July 2012 - The Business Lifestyle Magazine Digital Edition

Volume 30 • No. 7

THE BUSINESS LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

July 2012

Born To Lead...

Prepared To Serve...

H VETERAN H CONSERVATIVE H LEADER Political ad paid for by Rick Miller campaign • Photo by Larry Pullen

INSIDE STORIES

Fort Bend - Ten Million Population?

Flood Insurance Rates Remain in Limbo Fort Bend Newsworthy & Names in the News Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce Newsletter Data Beat Information 4.95

$

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TEXAS DIRECT AUTO

SUPPORTS LOCAL HIGH SCHOOL SENIORS

Over $20,000 in Scholarships and Counting!

T

exas Direct Auto in Stafford, Texas is proud to continue their major commitment to higher education to students in Fort Bend County. The Scholarship Stars Program, in sponsorship with Fort Bend Focus Magazine and The Fort Bend/Katy Business Journal, has provided a series of $1,000 scholarships to local students. This is the first program of its kind in Fort Bend County, a major community move for Texas Direct Auto and beneficial to local students.

Since August 2010, Texas Direct Auto has awarded $1,000 every month to local Fort Bend High School seniors.

From artists to engineers, these students have been the recipients of Texas Direct Auto’s continuing support of higher education.

“I am honored to have received the Texas Direct Auto (TDA) Scholarship,” said March 2012 recipient Joyce Ozuna.

“The financial assistance this scholarship provided has helped me meet my college expenses, and I am very grateful for the contribution TDA has made! Thank you so much for investing in my education!”

Kaylin Martin, July 2012 scholarship recipient, said, “This scholarship allows me to pursue my college dreams while lessening a little of the burden of my parents. I want to thank TDA for their generosity and for caring about helping today’s youth with their college education.”

Texas Direct Auto is proud of our Fort Bend students who are aspiring to higher education and careers.

Through the Scholarship Stars Program, TDA is committed to the community and financial support of making college dreams come true for not only students but parents as well. Texas Direct Auto believes aspiring students should have the opportunity to reach their academic goals without the pressure of financial strain.

Applications for Texas Direct Auto’s Scholarship Stars Program are currently being accepted, and winners are announced monthly in Fort Bend Focus Magazine, as well as The Fort Bend/Katy Business Journal. Fort Bend seniors can apply for The TDA Scholarship Stars Program at www.fortbendfocus.com.

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Editor’s Preview

by Sharon Wallingford

July: Lots to see, read, eat and do in Fort Bend

P

reparations are in place throughout the county for Fourth of July celebrations. The Journal has several listed on page 52,

temperatures, preceded by significantly low rainfall, have resulted in declining reservoir and aquifer levels, threatening water supplies and delivery systems in many parts of Texas.

along with a reminder that the Fort Bend Symphony Orchestra will host their own patriotic selections “Freedom Rings” concert at the Stafford Centre beginning at 7 p.m. on Wednesday. Independence Day, commonly known as the Fourth of July, is a federal holiday in the United States commemorating the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, declaring independence from the Kingdom of Great Britain. Independence Day is commonly associated with fireworks, parades, barbecues, carnivals, fairs, picnics, concerts, baseball games, family reunions, and political speeches and ceremonies.

As patriotism flows in the marketplace and across the state, you may be making plans to visit the Texas capitol and governor’s mansion in Austin. As the massive restoration of the Texas Governor’s Mansion nears completion, pieces from the historic Governor’s Mansion Collection are being moved back into the home. Owned and curated by the non-profit Friends of the Governor’s Mansion, the collection was removed when the deferred maintenance project started in October 2007. The return of the collection marks the first stage of the move phase of the Governor’s Mansion restoration. The first family is expected to move back into the Governor’s Mansion, the home of 40 Texas governors, when the project is completed this month. There are many places to visit in Texas; many are in our own backyards.

Responsibility will play a major role in what we do this summer. Texas and local governments remain on alert. Record high

As these prolonged dry conditions continue to increase the threat of wildfire across many portions of the state; and these continue to pose an imminent threat to public health, property and the economy; a state of disaster still includes more than 150 counties; including Fort Bend County.

Despite the heat nothing defines summer better than taking a big bite of a plump, fresh Texas peach and having the juice drip down your chin. Perhaps you had a cup of freshly picked blueberries for breakfast or in a salad.

Sliced, chilled watermelon is a treat anytime of the day. Fresh fruits and vegetables are found in abundance this summer at farmers markets all over the state. Visit Fort Bend’s own marketplaces in Richmond, Fulshear and Sugar Land. Get healthy.

Featured in this month’s cover article is Rick Miller. Read about him and become more familiar with who he is and learn about the many contributions he has made to better this county. His story begins on page 34.

If your business is looking for a volunteer opportunity in your neighborhood you might want to consider the Fort Bend Corps. They have been providing home repair assistance since 1999. Check out www.fbcorps.org or call (281) 617.7416.

Update us about your business. We’ll be covering the county again in August.

2

Fort Bend Business Journal • July 2012

Keep those cash registers ringing!

Sharon K. Wallingford

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

Jacqueline Baly Chaumette President and CEO Baly Projects, LLC

Dee Koch Grant Officer The George Foundation

Becky Munnell President and CEO Blue Jungle Marketing

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

Tim Stubenrouch President First Community Bank

John Whitmore Whitmore Company

Contact: Sharon K. Wallingford Sharon@FortBendStar.com Mary Doetterl Mary@FortBendStar.com 281.690.4204

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For the health of your business

CONTENTS

Fort Bend/Katy

Cover Story

Volume 30 • Number 7 • July 2012 For subscriptions send check for $25 to Fort Bend Business Journal

RICK MILLER Born To Lead..

Prepared To Serve...

pg.

34

Inside Stories

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

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

MHSL Hospital appoints new CEO............................................ 12 Houston VA to Expand Mental Health staff............................. 14 Commuter rail strangled by freight upgrade............................ 16 Pretty In Pink - Town Square....................................................... 18 Costco prepares for grand entrance into Sugar Land.......... 20 Telios provides creative & sustainable engineering solutions.... 22 HHS creates new centers to develop........................................ 28 Flood insurance rates remain in limbo for Fort Bend . ......... 32 Big Shots - Golf Classic ............................................................... 38 City of Richmond new park project to debut soon................ 55

Monthly Columns

GENERAL MANAGER............Michael Fredrickson EDITOR ...........................................Sharon Wallingford ADVERTISING DIRECTOR ..................Mary Doetterl MARKETING CONSULTANTS................ Jennifer Pappas-Blancas Diane Strehl Ann Sturrock RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE SPECIALIST.........................................Becky Hall CONTRIBUTOR ...........................Wayne Chandler LeaAnne Klentzman ART DIRECTOR.................................Joey Belleza

Alan Sandersen

Chad Ellis

Tax Smart Discusses IRS Fresh Start Program Offers Opportunity for Struggling Taxpayers...................... 15

Law and Business

Kolbe Curtice CCIM, CLS

Elsa Maxey

Commercial Real Estate

Star Digital Studios

Discusses Fort Bend Ten Million Population?................... 17

Discusses Who are you? - Video Communications a Big Benefit in the Marketplace....... 23

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

Discusses Mediation - Success Depends on the Mediator.............................. 19

Monthly Departments Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce Newsletter...................................................39-46 Names in the News...........................................................................................50-51 Newsworthy ......................................................................................................52-54 Data Beat...........................................................................................................56-59 Service Directory...............................................................................................60-62 Meet & Eat - Food, Drink & Entertainment Guide............................................62-63

4

Fort Bend Business Journal • July 2012

ON THE COVER RICK MILLER Born to Lead...

Prepared To Serve...

Photo by Larry Pullen

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

Butch Watterson Denise & Greg Houser

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Rice & Gardner Consultants Help Building Owners Lower Energy Costs!

H

ave you ever driven by an office building and seen the parking lot lights burning at lunch time on a bright and sunny day? Or worked in an office that was hot in the summer and cold in the winter? These are fairly simple straightforward examples of unnecessary energy use.

In today’s economy, property owners and managers must demonstrate the value of their property to their tenants, existing and future, while finding ways to reduce costs without affecting service. It is a delicate balancing act. An inexpensive way of reducing the cost of your building’s operation while improving occupant comfort is to have your existing building “retrocommissioned” by a qualified Commissioning Authority, such as Rice & Gardner Consultants.

improvements will pay for themselves.

Quite often just the minor corrections made during the retro-commissioning of the building will provide owners with a ten to fifteen percent decrease in their energy bills and a corresponding improvement in Jim Rice & Kevin Gardner tenant satisfaction.

Rice & Gardner Consultants has a highly trained staff of Commissioning Agents, Engineers and Project Managers to assist you. To find out how you can lower your building’s electric bills and provide improved occupant comfort, contact Rice & Gardner Consultants today.

To learn more about Building Commissioning call us at 713-482-2300 or visit our website at www. ricegardner.com.

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Retro-Commissioning, also known as “Existing Building Commissioning” is a quality improvement process in which building systems are examined and tuned to bring their function to an optimum level of performance. The positive outcome of this effort is reduced energy bills for the owner and improved occupant comfort for the tenants.

Retro-Commissioning identifies problems with mechanical or electrical system performance and then imposes solutions to correct these problems much in the same manner of tuning up an automobile. Though many corrective solutions are simply a matter of adjustment, some require capital investment. Return on investment periods are calculated to determine how quickly the

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Fort Bend Business Journal • July 2012

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Fort Bend Business Journal • July 2012

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One of Fort Bend’s “Rising Stars” Vy Nguyen

I

am a proud resident of Fort Bend County.

I am a working mom, law professor, female entrepreneur, and a practicing attorney in Fort Bend County. I have clients from Stafford, Sugar Land, RichmondRosenberg, Meadows, and Mission Bend area.

My law firm is a member of the Better Business Bureau and specializes in family law, civil litigation and business law. I have a respectful rapport with the Honorable Judges in Fort Bend County and continue to represent clients from all types of socioeconomic backgrounds.

Fort Bend County is one of the greatest places for an entrepreneur to thrive in because of its burgeoning diverse community. I am proud to be a small business owner and a candidate for State Representative of HD 26 for Fort Bend County and strive to represent our great community in my endeavors.

Vy

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July 2012 • Fort Bend Business Journal

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11

Memorial Hermann Sugar Land Hospital appoints new CEO

By Nancy V. Mills, APR

J

im Brown, CEO of Memorial Hermann Sugar Land Hospital, will officially relinquish his leadership role to Greg Haralson this month. Brown is extremely confident in his successor, who comes from a 12-year career with Hospital Corporation of America.

“Greg is approachable, fair and principled. He blends operational discipline with a strategic growth orientation,” said Brown, who has been promoted to CEO of Memorial Hermann’s outpatient imaging division and ambulatory surgery centers.

The two executives have known each other since the late 1990s when they attended Trinity University and earned master’s in healthcare administration.

Jim Brown Like Brown, Haralson is driven to excellence. Since 2005, he has served as chief operating officer of HCA’s 320-bed Plaza Medical Center of Fort Worth. While there, he helped guide the hospital to Magnet® certification, an American Nurses Credentialing Center honor recognizing quality patient care and nursing excellence.

Noting the high level of excellence at Memorial Hermann, Haralson said. “I have every expectation that we will maintain or even improve the quality indicators at Sugar Land.”

Those quality indicators, all occurring under Brown’s leadership, include being named to Thomson Reuters’ 100 Top Hospitals® list for 2011 and 2012.

Additional honors are listed at right.

Brown’s personal accolades include being twice named to Becker Hospital Review’s “25 Rising Stars under 40.” He also received the “Five Outstanding Young Houstonians” and “Five Outstanding Young Texans” awards from the Houston Junior Chamber of Commerce (Houston Jaycees) and Texas Junior Chamber.

Haralson brings breadth of experience Haralson is no stranger to a competitive healthcare market like Fort Bend County. Plaza Medical is the smallest hospital in the Fort Worth Medical District, an area encompassing 2,500 beds in a five-mile radius.

Greg Haralson “You have to be agile and make the best decisions for the medical staff and employees,” said Haralson of the competitive environment.

His previous experience closely parallels Memorial Hermann Sugar Land’s focus on children, heart and vascular, orthopedics, sports medicine, women’s services, wound care, outpatient imaging, emergency

Quality Sets Memorial Hermann Sugar Land Apart This is a partial list of the quality awards and recognitions received by the hospital under CEO Jim Brown.

• Named a top five national finalist for the 2010 McKesson / American Hospital Association Quest for Quality Award • The Joint Commission Top Performer on Key Quality Measures • Top 1 percent of hospitals nationwide in patient satisfaction (Press Ganey) • Three consecutive years of physician satisfaction in top 10 percent nationwide (HealthStream) • Pathway to Excellence® in recognition of nursing excellence • Numerous awards from the Texas Medical Foundation Health Quality Institute, most recently the Silver Award

Photo by Larry Pullen

12

Fort Bend Business Journal • July 2012

services and radiation oncology services in collaboration with Texas Oncology.

Harleson began his career at HCA’s 600bed Medical City Hospital and Medical City Children’s in Dallas. As COO of HCA’s 100bed Las Colinas Medical Center in Irving, he grew outpatient visits, adding three imaging centers, a cardiac catheterization lab and a level II neonatal intensive care unit.

During seven years at Plaza Medical, Haralson led a $125 million capital improvement project that included a complete renovation of the hospital and expansion of surgical services, increasing the hospital’s earnings by 60 percent. Surgical volume grew by 47 percent, in part by aligning with Fort Worth’s largest orthopedic group.

Also at Plaza Medical, Haralson reduced the total turnaround time for emergency patients by 50 percent. Under his leadership, the hospital became a nationally accredited Chest Pain Center and a Bariatric Center of Excellence.

Haralson considers himself a servant leader who listens, values relationships and keeps an open mind. As such, he will invest heavily in meeting with physicians and key stakeholders.

“I value the people, the process and the relationships,” said Haralson. “I try not to have a one-track mind when it comes to initiatives, so that we look at all interests and find solutions that work well for all parties.”

A sweet deal for Sugar Land Haralson, whose wife grew up in Houston, looks forward to making Sugar Land his family’s home and contributing to the community. Since his wife grew up in Houston and they frequently visit the area that should ease the transition.

Brown plans to stay active in the Sugar Land community as he and his family maintain residency here. He serves on the boards of the Central Fort Bend Chamber Alliance, Fort Bend Cares, Fort Bend Education Foundation and the United Way Fort Bend Service Center.

In his new role, Brown will oversee approximately 20 Houston-area outpatient imaging and breast centers and manage Memorial Hermann’s relationship with United Surgical Partners International, the company that manages the System’s more than 20 ambulatory surgery centers and three surgical hospitals.

July 2012 • Fort Bend Business Journal

13

Facility to hire 40 new employees as part of nationwide boost

Houston VA to expand mental health staff

S

ecretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki recently announced the department would add approximately 1,600 mental health clinicians as well as nearly 300 support staff to its existing workforce. VA estimates that 33 clinicians and seven support personnel will be hired to support mental health operations at the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center. Funding has now been distributed to the Houston VA and recruitment is underway.

VA has an existing workforce of 20,696 mental health staff that includes nurses, psychiatrists, psychologists, and social workers. Currently, almost 500 mental health clinicians and support staff work in southeast Texas supporting more than 132,000 Veterans.

With each additional mental health care provider, a facility could potentially reach hundreds more Veterans battling mental illness. New providers will join a team that is already actively treating Veterans through individualized care, readjustment counseling,

and immediate crisis services. Additional staff members also afford opportunities to look long-term and expand into cutting edge Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) research and to explore alternative therapies.

Secretary Shinseki noted that “as the tide of war recedes, we have the opportunity, and the responsibility, to anticipate the needs of returning Veterans.”

VA anticipates the majority of mental health clinicians and support staff will be hired locally within approximately six months and the most hard-to-fill positions filled by the end of the second quarter of FY 2013. To speed the hiring process, VA developed the Mental Health Hiring Initiative to improve marketing, recruitment, and hiring efforts for mental health professionals so that the new 1,600 mental health providers can be hired as quickly as possible. The initiative is an aggressive, multifaceted, sustained national marketing and outreach campaign that includes targeted recruitment of mental health providers willing to take positions in rural and highly rural markets, as well as throughout the

nation to serve all VA medical centers and community clinics.

“Mental health services must be closely aligned with Veterans’ needs and fully integrated with health care facility operations,” said VA Under Secretary for Health Dr. Robert Petzel. “Improving access to mental health services will help support the current and future Veterans who depend on VA for these vital services.”

Last year, VA provided quality, specialty mental health services to 1.3 million Veterans. Since 2009, VA has increased the mental health care budget by 39 percent.

Since 2007, VA has seen a 35 percent increase in the number of Veterans receiving mental health services, and a 41 percent increase in mental health staff.

Interested mental health care providers can find additional information about VA careers online at www.va.careers.va.gov. Open positions will be announced online at USA Jobs (www.usajobs.gov). To locate the nearest VA facility or Vet Center for enrollment and to get scheduled for care, Veterans can visit VA’s website at www.va.gov.

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Fort Bend Business Journal • July 2012

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.

IRS fresh start program offers opportunity for struggling taxpayers The IRS announced another expansion to its “Fresh Start” initiative on May 21, 2012.

The expansion will offer more flexible terms for its Offer in Compromise (OIC) program.

These changes will allow struggling taxpayers a chance to get back on their feet and get off to a fresh economic start while bringing funds into the Treasury. An Offer in Compromise allows a taxpayer to form an agreement with the IRS to pay less than the full amount of taxes owed. The “Fresh Start” initiative aims to help tax payers who are dealing with significant financial distress.

The IRS announced changes to the initiative include: • A significantly liberalized revision to the calculation of a taxpayer’s future income • An expansion of the Allowable Living Expense allowance category, and

• An allowance for taxpayers to repay student loans and state and local delinquent taxes.

The expansion allows taxpayers the opportunity to resolve their taxes in as little 5 to 24 months. Previously, tax resolution spanned as long as four or five years.

Why the change?

With so many American taxpayers experiencing financial hardship, the IRS has noted that this expansion is one step in the agency’s work to enact changes to the OIC program that better represent real-world financial situations. Prior guidelines were seen by many professionals as being too constrictive to allow for successful resolution. With a challenging economy creating many more taxpayers with similar issues, the Treasury made program revisions to offer some relief. The Treasury benefits by:

• Reducing the risk of delinquent taxpayers of becoming non-filers.

• Creating cash flow with the concept being that it is better to accept 25% to 50% now than 100% never.

Significantly liberalized revision to the calculation of a taxpayer’s future income When the IRS calculates a taxpayer’s reasonable collection potential (RCP) for offers paid in 5 or fewer months it will now look at only a year of future income, rather than 4 years. For offers paid in 6 to 24 months, IRS will now look at only 2 years of future income, rather than 5 years. All offers must be fully paid within 24 months of the date the offer is accepted.

ALAN SANDERSEN... continued on page 49

July 2012 • Fort Bend Business Journal

15

Union Pacific Railroad aggressively pursues double track

Commuter rail strangled by freight upgrade

F

lushed out by a series of ping pong like media reports, Union Pacific Railroad has acknowledged unequivocally that it is double tracking its freight operations through the City of Stafford while foreclosing any potential for commuter rail on the company’s right-of-way.

Mayor Leonard Scarcella has taken strong issue with UPRR’s announcement that it intends to increase freight rail activity in the city. This will result primarily from its double tracking on the UPRR 100-foot right-of-way that traverses through the heart of Stafford.

In articles, pursued by local journalists as well as a television story, UPRR spokespersons have made it abundantly clear that this huge rail company will take all necessary Leonard Scarcella action to preclude any passenger rail to our town along this corridor. A minor gain has occurred in that the originally announced plans for the second track construction to begin this year have been delayed until next year.

The Mayor in his fervent comments has emphasized the significant detriments, including disruption to responses of emergency vehicles, increased inconvenience to the motoring public, damages to the future development of the City and impairment of the quality of life of our citizens. The Mayor went on to strongly challenge the tepid assertions from the company’s officials that the expanded freight service would provide benefits to the motoring public. Federal law, which UPRR and other freight carriers have carefully nurtured through their extensive access to federal officials, controls virtually all aspects of operations within the City while leaving the City with virtually no remedies to challenge the freight companies. These regulations even go so far as to force cities, rather than the freight train companies, to

16

expend millions of dollars to try to mitigate the disturbing and incessant noises at all hours generated by the train horns.

While left with few options, the City will continue to pursue what limited opportunities there may be to mitigate the very disruptive impacts that this will have on our town, as well as denying us one of the most vital resources for our future - - passenger rail.

Union Pacific plans to invest $3.6 billion in its rail network during 2012, supporting America’s current and future freight transportation needs and enhancing the safety and efficiency of the railroad’s 32,000-mile network.

Union Pacific’s capital and maintenance program exceeds infrastructure spending of the state highway departments in 46 states. These are private investments, not taxpayer dollars.

According to UP representatives, improved and additional rail capacity benefits everyone. It allows freight rail service to grow, contributing to a cleaner environment. Union Pacific can move one ton of freight nearly 500 miles on a single gallon of diesel fuel, and, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, freight trains are nearly four times more fuel efficient than trucks. Motorists

Fort Bend Business Journal • July 2012

also benefit from reduced congestion on highways as a single Union Pacific train can remove up to 300 trucks off our roads.

It was 150 years ago that Abraham Lincoln signed the Pacific Railway Act of July 1, 1862, creating the original Union Pacific. One of America’s iconic companies, today, Union Pacific Railroad is the principal operating company of Union Pacific Corporation (NYSE: UNP), linking 23 states in the western two-thirds of the country by rail and providing freight solutions and logistics expertise to the global supply chain. From 2000 through 2011, Union Pacific spent more than $31 billion on its network and operations, making needed investments in America’s infrastructure and enhancing its ability to provide safe, reliable, fuel-efficient and environmentally responsible freight transportation. Union Pacific’s diversified business mix includes agricultural products, automotive, chemicals, energy, industrial products and Intermodal.

The railroad serves many of the fastestgrowing U.S. population centers and emphasizes excellent customer service.

Union Pacific operates competitive routes from all major West Coast and Gulf Coast ports to eastern gateways, connects with Canada’s rail systems and is the only railroad serving all six major Mexico gateways.

R E A L

E S T A T E

Commercial Real Estate

By Kolbe Curtice, CCIM, CLS

Managing Director Colliers International - Fort Bend

Fort Bend – Ten Million Population?

I am writing this month’s article on a return flight to Houston from London and Paris.

The two-week trip was a long planned college graduation present for my daughter. We had a great time and we did our best to adequately represent Fort Bend County at the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee (celebrating 60 years as Britain’s monarch) in London last week. I am not sure how smart I am as a trip planner as we were visiting at a time when the population of central London increased by a couple of million people. For three days, we shared London’s restaurants, subway stations, public squares, shopping districts, etc. with ten million of our close friends. The streets were filled shoulder to shoulder with rivers of people. Most importantly, however, our daughter was able to wave to Kate, William, Harry and the queen. The trip was a success from that point on.

Activity in Paris was not dissimilar with the beginning of the summer tourist season.

London will be doing it again later in the summer with the staging of the 2012 summer Olympics. I am not a fan of large crowds, but I was amazed at how well both cities were able to move people around and accommodate those populations. That led me to thinking about Fort Bend County’s growth and our infrastructure planning. As we all know, the Fort Bend County commercial real estate inventory has seen strong growth over the past thirty years. There has been a corresponding growth in our commercial property values and rental rates over that same time period.

That growth has been primarily the result of master planning which has attracted a well educated population with a high average of household income to move into our area. Our

demographics now rank among the highest in the state (and country) in the most desirable categories. As a real estate broker, however, I was curious about how our commercial real estate values compare to those in the London and Paris markets. Most real estate practitioners and business owners understand that the driving force that determines commercial real estate values and commercial real estate rental rates is the demographics of the surrounding market. For retail real estate, high population and average household income numbers, along with strong visibility and ingress/egress to sites, are what drive rental rates and property prices higher. Similarly, commercial office real estate values are increased by a well-educated surrounding population and strong local in-

KOLBE CURTICE... continued on page 48

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July 2012 • Fort Bend Business Journal

17

Pretty In Pink – Town Square Family-fun charity event to benefit local cancer patients

M

ethodist Sugar Land Hospital and the Fort Bend Junior Service League (FBJSL) are teaming up to host a charitable event to benefit Methodist Sugar Land Hospital’s cancer patients.

Pretty In Pink – Town Square – presented by breast surgeons – Dr. Sandra Templeton & Dr. Kelly Dempsey– is scheduled for Friday, October 19, at Sugar Land Town Square.

At the family-fun event there will be live music, kid’s activities, the famous Pink Fire Truck, and at sun-down, we will light up Town Square pink. The famous pink fire truck travels across the country as a part of the “Pink Heals Tour” to help raise money to fight cancer.

Everyone will have the opportunity to sign the pink fire truck. We will also hear

from keynote speaker former Central Fort Bend Chamber Alliance president and breast cancer survivor Gail Parker. All monies raised will stay in the community to help MSLH patients who need personal assistance in their battle against cancer.

“Pretty In Pink – Town Square benefits this amazing cause and I am proud to be associated as the presenting sponsor,” says Dr. Dempsey. “As a breast surgeon I see the financial toll a cancer diagnosis can take on my patients. Raising money for the MSLH/FBJSL Cancer Endowment gives me the opportunity to help my patients on a different level.”

Event organizers have already raised more than $50,000 from sponsors and are hoping for a large turnout.

“It is great to see the community come together for such a great cause,” said Leena

Top Row: Leena Taneja, Sponsorship Chair & Director of Physician Relations; Michelle Beeson, FBJSL Director of Publicity; Debbie Buckner, FBJSL Director of Community Relations; Kaelyn Bujnoch, Marketing Coordinator; Cindy Dempster, FBJSL President-Elect; Amy Saenz, Physician Liaison. Bottom Row: Sandra Templeton, M.D., Presenting Sponsor; Chris Siebenaler, CEO of Methodist Sugar Land Hospital and Kelly Dempsey, M.D., Presenting Sponsor.

Taneja, sponsorship chair and director of physician relations at Methodist Sugar Land Hospital.

Organizers send a heartfelt thanks to our PRETTY IN PINK, continued on page 21

METHODIST SUGAR LAND NEUROLOGY ASSOCIATES Personal attention, high-tech care for your peace of mind Dr. Eddie Patton, Jr., and Dr. M. Faisal Khan are pleased to welcome Larry Tran, M.D., to Methodist Sugar Land Neurology Associates.

Together they 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

18

Fort Bend Business Journal • July 2012

A T T O R N E Y - A T - L A W

Law and Business

By Chad Ellis

Attorney-At-Law Ellis and Irwin, L.L.P.

Mediation – Success Depends on the Mediator Mediation is defined by Webster as “intervention between conflicting parties to promote reconciliation, settlement, or compromise.” It’s definition, rules and procedures are defined

by Texas Legislature in the Civil Practice and Remedies Code throughout several chapters under the general heading Alternative Methods of Dispute Resolution.

The vast majority of Courts in Texas now use mediation as a tool to help resolve their cases.

Most Courts will actually require litigants to attend mediation prior to trial. So the odds are that if you end up in litigation, mediation is in your foreseeable future.

The basic format of a mediation starts where both sides come together with a neutral mediator and make a presentation about the merits of their case and/or positions. Each side sits and listens to the other and answers any questions that the mediator might have. Following this, each sides retires to their own room while the

mediator moves back and forth trying to broker resolution. This seems simple enough and given that mediation is really a protracted negotiation, there really shouldn’t be that much to do in the way of strategic planning, right? WRONG. A successful mediation starts long before you get to the mediators office. It starts with the selection of the mediator.

Pick the right mediator: As a client you should ask your lawyer, who is the mediator?

Most lawyers will tell you when talking about a mediator that he/she was a judge or practiced in a certain area of law for 30 years. While these can be important, it is not as important as their ability to relate to and communicate with the parties involved. Some of the best mediators I know never put on a robe, but they have this innate ability to empathize with the parties.

I recall once being pulled aside in mediation before the joint session and the mediator asked me, “What do I need to know?” This was a

great question. He wasn’t asking me about the law, damages or anything that was in the lawyer’s summaries that he already read. He was asking me about my clients’ personalities, the personalities of the other parties. He was asking for something, anything he could use to bring the parties together.

The next time you are in litigation and sent to mediation, talk to your lawyer about the mediator. Every case, no matter how difficult, has a mediator that is best suited to it. Your chance of success depends on finding that person.

Chad Ellis is a columnist for the Fort Bend Business Journal and a partner with Ellis and Irwin, L.L.P. This article is not intended to provide specific legal advice for a particular situation.

Legal advice can only be provided in the course of an attorney-client relationship with reference to all the facts in a specific situation. He can be reached at 832-595-1242. www.ei-law.com.

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www.colliers.com/markets/sugarland July 2012 • Fort Bend Business Journal

19

Costco prepares for grand entrance into Sugar Land

C

ostco, the national warehouse club-chain store, is one step closer to entering the Fort Bend County marketplace.

Sugar Land’s Planning and Zoning commissioners unanimously recommended the plan which now goes to the City Council for final approval. Plans call for the approximately 150,000-SF store to be built on 16 acres near U.S. 59 and University Boulevard in Telfair.

Sugar Land’s Principal Planner Ruth Lohmer outlined details of the proposed final development plan reflected changes requested by the commissioners pertaining to site layout, landscaping, building materials and pedestrian and bicycle amenities. But the biggest discussion arose from concerns

about signage and Costco’s offer to install fewer signs if some were allowed to be larger than the city’s sign ordinance allows.

While several commissioners expressed support at the idea of fewer signs, none felt comfortable making an exception for Costo when other businesses have had to comply.

“We’ve had other big boxes come to us and ask for variances and we’ve said no,” said Commissioner Paula Stansell. “I feel like we need some consistency.” Commissioner Carl Stephens questioned the need for larger signs as Costco is a “membership driven business so signs will not draw in new customers because they’re already going to know that Costco is there.”

The commissioners also took up the issue of future building use, should Costco ever leave the site. The commissioners

had recommended various pedestrian and bike amenities in the event the building becomes a movie theater or other family venue in years to come. But Ted Johnson, development director for Costco’s Midwest division, questioned the need for a

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Fort Bend Business Journal • July 2012

bike rack outside of the store’s entrance saying that employees can park their bikes in the receiving area of the store.

“I do have a problem putting a bike rack within 50-feet of the front entrance,” said Johnson. “Those of you who shop at Costco know that there is a lot of activity, a lot of carts, a lot of flat beds.

Our numbers do not drive bikes.”

Johnson suggested a bike rack exemption for members-only warehouse clubs which the commissioners approved after one of the city attorney’s gave her approval with the stipulation that future owners of the site would need to adhere to the planned development and install bike racks.

Johnson also reiterated, after a question by Commissioner Stansell that the Sugar Land store would not contain a car wash but would sell gas.

According to the company web site, Costco has about 600 stores with $87 billion in annual sales in fiscal 2011, and anticipates close to $100 billion in sales in--over the next 12 months.

Pretty In Pink – Town Square PRETTY IN PINK, continued from page 18

presenting sponsors, Dr. Dempsey and Dr. Templeton, along with all of the Pretty In Pink’s sponsors including: Texas Spine and Neurosurgery; Sugar Land Vein Specialists; Pierre Chevray, M.D., PhD, Plastic & Reconstructive Surgeon; Consolidated Home Health; Methodist Orthopaedic Specialists of Texas; Renew Laser and Skin; Colorectal Surgical Associates; Richmond Gastroenterology Associates; Sugar Land Colon and Rectal Clinic; Stephen Phillips, M.D., Breast Radiologist; Sugar Land Oncology; Charles Conlon, M.D., Hematologist/ Oncologist; Uttam Tripathy, M.D. & Imran Mohiuddin, M.D.; Clive Shkedy, M.D., Radiation Oncologist; Sugar Land Pulmonary Associates; Advance Oncology; Turner Construction Company, Sugar Land OB/GYN and Methodist Family Medicine Group.

To donate, visit our website at MethodistSugarLand.com and click on the pink button.

OSHA and NIOSH issue hazard alert on ensuring workers in hydraulic fracturing operations have appropriate protections from silica exposure

T

he U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health today issued a hazard alert on ensuring that employers in hydraulic fracturing operations take appropriate steps to protect workers from silica exposure.

The action, which was taken after consultation with stakeholders, including industry, meets the administration’s focus on ensuring that this important resource continues to be developed safely and responsibly.

The hazard alert follows a cooperative study by NIOSH and industry partners that identified overexposure to silica as a health hazard to workers conducting hydraulic fracturing operations.

Reparable silica is a hazard common to many industries and industrial processes.

Because large quantities of silica sand are used during hydraulic fracturing, NIOSH began a cooperative effort in January 2010 to collect data regarding silica exposure at hydraulic fracturing operations. NIOSH worked in cooperation with oil and gas industry partners to sample the air at 11 sites in five states where hydraulic fracturing operations were taking place. NIOSH identified seven primary sources of silica dust exposure during fracturing operations and found that workers downwind of sand mover and blender operations, especially during hot loading, had the highest silica exposures.

Workers who breathe silica day after day are at greater risk of developing silicosis, a disease in which lung tissue reacts to trapped silica particles, causing inflammation and scarring, and reducing the lungs’ ability to take in oxygen. Silica also can cause lung cancer and has been linked to other diseases, such as tuberculosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and kidney and autoimmune disease.

Today’s action responds to the NIOSH findings.

The alert states that employers must ensure that workers are properly protected from overexposure to silica. The alert describes how a combination of engineering controls, work practices, protective equipment and product substitution, where feasible, along with worker training, can protect workers who are exposed to silica. Engineering controls and work practices provide the best protection for workers. According to the alert, transporting, moving and refilling silica sand into and through sand movers, and along transfer belts and into blender hoppers, can release dust into the air containing up to 99 percent silica that workers breathe.

“Hazardous exposures to silica can and must be prevented. It is important for employers and workers to understand the hazards associated with silica exposure in hydraulic fracturing operations and how to protect workers,” said Dr. David Michaels, assistant secretary of labor for occupational safety and health. “OSHA and NIOSH are committed to continuing to work with the industry and workers to find effective solutions to address these hazards.”

AFL-CIO Health and Safety Director Margaret Seminaries stated, “The AFLCIO strongly supports this hazard alert that provides important information to employers and workers involved in hydraulic fracturing operations regarding the serious health threat from silica exposures. It is critical that OSHA and NIOSH disseminate this information, so that immediate action can be taken to protect workers from silicosis and other silica-related diseases.”

The hazard alert can be viewed at http://www.osha.gov/dts/hazardalerts/ hydraulic_frac_hazard_alert.html. Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, employers are responsible for providing safe and healthful workplaces for their employees.

OSHA’s role is to ensure these conditions for America’s working men and women by setting and enforcing standards, and providing training, education and assistance.

For more information, visit http://www. osha.gov.

July 2012 • Fort Bend Business Journal

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Telios Corporation provides creative and sustainable engineering solutions

T

ELIOS Corporation is a mechanical, electrical and plumbing consulting and engineering firm with offices in Sugar Land and Dallas. Founded ten years ago, the firm has experienced continual growth as we provide creative and sustainable design solutions. Our wide-ranging portfolio demonstrates our ability to design, commission, manage and operate systems that work in complex and challenging environments. In addition to MEP engineering, we provide commissioning, low voltage and other technology services, and energy modeling and auditing.

By definition, TELIOS means a “perfect design for its intent”. We were founded on the principle of every team member’s full participation in our success and future direction, and the culture of collaboration

endures today, both within our company and with our clients and project team members. More than 80% of our work comes from repeat clients and client referrals. Working directly Brian Peterson for owners, architects and the construction communities, we focus on delivering a project that is true to the client’s vision, whether master planning, troubleshooting system components, engineering new and complex facilities, maintaining existing facilities, performing sustainability assessments or assisting with compliances. We examine every project from our client’s perspective, so that a holistic and hands-on approach is applied to the building system services, and each solution balances the owner’s unique technical and regulatory requirements with their business goals, cost of

operating needs and hold/exit strategies.

TELIOS has even helped non-profit clients identify potential funding sources for expansions and MEP upgrades.

Our clients are in a variety of markets including Healthcare, Commercial, Municipal, Education, Hospitality, Aviation, Assisted Living, Worship, and Data Centers.

Here’s what two of our clients have to say about working with us: “Telios is a very proactive and resourceful MEP firm. They provide quality solutions to complex healthcare issues.” And, “Our facility has benefitted from our relationship with Telios.

Since 2002, they have been an integral partner”.

Brian Peterson, P.E., LEED AP, leads the Sugar Land office, and is active in the community, including participation in the Rice Design Alliance, Urban Land Institute and Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce.

Celebrating

10 years of excellence

12946 Dairy Ashford Suite 130, Sugar Land, Texas 77478 281.265.1636 22

Fort Bend Business Journal • July 2012

www.teliospc.com

DIGITAL

STUDIO

VIDEOS

Behind the Scene

By Elsa Maxey

Executive Producer Star Video Productions

Who are you?

Video communications a big benefit in the marketplace Designed to showcase and promote your business, it’s important to have a message that captivates your audience.

Do it with video for high visibility! Use it in an email to promote yourself and your business with an aim at increasing profits and growing revenue. A vibrant, impactful message with effective images and sound will only help translate what is being said to a powerful performance with an aim at impressive results.

The power of video…it’s now, and a cutting edge business tool, especially when it is used in conjunction with email. A video email will play like a movie on a MAC or

PC, no downloads, no attachments. It can be used for business purposes or to send out a personal message. In 30 or 60 seconds, you can send an impactful communication that will say what you’re all about. Video emails are about whatever you want to say, and that can be wrapped up in a minute or less. Star Digital Studios will make your message come to life!

We’ll help you create a theme, upload the video, and you can have it arrive anywhere. Post it on Facebook, too, or on website and even a blog. Use it to promote product ideas, as follow-up, for corporate announcements, customer thank yous. The

sky is the limit…and you can go beyond the clouds.

Video…it’s powerful as a business tool that will help brand your business.

Making video is a hot new trend, but video production is a technical art. It’s one that commands in-depth competency. We can help you. Give us a call!.

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

Go www.Starvideoproductions.com or email us elsamaxey@starvideoproductions.com.

FAMILY HEIRLOOM VIDEOS Star Digital Studios will record oral histories and incorporate photos that tell a story about your family. That’s because they are worth saving and we’ll do it with video, one of the best ways to hold on to your loved one’s life stories. Let us help you. We will scan and touch up old photos and produce a DVD as a video with a photo montage and add current video that can be narrated. Give us a call for a free consultation to create what will be a family heirloom that could be updated for future generations. Save your family history today. Call Us Now!

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Video... it’s a powerful tool and we can help.

4655 Techniplex Dr., Suite 600 • Stafford, Texas 77477 • 281.690.4280 • www.StarVideoProductions.com July 2012 • Fort Bend Business Journal

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Ribbon Cutting Central Fort Bend Chamber Alliance

The City of Rosenberg recently joined the Central Fort Bend Chamber Alliance for a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the Rosenberg Civic Center to celebrate the implementation of a new, more-customer friendly rate structure for the facility, and the completion of the Center’s HV/AC System Replacement Project. From left: Shanta Kuhl, Chamber President; Carolyn Kagy, Civic Center Manager; Tom Crayton, Chamber Board Chair; Frank Marsters, Manny Reyes, Kevin Pfeiffer, Lois Gremminger, Eloise Lucas, Bob Bass, Lisa Matthews, Shashi Patel, Blake Greer, Rosenberg City Councilor Tom Suter; Sheena Navarro, Rosenberg Mayor Vincent Morales; Matt Ontiveros, Councilor Joe Segura; John Maresh, Rosenberg Assistant City Manager; Cyndy Powell, Rosenberg Assistant to the City Manager; Councilor Juan Salazar; Matt Fielder, Economic Development Director; Gilbert Limones, Ricardo Aguilar, Jim Roberts, Tom Wilson, James Duke, Angela Fritz, Rosenberg Communications Director; Melissa Pena, Rosenberg Projects Manager; Jack Hamlett, Rosenberg City Manager; Joe Reyan, Rosenberg Civic Center Event Staff, and Sherri Hawthorn, Rosenberg Civic Center Reservations Clerk.

Pecan Park Apartments (1217 Westwood Drive • Rosenberg, 281.342.8500): From left: Matt Ontiveros, Jeff Trinker, Mike McCroskey, Jennifer DeDear, Teresa Hernandez, Pecan Park Apartments; Mary Wetz, Pecan Park Apartments; Ashley Flores, Pecan Park Apartments; Tom Wilson, Shirley Jackson, and Lou Jackson.

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Fort Bend Business Journal • July 2012

Freebirds World Burritos (Brazos Town Center, Rosenberg): From left: Scott York, Shanta Kuhl, Chamber President/CEO; Eric Edmunds, Sheena Navarro, Holly Connely, Freebirds World Burritos; Shirley Jackson, Tim Agnello, Freebirds World Burritos; Tom Wilson, Ritu Verma, Debbie Roberts, Brittany Walpole, Freebirds World Burritos; Matt Ontiveros, Kassi Crawford, Freebirds World Burritos; Mary Doetterl, Lou Jackson; Olivia Cruz, Freebirds World Burritos; Jason Griggs, Kevin Patton, KeeKee Cooper, Freebirds World Burritos; DJ Perry, Freebirds World Burritos; Mike McCroskey, Eloise Lucas, Angel Medina, Freebirds World Burritos; Eric Garza, Freebirds World Burritos; Charlie Braun, Mayor Vincent Morales, City of Rosenberg.

Servpro of West Fort Bend County 10th Anniversary (1607 Rice, Rosenberg): From left: Scott York, Ray Aguilar, Shanta Kuhl, Chamber President/CEO; Carlos Garcia, Tom Wilson, Blake Greer, Marco Ruiz, Jeremy Boyum; Lisa Matthews, Servpro; Mike McCroskey, David Johnson, Servpro;Eric Edmunds, Susan Johnson, Anthony Francis, Mark Foltz, Debbie Roberts, Jennifer DeDear, Servpro; Kandice Gremillion, Alice Cortez, Servpro;Cathy Pitts, David Enax, Servpro; John Lumley, Lena Garcia, Servpro; Charles Bertrand; Jenise Rodriguez, Servpro; Beatrice Gaona, Servpro; April Herrera, and Shannon LeBleu, Servpro.

Houston

To and From Mexico, Central and South America and Asia.

Rosenberg GULF COAST GATEWAY

Wharton

El Campo

To and From Houston, the United States, Canada and Europe.

If you move international products through the Gulf Coast corridor, the most logical place for your business is about 25 minutes southwest of Houston, Texas.

• Foreign Trade Zone approved by U.S. Department of Commerce • Freeport tax exemptions available for qualifying inventory in some areas • Multiple Rail Lines and Intermodal Rail Center • Seamless Integration of Truck, Rail and Ship • Direct Access to U.S. and Mexican Ports

For cost efficiencies, logistical speed and a pro-business atmosphere, the El Campo-Wharton-Rosenberg area should be at the top of your list. Visit each city’s website to find out more!

EL CAMPO Texas elcampoeco.org 979.543.6727

WHARTON Texas whartonedc.com 979.532.0999

ROSENBERG Texas rosenbergecodev.com 832.595.3330

July 2012 • Fort Bend Business Journal

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Texas Real Estate Development Company and En’terior Design Firm invest in local economy with purchase of Fort Bend landmark

T

hrough a partnership formed by George E. Johnson, CEO of George E. Johnson Development, Inc. and Thomasine Johnson, principal of En’terior Designs, they are the new owners of an office building located in the master planned community of Lake Olympia. The building was the original sales office and community building for this master planned community. The owners have named the property “2700 Lake Olympia.” The revitalized property will house offices for both firms and offer office lease space for other professional businesses.

Additionally, the new owners have launched a community development design initiative to showcase preferred construction and design merchants in Fort Bend county.

The preferred property showcases are tentatively scheduled to be held Friday and

Saturday, Nov. 4-5, respectively. The Johnsons have partnered with Fort Bend Habitat for Humanity and Houston Habitat for Humanity. The organizations will receive a portion of the proceeds from the showcase event, which will have a show home event format.

2012 Fort Bend Regional Infrastructure Conference Thursday, September 27 Collaboration between The Central Fort Bend Chamber Alliance & The Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce

T

he Central Fort Bend Chamber Alliance and the Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce are co-hosting the 2012 Fort Bend Regional Infrastructure Conference on Thursday, September 27, at Safari Texas Ranch, 11627 FM 1464, Richmond.

The conference is a comprehensive resource for forecasts, technical information, and updates regarding developing projects in Fort Bend County. Attendees will receive first-hand information from some of the area’s most respected authorities on water, transportation, publicprivate partnerships, and economic

26

forecasting throughout the region.

The keynote speakers are Fort Bend County Judge Robert Hebert, Chief Economist at the Texas A&M Real Estate Center Mark Dotzour and District 18 State Senator Glenn Hegar. Sessions and topics will include a panel on area water issues, public-private partnerships and transportation. An elected officials reception will follow. PDH Credits will be available.

S&B Infrastructure, Ltd. is the title sponsor of the annual symposium. Presenting Sponsor is HCSS Construction Software. Limited premier sponsorships are available.

To sponsor or register for this event, please visit www.CFBCA.org or contact Angie Wierzbicki at 281342-5464 or angie@cfbca.org.

Fort Bend Business Journal • July 2012

“We are thrilled to convert this Lake Olympia property into a business center,” said Thomasine Johnson. “The property’s waterfront views are amazing. We like to say it is a property with ‘an amazing point of view,’ referring to the calming waterfront views.” Business owners interested in leasing a space should contact George E. Johnson Development Inc. at 713.721.5555.

Lake Olympia is rich with Texas history. Originally known as the Palmer Plantation and owned by Judge Palmer’s family and heirs for more than 100 years, it was officially opened as a master planned community development in April 1984.

“Adding a new chapter to Texas history is exciting as is bringing new life to an unused facility. We hope to inspire other developers to renovate unused or underutilized properties for the betterment of the community and economy,” shared George Founded in 1974, George E. Johnson Development Inc. (GEJ) is a comprehensive real estate and development firm specializing in residential real estate, commercial real estate, real estate development, construction management, and community development. For more information, visit www.georgejohnsondev. com.

En’terior Designs is a Houston-based, award winning commercial and residential interior design firm that creates beautiful environments that focus on people, purpose and spaces all over the world. Visit www. enteriordesigns.com for more details.

There’s no place like Meadows Place.

As you can tell, Meadows Place is a great place to live. But it is also a great place to work and a great place to put a business. S. Kirkwood and West Airport intersect right in the middle of our city which is bordered by Dairy Ashford and the Southwest Freeway.

Meadows Place EDC is currently engaged in retail recruitment and Retail Gap Analysis show opportunities abound with major leakage and income available for several different types of retail establishments and restaurants. To take advantage of this safe, friendly little city with an outstanding location, all you have to do is put your business here.

For more information, contact the Mayors office at 281-983-2950 or send him an E-mail at mayor@cityofmeadowsplace.org.

You’ll be glad you did.

CityofMeadowsPlace.org July 2012 • Fort Bend Business Journal

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HHS creates new centers to develop, manufacture medical countermeasures

T

hree centers one in Texas will be the first major U.S. domestic infrastructure to address biodefense threats and pandemic influenza and Texas A&M University is one of three centers tagged for Innovation in Advanced Development and Manufacturing The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services is establishing the new centers to develop and manufacture medical countermeasures, such as vaccines and medicines used to protect health in emergencies, and can transition quickly and cost effectively between products. The centers will aid in bringing new medical countermeasures to the market faster and

would help to train the biopharmaceutical workforce needed in the future.

“Establishing these centers represents a dramatic step forward in ensuring that the United States can produce life-saving countermeasures quickly and nimbly,” said HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius. “They will improve our ability to protect Americans’ health in an emergency and help fill gaps in preparedness so that our nation can respond to known or unknown threats.”

Created as public-private partnerships, the Centers for Innovation in Advanced Development and Manufacturing will provide the first major domestic infrastructure in the United States capable of producing medical countermeasures to protect Americans from the health

Rosenberg Mayor Vincent Morales to present State of the City

Mayor to share updates about growing suburb

T

he Central Fort Bend Chamber Alliance and Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce will host a “State of the City” luncheon featuring a presentation by Rosenberg Mayor Vincent Morales on Monday, July 9 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Safari Texas Ranch, 11627 FM 1464, Richmond.

Morales, who is serving his first term as Rosenberg’s Mayor, will present his vision for Rosenberg at the State of the City address, highlighting important developments and projects, including Historic Downtown Rosenberg.

Morales was elected Mayor of Rosenberg in May 2011. He has served on many community boards as well as the West Fort Bend Management District board after being appointed by the City of Rosenberg Council for three years prior to being elected. He is the senior vice president and co-owner of GreenScape Associates,

28

LLC, a Rosenberg based landscape architectural design / construction / management firm.

Presenting sponsors are NewFirst National Bank and Vincent Morales SiEnvironmental. Brown & Gay Engineers, Cobb Fendley & Associates, Friends of Mayor Morales, HDR, Houston Community Bank of Greatwood, Jones & Carter, Inc., the RoseRich Auto Mile and Wharton County Junior College are event underwriters.

Sponsor opportunities are still available.

Individual reservations for the luncheon are $25 for Chamber members and $35 for prospective members and guests. After July 3, a $10 late fee will be added.

To sponsor or purchase individual tickets, contact the Central Fort Bend Chamber Alliance at (281) 342-5464 or Angie Wierzbicki at angie@cfbca.org. For more information, log on to www.cfbca.org.

Fort Bend Business Journal • July 2012

impacts of bioterrorism as well as pandemic influenza and other epidemics.

In creating the centers, HHS is using a new public-private partnership model, bringing together the innovative ideas of small biotech firms, the training expertise of academic institutions, and the development and manufacturing experience of large pharmaceutical companies.

Each center will be run by a consortium led by an organization experienced in developing or manufacturing medical countermeasures. HHS will invest approximately $400 million in the initial phases of the centers, using contracts with the center leads.

Overseen by the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority within the HHS Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response, each contract can be renewed for up to 25 years, representing a long-term commitment to this partnership with industry and to national security.

Under the contracts, each consortium will retrofit existing facilities or build new ones to incorporate flexible, innovative manufacturing platforms that can be used to manufacture more than one product. The facilities will use modern cell- and recombinant-based vaccine technologies that have the potential to produce vaccines for not only pandemic influenza but also other threats more quickly and in a more affordable way.

The centers’ use of these technologies also will allow each to develop and manufacture a variety of products quickly enough to respond to large-scale emergencies, providing needed domestic surge capacity.

Together, the centers will be capable of domestically producing a quarter of the nation’s pandemic influenza vaccine within four months of the onset of a pandemic. In 2009, only one company had manufacturing facilities solely in the United States to HHS, continued on page 30

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HHS creates new centers to develop, manufacture medical countermeasures HHS, continued from page 28

produce H1N1 pandemic vaccine.

The private partners will provide approximately 35 percent of the total cost of the initial building phase. HHS will support the cost of operation and maintenance of the centers in subsequent years.

As the facilities become operational in 2014 and 2015, the center leads will begin assisting small biotech companies with technology, regulatory affairs, quality systems, and manufacturing expertise to reach the goal of a licensed and readily available product for public and private use.

Also at that time, center academic partners will offer advanced training for the next generation of biotechnology workers.

Emergent Manufacturing Operations Baltimore LLC, with facilities in Baltimore and Gaithersburg, Md., will lead one center, working with a network of partners; Michigan State University, Kettering University of Flint, Mich., and

COMING SEPTEMBER 2012 ISSUE

the University of Maryland, Baltimore.

This contract is for approximately $163 million over the first eight years.

Novartis will head a second center, leveraging existing public-private investments by HHS in state-of-the-art facilities in Holly Springs, N.C., and working with North Carolina State University and Duke University. The Novartis contract is valued at approximately $60 million over the first four years.

The Texas A&M University System will lead a third Center collaborating with GlaxoSmithKline Vaccines of Marietta, Pa.; Lonza of Houston, and Kalon Biotherapeutics of College Station, Texas.

This contract is valued at approximately $176 million over the first five years.

Creating Centers for Innovation in Advanced Development and Manufacturing was recommended in the 2010 Public Health Emergency Medical Countermeasure Enterprise Review, a comprehensive, government-wide review called for by

Secretary Sebelius when the department encountered challenges developing biodefense medical countermeasures, including the 2009 H1N1 pandemic flu vaccine.

The centers also address concerns raised by the President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology in the August 2010 Report to the President on Reengineering the Influenza Vaccine Production Enterprise to Meet the Challenges of Pandemic Influenza which called for flexible, nimble, and modern vaccine manufacturing technologies.

For more information on national public health and medical preparedness visit www.phe.gov and to learn more about the Centers for Innovation in Advanced Development and Manufacturing as well as other advances in medical countermeasures, visit www.medicalcountermeasures.gov.

By attracting world class researchers, highpaying jobs and billions of dollars in outside investment to our state, this center will elevate our strong and growing biotechnology industry into a worldwide leadership role.

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Fort Bend Business Journal • July 2012

Fort Bend/Katy

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Texas Comptroller urges amendment to the Federal Endangered Species Act

T

exas Comptroller Susan Combs is urging a federal committee on Natural Resources to amend the Endangered Species Act (ESA), and she provided recommendations to make the process more sciencebased, cost effective and transparent.

In comments submitted to the U.S. House Committee on Natural Resources Oversight Hearing, Combs said excessive ESA litigation can increase regulatory uncertainty for many entities such as private landowners and businesses. In this economy, putting jobs at risk without science is irresponsible, Combs said.

“We continue to reiterate that sound peer-reviewed science must be used in all listing decisions, and conservation efforts should be implemented, if necessary, in close coordination with impacted stakeholders,” Combs said to the oversight hearing which was titled, “Taxpayer-Funded Litigation: Benefitting Lawyers and Harming Species, Jobs and Schools.”

In the last four years the federal government has defended more than 570 ESA-related lawsuits, costing U.S. taxpayers more than $15 million in attorney fees, according to data obtained from the Department of Justice.

“The large amount of litigation surrounding the ESA highlights the deeply flawed processes within the ESA,” Combs said.

Combs is the presiding officer of the legislatively created Interagency Task Force on Economic Growth and Endangered Species, which serves to facilitate economic growth in the face of existing and flawed ESA regulations. In June, the Combs-led Texas Conservation Plan (TCP) was a major reason the dunes sagebrush lizard did not warrant listing as a threatened or endangered species.

The multi-species settlements between the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) and environmental groups have failed to provide any certainty and have made the process even less transparent. Combs said it remains difficult to ascertain which species are under review because there is not a complete public list of all petitions received and species under review.

Through research provided by the Comptroller’s office, there are 72 species in Texas included in the settlement with FWS, but a total of 114 species in the state are under review for changes in listing status.

In her remarks to the Natural Resources Oversight Hearing, Combs laid out the following recommendations for reform.

• More credible and complete science should be used in decisions regarding endangered species, and that data should be peer reviewed by independent, objective and qualified scientists. The proper application of scientific principles will inform decisions and minimize the risk of unwarranted ESA regulatory burdens and inefficient use of resources.

• Timelines required for responding to petitions under the ESA should be adjusted to reflect appropriate

time frames to thoroughly respond to petitions. This will save taxpayer dollars currently used in lawsuits.

• Opportunities for recovery should be included in conservation efforts to more quickly lead to the delisting of species.

• Once FWS determines a species is no longer endangered, the species should be delisted using an expedited process.

• FWS should handle all species reviews and listing decisions in a more transparent manner. Any information related to listing decisions including range determinations, data, assumptions, studies and modeling must be available on a timely basis for public review and comment. Additionally, FWS should provide more information and outreach on species under review and work with partner agencies to make publicly available a single source of information for all species under review.

Complete comments, more information about the species under review in Texas and additional impacts of the ESA can be found at www.keepingtexasfirst.org.

July 2012 • Fort Bend Business Journal

31

Flood insurance rates remain in limbo for Fort Bend residents and businesses

By Wayne Chandler

T

he U.S. Congress may already be considering –again – how to set National Flood Insurance Program rates for all of us, or it may “ kick the can down the road” beyond the November general election.

That was Fort Bend County Judge Bob Hebert’s report last month to the allday third annual Flood Risk Reduction Symposium, sponsored by the Fort Bend Flood Management Association.

Judge Hebert noted that Congress has extended pending NFIP legislation through July 31, but that U.S. Senate majority leader Harry Reid had indicated that it would be considering reauthorization of the Senate bill by last June 15.

The judge said that a compromise is under way which would, in effect, virtually exempt residents who live in areas protected by accredited levees. All of Fort Bend County is protected by levees approved by the Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA).

“I’m still extremely concerned about this bill,” said Hebert.

Judge Hebert noted that a section of the Senate bill declares all lands protected by levees be exposed to mandatory insurance of “residual risk” areas, and that the FEMA administrator has the authority to establish this fact and this rate.

The judge noted that politics may be a factor here. He cited that more than $1.3 billion in Department of Transportation grants, in 2010, went to counties where a majority voted for President Obama, while only $175,171,028, went to counties who voted for his opponent, Senator John McCain That was an 88% to 12% ratio. “The very same thing could happen to the NFIP,” Hebert, judge of

32

SPECIAL PRESENTATION -- Judge Bob Hebert presents a plaque and gift to Rob Rash, who accepted the honor for George C. Grugett, for his 35 years of service for flood control.

USACE’s Colonel Sallese, TCEQ’s Jaya Zyman-Ponebshek, and FBFMA’s President Andre McDonald

a strongly Republican county, added.

Hebert stressed that it’s still a “political issue” which Congress may wish to postpone again until after he U.S. presidential race is decided in November.

“Now is the time to aggressively communicate with Congress,” Hebert told the group. “Stress the need for a favorable resolution. And, say it again, even if you’ve said it before.”

Fort Bend Business Journal • July 2012

Hebert was one of a handfull of experts in the field of flood management risk. Other speakers were: Rob Rash, CEO and chief engineer for the St. Francis Levee District, West Memphis, Arkansas; Eric C. Halpin, U.S. Amy Corps of Engineers, Washington, D.C., special assistant for Dam & Levee Safety; Dr. Sandra K. Knight, FEMA deputy federal insurance and mitigation administrator; Col. Christopher W. Sallese, USACE Galveston District engineer and commanding officer; Jaya Zyman-Ponebshek, Texas Commission for Environmental Quality, Austin, assistant director, water quality; and Wes Birdwell, Halff Associates, senior engineer – water resources division.

There also were two panel discussions, all sponsored by FBFMA, an umbrella group of some 14 member levee districts , meeting in the Fluor Building in Sugar Land. FBFMA president Andre McDonald, emceed the program which prompted lively question and answer sessions after each presentation.

Symposium members were welcomed

by Jeff Wiley, president of the Greater Fort Bend County Economic Development Council, who cited a list of national statistics showing Fort Bend County growth and economic success during the past 20 years: a population currently at 606,000 persons (from 53,000 in 1970); about 25,000 persons or 7,000 new households valued at $1 billion each year, with a labor force in excess of 300,000, up more than 6% average each year.

Wiley said that much Fort Bend’s economic success was attributed to master planned communities which largely have financed – without any federal funding -- flood control levees protecting $13.8 billion in property. “This (growth) ought not to be punished for its progress,”

Wiley stated, implying that proposed NFIP increased insurance rates would penalize Fort Bend’s accomplishments.

Rob Rash was substituting for George C. Grugett, executive vice president of the Mississippi Valley Flood Control Association (MVFCA), who was critically injured in an automobile accident.

Grugett, a well respected 35-year veteran on flood control issues, has advised Congressional committees for years.

Rash, in an impassioned presentation, noted that the MVFCA of which his district is a part, survived record rains in 2011 thanks to efforts by the USACE which began in the late 1920’s. “The USACE is the best engineering company on the planet. The program works!” He noted that flood control programs can work everywhere if communities are willing to help. He noted that floods can be prevented where damage from tornados, fires and snow, may not.

USACE’s Halpin followed and also called attention to the 2011 storms in seven-state midAmerica and the “incredible story” of

engineering programs which avoided $140 billion in flood damage.

Dr. Knight of FEMA showed new national risk maps which are being completed and will be updated in the future to keep more accurate tabs on progress in levee management throughout the U.S. She urged interested persons to go online to www.fema.gov/levees for details. She commended Fort Bend for having all of its levees accredited by FEMA. Colonel Sallese, who has commanded the USACE Galveston District since July, 2010, noted the importance of all public and private entities to work together in “flood fighting.” He noted that disaster preparedness is a national concern. He said that penetration of pipeline construction is a Fort Bend problem which has been discovered by an intensive USACE inspection program.

TCEQ’s Zyman-Ponebshek reviewed the statewide Storm Water Management Program (SWMP), noting that her agency “actively works with the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency)

in assessing all aspects of programs regarding flood control and drainage.

Birdwell, for Halff Associates, reviewed the City of Sugar Land’s Emergency Operation Plan (EOP) which he says involves all Fort Bend cities and the various county agencies.

He suggested that “Every community needs an EOP for life, safety, structures and property.” He estimated that it will take most communities six to 12 months to organize a sound emergency plan.

In one panel discussion, Rash, Halpin and Knight concluded that levee districts, the USACE and FEMA all need to work together. “All have the same interests at heart,” Rash said, “to protect the public.”

The closing panel examined various possible scenarios for, if and when, mass evacuation exercises might be needed.

FBFMA President McDonald thanked all participants, including some 70 or so levee district board members and various county officials who attended.

McDonald summarized that Fort Bend levee district boards have benefitted from each of the symposiums.

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July 2012 • Fort Bend Business Journal

33

COVER STORY

RICK

MILLER Born To Lead...

Prepared To Serve...

Candidate for Texas House District 26

WHO IS RICK MILLER?

A

family man with strong family values… He is married to Babs and they have three children and three grandchildren. They moved to Sugar Land in 1999 after making more than 20 moves in their military career.

A proven career leader… a devotion to country and community Rick Miller knows what it takes to be a successful leader – one who can make a difference - and he has a life-long record of accomplishment and service to our nation and our community to prove it. His next goal is to represent Texas House District 26, a district that includes most of Sugar Land and parts of Richmond.

Anchors Away...

Born in Hagerstown, MD, Rick Miller was appointed to and attended the United

34

States Naval Academy. Upon graduation he was selected to play on the United States Olympic Baseball Exhibition Team in the summer Olympics in Mexico City. His first duty station was Pensacola, Florida for aviation training and the first step in what was to become a long and successful 30-year career in the United States Navy.

As a carrier jet pilot having flown all of the recent carrier aircraft including the FA-18 Hornet, he was trained to make right decisions and literally live with the results.

His career path led to numerous top-level positions - including three assignments in the Pentagon. Step-by-step he gained invaluable experience in such diverse arenas as dealing with a variety of funding and policy issues with Congress; leading squadrons of multi-million dollar aircraft; commanding personnel, operations, safety issues, and maintenance activities, and negotiated with labor unions. Being successful despite budgetary constraints has been his life – he knows how to stretch and be accountable for your tax dollars, having

Fort Bend Business Journal • July 2012

had budget authority for billions of dollars in operational assets and expenditures!

While serving as Commanding Officer at a Naval Air Station with over 5000 people, Rick led a team in designing a new operating base structure. The term “Joint Operations Base,” coined by Rick and his wife over lunch one day, was adopted throughout the Department of Defense and is now used by all of the Services. He is both innovative and responsive at a time when those leadership qualities are needed; qualities our State Legislature needs when dealing with the problems we now face and problems we will face in the future.

From the U. S. Navy to new careers…. And new leadership roles Following retirement, Miller accepted top-level positions in two public companies in the Houston area. Also during this transitional period he chaired several CEO roundtable groups aimed at improving Political ad paid for by Rick Miller campaign

VETERAN H CONSERVATIVE H LEADER

individual and corporate performance results.

This led to his founding and serving as President of TrevanionGroup, LLC, a smallbusiness company focused on developing leaders in any type of organization.

Leadership in Business: Teaching Buffalo to Fly Rick’s passion is leadership: working alongside people to help them develop their potential. Over the last ten years he has worked with more than 2,500 people, from the CEO to staff members in all levels working in small businesses, large corporations, churches and military organizations. In each situation, Rick’s key goal has been to make a difference in the lives of the people – at work and at home. His graduates are often quoted regarding the value of becoming better leaders on the job. But most cherished are expressions of appreciation for how their personal lives have been enhanced.

Miller grandchildren 2004.

Leading in the Community: Last flight in FA-18 Hornet as Commander Air Group.

And now… Leadership in the Public Section Miller is a past Chairman of the Republican Party of Fort Bend County, having served from 2007 to 2011. (He resigned that position to contemplate and explore running for a yet determined office). While Chairman, the party nearly doubled its resources, grew the number of Precinct chairs and provided manpower and monetary support to candidates in the General Election.

Political ad paid for by Rick Miller campaign

As a member of SW 59 Sunrise Rotary and formally Sugar Land Rotary, Rick served on the Board of Directors and chaired three major Veteran’s Events, the Legacy of Freedom twice and the 2011 Honoring America’s Heroes. (See Page 36 for information regarding the 2012 event with LtCol Ollie North, on November 9th at the Sugar Land Marriott).

Political Leadership Experience: As a red, white and blue conservative, a life-long servant-leader, Rick is well groomed to help resolve the many critical issues facing our communities and state.

Rick talking with Gay Armstrong and Patt Snyder.

He twice served on the State Republican Platform Committee and was Chairman of the Nomination’s Committee in 2010 and is designated an alternate at-large delegate to the Republican National Convention in August. continues....

July 2012 • Fort Bend Business Journal

35

He’s a team player with the ability to bring people together to accomplish needed goals.

Rick sees as top issues facing the next Legislative session: 1. Immediate action on the Emergency Appropriations Budget, which will address shortfalls in funding Medicaid and Education representing nearly 75% of the spending; 2. Finding the resources to balance the 2014-2016 Budget and to live within our means; 3. Zero Based Review of Agency Funding requiring every agency to prove why they should exist and require funding; Rick Miller and Babs with Gen. Tommy Franks at Rotary Veteran’s Salute.

FBCGOP County Chairman Rick & Babs Miller with Karl Rove at GOP Lincoln-Reagan Dinner.

4. Innovative plan for the eventual elimination of Property Taxes and using revised Sales Tax revenues to cover the differences; 5. A long overdue focus on infrastructure and water requirements, both having been pushed to the next legislature for several sessions; 6. A strong approach to business

development with an analysis of the Franchise Tax and its fairness as a beneficial source of revenue to the state. “These are serious, controversial issues. Each will require someone who is prepared, and a Can Do People-Person,” Miller says. “I look forward – and with your help – to serve you, the people of our district, and our great state of TEXAS.”

2012 HONORING AMERICA’S HEROES GALA

C

ol. Oliver North will be the keynote speaker at the annual Honoring America’s Heroes Gala Friday, November 9, 2012 at the Marriott Hotel Town Square.

Sponsored by the Southwest 59 Sunrise Rotary, the gala will honor Fort Bend’s first responders and military personnel.

The beneficiaries of the HAH Gala are Fort Bend veterans and first responder organizations. Last year, SW 59 Sunrise Rotary distributed over $25,000 to these local groups and expects to donate much more in 2012.

Kris Allfrey and Rick Miller are the cochairs of this year’s event and are diligently working with all committee chairmen to have the many details of this event

36

Fort Bend Business Journal • July 2012

Retired LtCol Ollie North

completed by early September.

The band “Nobody’s Fool” is signed to provide the music and Lexi Stavinoha will sing the national anthem.

John St. John is contacting all Fort Bend County city mayors to get their nominations for the outstanding policeman, fireman and EMTs to be honored this year.

He and his committee are also meeting with local military groups to receive their outstanding personnel nominations. Ret. Col. Larry Davis is contacting the high school JROTC units to arrange for our color guard.

“It’s important to note,” said Rick Miller, “that all proceeds from our gala go to Fort Bend County veterans and first responder groups.”

Political ad paid for by Rick Miller campaign

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FORT BEND The 27th annual Central Fort Bend Chamber Alliance

GOLF CLASSIC The Houstonian Golf & Country Club - Richmond May 2012 Steve Onstad, Peter Stone, Wayne Stone & Billy Davis.

Claude Leatherwood, Ray Aguilar, Chris Breaux & Pastor Tim Christ.

Mayor Vincent Morales, Todd Fawcett, Davy Daniel & Greg Rutherford.

From left: Mike Shaw, Fort Bend Toyota; Matt Barger, Houstonian Golf & Country Club; Vince Finnegan, Finnegan Auto Group; Shanta Kuhl, Central Fort Bend Chamber Alliance President/ CEO; John Kennedy, Houstonian Golf & Country Club (Not pictured: Ron Ewer, Legacy Ford, and Chris Gillman, Gillman Honda).

Friends of the Chamber at the recent Golf Classic event.

Mayor Allen Owen, Mike Flanagan, Mitch Thames & Ed Barnett.

Larry Montgomery, Ron Ewer & Lee Hartman.

Friends of the Chamber at the recent Golf Classic event.

Cory Brobost, Manny Higuera, Brian Lane & Shane Armbrister.

Jim Brown, Dick Phillips, Chris Hill & Tom Crayton.

Friends of the Chamber at the recent Golf Classic event.

BIG SHOTS

Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce Newsletter

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

www.FortBendChamber.com

July 2012 • Fort Bend Business Journal

39

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 Angie’s Travel Agency

City of Sugar Land, At Large Position 2

George E Johnson Development, Inc.

Quail Valley Family Dental

Councilman Joe Zimmerman P.O. Box 110 Sugar Land, TX 77487 281-275-2313 Elected Officials

George Johnson, CEO 2700 Lake Olympia Blvd Missouri City, TX 77459 713-721-5555 Developers

Kruti Khara, DDS 2260 FM 1092 Missouri City, TX 77459 281-499-8340 Dentists

Dan Martinez & Associates LP

Medspring Urgent Care

River Pointe Surgical Center

Dan Martinez, Managing Partner & CEO 12950 Dairy Ashford Rd Sugar Land, TX 77478 281-494-7394 Professional Services

Rachel Zetino, Area Director of Operations 1403 Highway 6, Suite 100 Sugar Land, TX 77478 832-260-0640 Health Care

Jerrod Smith, VP of Operations 21155 Southwest Freeway Richmond, TX 77469 713-822-1155 Health Care

Bottom Line Financials

Dan Martinez & Associates LP

The Morales Law Firm, PPLC

Saleem Lakhani CPA, PLLC

Shawn Carter, Owner P.O. Box 9 Stafford, TX 77497 281-815-2116 Financial Services

Cristen Petershagen, Marketing / Business Development 12950 Dairy Ashford Rd Sugar Land, TX 77478 281-494-7394 Professional Services

Christopher Morales, Attorney & Counselor at Law Sugar Land, TX 77478 281-232-0708 Attorney(s) at Law

Saleem Lakhani, President 14090 SW Freeway, Suite 300 Sugar Land, TX 77478 713-364-9786 Financial Services

Angie Lopez~Mendoza Owner / Operator 1014 Walger Avenue Rosenberg, TX 77471 832-757-0027 Travel Agencies

Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce Newsletter

ARTReach Terri Bieber, Executive Director 22756 Westheimer Pkwy, Suite 180 Katy, TX 77450 281-392-5341 Associations

City of Sugar Land, At Large Position 1 Councilman Himesh Gandhi P.O. Box 110 Sugar Land, TX 77487 281-275-2707 Elected Officials

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Firehouse Subs Raj Patel, Owner 3135 Highway 6 S. Sugar Land, TX 77478 281-980-7827 Restaurants

Fort Bend Business Journal • July 2012

Murphy Business & Financial Corporation Paul Hammonds, Managing Director 3327 Oak Tree Court Sugar Land, TX 77479 832-377-6555 Financial Services

Salvation Army Tina Turner, Case Manager 10435 Greenbough Stafford, TX 77477 281-207-2530 Associations

www.FortBendChamber.com

Aaron Clark, Financial Director 6420 Reading Rd Rosenberg, TX 77471 832-490-1506 Water Utility Services

SynchroNet Alexandra Reynolds, Sales Executive 7211 Regency Square Blvd., Suite 112 Houston, TX 77036 713-574-8200 Computer Business Solutions

Texas Community Referral Network Brian Covault, Founder / CEO 2245 Texas Drive, Suite 300 Sugar Land, TX 77479 281-566-2524 Advertising Services

Tender Loving Care Hospice of Texas Elizabeth Abraham, Administrator 4660 Sweetwater Blvd, Suite 250 Sugar Land, TX 77479 713-450-4500 Hospice

The Health Performance Institute Brian Sekula, President/CEO PO Box 16261 Sugar Land, TX 77496 713-494-6871 Health Care

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

www.FortBendChamber.com

Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce Newsletter

Si Environmental

UPCOMING EVENTS SAVE THE DATE JULY Governmental Relations Luncheon Rosenberg State of the City with Mayor Vincent Morales July 9, 2012 • 11:30 am – 1:00 pm Safari Texas Ranch 11627 FM 1464 Rd, Richmond Governmental Relations Luncheon State Rep., District 26 Run-Off Candidates Forum July 16, 2012 • 11:30 am – 1:00 pm Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce 445 Commerce Green Blvd., Sugar Land

Network Nites River Pointe Surgical Center July 19, 2012 • 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm 21155 Southwest Freeway, Rosenberg Infrastructure Division Infrastructure Breakfast with Mike Stone July 26, 2012 • 7:30 – 9:00 am Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce 445 Commerce Green Blvd., Sugar Land

AUGUST Leadership Forum Class of 2013 Reception & Alumni Reunion August 1, 2012 • 5:00 – 7:00 pm Classic Chevrolet 13115 SW Freeway, Sugar Land

Business and Professional Five Things Every Small Business Should Know About Computers with Charles Swihart August 22, 2012 • 11:00 am – 1:00 pm Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce 445 Commerce Green Blvd., Sugar Land

Infrastructure Division Missouri City State of the City with City Manager Ed Broussard August 23, 2012 • 7:30 am – 9:00 am

SEPTEMBER Education Division State of the Schools 2012 September 7, 2012 • 11:30 am – 1:00 pm Marriot Town Square 15958 City Walk, Sugar Land

Children At Risk Juvenile Justice & Mental Health Policy September 14, 2012 • 7:30 am – 10:00 am Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce 445 Commerce Green Blvd., Sugar Land

Network Nites Modern Spine September 13, 2012 • 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm 16659 Southwest Freeway, Suite 151 Sugar Land

Healthcare Division Healthcare Expo and Cocktails September 20, 2012 • 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce 445 Commerce Green Blvd., Sugar Land

Infrastructure Division Infrastructure Conference September 27, 2012 • 7:30 am – 5:00 pm Safari Texas Ranch • 11627 FM 1464 Rd, Richmond

July 2012 • Fort Bend Business Journal

41

We Believe in you.

Thanks for Believing in US! 1 Year

2 Years

6 Years

Ben E. Keith Robbie Fish, 281-498-7072

Hamilton Vein Center Carlos Hamilton, 281-565-0033

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Houston - Fort Bend Kime Smith, 281-207-2330

Casanova & Co Insurance Rene Casanova, 832-328-4276

National ProSource Trish Davis, 713-272-8800

City of Sugar Land, District 4 Councilman Harish Jajoo, 281-275-2313

Young Business Consulting Services Jennifer S. Young, 281-804-5259

Coast Graphic Susan Keith, 281-499-9721

City of Sugar Land, District 3 Councilmember Amy Mitchell, 281-275-2707 Energy Edge Consulting Robert Allwein, 713-562-3554

Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce Newsletter

Heritage Wealth Management Brett Carleton, 713-871-9800 City of Sugar Land, District 2 Councilmember Bridget Yeung, 281-275-2707 Corgan Associates, Inc. John Haskew, 713-425-4993 Berenger Capital Kyle Davison, 832-886-4970 J. Michael Bennett M.D. P.A. James Bennett, 281-633-8600 Techno Chaos Jeanette Breton, 281-410-1768 BGK Services, LLC Barbara Koslov, 713-320-5991 William H. Reading, MD Neuropsychiatry William H. Reading, 281-494-4471 Trinity Risk Solutions, LLC Todd Tauzin, 713-252-3556

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Fort Bend Business Journal • July 2012

Sugar Land Heritage Foundation Bill Benson, 281-494-0261

HR Green, Inc. Mark Gehringer, 713-965-9996

3 Years

Personal Physicians of Sugar Land Helen Burgess, 281-242-2221

Sugar Land Medical Associates Abraham Peringol, 281-565-2140 Briscoe Manor Jennifer Lowrance, 281-238-4700 NewFirst National Bank Sugar Land Linda Garcia, 832-344-2082

CivilCorp, LLC Tommy Kuykendall, 832-252-8100

Michael Rose, CPA, P.C. Michael Rose, 281-403-0730

Neider Financial Consultants, Inc. Sheldon Neider, CFP, 713-789-3344

7 Years

Classic Chevrolet Don Kerstetter, 281-491-9000 City of Sugar Land, District 1 Mayor Pro Tem Donald Smithers, 281-275-2707 University of Phoenix Christina Grochett, 281-566-5000

4 Years

Prime Communications, LP Naushad Kermally, 281-240-7800 CFF Capital Management LP Farha Ahmed, 281-313-3832

Milestone Member 5 Years

HMG Park Manor of Quail Valley Vance Hale, 281-499-9333 Fort Bend Parent Magazine Larry Carlisle, 281-480-3600 Sugar Land Magazine Katrina Katsarelis, 281-579-7944

9 Years

Fort Bend Community Partners Rainbow Room Tonya Lewis, 832-595-3000 The Spencer Company Troy Goodell, 713-222-6666 Fort Bend M.U.D. #25 Mary S. Hayes, 281-277-0129 AUTOARCH Architects, LLC Michael M. Sabouni, 713-952-3366

Camperi’s Office Furniture Mary Camperi, 281-499-6900

Gulf Coast Stabilized Material Dana Osborne, 281-491-7376

River Oaks Cleaners Jack Momin, 281-491-0900

Crossmark Development & Construction, LLC Jeffrey A. Anderson, 281-313-1383

www.FortBendChamber.com

Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce Newsletter

For membership information, contact: Jan-Michael Jenkins 281-491-0218 jan@fortbendcc.org

Milestone Member 10 Years Little Wonders Learning Center Nikou Fatemizadeh, 281-208-9545

Milestone Member 15 Years Geotest Engineering, Inc. Ravi Raj Yanamandala, 713-266-0588

A & S Engineers, Inc. Bill Baird, 713-942-2700

Methodist Sugar Land Hospital Chris Siebenaler, 281-274-7000

Hoffman Insurance Group Crystal Hoffman, 281-491-6565

Brooks & Sparks, Inc. Frank Brooks, 281-578-9595

City of Sugar Land Mayor James A. Thompson, 281-275-2313

HEB Food & Drugs Gary Olsen, 281-403-2172

12 Years

Sugar Creek Center / Property Owner’s Assn.

Don Russell, 281-242-1399 Fort Bend County, Precinct 4 Commissioner James Patterson 281-980-2235 x204

13 Years

DigiTec Office Solutions Robert Evans, 281-565-1100 Pepperoni’s Raed “Ray” Salti, 281-240-1020 Sugar Creek Baptist Church Mark Hartman, 281-242-2858 SiEnergy Robert Shockley, 512-261-4152 Thai Cottage II Sue Tisyangkul, 281-313-0707

14 Years

Exchange Club of Fort Bend Mike Reichek, 281-575-1145

www.FortBendChamber.com

Wells Fargo Home Mortgage Rick Conti, 281-980-2346

24 Years

Fort Bend Driving School, Inc. Gary Adams, 281-242-7366

26 Years

Coldwell Banker United Realtors Donna Dagley, 281-242-6200

27 Years 17 Years

APAD First Colony LLC Allison Woodall, 281-243-7000

11 Years

22 Years

18 Years

First Colony Community Association Doug Earle, 281-634-9500 Premier Wireless Lea Bogle, 281-575-8500 La Quinta Inn Stafford / Sugar Land Peter Cruickshank, 281-240-2300

19 Years

Hometown America Incorporated Jack Morgan Brady, 281-565-5626 Sterling Classic Homes Tom R. Neyland, 281-494-5353

Milestone Member

Fresh Air, L.P. Sonny Roncancio, 281-499-3511

28 Years

Fort Bend Dental Associates, PA Elizabeth Fish, 281-499-3541

29 Years

United Way Service Center/ Fort Bend County Sandra Startz, 281-207-2300 K2 Realty, Inc. Melvin Knesek, 281-491-5880

SAVE THE DATE November 5th, 2012 2012

20 Years

Republican Party of Fort Bend County Mike Gibson, 281-491-6599 The Settegast-Kopf Co., Funeral Directors Francis X. Gerosa, 281-565-5015

Location:

QUAIL VALLEY GOLF COURSE For more information contact Jan at 281-491-0218 or jan@fortbendcc.org

July 2012 • Fort Bend Business Journal

43

Ribbon Cuttings

ProFound Staffing, Inc. 10131 FM 2920 Tomball, TX 77375 713-568-1909 713-583-9599 (f) www.profoundjobs.com

A Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce Newsletter

t ProFound, we built our company on a simple guideline: Placing People First. Our expertise is in professional recruiting in information technology, accounting, finance and human resources led us to develop a specialized matching process that provides top talent for some of the leading companies in the United States. ProFound provides professional recruiting and career opportunities for direct hire,

contract and contract-to-hire placements. We have an experienced team of professionals with an understanding of information technology, accounting, finance and human resources which allows us to qualify candidates for your needs. Contact Marie Mikelson (President) when you have a need to find professional talent for your company.

Retriever Communications 2245 Texas Dr, Suite 300 Sugar Land TX 77479 281-566-2528 281-566-2505 (f) www.retrievercommunications.com

R

etriever Communications has begun operations in the United States. Since 1997, the Australian company has specialized in managing and scheduling Remote Field Service Workers in ‘real-time’ using iOS, Android and Windows Mobile-based tablets, Smartphone’s and personal digital assistants. Retriever Communications has chosen Sugar Land, Texas for its USA headquarters. This marks an exciting time in Retriever’s continued international expansion that

44

Fort Bend Business Journal • July 2012

includes deployments in over 21 countries. Retriever has hired locally in Ft Bend for the USA arm of their global support desk and sales office- and will continue its national growth from the Sugar Land office. Retriever’s current global customers include BP, Emerson Power, Foster’s Beer, Otis Elevators, government agencies and companies in the oil, gas, HVAC, and manufacturing industries.

www.FortBendChamber.com

Allstate - Joe McGee Insurance 13134 Dairy Ashford, Suite 500 Sugar Land, TX 77478 281-242-1266 www.allstateagencies.com/joemcgee

A

llstate – Joe McGee Insurance offers home, auto, life and commercial insurance to protect the things that are important in your life. Joe believes his business is a shield of protection for families, which is what inspired him. “Insurance is a necessity; we stand out because we not only provide the best and most affordable coverage, but if you’re not satisfied with an auto claim, we’ll refund your premium. We love being new to the community, and providing growth to the recovering

economy.” Allstate has been an organization for the people for over 70 years. Allstate – Joe McGee Insurance is open Monday – Thursday, 9am – 6pm, Fridays 9am – 5pm, and Saturdays, by appointment. You can contact Allstate Joe or any of his friendly Agents at: 281.262.1266.

Luby’s Cafeterias 10575 West Airport Blvd.

Stafford, TX 77477 281-568-0931 www.lubys.com

A

s a Texas icon, Luby’s Cafeterias was founded more than 60 years ago on the premise of serving customers convenient, great-tasting, home-style meals at an excellent value in a friendly environment. In 2001, restaurateurs, Chris and Harris Pappas of Houston, joined the Luby’s management team, committed to the company’s tradition of good citizenship of contributing to the community. The Stafford, Texas location originally opened its doors on May 16, 1984, and on March 15,

www.FortBendChamber.com

2012, the West Airport Blvd-location held its grand reopening for the new remodeled look. This “next generation” cafeteria offers more of a contemporary look and feel with upscale features that include granite surfaces, terrazzo floors and a beautiful mural that pays tribute to Luby’s history.

July 2012 • Fort Bend Business Journal

45

Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce Newsletter

www.FortBendChamber.com

FORT

BEND

LEADERSHIP F

O

R

U

M

Ending Retreat Sponsors

Amegy Bank Nalco an Eco Lab Company Oyster Creek Manor Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce Newsletter

All*Star Storage Brown & Gay Engineers, Inc. Costello, Inc. EE Reed Construction, LP First Victoria Bank HR Green, Inc. Minute Maid NewFirst National Bank SiEnvironmental SIG/McDonald & Wessendorff Insurance Services

Perdue, Brandon,Fielder Colins & Mott, LLP Fort Bend Premier Care

Richmond Bone & Joint/Memorial Hermann Republic Services

Stewart Title

46

Fort Bend Business Journal • July 2012

www.FortBendChamber.com

ATTENTION : Fort Bend High School Seniors

CONGRATULATIONS! Kaylin Elizabeth Martin

Congratulations to Kaylin Elizabeth Martin, a senior at Stephen F. Austin High School, for being selected as Texas Direct Auto’s “Scholarship Star” for July! Jessica DeMarr, Director of Business Development, presents the $1000 check. Kaylin’s extracurricular activities while attending Austin High included Octathlon Club in which she won the school’s first medal, the Secular Student Alliance, Link Crew and Junior Varsity and Varsity Softball teams. Kaylin’s involvement and volunteerism with the Sugar Land Heritage Museum, Fort Bend Museum, Fort Bend Archeological Society and other organizations have been a passion of hers which will continue into the future. Kaylin plans to attend the University of Oklahoma to study Anthropology where she hopes to continue pursuing her passion for history. Kaylin was selected as part of Texas Direct Auto’s commitment to educational excellence through the “Scholarship Stars” program. Application details are listed below.

Register now and win a

1,000

$

SCHOLARSHIP! Find complete details and forms at

www.fortbendfocus.com

July 2012 • Fort Bend Business Journal

47

Centurion Advisors Corp. offers the following services: • Investment Services • Portfolio management based on your risk assessment • Fee-only variable annuities (no up-front commissions or surrender charges) • 401(k) / 403(b) portfolio management • 401(k) plan development and benchmarking • Comprehensive wealth management Investment Advisory Services offered through Centurion Advisors Corp.

Paul B. Jackson, CFA, CIPM President

19901 Southwest Freeway • Sugar Land 281.207.5485 paul@centurionadvisors.net www.centurionadvisors.net

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

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Fort Bend Business Journal • July 2012

KOLBE CURTICE... continued from page 17

frastructure (mobility, governmental services, residential inventory, etc.). With consistent 5- to 10-million-person populations within their relatively small trade areas, the rental rates along the Champs Elysees in Paris and the exclusive retail areas in central London are among the top five highest in the world (with Fifth Avenue in New York holding the top position). Retail leases on Regent Street between Oxford Square and Piccadilly Circus in London run between $500.00 per square foot per year and $700.00 per square foot per year, while rents along the Champs Elysees Avenue in Paris run between $350.00 and $450.00 per square foot per year. Fort Bend’s and Houston’s highest retail rental rates of $40.00 to $50.00 per square foot per year pale in comparison.

The rents that commercial real estate owners can achieve are a factor of the potential sales that a tenant can produce. Sophisticated retail store real estate representatives utilize a number of databases and forecasting models to analyze demographics and to determine a location’s sales potential before making a lease commitment. They typically are able to accurately forecast a location’s potential sales volumes within a few dollars per square foot. Depending on their mark-ups/margins, retailers can generally afford to pay between 10% and 20% of gross sales for occupancy costs (leaving 80% to 90% for their “cost of sales” and profit).

In other words, a Fort Bend store having to pay $30.00 per square foot per year rent, should be able to generate between $150.00 per square foot ( 5 x annual rent) and $300.00 per square foot (10 x annual rent) in sales. The correlation between a location’s demographics and the resulting sales volumes and rental rates is critical, as this is also what determines the value of a commercial property. Commercial real estate purchasers/ investors will pay a capitalization rate on the net annual income stream (net operating income or NOI) that a property produces. The average “cap rate” paid for retail properties in our area is running between 8% and 10%.

In Fort Bend, if a 10,000-square-foot store is able to generate $300.00 per square foot in sales, it would be able to afford a total annual rental rate (base rent plus operating expenses) of between $30.00 per square foot (10%) and $60.00 per square foot (20%). The amount of rent that the Landlord is able to negotiate is critical, as the resulting effect on the real estate’s value can vary widely. For example, the aforementioned 10,000-square-foot store’s real estate value (if sold) would range between $3 million (10,000 x $30.00 per square foot per year = $300,000.00 annual rent divided by .10% cap rate = $3 million dollars) and $7.5 million dollars (10,000 x $60.00 per square foot = $600,000 annual rent divided by .08% cap rate = $7.5 million dollars).

In London and Paris, that same 10,000-square-foot store would need to generate between $2,500.00 per square foot per year and $7,000.00 per square foot per year FrostBank.com in gross sales volume to justify the $500.00

to $700.00 per square foot annual rental rate.

Obviously retailers have been able to achieve those sales levels as the rents in both markets have continued to climb. At the same cap rates as shown above, the building would be valued between $50 million dollars (10,000 SF x $500.00 per square foot per year rent = $5 million annual rent divided by .10% = $50 million sales value) and $87.5 million dollars (10,000 x $700 per square foot = $7 million annual rent divided by .08% = $87.5 million sales value). Although admittedly a pretty consistent Fort Bend “homer”, I concede that it will be a long time we will ever be able to approach the London or Paris demographic numbers. If, however, we can maintain the type of double digit growth we have seen over the past two decades, we should be able to reach our own shopping population of ten million people within a couple hundred years or so!

Better invest now …. 2212 will be here before you know it!

Kolbe Curtice is a licensed real estate broker.

He is the managing director of Colliers International - Fort Bend, a full service commercial real estate brokerage company located in Sugar Land Town Square. He can be reached at 281-4944769 or kolbe.curtice@colliers.com.

ALAN SANDERSEN... continued from page 15

Allowable Living Expense allowance category Taxpayers will be able to use expenses such as credit card payments and bank fees and charges to calculate the miscellaneous Allowable Living Expense allowance. This move should benefit middle income taxpayers.

An allowance for taxpayers to repay student loans and state and local delinquent taxes.

IRS guidance has been clarified to allow payments for loans guaranteed by the federal government for the taxpayer’s post-high school education. In addition, payments for delinquent state and local taxes may be allowed based on percentage basis of tax owed to the state and IRS. This recognizes the realities of the student loan repayment rules and also should assist middle income taxpayers in structuring a settlement that allows them to stay in their home.

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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NAMES IN THE NEWS

Dyna-Drill transfers facility and jobs to Katy

By Wayne Chandler

Dyna-Drill, a Houston-based designer of drilling gear operating throughout the world, is relocating to Katy, transferring a few hundred jobs now, and another hundred over the next three years.

The company’s new facility of more than 300,000 SF, will be located at Colonial Parkway and the Grand Parkway, just north of Interstate 10.

And, since Dyna-Drill has a symbiotic relationship with Pathfinder Energy Services, the new Katy facility will function as a Pathfinder-Dyna-Drill campus on 53 acres and will be known as Katy Technology Center.

Katy Area Economic Development

Council (KAEDC) has been working for a year to bring Dyna-Drill into the Katy business community. In addition, KAEDC helped Pathfinder Energy locate in Katy in 2009.

Lance LaCour Pathfinder employs 200 persons in a 225,000 SF building.

“It was a pleasure working with representatives of Dyna-Drill and Pathfinder to help make the move and project Steve Freeman a reality,” said Lance LaCour, president and CEO of KAEDC. KAEDC has done volumes of research, provided infrastructure, training, incen-

tives and other technical assistance to make this deal happen.

LaCour said that “Dyna-Drill will be a valuable addition to the Katy area with the jobs and capital investment that they plan to establish here. We look forward to supporting their growth and the development of the Katy Technology Center.”

Dyna-Drill has been a major designer and manufacturer of downhole motor equipment for more than 50 years.

The company is part of Schlumberger Limited. The company currently is located on World Houston Parkway, west of Vickery Drive, near Bush Intercontinental Airport.

In addition to its Houston headquarters, Dyna-Drill has manufacturing facilities in Nisku, Canada and Dubai,UAE.

Four Lamar CISD schools receive names of county businessmen The next four campuses for Lamar CISD received names in June. Voters approved funding for two elementary schools, a middle school, a junior high and a high school in a November 2011 bond election.

Judge James “Jim” Adolphus Elementary is under construction in the Long Meadow Farms subdivision. Judge Adolphus served as a Missouri City Councilman, a Fort Bend County Justice of the Peace and as Fort Bend County Judge from 1998 to 2002.

For 17 years, Adolphus was deputy chief of the Mercy Corps, a free rescue, ambulance and first-aid service, staffed by volunteers. As a Missouri City Councilman he was instrumental in forming the Fort Bend Economic Development Council.

Adolphus Elementary is scheduled to open for the 2013-2014 school year.

John Arredondo Elementary will be located near the Summer Lakes subdivision.

Arredondo served as the first Hispanic member of the Rosenberg City Council and

50

the overpass on FM 723 that rises over the train tracks is named in his honor. He was instrumental in getting the overpass built.

Arredondo owned several businesses in Rosenberg and helped get the Fort Bend Technical Center built in Richmond.

Arredondo Elementary is scheduled to be open for the 2014-2015 school year.

Lamar CISD’s fifth secondary complex will be built in the Fulshear area and will eventually include a high school, junior high and middle school. Leaman Junior High and Fulshear High School are projected to be open for the 2016-2017 school year.

Dean Leaman Junior High School is named for a civic leader in Richmond and Rosenberg and the owner of Allied Concrete.

Leaman served as president of the Rosenberg-Richmond Chamber of Commerce, was a founding member of St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, served as president of the National Lumber Dealers

Fort Bend Business Journal • July 2012

Association and served on the boards of Polly Ryon/Oak Bend Hospital and the George Foundation.

He worked tirelessly in bringing Wharton County Junior College and the Texas State Technical Institute to the area.

Churchill Fulshear Jr. High School will also be located near the city that is his families’ namesake. Born in Tennessee, Fulshear moved to Texas with his family in 1824. He served as a scout in the War for Texas Independence.

He operated a race track called Churchill Downs on the family plantation, which was near the present day Fulshear Voters approved funding for a middle school adjacent to George Ranch High School and Reading Junior High. It was named in honor of Polly Ryon at the same time as the high school and the junior high.

The sixth-grade-only school is under construction and will open for the 20132014 school year.

Submit Newsworthy items to sharon@fortbendstar.com

Nalco receives 2012 Automotive News Pace Award Nalco has been named a 2012 Automotive News PACE Award winner by Automotive News, a leading automotive industry publication. Nalco was recognized in the Manufacturing Process and Capital Equipment category for its APEX paint detackification technology, the first truly effective paint detackification chemistry that is made from renewable resources, does not use formaldehyde and is completely biodegradable.

The APEX Program utilizes nextgeneration, patent-pending technology developed through extensive research and rigorous field testing. The result is a unique program that raises the bar for paint detackification programs by lowering total cost of operations, increasing system

performance, and providing a step-change improvement in program sustainability.

The APEX Program supports the automotive industry’s goal to create a “Green Paint Shop” through innovations in paint detackification chemistry, equipment and service. In application, the APEX program helps reduce chemical use by more than 80 percent and helps reduce waste by more than 50 percent while helping to minimize water use and total cost of operation. In addition, APEX paint detackification chemistry is composed of more than 99 percent renewable resources, eliminating the use of hazardous or carcinogenic chemicals.

Although current technology has improved the transfer efficiency of paint sprayed onto vehicles, there is still significant

Cindy Reaves joins Amanda Jolivet at FBFHC

Chamber’s Young Professionals hosts educational breakfast Power Hour at Marriott Springhill Suites of Rosenberg to focus on identity theft Identity theft is a growing concern in the United States, especially among members of the post-Baby Boom generations, who increasingly rely upon Kandice Gremillion online services to conduct both their financial and personal business.

On July 11, Kandice Gremillion from LegalShield will be the guest speaker at the Central Fort Bend Chamber Alliance Young Professionals Division’s second Power Hour Educational Breakfast.

Gremillion will present information about identity theft and ways to guard against it.

According to the U.S. Department of Justice: In 2010, 7 percent of households in the U.S., or about 8.6 million households, had at least one member

waste generated from overspray. This paint is carried away by water and must be detackified to maintain cleanliness of the system and ensure environmental compliance.

An effective detackification program also minimizes the amount of waste that must be landfilled.

Now in its 18th year, the Automotive News PACE (Premier Automotive Suppliers’ Contribution to Excellence) Awards recognize superior innovation, technological advancement and business performance among automotive suppliers. The award competition is open to suppliers who contribute products, processes, materials or services directly to the manufacture of cars or trucks. For details of the Automotive News PACE Award, visit www.autonews.com/pace.

age 12 or older who experienced one or more types of identity theft victimization.

Among households in which at least one member experienced one or more types of identity theft, 64.1 percent experienced the misuse or attempted misuse of an existing credit card account in 2010.

The breakfast, which will be held from 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. at the Marriott Springhill Suites of Rosenberg (6815 Reading Road), is free to Chamber members and $10 for non-members.

Contact Angie Wierzbicki at 281-3425464 or angie@cfbca.org to RSVP. The Young Professionals Division was founded in 2009.

The YPD strives to provide an environment in which to build relationships with likeminded young professionals in our community.

Fort Bend Family Health Center, Inc. (FBFHC) announces that Cindy Reaves has joined Amanda Jolivet in the role of Community Relations Specialist.

Amanda has been in the role for a year and has helped coordinate the agency’s health fairs, Bears, Blankets, and Books holiday event, and has assisted in the agency’s renovation project.

Amanda has 5 years’ experience in radio, community relations, and market research through working with Radio One and the University of Houston.

Cindy comes to FBFHC after 9 years with OakBend Medical Center working in Marketing, Development and Volunteer Services. Prior to working with OakBend, Cindy spent 3 years with the Rosenberg/ Richmond Area Chamber of Commerce.

Cindy is a long time resident of Fort Bend County and has served in various volunteer and community organizations including the Richmond Rotary, American Red Cross and the Central Fort Bend Chamber Alliance.

July 2012 • Fort Bend Business Journal

51

NEWSWORTHY

Sugar Land’s 27th annual Red, White & Bluefest Enjoy a Wednesday away from work.

Sugar Land will again light the skies for the City’s 27th annual Red White and Bluefest on July 4, from 5-10 p.m. at Oyster Creek Park, 4033 State Highway 6 South.

Celebrate America’s 236th birthday with family, friends, business associates and other residents while enjoying exciting main stage performances, delicious county fair-type goodies and numerous children’s activities.

The H.E.B Children’s Stage will include cultural dances, magic shows, a rope trick artist and an African drummer dance group. Giant stilt-walking giraffes and zebras roam the crowd, bringing a new cultural flare to the children’s area.

The event will also be celebrated with a visit from Uncle Sam and Lady Liberty.

A big hit last year, a giant bubbling foam pit will again allow children to cool off from the summer heat. Free carnival games with prizes will also be featured.

Main stage performances will include music from two local bands. Rock out to 80’s era music with “Thunderpants Band,” and kick up the country boots with the “Rhythm of the Road” band.

Community organizations will line

the outskirts of the park providing free giveaways, and vendors will sell food and beverages, including pizza, sausage on sticks, hot dogs, nachos, cotton candy, juicy pickles, sugary funnel cakes, snow cones and ice pops. These mouth-watering delicacies and drinks will be available for sale at minimal costs.

The day will close with an 18-minute spectacular fireworks show.

A free shuttle service will be provided from Mercer Stadium, 16403 Lexington Blvd., to Oyster Creek Park from 4:30-11 p.m.

For more information, contact the Sugar Land Parks and Recreation Department at (281) 275-2885, or visit www.sugarlandtx.gov.

Annual Family 4th Independence Day Celebration to celebrate freedom!

Come out to Seabourne Creek Park and join the fun Wednesday, July 4th The City of Rosenberg announces the 13th Annual “Family 4th Independence Day Celebration,” will be held Wednesday, July 4, beginning at 6 p.m. at Seabourne Creek Nature Park (3831 Highway 36 South).

The event will begin with a welcome by Mayor Vincent M. Morales, Jr., after which the Gary-Michael Dahl Band will take over with the evening’s musical entertainment from the event stage. A diverse spread of food and beverage vendors will be on hand to satisfy attendees’ appetites, and there will be an inflatable carnival area with children’s activities including a rock wall, obstacle course, and bounce house to keep kids entertained. Family 4th will again include complimentary horse-drawn wagon rides, and a new addition – a “rain” area for kids young and old, alike.

As you enter Seabourne Creek Nature

52

Park, be sure to pick up an American flag provided by Rosenberg Veterans of Foreign Wars Milton Brenner Post 3903. Then, load up the family for a quick trip around the lake in a wagon pulled by draught horses. When you’re tired out, grab an ice cream or a cool drink and settle in for a relaxed, family-centered evening of great music, entertainment and fireworks. The Coastal Prairie Chapter of the Texas Master Naturalists will have an exhibit highlighting their work and the habitats of Seabourne Creek Nature Park in the R.W. Lindsey Gazebo.

The evening will culminate with a magnificent fireworks display set to patriotic music by Pyrotecnico at approximately 9:15 p.m. This year’s show promises to be bigger and better than ever before – you don’t want to miss it!

Attendees are encouraged to bring their

Fort Bend Business Journal • July 2012

lawn chairs or blankets, family and friends, but are kindly reminded to leave their pets, alcohol and tobacco at home, as these items are prohibited in City of Rosenberg parks.

General event parking will be available immediately south of the event entrance at 3831 Highway 36 South (weatherpermitting), and at the Fort Bend County Fairgrounds. Handicapped parking will be available at the Rosenberg Civic Center (3825 Highway 36 South) by permit only.

In preparation for the event, Seabourne Creek Nature Park will be closed to the public from Monday, July 2, through Sunday, July 6. Please call 832-595-3520 for general event information.

The event will be held rain or shine, so be sure to bring your rain gear just in case and check CityofRosenberg.com or call 832-595-3936 for day-of event information and updates.

Submit Newsworthy items to sharon@fortbendstar.com

Online application provides real-time travel information The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) has launched a new online map application, Drive Texas™, that provides travelers with real-time traffic conditions, traffic and weather feeds, as well as links to other useful travel information.

Drive Texas™ displays statewide conditions affecting travel—construction, closures, accidents—as well as a live weather feed that allows drivers to check conditions along their route. Travelers can plot a course by entering their start and end cities to view highway conditions along their route, and they can also locate TxDOT Safety Rest Areas or Texas Travel Information Centers.

In select cities, travelers can also view images from traffic cameras, messages posted on dynamic message signs, and other detailed information.

This new site features a user-friendly interface, making it easy for the traveling public to access real-time conditions affecting travel across Texas. The application can be found at www.DriveTexas.org, or by clicking on the “Highway Conditions” link on the TxDOT homepage. And for those on the go, a mobile-friendly version is available. To use Drive Texas™ while en route, motorists should pull off the highway to a safe location or have a passenger access the service.

Although highway condition information has been available to the public for years on www.TxDOT.gov, Drive Texas™ is a more robust, user-friendly interface that puts information right at the user’s fingertips in an easy-to-find format.

The goal is to make travel as safe as possible.

TxDOT is committed to working with others to provide safe and reliable transportations solutions for Texas. This new feature provides the traveling public with the information they need to plan their trips and arrive safely at destinations.

HireBetter expands to Fort Bend and Greater Houston HireBetter has announced their expansion into Fort Bend County and the Greater Houston market. To rev the engines, they have hired Cynthia Fodell Mott as regional director. Cynthia brings her extensive experience in consulting with executives in the strategic business development sector to HireBetter, a Texas-based consulting firm that is redefining the recruiting industry. She has been a resident in the Richmond area since 2001 and enjoys the people and the support they receive and give to each other.

“I love all the trees, the friendly people and shopping locally,” she adds. “I hope to help discover and grow the talent as well.”

Prior to HireBetter, Cynthia spent three years at the venerable HOUSTON Club where she led a remarkable turn around, recruiting and connecting executives; developing unique programming, such as The ENERGY SUMMIT, Executive Women in Leadership Series and business networking events, bringing professionals together to make connections critical to their business Previously she spent eight years with RE/MAX of Texas where she managed multiple business units and served on the executive leadership team, focusing on the development of strategic business alliances, employee relations, recruitment and retention.

Cynthia has spent the majority of her professional career in the Houston area, received a BA from University of St. Thomas and is a member and leader of many Houston civic organizations including: the Greater Houston Women’s Chamber of Commerce – Thought Leader Institute, Association for Women in Communications, Greater Houston Partnership, Women 2.0, Business Development Institute (BDI) and National Association of Professional Women.

“We welcome Cynthia to the team; we

are very excited by the prospect of adding someone of her obvious caliber,” said Kurt R. Wilkin, managing partner of HireBetter.

“Cynthia is an A-Player Cynthia Fodell Mott and her addition indicates our long-term aspirations and allows us to continue to offer high quality consultative talent solutions to our fast growth middle market clients.”

HireBetter knows that filling the right roles with the right people is far from simple. They have spent years developing a unique, partnership-based model for talent identification and assessment. HireBetter’s goals align directly with those of their clients.

They do not offer standard contingency pricing because they are not motivated by a quick payout or a higher fee. They do not ask for full compensation until your new employee has been successfully employed for a full year. The firm serves clients nationwide and currently has offices in Austin, Dallas and the Greater Houston region.

A new website is under development.

For more information, contact Cynthia Fodell Mott, Regional Director at (713) 299-2684 or Cynthia.mott@hirebetter.com; alternatively visit www.HireBetter.com

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

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

July 2012 • Fort Bend Business Journal

53

NEWSWORTHY Sugar Land continues to be recognized for economic excellence For the fourth year in a row, the Sugar Land Development Corporation (SLDC) and the Sugar Land 4B Corporation (SL4B) were awarded a “Certificate for Achievement of Economic Excellence” from the Texas Economic Development Council. The corporations were honored at TEDC’s 2012 conference in Rockwall, Texas.

The SLDC and SL4B were two of 23 economic development organizations in Texas that received this recognition out of 680 such organizations in the state.

The Economic Excellence Program was created by TEDC to highlight economic development organizations that meet a desired threshold of professionalism and to encourage continued professional development. Qualification for the

recognition was based on strong involvement with economic, real estate and industry professional organizations; economic development staff certification, continued training and recognition by relevant organizations; qualified training completed by board members; and well-organized and coordinated economic development strategies and plans.

The Sugar Land 4B Corporation is a nonprofit corporation with the purpose of promoting, assisting and enhancing economic development activities and quality-of-life opportunities within the city.

Projects are funded with a quartercent sales tax approved by voters in 1995 to provide a more effective environment for economic activity. Since 1996, SL4B

has participated in more than 60 projects, including park development, right-of-way beautification, University of Houston Sugar Land Campus, infrastructure in Sugar Land Town Square, the Houston Museum of Natural Science-Sugar Land and the minor league ballpark, Constellation Field.

The Sugar Land Development Corporation was approved by Sugar Land voters in 1993 for the purpose of promoting, assisting and enhancing economic and development activities. The SLDC accomplishes these goals by funding infrastructure and incentive projects with a quarter-cent sales tax. SLDC has participated in over 45 projects spanning all areas of City government, including utilities, streets, aviation and drainage.

Toby Keith to open first Texas restaurant in West Oaks Mall West Oaks Mall, a joint venture between Square Mile Capital Management LLC and Pacific Retail Capital Partners, has entered into a lease with Toby Keith’s I Love This Bar & Grill, providing its first Houston location.

“This spring 2013, Toby Keith’s will join West Oaks Mall’s new Edwards Cinema 14-screen multiplex, including digital projection in every auditorium and a theater fitted with Regal’s Premium Experience (RPX) format, to create Houston’s most exciting new entertainment destination,” said Michael Schonbraun, principal of Square Mile Capital.

Keith’s I Love This Bar & Grill’s newest 28,000 sq. ft. venue will feature awardwinning barbecue fare along with live country music and dancing. The centerpiece of the venue will be its famous 95-ft. guitar-shaped bar.

“West Oaks Mall is a perfect environment for our concept,” said Frank Capri, CEO of the bar and grill. “The venue will create an entertainment experience featuring some of the best emerging and established stars in country music. We are extremely excited to bring our one-of-a kind concept...”

Steve Plenge, managing principal of Pacific Retail Capital Partners, added: “Our overall leasing momentum is very strong, and we are pleased with the local and national interest we are seeing on this project from both retailers and restaurants.”

Toby Keith’s I Love This Bar & Grill currently operates eight locations in the United States, from Rancho Cucamonga, CA, to Foxborough, MA. There are also five additional restaurants under construction in Rosemont, IL, Newport News, VA, Tucson, AZ, Syracuse, NY, and Woodbridge, VA.

Grand opening set for Missouri City’s new Recreation & Tennis Center As cities grow recreational activities and park space become valuable entities. So for a whirlwind of free fun clear your calendars for six hours of non-stop family fun at the grand opening of Missouri City’s new Recreation and Tennis Center on Saturday, July 14 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Whether you love to walk, run, cycle, dribble on a full court, trade volleys with a tennis racket or build up your muscle, many recreational activities will be the center of your attention at 2701 Cypress Point Dr. SportsTalk 790 AM’s Danny Arnold,

54

host of “The Arnold Factor” on Saturdays, will broadcast the opening live and exciting exercise entertainment will feature a tennis match between Stafford Mayor Leonard Scarcella and Missouri City Mayor Pro Tem Jerry Wyatt.

For a new spin, take the pedal to the metal and turn the wheels of a stationary bicycle round and round with Recreation Specialist Lauren Carrier who will lead a class with this heart-thumping exercise; all to the beat of popular tunes. As for wheelchair sports: Athletes will compete in basketball and tennis.

Fort Bend Business Journal • July 2012

Take “Picture Perfect” Lessons as students from Prairie View A&M University provide photography tips. There will be Creative Crafts: 4-H in Fort Bend County will share their arts and crafts talents. Twist, Shout and Tumble: Cheerleading and tumbling experts will showcase youngsters skills. Want to Bend & Stretch Your Body?

A Yoga instructor will hold a boot camp for participants. Go “green” Fresh from the Farm: Three Farmers Market vendors will sell fresh fruits, vegetables and other nutritious goodies.

Submit Newsworthy items to sharon@fortbendstar.com

City of Richmond new park project to debut soon

By LeaAnne Klentzman

I

n the shadow of historic downtown and near the century old Wessondorff Lumber Company, the City of Richmond has announced a new city park on the north side of town.

The Wessendorff Park Project, as it is known, has been made possible by a grant from the Henderson-Wessendorff Foundation. Richmond city spokesman Master Sergeant Lowell Neinast said the facilities will be developed in two phases.

He said, “Phase I will include landscaping and a gazebo in the park area between the Richmond Police Department and Morton Cemetery and is anticipated to be completed

by September of this year.

Phase II will include the construction of a

Artist rendering of proposed park in historical area of Richmond

lake and a trail system around the perimeter of the lake along with two bridges crossing the lake. Additional grants have been applied for through the George Foundation and Texas Parks and Wildlife. Phase II is expected to be completed by the end of 2013.”

This quadrant of Richmond, which has long been in need of revitalization, is steeped deep in Texas history. The Morton Cemetery is the final resting place for Jane Long, and just one block north on Morton Street is the ground of the former Carrie Nation hotel, and just to the east along the river, is the old

launching area for the ferry that traversed the Brazos River.

City Manager Terri Vela said “the idea of the park has been around for a few years and making it a reality is going to be a wonderful experience for everyone.” The project will include restroom facilities which are going to be installed near the large parking area of the park.

Neinast went on to explain that the goal of this park and trail system is to enhance the beauty of Richmond while allowing the residents a safe and relaxing place to enjoy with their families.

At The Gillman Companies, we know the value of loyalty. Our three generations of family dealerships have thrived in Texas since 1938, thanks to your support. That’s why it makes us proud to say, Way to Go.

Gillman Honda Fort Bend 26029 Southwest Freeway Rosenberg, TX 77471 281-341-2277

Gillman Nissan Fort Bend 26001 Southwest Freeway Rosenberg, TX 77471 281-633-5555

gillmanauto.com GILL.120177.nissanhondaftbend.road.color.indd 1

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6/20/2012 12:23:31 PM July 2012 • Fort Bend Business Journal

DBA (Assumed Names)

Data Beat (+) = More Names

This is a sample of the Assumed Names (DBAs) filed at the Fort Bend County Clerk’s office for May 2012. More Assumed Names may be viewed online at http://ccweb.co.fort-bend.TX.us/RealEstate/SearchEntry.aspx. There were 440 Assumed Names with Notary Fee for month of May. There were also 110 Assumed Names without a notary fee.

Morgan Annie Fresno Life News Po Box 44 77545

Carter Jennifer (+) J. Carter Logowear 1018 Quiet Glen Ct 77479

Dickey Alton A. C. S. Courier and Trucking 9410 Gingerstone Ct 77469

NDG Last Call LLC NDG Last Call 7010 Fm 762 77469

Mitchell Camille White Fill The Need 5525 Reading Road 77471

Koh Chun Ja Joe’s Deli 12240 H Murphy Rd 77477

Serrano Antonio Tony’s Painting Cont 27318 N Karaugh Dr 77406

Kelly Joelynn Once Upon a Praline 2730 Coyote Trail Dr 77459

Bingham Robert (+) Bingham Enterprises 2207 Mustang Springs Dr 77459

Ekibolaji David (+) Vintage Triangle Clothing 8618 Lone Maple Dr 77083

Mohammad Mir A A 2 Z Convenience & Petroleum Retailing Solution 4519 Greenwood Trace Ln 77494

Hodali Hani (+) United Casework and Architural Woodwork 3602 Stratford Town Ln 77498

Seivom Healthcare Associates Inc D One Prep 6560 Greatwood Parkway Suite 1200 77479

Okereke Onyii Gibson Broadline Ventures LLC 6811 Clover Walk Ln 77469

Hinojosa Heradio (+) Sure Guard Locks 20900 Fm 1093 #2206 77407

Perez Naydine (+) Gigi’s Dessert Boutique 26103 Travis Brook Dr 77406

Lamar Porter Broderick B’s Handyman Service 21203 Concordia Park Ln 77407

Gonzalez Myrla Marcela Cavazos MC Imports 6711 Charlton Street 77479

Tripp Gregory Scott Tripp Linux Systems Po Box 826 77404

R K Stacy Inc Texas Insurance Agency 29810 Fm 1093 Ste C 77441

Lavan Somphone T (+) T & N Nails Spa 802 Texas Pky E 77477

Colony Creek Community Church Inc Fort Bend Prayer 7555 Hwy 6 77459

Blair Robert R Blair Services 22303 Merabrook Dr 77450

Valencia Jorge A (+) A Janitorial Prodigy (+) 9514 Lexham Dr 77083

Cruz Michelle Hannah’s Little Tutu’s 5116 Aiderney Ct 77471

Logan Elbert D (+) Logan Insurance 20626 Cottage Heath Ln 77407

Ware Nateshia So Fresh So Clean Maid Srvc 2007 Ruffian Lane 77477

Adjakidje Valery Katy Town Car 10300 Harwin Dr #1242 77036

Dalcour Kafi (+) Chili Chumps 14730 Earlswood Dr 77083

Mcdonald Twanna Nicole “T” Is For Teacakes 19002 Mission Pk Dr 77407

Walker Ebony Renee Salon Phenomenal Woman 2745-D Town Center #142 77478

Dean Yolanda L Flavher Your Style P O Box 694 77545-0694

Adjakidje Valery Airport Cab @ Fort Bend 10300 Harwin Dr #1242 77036

Nguyen Bich Nga T & N Nails Spa 802 Texas Pky E 77477 Lacy Melissa Melissa’s Photoworks 239 Sunset Colony Dr 77583 Moreno Daniel (+) Woodcraft Products of Sugar Land 15400 Mckaskle Rd 77498 Varela Hector Jr Varela Painting & Handyman Work 2000 Hamilton Dr 77471 Argosy Medical Sales Group LLC (+) Medgroup1 1450 W Grand Pkwy S G-431 77494 Proctor Ross D.R.’S Cable and Wiring 2955 Driftwood Bend Dr 77545 Anderson Jim L (+) Keys 4 Cars 2303 Third St 77471 Anderson Jim L (+) Lock & Safe Crackers 2303 Third St 77471 Skelton Astrid (+) How Sweet It Is 23501 Cinco Ranch Blvd 77494 Washington Robert A & R Maintenance & Lawn Care 2135 Mustang Springs Dr 77459 Paredes Ivonne (+) Sucess Power USA 7100 Regency Square 77036 Broaden Gwendolyn Angel’s Village 7700 Creekbend Unit 88 77071 Brown Link New Home Guide Texas 8817 Hwy 6 Ste 700 77459

56

Ezike Nneka (+) P&J Hospice (+) 5315 Millwood Pass Cir 77407 Ezike Nneka (+) P&J Home Health (+) 5315 Millwood Pass Cir 77407 Powell Terence Trust & Pride Handy Services 3915 E Teal Estates Cir 77545 Maloney Ryan M & S Landscape 1201 Dulles Av 77477 Tran Steve S (+) Aust Services 4303 Oak Forest Dr 77459 Asonye Joseph (+) Patient Quaility Assurance Service 9507 Emery Hill Dr 77498

Fort Bend Business Journal • July 2012

Horton Charles P (+) C3j1 Enterprises 13502 Krueger Rd 77444 Jackson Phymeon S Agape Spiritual Direction Services 6010 Indian Creek 77459 Daugherty International Corp Sugar Land Rain Gutters and Remodeling 10101 Sw Freeway Suite 107 77074 Buschardt George A Jr Buschardt Claims Service 9638 Roarks Passage 77459 Texas Vests Inc Mason Tactical 636 S Mason Rd 77450 Carter Alchris (+) Grasstalkers (+) 2110 Witham Park Ln 77545

Phelps Derrick L Terrapin Football 3222 Southford Manor Ln 77494

Patterson James H Premier Builders 6914 Maczali Dr 77489 Morgan Annie Cheap Hair 4034 Elmstream Ct 77545 Iwueze Uchechuku Southbelt Motors 735 Dulles Ave #1209 77477 Ortiz Rhea Dayaday (+) Gro Healthcare Resource 4706 Ballstonefield Lane 77494 Mairena Melba (+) Nuevo Amanecer Store 7447 Briargate Ct 77489 Valdez Jeremy (+) Carnival Craze 1808 Cypress Dr 77469 Butler Shannon L (+) S.La.B Creations 23918 River Place Dr 77494

Berry Matthew Musical Memories 6409 Quail Meadow Dr 77035 The Greenfire Group LLC (+) Redstate Steel 3326 Confederate Ct 77459 Zahradnik James (+) Zvinewine 8735 Saratoga Drive 77479 Grohs Heidi (+) Buttons and Butterflies 5 Ten Acre Walk 77459 Olmsted Ralph M (+) Houston Remote Mapping 1535 Hitherfield Dr 77498 V-Create LLC (+) One Healthcare Worldwide 2425 West Loop S #200 77027 Williams Willis L Leroy’s Mobile Music Studio 7022 Bossut Drive 77407 Kerr Bradley G Pe (+) Kerr Engineering 1119 Escambia Way Dr 77406 Arntfield Debra Absolute Salvage 2310 Burkdale Drive 77478 SH Mount LLC Civic Liquor 2184 Texas Parkway 77489 Rivera Colette Carabajal (+) Wipeout Quality Services 115 Avenue D 77498

DBA (Assumed Names)

Data Beat

Jexar LLC Wee Wee LLC 3227 Greenridge Dr 77459

Aziegbe Erika Dainty Chic Boutique 3012 Beecave Dr 77459

Jsn Hospitality Group Inc Hampton Inn & Suites 3110 Colonial Lakes Dr 77459

Sabol-Brogoitti Theresa Dress Du Jour 2127 Summerland Dr 77406

Lee Ta-Tseng (+) Sienna Mf Lp 8741 Highway 6 77459

Techmanski Matthew M The Batting-Tech Company (+) 1106 Pioneer Dr 77406

Rangel Joe (+) Joe Rangel Contracting LLC Dba Allegiance Roofing 2503 Woodwind Dr 77406

Conway Helen S Helen’s Kitchen 2022 Quail Place Dr 77489

Lopez Maria Isela Centro De Asesoria 21302 Somerset Park Ln 77450 Nguyen Hanh K Lucky Star Decorating & Designs 14219 Ashmore Reef Ct 77498 Penn Marcus A Penn Point Pressure Washing 2718 Blue Mills Ct 77449 Davis Mose IV Team Davis Enterprises 4808 Dogwood 77471

Ahmed Shamim (+) Delivery Pace 2910 Lake Field Way 77479 Anglow Martha C Uptown Deli 13500 W Airport Rd 77498 Huynh Kim Phuong Dayi Nail #3827 5660 Grand Parkway W 77469 Cisneros Gisela Giselle Quince Couture Intl.

1450 S Grand Pwy W S G 463 77494

Woodberry Franklin Sterling Janitorial Service 4419 Cory Lane 77459

DSDG-Texas LLC Davis Signs and Display Graphics 6115 Fm 762 77469

Woodberry Franklin Majestic Floor Care 4419 Cory Lane 77459

Davis Greg (+) Greg Davis Signs 6115 Fm 762 77469

Nicholas Steve B Black Gold International 111 Brand St 77477

Sanchez Jose R Jr Project Support Professionals 21406 Willowford Park Dr 77450

Machann Clara Jean Town & Country Locators 36219 County Line Rd 77476-0446

Lam Michael (+) Mked,LLC Po Box 17922 77496

Maliakal Saju Crescendo Pro-Audio, Video 4 Lighting Systems 2200 Fm 1092 ‘F’ 77459

Matson James Radiant Presence 9100 Southwest Frwy #153 77074

Johnson Andrea A.J. Title Specialist 11202 Quiet Covey Ct 77489

Matson James Stillstate Wellness 9100 S W Freeway #153 77074

Gibson Gary Ramon Gary’s Fine Jewelry 7115 S Mason Rd Appt 1617 77407

Roberts Sandra Care-Givers Plus 16202 Canaridge 77053

Jimenez Juan Den Mar Company 4701 Anderson Rd #292 77053

Arowolo Paul (+) African Broadcasting Networks 17902 Green Trace Ln 77407

(+) = More Names Ballentine Roger Asset Recovery Group 2601 Cartwright Road Suite D 409 77459

Shane Shannon S.M. Shane Consulting Services 4119 Longemont Hills Ln 77494

Thomas James Davone Mastermind Alliance Enterprise 16507 Quail Park Dr 77489

Thompson Bridgette A (+) Innovative Solutions 1610 Buckwood Ct 77545

Cardenas Rene Cardenas Movers on the Move 11106 Whittingham Ln 77099

Alexander Sherry D The Sweet Spot (+) 8403 Cape Henry 77459

Knapp Commercial Services LLC Tek Builders 3246 Woods Canyon Ct 77459

Alexander Sherry D Tall Stylz 8403 Cape Henry 77459

Hawkins Willie James Md (+) Whnc Health Services 6175 Wilcrest Drive Suite B 77072

Chaudhry Deepak Texas Tech Solutions 4511 Riley Way Lane 77479

Salmons Francine D&F Enterprises 27947 Walsh Crossing Dr 77494 Jones John L J.M. & J Lawn Care, Pressure Washing, & Window Cleaning 3314 Rolling Green Ln 77459 Gaines Shavonne The Billing Department (+) 3334 Becker Glen St 77545 Partners Prime Real Estate LLC (+) Prime Properties 4315 Tarlton Way 77478 Faber Tammy L Poynor Photography 5907 Deep South Drive 77449 Tapia Victor Victor’s Delivery Services 509 Brand Ln #109 77477 Houser Roofing LLC Houser Home Improvements 1270 Crabb River Rd #600-114 77469

Trcka Shanna (+) Isocial Marketing 23414 Stratsborough Dr 77494 Skarya Saad Sam (+) Cobras Baseball Organization 24044 Cinco Village Ctr Blvd 77494 Green Jeremy Green’s Automotive Detailing 5039 Ridgecreek Dr 77053 Chaudhry Services LLC Texas Tech Solutions 4511 Riley Way Lane 77479 Petropulos William Dale (+) Advanced Weapons Training 511 Shenandoah Dr 77469 Petropulos William Dale (+) Network World News 511 Shenandoah Dr 77469 Petropulos William Dale (+) United World Muay Thai Assoc 511 Shenandoah Dr 77469

Petro Gen Vacuum Sales Corp Gen Vac 1560-1 Industrial Dr 77489 Campos Salvador (+) T & S Construction 22310 Maplewood 77449 Franklin Derrick M O B Money Entertainment 2622 Sunbird Ct 77584 Hernandez Luis F (+) Hernandez Tree Service 8902 Lugary Dr 77074 Cox Allen M A & CC Realty 6140 Hwy 6 Ste #308 77459 Vasquez Pablo Cesar Perfection Roofing & Construction 507 Riveredge Dr 77469 Cabrera Jose Alfredo J A C S Install 710 Teakwood Ave 77545 Perez Catherine Sparkling Designs 13203 Cape Province 77083 Beasley G Brandon (+) Cinco Gold Track Club 25119 Breton Wood Ln 77494 Blizzard Blaster Inc Blizzard Blaster Inc 25735 Oakstone Park Dr 77406 Mitchell Paul (+) Texas Centrifuge Services 1860 Fm 359 #303 77406 Ultrawest LLC Trademark Home Services 11231 Fm 1464, Ste A3 77407

Serrano Eduardo Eduardo Welding & Fabrication 27318 N Karaugh Dr 77406

Goldenhawk Petroleum Products LLC Quality Nozzle Company SW 3815 Stables Course Dr 77407

Lewis Kiesuzwanda K’s Fashions 3207 Boynton Drive 77045

Odom Charles Wayne II CTO Services 4019 Alcorn Bend 77479

Acosta Stephanie (+) A Martin Vision Film 10326 Paintbrush Ln 77498

Hanshaw David Arthur (+) Texas Code Review 32804 Hunt Road 77441

Odili Anthony Home For All Group Home 8406 Spotslyvania Ln 77083

Martin Adrian Artillery Bound 1915 Lauren Pl 77489

Strehl Diane D&S Pool Services 2719 Colony Dr 77479

Telucksingh Roopsingh (+) R.P. International 1003 Columbia Blue 77489

Lemus Franklin Lemus Delivery 15707 Raynor Crt 77489

Herrera-Quinones Maria De La Luz Clean Spirit Services 127 Willoughby Ct 77469

Bonner Brad (+) Tails and Ales 5011 Crystal Wind Ln 77494

Manning Jami (+) M B Realty Investments 2310 Birch Canyon Ct 77084

July 2012 • Fort Bend Business Journal

57

Data Beat

June 2012 Sales Tax Allocation Comparison Summary Reports

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

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

County/City Fort Bend

Net Payment This Period

Comp Payment Prior Year

% Change To Date

2012 Payments To Date

2011 Payments Change

Percent

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

33,290.61 8,625.55 55,308.71 658.88 76,721.59 469,115.78 31,909.04 2,682.73 6,672.46 314,499.08 967,447.28 12,374.85 979,556.53 3,168,060.00 0.00

26,375.42 6,386.48 39,285.32 1,144.18 69,525.14 448,031.60 28,761.33 2,394.70 3,949.46 310,736.14 823,642.49 10,166.05 1,087,481.41 2,360,616.61 3,701.99

26.21% 35.05% 40.78% -42.41% 10.35% 4.70% 10.94% 12.02% 68.94% 1.21% 17.45% 21.72% -9.92% 34.20% -100.00%

166,547.90 45,201.91 308,946.50 5,285.95 513,832.65 3,105,591.16 195,215.73 16,690.42 31,887.05 2,002,815.14 6,256,145.08 72,872.69 7,061,576.66 21,870,236.64 11,119.50

141,185.26 37,105.04 215,178.06 9,572.81 450,239.20 2,864,932.81 178,313.54 19,614.20 24,929.24 1,947,589.10 5,673,417.56 53,039.69 6,660,230.57 19,536,918.00 11,006.74

17.96% 21.82% 43.57% -44.78% 14.12% 8.40% 9.47% -14.90% 27.91% 2.83% 10.27% 37.39% 6.02% 11.94% 1.02%

COUNTY TOTAL 6,126,923.09

5,222,198.32

17.32%

41,663,964.98

37,823,271.82

10.15%

Top 20 City Sales and Use Tax Comparison Summary - June 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 Round Rock Amarillo McAllen Lubbock Midland Frisco Irving Sugar Land Abilene Grand Prairie Laredo

58

Net Payment This Period

Comp Payment Prior Year

% Change To Date

2012 Payments To Date

42,893,227.16 18,770,622.78 17,437,749.05 12,369,043.21 8,439,885.61 6,855,165.44 5,721,085.75 5,437,802.83 5,236,079.38 5,544,216.97 4,889,286.82 4,578,606.44 4,000,005.62 4,133,727.80 3,559,976.85 3,509,653.06 3,168,060.00 3,049,657.97 2,920,831.36 2,883,887.24

38,158,369.27 16,813,506.33 15,621,523.28 11,437,966.98 6,572,158.29 6,355,174.10 5,499,531.21 4,902,181.74 5,392,637.73 5,764,235.36 4,786,952.71 4,199,218.49 3,757,173.83 3,618,325.09 3,208,067.09 3,329,569.62 2,360,616.61 2,949,558.76 2,781,013.41 2,781,736.51

12.40% 11.64% 11.62% 8.14% 28.41% 7.86% 4.02% 10.92% -2.90% -3.81% 2.13% 9.03% 6.46% 14.24% 10.96% 5.40% 34.20% 3.39% 5.02% 3.67%

276,089,028.05 120,717,894.23 113,629,996.03 77,761,302.88 56,082,435.98 43,688,289.68 37,573,386.86 35,612,145.09 34,723,947.24 32,944,637.77 32,427,751.01 30,090,457.91 27,369,903.82 25,929,756.54 24,195,650.19 24,011,393.84 21,870,236.64 21,341,412.59 19,395,278.77 19,025,839.31

Fort Bend Business Journal • July 2012

2011 Payments Change

249,300,733.17 110,467,847.63 106,356,161.64 71,967,099.77 50,114,437.88 41,915,096.83 36,605,992.17 30,453,511.05 33,357,104.82 32,855,031.76 30,794,297.77 28,685,065.90 25,938,062.85 22,745,144.95 21,588,794.40 23,574,606.93 19,536,918.00 18,491,006.51 16,656,994.55 17,238,356.80

Percent

10.74% 9.27% 6.83% 8.05% 11.90% 4.23% 2.64% 16.93% 4.09% 0.27% 5.30% 4.89% 5.52% 14.00% 12.07% 1.85% 11.94% 15.41% 16.43% 10.36%

Data Beat

Commercial Building Permits

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

TYPE OF PERMIT

MEADOWS PLACE 11611 West Airport – B-1 11720 West Airport # 100 11600 West Airport

Commercial Buildout Commercial Buildout Commercial Building

$40,000 $95,000 $898,000

Grand Total Valuation (Commercial)

05/01/12-05/31/12

$1,033,000

MISSOURI CITY 4501 Bldg 9 Cartwright Rd BS-9 4501 Bldg 9 Cartwright Rd 901 4501 Bldg 9 Cartwright Rd 902 4501 Bldg 9 Cartwright Rd 903 4501 Bldg 9 Cartwright Rd 904 4501 Bldg 9 Cartwright Rd 906 4501 Bldg 9 Cartwright Rd 908 4721 Hwy 7746 Hwy 6 M 3603 Glenn Lakes Ln 5425 Hwy 6 D-100

Commercial Lease New Commercial Lease New Commercial Lease New Commercial Lease New Commercial Lease New Commercial Lease New Commercial Lease New Commercial Remodel Commercial Lease New Commercial Remodel Commercial Lease New

Grand Total Valuation (Commercial)

05/01/12-05/31/12

$1,378,091

11950 Mason Rd. 5400 FM 1640 #500 1517 Thompson Rd. 1208 Front St. 512 Morton

Commercial Building Commercial Building Commercial Building Commercial Building Commercial Building

$1,200,000 $48,990 $50,000 $65,000 $27,000

Grand Total Valuation (Commercial)

05/01/12-05/31/12

$1,403,490

STAFFORD 11210 West Airport Blvd 4655 Wright Rd 140 13350 Pike Rd 12240 Murphy Rd H 3950 Greenbriar Dr

Commercial Remodel Commercial Buildout Commercial Buildout Commercial Building Commercial Remodel

$450,000 $150,000 $110,000 $45,600 $664,792

Grand Total Valuation (Commercial)

05/01/12-05/31/12

$1,482,422

SUGAR LAND 16614 Creek Bend Dr 16535 Southwest Fwy Ste 320 4853 Sweetwater Blvd 555 Industrial Blvd 555 Industrial Blvd HCS Bldg 110 Schlumberger Dr 3363 State Hwy 6 11555 University Blvd 9920 US Hwy 90A Ste A100 2298 Texas Dr 4690 Sweetwater Blvd Ste 260 19875 Southwest Fwy Ste 260 2245 Texas Dr Ste 130 636 State Hwy 6 Ste 1000 56 Sugar Creek Center Blvd Ste 275 2150 Town Square PL Ste 330 16605 Southwest Fwy Ste 500 2245 Texas Dr Ste 180

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

$2,301,097 $40,800 $46,944 $107,873 $550,465 $102,211 $75,000 $330,925 $570,000 $126,776 $100,000 $186,000 $342,011 $103,000 $127,000 $194,393 $295,040 $115,448

Grand Total Valuation (Commercial)

05/01/12-05/31/12

$5,846,284

RICHMOND

VALUE

$393,272 $49,159 $49,159 $49,159 $49,159 $99,024 $49,159 $100,000 $140,000 $300,000 $80,000

OWNER/CONTRACTOR Denny Wong Sunil Srivastava Sugar Grove Church of Christ/Regas Construction LC

Colonial Lakes Office Park LP Colonial Lakes Office Park LP Colonial Lakes Office Park LP Colonial Lakes Office Park LP Colonial Lakes Office Park LP Colonial Lakes Office Park LP Colonial Lakes Office Park LP Eqyinvest Owner I LTD LLP/Construction Solutions Inc The Centre at Knights Court LL/D H French Jacobs-Dobson Partners/Raus Construction, LTD LBUBS 2004-C8 Retail Corners L/Custon Painting and Refinish

CVS Pharmacy What-A-Burger Hunter Clayton LLC Don Weiss/JTM Construction C.J. Electrical Co.

Wal Mart/ Western Edge Construction CBRE/Corvus Construction Lines Valves/Clay Development Joe’s Deli Tyco Valves Controls/ Marton Roofing

Lake Pointe Town Center, LTD/Anslow-Bryant Construction, LTD First Colony Mall, LLC/Northstar Elite Construction Columbia Retail, Sweetwater PLZ/Horizon Retail Construction Vector Cable Co/E E Reed Construction, LP Vector Cable Co/E E Reed Construction, LP Schlumberger Tech Corp/Southern Facility Srv Construction Eqyunvest First Colony Owner L/CTC Contractors LLC Lexington Sugar Land, LP/Meridian Constructors, LLC Dallas Mini No. 46, LTD/Spaceplan Construction Town Center Lakeside, LTD/Millis Development & Con (GC) FCB Fort Bend Holdings, LLC/Crossmark Devel & Constr LLC KM-TS Greatwood, LLC/City Commercial Contractors Town Center Lakeside, LTD/Trademark Construction & Remod Hwy 6 & 90, LTD/MEP Service (Webster, TX) American National Insurance Co./Goldshire Developers, LLC (GC) Town Center Lakeside, LTD/O’Donnel/Snider Construction Methodist Hospital/South Coast Const Services Inc Town Center Lakeside, LTD/D E Harvey Builders, Inc

July 2012 • Fort Bend Business Journal

59

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.

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

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

Banks 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!

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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.

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.

Fire Extinguisher Service Gillen Fire Extinguisher Service Commercial/Residential 281-342-6969 www.GillenServices.com Gillen Fire Extinguisher Service provides a full line of fire extinguisher inspections, sales and services, as well as lighted exit sign inspections and service.

Our highly trained staff can even provide fire extinguisher training for your employees. For all of your safety needs, call Gillen Fire Extinguisher.

Fort Bend Business Journal • July 2012

12 MONTHS LISTING FOR ONLY $300

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

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 Group provides your company the leverage it needs to get what it needs.

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

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

2515 Ave. H, Rosenberg, Texas 77471. 281-341-5060, 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.

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

Magazine Fort Bend / 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.

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.

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.

12 MONTHS LISTING FOR ONLY $300

Open MRI Upright MRI of Sugar Land 281-494-0505 www.mri911.com CLAUSTROPHOBIC? Upright MRI is the only True OPEN MRI in Sugar Land. We scan patients standing, sitting, or lying down. For the first time, patients can be scanned in weight-bearing postures and in their position of pain.

It is ideal for patients who have difficulty lying down due to respiratory or cardiac problems. Mention this ad and receive $25 off your first scan. 2655 Cordes Drive #150, Sugar Land, 77479. Open Monday – Friday 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Optometrists

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

The office has a large selection of fashion frames.

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

All services available in Houston and surrounding counties.)

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

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

Physicians Immunizations & Drug Testing IMU Southwest, The IMUnization Clinic 281-313-7468 www.IMUnizationclinic.org imusouthwest@windstream.net. 3727 Greenbriar Dr. Suite 403, Stafford, TX 77477- Vaccines for children and adults for school, fertility, work, immigration, or travel needs. Daytime, Evening, and Saturday hours and no wait appointments available. Vaccine titers and

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

SERVING FORT BEND & SURROUNDING COUNTIES FOR OVER 35 YEARS. See more on page 62

July 2012 • Fort Bend Business Journal

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SERVICE DIRECTORY

Landscaping / Lawn Care

SERVICE DIRECTORY

Staffing / Recruiting / Job Seeking Technical ProSource Meeting Your IT Staffing Needs 713-272-8800 www.TechnicalProSource.com Serving Fort Bend companies since 1989 by providing all levels of IT personnel, contract, contract to hire and direct-hire. We are the IT experts! To save our clients time we offer Video Resumes which allow you to move faster through the interview process. Recognized in Forbes magazine as a leading Staffing Firm Provider.

Recognized in Texas Monthly as Most Dependable Staffing Firm and voted Best of Staffing by CareerBuilder.

We look forward to helping with your staffing needs.

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

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!

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. $$ AURA Restaurant Chef/Owner Frédéric Perrier brings over 30 years experience to his newest venture - AURA. In an upscale yet casually comfortable setting, Innovative American Cuisine reigns and is highlighted in the numerous Daily Specials. AURA features only the finest, freshest ingredients. A three course prix fixe lunch for $12.95 to Mussles Marinieres, Roasted Red Snapper or Filet Mignon with Cognac Peppercorn Sauce. No need to go to Houston or into Sugar Land for a truly high quality dining experience... you will easily find it at AURA (without ‘Big Restaurant’ prices!) at Township Square - Missouri City. Lunch Mon-Sat 11-2. Dinner MonThurs 5-9 and Fri-Sat 5-10. Please call for Reservations &/or Catering ~ 3400 FM 1092, 81-403-AURA (2872). $$ • WB

Guadalupe

RIVERFRONT DUPLEX

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

More pictures at

RioRatonDuplex.com book at

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832-788-2294

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 desserts in there dining room, large patio, or full bar with large screen TV’s. Happy hour is Monday - Thursday 3 to 7pm.

This casual dining experience is available at two locations in Fort Bend. Call either location for take-out or delivery. 7425 Hwy 6 S (Just North of Sienna) 832-947-0440 / 6825 S Fry Rd (Fry & 99) 281-395-6746. www.candelaris.com. $ • FB

Fort Bend Business Journal • July 2012

Fernando’s Latin Cuisine We are pleased to announce the arrival of Fernando’s Latin Cuisine-An exotic culinary adventure! Started by, Fernando Echeverria, the same owner of Los Andes by the Compact Center in Houston-Another wonderful Latin American restaurant. Fernando’s Latin Cuisine is located in the same building where Ruth’s Chris used to be. Featured dishes include Empanadas appetizer, Fileton, (Filet mignon) and Asada Y Camarones, Casually called the surf and turf. 14135 Southwest Freeway, in Sugar Land. 281-494-9087. wwww.fernandosrestaurants.com. $$ • FB Karl’s At The Riverbend Romantic Dining in the Country, across the creek from a horse farm.

Swiss Chef Karl Camenzind’s menu features Angus steaks, Prime Rib, Wienerschnitzel, Trout Almondine and other fresh fish, Rack of Lamb, Steak and other wild game, Atkins specials, a budget weeknight menu offered along with the regular menu, plus a wonderful Sunday Brunch Buffet. Company Luncheons and Rehearsal Dinners invited. Open TuesSat for Dinner and Sunday Brunch 5011 FM 723 Richmond 281-2389300 www.karlsrb.com Read our reviews at www.b4-u-eat.com. $$ • FB Las Alamedas Restaurant & Cantina Las Alamedas Restaurant and Bar Continues the long standing tradition of fine Mexican food and beverages that began in 1980, is now relocated in Katy at The La Centerra Center. Join us seven days a week for our warm hospitality and anything from brunch on the weekends to private corporate events and everything in between.

We are a total scratch kitchen featuring an extensive selection of authentic dishes. We are family friendly with a great children’s menu. Our patios were voted one of the top two in the Houston area. 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 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 281265-6556. $ • WB Panda Garden Panda Garden Restaurant, the three times winner for Best Oriental Restaurant in Fort Bend County, located at 3563 Highway 6 in Kroger Center, provides a warm, casual environment to best service all diners.

The goal of our restaurant is to offer 100% satisfactory to the customers with variety selection of popular Hunan Cuisine. “We offer fresh, made from scratch meals that is unforgettably delicious!” Manager Kenny adds.

The restaurant offers accommodations for small group meetings and wonderful party tray for catering to the near by businesses and schools.

Panda Garden is open 7 days a week on Mon. – Sat.: 11a.m. – 10 p.m. and Sun. 11a.m. – 9:30p.m. Delivery is available everyday with a min. of $15.00 purchase. A lunch special is offered daily as well as the full 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 10:002:00pm. 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.

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

www.fortbendstar.com

July 2012 • Fort Bend Business Journal

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Fort Bend Business Journal • July 2012

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M A I N TA I N I N G A F U L L R A N G E OF MOTION REQUIRES A FULL RANGE OF SERVICES.

When you can’t perform at your best because of an injury or are simply suffering through pain and need a total joint replacement, turn to St. Luke’s Sugar Land Hospital. Our board-certified orthopedic surgeons will diagnose and develop a treatment plan that’s right for you. Whether your need is rehabilitation or surgery, you can rest assured that you’ll receive the best care possible, backed by a name you know and trust. Our priority is to get you back on your feet in the shortest time possible, so you can go back to enjoying your active lifestyle.

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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