January 2013 - The Business Lifestyle Magazine Digital Edition by Fort Bend Business Journal

Volume 31 â&#x20AC;˘ No. 1

THE BUSINESS LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

January 2013

Advanced cancer care treatment in Sugar Land Shelley Morgan, patient, MD Anderson in Sugar Land

INSIDE STORIES

Now is the time to contribute to your tax-deferred savings account Tribute to the longest serving mayor in America Fort Bend Newsworthy & Names in the News Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce Newsletter Data Beat Information 4.95

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Editor’s Preview by Sharon Wallingford

Happy New Year everyone! Sharon Wallingford

Barbara J. Carlson

scan with you smart phone to launch website

anuary is the month of new beginnings. It’s when we let go of all our baggage at the gym, shrink our intake at the table, and vow to add more happiness to our lives. It’s when we begin planning this year’s vacations, rethinking when we might change jobs or retire, planning how to spend more time with our families and friends, and making lists of things that cannot wait another year to be repaired. Some of us call them New Years resolutions. I’m assuming we’re all off to a great start. Since the Mayan calendar ended in 2012 perhaps we’re beginning a new emerging era - the Age of Engagement. Could “engagement” refer to discussion, confession, planning and change? Look at what’s staring us in the face and follow the trends. Surely, a few positive inventions and win-win-wins can be accomplished. For starters, the Texas Legislature meets this month. This issue is big on health and science news. You’ll have an opportunity to read about the latest cancer strategies and patient care at MD Anderson in Sugar Land and Katy and about all the surrounding hospitals and medical clinics that can have a possible program for you or a loved one. We’ve briefed you on milestones promotions, deaths, retirements and news relating to achievements. That includes a tribute to the

late Richmond Mayor Hilmar G. Moore, the longest serving mayor in America, who is being remembered by his many statesmen and friends. Then become aware of the impact, lead and change being created by Microvast, Inc. of Stafford. Their innovative planning and environmental sustainability drove them to reach a newer, better product and destination.... battery operated bus operations in China. Then drive through our pages to Missouri City to meet a delegation of their “sister” city. Yet, another China connection and business partner so we can explore trade. The city of Katy has drawn national newcomers Dyna-Drill and Medline who will soon be announcing their plans for 2013. Then there’s art. Art is all over Fort Bend County. We’ve explored the artful technique of teaching students so later they will invite you into their businesses, board rooms, and to explore new destinations. This issue is packed with Chamber activities that last all month and end with another grand gala. Keep the cash register ringing. Sharon K. Wallingford

The Editorial Advisory Board

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

Becky Munnell President and CEO Blue Jungle Marketing

Jacqueline Baly Chaumette President and CEO Baly Projects, LLC

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

Contact:

Dee Koch Grant Officer The George Foundation

Tim Stubenrouch President First Community Bank

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

January 2013 H Fort Bend / Katy Business Journal

John Whitmore Whitmore Company

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

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NTENTS COVER STORY

Advanced cancer care treatment in Sugar Land Shelley Morgan, patient, MD Anderson in Sugar Land

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Inside Stories

Fort Bend County releases new website with 65 different languages................... 10 Now is the time to contribute to your tax-deferred savings account..................... 11 Evalyn Moore sworn in as Richmond Mayor................................................................. 12 Local business owners look to the future....................................................................... 13 Methodist honors Gloria Wallace with Daisy Award.................................................... 14 Sun does not set on Summerlin and her successes................................................... 16 ObamaCare for small businesses in 2013..................................................................... 18 Tribute to the longest serving mayor in America.......................................................... 20 Governor’s office announces skilled workforce initiative........................................... 22 NRG and GenOn complete merger.................................................................................. 23 Chinese dignitaries visit the “Show Me City”................................................................ 29 Three new office tenants in Sugar Land Town Square............................................... 30 Texas Workforce Commission set employer tax rates for 2013............................... 32 Dyna-Drill enters Katy Job arena...................................................................................... 33 Central Fort Bend Chamber Alliance - Ribbon Cuttings............................................ 34 Texas best kept secrets: Agriculture is a powerhouse............................................... 35 Study shows psychosocial distress can lead to stroke.............................................. 36 RediClinics in Fort Bend takes a dose of their own medicine.................................. 38 Rosenberg awarded membership in Union Pacific Train Town USA registry....... 51 Microvast in Stafford is on track in China....................................................................... 54 January 2013 H Fort Bend / Katy Business Journal

Categories Honored

Presented by

N Business Person of the Year N Corporate Partner of the Year N Committee Member of the Year N HBD Member of the Year N YPD Member of the Year N Ambassador of the Year

N Board Member of the Year N Retiring Board Members N Legislative Leadership Award N Volunteer of the Year (Raymond Saage Award) N Lifetime Achievement Award

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NTENTS

MONTLY COLUMNS

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

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

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

Alan Sandersen

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

Tax Smart

Discusses Lame Sick Excuses...............................................................17

MARKETING CONSULTANTS

Diane Strehl

Ann Sturrock

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

Elsa Maxey

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

Star Digital Studios

Nancy V. Mills, APR

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Discusses Star Digital Studios - your one stop video shop......................19

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

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

Kolbe Curtice CCIM, CLS Commercial Real Estate

Discusses Growing Demand For Fort Bend Investment Properties in 2012.................................................................21

DEPARTMENTS Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce Newsletter........................ 39-46 Newsworthy ........................................................................... 48-50 Names in the News................................................................ 52-53 Data Beat................................................................................ 56-59 Service Directory.................................................................... 60-62 Meet & Eat - Food, Drink & Entertainment Guide................. 62-63 6

January 2013 H Fort Bend / Katy Business Journal

ON THE COVER Advanced cancer care treatment in Sugar Land Shelley Morgan, patient, MD Anderson in Sugar Land

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Fort Bend / Katy Business Journal H January 2013

From neck to toe

Memorial Hermann Southwest Hospital has ways to manage pain By Nancy V. Mills, APR

mber Kuriakose is a living testimony to what happens when pain is ignored. After injuring her back in a fall during her early 20s, she largely dismissed the intermittent pain she experienced a few times each year. Several years later, the pain returned after she give birth to a 6-pound, 9-ounce baby. This time it was more intense. Not only did her back hurt, but the pain would shoot down her legs, making it painful to walk. Kuriakose learned that bulging disks were causing her lower back pain. She successfully underwent lumbar laminectomy surgery at Memorial Hermann Southwest Hospital this summer and has seen a significant improvement while performing the activities of daily living.

which deplete calcium,” said Dr. Alexander. “As a consequence, young people may not reach peak bone mass that is achieved in the 20s and 30s and they are at risk of developing osteoporosis at an earlier age.” In addition to strong bones, Wayne Alani, M.D., an orthopedic surgeon affiliated with Memorial Hermann Southwest, provides additional advice to help avoid neck, back and joint pain. “The main thing is to stay in good shape by moving and keeping the weight off,” said Dr. Alani. “The less weight you carry, the less joint degeneration. When you’re active, the joints are more flexible.” For individuals who experience pain while exercising, Dr. Alani suggests working with an athletic trainer, provided a primary care physician or orthopedic surgeon has confirmed the absence of degenerative arthritis.

Back and Joint Pain Is Common Back pain is a common medical symptom, affecting eight out of 10 people at some point in their lives. While back pain can result from an injury, it is also due, in part, to aging. A sedentary lifestyle can intensify the pain. Other areas of the body impacted by age and sedentary lifestyles are the joints. In a survey by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 30 percent of adults experienced some type of joint pain in the preceding 30 days. Knee pain topped the list, followed by shoulder, finger and hip pain. Treating pain with home remedies, like ice and over-thecounter pain medications, is designed for short-term, acute pain. Pain that persists for more than three months is considered chronic and should be discussed with a physician.

While injuries and aging are unavoidable, there are concrete ways to help prevent neck, back and joint pain. It starts with strong bones that support the body and its movements and allow the development of strong muscles. Charlotte Alexander, M.D., a Memorial Hermann-affiliated orthopedic surgeon specializing in hand and upper extremity, urges patients to monitor calcium and vitamin D intake. “Many of our youth are not drinking milk, but prefer sodas

Photos by Larry Pullen Photography

Prevention Is the Best Medicine

January 2013 H Fort Bend / Katy Business Journal

Joint Pain Seminar Wednesday, January 30 2:30 - 4 p.m. or 6 - 7:30 p.m.

Photos by Larry Pullen Photography

Bradshaw Fitness Center 7731 Southwest Freeway, next to the hospital Learn about the latest techniques to alleviate joint pain from leading orthopedic experts. The event is free, but space is limited. To register, please call 713.222.CARE (2273).

Wayne Alani, M.D.

Moving Beyond the Pain When more conservative treatments such as medication and physical therapy fail to relieve pain, surgery may be recommended. Kuriakose knew she needed more aggressive treatment when numbness accompanied the debilitating pain. A visit with a neurologist led her to Ajay Bindal, M.D., a neurosurgeon affiliated with Memorial Hermann Southwest. He performed her laminectomy, a minimally invasive surgery that removed part of a protruding disc. As a result, this provided space for the nerve. The 28-year-old Kuriakose is now on the mend and said, “I feel 100 times better. I can walk without the shooting pain.” Kuriakose credits a pre-surgery educational program at Memorial Hermann Southwest, called Spine Camp, with alleviating her fears about the surgery. Spine Camp is an innovative patient rehabilitation and recovery program designed for individuals who have undergone thoracic, cervical or lumbar surgery. In addition to the early education component, it includes proven surgical techniques and progressive postoperative mobilization to help participants return to an active lifestyle more quickly than through traditional rehabilitation. “Spine Camp familiarizes the patient with the facility, staff and postoperative care,” said Dr. Bindal. “As a result, patient anxiety is lowered and satisfaction is elevated.”

Memorial Hermann Southwest also provides pre-surgery education and post-surgery support for patients undergoing total knee and hip replacements as part of its Total Joint Replacement program. According to Memorial Hermann-affiliated orthopedic surgeon Derek Jones, M.D., “Having a nursing and physical therapy staff focused on these needs leads to better care for total joint replacement patients.” Among the patients served are those who undergo minimally invasive hip replacement surgery at Memorial Hermann Southwest. Unlike traditional hip replacement surgery where muscles are cut that connect the thigh and hip bones, the minimally invasive hip replacement surgery requires only one or two small incisions. “As a result, patients have fewer restrictions after surgery,” said Wayne Alani, M.D., an orthopedic surgeon affiliated with Memorial Hermann Southwest. “They can move, bend and bear full weight on their hips immediately.” W. Lin Jones, M.D., also a Memorial Hermann-affiliated orthopedic surgeon and father and medical partner to Derek, founded the Total Joint Replacement program in 2004. He is delighted that patient satisfaction scores for the program are consistently in the 99th percentile. To learn more about the ways that Memorial Hermann Southwest can help you manage joint pain from neck to toe, visit memorialhermann.org, or plan to attend the upcoming Joint Pain Seminar. For a physician referral, call 713.456.5348.

Ajay Bindal, M.D.

Fort Bend / Katy Business Journal H January 2013

Fort Bend County releases new website with 65 different languages

ort Bend County released a new public website on December 15. The new website completely replaces the current website and contains many features including: • A new appearance and color scheme • Easier navigation • eNotifications which enable users to “subscribe” to receive email notifications when certain items on the website change • A facilities directory with the location and details about all County buildings and parks • Forms and service requests that can be completed online and submitted to the appropriate County department • Language translation in 65+

different languages • A mobile device “friendly” version of the website • Compatibility with the most popular web browser products • And, many more features allowing for a more customer- focused and easy to use website The new website currently contains more than 1,100 web pages and a multitude of documents that can be viewed, downloaded or printed. Also, a slide show on the home page will feature pictures of County buildings, parks and landmarks. Along with the release of the new website is an easier to remember web address of www.FortBendCountyTX.gov. Ray Webb, director of Information

Technology, said, “We are very proud of the new website, which is a culmination of many months of work by members of our Information Technology team, numerous representatives from County departments and offices, and the design work and partnership with Vision Internet Providers.” Webb would also like to remind everyone they will have to replace any bookmarks they may have set for the current County website, as the new website pages have completely different web addresses. Any comments, suggestions or questions about the new website may be sent via email by clicking on the “Feedback” or “Webmaster” links located on most pages of the website.

A Sugar Land Tradition... Renewed

For information on membership options, contact Kelly Buettner in our Sales and Marketing office today! 281.494.9131 x134 • www.sugarcreekcctexas.com 420 Sugar Creek Boulevard 10

January 2013 H Fort Bend / Katy Business Journal

Now is the time to contribute to your tax-deferred savings account

tâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a new year and another opportunity to contribute to your tax-deferred savings accounts. When you contribute to your 401k, IRA or other tax-deferred savings account, the government is essentially matching your contribution at your marginal tax rate and your contribution grows tax-free until it is distributed. Whether you qualify to make a tax-deferred contribution in 2013 is dependent on many factors; an experienced and qualified financial advisor can help you determine your eligibility and maximum contribution amounts. Each year, the IRS updates (and generally increases) contribution limits. For 2013, some limits increased, while others remained the same as 2012. Below are the contribution limits for 2013. New taxes attached to the Affordable Care Act of 2011 are set to take effect this year. Wage earners

Account Type

Max Salary Deferral

Additional Deferral if Over 50

Maximum Total Deferral

All Defined Contribution Plans (401k, 403b, etc.)

$17,500

$5,500

$23,000

SIMPLE IRA

$12,000

$2,500

$14,500

Traditional And Roth IRA

$5,500

$1,000

$6,500

with household incomes over $250,000 will pay an additional 0.9 percent in Medicare taxes. Also, any unearned income (interest and dividends) will incur a new 3.8 percent tax in addition current capital gains and ordinary income taxes. You may have noticed your net pay check dip slightly at the beginning of the year. This is because the temporary 2

percent cut in social security taxes has expired. Your rate returned to its ordinary level of 6.2 percent, which represents a $2,000 tax increase for a worker making $100,000 per year. WJ Interests is a fee-only financial planning and investment management firm in Sugar Land. For more information, please contact us atwj@wjinterests.com or 281-634-9400.

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Fort Bend / Katy Business Journal H January 2013

Civic leader honored to serve city

Evalyn Moore sworn in as Richmond Mayor

n a public ceremony at Richmond City Hall, Evayln Wendt Moore was sworn in as Richmond’s new mayor at 4 p.m. Monday. Moore will serve the unexpired term of her late husband Hilmar G. Moore, who served as the mayor for 63 years and was America’s longest serving mayor in office. The ceremony marked a new historical path for the city as Moore becomes the first woman mayor to serve. The term expires in May 2014. Fort Bend County Commissioner of Precinct One Richard Morrison presided as she took the oath on a Bible that had belonged to her husband and was read each night. It was gifted by his older son, Hilmar Moore, Jr. “I’m very honored to be serving our city,” said Moore. “I’m very pleased the Commissioner’s have the confidence in me to ask me. I feel that I’ve learned many of the do’s and don’t over the past 28 years and I approve and appreciate, as well as have great confidence, in our city’s administration and its employees.” As a city we will have many growth and new business opportunities, added Moore, in a recent interview. Referring to city programs such as recycling, on-line bill pay, and the upgrading of equipment, she added that with the new innovations

(l-r) Gary Gillen, Evalyn Moore and Bill Dostal on task to plan the city’s future.

Photo by Randy Kozlovsky

New Richmond Mayor Evalyn Moore, sworn in by Fort Bend Commissioner Richard Morrison.

that have been occurring the city will continue to move forward. “The city has a very good working relationship with local and public officials, the county judge and Commissioner Morrison,” she said. “The cities of Rosenberg and Richmond have a good working relationship and we’re sound financially. We balance our budgets..” Moore feels there is so much more to look forward to once the completion of Wessendorff Park occurs and new developments in Historic Richmond and the Farmer’s Market expand. Moore, whose maternal grandfather served as a Fort Bend county judge, has deep roots in Richmond. Her parents, Billie Harris and Jack Wendt, are active civic leaders on state and national levels and in the the community as well..Moore’s service to the city, county and state has included serving as president and as a docent of the Fort Bend County Museum Association, a trustee of the Southwest Cattle Raiser’s Association, an officer in January 2013 H Fort Bend / Katy Business Journal

the Richmond Garden Club, a member of the OakBend Hospital Board, and as a member of the Fulshear Cemetery board. She is currently active in the Friends of the Fort Bend County Historical Commission. She has been actively engaged in the rice farming industry with her sisters for many years. Moore recalls that she was in the first group of women allowed to enter Texas A&M University in the fall semester. “Previously women were only allowed to go to A&M in the summer school, and only if married to an Aggie or the daughter of a professor.” “I will do my best to honor my husband’s memory and the integrity of our city,” said Moore. Moore was appointed on the local government code, Section 24.026, which describes how a general law city can fill a vacancy. City Commissioner’s include Bill Dostal and Gary Gillen. City manager is Terri Vela.

Local business owners look to the future

Top Row (from left): Downy Vickery, J.R Garcia, Helen Cong, Tal Smith; Next Row (from left): George Huntoon, Marjorie McMillon, Fred Riepen and Rebecca Marcucci.

By Wayne Chandler

Marjorie McMillon, owner, MTI Business Center, SH 6 and West Airport Blvd., Sugar Land -- “For 2013 I just want to expand my new business.” Fred Riepen, Sugar Land attorney for business, estate planning, probate, real estate -- “ My resolution is to spend more time and encourage fellow attorneys to spend more time participating in public school programs to promote good citizenship and respect for our laws and justice system.” Rebecca Marcucci, owner and vice president, Municipal District Services, LLC, Grand Parkway at I-10 -- “Most of my life I’ve been able to use my God-given gifts of intelligence, stamina and hard-headedness (from both my parents) to get things to work. Now, I’m learning that God is calling for less me and more him. More prayer, more patience. Less my gifts, more God’s grace. As Oprah Winfrey said, “Cheers to the new year and another chance to get it right.” These fellow residents are giving it a try.

“A

New Year’s resolution is something that goes in one year, and out the other” -- Anonymous. That may be true with most of us, but a new year always has been a time to look to the past, and, more importantly, forward to the coming year. Here are some Fort Bend business folks who have a serious resolve for 2013: Downy Vickery, chairman of the board and president, Transition Bank, Katy -- “My resolution for 2013 and every year would be to live my life every day in a way that honors my Lord Jesus Christ.” Yunuen “J.R.” Garcia, P.E., PGAL, Sugar Land -- My resolution: To become the engineer of record for at least one bridge on Grand Parkway, Segment G (SH 99 and US59 North). To accomplish this I am going to have to do something that I have not done in my career, take ownership of all the calculations and bridge design work required to construct the bridge.” Helen Cong, owner, Creative Salon, West Airport Blvd, Village of Oak Lake, Sugar Land -- “To improve my business, overcome a lot of negatives from the previous ownership, and serve my clients.” Tal Smith, former Houston Astros president and currently executive for Sugar Land Skeeters Baseball Club -- “ I resolve to anguish less over things beyond my control.” George Huntoon III, Katy and Houston realtor -- “My resolution for 2013 is to put more effort into my career and to take better care of my health and to go fishing and and hunting more often.”

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Fort Bend / Katy Business Journal H January 2013

Methodist honors Gloria Wallace with Daisy Award

loria Wallace, RN, is Methodist Sugar Land Hospital’s DAISY Award winner, a national honor that recognizes the contributions of extraordinary nurses. Gloria was chosen for her extraordinary efforts in helping a family member find a patient. She has consistently demonstrated her ability to go beyond the standard of care for patients and their family members. When a family member came to the hospital looking for a patient and was having difficulty, Gloria made a decision to help. She actively helped the family member by calling all of the units and accompanied the family member to the emergency room to look even further. Gloria then called surrounding hospitals to help locate the patient and found that the patient had been admitted to another hospital. Gloria helped locate the patient in spite of the fact that she was already off duty. “Gloria’s sense of responsibility for her patients and family members extended far beyond the hospital’s walls,” said Janet Leatherwood, Chief Nursing Officer of Methodist Sugar Land Hospital. “When she realized the family member was lost, she stepped up and did what she could to provide assistance. Her actions are a living example of the nursing unit’s motto, ‘Treat each patient and family as if they were your family.’ In honor of her DAISY Award selection, Gloria received a certification of appreciation, a DAISY Award pin and a beautiful sculpture titled “A Healer’s Touch,” hand-carved by artists

DAISY Award Recipient, Gloria Wallace, RN, with her family and the DAISY Award Committee.

of the Shona tribe in Zimbabwe. Methodist Sugar Land Hospital’s Nursing Administration group will select a DAISY Award winner each quarter. The DAISY Foundation was established by family members in memory of J. Patrick Barnes, who died in 1999 from an auto-immune disease. The care Patrick and his family received from nurses inspired this unique award as a way of thanking nurses for making a profound difference in the lives of their patients and patient families. Today, more than 1,300 hospitals across the U.S. participate in the program.

Treat each patient and family as if they were your family.

January 2013 H Fort Bend / Katy Business Journal

One day while Patrick was in the hospital without an appetite, he was able to eat some of his father’s cinnamon roll. The next day, he asked his family to bring him his own cinnamon roll, plus enough for all the nurses in his unit! Today, the DAISY Foundation carries on this tradition by serving cinnamon rolls to all the nurses in the award recipient’s unit as a reminder that their efforts are appreciated. “We are proud to be among the hospitals participating in the DAISY Award program,” said Leatherwood. “Nurses like Gloria are every day heroes who demonstrate excellence through clinical expertise and compassionate care, and we are excited to be able to recognize her – and our future winners – as outstanding role models for the nursing profession.”

Combs distributes $552 million in monthly sales tax revenue to local governments such as retail trade, manufacturing, oil and natural gas, construction and telecommunications.” Combs will send December local sales tax allocations totaling $552 million to cities, counties, transit systems and special purpose taxing districts, up 15.5 percent compared to December 2011. The sales tax figures represent October

exas Comptroller Susan Combs claims state sales tax revenue in November was $2.34 billion, up 13.1 percent compared to November 2011. “Gains across major sectors boosted state sales tax revenue,” Combs said. “Collections were strong in sectors

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

LOCAL SALES TAX ALLOCATIONS (DECEMBER 2012) Recipient

Dec. 2012 Allocations

Cities Counties Transit Systems Special Purpose Taxing Districts Total

Change from Dec. 2011

Year-to-date Change

$360.8m

14.2%

8.2%

$37.2m

18.9

14.7%

$125.3m

15.2%

10.0%

$29.0m

29.3

23.3%

$552.3m

15.5%

9.7%

METHODIST SUGAR LAND NEUROLOGY ASSOCIATES Personal attention, high-tech care for your peace of mind Methodist Sugar Land Neurology Associates offer diagnosis and treatment of the most common — and most complex — neurological disorders. From sleep apnea, migraines, epilepsy and dementia, to complex spine, peripheral neurological disorders and neuromuscular disorders, the physicians at Methodist Sugar Land Neurology Associates can provide answers and options using the latest in technology and therapeutic techniques, backed by the resources and staff of Methodist Sugar Land Hospital. Regain your quality of life. Call Methodist Sugar Land Neurology Associates today.

Larry Tran, M.D., Eddie L. Patton Jr., M.D. and M. Faisal Khan, M.D.



Board-certified neurologists with a special emphasis on neurophysiology, neuromuscular disorders and sleep medicine.



Located on the Methodist Sugar Land Hospital campus in Medical Office Building Two, Suite 131.



Call 281-494-6387 to schedule an appointment.

Medical Office Building Two • 16659 Southwest Freeway, Suite 131 Sugar Land, Texas 77479 • 281-494-6387 MethodistSugarLandDocs.com

Fort Bend / Katy Business Journal H January 2013

Sun does not set on Summerlin and her successes By Wayne Chandler

ebby Summerlin’s next trip may be to Hollywood, invited there by a former middle school theater student who now is one of the creators and directors of a new television series. She just visited a former student in Seattle, now a Microsoft executive, who asked her to visit. Debby, in 33 years of teaching voice and theater in public and private schools in Katy, San Antonio and Houston, has left a legacy of talented singers, actors and persons active in the entertainment business throughout the United States. “I keep up with a lot of them now by email or phone,” Debby said. “They know I like to hear what they’re doing now, and they continue to thank me,” she smiled. Now, living in Fort Bend County, she’s retired from formal teaching, and has developed a highly successful travel business. Debby’s hobby always has been traveling. She’s been to 50 countries , most of them before she began her own business. She quickly attained the travel industry’s coveted IATAN card which assures her of special favors and perks because of all the travel she books for a vast variety of acquaintances. Debby, ebullient, gregarious and always with a contagious smile, is a true soprano, and has sung solo all over the nation, England, Poland and Russia. In Russia, she sang in the Hermitage Theatre and in the throne room at the Peterhof with the Moscow Chamber Orchestra for a Russian television special. Now, she sings with the Bayou City Women’s Chorus, Bayou City Chorale, Bayou Rhythms, and the Sugar Land Methodist Sanctuary Choir, and special events across the Houston/Sugar Land area. She regularly works with the SLFUMC youth choir on their annual dinner theater, writing scripts, working with soloists and helping draft the drama portion. She also does music coaching with theater directors in

Debby, left with Laura Chi Hood, former student and now retired from Microsoft.

Katy ISD and Alief ISD musicals. And still, she travels more. Debby sang in an impromptu concert at the theater in Pompeii, swayed across the swinging bridge canopy over the Amazon River in Peru, climbed atop a deserted glacier in Alaska, and has done zip lining, rappelling and water rafting in Costa Rica. She and three pals just returned from one of her most memorable trips, via Dubai, to Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. “One of the places I’ve always wanted to go is Kenya,” Debby said , “because of a dear friend from there who told me wonderful things about her country. A few years later my church began supporting Providence Children’s Home near Nairobi. I soon was put on the church board for PCH, and last year I decided that it was time to visit.” Now, Debby is showing photos to her fellow church members, friends and many of her former students about her latest adventures. The former students include: Robert Orci, a writer and producer for the first two “Transformers” movies, the 2009 “Star Trek” movie, “The Proposal,” “Cowboys and Aliens,” and now the new January 2013 H Fort Bend / Katy Business Journal

“Hawaii Five-O” series. Laura Chi Hood, hired right out of Stanford by Microsoft. “Laura never has missed my birthday since the early ‘80s when I had her as a sixth grader.” Rebecca Weinberg, a student of Debby’s in the ‘80s. “Rebecca won an Emmy for costume design for “Sex and the City” in the early 2000’s. In a magazine article, Rebecca said that, “in junior high, her teacher, Ms. Summerlin, was a huge influence” on her life. Juan Pareja, who has been in several movies as well as a host of commercials in Houston. He was in the movies “W”, “Machete,” and “The Mist,” and had a strong supporting role in the movie “From Mexico With Love,” and Debby was invited to the premiere. Juan recently played Morales in the television series, “The Walking Dead.” Several other of Debby’s students followed her into teaching middle school theatre: Bobby Linhart, who teaches drama at St. Francis Episcopal School, asked her to perform in “Godspell,” under his direction. Nicole Lawson, another student who started out teaching middle school theatre in Fort Bend ISD (and a classmate of Linhart and Laura Chi Hood) has started a theater company in Houston called Pandora Theater, and Debby has performed in several of his productions. Born in Tyler, Texas, Debby was graduated from Palestine High School in 1970, and East Texas State University in 1974 with a BS degrees in elementary education with specialization in theater and speech. She taught in San Antonio 19741980, starting a speech/theater program at Connell Middle School which continues. She taught in Spring Branch ISD’s Spring Oaks Middle School from 1980-1991, helped reopen Northbrook Middle School in 1991 and started its theater program and video technology class. She retired in 2007 to enter the travel business where she has the agency, Debby Does Destinations, email address travelddd@gmail.com.

Y O U

A N D

Y O U R

T A X E S

Tax Smart

By Alan Sandersen

Sandersen Knox & Co. L.L.P.

Lame sick excuses Ferris Bueller has no corner on slacking under the guise of lame excuses. According to studies, 30 percent of workers have called in sick when not actually ill during the previous year, which is on par with previous years. Sick days, legitimate or otherwise, also become more frequent around the winter holidays, with nearly one-third of employers reporting more employees call in sick during the holiday season. Not all sick days are spent dealing with the misery of the flu. Harris Interactive recently performed a survey for the CareerBuilder employment website operator and found that next to actually being sick, the most common reasons employees call in sick are because they just don’t feel like going to work (34 percent), or because they felt like they needed to relax (29

percent). Others take the day off so they can make it to a doctor’s appointment (22 percent), catch up on sleep (16 percent), or run some errands (15 percent). Some of the lamest real life employee excuses for absenteeism included: • Employee’s sobriety tool wouldn’t allow the car to start • Employee forgot he had been hired for the job • Employee said her dog was having a nervous breakdown • Employee’s dead grandmother was being exhumed for a police investigation • Employee’s toe was stuck in a faucet • Employee said a bird bit her • Employee was upset after watching “The Hunger Games” • Employee got sick from reading too much • Employee was suffering from a broken

heart • Employee’s hair turned orange from dying her hair at home We are not making this up… Flushing out the Fakers According to the survey, twenty-nine percent of employers have checked up on an employee to verify that the illness is legitimate, usually by requiring a doctor’s note or calling the employee later in the day. Some employers have had other employees call a suspected faker (18 percent) or even gone so far as to drive by the employee’s home (14 percent). Interestingly, 17 percent of employers have fired employees for giving a fake excuse. 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 281-2423232. www.sktx.com. H

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ObamaCare for small businesses in 2013 Area small business owners meet with health exchange, “shop” to consider health insurance alternatives By Elsa Maxey

ike it or not, America is moving forward with the implementation of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, commonly known as ObamaCare or simply the Affordable Care Act signed into law in 2010. Under this mandate, every legal U.S. resident not already covered under Medicare or an employer-provided health care plan will be required to have health insurance. There will also be federal subsidies for those falling in poverty income levels. In the alternative, if, by 2014 every citizen of the U.S. 18 years and above does not have health insurance, a penalty ranging between $695 to $1,200

will be accessed by the federal government, according to Rosalinda V. Diestro, GHRA Think Insurance Group representative. “You need to be proactive and if you think ObamaCare is not starting until 2014…it has started already.” Last month on December 19, about 600 small business owners met with Diestro at the Stafford Centre to review the implications of the health law and its impact on their respective businesses. Diestro, the event organizer told business owners that since Texas opted out of participating in the set up of a state exchange in accordance with the enacted health care law, there will be federal insurance exchanges in place instead. Diestro said that basically,“these will be health insurance stores or medical

exchange shops.” She said that eligible shoppers will include workers whose employers don’t provide affordable health care, those that decide “to pay or not play.” She said that if a business has 50 or more employees, it falls under the pay or play business impacted by the health care law. The business may decide among health options for small business owners, individuals or group insurance for small businesses. “Say, I am not going to provide health insurance to my employees; that means I am willing to pay the government up to a $2,000 fine as an employer,” said Diestro. For the 50 employees, Diestro said the government “exempts” or “gives or credits you 30 free.” Doing the math, that means, “50 minus 30 equals 20, times two and that’s what you will pay the government.” The $2,000 penalty applies with the 31stemployees. “For businesses with multiple owners still having 50 employees or different corporations with one OBAMACARE, continued on page 47

ObamaCare Key Dates: January 1, 2013 ObamaCare-specific taxes will apply at the start of the new year. One of them includes an increase in the Medicare payroll tax. For people earning more than $200,000 a year (for married couples, $250,000), the Medicare Part A (hospital coverage) payroll tax will go up. Also medical device makers will also see a new tax. Tax form W-2s issued for wages paid in 2012 must include a line showing the benefit employees receive from their employer-sponsored health care. This first time provision is reportedly an attempt to make health-care benefits and spending more transparent. July 1, 2013 This is the scheduled date for a group of new Consumer Operated and Oriented Plan (CO-OP) nonprofit, member-run health insurance companies to open for business. October 2013 State health insurance exchanges online will go live allowing the review of options for plan sign up. This is also the date for the federal insurance exchanges like the one being organized by Diestro, which will go live in those states that

opted out. These exchanges are required by law to begin enrolling members on October 1st. Diestro maintains that the exchanges will help small businesses because they “will help lower costs and improve plan choices.” Last quarter of 2013 If a lower court rules in favor of a challenge relating to employers of companies with 50 or more employees having to provide health coverage or pay a $2,000 fine for every worker past the 30th one, and the requirement that all non-church employers provide free contraception, the issue is expected to go before the U.S. Supreme Court. That will be towards year’s end after a Spring 2013 ruling by a lower court. January 1, 2014 The major parts of the Affordable Care Act take effect. This will include the individual mandate and employer mandate, and the ban on insurers excluding people based on pre-existing medical conditions. Under the individual mandate, everyone will be required to have health insurance and there will be federal subsidies for those earning up to 400 percent of the federal poverty level ($11,170 for individuals, $23,050 for a family of four at this time).

January 2013 H Fort Bend / Katy Business Journal

DIGITAL

STUDIO

VIDEOS

Behind the Scene

By Elsa Maxey

Executive Producer Star Video Productions

Star Digital Studios - your one stop video shop As we are becoming more of an audience of viewers, not readers, there’s a greater demand for the production of videos. The “show me” adage is so apropos here. Star Digital Studios can help businesses develop video that is engaging and it’s much easier in most cases to relay a message visually than to read text. Many organizations indicate they are in favor of marketing with video, especially online. For promotional or information messages, posting videos on a website help increase business visibility...literally. From reports, there’s even research stating that video increases the chances of someone landing on that site, the one with video. Star Digital Studios is Fort Bend’s and the surrounding area’s one stop shop to help not only with content, but also with video production, editing, and posting. It’s for the sort of thing that can help a business stay on top

of the competition with a great investment return on the video production. A report singles out 5 distinct ways to create business videos and it’s what Star Digital Studios can help do. For product education, there’s the ability to demonstrate it...in front of a camera. If you need a script, Star Digital Studios has a teleprompter that can help a speaker look so “presidential.” Try video FAQs. They are an important way to relay the facts about a product or service. You hear the questions asked over and over again, and what a great way to let prospective customers know ahead of time, as if they were talking to you, about what is and is not. After a sales pitch, how about post presentation information? Take a note of possible objections or challenges that may have come

up and further clarify them on video. It helps build trust, and probably adds to sales, too. Testimonials are so relevant and convincing. Find customers willing to go on camera endorsing your product or service. They’re real, and who knows, maybe this could be the start of a film career for them! What about members of your organization? Key team members probably deal with prospective clients on a regular basis or they may be the very ones that will be the liaison between your company and the customer. Feature them in a video. Give us a call! Elsa Malakoff is a contributor to the Fort Bend Business Journal and Fort Bend Star and a Exeutive Producer of Star Video Productions. She can be reached at 281-690-4280. Go www. Starvideoproductions.com or email us elsamaxey@ starvideoproductions.com.

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.

STAR Digital

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Tribute to the longest serving mayor in America The Journal pays tribute to the late Richmond Mayor Hilmar G. Moore, 92, the longest serving mayor in America’s history, died December 4 and services were held Monday, December 10. Burial was in Historic Morton Cemetery. He was the mayor of Richmond for 63 years and remained active in that capacity until his death.

Annual Awards Luncheon January 11, 2013 Safari Texas

Richmond Mayor Hilmar Moore’s family will be presented with a Lifetime Service Award in his honor.

HILMAR GUENTHER MOORE

ilmar Guenther Moore was born on July 28, 1920, to Dorethea Guenther Moore and John M. Moore, Jr., at Santa Rosa Hospital in San Antonio, Texas, and died in Richmond, Texas, on December 4, 2012, at the age of 92. He lived his whole life in Richmond. He was a descendant of four members of the Old Three Hundred Colonists. His maternal great-grandfather, Carl Hilmar Guenther, founded Pioneer Flour Company in Fredericksburg and later San Antonio, one of the oldest businesses still operating in Texas. His paternal grandfather, John M. Moore, Sr., was a Texas State Legislator, Secretary of State, State of Texas, and the first United States Congressman from Fort Bend County. His father, John M. Moore, Jr., was County Judge and Mayor of Richmond. Hilmar graduated from Richmond High School in 1938 and attended the University of Texas in Austin, majoring in law, and was a member of the Kappa Sigma fraternity. He joined the

United States Air Corps in October, 1942, and graduated as 1st Lieutenant Navigator. After eighteen months as a Navigation Instructor at San Marcos Air Force Base and Ellington Air Force Base, he trained in Air Sea Rescue work. He joined the 4th Air Sea Rescue Squadron operating out of Saipan and Iwo Jima earning two Air Medals and four Battle Stars by the end of World Ward II. As part of his service he flew an Air Sea Rescue flight for the Enola Gay for the Hiroshima atomic bomb drop and observed the drop from 120 miles away. After returning to Richmond in January 1946, he became engaged in the commercial cattle business. He was a sixth generation Texas cattle rancher and he owned cattle continuously since 1926 at the age of six until his death. He operated on ranch land that has been a part of the family ranching operation continuously since 1824. He also raised quarter horses since 1938 and was a charter member of the American Quarter Horse Association. He filled many leadership positions in numerous livestock organizations on the local, state, regional and national level. Some of these were President, Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association, from 1974 January 2013 H Fort Bend / Katy Business Journal

1976; Executive Committee Member, American National Cattleman’s Association; Board of Directors, National Cattleman’s Association; Vice Chairman and Chairman, Beef Industry Council of the Meat Board; Treasurer, Chairman Elect and Chairman, National Livestock and Meat Board 1985 - 1986; Treasurer, Santa Gertrudis Breeder’s Association. He received one of the highest awards of the industry from the Meat Board, the Golden Spur Award, in 1989. He served on the Board of the King Ranch for nine years. On September 22, 1949, he was appointed Mayor of the City of Richmond to fill an unexpired term and won thirty-two consecutive elections for two year terms, serving 63 years, which made him the longest serving mayor in the history of the United States. During his lifetime he received many awards and recognitions, but as the late Texas Governor Dolph Briscoe said in 1989, “I think the greatest tribute to Hilmar Moore is the fact that he has been Mayor of his home town for more than forty years. The position of Mayor is one that is closer to the people than most other elected offices and the fact that those who know him best have kept him the longest is in my opinion the greatest tribute that can be paid to an individual.”

R E A L

E S T A T E

Commercial Real Estate

By Kolbe Curtice, CCIM, CLS

Managing Director Colliers International - Fort Bend

Growing demand for Fort Bend investment properties in 2012 Demand for quality commercial real estate properties increased substantially in Fort Bend County in 2012 as investors sought to move cash into hard assets. Driven by projections of rising inflation and slow economic growth over upcoming years, competition for quality properties has been brisk. Investors are moving to commercial real estate as an alternative to investments which may be more susceptable to a devaluing dollar. Most commercial real estate leases contain rental escalation clauses which ensure that rents keep pace with inflation. Investors buy properties for their income streams and the potential for properties to appreciate in value due to those escalating income streams. The two types of buyers of commercial property are investors and users. For the year or two following the 2008 recession, buyers

in Fort Bend were almost exclusively “users”. Users purchase properties to utilize them for the operation of a business. When I am representing a “user” for the acquisition of property, I analyze the property as if he were an investor. The property should “stand on its own”, capable of producing a fair return on investment if the owner chose to move or sell the business. Sometimes, however, this is difficult because the property may require alterations or improvements which are unique to the owner’s business operation. These alterations could impact the rental value of the property for some companies interested in leasing. Every investor’s goals and objectives are different. A satisfactory level of income or profit to one investor may be entirely unacceptable to another. Although every commer-

cial real estate investor is unique, they can be generally classified as either: Individuals - Either a single person, a small group of individual investors, or small partnerships Corporate Buyers - Public or private corporations, both profit and nonprofit Institutional Buyers - Pension funds, insurance companies, foreign investors, or Real Estate Investment Trusts (REIT’s) With the advanced technology in today’s economy, all three of these classes of investors commonly compete for commercial real estate investment opportunities. New forms of ownership, such as Tenants In Common (TIC’s), are making once untouchable commercial

KOLBE CURTICE... continued on page 55

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Fort Bend / Katy Business Journal H January 2013

281.242-3232 www.sktx.com

Governor’s office announces skilled workforce initiative

collaboration between the Governor’s Office, Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board and Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) that will use competency-based learning to help Texans quickly receive certifications in high demand industries is being established. During the recent announcement the governor was joined by Texas Education Agency Commissioner Michael Williams, Texas State Technical College Chancellor Mike Reeser, and lawmakers in Harlingen to discuss this new effort to maintain a skilled workforce to meet our state’s growing industry demands. “Over the past decade, Texas has established a jobs-friendly environment that has powered our economic engine and attracted major employers in various growing industries, leading to increased demand for certified, high-skilled workers,” Gov. Perry said. “The framework for technical training we’re putting in place will enable workers to earn their technical certifications fast, at an affordable cost, and targeted to specific skills that are needed by industries.” Demand for skilled workers continues to grow as Texas’ economy flourishes, particularly in sectors like manufacturing, where it has nearly doubled over the past three years and is projected to grow 10 percent by 2020. To address this need, the Texas State Technical College System is developing a framework for this skilled workforce initiative, which will quickly and affordably allow workers to translate existing skills into targeted certifications. This framework can be tailored to specific industry needs, and is easily exportable to all community and technical colleges statewide. “A skilled workforce is essential to our economy. When our business and industry leaders work together with our education institutions, it creates a direct path to employment for Texans,” State Rep. Eddie Lucio, III said. “The new educational delivery model that Texas State Technical College will develop will aid to solidify Texas’

economic prosperity. I sincerely applaud the efforts of the Governor’s office, Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board and the Texas Workforce Commission.” “Gov. Perry’s leadership on this initiative will help expedite the production of a skilled labor force to meet the needs of our growing state,” State Rep. J.M. Lozano said. Businesses are also encouraged to form partnerships with their local school districts to incorporate this workforce training into local career and technical education programs. The program will focus on ensuring job-preparedness for groups like veterans, current workers needing retraining, and career-focused high school graduates among others. “Texas State Technical College System is excited to be working with its fellow state agencies and with Texas industrial employers to develop this new framework for training Texans for crucial high-skilled jobs in our state,” Chancellor Mike Reeser said. “We are especially grateful for the Governor’s leadership in this vital effort.” Texans already benefit from programs that utilize a competency-based approach January 2013 H Fort Bend / Katy Business Journal

to education, and Perry has called on higher education institutions to continue looking for ways to implement this approach as a way to make education more affordable and accessible. Texas’ College Credit 4 Heroes program allows veterans to get college course credit for the experience, education and training they obtained during military service, and WGU Texas, a subsidiary of Western Governors University (WGU), provides online bachelor’s and master’s degrees, and recently graduated its first class since its creation in 2011. Gov. Perry also praised the Chair of the Senate Education Committee, for calling on the State Board of Education to double the number of approved Career Tech courses available to students in Texas. These courses prepare students to graduate ready to work in numerous in-demand fields and will further bolster the state’s effort to meet the growing need for high-skilled workers in various industries. Texas State Technical College is a partner of the Fort Bend Technical Center in Richmond.

NRG and GenOn complete merger, creating nation’s largest competitive power generator Combined company has about 47,000 megawatts of generating capacity comprised of nearly 100 generating facilities in 18 states

RG Energy, Inc. (NYSE: NRG) and GenOn Energy, Inc. (NYSE: GEN) have completed their merger effective today, creating the largest competitive power generator in the United States. NRG now has a diverse fleet of almost 100 generation assets with a total capacity of approximately 47,000 megawatts (MW) concentrated in three domestic regions: East, Gulf Coast and West. “Today, we usher in a new era of scale and scope in the American power industry, creating additional value for our shareholders and enhancing our ability to serve our growing retail energy customer base with safe, affordable and reliable power,” said David Crane, NRG’s President and CEO. In connection with the consummation of the merger, GenOn Energy stockholders will receive a fixed ratio of 0.1216 shares of NRG common stock for each share of GenOn common stock, except that cash will be paid in lieu of fractional shares. GenOn common stock will cease being traded prior to the market opening Monday, Dec. 17, and will no longer be listed on the New York Stock Exchange. With the merger completed, NRG is now dual headquartered, with financial and commercial headquarters in Princeton and operational headquarters in Houston. The combined fleet of conventional and renewable power generation facilities produced more than 104 terawatt-hours (TWh) of electricity in 2011 and can supply nearly 40 million homes. “With the merger with GenOn now complete, Houston officially takes its place as one of NRG Energy’s dual headquarters with a focus on operations for the largest competitive power generation company in

the nation,” said John Ragan, president of NRG Energy’s Gulf Coast region. “The merger will give additional strength to the company to allow future growth in Houston and Texas in our existing generation and retail businesses as well as our fast growing new businesses such as Petra Nova, Simply Smart and Energy Services.” NRG is at the forefront of changing how people think about and use energy. We deliver cleaner and smarter energy choices for

our customers, backed by the nation’s largest independent power generation portfolio of fossil fuel, nuclear, solar and wind facilities. A Fortune 300 company, NRG is challenging the U.S. energy industry by becoming the largest developer of solar power, building the first privately-funded electric vehicle charging infrastructure, and providing customers with the most advanced smart energy solutions to better manage their energy use. In addition to 47,000 megawatts of generation capacity, enough to supply nearly 40 million homes, our retail electricity providers – Reliant, Green Mountain Energy and Energy Plus – serve more than two million customers.

Library friends annual meeting will feature expatriate author Apple Gidley

he annual general membership meeting of the Friends of the Missouri City Library organization will take place on Tuesday,January 22, beginning with a Meetand-Greet Reception at 6:30 p.m., in the Meeting Room of the library, located at 1530 Texas Parkway. The meeting will begin at 7:00 pm. The guest speaker, Apple Gidley, will share her experiences as an expatriate, relocating to new homes in various countries around the world. Gidley is an Anglo-Australian known to thousands of readers as ExpatApple thanks to her popular blog at theDaily Telegraph. During the span of her life, she has moved 26 times to 12 different countries, from Africa to Australasia to America, with stops in Melanesia, the Caribbean, and Europe along the way. In her book,Expat Life Slice by Slice, she recounts her experiences Fort Bend / Katy Business Journal H January 2013

relocating around the world and the challenges of expatriation, such as finding a home, a job, or a school for her two children. A pragmatist, Gidley believes “that the adventure is nine times out of ten worth the odd moments of angst… that our lives are short and precious and we have to make the most of them, to remain curious, wherever we happen to be living.” Gidley current resides in downtown Houston, where she is actively involved in the expatriate community locally, nationally, and internationally through her work with Families in Global Transition. Copies of her book, Expat Life Slice by Slice, will be available for sale and signing. Anyone interested in learning more about the Friends and/or joining the group is invited to attend the annual meeting, during which an election of new officers will take place. For more information, or for membership details, call the branch library at (281) 238-2100.

A Full Range of Cancer Treatment Options in Sugar Land

f you are facing cancer, it’s comforting to know the world’s leading cancer experts are in your community. The University of Texas MD Anderson Regional Care Center in Sugar Land offers comprehensive cancer services in a compassionate, caring and comforting environment. From the moment a person walks through the care center doors, the Sugar Land team is there to guide patients through their journey. Shelley Morgan, a head and neck cancer patient, who received treatment at the Sugar Land Regional Care Center, agrees. “From the minute I arrived at MD Anderson, everyone was patient and kind,” Morgan said. “It was also great having my treatment team conveniently close to home. When I didn’t feel well, they were just five minutes away.” Advanced MD Anderson treatment options available in Sugar Land include surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, clinical trials and support services. The care center team is made up of highly skilled surgical, medical and radiation oncologists, as well as nurses, dietitians, social workers and physical therapists all working together to customize a patient’s care.

Patient Shelley Morgan received cancer treatment in her community, which kept her close to her daughter Nelley and the rest of her family. SURGERY The highly skilled surgical oncology team includes Susan Hoover, M.D., Nicole Fleming, M.D., John Papadopoulos, M.D., and Mark Zafereo, M.D. They are all board certified and experienced in the most advanced and minimally invasive surgical techniques. Each is fellowship trained in his or her area of specialty. Hoover, a breast surgical oncologist, focuses on treating

It’s important for me to build relationships with my patients so that they feel confident and comfortable with their treatment plan. As a urologist specializing in urologic cancers, I really want them to understand all of the available options and feel supported while choosing what’s best for them.

John Papadopoulos, M.D., Urologic Surgical Oncologist

January 2013 H Fort Bend / Katy Business Journal

diseases of the breast (both benign and malignant); Papadopoulos is a urologic surgical oncologist specializing in cancers of the bladder, prostate and kidneys; and Zafereo is a head and neck surgical oncologist with specialized experience in treating cancers specifically of the mouth and throat, salivary gland tumors, melanoma, thyroid and parathyroid. Fleming, a gynecologic oncologist, focuses on treating female patients with cancers of the reproductive organs, including uterine, ovarian and cervical cancers. RADIATION Knowledgeable and compassionate radiation oncologists Isidora Arzu, M.D., Ph.D., and Shalin Shah, M.D., work with patients to guide and oversee their radiation treatment. They offer intensity-

modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) with linear accelerators equipped with the industries latest technologies. IMRT enables radiation oncologists to deliver a more uniform dose of radiation to various types of cancers resulting in fewer side effects, such as scarring and burning of the skin. CHEMOTHERAPY Janet Tu, M.D., Armit Sarma, M.D., and Mark Lewis, M.D., oversee the medical oncology services, treating a wide variety of solid tumors, leukemia, lymphoma and benign blood disorders. The outpatient chemotherapy services are provided in suites to help facilitate a comfortable environment for the patient. CLINICAL TRIALS MD Anderson is a pioneer in clinical research, offering access to many trials, some of which are available at the care center facilities. As the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s leading cancer experts, MD Anderson physicians use clinical trials to find better ways to prevent, diagnose and treat cancer. SUPPORT SERVICES AND GROUPS MD Anderson is committed to helping patients achieve maximum quality of life during and after cancer treatment. The compassionate care team in Sugar Land provides a range of support services, including a nurse navigator, nutritional counseling, physical therapy, social work, pain management and support groups. Breast Friends is a breast cancer support group open to all breast cancer patients and survivors, regardless of

The surgical team in Sugar Land provides expertise in breast, gynecologic, urologic and head and neck cancers. Pictured from left: Susan Hoover, M.D., Michael Bevers, M.D., Nicole Fleming, M.D., John Papadopoulos, M.D., and Mark Zafereo, M.D. where they are receiving or have received treatment. Monthly meetings feature speakers who support, uplift and empower patients as they go through this challenging time. Afterward, there is a group discussion as well as a question-and-answer period with light refreshments. Meetings are held the second Tuesday of each month from 6:30-8 p.m. at the Sugar Land Regional Care Center. Look Good...Feel Better is a program created by the American Cancer Society to inspire women with cancer and help improve their self-esteem during treatment and recovery. Trained, licensed cosmetologists teach women how to cope with skin changes and hair loss due to chemotherapy or radiation treatments. Meetings are held the first

Wednesday of every month from 10 a.m.-12 p.m. at the Sugar Land Regional Care Center. The program is open to MD Anderson patients as well as any cancer patients in the area, regardless of where they receive treatment. The Sugar Land Regional Care Center is conveniently located on the campus of St. Lukeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Sugar Land Hospital. Appointments are available and easy to schedule. For more information, visit FindYourMDAnderson.com or call 713-745-9940.

Facebook.com/MDAndersonSugarLand

Appointments Available

713.745.9940 Fort Bend / Katy Business Journal H January 2013

FindYourMDAnderson.com 25

I chose MD Anderson in Sugar Land - Michelle Williams

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US Department of Labor proposes rule to help retirees, workers of bankrupt companies get retirement money sooner Rule makes it easier for bankruptcy trustees to distribute benefits to 401(k) plan participants

he U.S Department of Labor’s Employee Benefits Security Administration has proposed a rule and related class exemption that will make it easier for Chapter 7 bankruptcy trustees to distribute assets from bankrupt companies’ retirement plans. The proposal would allow such trustees to use EBSA’s existing Abandoned Plan Program to terminate, wind up and distribute benefits from such plans. The existing Abandoned Plan Program provides streamlined termination and distribution procedures for abandoned individual account plans, including 401(k) plans, under which benefits may be distributed in a manner that can substantially reduce fees charged to participants’ accounts for, among other things, annual reporting, legal compliance and other administrative services, including termination costs. By making this streamlined process available to Chapter 7 bankruptcy trustees, the time and resources required to “wind up” a bankrupt company’s retirement plan can be significantly reduced. As a result, plan participants likely will see fewer administrative and termination fees charged to their accounts and should have access to their money sooner. “The rule we’re proposing today is designed to help workers and retirees of bankrupt companies gain access to their retirement money sooner. Far too often, the retired workers of these companies are unable to obtain their hard-earned retirement savings in a timely way. The legal status of a former employer should not impede retirees’ access to their own funds, especially at the very time they need them most,” said Assistant Secretary of Labor for Employee Benefits Security Phyllis C. Borzi. “The proposed rule would extend the department’s current Abandoned Plan Program

Working together to erase the stigma and discrimination of mental illness

s long as mental illness affects even one of us, it affects us all. So many work tirelessly to identify solutions that help people lead meaningful, happy lives. Whether you’re looking for help or looking to help, you need to find the right place. Texas ranks 49th in America in funding programs for mental health. It did rank 50th until Idaho pushed it up the ladder. Fort Bend County is one among the six other chapters of Mental Health America in Texas. Other affiliates include Abilene, Beaumont, Brazoria County, Fort Worth, Greater Dallas, Houston, and the Rio Grande Valley.

to these retirement plans, and enable Chapter 7 bankruptcy trustees to more quickly and efficiently distribute retirement benefits to participants. The rule also would reduce the possibility of participants’ accounts being eroded by excessive and unnecessary fees.” Under amendments in 2005 to federal bankruptcy law, if a company in liquidation administered an individual account retirement plan, the company’s Chapter 7 bankruptcy trustee must perform those functions. The Abandoned Plan Program, established in 2006, provides specific guidance on when a plan may be considered abandoned, who may make that determination, and exactly how to terminate the affairs of the plan and make benefit distributions. The program also limits potential fiduciary liability of financial institutions that step in to terminate and wind up plans that have been abandoned by their sponsors. Read the proposed rule at http://www.dol.gov/find/20121211.

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Fort Bend / Katy Business Journal H January 2013

Eighth annual Texas transportation forum set for February 17-19 in Austin

he 8th Annual Texas Transportation Forum (TTF) is set for February 17-19 in Austin. As TxDOT continues to work with others to find safe and reliable transportation solutions for Texans, each year, local, regional and state leaders, as well as national experts, gather to discuss issues critical to the safety and the efficient movement of people and goods across the state. This year is no different. The 8th Annual Texas Transportation Forum will be held at the Hilton Austin. Discussions on strategies that address congestion, enhance safety, expand economic opportunity, improve air quality and increase the value of our

transportation assets are on the agenda. Included in the programs will be Today’s TxDOT, Texas and the Panama Canal, Supporting Texas’ Energy Opportunity, State Affairs, How Technology is Reshaping Transportation Options, Federal Affairs, and the Road to Prosperity. The conference is sponsored by the Texas Department of Transportation; Texas Good Roads, which is comprised of business people, community leaders, chamber of commerce members, professionals and transportation experts – Texans who since 1932 understand that good roads lead to a stronger economy. They support the efforts of the Texas Department of

Transportation in working with the Texas Legislature to promote efficient transportation; the over 800 members of the Associated General Contractors of Texas (AGC) of Texas Highway, Heavy, Utilities and Industrial Branch. This Texas Highway and Heavy Branch was originally founded in 1924, making it one of the oldest trade associations in the nation; and the Texas A&M Transportation Institute which works to solve transportation problems through research, to transfer technology, and to develop diverse human resources to meet the transportation challenges of tomorrow. Last year the event was held in San Antonio.

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January 2013 H Fort Bend / Katy Business Journal

Chinese dignitaries visit the “Show Me City” to discuss economic development and city government

Photo courtesy of Missouri City

Dignitaries from Shandong Province in China visited Missouri City in November to learn about economic development opportunities and City government operations. Pictured with the delegates are Missouri City Economic Development Coordinator Bob Graf, far left, Assistant City Manager Bill Atkinson, next to Graf, Mayor Allen Owen, seated third from the right, Councilmember Danny Nguyen, seated to the right of Mayor Owen, and City Manager Ed Broussard, seated to the right of Nguyen.

conomic development opportunities and city government operations were key issues of interest for Chinese dignitaries who recently visited the “Show Me City.” The delegation from Shandong Province studied at the University of Houston for four months, focusing on American government, economics and education and business practices. They took some time to step out of the classroom and into the boardroom— Missouri City’s City Council Chambers— for a lesson in how local governments are managed and how community leaders partner with business leaders to further growth and development in the City. The delegation’s visit was arranged by Councilmember Danny Nguyen, Chair of City Council’s International Relations Committee. Last year, Nguyen traveled

to China with officials and entrepreneurs of Fort Bend County who were focused on promoting the region and its strategic importance and connection to economic development across the state, the country and abroad. “Missouri City is like the heart of the Houston area and we are much more strategically located and have lots of land,” he said. “Don’t underestimate this small city, large companies have moved here, including Ben E. Keith, the second largest food distributor in the United States.” Nguyen noted that with Missouri City’s ongoing growth, the population is estimated to double in size over the next 10 years and said: “This visit helps reignite the enthusiasm and passion we have and gives us the opportunity to learn from each other.” Mayor Allen Owen also visited with the delegation and shared Missouri City’s historical ties to Shandong Province. In Fort Bend / Katy Business Journal H January 2013

remarks, he noted that he had traveled to China in 1994 to sign a sister city agreement with Shandong Province in honor of a businessman from the Chinese region who had traveled to Houston to have a kidney transplant and fell in love with Missouri City and its open space. “He bought 13,000 acres of land that is now Sienna Plantation,” Mayor Owen said, showing the visitors the original agreement that was signed. Additionally, Mayor Owen explained the Council-Manager government structure here to the dignitaries by comparing it to a “large corporation with the Mayor as Chairman of the Board, Council members as Board Members and the City Manager as the CEO who runs day-to-day operations, with 70,000 residents as shareholders.” City Manager Edward Broussard shared significant City highlights with the leaders, including that 46 percent of Missouri City residents have earned a bachelor’s degree or higher, the average residential value is $159,170, and the average household income is $111,592; making the City an ideal location for new businesses. Broussard also shared that a large number of citizens are employed in education, engineering and medical professions, with hundreds working in the Texas Medical Center in Downtown Houston. “With Councilman Nguyen’s assistance, the City has become more international,” he explained. “You are the future leaders of China, and the relationship between Missouri City and China will only get stronger and stronger. “ During the City Hall visit, the dignitaries, some of whom are elected leaders in China, spoke one-on-one with staff for more details about the “Show Me City”. Afterward, the group toured the City’s two new showcase amenities—the state-of-the-art Recreation and Tennis Center at 2701 Cypress Point Dr. and the elegant City Centre at Quail Valley at 2880 La Quinta Dr.

Three new office tenants in Sugar Land Town Square

hree new office tenants have signed leases at Sugar Land Town Square. With the addition of these newest tenants, Class A office space in Town Square, a popular 1.4 million-square-foot mixed use development, is now 83 percent leased. “We welcome these new companies to the growing list of successful businesses that office out of Sugar Land Town Square,” said Don Janssen, executive vice president of Planned Community Developers, Ltd. “We hope that they will enjoy our business-friendly atmosphere, including Class A office amenities and numerous dining and shopping options within walking distance.”

Altius Consulting is a specialist business intelligence and performance management consultancy that works with enterprises and large organizations to turn data into valuable information, enabling better decisions and creating competitive advantage. Altius will relocate its Houston office to 2245 Texas Drive, Suite 150. The business will occupy 2,716 square feet of office space. Julie Combs of JC Realty represented Altius in the transaction. DuCharme, McMillen & Associates, Inc. (DMA), one of North America’s leading state and local tax consulting firms, serves Fortune 1,000 companies from regional offices around the U.S. and Canada. DMA will relocate its Houston-area operations center to

IRS interest rates remain the same for the first quarter of 2013

he Internal Revenue Service has announced that interest rates will remain the same for the calendar quarter beginning Jan. 1, 2013. The rates will be: • three (3) percent for overpayments [two (2) percent in the case of a corporation]; • three (3) percent for underpayments; • five (5) percent for large corporate underpayments; and • one-half (0.5) percent for the portion of a corporate overpayment exceeding $10,000. Under the Internal Revenue Code, the rate of interest is determined on a quarterly basis. For taxpayers other than corporations, the overpayment and underpayment rate is the federal short-

term rate plus 3 percentage points. Generally, in the case of a corporation, the underpayment rate is the federal short-term rate plus 3 percentage points and the overpayment rate is the federal short-term rate plus 2 percentage points. The rate for large corporate underpayments is the federal short-term rate plus 5 percentage points. The rate on the portion of a corporate overpayment of tax exceeding $10,000 for a taxable period is the federal short-term rate plus one-half (0.5) of a percentage point. The interest rates announced are computed from the federal shortterm rate determined during October 2012 to take effect Nov. 1, 2012, based on daily compounding.

January 2013 H Fort Bend / Katy Business Journal

2245 Texas Drive, Suite 450, and will occupy 9,335 square feet of office space. Hugh M. Herman of Cushman & Wakefield of Texas, Inc. represented DMA in the transaction. John Crane Production Solutions, Inc. (JCPS) is a global service and manufacturing organization dedicated to offering exceptional products and services to increase productivity and efficiency in oil and gas production. The upstream division of John Crane, Inc. will open at 2150 Town Square Place, Suite 395, and occupy 6,556 square feet of office space. Tracy L. Steele of Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP represented JCPS in the transaction. Don Janssen, executive vice president of PCD, represented PCD in these transactions. For Sugar Land Town Square office leasing information, visit PCDLTD.com or SugarLandTownSquare.com. Planned Community Developers, Ltd. (PCD) is the developer of the 9,700-acre First Colony master planned community in Sugar Land. PCD continues to oversee the development of the 1.4 million-square-foot Sugar Land Town Square, located at the intersection of U.S. 59 and Highway 6. Sugar Land Town Square consists of 566,000 square feet of Class A office space, 238,000 square feet of upscale Main Street retail and restaurants, 167 mid-rise residential condos, a 300-room, full-service Marriott hotel and conference center, an 82,000-square-foot City Hall for Sugar Land, all encircling a 1.4 acre plaza with monumental fountain. PCD is currently developing two other major projects: River’s Edge, a 370acre community in Richmond, and Lake Pointe Town Center, a 190-acre, mixeduse development at the intersection of U.S. 59 and Highway 6 in Sugar Land.

ATTENTION : Fort Bend High School Seniors

CONGRATULATIONS! Emily Wilkinson

Congratulations to Emily Wilkinson, a graduate of I.H. Kempner Senior High School, for being selected as Texas Direct Auto’s “Scholarship Star” for January! Jessica DeMarr, Director of Business Development, presents the $1000 check. While at Kempner High School, Emily was a member of Kempner National Honor Society, National English Honor Society, Spanish National Honor Society, Medical Professionals of America, Kempner Volleyball Team and more. Emily plans to pursue a degree in Education or Communications at Texas Tech University. Emily has received multiple awards for her academic performance, including the 2012 AP Scholar Award, Academic Excellence Award, Dean’s List and National Forensic League Degree of Merit. Emily plans to pursue a degree in neuroscience and pharmacology at the University of Texas in Austin. Emily was selected as part of Texas Direct Auto’s commitment to educational excellence through the “Scholarship Stars” program. Application details are listed below.

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Fort Bend / Katy Business Journal H January 2013

Texas Workforce Commission sets employer tax rates for 2013

he Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) has announced the average Unemployment Insurance (UI) tax rate for all employers will be 1.82 percent for Calendar Year (CY) 2013, down from 1.96 percent in CY 2012. The average tax rate for experience-rated employers is 1.71 percent for CY 2013, and is down from 1.87 percent in CY 2012. The standard minimum UI tax rate paid by Texas employers in CY 2013 will be 0.54 percent, which is down from 0.61 percent in CY 2012.These employer-paid UI taxes replenish the Texas Unemployment Compensation Trust Fund, which provides temporary income for Texas workers who lose their jobs through no fault of their own. The minimum tax rate is paid by 250,184 employers, which represents 63.5 percent of experience-rated employers. An experience rating is determined by the amount of an employer’s taxable wages and the amount of UI benefits that have been paid to former employees and

charged to the employer’s account for the last three years.An employer paying the standard minimum tax will pay $48.60 per employee in CY 2013 compared with $54.90per employee in CY 2012. The maximum UI tax rate, paid by 6.8 percent of Texas employers, will be 7.35 percent. In setting tax rates for CY 2013, TWC sought to minimize the effects of any increases and exercise the authority given to it by state law to hold the tax rates to the lowest and most predictable rates possible. TWC suspended the deficit tax last year in order to keep taxes low, a strategy supported by employer groups across the state. TWC is dedicated to finding ways to lower the financial impact of UI taxes on Texas employers. TWC and its 28 local workforce boards also are committed to helping UI claimants return to work as soon as possible. The components of the CY 2013 tax rate are as follows: • The general tax rate is based on claims against an employer’s account. If TWC has paid benefits to former employees who were laid off or separated through no fault

of their own in the past three years, then those employers will pay a general tax. • The replenishment tax rate is charged to all experience-rated employers to cover unemployment claims not charged to a specific employer. This tax tends to rise following economic slowdowns when claims increase and businesses close. • The employment training assessment is charged to all employers who are eligible for a computed tax rate to finance the Skills Development Fund. The employment training assessment calculation is a separate line item on the Employer’s Quarterly Tax Report. • The obligation assessment tax rate is collected to repay bond obligations. This tax is experience-rated and based on an employer’s 2012 tax rate. To increase UI fraud detection and prevention, TWC has increased worksearch verifications, and improved automated processes and database cross matches with other agencies. TWC pledges to continue efforts to keep taxes as low as possible and minimize the effects on Texas employers.

Year

Taxable Wage Base

Minimum Tax Rate

Maximum Tax Rate

Average Tax Rate

Average Experience Tax Rate

2013

$9,000

0.54%

7.35%

1.82%

1.71%

2012

$9,000

0.61%

7.58%

1.96%

1.87%

2011

$9,000

0.78%

8.25%

2.03%

1.96%

2010

$9,000

0.72%

8.60%

1.83%

1.74%

2009

$9,000

0.26%

6.26%

0.99%

0.78%

2008

$9,000

0.10%

6.10%

0.92%

0.65%

2007

$9,000

0.29%

7.70%

1.30%

1.13%

2006

$9,000

0.40%

7.64%

1.51%

1.37%

2005

$9,000

0.58%

8.02%

1.74%

1.63%

2004

$9,000

0.67%

8.26%

1.74%

1.64%

2003

$9,000

0.67%

8.47%

1.68%

1.56%

January 2013 H Fort Bend / Katy Business Journal

Dyna-Drill enters Katy job arena By Wayne Chandler

yna-Drill, a major designer of oil drilling tools for more than 55 years, soon will be serving the world from an exciting new 53-acre location in Katy. And Jonathan Thiele, vice president and general manager, says they’ll need more help. “Yes, we’ll be recruiting good people,” Thiele said after his announcement to the Katy Area Economic Development Council. Dyna-Drill will be moving from its World Houston Parkway location near Bush International Airport to Colonial Parkway and the Grand Parkway just north of I-10. Th site will be known as the Katy Technology Center. “We are transferring as many employees as wish to change,” Thiele said, “but we’ll also be adding people to the Katy location.” Dyna-Drill expects to move into its new 330,000 SF facility in May/June. The land

COMING FEBRUARY 2013 ISSUE

was purchased in 2011, ground-breaking was last May and slabs poured last October. There was a “topping out “ ceremony in November. Thiele lauded the Jonathan Thiele KAEDC for researching the site, plus incentives and technical assistance. Theiele said there were several reasons for making the move westward: Schlumberger Limited acquired Dyna-Drill in 2010 and is funding the move to Katy which will better coordinate and centralize various parts of its operations. Also, the proximity to the Energy Corridor, the help of Katy EDC, and the Katy ISD all were factors, Thiele said. By the end of 2013, Thiele estimated that Dyna-Drill would have some 330 employees in Katy, with prospects of another hundred in 2014. Thiele, through Dyna-Drill’s moves since

it was incorporated in California in 1958, has been a Katy resident for 20 years, and his children have been students in Katy schools. Dyna-Drill has been a major designer and manufacturer of downhole motor equipment and was acquired by Smith International in 1958 and moved to Houston in 1989. Smith International again acquired rights to Dyna –Drill in 2008, and Schlumberger gained rights two years later. “Schlumberger’s resources have made it possible to make this big move to Katy,” Thiele said. There’ll be a gradual centralization in Katy, he said, and right next door to a sister company, Pathfinder Energy Services which will be in the same center and enable a smoother operation. Most of the rotors. stators, bearings, precision machinery and pumps will be made in Katy but Dyna-Drill will maintain manufacturing facilities in Kisku, Alberta, Canada and Dubai, UAE.

Special Feature

Technology and Communic tion

TO ADVERTISE CALL Fort Bend/Katy BARBARA J. CARLSON office: 281-690-4204 cell: 281-687-9426 Barbara@FortBendBusinessJournal.com Fort Bend / Katy Business Journal H January 2013

Ribbon Cuttings Central Fort Bend Chamber Alliance

FOGLE’S FUTURE STARS (5503 FM 359 #D, Richmond): From left: Charlie Braun, Kelly Shelton, Mark Foltz, Mike McCroskey, Matt Ontiveros, Jeff Calahan, Sharon Mitchell, Aggie Barber, Cindy Fogle, Ashley Long, Tom Wilson, and Darrell Karnopp. Also pictured: The cast and crew of “Sleepy Hollow.” Note: By request, children’s names were excluded.

KELLER ACADEMY OF PERFORMING ARTS (29615 FM 1093, Fulshear): From left: Lyn Sullivan, Anthony Francis, Kelly Shelton, Cheryl Stalinsky, Kay Garrett, Michael Martin, Tom Wilson, Janet Scudder, Megan Broughton, Randy Stacy, Tanya Keller, Evelyn Jackson, Mike McCroskey, Erica Tirado, Yong Kolkman, and Chris Heuszel.

TINA’S BAKERY (8050 FM 359 South, Fulshear): From left: Chamber President Shanta Kuhl, Marco Ruiz, Lyn Sullivan, Michael Martin, Martin, Mortgage; Charlie Braun, Lisa Matthews, Eugenia Algaze Garcia, Tom Wilson, Giovanni Handal, Tina Handal, Cheryl Stalinsky, Eric Edmonds, Anthony Francis, Alicia Casias Erica Tirado, Susan Goglia, T John Lumley, Mike McCroskey, Donny Abraham, and Todd Huber.

FAJITA PETE’S (741 Hwy 90A East, Richmond): From left: Chamber President Shanta Kuhl; Anthony Francis, Alicia Casias, Lisa Matthews, Cathy Pitts, Kay Garrett, Charlie Braun, Gary Gillen, Eric Edmonds, Diana Perez, Kandice Gremillion, Pedro Mora, Janet Scudder, Rob Clark, Liz Moreno, Lou Jackson, Shirley Jackson, Darrell Karnopp, Mike McCroskey, and Katherine Gonzalez.

THE I SCHOOL (26440 FM 1093, Katy): From left: Jessica Harms; Sandra Ara, Gina McPherson, Tammy Alfaro, Charlie Braun, Wendy Soza, Kandice Gremillion, Susan Goglia, Lisa Matthews, Marques Stevens, Medik Chaves, Dana Capers, Jeana Manrique, John Lumley, Eric Edmonds, Danielle Gibson, and Mike McCroskey.

PAINT UNTIL YOU FAINT (5503 FM 359 Suite B, Richmond): From left: Cindy Fogle, Mike McCroskey, Tracey Shaw, Lisa Matthews, Kelly Shelton, Alyssa Steiner, Shanda Kearns, Esther Delange, Robin-Jan Delange, Charlie Braun, Belinda Suarez, Alicia Casias Suzanne Loehr, Andi Wallis, Tom Wilson, and Anthony Francis, Alicia Casias.

January 2013 H Fort Bend / Katy Business Journal

Texas best kept secret: Agriculture is a powerhouse

t’s Texas best kept secret: Agriculture is a powerhouse not only in providing the food we eat but in generating jobs and value throughout the economy of the Lone Star State. According to a study of the Texas High Plains region conducted by Texas Tech University and Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, crop production accounts for about 15 percent of the entire area’s economy. That adds up to $12.24 billion in crop output alone. Add an additional $4.66 billion in value-added economic activity resulting from crop production. Oh, and don’t forget: crop production directly accounts for more than 103,000 jobs, about 20 percent of employment in the region. Add in livestock and the total economic

activity jumps to about one-third of the region’s economy. That’s about $24 billion. That’s a lot of dough flowing from the farm gate to the local economy. Who benefits? Everyone, from the farmer and rancher, to the banker, to the car dealer and to the hard working men and women who depend on agriculture-generated jobs to take care of their families. The study measures the traditional impact of a wide variety of economic activity including production costs (seed, fertilizer, fuel, labor and equipment) as well as post-production processing from area crops, including livestock and dairy usage, cotton gins, grain elevators and other revelant processing. The new twist is the study includes the effects of the spending by businesses and individuals who earn income from all of these activities. It’s a unique approach that is being

tested for the first time anywhere. “We’re really on the forefront of being able to determine the full impact of agricultural production to the regional economy, not just a piece of it,” said Bridgett Guerrero, one of the lead researchers and a program specialist with Texas A&M AgriLife Extension. “We felt with the traditional model, we were missing the entire financial impact.” Telling that story–with hard facts and indisputable figures–becomes increasingly important as agriculture has a bullseye on its back for everything from farm program spending to water use. Show individuals how agriculture affects them–and they’re likely to work with farmers and ranchers instead of against them. Kudos to Texas Tech and Texas A&M AgriLife Extension for developing this new model.

Richmond physician joins TMA Foundation Board

he Texas Medical Association Foundation (TMAF) has appointed Richmond physician Felicity Mack, MD, to its Board of Trustees. TMAF is the philanthropic arm of the nation’s largest state medical society, the Texas Medical Association (TMA). Dr. Mack will serve a one-year term representing the TMA Resident and Fellow Section. Dr. Mack earned her doctor of medicine degree from The University of Texas Medical School at Houston (UT Houston) in 2010 and currently participates in the Memorial Family Medicine Residency Program. She has received the UT Houston Medical Humanities Certificate, UT Houston Excellence in Family Medicine Award, and the American Medical Association Foundation Excellence in Medicine Leadership Award.

Dr. Mack has served as chair of the TMA Medical Student Section and currently is an alternate delegate to the TMA House of Delegates from Harris County Medical Society. From 2007 to 2009, Dr. Mack served as a volunteer coordinator for the Doctors Back to School Program and currently volunteers at House of Amos, a nonprofit organization that assists individuals in achieving healthy families, meaningful employment, and selfsufficiency. TMA is the largest state medical society in the nation, representing more than 46,000 physician and medical student members. It is located in Austin and has 120 component county medical societies around the state. TMA’s key objective since 1853 is to improve the health of all Texans. TMA Foundation raises funds to support the public health and science priority initiatives of TMA and the family of medicine. Fort Bend / Katy Business Journal H January 2013

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Study shows psychosocial distress can lead to stroke

usinesses and medical centers are becoming more aware that people over age 65 with high psychosocial distress face increased risk of stroke, according to new research in the American Heart Association journal Stroke. Psychosocial distress is a broad concept that includes depression, stress, a negative outlook and dissatisfaction with life. In their 10-year study, researchers followed 4,120 people in the Chicago Health and Aging Project for rates of death and stroke incidents. Due to some participants being involved in an HMO only 2,649 participants were analyzed for rates of incident stroke. Participants were 65 years and older (average age 77, 62 percent women, 61 percent African American). Researchers identified 151 deaths from stroke and 452 events that led to first-time hospitalization for stroke. Those with the most psychosocial distress had three times the risk of death from stroke and a 54 percent increased risk of first hospitalization from stroke compared to those least distressed. The impact of psychosocial distress on stroke risk did not differ by race or by sex, researchers said. “People should be aware that stress and negative emotions often increase with age,” said Susan Everson-Rose, Ph.D., M.P.H.,

study senior author and associate professor of medicine and associate director of the Program in Health Disparities Research at the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis. “Family members and caregivers need to recognize these emotions have a profound effect on health.” In a separate analysis, researchers found a striking association between psychosocial distress and risk of hemorrhagic stroke (bleeding), but not ischemic stroke (caused by blood clot). “There was about 70 percent excess risk for each unit increase in distress that wasn’t explained by known stroke risk factors,” Everson-Rose said. “So there must be other biologic pathways at play linking distress to hemorrhagic stroke in particular.” The researchers measured psychosocial distress by four indicators: perceived stress, life dissatisfaction, neuroticism and depressive symptoms. They used standardized rating scales to determine the score of each indicator, such as the 6-item Perceived Stress Scale. For each indicator, higher scores represent a higher level of psychosocial distress. A distress factor score was based on averaging the values of the psychosocial measures. For the study, researchers conducted in-depth interviews in homes in three stable neighborhoods on the south side of Chicago representing African-Americans and January 2013 H Fort Bend / Katy Business Journal

Caucasians from the same socio-economic spectrum. The interviews covered medical history, cognitive function, socioeconomic status, behavioral patterns, traditional risk factors for stroke and psychosocial characteristics. Stroke deaths were verified by the National Death Index and stroke hospitalizations were based on Medicare claims from the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services. “It’s important to pay attention when older people complain of distress and recognize that these symptoms have physical effects on health outcome and clearly affect stroke risk,” Everson-Rose said. Co-authors are: Kimberly Henderson, B.A.; Cari Clark, Sc.D.; Tene Lewis, Ph.D.; Neclum Aggarwal, M.D.; Todd Beck, M.S.; Hongfei Guo, Ph.D.; Scott Lunos, M.S.; Ann Brearley, Ph.D.; Carlos Mendes de Leon, Ph.D.; and Denis Evans, M.D. Author disclosures are on the manuscript. The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute funded the study. Here are four ways to deal with stress. To help recognize a stroke, remember F.A.S.T. Follow @HeartNews on Twitter for the latest heart and stroke news. For stroke science, follow the Stroke journal at @ StrokeAHA_ASA The American Heart Association logo is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/ newsroom/prs/?pkgid=9940.

Fort Bend/Katy

Advertising Pays! Attention Fort Bend Businesses, As experienced business professionals we all know the importance of these two words. As owners of family owned businesses we know the value of sharing our story and our philosophy with new and established customers. Whether we market our business by word of mouth or aspire to share it on a much larger scale, share it we must if we desire to exist and grow. For more than 30 years, The Fort Bend / Katy Business Journal has been in the business of business. The Journal is the only locally owned publication in the Fort Bend area dedicated to focusing on your business. Whether the Journal is highlighting the creation of new enterprises, celebrating milestones of existing entities or reporting award winning business endeavors, it is the sole publication in the area dedicated to researching and sharing business stories. The Journal has been an integral part of the phenomenal growth of Fort Bend County reporting on development opportunities, government growth strategies and regulations, and the community/ business synergies that comprise Fort Bend County. The Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce prints their monthly newsletter in our publication. To be a part of the Fort Bend / Katy business story, read the Journal and decide how you want to share your own story with the community. Businesses can choose to be a cover story, part of a monthly theme focus, or to run a time appropriate ad for a specific event. The Journal also features business involvement in the numerous philanthropic projects that epitomize the county. Our knowledgeable advertising executives can discuss available business presentation options. State-of-the-art graphic designers and award-winning photographers are also available to present your visual story. The Business Journal cover stories are a testament to the professional ability of our writers. Call 281-690-4204 today to talk with Barbara J. Carlson, Associate Publisher. She’ll help you through the entire process. It’s your business and your future. Develop it now by sharing it with others who need your services and expertise.

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

RediClinics in Fort Bend take a dose of their medicine: Marketer of weight loss program sponsors employee weight loss challenge

ears of flab for many has caused locally based convenient care facility operator RediClinic® to celebrate the results of a weight loss challenge among its employees and their families even as it promotes its own retail weight management program. Participants in the Weigh ForwardTM program lost a combined 700 pounds, an average of 19.5 pounds per participant for those who completed the program. The companywide competition, designed to foster weight loss and health improvement, was dubbed Mission: Possible and employees were invited to take part in the program at no charge in return for the chance to win weekly prizes. After the 10-week Weigh Forward program, RediClinic changed its theme from Mission: Possible to Mission: Accomplished. Nurse Practitioner Anita Herrera, who lost 23 pounds during the competition, says the program not only helped her better understand the needs of RediClinic patients, it changed her family’s lifestyle. “We shop differently, cook differently, choose healthier snacks, are more active and more motivated,” Herrera says. “We have learned things we will use for the rest of our lives.” RediClinic’s Weigh Forward program, developed in partnership with renowned weight loss expert David L. Katz, M.D., was launched in May 2011 and capitalizes on RediClinic’s facilities and clinicians inside grocery stores to provide patients with comprehensive information and counseling on diet/nutrition, physical activity and behavior modification. The program includes weekly meal plans, with recipes and shopping lists of items available at all RediClinic host locations. The first comprehensive, medically-supervised

weight loss program delivered in a grocery store, Weigh Forward has helped more than 600 patients lose up to 75 pounds each and many to reduce their risk of chronic illness. Yale-Griffin Prevention Research Center performed an in-depth analysis on patients who participated in Mission: Possible and found several significant health benefits – in addition to weight loss – as a result of completing the program. The findings showed improvements in blood pressure from pre-hypertensive range to normal levels, reductions in cholesterol by an average of 16 points, decreases in waist circumference by an average of 3 inches, and declines in body mass index by an average of 2 points. Mission: Possible marked the first time RediClinic provided incentives for its own employees to participate. “We saw how well Weigh Forward was working for others, so we decided to take a bit of our own medicine and the results were gratifying,” said Web Golinkin, chief executive officer. “Studies have indicated acorrelation between weight and employee productivity but for us, the weightloss competition was really about helping our team members feel their best and even more fully understand the challenges that people striving for weight control encounter.” The Weigh Forward methodology identifies the patient’s individual barriers to success so that each program can be customized to help the patient overcome them. Each program includes an initial medical evaluation and regularly scheduled biometric testing to ensure thatpatients are improving their health while losing weight. In addition to the visits with RediClinic clinicians, Weigh Forward patients have access to an extensive technology platform, which includes 24/7 access to physical activity and diet/nutrition e-coaches. January 2013 H Fort Bend / Katy Business Journal

Ginny Lott, another participant in RediClinic’s Mission: Possible competition, said the Weigh Forward program’s weekly checkups with clinicians helped her remain accountable for staying on track. “Because of Weigh Forward, I have the tools I need to continue weight loss for better health and a longer future. I lost 39 pounds during the 10-week program and have now lost a total of 50 pounds,” said Lott. Weigh Forward program patients can expect to lose an average of 1 to 2 pounds per week, the rate of weightloss recommended by the National Institutes of Health, and upon completion of the 10-week program, will have the knowledge and skills to continue losing weight and improving their health as needed. Maintenance programs are available for those who need ongoing support from RediClinic’s clinicians and through the program’s extensive online resources. A Weigh Forward Introductory Package offer priced at $149 per eligible patient (with some limitations restrictions applying) is currently available at all 30 RediClinic locations inside H-E-B stores in Fort Bend County, Greater Houston, Austin and San Antonio. More information is available at www.rediclinic.com/weighforward. About RediClinic RediClinic has given consumers easy access to highquality, affordable healthcare since 1989. The company has successfully treated more than 1,000,000 patients since opening its first in-store clinic in 2005. In addition to treating common medical conditions, RediClinics provide a broad range of preventive services, including medical tests, immunizations and basic physical exams; and the company’s Weigh Forward program is the nation’s only comprehensive, medically-supervised weight management program offered in a grocery store. For more information on clinic locations,hours of operation, services and prices, visit www.rediclinic.com.

CHAIRMANâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S GALA 2013 FORT BEND CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Friday, January 25, 2013 / 6:30 pm

Musical Entertainment by

THE BLUES BROTHERS TRIBUTE BAND

on a www.FortBendChamber.com

. . . n o i Complimentary Libations s s i No Auction Guarantee m

Dinner & Dancing Black Tie Optional

Fort Bend / Katy Business Journal H January 2013

Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce Newsletter

rry Pullen Photo by La

Safari Texas Ballroom / Richmond, TX Contact: farrah@fortbendcc.org

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

Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce Newsletter

Advanced Home Technologies

Fort Bend CORPS

Ruggles Green

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

Brandy Leonhardt, Fiscal and Program Director 13330 South Gessner Missouri City, TX 77489 281-617-7416 Associations

Fred Marques, â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Green Guyâ&#x20AC;? 159030 City Walk Sugar Land, TX 77479 281-565-1175 Restaurants

Cobalt Mortgage

I Eat Sugar Land

SWE

Jason Meinen 520 Post Oak Blvd., Ste. 445 Houston, TX 77027 832-308-5460 Financial Services

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

Pamela Daniel 823 Buffalo Run Missouri City, TX 77489 281-240-3920 Manufacturers

Credit National Services Danish Ali, CEO Three Sugar Creek Center Blvd., Ste. 183 Sugar Land, TX 77478 832-886-6961 Financial Services

Fort Bend Aggie Moms Club Stephanie Rammrath, President PO Box 1841 Sugar Land, TX 77478 281-265-9026 Associations

PROSHRED Security Bruce Brock, President 12703 Capricorn Dr., Ste. 100 Stafford, TX 77477 832-947-5701 Security Services

Westin Homes and Properties, L.P. Patrick McHugh, Sales Manager 1 Sugar Creek Center, Ste. 600 Sugar Land, TX 77478 281-240-1551 Home Builders

Renew Laser & Skin Nina Desai, Owner 16605 Southwest Freeway, Ste. 350 Sugar Land, TX 77479 832-491-2852 Healthcare

January 2013 H Fort Bend / Katy Business Journal

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

www.FortBendChamber.com

Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce Newsletter www.FortBendChamber.com

Fort Bend / Katy Business Journal H January 2013

We Believe in you. Thanks for Believing in US! 1 YEAR

Out of the Box Design, LLC Keron Weathered, 713-269-5475

Emerson Process Management Valve Actuation LLC Joyce McCormick, 281-499-1561

AlphaGraphics Sugar Land Randy Nicholson, 832-886-4311

The Berry Company Lori Vesely, 636-939-1547

PW Stephenson & Co., P.C. Phil Stephenson, 979-532-5964

Fort Bend Mechanical, Ltd. Eric Medford, 281-403-4822

Hogan Chiropractic, PLLC Jeff Hogan, 281-240-2225

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

HEB Food & Drugs Annette Gordon, 281-491-5173 American Cancer Society Jenna DeAngelis, 713-706-5690

Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce Newsletter

Berryhill Baja Grill Jeffery Brooks, 281-313-8226

Custom Cuisine / Gale Batchelor Gale Batchelor, 281-782-0810 Prudential Financial Christopher Sideris, 832-325-6858 Sixta & Associates Don S. Sixta, 281-485-4366

2 YEARS

A Beautiful Smile At Lake Pointe Lance Jue, 281-277-9200 George R. Willy P.C. George Willy, 281-265-2522 HR in Alignment, LLC Michael Dobert, 281-494-2985 Service King Collision Repair Centers Clayton Geisendorff, 713-773-5000 Liberty Mutual Donna Shelton, 281-494-2700

4 YEARS

SIG/McDonald & Wessendorff Insurance Services Dan McDonald, 281-342-6837

Milestone Member 5 YEARS

Wall 2 Wall Insurance Services Rand R. Wall, 281-313-9255 Clear Sky Group, LLC Shoby John, 281-325-8000 Translite LLC Nizar Mullani, 281-240-3111 U.S. Congressman Pete Olson Tyler Nelson, 281-494-2690 Southminster School Angela Holden, 281-261-8872

6 YEARS

UNETEK Inc. Frederick Doty, 281-395-6300

Johnnyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Custom Cabinets Johnny Guerrero, 281-498-8950 Perry Homes - Fort Bend Jessica Peterson, 713-948-6645

8 YEARS

The Mathis Group Natalie Griffith, 281-265-6028 Sugar Lakes Family Practice Henry Mata, 281-565-2800 Pebble Creek Ranch Tammy Guardado, 281-495-8746

9 YEARS

Sign A Rama of Sugar Land Randy Spicher, 281-565-7446

Milestone Member 10 YEARS

Star Furniture Company Bill Barnum, 281-342-7827 Stafford Oaks Veterinary Hospital Kathy Gibson, 281-499-3538 Business Network International Alva Winston, 281-343-7336 Hooters Ruben Salazar, 281-242-9464

Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Gary Greene Marlena Berger, 713-398-0170

11 YEARS

Engineered Construction Specialists, Inc. Leonor Poindexter, 713-627-3622

12 YEARS

7 YEARS

Lone Star Directories LLC Joe Callus, 281-277-1181

NewFirst National Bank Tom Shirley, 832-344-2050 South Texas Medical Clinics, PA Charla Kulcak, 281-342-6006

14 YEARS

Storage Choice C.W. Walsh, 281-313-3000

Berg-Oliver Associates, Inc. Susan Alford, 281-589-0898

January 2013 H Fort Bend / Katy Business Journal

www.FortBendChamber.com

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

Milestone Member 15 YEARS

Process Resources, Inc. Gloria Staszak, 281-240-0955 Baker Petrolite Jim Lockwood, 281-732-8084 Jim Lawless, AIA Architecture Jim Lawless, 281-240-6101

21 YEARS

Houston Assoc. of Realtors Fort Bend Branch Rhonda Flowers, 713-335-4240 Colony Eye Care Center Robert A. Salchak, 281-265-2020 9/1/1991

22 YEARS

YMCA of Fort Bend Charlie Myer, 281-758-9159

24 YEARS 17 YEARS

Fort Bend County Andy Meyers, 281-238-1400 First United Methodist Church-Sugar Land Martin Nicholas, 281-491-6041

18 YEARS

Dannenbaum Engineering Corporation Alan Hirshman, 713-520-9570 The Ammerman Experience Mary Ammerman, 281-240-2026

26 YEARS

Garrett-Boyd, DDS, MS, Inc. F.A. Garrett, 281-980-3900

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

KW Industries, Inc. James White, 281-240-0909

Russell & Smith Ford-Honda-Mazda Mark Rehkopf, 713-663-4111

Lexington Boulevard Animal Hospital Sandy Seamans, 281-980-3737

Ashton Woods Homes Carrie Roehling, 281-561-7773

Houston Baptist University Robert Sloan, 281-649-3206

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

28 YEARS

19 YEARS

Frito-Lay, Inc. Ray Brown, 281-232-2363 Rozell Realty Michael D. Rozell, 281-980-9100

Milestone Member

27 YEARS

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

29 YEARS

John R. St. John Construction, Inc. John R. St. John, 281-494-8300

32 YEARS

EE Reed Construction, LP E. E. ‘Gene’ Reed, 281-933-4000

SAVE THE DATE January 2013 Governmental Relations Division

2013 State of the City: Sugar Land January 18, 2013 • 7:30 am – 9:30 am Sugar Land Marriott Town Square 16090 City Walk, Sugar Land Business and Professional Division

Annual Business Planning with Glenn Smith January 23, 2013 • 11:30 am – 1:00 pm Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce 445 Commerce Green Blvd., Sugar Land

Chairman’s Gala January 25, 2013 • 6:30 pm – 12:00 am Safari Texas Ranch 11627 FM 1464, Richmond Community Resources Division

Children at Risk: Future of Fort Bend’s Children Conference January 29, 2013 • 8:30 am – 2:00 pm Safari Texas Ranch 11627 FM 1464, Richmond

February 2013 Governmental Relations Division

2013 State of the County February 15, 2013 • 11:30 am – 1:00 pm

20 YEARS

Safari Texas Ranch

Houston Community College Southwest-Stafford Fena Garza, 713-718-7748

www.FortBendChamber.com

UPCOMING EVENTS

Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce Newsletter

For membership information, contact:

11627 FM 1464, Richmond

Fort Bend / Katy Business Journal H January 2013

Ribbon Cuttings

Sugar Land Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Health 17510 W. Grand Parkway S. Ste. 430 Sugar Land, TX 77479 713-578-3823 www.mysugarlandobgyn.com

Elements Therapeutic Massage

Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce Newsletter

5706 Highway 6 S. Missouri City, TX 77459 281-403-5300 www.touchofelements.com/missouricity

Sugar Land Surgical Hospital 16906 SW Freeway Sugar Land, TX 77479 281-243-1000 www.sugarlandsurgicalhospital.com

Kindercare - Greatwood 903 Greatwood Glenn Dr. Sugar Land, TX 77479 281-343-5420 www.kindercare.com

January 2013 H Fort Bend / Katy Business Journal

www.FortBendChamber.com

Dynamic Fitness

9920 Highway 90, Ste. A-100 Sugar Land, TX 77478 832-886-4237 www.thedynamicfitness.com

Gamble Dental

7120 FM 1464 Richmond, TX 77407 888-982-7223 www.gambledental.com

Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce Newsletter

www.FortBendChamber.com

Bombay Pizza Co.

636 Highway 6, Ste. 100 Sugar Land, TX 77478 281-242-1131 www.bombaypizzaco.com

The Cresent

11353 Sugar Park Ln. Sugar Land, Texas 77478 713-647-2888 www.cantexcc.com

www.FortBendChamber.com

Fort Bend / Katy Business Journal H January 2013

Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce Newsletter

FORT

BEND

LEADERSHIP F

Municipal & County Government Sponsors

GBI Partners, L.P. Allen Boone Humphries Robinson L.L.P. ESE Partners January 2013 H Fort Bend / Katy Business Journal

www.FortBendChamber.com

ObamaCare for small businesses in 2013 Barack Obama’s administration gave states the option to set up their own exchanges, partner with the federal government or just let Washington do it. This past November about a week before Thanksgiving, Gov. Rick Perry reportedly wrote a letter to Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius. Gov Perry said Texas would not be setting up the health exchange and would not partner with the federal government in setting up a health exchange under ObamaCare. He also cited issues with what he said is a federallymandated exchange with rules dictated by Washington, also calling attention to the fiscal implications of operating a system for which rules have not been written. Reports show that Texas leads the nation in uninsured with 25% of its residents or 6.2 million without health insurance. Critics of the health care law said that some states agreed to the health insurance exchanges because they did not want the federal government in charge or what could have

OBAMACARE, continued from page 18

common owner, that still falls in the same category.” The health care law also impacts small businesses with fewer than 10 employees. There are tax credits for those providers employees with insurance. Diestro also said that a business that provides an employee with the ability to buy insurance cannot charge more than 9.5 percent of the employee’s annual income. A business, she said, could get up to a 35 percent tax credit for providing health insurance before the implementation of the new health law. Diestro also offers ways to convert an individual plan to a group plan. Of significant importance,“by March 2013, every single employer is supposed to tell an employee that an exchange is now available,” said Diestro referring to the developing option for these small business employers. She explained that President

some local control. Of fiscal impact in Texas, due to exercising to opt out of the insurance exchange set up, the federal government reportedly will charge a 3.5 percent fee on plans sold through exchanges it operates. Under the Affordable Care Act, Diestro told area business owners that the health insurance exchanges are required. She said that the group she oversees “will make available a market place to buy health insurance to suit the business and the individual employees.” Diestro said the exchange will allow small businesses to shop for qualified health insurance coverage online, using a one-stop option. At this junction, most of the small business owner concerns appear to be about taxes and health-care coverage. According to Diestro, beginning in 2014, there will only be four available insurance plans -bronze, silver, gold and platinum. This is when consumer driven health care will take full effect.

COMING FEBRUARY 2013 ISSUE SPECIAL FEATURES

Family-Owned Businesses & Cardiology

Fort Bend/Katy

To advertise call Barbara J. Carlson 281-690-4204 • Cell 281-687-9426 barbara@fortbendbusinessjournal.com

Fort Bend / Katy Business Journal H January 2013

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

Medline becomes major anchor for Katy By Wayne Chandler

Medline Industries, the largest privately held manufacturer of medical and surgical supplies in the United States, has purchased a 56-acre tract in West Ten Business Park, west of Katy. Medline plans a 500, 000- foot facility in the 470-acre master-planned business park on the north side of I-10 between FM 1463 and Pederson Road, near Igloo Industries and Houston Executive Airport. The land was assembled by Parkside Capital in 2008 as a deed-restricted and architecturally-controlled business park. All of the property is with the City of Katy and is served by the city’s water, sewer and municipal services. Catherine Morrison, senior vice president of real estate operations for Medline, said “This new facility is a vital part of the future growth of Medline.” Medline, based in Mundelein, Illinois, already has 35 regional distribution centers, and the Katy facility will be its third in Texas, along with centers in Dallas and San Antonio. Medline has applied for property tax abatement from the City of Katy and Waller County. The city recently reestablished incentives guidelines to accommodate this project and to induce future projects. Katy Mayor Don Elder Jr. said, “This is an exciting way to kick off the first project in the West Ten Business Park.” Katy Area Economic Development Council president/CEO Lance LaCour, said the EDC had ben working on this project for a year. “Companies like Medline are on our target industry list and part of our economic development strategic plan.” Cushman and Wakefield represented both the seller and the buyer.

Stenzel to present PHC program on January 19 in Katy Pam Stenzel has joined the Pregnancy Help Center of West Houston (PHC) in Katy. Pam presents straight talk to girls about being the right girl...not just finding the right guy, about cherishing important relationships and being a great daughter and a truly good friend. An upcoming event on Saturday, January 19th, will ignite conversation between mothers and their daughters, as well as encourage the teen girls to have “purposeful” friendships, we call them “mirror friends” where they encourage and hold each other accountable. This is not a fundraising event, but a community outreach.

PHC is a 501 (c) 3 non-profit corporation in your community. PHC ministers to the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of women and their families as they experience pregnancy. Their services are offered at no cost and include pregnancy tests, mentoring and counseling to pregnant women, and educational classes. For further information about the PHC, visit www.donate-phckaty. org. For further information about the PHC, visit: www.donate-phckaty.org For further information and registration information, visit: http://conta.cc/Zoc0uU.

How do you expect to grow your business in 2013? The Business and Professional Division of the Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce will host a lunch and learn seminar on Annual Business Planning that could be a game changer for you and your business this year! The lunch and learn seminar will be held at the Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce’s office, 445 Commerce Green Blvd., in Sugar Land from 11:30 am – 1:00 pm. on Thursday, January 23. In this power-packed seminar, you will learn the Seven Things to Avoid in Annual Business Planning, Three Critical Components of an Annual Growth Plan, Seven Processes (systems) That Every Business Must Develop for Growth, and How to Put an Annual Business Plan Together Quickly and Effectively. Glenn Smith, Owner of The Growth Coach Houston, will share from over 30 years of experience in business and organizational leadership. Glenn personally coaches over 100 business owners and

January 2013 H Fort Bend / Katy Business Journal

executives every year. You will gain clarity about your VISION and become a more Strategic Business Leader. Expect to leave with a solid framework for your 2013 Business Plan and Glenn Smith your Personal Growth Plan. The Business & Professional Division of the Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce is under the leadership of Vice Chair Mike Dobert. The mission of the Business & Professional Division is to offer businessoriented programs that help our members and local businesses develop and achieve their professional goals. Individual session is $20 for members and $25 non-members. Lunch and materials are included. Register online at www. FortBendChamber.com or contact Matthew Ferraro for reservations at 281.491.0277 or matthew@fortbendcc.org.

NEWSWORTHY

University of Houston Alumni Association announces slate of 2013 award honorees The University of Houston Alumni Association announces Hon. Jacqueline Baly as a 2013 Alumni Award recipient. Baly will be the recipient of UH’s “Rising Star” award. Her achievements include serving as Mayor Pro Tem and Councilmember for the City of Sugar Land as well as President & CEO of BalyProjects, LLC. She is a former Commissioner of the Brazos River Authority, a statewide appointment she received from Governor Perry, where she represented Harris, Fort Bend and surrounding counties on water and wastewater issues. She has been featured on KUHF, KTRH, KTRK and several radio stations discussing policy matters. She also lectures on public policy and urban politics at the University of Houston. This year’s honorees include names that are prominent both nationally and locally as well as on the UH campus. The 2013 honorees

will be recognized at the 59th Annual Awards Gala, to be held April 27 at the Westin Houston, Memorial City. Distinguished Alumni Awards are given to individuals whose professional accomplishments bring credit to the University. The Distinguished Service Award is given to UHAA Life Members who are set apart by their history of service to the association and university. The Chair’s Award recognizes generous contributions of time, talent, and resources to UH by non-alumni. The Outstanding Volunteer Award recognizes alumni who exemplify a spirit of volunteerism to advance UHAA’s mission. The Rising Star Award, given for the first time in 2010, recognizes the accomplishments of alumni under the age of 45.

Pregnancy Help Center in Katy seeks volunteers Pregnancy Help Center of West Houston offers potential new volunteers an opportunity to come and hear about this life giving ministry. “A Fresh Cup” information meeting will be held on Friday, January 11, 2013 – 6:30pm – 8:30pm or Saturday, January 12, 2013 – 10:00am – 12:00pm at the Center located at 1450 E. Summitry Circle in Katy. The Pregnancy Help Center ministers to the physical, emotional and spiritual needs of women and their extended families as they deal with the circumstances surrounding a present, potential or former pregnancy by sharing the truth and love of Jesus Christ.

As a resource to the community, the Center presents alternatives to elective abortion, offers Christ-centered counselling, and educates on sexual responsibility. The PHC is a member of Care Net, Heartbeat International, National Institute of Family and Life Advocates, America’s Pregnancy Helpline, Pregnancy Centers Online, Katy Area Chamber of Commerce, and United Pregnancy Center of Houston. If you feel called to a life affirming ministry, plan to attend “A Fresh Cup” and find out more. Please RSVP with your name, phone number, email, date and time to: “A Fresh Cup,” Tina Specht, VSM@phckaty.org.

Fort Bend / Katy Business Journal H January 2013

Colliers International Hotels completes sale of Hampton Inn, Rosenberg

In a recent hotel sale Colliers International noted that Guru Krishna Corporation had purchased the 77-room Hampton Inn at 3312 Vista Drive in Rosenberg. The transaction was a short sale for Comerica Bank. The seller, Janmangal, LTD, and the buyer were represented by R.S. Patel of Colliers International Hotels.

Crown Castle completes tower transaction with T-Mobile USA Crown Castle International Corp. (NYSE:CCI) has announced that it has completed its previously announced transaction to acquire exclusive rights to approximately 7,100 T-Mobile USA towers. Crown Castle expects to update its full year 2013 Outlook on its first quarter 2013 earnings. Crown Castle owns, operates and leases towers and other infrastructure for wireless communications. Crown Castle offers significant wireless communications coverage to 92 of the top 100 US markets and to substantially all of the Australian population. Crown Castle owns, operates and manages approximately 30,000 and 1,700 wireless communication sites in the US and Australia, respectively.

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

Jody Noirot joins the leadership team at AccessHealth Jody Noirot has joined the leadership team of AccessHealth (formerly Fort Bend Family Health Center), as the Chief Operating Officer for the organization. “We Jody Noirot are extremely pleased to have someone with the knowledge and experience that Noirot will bring to AccessHealth. We are very fortunate to have her as a member of our team,” said Carol Edwards, Chief Executive Officer. Noirot is an experienced healthcare executive with over 15 years in healthcare administration. She has served various organizations as an Administrator, Chief Operating Officer and Chief Nursing Officer. Her most recent position was Senior Vice President/Administrator of OakBend Medical Center in Richmond, where she was instrumental in expanding several clinical programs, opening off-site services and the planning and operational opening of the second hospital campus. Her expertise is in healthcare program planning and implementation, project management, and the development of organizational patient satisfaction and clinical quality improvement initiatives. Noirot graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Nursing from Texas Women’s University where she received the JW Carter Award for Outstanding RNBS Student. She attained a Master’s in Business Administration, focusing on healthcare strategy, leadership and policy. She is a graduate of both the Central Fort Bend Chamber Alliance and Fort Bend Chamber Leadership programs and a long-time resident of Fort Bend County. Noirot has served on the Nursing Program Advisory Board for the University

of Houston, Sugar Land Nursing Program and is a charter member of the University of Houston-Victoria School of Nursing Honor Society. She is a past Board Member of the ARC of Fort Bend County and Advisory Board Member of the Mamie George Community Center. She is also a member of the American Organization of Healthcare Executives and the Texas Nurse’s Association. AccessHealth is a private, not-for-profit community health center that serves Fort Bend, Waller, Wharton, Austin and Colorado Counties. AccessHealth

is dedicated to excellence in providing integrated health care services to improve the quality of life in the communities it serves without regard to income or circumstance. AccessHealth is a United Way agency. In 2011, AccessHealth served over 23,000 individuals from its seven service sites and in 2012 eight additional sites providing WIC Nutrition Services have been added. For additional information please contact Cindy Reaves, Community Relations Specialist at (281) 633-3169 or visit the website www.myAccessHealth.org.

Briscoe students join anti-defamation league No, the Briscoe Junior High Eagles in the Lamar CISD have not changed their colors from black and gold to orange. But students and staff are trying to make a change for the better on their campus. They are preparing themselves to be better family members, public citizens and future employers. Briscoe is an Anti-Defamation League “No Place for Hate” campus. Once a month, the students dress in orange to remind themselves that they have pledged to respect the differences in their classmates and challenge bigotry and prejudice. “We’ve also distributed orange wristbands to all the faculty and staff,” said Briscoe Principal Mike Semmler. “They serve as a daily reminder that we have signed a pledge against bullying and prejudice.” Semmler said the faculty is using advisory periods to teach anti-bullying lessons. Students signed a “Resolution of

January 2013 H Fort Bend / Katy Business Journal

Briscoe Junior High students Rachel Mgbeike and Alexander Jopio carry the “Resolution of Respect” signed by Briscoe students.

Respect,” pledging to make the school a “No Place for Hate” zone and the school is using a website – stopwalktalk.org – so that students have an anonymous way to report bullying in the school. Monthly assemblies are used to drive the point home. “I just want to remind the students that we are all in this together,” Semmler said.

Rosenberg awarded membership in Union Pacific’s Train Town USA registry

Pictured in photo are (top to bottom): Bill Rickert, Rosenberg Railroad Museum President; Mayor Vincent M. Morales, Jr.; Joe Adams, Union Pacific, Juan M. Carreon, Union Pacific; and Congressman Pete Olson in front of the Tower 17 switching tower at the Rosenberg Railroad Museum in Historic Downtown Rosenberg.

future. Our prime logistic location relative to the ports of Houston and Freeport, to Interstate 10 and US 59, and at the intersection of three major rail lines, continues to be a driver of development. Rosenberg is proud of our 129 years of shared history with Union Pacific, and excited about the chapters yet to write together in our future!” Union Pacific was created when President Abraham Lincoln signed the Pacific Railway Act in 1862, and the City of Rosenberg was founded in 1883 at the intersection of the New York, Texas and Mexican, the Santa Fe, and the Southern Pacific rail lines.

Today, three major rail companies still operate in Rosenberg, including Union Pacific, Burlington Northern Santa Fe, and Kansas City Southern. Congressman Pete Olson said, “Congratulations to the City of Rosenberg for this recognition. Union Pacific and Rosenberg share an important history that has benefitted our region by connecting commerce with people, bringing business and growing industry through their partnership. This designation adds a unique, historic component to Rosenberg’s rich history and I’m honored to represent ‘Train Town, USA.”

osenberg Mayor Vincent M. Morales, Jr., joined Congressman Pete Olson and Rosenberg Railroad Museum President Bill Rickert on Monday, November 26, at the Rosenberg Railroad Museum to accept a “Train Town USA” designation from Union Pacific (UP) railroad representatives Joe Adams, UP Pacific Vice President for Public Affairs, and Juan M. Carreon, UP Assistant Vice President for Public Affairs. They presented a resolution and shield to the City, on behalf of UP Chairman James R. Young, as part of the Railroad’s 150th Anniversary celebrations to commemorate UP and Rosenberg’s shared history. Rosenberg Mayor, Vincent M. Morales, Jr. stated, “Railroad history is an integral part of Rosenberg’s history. Railroads helped make Rosenberg the Hub of the Gulf Coast, and will continue to play a key role in our

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

Fort Bend / Katy Business Journal H January 2013

FrostBank.com 51

IN NAMES THE NEWS

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

Fort Bend County Commissioner James Patterson honored with prestigious Road Hand Award of $180 million dollar bond program. One project that resulted from this program is construction of FM 1464, a four-lane divided highway built to replace the existing twolane roadway. Further, he has led the effort to create the first public transportation department in Fort Bend County to allow the county to compete for public transit funds. Patterson supported Fort Bend County’s Toll Road Program by voting to expand and improve the existing facilities. Commissioner Patterson also serves on the Transportation Policy Council (TPC)

Commissioner James Patterson

Texas Department of Transportation Houston District Engineer Michael Alford made a surprise presentation at the last Houston-Galveston Area Council Transportation Policy Council meeting, presenting the Honorable James Patterson - Fort Bend County Commissioner Precinct 4 - with the prestigious Road Hand Award. The Road Hand Award is a joint effort between the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) and the Texas Good Roads/Transportation Association to recognize those special individuals who have freely given their time, energy, support and vision toward accomplishing important transportation programs or projects in their communities, their region or the entire state. During his time in office, Commissioner Patterson has made transportation a key issue of his administration. He spearheaded and co-chaired the 2007 Fort Bend Mobility Committee which led to a successful passage

representing the eight-county HoustonGalveston area metropolitan planning organization. From 2008 until 2011, he honorably served as chair for the council. The TPC consists of a 24-member group that provides policy guidance and overall coordination of the transportation planning activities within the Houston-Galveston region. “His dedicated public service and the positive impact he has had on Texas’ highway system make Commissioner Patterson justly deserving of joining the elite group of Texas Road Hands,” Alford said.

William B. Riley, M.D. named chief medical officer at Memorial Hermann Katy Hospital William B. Riley, M.D. has been named chief medical officer (CMO) at Memorial Hermann Katy Hospital. In this role, Dr. Riley will serve as a member of the hospital�s administrative management team while providing leadership to the hospital�s affiliated physicians and clinical staff to ensure Memorial Hermann Katy continues its long standing reputation for high-quality care. �Throughout his extensive career, Dr. Riley has demonstrated a real passion for patients and the healthcare industry as a whole,� said Scott Barbe, CEO of Memorial Hermann Katy. �His experience and commitment to providing high-quality healthcare makes him a great asset to Memorial Hermann Katy and to the community we serve.� A board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Riley received his undergraduate and medical degrees from The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Following residency, research and fellowship training, he served as chief of plastic surgery at Memorial January 2013 H Fort Bend / Katy Business Journal

Hermann-Texas Medical Center and director of the plastic surgery residency training program at The University of Texas Medical School at Houston. He then moved to Sugar William B. Riley, Land, where he established a private practice for 22 years and also served as CMO at Memorial Hermann Sugar Land Hospital. He currently splits his time as CMO between Memorial Hermann Sugar Land and Memorial Hermann Katy. Dr. Riley has served as president of the Houston Society of Plastic Surgeons, president of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, chair of the Plastic Surgery Residency Review Committee and chair of the American Board of Plastic Surgery. He and his wife Peggy currently reside in Sugar Land. For more information about Memorial Hermann Katy, call (281) 644-7000 or visitwww.memorialhermann.org.

IN NAMES THE NEWS

Henley appointed to Commission on State Emergency Communications Terry Henley of Meadows Place has been appointed to the Commission on State Emergency Communications for a term to expire Sept. 1, 2013. The commission helps cities, counties and emergency communication districts implement and maintain enhanced 9-1-1 emergency communications and poison control center services throughout the state. Henley is an applications engineer at

Gexpro and mayor pro-tem for the City of Meadows Place, a position he has held for 25 years. He is president of the Meadows Place Economic Development Corporation, a board Terry Henley member and past president of the Texas Municipal League and Texas Association of Regional Councils, and a

board member and past chairman of the Houston-Galveston Area Council. He is also a past den leader of the Boys Scouts of America Sam Houston Area Council Meadows Place Pack and past coach of the Meadows Place Little League. Henley received a bachelor’s degree from the University of Arkansas and a Master of Business Administration from Southern Methodist University.

Colliers announces Walter Menuet as senior vice president Colliers International | Houston is pleased to announce the addition of Walter Menuet as Senior Vice President to the Industrial Division. Menuet is a 25-year veteran of Vantage Houston, a division of the Vantage Companies, a Dallas based developer of commercial real estate since 1959. During this time, Vantage Houston staff oversaw development of over 16 million square feet of industrial and industrial related product.

Menuet’s primary responsibilities were leasing and disposition of Vantage developments as well as a portfolio of third party owned properties in the Houston area. Walter Menuet Notable third party clients have included DCT Industrial, Principal, Mountain West Industrial Properties, DDR, Meritex, Core Real Estate, CMC

Commercial Realty Group, American Industrial Properties, Kronick Investments, and Sutherland Properties. During his tenure with Vantage and Vantex, Mr. Menuet has closed over 400 transactions in approximately 8 million square feet of space with total transaction values of approximately $150,000,000. Menuet is a licensed real estate salesperson in Texas and a graduate of the University of Texas at Austin.

Fort Bend County Fire Marshal retires After 16 years as Fort Bend County Fire Marshal, Vance Cooper retired December 31. Cooper was with the county for 22 years, and began his career in the fire service 40 years ago. Cooper holds a Master’s Certification in Firefighting, Arson Investigation, Fire Inspection, as well as, Peace Officer. He has been a valuable asset to the county during a time of rapid growth and has served

well with the mission to protect lives and property in the unincorporated areas of Fort Bend County in accordance with Section 352 of the Local Government Code. Vance Cooper His expertise has been acknowledged with distinguished awards including the Roscoe Gibson Award for

Fort Bend / Katy Business Journal H January 2013

excellence in Fire Prevention, awarded by the Texas Fire Marshall’s Association; and the Life Membership Award, given by the Texas Chapter of Arson Investigators. “Vance has served us well and has provided outstanding service to our community. We will miss him and wish him well in his upcoming retirement,” said County Judge Robert Hebert.

Microvast in Stafford is on track in China

id 2012 Microvast, Inc. (Microvast) in Stafford assisted in the production of the world’s first commercial, ultrafast charge, electric vehicle charging station to begin operations. The electric bus charging station was jointly developed by Microvast and the China State Grid and is operated in Chongqing, China, where traditional bus commuter traffic exceeds 4 million rides per day. The 3,200 kW, 2,065 m² charging station has six (6) 400kW individual chargers; each charger fills the bus battery in 5 to 10 minutes, functioning like a conventional gas station as opposed to a typical “Park & Charge” charging station. Commercial operation of this charge station is an important milestone for Microvast and the China State Grid’s joint development plan under which Microvast will introduce a new business model for EV deployment. Under the new business model, ultrafast charging stations will be financed, built and operated by utility companies much like gas stations are owned by oil companies today. The ultrafast charge station is located at the Chongqing International Airport New Development Zone and is utilized by a fleet of more than 30 full electric transit buses and additional plug-in hybrid electric buses. The buses carry passengers from nearby high technology manufacturing areas to residential areas on 20 mile route and are powered by ultrafast charge Microvast LpTO batteries manufactured by Microvast Power Systems Co., Ltd., a Microvast subsidiary. With Microvast’s ultrafast charging technology, each bus takes only a few minutes to completely charge after each route; charging for the buses takes place multiple times each day as the buses transport passengers. The International Airport Charging Station is the first of multiple planned

charging stations scheduled for Chongqing as part of the cities investment plan to develop an advanced electric public transport system with more than 1000 ultrafast charge EV buses. “The Chongqing Fast Charge Technology is an important piece of Microvast’s innovative CCT (Clean City Transit) Solution. The technology, evaluated and demonstrated over the last year in six (6) prototype buses, is in commercial operation in Chongqing. The prototype buses have each driven more than 25,000 miles and we are confident in their continued performance. By operating this new fast charge station, more and more people will take advantage of our green technology and move towards zero emissions,” said Wu Yang, President and CEO of Microvast, Inc. HT eBus Power Systems Co., Ltd. has delivered 125 buses last year, and will January 2013 H Fort Bend / Katy Business Journal

produce up to 1,000 BEV and PHEV buses for Chongqing, equipped with Microvast’s fast charging technology. Founded in 2006, Microvast, Inc. is a completely vertically integrated advanced power and technology company. Microvast offers advanced power solutions for applications such as electric vehicles, grid scale energy storage, and industrial products. Microvast advanced LpTO batteries operate with high charge and discharge rates making them ideal for route based electric vehicle and grid scale energy storage applications. State Grid Corporation of China (SGCC) is the largest electric utility in the world. For distribution, it has subsidiaries in Northern, Northeastern, Eastern, Central, and Northwestern China. It was ranked seventh of the world’s largest companies by revenue in the 2011 Fortune Global 500 list.

About Hengtong eBus Power Systems Co. Ltd. HT eBus Power Systems Co., Ltd. is a Microvast, Inc. majority owned joint venture company; the joint venture partners are Microvast, Inc. and Hengtong Bus. HT eBus Power Systems is manufacturing full electric and plug-in hybrid electric buses. Hengtong Bus was established in 1939 and, with annual production of over 5,000 buses, it is the number one alternative fuel bus producer in Asia. Microvast Supplies E-Bus Battery to Chongqing Public Transportation Group At the end of 2011 just after 80 units of hybrid electric bus batteries were ordered from Kunming Public Transportation Group, Microvast closed a contract with Chongqing Public Transportation Group (CPTG) for 200 electric bus batteries. Microvast supplied the battery packs to CPTG with 50 units equipped with rapid charge technology for electric buses and 150 units for fast charging, plug-in hybrid electric buses. These buses were gradually integrated into commercial transit operations inChongqing in 2012. The 200 electric buses were built by Chongqing Hengtong Electric Bus Power Systems Co., Ltd (CHEBPS), a member of Microvast. CHEBPS is a joint venture owned by Microvast and Chongqing Hengtong Bus. CHEBPS will focus on development and production of electric power systems for buses, utilizing Microvast’s rapid charge technology with Hentong’s bus production ability.

Microvast Gets the Hybrid Electric Bus Battery Order from Kunming Public Transportation Group Microvast recently obtained a contract with Kunming Public Transportation Group (KPTG) to supply 80 hybrid electric bus batteries. As a battery supplier, Microvast worked closely with Xiamen Golden Dragon, Xiamen Kinglong, Shanghai Sunlong, Anhui Ankai and Yangzhou

Yaxing Bus companies, for KPTG. Microvast hybrid electric bus battery products are made to withstand many different climates world wide, from high summer temperatures to mountainous conditions in cities including Chongqing since 2010, which has given Microvast the opportunity to work with KTPG who has extensive experience in our industry using our unique technology.

KOLBE CURTICE... continued from page 21

properties available to small investors. Tenants In Common participants own fractional shares in commercial real estate projects that were previously far too expensive for them to consider ownwership. Almost all investors have different criteria, goals and objectives. For example, a REIT may obtain its investment capital on Wall Street (by selling stock) at a much lower cost of funds than individuals or private corporations who use conventional mortgage financing to acquire real estate. With a lower cost of money, REIT’s

are able to either achieve higher returns on a property or pay more for a property than investors using conventional sources of financing. Similarly, TIC’s are bringing new buyers to the market and are creating additional competition for properties, causing prices to push upwards for smaller to medium sized projects. Institutional investors have millions, even billions of dollars of capital to invest and typically do not consider smaller properties. The strength of any investment portfolio lies in its diversification. Recently, local invesFort Bend / Katy Business Journal H January 2013

tors are looking to Fort Bend commercial real estate for that diversity. They are finding that not only are commercial real estate investments offering attractive returns, but that they can be a strong hedge against inflation and a rising interest rate environment. Kolbe M. Curtice CCIM, CLS is a licensed Texas Real Estate Broker and is the Managing Director of Colliers International - Fort Bend, 15999 City Walk, Suite 250, Sugar Land, Texas, 77479. He can be reached at 281-494-4769 or kolbe.curtice@colliers.com.

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 2012. More Assumed Names may be viewed online at http://ccweb.co.fort-bend.TX.us/RealEstate/SearchEntry.aspx. There were 400 Assumed Names for month of November. Laforest Gerald ACS Home Services 22607 Braken Manor Ln 77449 Canton Tammy (+) Topwater Construction Srvcs 31780 Rogers Rd 77441 Wong George Odyssey Services 12303 Green Trails Dr 77477 Geopoint Inc Texas Construction USA 23501 Cinco Ranch Blvd Suite H120 #116 Kennedy Elvonda Simply Shears 5405 Hwy 6 South #200 77459 Mowka Stephen R (+) Srmowka Enterprises 2311 Trail Wood Lane 77406 Riesenberg Lori Gieger LGR Design 615 Annies Way 77479 Jones Yoshida R (+) The Machine Drumline (+) 15230 Briarcraft Dr 77489 Jackson Omega Caterpillar II Butterfly 550 Stafford Run Rd #204 77477 Douglas Deborah Garmon Yoga Mix Studio 2519 Cartwright Rd 77459 Oilnet Field Services Inc Nuwave Drilling Services 3526 Stanbury Place Ln 77494

Brown Steven C Hill Tyrone Jr Newspromos.Net Ih8moving.com 21335 Winding Path Way 77406 18322 Fprest Dew Dr 77449 Bounds Roy N Cornerstone Builders and Design P O Box 451673 77245-1673

Day Matthew Learn More, Earn More Initiative 13105 Summit Ridge Dr 77489

Bounds Roy N Words For Life Art P O Box 451673 77245

Wellica, Inc. Wellica 22410 Caroline Cove Ln 77450

Bobo Renda (+) Veggie Spot 4 Life Po Box 86 77406

Thomas Enterprises International LLC (+) Realty Coalition 3934 Montego Bay Ct 77459

Nwagboso Ezenwa O Benvica Enterprises 815 Citation Dr 77477

Jaffri Samreen S SJ Collection 26206 Ginger Gables Ln 77494

Rosenberg Business and Professional Women Texas Business Women of Rosenberg 12303 Level Run 77477

Gamble Shunte N Total Beauty Ladies Events 1927 Herringbone Dr 77489

Allegiant Pools L L C (+) Allegiant Pools L.L.C 22103 Drewfalk Ct 77407

Ly Minh (+) Piccomolo Italian Ice Cream 3149 Highway 6 77478 Bobo Renda (+) Veggie World (+) Po Box 86 77406

Williams Tracie S Delightful Candle Shop & Crafts Po Box #351 77459 St Luke’s Sugar Land Doctor Group St Luke’s Sugar Land Doctor Group 1327 Lake Pointe Parkway Suite 430 77478 Lau Gonzalez Adam L ICT Solutions 26534 Becker Pines Ln 77494 Mt Nails LLC V Hair & Nails 1730 Bf Terry Blvd 77471 Jun Kane (+) Texas Brisket 7822 Hwy 90-A 77478

Oilnet Field Services Inc Oilfind International 3526 Stanbury Place Ln 77494

Amaya Karla J (+) Private Nursing Care (PNC) 7602 Aimua Court 77083

Dodd Brenda (+) Mommas Personalized Books 22014 Castle Hawk Trl 77407

Bounds Roy Hope Ministries and Tabernacle on Fire Po Box 451673 77245

Gomez Cristian G (+) Ole Mexican Food 2395 Minimax Dr 77008

Hannon Elicia (+) Peace of Mind Independent Living 503 Penwood Dr 77477

Adesoba Samuel New Care Clinic 9639 Fondren Road 77096

Guzman Gustavo Guzman Auto Sale 5185 Redwood 77545 Serrano J Refugio Serrano’s Auto Sale 4746 Tidewater Dr 77045 Jansson Karl E Iii Kj Transport 1911 Shining Stream Ln 77406 Kalu-Anyah Nnenna (+) Goshen Services 12660 Stafford Rd Ste 1136 77477 Rodriguez Rudolpho Jr Oliver Metro Building & Roofing 1385 Fm 359 Rd Ste 317 77406 Plunkett Shere’ C (+) Power Punch 910 Millstone Ct 77498 Sugar Land Doctor Group (+) St. Luke’s Sugar Land Doctor Group 1327 Lake Pointe Parkway Suite 430 77478 Gonzalez Jesus (+) Houstonscoolpools.Com 6602 Fm 359 S 77441

Coward Roy C Consumer Directed Services Of Houston 4311 April Meadow Way 77479 Ascend National LLC Rad-Link Supplemental Staffing 720 N Post Oak Rd Ste 630 77024 Alloh Amani Dleaf E-Business Solutions 22011 Canyon Wood Park Ln 77469 Garcia Jason (+) Hollow Point Smokers 314 East Hwy 90-A 77406

Sanchez Laura Ortega (+) L.O.S. Trim Services 6507 Rohan #A 77469

Martinez Moises H 5 M International Srvcs Group 3870 W Wisteria Circle 77479

Kalu-Anyah Nnenna (+) Goshen Services 12660 Stafford Rd Ste 1136 77477

Southwest Surgical Associates LLP The Hernia Center Of Southwest Surgical Associates (+) 10101 Southwest Freeway Suite #105 77074

Kahn Howard M Pc Lone Star Lawyers 2855 Mangum Rd #315 77092 Taylor Latasha Tasty Perfections Fortify LLC (+) Cupcake Boutique Nutrilicious Recovery 8223 Summer Quail 77489 4502 Wellbrook Lane 77450 6412787506/2012 Mcdaniel-Mackey Jeremy Urrabazo Monica Morales Jmack Installations Morales & Kaplan 21811 Wildwood Park Rd 134 Eldridge Ste D 77478 Apt #623 77469 Okiomah Ruth (+) Mcdaniel-Mackey Jeremy Precious Cedars Holdings Jm2 Fitness Solutions 22011 Rustic Canyon Ln 77469 21811 Wildwood Park Rd Apt #623 77469 Gamez Diaz Francis R Blessings Roofing and Home Alonso Jose Improvements J & L Trucking 6710 Hanlon Court 77083 15403 Lindita Dr 77083 Coleman Danielle (+) Holmes Leilani J Exalted Hands Spirulina ‘N More 1217 Westwood 12100 South Hwy 6 Apt 1502 77471 #3106 77498 Cash Christina (+) Furrow Paul (+) Cheveaux By Christina Cash Freighter’s Road Service 2745 D Town Center Blvd 211 Randon Dyer Ste 148 77479 Suite H 77471 Elmer Sylvie (+) Bell L’anne Sylvie’s Quilts and More Lone Star State 7207 Wimberly Oaks Ln Notary Services 77407 3602 Greenleaf Lodge Ln 77545

January 2013 H Fort Bend / Katy Business Journal

DBA (Assumed Names)

Data Beat (+) = More Names

Crowson Gary Fletcher, Goldman & Ross 1795 N Fry Rd 77449

Bepreparedamerica, LLC Bepreparedamerica, LLC P O Box 19334 77496

Cary Craig (+) C and C Renovations Loc 12926 Stratfordheights Dr 77498

Profit Zone LLC Teamwork2wealth 21214 Laywood Ct 77406

Pietsch David Dave’s 1054 Miles Street 77471 Garner Robert Perfecting Praise Institute 11807 Westheimer 550-331 77077 Green Cash Atm Inc Lone Star Atm 1306 Pristine Way 77479

Talebian Ali (+) 3A Contractors 14242 Cairns Ct 77498 Nuance Downtown Studio LLC Downtown Studio 819 3Rd Street 77471 Potter Charles A Enerviron 435 Fm 1092 #238 77477 Landry Lynne Sharon Bravo Notary 16227 Coyridge Ln 77053

Fletcher Jeremy Big Shots Snap Shots 10711 Spanish Grant Dr 77498 Binns-Harris Joshua Got Taste ? Tonentino Jorge 15219 Cedar Ridge Dr 77082 Nutriforever Loc 25710 Westbourne Dr 77494 Vaughns Coreyon Wash and Shine Car Wash Harris Julie and Presure Washing Jandashops Loc 15219 Cedar Ridge Dr 77082 525 Gonyo Lane 77469 Huff Angel The Royal Family Sincere Marketing Ministries Network Inc (+) 6723 Briargate Dr 77489 The Royal Family Ministries (+) Stern Ronald H 2007 Old Legend Court 77478 Ron Stern & Associates 1108 Soldiers Field Dr The Royal Family #150 77479 Ministries Network Inc (+) The Royal Family Bell Karel II Worship Center (+) Distinktive Beaus 2007 Old Legend Court 77478 14418 Lilygate Ct 77047 Romero Celia P Taqueria Y Pupuseria Don Luis 2455 S Main St 77477

Rangel Maria L (+) Production Contractors 16518 Elmwood Pt Ln 77498

Blue Topaz Enterprises Inc Jubert Equiptment 2222 Thistlerock Lane 77479

Thompson April Marie (+) Boys & Girls Love 14 Lum Rd 77451

Grudziecki Plumbing Co Inc Phil’s Plumbing Co 9507 Church St 77461

Kassa Zewditu Zewdina 3234 Pecan Point Dr 77478

Denton Alshondrea R Advanced Healthcare Services, LLC 3114 El Dorado Blvd 77459

Burgos Godofredo Toro Painting & Home Improvements 7318 Frost View Ln 77489

Robinson Kevin Expert Transports 1914 Doris Ct 77489 Williams Christopher Sno. Bros. Gourmet Shaved Ice 15126 Steeple Chase 77489

Burgos Godofredo Toro Painting and Deliveries 7318 Frost View Ln 77489 Zipp Industries LLC My Fun Wristbands 8019 W Grand Pky S Ste 1060 # 146 77407

Garza Esteban B (+) Big Nate’s Auto & Accessories 606 Cumings Rd 77471

Dodd Ericka Up and Moving Travel Agency 6140 Highway 6 Ste 117 77459

Texas T Ventures LLC (+) Straight Shot Coatings 12303 Alston Drive 77477

Croson Blanca D CDR Enterprise 34705 Katy Freeway 77423

Bloom Carolyn Sue Healthscans 17814 Oakridge Canyon Ln 77407

Amos Norma (+) Vision Of Hope Care Home 12623 Bethany Bay Dr 77584

Cruz Erika Marrie Oec & Company 16335 Yabbie Dr 77498

Celestine-Johnson Melinda K Faith Keeper’s 7210 Lilac Manor Lane 77469

Roberts Calvin R Rmc Constructors 54 Sugar Creek Center Blvd #208 77478

Shireman Rebecca D Garden Song 1700 Rivercrest Dr #1409 77478

Nwosuocha Frances Noc Noc Loc 4843 Sunshine Dr 77479

Rivera Jessica Nicole The Wellpet Center of Sienna Plantation (+) 8790 Hwy 6 Suite 100 77459

United Investex Usa 3 LLC New Western Acquisitions 6633 Portwest Drive Suite 190 77024

Ibok Iniobong Rhoda (+) Higher Love Independent Mainland Logistics, LLC (+) Living Center Bepreparedamerica.Net 7315 Tara Blue Ridge Dr 77469 Po Box 19334 77496

SFM Beverages Inc Sprouts Farmers Market 23105 Cinco Ranch Blvd 77494

Dominguez Tania A Yogi Life 1903 Brushy Creek Dr 77478

Johnson Lashaunda Embraceable You 438 Glen Park Dr 77489

Reynolds-Raney Betty Christina (+) Enviable Abode 7111 Rose Sage 77494

Gennex Media LLC (+) Pmgoa 4771 Sweetwater Blvd, Ste 241 77479 Gennex Media LLC Promotional Manufacturing Group Of America 4771 Sweetwater Blvd, Ste 241 77479

OGM Land LLC Kyna Resources 7920 Fm 1489 77476 OGM Land LLC Interstate Oil Company II 7920 Fm 1489 77476 Symko Jonathan QSC 2807 Fairway Dr 77478

Omondi Katonia (+) Natural Relaxation Therapeutic Massage 1930 Grand Park Dr 77489 Sadoun Jamal Astarbid.Com 4911 Avenue H 77471

Miller Joseph Audrey’s Creole Cooking & Catering 3019 La Quinta Dr 77459

Green Bernard Ellis Pdlc - Purpose Driven Limousines & Charters 16315 Sapling Ridge Dr 77498

OGM Land LLC Scout Energy 7920 Fm 1489 77476

Horvath Tracy L Awesome Pawz Pet Care 802 Brunswick Dr 77478

OGM Land LLC Gary Emmanuel J Emma Land Services Phresh Threadz Clothing Brand 7920 Fm 1489 77476 4003 Royal Plantation Ln 77459 OGM Land LLC Hamilton Donald (+) Ashton Properties D&D Wrecker Services 7920 Fm 1489 77476 Po Box 1441 77545 OGM Land LLC Gomez Cristian Gerardo Trennon Resources Gomezian Delivery Food 7920 Fm 1489 77476 19002 Mission Park Dr 77407 OGM Land LLC Akuechiama Ijeoma Brody Properties CMC Realty 7920 Fm 1489 77476 2119 Redcliff Dr 77489 OGM Land LLC Tatum International LLC (+) Jt Exploration Tin Roof Cutting Boards 7920 Fm 1489 77476 8531 Stones Throw Ln 77459 OGM Land LLC Tatum International LLC (+) Morgan Production Company Tin Roof Wood 7920 Fm 1489 77476 8531 Stones Throw Ln 77459

Fort Bend / Katy Business Journal H January 2013

French Cat (+) Exodus Cry Houston Prayer Watch 4133 Bluebonnet Dr 77477 Pressler Inc Gypsy Wagon Market Po Box 16428 77496 Pressler Inc Freedom Gun Show Po Box 16428 77496 Pressler Inc Health and Wellness Expo Po Box 16428 77496 Avery Charles Neveda Spine 3703 Pinoak Circle 77459 Ketchum Daina D Dream Homes Of Texas 24044 Cinco Village Center Bvld Ste #100 77494

Data Beat

December 2012 Sales Tax Allocation Comparison Summary Reports

Sales Tax Allocation Comparison Summary reports present data about monthly local sales and use tax allocation payments to local sales taxing jurisdictions. These net payments represent monies identified for the local jurisdictions since the previous 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

2012 Payments To Date

2011 Payments Change

Percent

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

37,946.80 6,822.41 54,311.56 750.21 82,804.78 551,428.89 33,722.52 3,448.33 4,158.92 320,761.87 1,067,245.28 13,171.63 1,212,565.30 3,652,193.54 0.00

34,750.35 5,312.57 48,132.72 341.80 71,485.31 479,931.94 26,771.68 2,896.88 3,590.53 309,694.93 859,395.53 8,321.92 1,066,437.63 3,196,331.91 3,458.56

9.19% 28.42% 12.83% 119.48% 15.83% 14.89% 25.96% 19.03% 15.83% 3.57% 24.18% 58.27% 13.70% 14.26% -100.00%

377,504.54 93,711.88 649,843.57 12,576.77 1,043,312.37 6,566,631.29 430,523.63 43,422.42 76,311.96 4,067,934.79 12,816,054.26 177,691.56 14,591,700.12 43,557,020.27 11,119.50

234,387.70 80,087.36 494,068.14 17,156.65 920,202.07 5,956,462.43 357,277.14 43,170.42 48,460.48 3,915,827.43 11,408,105.17 140,990.33 13,491,497.01 39,990,419.87 26,152.27

61.05% 17.01% 31.52% -26.69% 13.37% 10.24% 20.50% 0.58% 57.47% 3.88% 12.34% 26.03% 8.15% 8.91% -57.48%

COUNTY TOTAL 7,041,332.04

6,116,854.26

15.11%

84,515,358.93

77,124,264.47

9.58%

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

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

Net Payment This Period

Comp Payment Prior Year

% Change To Date

2012 Payments To Date

46,536,300.86 19,643,441.70 18,853,929.67 13,735,937.24 9,341,901.97 6,795,341.36 5,989,260.30 5,893,480.89 5,020,194.50 5,253,519.87 4,707,720.57 4,622,358.50 4,742,960.05 4,498,371.28 4,308,512.81 3,869,647.68 3,652,193.54 3,072,171.65 3,481,399.01 3,210,096.24

39,943,669.79 16,380,971.64 15,348,266.09 11,220,320.68 7,567,172.44 6,860,196.77 5,197,034.90 4,025,784.11 7,542,483.67 4,514,598.03 4,877,205.87 3,864,032.98 3,944,238.59 4,004,385.83 3,497,198.04 3,113,922.06 3,196,331.91 2,882,969.58 3,005,173.20 2,825,338.39

16.50% 19.91% 22.84% 22.42% 23.45% -0.94% 15.24% 46.39% -33.44% 16.36% -3.47% 19.62% 20.25% 12.33% 23.19% 24.26% 14.26% 6.56% 15.84% 13.61%

569,942,545.15 244,094,371.26 232,445,766.10 158,855,260.91 112,745,846.61 88,941,229.13 74,164,329.40 72,581,730.33 68,410,251.45 65,386,226.61 62,834,141.02 59,167,296.36 55,916,147.14 53,702,908.47 49,889,488.45 48,912,322.17 43,557,020.27 41,225,156.87 40,815,462.01 38,337,991.13

January 2013 H Fort Bend / Katy Business Journal

2011 Payments Change

507,928,839.68 220,171,017.40 215,394,907.63 144,161,036.13 105,424,832.05 86,127,966.55 72,347,295.53 62,721,435.71 66,325,562.58 61,805,523.23 63,030,581.94 54,504,004.15 51,652,170.82 46,343,984.72 44,280,590.05 47,722,284.95 39,990,419.87 38,955,236.07 37,452,871.83 35,017,466.53

Percent

12.20% 10.86% 7.91% 10.19% 6.94% 3.26% 2.51% 15.72% 3.14% 5.79% -0.31% 8.55% 8.25% 15.87% 12.66% 2.49% 8.91% 5.82% 8.97% 9.48%

Data Beat

Commercial Building Permits

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

TYPE OF PERMIT

VALUE

OWNER/CONTRACTOR

MISSOURI CITY 8790 Hwy 6 130 Res B

Commercial Lease Space New $190,000

1100 FM 1092 H

Commercial Lease Space New

$42,000

Baxi LLC/Maxx Builders

4501 Bldg 5 Cartwright Rd 501

Commercial Lease Alteration

$16,000

Commercial Installation and Construction

9050 Hwy 6 120

Commercial Alteration/Remodel $300,000

8720 Hwy 6 200 Res D

Commercial Lease Space New

7746 Hwy 6 D

Commercial Lease Space New $200,000

911 Buffalo Run

Commercial Building

$550,000

Grand Total Valuation (Commercial)

11/01/12-11/30/12

$1,343,000

16535 Southwest Fwy Ste K5518

Commercial Addition

$20,400

First Colony Mall, LLC/Retail Fixturing & Merchandising

14090 Southwestt Fwy Ste 440

Commercial Addition

$41,400

Colonial Green LLC ETAL/Textron Construction Company

16535 Southwest Fwy Ste K5556

Commercial Addition

$10,000

First Colony Mall, LLC/See’s Candies

2245 Texas Dr Ste 240

Commercial Buildout

$117,109

1201 Creek Way Dr Ste B

Commercial Buildout

$62,477

2245 Southwest Fwy Ste 150

Commercial Buildout

$146,300

Town Center Lakeside, LTD/Trademark Const. & Remodeling

16605 Southwest Fwy Ste 115

Commercial Buildout

$245,024

Methodist Hospital/South Coast Const Services Inc

1449 State Hwy 6 220

Commercial Buildout

$167,000

Davita First Colony Dialysis/City Commercial Contractors

52 Sugtar Creek Center Blvd

Commercial New

$345,060

American National Insurancce Co/Goldshire Developers, LLC (GC)

16902 Southwest Fwy

Commercial New

$3,101,151

12682 Cardinal Meadows Dr

Commercial New

$12,200,000

16062 Southwest Fwy Ste 2

Commercial Remodel

$423,188

17510 W Grand Pkwy S Ste 390

Commercial Remodel

$99,755

Memorial Hermann Hospital/Meridian Constructors, LLC

4660 Sweetwater Blvd Ste 280

Commercial Remodel

$42,280

FCB Fort Bend Holding, LLC/Construction & Design, Inc

15910 Lexington Blvd Ste B

Commercial Remodel

$45,000

Weingarten Realty Investors/Textron Construction Company

19875 Southwest Fwy Ste 140

Commercial Remodel

$20,275

KM-TS Greatwood LLC/PLK Servicces

One Sugar Creek Center Blvd Ste 500

Commercial Remodel

$163,335

13833 Southwest Fwy

Commercial Remodel

$1,325,000

77 Sugar Creek Center Blvd Ste 501

Commercial Remodel

$20,000

NNN Sugar Creek Center LLC ETA/Cannon Enterprises, Inc

2277 Plaza Dr Ste 285

Commercial Remodel

$80,635

Town Center Lakeside, LTD/Trademark Const. & Remodeling

1317 Lake Pointe Pkwy

Commercial Remodel

$110,690

St. Luke’s Sugar Land Hospital/Triton Construction Co Inc

77 Sugar Creek Center Blvd Ste 180

Commercial Remodel

$144,483

NNN Sugar Creek Center LLC ETA/Textron Const. Company

15259 Southwest Fwy

Commercial Remodel

$168,400

Covington First Colony Acquisition/Texas General Const. Inc

16906 Southwest Fwy

Commercial Remodel

$130,000

Sugar Creek Properties, Inc/Mission Construction LP

14090 Southwest Fwy Ste 450

Commercial Remodel

$4,600

Grand Total Valuation (Commercial)

11/01/12-11/30/12

$19,239,347

$45,000

Hwy 6/Sienna Parkway LTD/Robert Dering Construction

Level Construction Inc. Hwy 6/Sienna Parkway LTD/Elite Flooring & Construction The Centre of Knights Court/D.H. Frensh Construction Becknell Services, LLC

SUGAR LAND

Town Center Lakeside, LTD/O’Donnell/Snider Construction Avian Food Enterprises, LP/L’Arco Builders In

Sugar Land Properties, Inc/Mission Construction LP API Realty, LLC/Kingham Dalton Wilson, LTD Gary & Betina Greenberg Family/TAS Engineering Company, Inc

Parkway Portfolio I. LLC/Mahaca Construction Sugar Creek Village, LP/Fiesta Mart, Inc

Colonial Greeen LLC ETAL/Textron Construction Company

Fort Bend / Katy Business Journal H January 2013

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

Advertising

SERVICE DIRECTORY

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

Acupuncture Mirvana Acupuncture and Chinese Herbs 281-491-0110 www.mirvacu.com Email: info@mirvacu.com. 736 Hwy 6, Suite 103, Sugar Land TX 77478. Mirvana Acupuncture and Chinese Herbs is an upscale, contemporary clinic where patients receive individualized services for a variety of conditions including Fertility, Pain Management, Stress/ Anxiety, Sleep Disorders, Menopause, and Allergies/ Asthma to name a few. The clinic is reminiscent of a spa; soothing decor and natural material enhance the relaxation and healing therapies. Mirvana Acupuncture and Chinese Herbs combines ancient medicine with modern technology including 24 hr. on-line scheduling, email reminders for appointments and an electronic patient database.

Auto Repair / Maintenance Auto Central-Automotive Service & Sales 281-499-9684 www.autocentral.biz david@autocentral.biz. David Fauvelle, 2526 Fifth Street, Stafford, Texas 77477, Fax: 281-499-0183, Fast, Friendly and professional automotive repair. ASE Blue Seal Certified, State Inspection Station, Diesel Repair, Open Saturdays 8-3. Charlton’s Auto Body Repair and Vehicle Detailing 281-499-1126 www.charltonsbodyrepair.com Chuck Charlton, 1131 Staffordshire @ 5th Street, Stafford, Texas 77477, Charbody@aol.com, Fax: 281-499-1694, Complete collision repair. Frame & Unibody straightened. Expert computer color matching. Custom painting & pin stripping. Honest service. 79 Years Strong and 3 Generations Proud!

Colony One Auto Center 281-980-4440 www.colonyoneauto.com Rod Tate, 1131 Dulles Avenue, Stafford, TX 77477, Fax: 281-261-0048, Complete state of the art automotive repair & maintenance facility. First Tire & Automotive 281-313-2886 www.firsttireandauto.com Craig Popp, owner, 3 Sugar Land Locations. 960 Eldridge, 281-313-2886 & 2303 Williams Trace Blvd. 281-980-2666 (First Colony), 20015 Southwest Freeway. 281-343-5666 (Greatwood), Diagnostic testing and evaluation, Manufacturer’s routine recommended maintenance, domestic and foreign vehicle repairs, AAA approved, ASE certified. Ask about our Fleet Service!

Banks The State Bank of Texas - 281-494-6686 www.tsbot.com nbb@tsbot.com. Nicki Black, 13010 Murphy Road, Stafford, TX 77477, Fax: 281-494-6747. Locally and independently owned - our prime interest is you!

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

Country Clubs & Golf Courses Quail Valley Golf Club 281-403-8518 (Direct) 281-403-5910 (Golf Shop) www.golfquailvalley.com Quail Valley Golf Course offers 36 holes of championship golf, a full practice facility, lessons and a fully stocked golf shop. The Missouri City Community Center at Quail Valley Golf Course hosts the Bluebonnet Grille at the 37th Hole, multiple event rooms as well as the 300 seat Magnolia Ballroom. Quail Valley Golf Course and the Missouri City Community Center are the perfect sites for your next meeting or big event. For more information visit www.golfquailvalley.com Quail Valley Golf Course 2880 La Quinta Dr. is located at Missouri City, TX 77459. Riverbend Country Club 281-269-2526 www.riverbendcountryclub.org triciarbcc@gmail.com. Tricia Hawks, 1214 Dulles Avenue, Sugar Land, TX 77478. Conveniently located in the heart of Sugar Land, Riverbend Country Club is just 25 minutes south of downtown Houston, Texas. Established in 1957, Riverbend continues its tradition as Fort Bend County’s only member owned club. Whether you’re looking for championship golf, fine dining, pools, tennis, fitness facilities or a wide variety of social and golf activities Riverbend is definitely the place to belong. January 2013 H Fort Bend / Katy Business Journal

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

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

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

Glass Block/Showers/Windows South Texas Glass Block - 281-355-8882 www. stglassblock.com We offer complete glass block solutions, providing excellent service and product to all of our customers. We have been in business since 1995, serving the entire Houston and surrounding areas. Our excellent workmanship is unmatched both in the commercial and residential arena. No job is too big for South Texas Glass Block.

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

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

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

Jewelers The Gold Connection Jewelers 281-344-9900 • We Buy Gold www.goldconnection.net Full service jewelry store. Diamonds, Gold & Silver Jewelry and Watches. Repairs done on the premises. Custom design are our specialty. Front door parking. 206 Hwy 90A, Richmond, Texas 77406.

Magazine Fort Bend / Katy Business Journal 281-690-4200 www.fortbendstar.com Fort Bend’s ONLY business publication. Reaching over 10,000 businesses monthly. The place to advertise to reach the vital Fort Bend County business community. Fort Bend Focus - 281-690-4242 Pearland Focus - 281-690-4242 Focus on Women - 281-690-4242 www.fortbendfocus.com Fort Bend’s ONLY feature magazine Direct mailed to almost 40,000 homes every month in Fort Bend’s most affluent subdivisions.

Medical 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.

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.

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.

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.

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

Real Estate / Residential

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

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.)

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

Physicians Medical Supplies Synicare Medical 281-378-8040 www.synicaremedical.com synicaremedical@yahoo.com. 20333 State Highway 249, Suite 200, Houston, TX 77070, Fax 888-397-1240. Synicare Medical is focused on providing high-quality service and customer satisfaction. Our entire team is committed to meeting those needs with professionalism and integrity. Synicare Medical specializes in durable medical equipment,medical supplies, and third party billing.We accept all private insurance and strive to meet the needs of every patient in a professional and caring way. Synicare Medical is owned and operated by Synicare Group LLC.

Printers / Graphics

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

Colliers International, formerly Curtice Commercial Real Estate 281-494-4769 kcurtice@curticecommercial.com. Kolbe M. Curtice, CCIM, CLS, 15999 City Walk Suite 250, Sugar Land Square located at U.S. Highway 59 and State Highway 6, Fax: 281-494-3227, Brokerage, Development, Investment & Tenant Representation, 25 yrs exp. in Fort Bend. Riverstone Development Co. 281-499-8700 www.riverstone.com tomw@johnsondev.com. Tom Wilcox, 4855 Riverstone Blvd, Missouri City, Texas 77459, Fax: 281-499-8704, Luxurious waterside living in Fort Bend from $200s to the many millions. Jeanne Gregory, CRS, GRI 281-344-8918 www.jeannegregory.com jeannegregory@earthlink.net. 14905 Southwest Freeway, Sugar Land, Texas 77478, Fax: 281-242-6754, Re/Max Southwest. Residential real estate sales & corporate relocation. Jennifer Weaver, ABR, CRS, GRI 281-207-5037 www.jenniferweaver.com RE/MAX Southwest, 14905 Southwest Freeway, Sugar Land, Texas 77478. Residential sales and corporate relocation since 1979.

Fort Bend / Katy Business Journal H January 2013

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Remodeling / Outdoor Living Living Improvements 281-499-7000 www.living-improvements.com AWARD WINNING - 2010 & 2011 Houston’s BEST “Outdoor Living Space” Living Improvements’ commitment to excellence makes us the perfect fit for your building needs. We have over 200 years cumulative in-house experience in the remodeling and construction industry making us highly skilled, professional and detail oriented striving to exceed our customer’s expectations. We feature outdoor living spaces, custom homes, interior and exterior renovations. Our commitment to excellence is just one of the reasons we have over 5,000 satisfied customers. SERVING FORT BEND & SURROUNDING COUNTIES FOR OVER 35 YEARS.

Skin Care NeriumAD Age Defying Treatment 863-673-5256 www.shortmouthyblond.nerium.com NeriumAD improves the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, uneven skin tone, enlarged pores, aging and sun-damaged skin. Created by a local hospital to aid in the treatment of skin cancer the effects of this cream are beyond amazing! Join the network marketing program that is second to none - get in on the ground floor today or just experience the best anti-aging cream you will ever find! 30-day money-back guarantee! See the results for yourself at shortmouthyblond.nerium.com.

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

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

Aling’s Hakka Chinese Cuisine Welcome to Sugar Land’s first Hakka Chinese Restaurant! Using family recipes, Chefs Lin Motiwala and Gary Yan present this unique “Chindian” cuisine, a delicious fusion of both Chinese and Indian cookery (without the curry undertones). From savory steamed or pan fried Dumplings to traditional Indian-style Hakka dishes, as prepared in Bombay/Pune, like Chicken Lollipop, as well as American Chop Suey, each dish is prepared using the freshest ingredients to bring you a dining experience like no other. Lunch specials start at $6.95 for a 4 course meal. Open Tuesday - Sunday. Lunch: 11am-3pm (Tues-Fri). Dinner: 5:30pm-10pm (Tues-Thurs & Sun) and 11pm (Fri & Sat). Aling’s is located in the First Colony Commons shopping center at Hwy 59 and Williams Trace Blvd. between Home Depot and Office Depot. 15425 Southwest Freeway, Sugar Land. Call 281-242-0432. www.alingshakka.com. $$ AURA Restaurant Chef/Owner Frédéric Perrier brings over 30 years experience to his newest venture - AURA. In an upscale yet casually comfortable setting, Innovative American Cuisine reigns and is highlighted in the numerous Daily Specials. AURA features only the finest, freshest ingredients. A three course prix fixe lunch for $12.95 to Mussles Marinieres, Roasted Red Snapper or Filet Mignon with Cognac Peppercorn Sauce. No need to go to Houston or into Sugar Land for a truly high quality dining experience... you will easily find it at AURA (without ‘Big Restaurant’ prices!) at Township Square - Missouri City. Lunch Mon-Sat 11-2. Dinner Mon-Thurs 5-9 and Fri-Sat 5-10. Please call for Reservations &/or Catering ~ 3400 FM 1092, 81-403-AURA (2872). $$ • WB

Water Softening and Purification Systems R & S Water Services 281-416-9353 www.rswaterservice.com info@rswaterservice.com R & S Water Service is a Full Service Licensed Water Treatment Company. We offer Cost-Effective and Long-Lasting Water Softeners. We are 30%-50% less expensive than other water softening companies and we offer the best customer service even after the sale! Sales, Service and Installation of Water Softeners, No Salt Conditioners, Reverse Osmosis Systems, Well Water Systems, Ambassador II ChemFree Iron Filter Systems and Chloramine Removal Systems. We also can test and repair Back Flow devices. For other services or any questions please contact us. 281-416-9353 or info@rswaterservice. com. **List with the BBB. **Licensed members of the TWQA Texas Water Quality Association.

BLU Restaurant | Lounge (New Listing) BLU boasts a globally influenced, Euro-Asian menu from acclaimed Executive Chef Junnajet “Jett” Hurapan. With a diverse background that spans cuisine from Thailand to New American and Mediterranean, Chef Jett’s dinner menu offers an extensive array of both small and larger plates perfect for sharing. Looking for a great deal, come enjoy an incredible three-course lunch menu for $12 Tues - Fri, and $4 happy hour menu Tues - Sun. BLU recently started a Live Jazz Sunday Brunch from 11am to 3pm! Visit www.blusugarland.com ~ 2248 Texas Drive - 281.903.7324. $$ • WB 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 January 2013 H Fort Bend / Katy Business Journal

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) 832-9470440 / 6825 S Fry Rd (Fry & 99) 281-395-6746. www.candelaris.com. $ • FB

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, Takeout, and Catering available. 3121 Highway 6, Sugar Land • Call 281-2656556. $ • WB Panda Garden

Fernando’s Latin Cuisine We are pleased to announce the arrival of Fernando’s Latin CuisineAn 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. $$ • FB Las Alamedas Restaurant & Cantina Las Alamedas Restaurant and Bar Continues the long standing tradition of fine Mexican food and beverages that began in 1980, is now relocated in Katy at The La Centerra Center. Join us seven days a week for our warm hospitality and anything from brunch on the weekends to private corporate events and everything in between. We are a total scratch kitchen featuring an extensive selection of authentic dishes. We are family friendly with a great children’s menu. Our patios were voted one of the top two in the Houston area. Please visit our website and like us on Facebook! The only thing missing is you! We are open for lunch and dinner seven days a week and we serve brunch Saturdays and Sundays from 10am to 2pm. Our bar and lounge offers full meal service from open to close. Hours of operation are, Monday thru Thursday from 11am to 10pm, Friday from 11am to 11pm, Saturday from 10am to 11pm, Sunday from 10am to 9pm. BAR 11am till closing. 23501 Cinco Ranch Blvd., Suite F-140, Katy, TX 77494. 281-347-3030. Reservations accepted by phone and on line by visiting our web site www. lasalamedas.com. $$ • FB 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. Twentythree 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

Panda Garden Restaurant, the three times winner for Best Oriental Restaurant in Fort Bend County, located at 3563 Highway 6 in Kroger Center, provides a warm, casual environment to best service all diners. The goal of our restaurant is to offer 100% satisfactory to the customers with variety selection of popular Hunan Cuisine. “We offer fresh, made from scratch meals that is unforgettably delicious!” Manager Kenny adds. The restaurant offers accommodations for small group meetings and wonderful party tray for catering to the near by businesses and schools. Panda Garden is open 7 days a week on Mon. – Sat.: 11a.m. – 10 p.m. and Sun. 11a.m. – 9:30p.m. Delivery is available everyday with a min. of $15.00 purchase. A lunch special is offered daily as well as the full regular menu offerings. 3563 Hwy 6 @ Williams Trace, 281-265-0303. $ • WB Post Oak Grill Restaurant & Bar The Rios Family invites you to come and experience the same quality, ambiance and service that you have at the original Post Oak Grill. Join us for a wonderful culinary adventure featuring fine prime beef, chops, fresh seafood, soups, sandwiches, salads, and outstanding wine selection. Open lunch & dinner - Monday-Thursday 11:00-10:00pm, Friday 11:00-11:00p.m., Saturday 4:00-11pm, Sunday 10:00-9:00pm, & Sunday Brunch 10:00-2:00pm. Happy Hour 4:00-7:00pm. 1550 Lake Pointe Parkway, Sugar Land • Call 281-491-2901. www.PostOakGrillSugarland.com $$ • FB

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

Fort Bend / Katy Business Journal H January 2013

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cut here

We Put Our Heart intO Caring FOr YOurs.

You expect quality care from a hospital within the st. Luke’s family. and at st. Luke’s sugar Land Hospital, we offer an array of cardiac services including: Diagnostic testing n nuclear cardiology n

echocardiology n stress tests n

Peripheral vascular studies n Cardiac catheterization n

We’re backed by the name you know and trust, right here in your neighborhood. stop in today to discover all that st. Luke’s sugar Land Hospital has to offer.

stLukessugarLand.com generated at BeQRious.com

Highway 59 one block north of Highway 6 at Lake Pointe Parkway 1317 Lake Pointe Parkway, Sugar Land, TX 77478 | 281-637-7000

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/hand therapy, and the most advanced imaging and surgical technologies in the world are available on-site.

Stop enduring pain. Call or email today and begin your personal treatment plan. 281-313-BACK (2225) or SpineCenter@tmhs.org.

16655 Southwest Freeway • Sugar Land, Texas 77479 281-313-BACK (2225) • MethodistSugarLand.com

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