Myofacial Therapy. His research experience as a principal investigator has included as many as 19 projects in the Treatment of Community Acquired Respiratory Tract Infections. (BMS), asthmatic subjects, AntiDepressant medications and their sexual dysfunction side effects, usuage and treatment efficacy, Control of Bowel Urgency in Females, comparison of the efficacy and tolerability of Celecoxib Vs. Ibuprofen In Ankle Sprain Protocol, Cardiovascular Treatment Assessment, Compare Rate Of Remission in Patients with Major Depressive Disorder, Type 2 Diabetic subjects; The Impact of Medical Subspecialty on Patient Compliance to Treatment, Identification of Migraine Headache Among Self-described and/or Physican Diagnosed Sinus Headache Sufferers, and Respiratory Tract Infections in Usual Care Settings, Acute Ankle Sprains, Detection of Colorectal Neoplasia in Average Risk Patients, Glycemic Control In Type 2 Diabetic Subjects, and Type 2 Diabetes with Inadequate Glycrinic Control, and Subjects with major Depressive Disorders. Every day is business as usual for these two physicians. The few changes that have occurred over the years are produced externally. “The practice has experienced the addition of more paperwork because insurance companies try and prevent us from writing prescriptions for branded products versus generics, “ says Reichman, who specializes in clinical lipidology as well as family medicine. “Aspirations for 2011 are to see the practice grow and to continue to serve a diverse group of patients,” he adds. “The emphasis these days is to practice preventative medicine and this involves patients coming in for routine physicals rather than only coming in when very sick.” “I still feel a passion and challenge every day I come in to the office,” says Reichman, who tries to stay healthy himself by engaging in physical activities such as walking, cycling, tennis and yes.... ballroom dancing. Abraham Peringol, M.D. specializes in Family practice, emergency room management, and sports medicine. He is a graduate of the University of the West Indies-School of Medicine in St. Augustine, Trinidad with a M.B.B.S. and completed research with Anthony Chen, MD, at the University of the West Indies -Anesthetics Department. He is licensed and certified by the American College of Occupational and Environmental Medicine and remains an active member. He is a diplomat and board certified with the American Board of Family Medicine, and a fully licensed physician with the Texas State Medical Board and Arkansas State Medical Board. continued on page 32 January 2011 • Fort Bend Business Journal

continued on page 33 He serves as a company physician with West Houston Medical Center and on the Physician Advisory Council for HCA. He serves as Voluntary Faculty/Preceptor, Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine, Texas Women’s University and the Texas Statewide Family Medicine Preceptorship Program. He joined Sugar Land Medical Associates in 2009 and serves as an Emergency Room physician at St. Michael’s Emergency Center in Sugar Land. In 2007, Dr. Peringol served as a resident at the University of Arkansas for Medical Services - AHEC SW, in Texarkana, Arkansas and graduated from the Family Practice Residency Program in June, 2009. From 2007-2009, he served as an Emergency Room Physician at Medical Park Hospital in Hope, Arkansas, and other hospitals in the state. From 2006-2007, he served as an Intern, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences-AHEC SW, Texarkana, Arkansas in the Family Practice Residency Program In 2005 and 2006, Dr. Peringol was an Inpatient Services Coordinator at MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston where he organized, prioritized and executed multiple tasks at one time within the nursing resource pool to provide optimum service. During a short stint in 2005, he was an observer in Orthopedic Surgery with Dr. Thomas J. Parr, MD, PA, in Sugar Land where he assessed both pre-and post-operative patients in the clinic to broaden knowledge of respective diagnoses and management. During the early 2000’s, Dr. Peringol served as a Library Assistant of Youth Services for Fort Bend County Libraries where he provided expertise of various computer software, a mentor and tutor at the University of the West Indies-School of Medicine in Mt. Hope, Trinidad, where he instructed first and second-year clinical students in Medicine and General Surgery, provided Diabetic Patient Care Education in Arouca, Trinidad and presented lectures on current preventive care to adult patients and Modifiable Risk Factors in Coronary Heart Disease in Chaguanas, Trinidad, immunized infants for Mass Polio Vaccination in Manipal, India, and lectured to married couples on Family Planning Patient Education in Udupi, India, and served as an administrative assistant at Trinity Home Health Care, Inc., in Bethany, Oklahoma, to enhance greater patient care. His commitment to communities plays an enormous factor in his life and practice. For three years he served as a Volunteer Team Physician, Arkansas High School Athletics, Texarkana, Arkansas, where he provide medical assistance and care for on-field games and practice sessions. From 2006-2009, he served as a Volunteer Medical Advisory Board Physician. Legends Gym & Health Club in Texarkana, where he provided advice for health concerns and instruct in proper fitness regimen and as Volunteer Medical Advisory Board Physician for Opportunities, Inc., Texarkana, Texas where he provided medical advice and suggestions for nursing staff in the care of specialneeds children and adults. He also served on the Ethics Committee, Wadley Regional Medical Center, Texarkana, Electronic Medical Records Committee, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences AHEC SW, Texarkana, where he was involved in the implementation and maintenance of a new clinical/practice management. From 2004-2009, he was a Big Brother for Compassion International in Kerala, India, which provides for the welfare of an orphan. In 2004-2005, he was a Volunteer Instructor in Sugar Land where

Fort Bend Business Journal • January 2011

Dr. Abraham K. Peringol and Dr. Alan J. Reichman

he taught immigrant Indians basic Internet, Microsoft Office and typewriting skills. He has also served Thanksgiving feasts at the George R. Brown Convention Center, and has assisted as a volunteer instructor to youth eager to learn the Malayalam language. He is currently a member of the American College of Occupational and Environmental Medicine (ACOEM) and Texas College of Occupational and Environmental Medicine (TCOEM). Memberships also include the American Medical Association (AMA), American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP), American College of Sports Medicine (ACOSM), American Society for Colposcopy and Cervical Pathology (ASCCP), Texas Medical Rangers (TMR), American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI), Texas Indo-American Physicians Society (TIPS), and Indian Doctors Association of Houston (IDA). In 2010 Dr. Peringol was presented “America’s Top Family Doctors” award by SLD Industries, Inc. In 2009 he received the “On-Time Physician” award by American Registry. Others have included “Patients’ Choice Award”, “America’s Most Compassionate Doctors,” and “Patients’ Choice Award” by American Registry. Dr. Peringol and his family returned to the Sugar Land area after his residency and a practice in both East Texas and Arkansas. His vast experience in Family Practice, Emergency Medicine, Urgent Care and an interest in Sports Medicine since his youth opens the doors to a variety of patients that may be seen either for illness or well-being. “I enjoy practicing medicine and believe in traditional quality healthcare for the entire family,” he adds. “We incorporate new technology with cutting-edge equipment.” Dr. Peringol treats children from six years old and up, as well as adults of all ages. These services include routine physical exams and checkups, well-woman exams, preventive care, routine office procedures, immunizations, diagnostic services such as EKGs, and minor in-office procedures. In his spare time, Dr. Peringol enjoys cooking, tennis, reading, and spending time with his family. Sugar Land Medical Associates is open for your convenience. For additional information contact them at (281) 565-2140 or visit their website at www.sugarlandmedicalassociates.com to meet your medical needs. H

M E D I C I N E

Medical Talks

By Dr. Azul Jaffer

OakBend Medical Center

Erase any trace of stress with simple, effective beauty strategies Not sparkling as brilliantly as your holiday decorations this season? Unplug and reset. There are some simple things you can do to immediately revitalize your skin and reenergize for those holiday parties. Often more effective than pricy, perfumed over-the-counter anti aging creams, these frequently ignored steps can yield tremendous results and rapid aesthetic appeal: • Drinking more water. • Removing makeup every evening before bed. • Exfoliating regularly. Drinking more water and hydrating skin from the inside out is one of the most valuable beauty tips there is. No man-made hydrating cream can compare to the benefits that the skin derives from water consumption. Water keeps the skin hydrated and preserves its elasticity. Water also keeps the body perpetually cleansed – helping to remove toxins quickly

out of the system. This is particularly important during the season of eating, drinking and late night merriment. When toxins build up in our body, the harmful effects are inevitably reflected in our outward appearance – in the form of skin discoloration, rashes, acne, poor nails and more. Removing makeup every night is very important. While it is easy to succumb to fatigue and forego this important step, leaving makeup on will age the skin at an accelerated rate. Makeup not only clogs pores, which battle the daily build up of dirt and pollution as well, but also prolongs the skin’s exposure to less than healthy ingredients found in many different types of foundations and powders. Cleaning the skin nightly allows the skin to breath and reduces risk of bacteria buildup. Exfoliation helps remove dead skin cells, which result from the natural regeneration of cells. Reducing the buildup of dead skin cells

will allow new cells to help promote a healthy glow difficult to duplicate with makeup. By committing to these simple daily habits, the other cosmetic products and procedures in which you invest will yield maximum benefit – as they work best when supported by a healthy body and healthy habits. Dr. Azul Jaffer is passionate about education and offers free consultations in order to promote the responsible use of cosmetic products and procedures. He obtained his Medical Degree and specialized in surgery at the University of Massachusetts in Pittsfield, MA. He completed the fellowship program in Plastic Surgery at Tulane University in New Orleans and today has hospital privileges at OakBend Medical Center. Log onto www.azulplasticsurgery.com to learn more about Dr. Jaffer, or send questions and concerns to Houston@doctor.com. H

January 2011 • Fort Bend Business Journal

New Year Resolutions for 2011 By Dori Wind Susan and Bud Friedman stated, “With regard to our real estate business, both commercial and residential, we Susan Friedman faced new challenges in 2010. We, in the real estate industry, had to work a little harder to get transactions closed! However, challenges always present opportunities for learning and incentives for Bud Friedman thinking creatively. We are encouraged by the recent improvement in the market and look forward to 2011. We will continue in the New Year to thank God for our family, friends, business and this great country in which we live.” The Friedmans own Fort Bend Real Estate Corporation. Dr. David Rothschild said: “As a physician I am hopeful that this New Year will bring healthcare to those in need. I hope despite all the politics, fanfare, and criticism, David Rothschild Americans without health insurance, will eventually all be covered and we can focus on delivering quality health care to all the residents of Fort Bend County and this nation. As a General Internist, I am part of a dying breed of generalists, as new doctors rush to specialties and perceived greater incomes and respect. I am hopeful that new medical students will discover the joys of working with families over several generations as I have after my 30 years in Fort Bend County. I still enjoy meeting new patients and working to help them and I still feel honored that they entrust their private lives in my hands.” James Wong said, “Besides eating right and exercising more, I intend to become more involved in the local community; spend more time with my parents and three year old granddaughter; and resume my

hobby of painting.” (James is a member of an Amateur Painting Club and several of his paintings were donated and auctioned at the annual ARC Gala of Fort Bend. ) James Wong is a James Wong recently retired engineer from Jacobs Engineering, and former owner of Epsilon Engineering, which was acquired by Jacobs Engineering. Josete Davis resolved, “I will stay positive in 2011 and keep positive no matter what changes occur. I resolve to find a good fulltime job where I can make an impact Josete Davis on helping other people. When I find that special fulltime job I will appreciate it more. I also learned this past year and will remember into the future to not waste money as I did in the past.” Josete Davis is a part-time hair stylist in Stafford and single mother of two children. Jennifer Rolnick stated: “I resolve to pass my NASM Certified Personal Trainer Examination, to live life to the fullest; and to enjoy both listening to and singing great jazz Jennifer Rolnick music. I also hope to increase my volunteer work and singing at several charitable organizations.” Jennifer is a contract lawyer in the area. “To find forever homes for all the shelter animals in Sugar Land. To have wonderful families adopt the cats and dogs that currently live here. We welcome the Shay Faulkner & Merlin community to come by and visit us at 101 Gillingham Lane, Sugar Land.” Shay Faulkner is an animal shelter coordinator for the city of Sugar Land.

Fort Bend Business Journal • January 2011

continued from page 23 my hometown believes in education.” The Sugar Land campus hums from morning to late at night. Some 20,000 cars shuffle in and out of this 250-acre center every day. Besides the regular daytime classes, there are scores of nighttime and weekend studies. Scores of classes are available by Internet. McCrohan notes that the two huge three-story buildings already are beginning to fill up. Some days the buildings are at “peak” capacity. It may not be long before more facilities will be needed, particularly if enrollments continue rising at the current pace. While land space is available, what are prospects for more buildings? “Not good,” says the president. Fortunately , the George Foundation has been a major angel to WCJC through the years, but much more financial support would be needed. A library already is scheduled for next Fall which will serve the community as well as the two schools, and will feature the latest in electronic technology. What about athletics on campus? Not likely since that department probably would need a lot of added infrastructure and wouldn’t pay its way for a long time. The availability, the convenience, the economy of quality education without the costs associated with out of town private and state universities, such as room and board, and travel, makes WCJC an attractive option for students throughout Fort Bend County. As Gene Reed, chairman of the George Foundation Board of Directors, stated, “…providing an opportunity for students to earn college degrees without having to leave Fort Bend County is a great way to invest in the future of this community.”

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

www.FortBendChamber.com

Fort Bend Chamber Membership

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

Welcome New Members A Beautiful Smile @ Lake Pointe

Pabulum Consulting, LLC

Hygeia Enviro-Clean, Inc.

Sugar Land Professional Baseball

Matt Work, Owner 5568 W. Grand Parkway South Richmond, TX 77406 832-595-0100 Golf Specialties

D & G Pharmacy

Dorothy Samson, Manager 8775 S. Gessner Drive Houston, TX 77074 713-771-1558 Pharmacies

DSTech Solutions

Sam Urick, Business & Technical Analyst / Partner 126 Aster Ln Lake Jackson, TX 77566 713-893-8636 Business Assistance

Finial Group

Taylor Schmidt, Broker Associate 1990 Post Oak Blvd #1370 Houston, TX 77056 713-422-2092 Real Estate, Commercial

Founder & Principal Attorney 1200 Soldiers Field Dr., #100 Sugar Land, TX 77479 281-265-2522 Attorney(s) at Law

Dan Leone, Owner 11314 Windfern Houston, TX 77064 281-970-1500 Janitorial Services

Imperial Texaco

Shelina Jamani, Owner 7800 Hwy 90 A Sugar Land, TX 77478 281-494-7189 Gas Station

Life Line Screening

Tom McCracken, Transition Account Coordinator 4645 Fulton Dr. NW Canton, OH 77461 800-897-7177 x 1425 Health Care

Mijasco Construction Ltd. Co. Mike Zapalac, Founder 814 John Albert Drive East Bernard, TX 77435 979-257-6022 General Contractors

Ferrel Bonner, President P.O. Box 741 Fresno, TX 77545 713-538-4719 Private Investigations

Christopher Hill, Vice President 16160 City Walk Sugar Land Town Square Sugar Land, TX 77479 832-278-5510 Sports, Professional

Texas Urban Smile Dentistry

Behrouz Alirezaei, Owner 50 Sugar Creek Center Blvd. #150 Sugar Land, TX 77478 281-277-1545 Dentists

Texwood Shows, Inc.

Tony Wood, President 2260 West Holcombe Blvd,#117 Houston, TX 77030 832-274-3944 Marketing Services

Zsushi & Wine Bar

Markus Gaulke, President 9050 Highway 6, #120 Missouri City, TX 77459 281-778-2633 Restaurants

www.FortBendChamber.com January 2011 â&#x20AC;˘ Fort Bend Business Journal

Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce Newsletter

Lance Jue, Owner 1447 Highway 6, #100 Sugar Land, TX 77478 281-277-9200 Dentists

George R. Willy P.C.

Golf Etc.

We Believe in You, Thanks for Believing in US! 1 Year Terra Associates, Inc. Vickie Henkel, 713-993-0333

St. Luke’s Sugar Land Hospital Jim Levermann, 281-637-7005

Mitha Law Firm, P.C. Iqbal Mitha, 713-621-4555

Verum Solutions, Inc. Namita Asthana, 281-242-4186

Principal Financial Group Wesley Forte, 713-783-1818 2 Years Prime Communications, LP Naushad Kermally, 281-240-7800 Anco WessendorffInsurance Austin Evans, 281-342-6837

Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce Newsletter

Emerus 24 hour Emergency Room Toby Hamilton, 281-277-0911

Emerson Process Management Joyce McCormick, 281-499-1561 Oximtech, Inc. John Oommen, 832-573-8800 Sugar Land Plastic Surgery John T. Nguyen, 281-980-3661 Skeeter’s Mesquite Grill Ciro Arriaga, 281-980-0066 Renaissance Physician Organization Southwest IPA Richele Rainosek, 832-553-3300 Silverado Hospice of Sugar Land Cindy Scott, 281-565-2900 The Enchanted Forest Cindy Bowers, 281-937-9449 Sugar Land Medical Associates Alan J. Reichman, 281-565-2140 3 Years Moody National Bank Rich Mahabir, 281-998-3337 Wall 2 Wall Insurance Services Rand R. Wall, 281-313-9255 Intergrasys Technologies, Inc. Shoby John, 281-325-8000

Gateway at Sienna Plantation Anita Alvarado, 281-778-4800 Christian Brothers Automotive David Funderburg, 281-499-4499 Hillwood Residential Lisa Chahin, 713-609-9219 Trustmark National Bank Mark Wagert, 281-403-5002 Perdue, Brandon, Fielder, Collins & Mott, LLP Michael J. Siwierka, 713-862-1860 4 Years UNETEK Inc. Joel Brown, 281-395-6300 Symphony Inn & Suites Mike Desai, 281-933-5550 Jamail and Smith Construction Kippy Caraway, 281-461-7075 Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Houston - Fort Bend Amanda Baker, 281-207-2330 6 Years The Mathis Group Elizabeth Lee, 281-265-6028 Greater Houston Transportation Co. Mike Spears, 713-428-5702

7 Years P.F. Chang’s China Bistro Jimi D. Cagle, 281-313-8650 Becks Prime Sugarland Ltd. Mike Knapp, 281-497-4269 BalyProjects, LLC Jacqueline Baly Chaumette, 713-524-4676 8 Years Princeton Classic Homes / Legend Homes Carly Crawford, 281-671-9000 Star Furniture Company Bill Barnum, 281-342-7827 Stafford Oaks Veterinary Hospital Kathy Gibson, 281-499-3538 Freese and Nichols, Inc. Jeff Taylor, 713-600-6800 Sterling McCall Automotive Group Mike Shaw, 888-299-3558 Sterling McCall Acura Lee, Mitchell, 713-596-2300 Sterling McCall Lexus Joey Dupuis, 713-995-2600 Sterling McCall Nissan Steve Dean,281-243-8600 Sterling McCall Toyota Jerry Bush, 713-270-3900 Vasos Bar-B-Q Frank B. Vasos, 281-242-8585 9 Years NewFirst National Bank Tom Shirley, 832-344-2050

McDonough Engineering Corporation Ranney McDonough, 713-975-9990

Geotech Engineering and Testing David A. Eastwood, 713-699-4000

Ragin Cajun Seafood & Oyster Bar Luke Mandola, 281-277-0704

Calvary Episcopal School Malcolm Smith, 281-342-3161

www.FortBendChamber.com 38

Fort Bend Business Journal • January 2011

www.FortBendChamber.com Milestone Members 10 Years

Sugar Lakes Family Practice, PA

John Vanderzyl, 281-565-2800

Jim Lawless, AIA Architecture Jim Lawless, 281-240-6101

22 Years Fort Bend Family Health Center, Inc. Lynda Bible, 281-633-3106 Dannenbaum Engineering Corporation Alan D. Hirshman, 713-520-9570

Milestone Members 15 Years

Oasis Lifestyles, Ltd.

South Texas Medical Clinics, PA

Ray Aguilar, 281-240-1707

Tejas Surveying, Inc. Randy McClendon, 281-240-9099

First United Methodist Church-Sugar Land

Fort Bend Symphony Orchestra

Martin Nicholas, 281-491-6041

24 Years Garrett-Boyd, D.D.S., M.S., Inc. F.A. Garrett, 281-980-3900

Charla Kulcak, 281-342-6006

Amy Floyd, 281-276-9642

Kevin McCune, 832-223-0000

Houston Baptist University

16 Years Cy Sanders, CPA, 281-491-9100

Texana Center George Patterson, 281-239-1300 Consolidated Communications David Woodham, 866-989-2255 12 Years Laserzone Gary Wilhide, 281-277-2900 Storage Choice Pamela Knight, 281-313-3000 13 Years Process Resources, Inc. Gloria Staszak, 281-240-0955 Hampton Inn / Stafford Ryan Matlock, 281-565-0559

Robert Sloan, 281-649-3206

Ashton Woods Homes Shannon Parker, 281-561-7773

26 Years Brown & Gay Engineers, Inc. Pam Robinson, 281-558-8700

17 Years Phillip Hamman, III, PLLC Phillip Hamman, 281-494-2299

27 Years Pate Engineers, Inc. Jeff E. Ross, 713-462-3178

19 Years David Taylor Cadillac / Buick / GMC David Taylor, Jr., 713-777-7151 John R. St. John Construction, Inc. John R. St. John, 281-494-8300

Milestone Members 20 Years

Champion Technologies, Inc. Nell Ciancarelli, 713-627-3303

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

www.FortBendChamber.com January 2011 â&#x20AC;˘ Fort Bend Business Journal

Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce Newsletter

11 Years Nationwide Insurance Jim Murray, 281-499-0377

Milestone Members 25 Years

Lamar CISD

www.FortBendChamber.com CUTT

RIBBON

INGS

The Houston Museum of Natural Science at Sugar Land 13016 University Blvd. Sugar Land, TX 77479 (281) 313-2277

Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce Newsletter

The mission of the Houston Museum of Natural Science is to preserve and advance the general knowledge of natural science, to enhance in individuals the knowledge of and delight in natural science and related subjects, and to maintain and promote a museum of the first class. The Museum’s mission is carried out in every project, program and exhibition associated with the Museum, including HMNS at Sugar Land The City of Sugar Land and HMNS began a dialogue in late 2004 as part of ongoing efforts to further the development of cultural arts within the City. HMNS at Sugar Land prides itself as one of the premiere venues for school field trips from Fort Bend and surrounding areas. The combined efforts of Newland Communities, the City of Sugar Land and the Houston Museum of Natural Science culminated in the opening of HMNS at Sugar Land on October 3, 2009. The Museum is open Monday-Friday 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m.-6 p.m., Sunday 12 p.m.-6 p.m. and Holidays 9 a.m.-6 p.m.

Shape Up Sugar Land 4647 Sweetwater Blvd. Sugar Land, TX 77479 (832) 520-8212

Shape Up Sugar Land, which promotes wellness, raises awareness and encourages activities that adopt healthier lifestyles for the community, recently gathered at the Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce Visitor and Convention Bureau for a ribbon cutting ceremony to mark the organization’s re-launch. The 501(c) nonprofit organization will be shaping up Sugar Land residents with a soon-to-be available website (www.ShapeUpSugarland.org) that will comprehensively list opportunities for healthy exercise, nutritional intake, and overall health and wellness information. This community resource will also include restaurants providing healthy meals and local health events. Participation opportunities for local organizations are available at multiple levels. To learn more about these sponsorships, contact Shape Up Sugar Land President Nicole Volek at Nicole@voleck. us”Nicole@voleck.us or (832) 520-8212.

www.FortBendChamber.com 40

Fort Bend Business Journal • January 2011

www.FortBendChamber.com CUTT

RIBBON

INGS

SugarLandPC

15531 Southwest Freeway Sugar Land, TX 77478 281-494-0894 SugarLandPC offers Fort Bend’s best computer sales, support and repair services. SugarLandPC has been in business since 2003 serving both the PC and Mac needs of residential and commercial computer users throughout Fort Bend County and the Houston area.

While SugarLandPC is widely known for their excellent on-site residential service, helping over 3,500 different households with their computers since 2003, they also provide rapid response server, network and desktop support services to more than 300 small businesses and churches and even to many non-profit organizations like The Arc of Fort Bend, Fort Bend Habitat for Humanity and The Amobi Okoye Foundation. To see how SugarLandPC can help you with your computer needs, feel free to stop by their new location, call them at 281-494-0894 or visit them online at SugarLandPC.com

National ProSource Staffing Services 9494 Southwest Freeway, Suite 300 Houston, TX 77074 713-272-8800

National ProSource, is locally owned and has been serving Houston and Fort Bend for over 20 years, by providing contract, contract to hire and direct hire Information Technology and Healthcare professionals. Dependability, Quality and Customer Service has earned ProSource the following awards: *Forbes - 2010 Leading Staffing Firm, *CareerBuilder - Best in Staffing, and *Texas Monthly Magazine – Most Dependable in Staffing. They understand that hiring a professional is not simply based on skill sets or credentials, but rather possessing the “soft skills” as well. That is why they thoroughly qualify each candidate (face-to-face interview, background, references, skill testing and drug if requested) to ensure not only an accurate skill match but also a great cultural fit, based on personality. National ProSource - Delivering Quality Candidates with Outstanding Customer Service for 20 years! We look forward to helping you move forward with your staffing needs. www.TechnicalProSource.com for IT staffing needs & www.MedicalProSource.com for Healthcare staffing needs.

www.FortBendChamber.com January 2011 • Fort Bend Business Journal

Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce Newsletter

SugarLandPC is excited about their brand new location at 15531 Southwest Freeway at Williams Trace in the First Colony Commons shopping center between The Home Depot and Babies R Us. This move brings the company closer to most of their customers and promises to bring them lots of new walk-in customers.

www.FortBendChamber.com CUTT

RIBBON

INGS

Imperial Texaco

Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce Newsletter

7800 Hwy 90 A Sugar Land, TX 77478 281-4947189

On November 12, 2010, Texaco Gas Station/ Imperial Food Mart, located next to Imperial Park on Highway 90 at 7800 Hwy 90A in Sugar Land Texas, conducted an official ribbon-cutting ceremony to inaugurate its Grand Opening. The actual ribbon was cut by Sugar Land’s own Council Member, Mr. Thomas Abraham. Others in attendance include representatives of: Great Houston’s Retailers Association, Moody National Bank, Thomas Petroleum, Silver Eagle Distributing Company, Grocery Supply Company, Wallis State Bank, Red Bull, MD & Associates and many more. The recently renovated gas station has a new canopy, new gas pumps, and a remodeled interior. The station also has a huge parking lot for easy access for large vehicles and a large lunch room with Wi-Fi for its customers. In addition, offers all homemade hamburgers, fajitas, tortillas, and many more mouth watering combinations. This station guarantees to provide the community with friendly, efficient customer service and is definitely worth a visit.

UPCOMING EVENTS IN 2011 JANUARY

FEBRUARY

Leadership Forum : Criminal & Judicial Session Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce Wednesday, Jan. 5

Chairman’s Gala – “An International Soiree” Safari Texas Saturday, Feb 5, 6:30 p.m.

Education Division Dr. Margaret Rice speaks about the “LEAD” program Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce Friday, Jan 7, 7:30 a.m.

Business & Professional Christine Spray – “Building an Effective Pipeline” Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce Wednesday, Feb 9, 11:30 a.m.

Leadership for Nonprofit Excellence Assembling the Workforce Session Wednesday, Jan 12

Government Relations Division Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce Monday, Feb 14, 11:30 a.m.

Business & Professional Planning for 2011 w/ Glenn Smith Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce Wednesday, Jan. 12, 11:30 a.m.

CYP – Lunch & Learn Financial Planning for Young Professionals Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce Wednesday, Feb 16, 11:30 a.m.

“State of the City – Sugar Land” Sugar Land Town Square Marriott Friday, Jan. 14, 7:30 a.m.

Infrastructure Division Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce Thursday, Feb 24, 7:30 a.m.

Infrastructure Division Meeting Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce Thursday, Jan. 27, 7:30 a.m.

Community Resources Division YIP Countywide Park Project Saturday, Feb 26

CYP Kickoff Mixer Azuma on the Lake Thursday, Jan. 27, 5:00 p.m.

Community Resources Division Children at Risk - Future of Fort Bend Children Tuesday, Feb 28, 8 a.m.

www.FortBendChamber.com 42

Fort Bend Business Journal • January 2011

Upcoming Chamber Events

Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce Newsletter

Municipal & County Governemt Thank you to our sponsors:

Nalco Company Premier Wireless

www.FortBendChamber.com January 2011 â&#x20AC;˘ Fort Bend Business Journal

Upcoming Chamber Events

An International Soiree A Fort Bend Chamber Celebration

Saturday, February 5, 2011 Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce Newsletter

Safari Texas Ranch

11627 FM 1464 Rd Sugar Land, TX 77498

Cocktail Reception - 6:30 p.m. Dinner - 7:30 p.m. Programs, Recognition & Premier Entertainment Live Entertainment & Dancing Complementary Wine & Cocktails Black Tie Optional Complementary Valet

For information contact Shauna Williams 281.491.0277 or Shauna@fortbendcc.org www.FortBendChamber.com 44

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

FORT BEND Hyatt Place Hotel Sugar Land Grand Opening Ken Stokes, Vice President of Operations Western Region for Select Hotels Group Ken Harris, Senior Vice President of Owned and Managed Operations for Hyatt Hotels & Resorts Richard Morgan.

The exterior Hyatt Place Houston/Sugar Land was lit green for the Grand Opening Green Light Gala.

Keri Schmidt, Manish Asthana and Namita Asthana.

Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce Christmas Luncheon Party

Megan Mockhorn & Ted Yolf

Chuck Carr, Nory Mims and Ron Rice

Global Head, Franchise and Select Operations for Hyatt Hotels & Resorts Gary Dollens, City of Sugar Land Mayor Pro Tem Thomas Abraham, Sarah Abraham and Hyatt Place Houston/Sugar Land General Manager Michael Gleeson.

Steve & Kelli Metzenthin, and David Smith

Derrick Mitchell, Henry Chamber and Jim Rice

As part of Hyatt Place Houston/Sugar Land’s recent grand opening celebration, the hotel was a drop-off location for Santa’s Exchange. Hyatt Place employees and representatives from the Exchange Club of Sugar Land gathered to collect the toys. Pictured are (Back Row: L-R) Anas Khallaayoun, Linda Cahue, Shawn Weiner, Allison Gullet, Exchange Club Board Member Jake Messinger, Michael Gleeson, Exchange Club John Robson, (Front Row: L-R) Tina Nguyen, Elisha Lewis, Selma Samad, Kristen Williams and Shirly Chai. Santa’s Exchange celebrates its 15th anniversary this year providing toys for children in need in the Sugar Land community. Photo by Aventography Studios.

BIG SHOTS

NAMES IN THE NEWS Susan Distefano named CEO of Children’s Memorial Hermann Hospital “Her strong leadership, commitment to clinical excellence and extensive experience in healthcare administration will translate into exceptional experiences for our patients and employees,” says Cordola. As CEO, Distefano will lead the operations of Children’s Memorial Hermann Hospital and Women’s Services, as well as

ensure the continued growth of children’s services throughout the nine hospitals in the Memorial Hermann System. In addition to this role, she also will continue to serve as assistant clinical professor at The University of Texas School of Nursing and Texas Woman’s University. “I am eager to join the Memorial Hermann

Katy financial advisor Craig Narum selected 2010 5-Star Wealth Manager Craig Narum of Trisperity Wealth Advisory Group was selected as a TexasMonthly 2010 FIVE STAR Wealth Manager in the Houston region. This is the second year for Craig to receive this prestigious award. The Five Star rating is based upon a survey of 190,000 high-net-worth households in the Greater Houston region and 2,000 financial industry professionals. The survey included an evaluation on nine criteria, a review of regulatory actions and complaints, and screening by final selection committee. Craig Narum was one of 381 out of the 22,500 Houston area wealth managers (< 2%) selected. “Trisperity Wealth Advisory Group was grateful to receive the award for a second year. Many Americans have experienced personal financial turmoil over the last two years and

Trisperity remains committed to serving our clients with the high quality they expect,” states Narum. Craig is a chemical engineering graduate of Craig Narum Oklahoma University and after working in the gas and oil industry, he decided to become a CFP®, a Certified Financial Planner. A certified financial planner is required to complete 15 credit hours of classes before passing a 10-hour exam. Trisperity Wealth Advisory Group has provided financial advice in the Katy area for 10 years. Craig and Denise, his wife, have three children in KISD, where they are active in band, Junior Achievement, and Boy Scouts activities.

Ron Paul named chairman of House monetary subcommittee Ron Paul (R-TX) has been named the chairman of the House monetary policy subcommittee that oversees the Federal Reserve. His task begins this month. Faced with challenges, it promises to be a miserable time for the Fed chairman as he is peppered with hostile questions at oversight hearings and with legislation to force complete audits of Fed operations. Paul has always been a critic of the Federal Reserve. Paul says he will push the Federal Reserve to be more transparent. When asked what his first priority in leading the subcommittee will be, Paul

responded: “To perform oversight of the Federal Reserve. That’s the purpose of the committee and that’s what I’ll do. The best oversight is to get transparency of Ron Paul the Fed, which means we need a full audit of the Fed. We’ve gained a lot of attention on that and it’s been popularized to the point where we had 320 cosponsors last year. We’re moving along and I think the markets are moving in our direction, too.”

Fort Bend Business Journal • January 2011

family and work to further enhance the healthcare system’s outstanding national reputation,” said Distefano. “Having begun my nursing career with Memorial Hermann three decades ago, Susan Distefano it is a privilege for me to again play a role in ensuring the best possible outcomes for our region’s youngest patients.” Distefano previously served Memorial Hermann in a variety of positions including Neonatal Transport Nurse on the LifeFlight(R) Transport team and Nurse Manager of the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. Most recently, she was Senior Vice President of Patient Care Services and Chief Nursing Officer at Texas Children’s Hospital, where she held executive and budgetary responsibility for clinical services. Among her many achievements, Distefano received the prestigious President’s Award and “Nurse of the Year” designation from the Texas Nurses Association and the Distinguished Alumni award from The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth) Medical School. Distefano earned a bachelors degree in nursing from The University of Texas at Austin and a master of science degree in nursing from UTHealth Nursing School. She is board certified in Nursing Administration, Advanced by the American Nurses Credentialing Center. She serves on the board of directors of the National Association of Children’s Hospitals (NACHRI), as well as on the boards of nonprofits DePelchin Children’s Center and The Joy School. Children’s Memorial Hermann is a 240bed hospital dedicated to pediatric and neonatal care with an additional 68 beds dedicated to women’s services. The hospital’s special compassion and healing expertise has distinguished it as one of the finest children’s hospitals in the nation. In partnership with the University of Texas Medical School, Children’s Memorial Hermann specialists provide care for more than 120,000 patient visits annually, including the tiniest premature infants, children and adolescents.

Submit Newsworthy items to sharon@fortbendstar.com

B A N K I N G

Money Talks

By Tim Stubenrouch

First Community Bank, N.A.

Financial resolutions for 2011 It would not be the New Year if we did not take time to talk about resolutions. These resolutions are focused on our financial health and well-being not only in the New Year, but also beyond. Here are our Top Ten: 1. Make a budget – there is no time like the beginning of a new calendar year to create a budget if you have never had one, or update and extend the one you are using. 2. Keep your financial inventory current. Make that list and check it twice during the year so that you know where your money is and what it is doing. 3. Pay off debt. And remember to check the interest rates on any credit card debt that you do have. 4. Reduce spending. One way to increase our income is to lower what we spend for

things that are not essential. 5. Make a savings plan. Set a goal and plan how to achieve that goal. 6. Save for retirement. Whatever your own work status there is either retirement in the future for you or someone near to you that will affect you or you are already experiencing retirement and the financial considerations it brings. 7. Protect your assets, both physically and financially. 8. Choose the right financial partners in your banker, insurance agent, broker, realtor and others that help you handle your money. 9. Check your financial security system. From FDIC coverage for your money to the right insurance for your home, auto and life, regular checks of our financial security will help protect our future.

10. Invest wisely. We put our hardearned money in banks, the stock market, real estate and other investments expecting not only that we will get our money back from those investments, but also that we will gain a return on our investment. We need to be sure we do our homework and make the best decision possible. As we have for the past several years, we will focus on these topics throughout 2011. May your New Year be successful and prosperous! Tim Stubenrouch is a Columnist for the Fort Bend Business Journal and is with First Community Bank, N.A., President - Fort Bend, 13135 Dairy Ashford, Suite 250, Sugar Land, TX 77478. He can be reached at 281242-2262, fax: 281-242-1522, or email at stubenrouch@firstcommunitybank.net. H

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

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

• Taxation • Tax Controversies • Litigation Support

Alan Sandersen

• Audits of Commercial and Governmental entities • Construction Companies

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

281.242-3232 www.sktx.com

January 2011 • Fort Bend Business Journal

NEWSWORTHY

First Colony Mall announces popular retailer Francesca’s to open January 29 According to First Colony Mall Manager Donna Molho, Francesca’s, the unique boutique featuring the latest in women’s clothing, jewelry, accessories and gifts, will be opening at the center on Saturday, January 29. The retailer will have 1,450 square feet and will be located near Dillard’s. ‘First Colony Mall and Francesca – it’s a great fit. We have had many customers who have requested that we open a store in Sugar Land and now, the plans are finalized and we will be opening at the end of January,’ says Jessica Gonzalez, who will be the manager at the store when it opens. Headquartered in Houston, Francesca’s Collections is one of the fastest-growing women’s retailers in the country. The retailer features an eclectic, carefully chosen collection of items, taking its inspiration from travelers who search the world for luxuries and gifts for friends and family. With a charming boutique-type ambiance, Francesca’s special-

izes in fashion-forward styles. The company is privately held and has locations in more than 38 states. “We have several new retailers who are on the horizon for this year and Francesca’s is the first of several announcements that will be made in the coming months,” says Donna Molho, general manager of First Colony Mall. “Francesca’s is such a popular store, with a unique offering of merchandise. Certainly it is one of our most requested retailers and we are pleased to be able to welcome them next year. Stay tuned for more fashion news to come.” According to Gonzalez, Francesca’s Collections is seeking fun and talented individuals to work in the new location. Applications are now being accepted for a variety of boutique associate positions. For more information, visit www.firstcolonymall. com/jobs or visit www.francescascollections. com.

The 8 Things Your Staff Hates About You: Change bad management habits If you have ever been in a management position, there’s a good chance you had several pet peeves regarding the employees’ behavior. What you may not realize is they (yes, your employees) probably have a few complaints about you as well. It’s true that oftentimes these complaints can be unreasonable and as a manger, readers need to accept the fact that they can’t always make everyone happy. However, it’s important to know what they can improve on as a leader. When staff members respect their leaders and the way they manage the team, it improves morale. When morale goes up, production goes up. In her latest article, “The 8 Things Your Staff Hates About You: Get More Respect by Changing Bad Management Habits,”

consultant Dr. Rhonda Savage covers common complaints employees have about their bosses and offers you advice on how to change these behaviors. Some of the habits Rhonda covers include the following: • You are too “hands off” and don’t hold employees accountable • You micromanage the staff • You complain about the bad economy and lack of cash flow • You bring your personal life to work Dr. Rhonda Savage is an internationally acclaimed speaker and CEO for a wellknown practice management and consulting business. She is a noted motivational speaker on leadership, women’s issues and communication.

Fort Bend Business Journal • January 2011

TWC sets employer Unemployment Insurance tax rates for 2011 The standard minimum Unemployment Insurance (UI) tax rate paid by Texas employers in Calendar Year (CY) 2011 will be 0.78 percent, up from 0.72 percent in CY 2010. The taxes replenish the Texas Unemployment Compensation Trust Fund which provides unemployment insurance for Texas workers who lose their jobs through no fault of their own. By utilizing a public bond sale strategy and suspending the deficit tax component of the tax rate, TWC stabilized the CY 2011 employer tax rate increase, which was necessary to offset two years of higher UI benefit payments. Taxes would have been significantly higher without the actions taken by the Commission. Employer groups across the state supported this strategy. The minimum tax rates are paid by 213,000 or 63 percent of all experience-rated employers. An employer paying the standard minimum tax will pay $70.20 in tax per employee in CY 2011 compared with $64.80 in tax per employee in CY 2010. In setting tax rates for CY 2011, TWC sought to minimize the effects of any increases and exercise all the authority given to it by state law to hold the tax rates to the lowest and most predictable rates possible. Texas employer UI taxes at the minimum rate remain lower than many other states. Alaska employers at its minimum tax rate pay $201 per employee; Arkansas employers at its minimum tax rate pay $100 per employee; and Illinois employers at its minimum tax rate pay $89 per employee. The maximum UI tax rate, paid by 2.2 percent of Texas experience-rated employers, is 8.25 percent, down from a maximum rate of 8.60 percent in CY 2010. The average tax rate of 2.03 percent for CY 2011 is up from 1.83 percent in CY 2010, while the average experience tax rate of 1.96 percent for CY 2011 is up from 1.74 percent in CY 2010.

Submit Newsworthy items to sharon@fortbendstar.com

Energy XXI closes acquisition of Gulf of Mexico shelf properties from ExxonMobil Energy XXI announces it has completed the purchase of certain shallowwater Gulf of Mexico shelf oil and natural gas interests from ExxonMobil and its affiliates. The acquisition nearly doubles the company’s reserves and production profile, adding approximately 20,000 net barrels of oil equivalent (BOE) per day of production, about 53 percent of which is oil, and an estimated 66 million BOE of net proved and probable reserves, 61 percent of which is oil. Offshore leases included in the purchase total 130,853 net acres. “The acquired properties fit our existing assets well, adding nine fields right in the heart of our producing properties,” Energy XXI Chairman and CEO John Schiller said. “In addition to oil-weighted reserves and production, supported by an extensive pipeline system, this acquisition includes acreage, seismic data and field studies that will help us develop a portfolio of attractive drilling and recompletion opportunities.”

Pro forma for the acquisition, estimated proved plus probable reserves increase 72 percent to 158.1 million BOE from 92.1 million BOE at the company’s June 30, 2010 fiscal year end. Production increases to approximately 46,000 BOE per day, up more than 77 percent from the 25,900 BOE per day average in the most recent fiscal quarter ended Sept. 30, 2010. The transaction was funded through a combination of cash on hand, borrowings against the company’s $700 million corporate revolver, as amended, and proceeds from the previously disclosed private placement by the company’s operating subsidiary, Energy XXI Gulf Coast, Inc., of $750 million of 9.25% senior unsecured notes due 2017, which closed earlier today. Actual funding requirements at closing totaled $1.01 billion, including the 10 percent deposit that had been placed in escrow. The purchase remains subject to post-closing adjustments to reflect actual operating results since the effective date of Dec. 1, 2010.

Advanced Concrete Surface, Inc. (ACS) relocates to Stafford Advanced Concrete Surfaces, Inc. (ACS) announced its move to Stafford in December. ACS is a turnkey concrete contractor with offices in Stafford, Dallas and Austin. ACS was formed in 2005 after the partners, (including Johnny Roberts, VP of the Houston branch) purchased the assets from Gypsum Floors of Texas which was a mainstay in Texas construction for more than 25 years. ACS purchased a single property including three office/warehouse buildings totaling 14,500-square-feet on 4+ acres at 13623 Stafford Road. Jennifer

Raymond, Vice President of Brokerage Services with Indermuehle & Co. represented the Seller, Medford Partners. The previous tenant, Fort Bend Mechanical Co., relocated to a new location in Stafford at 13802 Murphy Rd earlier this year. “The City of Stafford continues to attract new businesses, and retain existing ones, due to many amenities such as, great access to the Beltway and Southwest Freeway, no city property taxes, and a probusiness environment” according to Jack Belt, VP of Development and Marketing with the GFBEDC.

Fort Bend Express to undergo changes for Texas Medical Center services Fort Bend County Public Transportation announces a new service in 2011 with brand new, fuel efficient buses! It will include and additional stop in the Medical Center, relocate one stop and slightly adjust a few stop times. They have taken customer suggestions, assessed each stop which resulted in adding a stop on Main Street at University Blvd. This stop will not require changing other stop times in the Medical Center or in Fort Bend County. However, the afternoon stops at the VA Hospital will be 5-minutes earlier to allow time for the new stop on Main Street. The Ross Sterling stop will be moved to the Metro bus stop on John Freeman Blvd. just west of Cullen. Please check your stop service times on the schedule below.

Rosenberg Regional Water Conference

The Rosenberg Regional Water Conference is scheduled for Thursday, January 6, 7:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Rosenberg Civic Center - 3825 Highway 36 South. Registration: $30 (includes breakfast, breaks and lunch). Come hear from some of Fort Bend’s experts including: The Honorable Glenn Hegar - State Senator, District 18. Marvin Marcell - Chairman, Fort Bend Subsidence District. Melinda Silva - North Fort Bend Water Authority, Frank Simpson & Scott Elmer - City of Missouri City, Jack Hamlett - City of Rosenberg, Carl Hopkins & Kenny Kucherka - Richmond-Rosenberg Local Govt. Corp. discuss a topic vital to us all drinking water.

January 2011 • Fort Bend Business Journal

Over $3 million savings expected in 10 years

Fort Bend County to use new employee health care concept

Now

By Elsa Maxey

F Join

is the Best Time to

Some things just get better… Country Club

A Sugar Land Tradition...

Renewed

Jennifer Rushlo, Membership Director 281.494.9131, ext. 134 membership@sugarcreekcctexas.com www.sugarcreekcctexas.com

Fort Bend Business Journal • January 2011

ort Bend County announces a new health and wellness center for its employees, their dependents, and retirees with its own health clinic to open this year. “Our goal is October 1, but it will depend on the opening of the justice center,” said D’Neal Krish, Fort Bend County Community Relations Manager, about the county’s intention to move into existing space at the Travis Building in Richmond. Most importantly, there will be substantial savings. “Over a 10-year period, the county will see a savings of over $3 million,” Krish said. With the new, onsite clinic concept, the county is not moving away from traditional health care coverage currently available through Texas True Choice. Instead, it is adding a feature for an estimated 4,500 participants enrolled in their health plan of which less than half are employees with the balance representing dependents and retirees, and it will be exclusively for their use. It will accommodate walk-ins throughout the day, said Krish. The county reports that the clinic is based on a similar model that has met higher than anticipated successes in Galveston and Montgomery counties. “Fort Bend County is committed to improving the health and well being of its employees by providing high quality and convenient access to medical services,” said Judge Bob Hebert. The services from the clinic will be free to all county health insurance plan members. “No charges, no co-pays, no deductibles,” said Krish. There will be a list of the top 250 generic prescripJudge Bob Hebert tion drugs that will be available to the plan participants, also at no cost, she adds. The health cost savings are expected to be realized the second year calculated at $29,000, since the first year the clinic will include remodeling construction costs in a 4,000-square-foot space, explains Krish. A six year projection shows annual increases in cost savings with D’Neal Krish $400,000 realized in the sixth year. Krish said Fort Bend County pays out $1.87 million yearly for primary health care alone and once the county implements the clinic and defers at least 28 percent of these claims to the program, a conservative figure, she adds, “This will hit it,” meaning lower costs to the county. “We want to revolutionize employer health Mike McCollum and wellness programs, delivering comprehensive medical services directly to employees when and where

they need them,” said Concentra Health Solutions President Mike McCollum, whose company will operate the clinic and has arrangements with similar facilities throughout the U.S. “By establishing an on-site health care clinic that is centralized and geared toward providing comprehensive medical services, we hope to positively affect the overall wellness and productivity of our workforce,” said Judge Hebert. Spurred by a desire to reduce health care costs and at the same time provide alternative access to impact rising costs, “it will be something we’ve never had before,” said Krish, who headed an employee committee that presented the plan to commissioners court back in May after extensive research and group work that dates back to 2006. “It will be something unique to Fort Bend County employees

and we’ll even be able to schedule clinic appointments online.” The employee clinic will have examination rooms, a nurse’s intake station and a lab to be staffed by Concentra with an overseeing physician, a physician assistant, and two medical assistants as part of the primary, urgent, preventive and wellness care services that includes health risk assessments and health screenings. “The space we’re looking at is currently being utilized by the county clerk,” said Krish. It has its own entrance and is bordered by U.S. 90A and Third Street. With the implementation of the new clinic, it is expected to support long-term goals that include improving access to quality health services, reducing health care spending, and promoting a culture of health and wellness.

Making a dream smile a reality

ew Year’s resolutions have been made as we now venture into 2011. Many of us will choose to take this time to improve ourselves, become healthier, be more active or feel better. One growing trend in self improvement is cosmetic dentistry. A trip to the dentist once involved cavities, root canals and cleanings. However, now the pursuit for the perfect smile can be easily achieved and affordable in Fort Bend County. A Beautiful Smile at Lake Pointe is a new dental office where Lance Jue, DDS makes a dream smile a reality for his patients. For some people smiling is not a welcome action, instead it can be a humiliating experience. The embarrassment of a chipped tooth, yellow stained teeth or irregular spacing can make a person feel uncomfortable. In personal life or in business a person’s smile can leave a Dr. Lance Jue lasting impression. “I make people feel good,” says Dr Jue. “I see people who have dental problems and when I am finished with their treatments, they are happy.” Today a winning smile can be yours through several different choices of dental technology. Lumineers, a snap-on-smile or whitening products are just a few of the innovations that make a beautiful smile possible. “I cried when I got mine,” says Jackie Austin about her Lumineers. They are stronger, thinner and can be applied with little to no pain. Austin shares, “Lumineers are life changing, an instant life change for the better.” A more affordable option is the snap-on smile. This option is a fraction of the cost yet the end results is a desirable smile. The snap on smile is a custom fit “snap” on mold appliance that gives a person a whiter, straighter and aligned smile. The appliance snaps onto the natural teeth masking any imperfections. It is great for a person who is looking to improve their smile at a low cost. With proper care the appliance does not come off and can be worn while eating. Jue is Fort Bend County’s first and only snap-on-smile dental office. The snap-

on- smile works well with those who may have existing dental work or maybe undergoing dental reconstruction.” Whitening for a brighter smile can be done in the home or in the dental office. “Depending on the patients needs, whitening treatment could cost around one-hundred dollars,” explains Jue. Some patients chose to be treated in the office. One procedure is the Sapphire whitening. A gel is placed on the patient’s teeth directly and then activated by a special designed Sapphire light. The treatment will give some patients 6 to 10 shades whiter. “If your teeth are sensitive to cold, the product can be reduced to make the treatment work ,” says Jue. There are other whiteners that can be applied at home with a substantial result. Don’t cover up your smile with your hand; find the procedure that is right for you. This is one New Year’s resolution that you can keep and see the results. For more information visit the web site at www.lumineerssmilestudio.com.

Ribbon cutting for the new office of A Beautiful Smile.

January 2011 • Fort Bend Business Journal

TMJ Property Services and Pinnacle Alliance Fund announce 5.5-acre retail, entertainment development deal in Missouri City Economic downturn no match for tenacity of Joint Venture Partners

MJ Property Services and Pinnacle Alliance Fund, Inc. announce the purchase of 5.5 acres of retail property in Missouri City. Located at 4811 Highway 6 South at Austin Parkway/Dulles Avenue, the Missouri City Shopping Center contains 55,985 square feet of retail space and will include a new pad site for current tenant AutoZone, as well as the addition of tenant Star Cinema Grill. “Getting this transaction closed required application of many unique elements not normally seen in routine real estate transactions,” says Todd M. Jurek, president of TMJ Property Services. “Through a series of challenges and obstacles – from existing lease restrictions on movie theaters and stringent REA requirements, along with the need to convince retailers of the value of a pad site in the project – the deal was very complex and we were rejected numerous times before we got to agreement,” adds Jurek. Pinnacle Alliance Fund, Inc. was brought into the transaction to provide the debt and equity component. Partner John G. Meador, Jr. says of the property purchase, “Failure was not an option. But this deal was just short of a miracle and that if it were not for persistence, tenacity and a large number of long-standing relationships with lenders and equity sources, there is no chance the deal would have closed.” The leasing process started August 29, 2009 with the signing of Star Cinema Grill and culminated with the purchase closing on October 29, 2010. “There were many hurdles to jump over in coordinating this complex deal, and we are so thrilled to have created a win-win for the parties involved, including the community.” says Bruce Frankel, president of Frankel Development Group, Inc. who co-brokered the Star Cinema Grill lease

with TMJ as the Landlord’s representative. “We’re pleased to be working with our long time friends at Pinnacle Alliance Fund and glad to see this deal come to fruition.” says Stan Grisham, Executive Vice President of CommunityBank of Texas. Financing was one of the largest hurdles in getting the deal solidified and Pinnacle Alliance Fund partner Chris Janse states “Thirty to thirtyfive lending institutions were approached to secure the right structure. However, changes in federal regulations and guidelines forced many lenders to sit on the sidelines in the middle of securing the financing.” Bob Graf, Missouri City Economic Development Coordinator, notes, “We are excited to add this new entertainment venue along with the estimated 100 new jobs it will bring.” Tenant Star Cinema Grill will occupy approximately 40,000 square feet, housing 9 theatres, 1300 seats and a full restaurant and bar. Owner of Star Cinema Grill, Omar Khan says “This entertainment concept has proven successful in our other two Houston-area locations and we have great expectations here in Missouri City. A menu of classic American favorites and cocktail of your choice are all delivered to each guest while they enjoy first run movies in an upscale atmosphere.” “Star Cinema Grill will be a welcomed addition to our City and expands entertainment options for not only our citizens but all of Fort Bend County,”

Fort Bend Business Journal • January 2011

says Missouri City Mayor Allen Owen. On the Star Cinema Grill lease, Star Cinema Grill was represented by Kristen Barker of Wulfe & Co., Inc. Previously home to Albertsons and then Velocity Sports Performance gym, the center’s anchor space has been vacant since 2009. “It was a team effort that incorporated all the players in a deal – from brokers, owners, lenders, the City and adjacent retailers – we all had to work together. We started working to get something in this market over two years ago. It’s really been a long road but we’re so glad to see this come to completion. Star Cinema Grill does a fantastic job and will be an exciting addition to the market.” says Barker. To convince all parties involved that moving AutoZone from their current in-line space in the project to a new pad site was in everyone’s best interest, TMJ Property Services constructed a full-size mockup of the proposed new building on the pad site adjacent to their current store. “We wouldn’t take no as an answer,” says Frankel, “We saw how this new development could be an asset to the community and pushing for its success means better economic futures for everyone involved.” AutoZone currently leases space in the main building next to the new home for Star Cinema Grill. In order to make room for Star Cinema Grill and to better serve AutoZone, the landlord and tenant agreed a new building closer to Highway 6 would ultimately meet the needs of everyone.

ATULATION R G N S! O C Jennifer Valdes

Jennifer Valdes, a senior at Elkins High School, receives $1,000 from Texas Direct Auto as their “Scholarship Star” for December! Valdes is Vice-President of the Youth In Progress (YIP), a four-year member of the Elkin’s swim team, a member of the Elkin’s Key Club and a 4-year member of Elkin’s Habitat for Humanity. She plans to further her education at the University of Houston, majoring in Hotel Management.

1,000

SCHOLARSHIP! Find complete details and forms at

www.fortbendstar.com/scholarshipstar.doc

January 2011 • Fort Bend Business Journal

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 November 2010. More Assumed Names may be viewed online at http://ccweb.co.fort-bend.tx.us/RealEstate/SearchEntry.aspx. There were 362 Assumed Names with Notary Fee for month of November. There were also 49 Assumed Names without a notary fee. Ezebuiro Mary Ezinne Physical & Occupational Therapists Of New Territory 454 Williams Landing Dr 77479 Higginbotham Danyelle Dazzled Designs 501 S 5Th St 77469 Bourque Robbie Rob’s Home Services 2414 Wagon Run 77479 Baumbach Kevin Kevin Baumbach 12838 Waybridge St 77478 Urquide Dante D’alighieri 6519 Colonial Rose Ln 77469 Bennett John A Jr Armorlock Security 2601 Cartwright Rd Pmb 146 77459 Panadero Kmaryan Kb Christian Books 2106 Claire Ct 77478 Pradia Christal (+) Guided Pathways And Associates P O Box 1044 77489 Alimole Nathaniel Bachurum Caregivers Home Health Services 3227 Antelope Hills Dr 77459

Anis Muhammad Lazeeza Sugarland Ballrooms. 869 Dulles Ave 77478 Allen Lasheka T Mayday! 2115 Witham Park Ln 77545 Grogan Sasha Topursue.Com P O Box 420207 77242 Turner Michelle Salon Eclipse 11730 N Marianne Circle 77071 King Raymond King’s 4 Season Lawn Service 13007 Braxton 77451 Petes Enterprise Llc Pete’s Resale Shop 11220 Hwy 6 S 77498 Henson Jana Delane (+) Bella Rouge 28522 Stone Stead Dr 77494 Deloach Joe (+) Innovate Technologies 16314 Bandicoot Drive 77498 Bouknight Deborah A Dab Seamstress 1202 Plantation Dr 77406

Wright David C Magda Solutions 4314 Lakeshore Forest Drive 77459 Fraser Marian E Bestbets Designs 3710 Springhill Lane 77479 Salute Holdings Inc Rem Medical Equipment 13004 Murphy Rd Ste 206 77477 Tcbmmc Inc Tcb Scheduling Services 13004 Murphy Rd Ste 206 77477 Tcbmmc Inc Taking Care Of Business Medical Marketing And Consulting 13004 Murphy Rd Ste 206 77477 Giron Jose M J M G Remodeling & Painting 20818 Mansfield Bay Ln 77407 Santos Jorge Simply Irrigation Sprinkler Company 10618 Odyssey Ct 77099 Santos Jorge Sisco Repair 10618 Odyssey Ct 77099

Taylor Thomas Mark Tcs Project Services 26014 Redding Ridge Ln 77494

Poola Anjanamma Printomax 6100 Corporate Dr Ste 230 77036

Frontline C.A.R.E. My Angel 703 Hawthorn Place 77459

Whittington Bristol L Whitco Medical Overseas S. A. (+) P O Box 2355 77459

Sledge Timothy David David Sledge Photography 23546 Deep Cliff Dr 77494

De Anda Alejandro Dominguez Union Landscaping Services 7502 Cortes Dr 77083

Nguyen Minh Ym Nails 2115 Thompson Rd #4 77469

Martinez Michael Jay Water Works Plumbing Company 6627 Kearny Dr 77469

Guzman Manuela Homemade Gourmet 3350 Highway 6 Ste 268 77478

Gbaanador G Natural Health Systems 11645 S Hwy 6 #104 77498

Wilson Jerry Tejas Gun & Knife Shows 16895 Co Rd 1798 78370

Gbaanador G Health Natural Systems 11645 S Hwy 6 #104 77498

Wilson Jerry Tejas Trade Shows 16895 Co Rd 1798 78370

Dorsett Mathew J (+) Rad Restoration & Construction 11645 Hwy 6 South 77498

Sanders Jerline M Faith Temple Worship Center 3915 W Orem Drive 77045

Curtis Dwilette Raysene Memories Captured 4 U 14501 Empandada Dr Apt 1821 77083

Abc Stone Gallery Llc Micheleanglo Stone (+) 11329 Todd Street 77055

G & E Industrial Supplies Inc Jesus Engineering 1519 Crescent Oak Dr 77459

Uribe Jose Luis Uribe, Sons & Associates 2222 Settlers Way 714 77478

Santos Jorge Fort Bend Landscape & Irrigation Repair 910 Brazos St 77479

Nichols Timothy Red Nickel Cat Furniture 16535 Amargos Dr 77083

Erxleben Russell Gsw Jumps 2501 S Mason Rd Ste #100 77450

Jean Beverly Gourmet Teacake Factory 7951 South Meadows 77071

Crew Investments Llc Atw Trading 4706 Melissa Ct 77479

Mclean Mary Blanche And Marcus Johnson Family 5627 Carta Valley Dr 77469

Jacobs Wynona A To & From Transportation 3410 River Bend Dr 77471

Coma Pictures Llc (+) Red Pyramid Creative 3227 Greenridge Dr 77459

Medina Fredy Mg Home Improvement 13326 Kanak St 77461

Houston Sgt Ii (+) Body Pros Collision Center Ii 20403 Fm 1093 77469

Black Nicole M Quality Billing Solution 7515 Summerdale Dr 77469

Chiquillo Juan Carlos Jccm Services 21427 Delta Spring Ln 77450

Cervantes Elizabeth Hair Salon Maciel 700 South 11 Street 77469

Asmar Sharbel Big Daddy Development 6019 Conroy Pointe Ln 77494

Sykes Michael Carribean Cleaning 2830 River Birch Dr 77471

Calvert Jonathan Attractive Listing 3015 Shawnee Dr 77479

Thomas Rohan Alpha Title Services 6430 Richmond Ste 250-11 77057

Davis Carolyn R Homes Of Abundant Grace 3231 Woods Canyon Ct 77459

Exartizo Food Corporation Justpureflavors.Com 4210 Falling Trace Lane 77469

Tavokoli Siamak Richmond Shotokan Barnes Eleanor C Karate-Do Ark-La-Tex Mediation, 6411 Faulkner Ridge Dr 77450 Arbitration & Dispute Resolution Association (+) Tavokoli Siamak 2804 Cypress Point Dr 77459 Katy Shotokan Karate-Do 6411 Faulkner Ridge Dr 77450 Karliner Theresa L Damarassam Moore Julia 8715 Rippling Water Dr 77479 Simply Jules 24410 Silverton Valley Lane 77494

Olivarez J Lorenzo Olivarez Bros. Fence 3355 Clayhead Rd 77406 Gresham Patsy P Quality Auto Title Service 901 Wax Myrtle Lane 77079

Fort Bend Business Journal • January 2011

Carter Rushell Eat - Play - Love Childcare (+) 16907 Summerfield Ridge Dr 77498 Chukwuemeka Ugwu Ucin Technology 5555 New Territory Blvd Apt 4208 77479

Dutchak Toni (+) The Escape Massage Clinic (+) 6811 A South Sprigg St 77441

Richard Stephen (+) Eagle Lane Productions 3026 John Locke Lane 77459 Michna Brian P Brian Michna Consulting 912 Foster Drive 77469 Hall Cory Rainstorm 3419 Fountains Dr Apt 206 77471 Jimenez Alicia K Sassy Princess - Gallant Frog 8526 Stones Throw Ln 77459

DBA (Assumed Names)

Data Beat (+) = More Names

Mayers Yolanda Yo’s Touch 15423 W Ritter Circle 77071

Wang Audrey Humaknity 5135 Forest Sage Ln 77494

D’angio Pamela Baby Alert Services 2242 Sunset Trail 77478

Cazares Anjelica Ema Cleaning Services 7301 Anzac 77020

Devries Andrea S Look At Me Fun Accessories 3611 Richland Pk Dr 77406

Dugan’s Travel Llc Norma J Valdez 1118 Pinecroft 77498

Donald Jody M Pink Seat Pink Bus Boutique 14239 Ingham Ct 77498

Newsome Bryson (+) Smooth Cuts Salon 508 Murphy Rd 77477

Koehler Elisabete M Hut Specialty 4527 Treasure Trail 77479

Cardenas Melissa Lobos Wholesale Trading 9222 Anna St 77461

Academic Innovation Llc Academic Innovation Management 9722 U S Hwy 90A 77478

Desai Kevang Cpa Future 2601 Cartwright Rd #D Pmb245 77459

Esharive Joseph Joresh International 13018 Orchard Green Dr 77407

Applewhite Jason (+) Imagination Entertainment 2307 Stephens Grant 77479

Deacon Dennis D-Sonic Custom Audio 2615 Ferry Landing 77478

Chism Beni-Lisa Chism Accounting Services 20815 Whitevine Way 77450

Lcp Holdings Llc Jane B Lam Realty Delta Pool Services Management Llc 16111 Ember Hollow Cir 77498 Jane B Lam Real Estate 14905 Southwest Freeway 77478 Lcp Holdings Llc Delta Computer Services Khowaja Aijaz Ali Dr (+) 16111 Ember Hollow Cir 77498 Aijas And Aijaz Associates. 9888 Bissonnett St #150M 77036 Vera Jessica N Human Capital Solutions Khowaja Aijaz Ali Dr (+) 11600 Gaston Rd #1702 77494 Texas Imaging Institute 9888 Bissonnett St #150M 77036 C & K Groups Inc Fort Bend Furniture Johnson Latisa C 4012 Ave I 77471 Tee’s Flawless Faces 503 Reecewood Ln 77489 Wn Inc (+) Family Washateria Haye Desmond 1901 Gessner 77055 Doing Everything Entertainment 15327 Timberlea Dr 77489 Uribe Sergio Su Dental Laboratory Powell Darrell 7522 Gulfbriar Place 77489 S C Services 6711 Kearney Dr 77469 Deif Kimberly Abou Texas Dirt Crane, L.L.C Setzekorn Arlene (+) 3615 Thunderbird St 77459 The Bag Lady’s 4719 Huntwood Hills Lane 77494 Perez Wendy Texas Title And Lic. Service Booker Cornelius 4311 Margate 77479 Booker Dezigns 1000 Farrah Lane #1415 77477 Farahshah Bilal Tvshev Booker Cornelius 10743 White Bridge 77498 In Motion Fitness 1000 Farrah Lane #1415 77477 Cuellar Rodolfo Cuellar’s Bookkeeping Vaughn Robert E (+) & Tax Service Hogsnomore (+) Post Office Box 887 77406 23331 Dunhill Ct 77494

Young Rosalyn Banner Grams 16415 Sagewood Ct 77489 Lemos Porfiro T (+) Tejas Seasonings P O Box 1693 77497 Zhu Hongsheng Double Z International Trading Company 1639 Pebble Brook 77459 Tom T Nguyen M D P A Advanced Ob-Gyn Specialists 9722 Us Hwy 90A 77478 Nguyen Family Partnership Ltd (+) Commerce Green Plaza Management 9722 U S Hwy 90A 77478 Ebarra Jimmy J Fort Bend Handyman 5525 Riading Rd #1201 77471 Wasa Corporation Ez Beverages 5205 S Mason Road 77450 Srass Services Inc Srass Services Inc (Dba) Pak Mail 1270 Crabbriver Rd Ste #600 77469 Arulsamy Antony (+) Ideal Web Design 1702 Palmera Ct 77459 Morales James J Tri-County Professional Home Inspections 2030 Pecan Forest Ct 77406 Robertson Cody Cody Robertson 1208 Brooks Ave #21 77471 Diaz Fany Central Tires #3 16319 Boss Gaston Rd 77496

Opara Pate To Kim H P & P Import And Export Total Dental 11000 Kinghurst Dr #147 77099 3227 Highway 6 Suite B 77478

Jacs Installation Services The Service Company (+) 6731 Pickett 77469

Wang Marco Night Owl Post Production 5135 Forest Sage Ln 77494

Sadiki Lee A Medical Diagnostic Solutions 6140 Hwy 6 South 77459

Saldierna Miguel T & M Roofing 4891 Beechaven 77053

Pinto Jonathan Jp Home Realty 2739 Field Line Dr 77479 Prince Earnest C Jr (+) Legacy Landscaping 902 Robinwood Dr 77477 Karnowski Ryan Missouri City Monsters Baseball Club 3514 Marion Ct 77459 Karnowski Ryan Monster Ball 3514 Marion Ct 77459 Karnowski Ryan Monster Sports 3514 Marion Ct 77459 Felder Reynelda Enlighten Path Services 4603 Wheatstone Ct 77469 Nelson Betty Proficient Healthcare Consulting & Staffing Services 2314-A Coleridge Ct 77469 Lopez Elva L Sparkly Angels 19019 Field Cottage Ln 77407 Barnard Alan Pinots Palette 8639 Chickasaw Plum Way 77494 Haymond Paula J Art Turnings By Paula J. Haymond 810 South Mason Road #309 77450 Goldberg David A Isufj P O Box 2755 77487 Massey Eddie A (+) Affiliated Marketing Group 4800 Sugar Grove Blvd Ste 350 77477

Carney Mitch Force 5 Roofing 6930 Blue Ridge 77469 Prince Verlincia Chocolate Tots 902 Robinwood Dr 77477 Simmons Marilyn Glamourgurlz Club 618 Chaseway Drive 77489-3213 Simmons Marilyn Diamond Diva’s Network 618 Chaseway Drive 77489-3213 Hood Patrick Global Digital Dealer Solutions 915 Whitby Court 77479 Nelson Reginal Jr Nelson’S Cleaning Services 1407 Hemple Dr 77471 Bryant Eulanda Corley Corley Family Reunion 4007 Waterstone 77459 Vu Dee Investmentnet Consulting 5006 Beech Fern Dr 77407 Pacheco Gerald Mr. Freeze A/C & Refrigeration 8611 Steele Creek Lane 77459 Grays James C Grays Photography 2802 Green Mountain Dr 77584 Spaine Gustavus A (+) Spaine Insurance Agency 9435 Eaglewood Spring 77083 Sisters Gourment Delights, Inc. (+) Carlo’s 9123 Carriage Point Dr 77479

Mcbryde Cassandra Cox Ccmc Marketing & Events Young Anganette 21210 Andrea Park Drive 77406 Salen Consulting Services Po Box 311 77459 Heng Lynda Ty Baytown Seafood Arnold Bill (+) Restraunt & Market Armor Firearm Academy 6945 Industial Pky 77471 16831 Rippling Miu Dr 77498 January 2011 • Fort Bend Business Journal

Data Beat

December 2010 Sales Tax Allocation Comparison Summary Reports

Sales Tax Allocation Comparison Summary reports present data about monthly local sales and use tax allocation payments to local sales taxing jurisdictions. These net payments represent monies identified for the local jurisdictions since the previous monthâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s distribution. These reports will allow you to compare current year sales and use tax payments with the previous year. When used with other local economic indicators, they may help indicate present and future trends. County/City Fort Bend

Net Payment This Period

Comp Payment Prior Year

% Change To Date

2009 Payments To Date

2008 Payments Change

Percent

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

23,968.53 7,644.37 26,074.44 1,135.51 72,473.63 418,948.94 29,571.85 3,254.90 6,450.55 276,681.99 795,883.66 7,725.62 941,055.34 2,917,325.40 0.00

23,065.86 6,126.98 24,187.03 1,008.84 73,267.65 422,076.68 29,951.00 3,192.69 3,148.88 291,741.55 723,298.76 4,723.14 962,309.50 2,759,128.96 2,031.66

3.91% 24.76% 7.80% 12.55% -1.08% -0.74% -1.26% 1.94% 104.85% -5.16% 10.03% 63.56% -2.20% 5.73% -100.00%

245,445.33 69,566.03 376,066.44 15,768.56 967,092.05 5,968,573.40 362,213.12 46,956.80 73,391.33 4,085,384.91 11,115,621.66 114,148.27 12,876,353.77 37,651,422.81 25,926.26

304,708.92 88,268.49 355,135.52 15,298.31 1,031,680.39 5,943,358.09 319,624.06 49,195.42 42,200.78 4,153,419.12 10,475,452.36 59,727.19 13,656,036.86 39,083,499.90 17,286.67

-19.44% -21.18% 5.89% 3.07% -6.26% 0.42% 13.32% -4.55% 73.90% -1.63% 6.11% 91.11% -5.70% -3.66% 49.97%

COUNTY TOTAL 5,528,194.73

5,329,259.18

3.73%

73,993,930.74

75,594,892.08

-2.11%

Top 20 City Sales and Use Tax Comparison Summary - December 2010 Please note that Sugar Land is 16th in sales tax revenues in the state. City

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

Net Payment This Period

Comp Payment Prior Year

% Change To Date

2009 Payments To Date

36,237,643.81 15,721,718.26 15,217,894.20 10,561,205.98 7,724,914.93 6,728,431.37 5,230,500.65 4,524,822.44 4,218,416.24 4,362,865.68 4,286,806.03 3,913,167.23 3,659,196.64 3,521,042.56 2,926,429.31 2,917,325.40 2,747,390.62 3,082,857.16 2,332,378.98 2,686,544.34

36,579,278.50 15,320,410.47 14,530,289.59 10,548,657.56 7,089,510.03 5,768,820.73 5,087,330.13 4,595,181.26 4,417,977.64 4,087,255.02 4,229,690.09 3,913,598.29 3,672,928.75 3,217,972.76 2,768,760.27 2,759,128.96 2,657,411.77 2,463,151.14 2,283,312.47 2,461,016.98

-0.93% 2.61% 4.73% 0.11% 8.96% 16.63% 2.81% -1.53% -4.51% 6.74% 1.35% -0.01% -0.37% 9.41% 5.69% 5.73% 3.38% 25.15% 2.14% 9.16%

473,149,940.56 208,322,620.88 204,732,897.99 137,309,212.27 100,569,555.26 83,143,848.14 68,348,226.83 61,644,122.07 58,888,948.10 56,863,740.36 55,991,659.54 53,947,632.84 49,404,456.68 44,562,080.98 40,303,105.68 37,651,422.81 36,047,397.62 35,964,741.08 33,819,909.03 33,400,581.29

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

2008 Payments Change

Percent

489,009,133.36 202,966,327.47 205,447,327.19 131,403,988.52 97,877,323.29 80,170,009.37 64,480,622.89 58,694,318.19 55,715,366.22 56,514,269.14 57,311,248.22 53,613,678.01 49,027,273.93 46,556,087.00 37,233,051.60 39,083,499.90 35,830,387.47 34,809,929.69 31,775,031.78 38,554,563.80

-3.24% 2.63% -0.34% 4.49% 2.75% 3.70% 5.99% 5.02% 5.69% 0.61% -2.30% 0.62% 0.76% -4.28% 8.24% -3.66% 0.60% 3.31% 6.43% -13.36%

Data Beat

Commercial Building Permits

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

TYPE OF PERMIT

VALUE

MISSOURI CITY 8800 Hwy 6 150 Res B 2192 A Texas Pkwy 8740 Hwy 6 110 Res E 8880 Hwy 6 120 5842 Hwy 6 4042 Lake Shore Harbour Blvd 8880 Hwy 6 170

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

Grand Total Valuation (Commercial & Residential)

11/01/10-11/30/10

$3,313,276

RICHMOND 601 South Second St. 601 South Second St 1705 Jackson 6th Floor

Commercial Building Commercial Building Commercial Building

$170,000 $225,000 $100,000

Grand Total Valuation (Commercial & Residential)

11/01/10-11/30/10

$495,000

ROSENBERG 23601 Brazos Town Crossing 7415 Reading Rd 23912 Commercial Dr 243001 Brazor Town Crossing 400

Commercial Building Commercial Building Commercial Building Commercial Building

$45,000 $1,136,000 $700,000 $67,264

Grand Total Valuation (Commercial & Residential)

11/01/10-11/30/10

$1,991,206

STAFFORD 12926 Flaxseed Way 411 Leisure Dr 215 Brocket Place

Commercial Building Commercial Building Commercial Building

$14,000 $6,000 $5,000

Grand Total Valuation (Commercial & Residential)

11/01/10-11/30/10

$30,800

SUGAR LAND 1641 Gillingham Ln 13115 Southwest Fwy 555 Industrial Blvd 555 Industrial Blvd 736 State Hwy 6 STE 102 19875 Southwest Fwy Ste 270 1455 State Hwy 6 Ste B 2520 State Hwy 6 3501 State Hwy 6 16626 Southwest Fwy 15425 Southwest Fwy One Fluor Daniel Dr Ste S1B 4802 Sccenic Rivers Dr 19984 Southwest Fwy

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

$28,458 $62,825 $153,303 $35,687 $100,000 $49,800 $80,000 $109,902 $142,047 $572,388 $30,500 $307,521 $35,000 $152,190

Grand Total Valuation (Commercial & Residential)

11/01/10-11/30/10

$1,943,804

$90,000 $60,000 $47,590 $125,000 $118,000 $175,000 $54,794

OWNER/CONTRACTOR Hwy 6/Sienna Parkway LTD Quail Corner LLC/A G White & Co Hwy 6/Sienna Parkway LTD/IBC Builders HEB Grocery Company EWTMC II LLC & PMWMC II LLC Missouri City Parkwood LLC/United Constructors of Texas HEB Grocery Company/Galleria International

Dr. Kyle McCrea /Bass Construction Dr. Kyle McCrea /City Commercial Contractors Oak Bend Medical Center/Quality Works by Davidson

C.R. Crawford Construction, Inc Sikon Construction Commercial Installations

Homero & Angelica Velasco Dave R. Smith/Dawson Foundation Laura Lyons/StarTex Roofing

Prologis Texas II, LP/ Crown Equipment Corporation Twentieth Century LD Corp/Classic Chevrolet Vector Cable Co/Southern Facility SRV & Const Schlumberger IPC/Southern Facility SRV & Const Hwy 6 & 90, LTD/ Woodlands Design Group KM-TS Greatwood, LLC/PLK Services Silverlake Ventures, LLC/Majcsta Homes, LLC National Retail Properties, LP/ Regas Contracting, LP KFC U S Properties, Inc/Jerry Kachel Builder, Inc Inland Western Sugar Land Colo/Construction One, Inc Coving First Colony Acquisition/Provest Group Inc LakePointe Assets, LLC/Burton Construction Company COSL Recycle Center/Qualified Construction Inc Em Corp/RJ Lander Constuction Serv

January 2011 • Fort Bend Business Journal

Sugar Land Home and Garden Show comes to Stafford Centre Showcasing new ideas and latest products Saturday and Sunday, January 15 and 16

or the first time, residents of Fort Bend County and surrounding areas will have easy access to local remodeling, landscaping, décor and other experts in one convenient place at the inaugural Sugar Land Home and Garden Show January 15 and 16 at the Stafford Centre. The spectacular event will feature more than a dozen expert speakers, two seminar stages and over 200 exhibitors, including local and national authorities on kitchen and bath renovation, residen-

Photo courtesy by Texwood Shows

Photo shown recently 2008 Cy-Fair Home & Garden Show. This year Sugar Land Home and Garden Show comes to Stafford Centre, January 15 & 16. The show will feature over a dozen industry experts on two seminar stages with over 200 exhibitors, including local and national authorities on kitchen and bath renovation, residential landscaping, interior design, flooring, wine rooms, pools and spas, home organizing, the latest energy-efficient products, and all the things to make a house a home.

Color expert Kate Smith to bring new palette and new ideas

ationally acclaimed color expert Kate Smith will be a featured speaker at the January 15 and 16 Sugar Land Home & Garden Show at the Stafford Centre. Smith, a color scheme virtuoso, will demonstrate how to effectively use color to spice up interior home décor and choose new hues for the outside, from an inviting front door to complimentary patio furniture, to welcome visitors in their own personal style. One of Smith’s presentations will focus on a home’s exterior. Smith believes that first impressions are as important for the exterior of a home as they are inside. “I think the outside of the home is very important. It’s the first impression from a value standpoint, and it also sets the tone for what visitors can expect inside,” Smith said. “I want to help residents think about how they can make their home inviting even before someone walks in the front door.” Smith’s presentation will explore not only selecting colors but delve into choosing materials for outdoor furniture, deciding on the home’s focus, such as a brightly painted front door, or even picking out a new hue when re-roofing. She believes a home’s exterior

Fort Bend Business Journal • January 2011

should be seen as more than utilitarian walls. Smith said her ideas are easy to implement for any style home. She advises homeowners to start their outdoor projects by looking indoors to examine the style and color of the home as well as surrounding properties. “You want something that stands out but that also blends in,” she said. “You don’t want a highlighter yellow house in Kate Smith the midst of a tan neighborhood. So you look at the neighborhood and find a solution that will set your house apart but also make it seem like part of the community.” After each of her presentations, Smith will be available for one-on-one Q&A sessions for those who need additional advice on their projects. For a schedule of Smith’s seminars and Q&A sessions, plus a list of the other featured speakers and over 200 exhibitors, visit www.SugarLandHomeAndGarden.com, where a downloadable coupon for $1 off of show admission is available, along with terrific giveaways and exhibitor special offers.

tial landscaping, interior design, flooring, wine rooms, pools and spas, home organizing, and the newest trends in décor. Area experts to be featured include green architect Laverne Williams, AIA, LEED AP; kitchen and bath aficionado Peggy McGowen, ASID, CMKBD; interior designer and owner of The Design Source, Jeanne Garland, ASID; Ann McCormick, the “Herb ’n Cowgirl;” Brenda Beust Smith, “The Lazy Gardener;” and organizing consultant Lisa Giesler. Joining the mix of experts showcasing their newest ideas and design projects to kick off the new year will be popular radio hosts Randy Lemmon of GardenLine and Sugar Land resident Michael Garfield, the High-Tech Texan. Nationally acclaimed color connoisseur Kate Smith will be an invaluable resource for paint samples and color schemes. Smith is an industry expert and sits on the Armstrong Design Council on Color and has been featured in House Beautiful, The Washington Post, Chicago Tribune Home Section, CBS Sunday Morning, and the list goes on. In addition to covering interior color techniques, she will also demonstrate how to effectively use color outside the home to make it inviting even before visitors walk in the front door. She will cover everything from choosing outdoor furniture to the hue of a new roof, helping homeowners bring their style outside so there is more integration between indoors and outdoors. Whether installing energy-saving innovations, or using new organizational products, the Sugar Land Home and Garden Show will provide attendees with a plethora of skilled contractors and businesses that can help residents get in tip-top shape. Hours, Tickets and Parking The Sugar Land Home and Garden Show hours are 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday at the Stafford Centre, 10505 Cash Road in Stafford, TX 77477. Parking is FREE. Tickets are $9 for adults, $7 for seniors, and children 12 years and younger can attend for free. Only cash is accepted. For more information about the great lineup of dynamic speakers, new products and over 200 exhibitors, visit www. SugarLandHomeAndGarden.com. January 2011 • Fort Bend Business Journal

Banks

To Be Listed Call

SERVICE DIRECTORY

281-690-4201

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

Auto Repair / Maintenance Auto Central-Automotive Service & Sales 281-499-9684 www.autocentral.biz david@autocentral.biz. David Fauvelle, 2526 Fifth Street, Stafford, Texas 77477, Fax: 281-499-0183, Fast, friendly and professional automotive repair. AAA approved auto repair. Charlton’s Body Repair 281-499-1126 www.charltonsbodyrepair.com. Chuck Charlton, 1131 Staffordshire @ 5th St., Stafford, TX 77477, Fax: 281-499-1694, Complete collision repair. Frame & Unibody straightened. Expert computer color matching. Custom painting & pin stripping. Honest service. 79 Years Strong and 3 Generations Proud! Colony One Auto Center 281-980-4440 www.colonyoneauto.com Rod Tate, 1131 Dulles Avenue, Stafford, TX 77477, Fax: 281-261-0048, Complete state of the art automotive repair & maintenance facility. First Tire & Automotive 281-313-2886 www.firsttireandauto.com Craig Popp, owner, 3 Sugar Land Locations. 960 Eldridge, 281-313-2886 & 2303 Williams Trace Blvd. 281-980-2666 (First Colony), 20015 Southwest Freeway. 281-343-5666 (Greatwood), Diagnostic testing and evaluation, Manufacturer’s routine recommended maintenance, domestic and foreign vehicle repairs, AAA approved, ASE certified. Ask about our Fleet Service!

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

Blinds / Window Coverings Budget Blinds - 281-416-8499 www.budgetblinds.com bdimmitt@budgetblinds.com. Bob Dimmitt, 1306 FM 1092, Suite 401, Missouri City, TX 77459, Fax: 832-220-8051, Custom window coverings, personal style consultant, “expert fit” measuring and installation.

Country Clubs Riverbend Country Club 281-269-2526 www.riverbendcountryclub.org triciarbcc@gmail.com. Tricia Hawks, 1214 Dulles Avenue, Sugar Land, TX 77478. Conveniently located in the heart of Sugar Land, Riverbend Country Club is just 25 minutes south of downtown Houston, Texas. Established in 1957, Riverbend continues its tradition as Fort Bend County’s only member owned club. Whether you’re looking for championship golf, fine dining, pools, tennis, fitness facilities or a wide variety of social and golf activities Riverbend is definitely the place to belong. The Houstonian Golf & Country Club 281-494-4245 www.houstoniangolf.com Nicole Scarbrough, Membership Private golf & country club, *Limited membership available.

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

Fort Bend Business Journal • January 2011

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

To Advertise Call 281-690-4201

Optometrists

Real Estate / Residential

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

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.

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

Pest Control - Commercial / Residential Gillen Pest Control 281-342-969 - Fort Bend 979-532-5701 - Wharton www.GillenPestControl.com Family owned and operated in Fort Bend and Wharton Counties since 1963, Gillen Pest Control’s highly trained professionals know where bugs hide, what their eating and breeding habits are, and how to get rid of them. They try to avoid the use of chemicals inside by working with you to create a barrier on the outside of your home or business, thus keeping those unwanted pests at bay. From the first time we visit your home or business, you will recognize we are no ordinary pest control company!

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

Riverstone Development Co. - 281-499-8700 www.riverstone.com tom@riverstone.com. Tom Wilcox, 4855 Riverstone Blvd, Missouri City, Texas 77459, Fax: 281-499-8704, Luxury waterside living in Fort Bend from $200s to the many millions. Jeanne Gregory, CRS, GRI - 281-344-8918 www.jeannegregory.com jeannegregory@earthlink.net. 14905 Southwest Freeway, Sugar Land, Texas 77478, Fax: 281-242-6754, Re/Max Southwest. Residential real estate sales & corporate relocation. Jennifer Weaver, ABR, CRS, GRI - 281-207-5037 www.jenniferweaver.com RE/MAX Southwest, 14905 Southwest Freeway, Sugar Land, Texas 77478. Residential sales and corporate relocation since 1979. Janet Williams, Realtor – 832.724.4894 Realm Real Estate Professional www.har.com/jlwilliams janetw4co@yahoo.com 14090 Southwest Frwy, Ste 102. Sugar Land, TX 77478, It’s a great time to buy a HUD foreclosure with FHA financing because you just pay $100 down payment + closing cost. Call for details. Providing services for buyers, sellers, renters. Also specialize in short sales for residential and commercial.

Staffing / Recruiting / Job Seeking

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

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

Video Services

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.

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

January 2011 • Fort Bend Business Journal

SERVICE DIRECTORY

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

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

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

Candelari’s Pizzeria Albert Candelari began making sausage over 50 years ago. As the years have passed the flavor remains the same, which is why Candelari’s is the “King of Sausages”! They take that delicious Italian sausage and put it in pizzas, pastas, and sandwiches. Enjoy appetizers, salads, pastas, sandwiches, pizzas and desserts in there dining room, large patio, or full bar with large screen TV’s. Happy hour is Monday - Thursday 3 to 7pm. This casual dining experience is available at two locations in Fort Bend. Call either location for take-out or delivery. 7425 Hwy 6 S (Just North of Sienna) 832-947-0440 / 6825 S Fry Rd (Fry & 99) 281-395-6746. www.candelaris.com. $ • FB Charlie’s Restaurants and Catering, Poboys and Grill Two locations in Fort Bend. Cajun home cooked food. The “special” plate is a favorite with a choice of one meat, two sides and a roll. The meat choices range from brisket, sausage, and meat loaf, to baked chicken, turkey/dressing, ham, salisbury steak and spaghetti/meatballs. Home made desserts are a favorite feature. Catering is available for large to small functions, banquets, corporate or organization luncheons/dinners. 4719 Lexington @ Dulles, 281-499-0808 and 1250 Texas Parkway, 281-499-2233. $ Chef for You Offers take out dinners prepared from scratch by professional chefs. Online ordering; Customized Catering Menus Available; Corporate Catering for Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner. Homemade Cakes, Cookies, and Brownies; Soups and Salads. New menus offered each week at www.chef4u.net

Fort Bend Business Journal • January 2011

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

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

gourmet Mexican plates. Lunch Specials run weekdays from 11am - 3pm. Great margaritas, fajitas and much more. Catering available as well as a party room for private parties. • 12821 Southwest Freeway. 281-240-3060. $ • FB Lupitas Mexican Restaurant Jaime and Lupe Garcia have lived in Fort Bend for 36 years. Twenty-three of those years have been spent in the restaurant business. If you want authentic Mexican food made from only the freshest ingredients and at a reasonable price, go to Lupitas Mexican Restaurant formerly Pico De Gallo Mexican Restaurant. The Garcias continually concentrate on customer satisfaction. That includes the quality and freshness of their food as well as the family atmosphere of their restaurant. Dine-In, Take-out, and Catering available. 3121 Highway 6, Sugar Land • Call 281-265-6556. $ • WB Mangola’s Fine Italian Restaurant Serving fine Italian food to Southwest Houston and Fort Bend Country for more than 20 years. Conveniently located at 11786 S. Wilcrest @ Highway 59 S. Open for Lunch and Dinner 7 Days a week. Check out our website www. mangolasrestaurant.com. Call 281-498-6790 for reservations or to schedule your special event. Mantra Fine Indian Cuisine Discover India with exotic spices and aromatic flavors that will awaken your taste buds and lift you off your feet, we will make you feel like royalty. Mantra Fine Indian Cuisine offers Lunch Buffet and To-Go lunch options, that’s in your budget and leave you to come back for more. Mantra caters to all from spicy hot to mild flavors. We prepare our meals fresh and offer a wide selection of healthy choices. We have full menu and full bar and you can enjoy the evening out on our patio with your family or friends. Mantra also offers special catering promotions for parties and formal functions or any event any size, host in our restaurant or choosing of your choice. Hours of Operation: Monday through Thursday, Friday to Sunday, Lunch: 11a.m. to 2:30p.m. Lunch: 11a.m. to 2:30p.m. Dinner: 5:30pm to 10p.m. Dinner: 5:30pm to 11p.m.Come visit us at 15295 Southwest Freeway off of Williams Trace exit. For more information, contact us at 281-3250071 or visit www.mantraofsugarland.com. $$ • FB

Old Hickory Inn Barbecue More than 40 years in business in the Houston and Fort Bend area, Old Hickory Inn Barbecue is famous for their Old Fashion Hickory Smoked Barbecue and numerous Homemade Side Dishes, made fresh daily. They are available to cater your next event, for up to 3000 guests. In addition to great Barbecue, they make an awesome Gyro (Greek wrap featuring beef & lamb), and feature fruit cobbler, cream pies, rice pudding and cheesecake for dessert A casual dining experience in 3 convenient locations, with a drive-through window at the Highway 6 location. Open 7 days a week, Sunday-Thursday from 11am-9pm, and Friday & Saturday 11am-9:30pm. 3334 F.M. 1092 @ Hwy 6 Missouri City 281-499-8904 / 8000 Hwy 6 @ Beechnut 281-983-5020 / 5427 S. Braeswood @ Chimney Rock 713-723-8908. $ • WB Outback Steakhouse Inspired by Australia’s spirit of adventure, Outback Steakhouse has been an innovator in the culinary world by creating big, bold flavors using only the freshest ingredients. Voted #1 Best Steak in the 2009 Zagat Survey of National Full-Service Restaurant chains, Outback’s mission is to provide high quality fresh dishes at affordable prices. Explore Outback’s new menu with 15 meals under $15 including new choices, classic favorites and down under prices starting at $9.95. Our favorites include the Bloomin’ Onion®, Outback Special Sirloin with Grilled Shrimp on the Barbie, Honey Dijon Chicken with Sweet Potato Fries and much more! The local Proprietor is Anthony Antonidis. Open Mon.- Thur. 4-10 pm, Fri. 4-11 pm, Sat. 3-11 pm, Sun 11 am-9:30 pm. Located at 15253 Southwest Freeway, (Off Highway 59 and Williams Trace Exit) in Sugar Land, Texas. 281-980-4329. $ FB Panda Garden Panda Garden Restaurant, the three times winner for Best Oriental Restaurant in Fort Bend County, located at 3563 Highway 6 in Kroger Center, provides a warm, casual environment to best service all diners. The goal of our restaurant is to offer 100% satisfactory to the customers with variety selection of popular Hunan Cuisine. “We offer fresh, made from scratch meals that is unforgettably delicious!” Manager Kenny adds. continued on page 64

January 2011 • Fort Bend Business Journal

FOOD, DRINK, ENTERTAINMENT GUIDE continued on page 64

The restaurant offers accommodations for small group meetings and wonderful party tray for catering to the near by businesses and schools. Panda Garden is open 7 days a week on Mon. – Sat.: 11a.m. – 10 p.m. and Sun. 11a.m. – 9:30p.m. Delivery is available everyday with a min. of $15.00 purchase. A lunch special is offered daily as well as the full regular menu offerings. 3563 Hwy 6 @ Williams Trace, 281-265-0303. $ • WB Pappa La Rosa Flying Pizza and Restaurant Pappa La Rosa Flying Pizza and Restaurant is a warm and inviting family owned and operated restaurant where pizza, pasta and subs are available on the menu, with daily specials. Catering, a

private party room and birthday packages are also available. Dine in or take out. Open for lunch and dinner Tuesday – Sunday. • 16227 Lexington Boulevard, Sugar Land • Call 281-313-3500. $ • WB Post Oak Grill Restaurant & Bar The Rios Family invites you to come and experience the same quality, ambiance and service that you have at the original Post Oak Gill. Join us for a wonderful culinary adventure featuring fine center-cut steaks, chops, fresh seafood, soups, sandwiches, salads, and outstanding wine selection. Open lunch & dinner - MondayThursday 11:00-9:00pm, Friday & Saturday 11:00-10:00pm. Happy Hour 3:00-6:00pm. 4524 Highway 6, Sugar Land • Call 281-4912901. www.postoakgrillsugarland.com $$ • FB

Fort Bend Business Journal • January 2011

Sandy McGee’s Restaurant & Catering The “BEST” soups, gourmet sandwiches and salads in TEXAS. Casual Dining in Historic Downtown Richmond. Sandy McGee’s has a sterling reputation for “FRESH”. Mon.-Fri. 10am-9pm and Sat.-Sun. 10am-3pm. 314 Morton St., Richmond. 281-344-9393. $ Tornado Burger Home of the famous Spicy Burger. Find out why Houston’s largest newspaper raves about their burgers! Read the review by the Houston Chronicle at: http://blogs.chron.com/cookstour/ archives/2007/09/burgerology.html. They make their burgers with fresh-ground chuck, and even their buns are handmade! The French fries are fresh Idaho potatoes cut right in front of you and fried to order! They compete with the multinationals with fresh food at low prices and very fast service. Their Philly Cheesesteaks are as good as Pat’s if not better! Open Mon. - Sat. 11am-10pm, Sun. 11am-9pm. Dine-In or Drive-Thru. 505 Murphy Rd (FM 1092) just south of Hwy 90 in Stafford, 281-403-FAST (3278). $

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

www.FortBendAutoMarketplace.com

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

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

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

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

LEADING MEDICINE®