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

Volume 29 • No. 6

THE BUSINESS LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

JUNE 2011

OakBend Medical Center… covering the heart of Fort Bend County, conveniently located to serve your family’s healthcare needs

INSIDE STORIES

n Fort Bend Travel Talk n Preparing For A Hurricane n WCJC Selected Among Top Ten Percent n Fort Bend Justice Center Opens n Fort Bend Chamber Of Commerce Newsletter n Newsworthy / Names In The News $4.95

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AWARD WINNING CARE

Stroke Services

May is National Stroke Awareness Month OakBend Medical Center has received the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association’s Get With The Guidelines® Stroke Gold Plus Performance Achievement Award. The award recognizes OakBend’s commitment and success in implementing excellent care for stroke patients. At OakBend Medical Center, we have always been committed to providing a higher standard of stroke

Dr. Amitabh Y. Shukla

care by developing a comprehensive system for rapid diagnosis and treatment of stroke patients admitted to the emergency department. By implementing acute care and secondary prevention, OakBend has consistently improved the outcome of stroke patients.

OakBend Medical Center 1705 Jackson Street Richmond, TX 77469 Phone: (281) 341-3000 Physician Referral: (281) 341-4800

www.oakbendmedcenter.org

Texas Direct Auto Partners with “Lunches of Love” Texas Direct Auto, the nations largest independent car dealership, will participate this summer in “Lunches of Love,” a community outreach program which provides lunches to low income children in the Richmond-Rosenberg area. “When we learned about the care and hope that Lunches of Love and it’s volunteers provide these children, we were committed instantly to supporting the program,” said Jessica DeMarr, director of Business Development for Texas Direct Auto. “Lunches of Love is very blessed and excited to have the opportunity to partner with Texas Direct Auto. Their bighearted donation is approximately 25% of our annual budget, this to me is phenomenal!”, says Adriane Gray with Lunches of Love. Lunches of Love, developed in 2009 by First United Methodist Church in Rosenberg, provides a nutritious sack lunch to low income elementary children and their siblings during the long breaks from school. With a large percentage of the children in this area on free and reduced lunches at school, most of the children would go hungry during extended holidays when these services are not available. LoL is committed to helping end the hunger of these children by operating Monday through Friday during Christmas Break, Spring Break, and Summer vacation. Lunches of Love currently provides service to children

at two local elementary schools and plans to expand to more elementary schools as funding allows. Volunteers can assist in many ways such as collecting food, assembling the lunches, and delivering. The sack lunches cost less than $0.65 per lunch and consists of a Main entrée (sandwich, hot dog, or wrap), Goldﬁsh, crackers or pretzels, fruit, yogurt or jello and water or juice. Texas Direct Auto will participate by providing the lunches for all 762 children for the entire month of June for a total of 14,478 lunches. “Their kindness and generosity will help the program continue feeding these children in need,” says Gray. This wonderful ministry has enriched many lives of the students and families they have helped as well as all of the volunteers it takes to run the program. If you are interested in making a difference in your community: local business, organizations, groups, troops and friends are all welcome to be a part of a growing community outreach program. “We can make a difference in a child receiving a nutritious lunch or going to bed hungry,” mentions Gray. Please contact Adriane Gray at 281.342.3333 or adriane@ fumcrosenberg.net with any questions or if you are interested in being a volunteer. Visit www.lunchesoﬂove.net to see how you can help end child hunger.

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CONTENTS

Fort Bend/Katy

Cover Story

Volume 29 • Number 6 • June 2011

OakBend Medical Center, Family Focused Care in Fort Bend

For subscriptions send check for $25 to Fort Bend Business Journal 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 GENERAL MANAGER............Michael Fredrickson EDITOR ...........................................Sharon Wallingford

pg.

ADVERTISING DIRECTOR ......................Kerry Jarka MARKETING CONSULTANTS.................Diane Strehl Ann Sturrock RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE

Inside Stories

SPECIALIST.........................................Becky Hall

Fort Bend Travel Talk.......................................................................................................................... 8 Fort Bend Justice Center Opens..................................................................................................12 Election Outcomes..........................................................................................................................14 Hurricane Preparedness.................................................................................................................16 Unemployment Falls to 7.4 Percent.............................................................................................17 Big Shots - Charlie Back / Grand Wine & Food Affair...............................................................19 Rose-Rich Vet Clinic Selected for National Honor.....................................................................25 Texas Business Alliance Coming to Sugar Land........................................................................27 Peggy Duggan’s Patriotic Role as Girl Scout..............................................................................28 Polly Ryon Grand Opening at Texana..........................................................................................34 Texana Opens Second Center......................................................................................................35 Fluor’s Achieves 100 Million Safe Hours......................................................................................36 WCJC Ranked Top Ten Percent in Nation..................................................................................38 New Solid Waste and Recycling Education Program Event....................................................41 Texas Unemployment Drops ........................................................................................................62

CONTRIBUTORS . ................................. Gene Hall Elsa Maxey Wayne Chandler ART DIRECTOR.................................Joey Belleza GRAPHIC DESIGNER / WEB.............Carlo Arcillas

Monthly Departments Newsworthy.......................................................................................................42-44 Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce Newsletter...................................................45-52 Names in the News................................................................................................. 54 Data Beat...........................................................................................................56-59 Service Directory...............................................................................................60-61 Dining and Entertainment.................................................................................63-64

Fort Bend Business Journal • June 2011

ON THE COVER OakBend Medical Center... covering the heart of Fort Bend County, conveniently located to serve your family’s healthcare needs

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June 2011 • Fort Bend Business Journal

cut here

by Sharon Wallingford

Editor’s Preview Summer begins

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 Kerry W. Jarka Kerry@FortBendStar.com

nother season arrives. School is out and teachers and students will be enjoying the 55-day break from tests, studying, and class preparations. Many of our young residents are graduating from kindergarten, high school and colleges. Many of our university students will be returning to take summer employment with many of our businesses. June also marks the beginning of Hurricane season in the Greater Houston area. You can begin preparations by completing a visual assessment of your business and residence. We kick-off the season with an article concerning our senior population, but much of the information contained in the article pertains to everyone. June also finds us half way through the year preparing for the first day of Summer as a drought continues across the entire state. Although heat waves in Fort Bend county are not unusual, we find it is the lack of rainfall that is creating the costs of this drought to become crucial to municipalities as costs for fire protection escalates in numerous communities, crops failing in others and shrubs, trees and landscaping wilting in cities. Texas’ farmers and ranchers are coping with their eighth drought in the last 13 years, and this one has a chance of slamming producers with their biggest losses ever. Also remember Texas agriculture is responsible for about 14 percent of jobs in Texas. So likely we can expect food prices to rise again. There is better news. Texas Comptroller Susan Combs announced that state sales tax revenue in April was $1.87 billion, up 11.4 percent compared to April 2010. She issued $600.1 million in

Fort Bend Business Journal • June 2011

local sales tax allocations to be distributed throughout local governments. These allocations are up 5.8% from last May. Additionally, so far this year, local sales tax allocations to cities, counties, transit systems and special purpose taxing districts are up 7.1 percent from a year ago. Counties throughout our state will be receiving sales tax payments of $37.4 million, which has spiked 11 percent since last year. Furthermore, county sales tax allocations have increased by 12.6 percent from last year. For even more good news read our article about how unemployment has dropped in Fort Bend county. As more businesses select our Gulf Coast region and rely on the Port of Houston, the Port of Freeport, and our transportation systems, more demanding and technical career positions are expected to be created to meet growth demands. Our universities and community colleges are rising to meet and offer the necessary curriculum. A long awaited (a decade of waiting) Property Rights Bill that protects all property owners has been passed by the House and Senate and signed into law by Governor Rick Perry. Water, tourism and educational solutions remain needed to better market our businesses and state. Cities, local school districts and counties have the opportunity to take the lead. Elections recently held in our county bring new faces to the tables of local governments. Synergy has always been strong in this county. I expect it will only reach a higher level. Do remember to vote in the three upcoming runoffs on June 11. Keep the cash registers ringing. Sharon K. Wallingford

COMING JULY 2011 ISSUE!

Fort Bend’s Top 40

NOMINATIONS ARE OPEN! We’re celebrating the Top 40 Entrepreneurs and Executives in Fort Bend County! But we need your help in determining just who they are!

Fort Bend’s

Top 40

Take a few moments to fill out the form below and email it to Kerry@FortBendStar.com

Top Enterpreneurs & Executives

UNDER 40

Results will be published in the July issue of the Fort Bend Business Journal!

NOMINEE’S NAME:___________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ADDRESS:_ __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ CITY:_______________________STATE: ________ ZIP:___________________ DATE OF BIRTH: ____________________________/_________/____________ PHONE NUMBER: (________________)________________________________ COMPANY NAME :_________________________________________________ TITLE:_____________________________________________________________

REASONS FOR NOMINATION (No more than 150 words). Please provide 4x7 headshot photo High-resolution at 300pdi and send to Kerry@FortBendStar.com.

Fort Bend travel talk By Wayne Chandler

he Port of Galveston is becoming more and more important, not only to Texans who enjoy luxury cruises, but to the major cruise lines who serve us. Disney Cruises Lines has announced its first ever Disney ship to set sail from the Lone Star State late next year, following those of the Princess, Royal Caribbean and Carnival lines into Galveston. As airfares soar due to increased fuel costs, it’s a lot more economical, as well as convenient, for cruisers to drive to this nearby port and have an outstanding selection of ships and itineraries. Disney made its announcement about six weeks ago that it will bring its 2,700-passenger ship Magic to the port, beginning September 22, 2012, for a series of 7-day trips. The local response has been tremendous, according to Disney’s marketing department. The Thanksgiving and Christmas weeklong cruises are virtually booked up already—more than 18 months in advance! Prior to Disney’s coming here in 2012, it has been a pretty expensive trip just to

get one of their ships, either in San Diego or the Port Everglades (Fort Lauderdale, Florida), or to a European port such as Rome or Barcelona. “Disney has recognized that Texas love to cruise,” said Captain John Peterlin, marketing director for the Port of Galveston, who helped negotiate Disney’s move here. Peterlin estimates that there will be more than 921,500 passengers cruise out of this port in 2011, and, with Princess Cruise Lines and Disney coming next year, “We’ll be well over a million in 2012.” There’ll be another ship named Magic in Galveston this Fall, Carnival’s spanking new 3,690- passenger ship, which will be here this Fall. Its maiden voyage was in May from Barcelona where good friend and former Houston Chronicle travel editor Harry Shattuck reports that it is “fantastic and huge.” Cruising has become a huge worldwide business, with the two major lines competing among themselves just to keep each ship at capacity, 52 weeks a year. Royal Caribbean and Carnival each have 23 ships now, with each new ship destined to be larger than the latest. Virtually every ship now carries at least

2,000 passengers. More than 13 million people boarded cruise ships last year, and 70 percent of them were American. Disney has just added its third cruise ship, the 4,000-passenger Dream, christened last April in Florida, and its twin ship, Fantasy, will be finished this December. Its only other two ships, Disney Magic (coming to Galveston) and Disney Wonder, were built in 1998. When it comes to flying, there’s a neat way to zip through Customs at Bush Intercontinental Airport without standing in a long line when coming back from overseas. You can pay $100, good for five years, for a Global Entry membership at the airport, and then, next time coming back from an out-of the country trip, you just insert your passport in one of the 10 kiosks in the Customs area of Terminal E, and you’re outta there. And more kiosks are coming. These memberships are available through U.S. Customs and Border Protection. The CBP checks your passport, fingerprints, and, if you don’t have a felony , they stamp your passport “CBP” and you’re in business. Some 13,000, of these memberships have been sold in Houston, and 75,000 have been used since 2008, according to Alma Montemayor, chief of CBP.

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June 2011 • Fort Bend Business Journal

Economic impact study shows WCJC adds $19.3 million to economy

recently released study on Wharton County Junior College’s impact on the local economy says the college added $19.3 million in net income to the economy in fiscal year 2008-09 through its spending on services and supplies. The report was conducted by Economic Modeling Specialists Inc. According to the study, WCJC creates income through the earnings of its faculty and staff, as well as through its own operating and capital expenditures. In fiscal year 2008-09, WCJC employed 322 fulltime and 219-part time faculty with an annual payroll of $21.1 million. The college’s total operating budget that year was $32.8 million – 71 percent of which was spent in the college’s service area that encompasses all of Wharton, Matagorda and Colorado Counties, the majority of

Fort Bend County and portions of Austin and Jackson counties. “The business operations of Wharton County Junior College stimulate the economy Betty McCrohan every day when our employees purchase for themselves and their families and take out loans for big ticket items like cars and homes – and that doesn’t even include the needed purchases of equipment and supplies by the college,” said WCJC President Betty McCrohan. “Of course, our greatest contribution is in the education we provide our students. We teach them tangible skills that give them the potential for higher earnings and that translates into increased productivity for businesses.” The report speaks of WCJC’s enduring contribution in providing worker training

and career enhancement opportunities to area residents. Based on historical enrollment over a 30-year period, the report credits workforce skills gained from WCJC instruction with yielding a total impact of approximately $269 million in added income in fiscal year 2008-09. Underscoring the importance of posthigh school training, the report indicates that of the almost 110,000 anticipated job openings by 2020, about 26 percent will require an education level equal to at least an associate’s degree. Another six percent of these available jobs will require some kind of certificate or vocational training. WCJC offers a wide variety of programs that lead to associate degrees and certificates. To read the complete EMSI report, visit wcjc.edu and then access the links titled About WCJC and then Economic Impact Study.

Catholic Charities receives $5,000 donation from Kroger

atholic Charities of the Archdiocese of GalvestonHouston announced the generous donation of $5,000 from Kroger Co. toward funding its Trini’s Corner Market, an innovative, self-select food pantry that provides the opportunity for lowincome individuals and families to select food specific to their dietary needs. “We greatly appreciate this donation,” said Mary Collins, Director of Outreach for the Mamie George Community Center. “This generous gift will help expand programs that support people facing numerous challenges in their efforts to become self-sufficient.” Trini’s Corner Market is located at Catholic Charities’ Mamie George Community Center. The 26,000-square-foot center located at 1111 Collins Road is a hub for Catholic Charities services in Fort Bend

County. The center provides much needed services, with an emphasis on low income residents and seniors. In addition to Trini’s Corner Market, the center features a Senior

Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston gratefully received a $5,000 donation from Kroger Co. Featured from left to right: Mary Collins, Director of Outreach, Mamie George Community Center, Ernest Lewis, Basic Needs Director, Mamie George Community Center, Mike Childs, Unit Director, Kroger Co., Patricia Garmon, Volunteer Manager, Mamie George Community Center.

Fort Bend Business Journal • June 2011

Wellness Center, Senior Social Work Services, Gracious Gifts, Learning Library, Patty’s Café, Pregnancy and Parenting Services, Immigrant Legal Services, Financial Assistance Counseling, Foster Care & Adoption. About Catholic Charities Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston provides a comprehensive network of social services aimed at promoting and facilitating self-sufficiency. Services include basic needs assistance, affordable home ownership and transitional housing programs, counseling, disaster recovery, HIV/AIDS ministry, refugee resettlement, immigrant legal services, pregnancy services, adoption and foster care, and case management for seniors. Catholic Charities serves more than 90,000 people annually throughout the Greater Houston area. Catholic Charities is a nonprofit, United Way agency. For more information please visit www.catholiccharities.org.

LoweryBank, a Division of Huntington State Bank is pleased to announce that Steve Epps has been named President of LoweryBank in Sugar Land. Mr. Epps has been with LoweryBank since it began serving its customers in January 2005 and was its first employee. Having worked in the banking industry for over 44 years, he has been active in Fort Bend County and Greater Houston as a community banker since 1979, when he relocated from Bank of Virginia in Richmond, Virginia. At that time he was recruited to assist in the opening of a de novo bank in Houston. He attended Old Dominion University and is a graduate of the Graduate School of Banking at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Prior to joining LoweryBank, he had responsibilities in the areas of commercial, consumer and private bank lending, problem loan resolution, branch bank management and business development. During that period of time, he served in various of those capacities with Texas Commerce Bank, Commonwealth Savings Association, NCNB Texas National Bank, as Agent for the Resolution Trust Corporation-Receiver for University Savings Association, Fort Bend Federal Savings Association and Southwest Bank of Texas (now Amegy Bank, N.A.). Steve has served on the boards of the Fort Bend Family YMCA, the Fort Bend Exchange Club and the Missouri City Business Alliance. He currently represents LoweryBank at the Greater Fort Bend County Economic Development Council, The Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce and as an associate member of the Fort Bend Society of Commercial Realtors. Steve and his wife, Kaye have four children and six grand-children. When not banking, he is enjoying his five-year membership in Fort Bend Fit, a Sugar Land based Marathon training group. While not a runner, he is a very fast “walker” and has completed three marathons including two New York City Marathons and numerous half-marathons. Steve invites you to stop by and meet his team of LoweryBankers at 16555 Southwest Freeway, Suite 100, Sugar Land, TX, 77479.

June 2011 • Fort Bend Business Journal

The Fort Bend County Justice Center By Elsa Maxey

ibbon cutting ceremonies on May 19th officially dedicated the new three tier Fort Bend County Justice Center in Richmond soon to be open for business. The total project cost of the building including its design and construction was $74 million. On Tuesday, July 5, many of the county’s operations will be housed at this new site on 1422 Eugene Heimann Circle. A grand opening of the facility is planned for midAugust. Here’s a special note for residents. Neither the phone/fax numbers, nor the mailing address for Fort Bend County will change. Plans call for the vacated courthouse on Jackson Street, which was established in 1909, to be restored. “This is a beautiful, well designed building, completed ahead of schedule and under budget. Once we complete the move-in I believe our citizens will be well-pleased with their new justice

center,” says Judge Bob Hebert. The new justice center took just about two years to complete. Along the way, a “Topping Out” ceremony was held less than a year ago to celebrate the structure’s completion. A live oak tree was hoisted to

Fort Bend Business Journal • June 2011

the top of the building representing the safe and successful attainment of the highest point. County official Don Brady said the new building will serve Fort Bend County residents for at least as long as the courthouse did—and that was a hundred years.

Fort Bend County Judge Bob Hebert, joined by members of the Commissioners Court and elected officials, recently snipped the ribbon signaling the completion of the new Fort Bend County Justice Center, which is being prepped for move-in and operation.

Notes of interest: 265,000 Square-Feet of Space

At the ribbon cutting ceremonies on May 19th , the new Fort Bend County Justice Center was toured by employees. Plans call for two-thirds of the county’s workforce and elected officials to move in over the July 1-4 weekend period. On July 5, the building will be open to the public for business as many of the county operations will resume their functions at the new site. (l-r) Fort Bend County Director of Facilities, Management and Planning, Don Brady, Judge Brady Elliott, and Pat and Judge Bob Hebert were among those that took a moment to tour the new building after the ribbon cutting.

• JE Dunn Construction served as the general contractor for the Justice Center project and Pierce, Goodwin, Alexander & Linville (PGAL) was the county’s design professional. • With 17 courtrooms, the Justice Center has been designed with the flexibility of phasing-in 12 additional courtrooms as they are warranted. • Office space in the new Justice Center will accommodate the following: District Clerk offices, County Clerk offices, Grand Jury Space, Bailiff area, Law Library, District Attorney offices, a new and improved Jury Assembly and a tunnel connecting the facility to the Fort Bend County Jail. • The new Justice Center features a parking garage adjacent to the building providing motorists visiting the Justice Center with parking availability. Kamal Ariss served as project manager. He has managed the planning and construction of many large national projects in his 25 years of practice. He is the Vice President of Business Development and Marketing for JE Dunn South Central Construction Company, a national commercial construction firm with local offices in Houston, Dallas and Austin. Kamal is very active in several civic and not-for-profit organizations in Harris and Fort Bend County. He is a graduate of Leadership Fort Bend County, and Leadership Excellence for Nonprofits. He has an undergraduate and graduate degree from Texas A&M University.

With the official grand opening ceremony of the new Fort Bend County Justice Center set for midAugust, county employees plan to have completed their move from the offices on Jackson Street and will have accommodated work operations in the building’s new areas. On the day of the sneak preview, (l-r) Richmond City Commissioner Gary Gillen, Precinct 1 Fort Bend County Commissioner Richard Morrison, newly elected Mayor of Rosenberg Vincent Morales, and Richmond City Commissioner Bill Dostal checked out the facility in the new 328th District Court.

Security lobby at the entrance.

Inside Fort Bend Justice Center direction signs are visible to the public.

New jury assembly room. June 2011 • Fort Bend Business Journal

Election Outcomes

Runoffs in Sugar Land / Rosenberg & School District H SUGAR LAND There will be a runoff election in Sugar Land since candidates in two of the races did not earn a majority vote. On June 11, Amy Mitchell and Howard Paul will vie for the District 3 seat and the voters will decide who will replace term limited Councilman Russell Jones. Early voting for the runoff election starts on Tuesday, May 31 and runs through the following Tuesday, June 7 at two locations. The First Colony Conference Center and Sugar Land City Hall. In the District 4 race, Harish Jajoo and Farha Ahmed will be in a runoff race in June. The winner will replace term-limited councilman Michael Schiff. Council seat winners in Sugar Land include District 1 incumbent Donald Smithers, who received more votes than his challenger Diana Miller, and will serve another term. Donald Smithers Smithers garnered 506 votes or 53 percent and Miller earned 441 votes or 47 percent. The District 2 council position to be vacated by Don Olson, who did not seek re-election, will be Bridget Yeung occupied by Bridget Yeung, who ran unopposed.

H MISSOURI CITY District A incumbent Bobby Marshall was reelected and won the post for the second time sought by Rodney Griffin. Griffin came in very close to Marshall’s total in 2009. Bobby Marshall This go-round, Marshall received 274 votes or 53 percent and Griffin

earned 241, a 33 vote difference, according to the numbers reported. Replacing council incumbent Brett Kolaja, who did not seek re-election, Floyd Emery won the District D council seat against Noel Pinnock. Emery earned 923 votes or 72 percent and Pinnock 367 votes or 28 percent. District B Councilman Don Smith and District C Councilman Robin, who did not draw opponents were declared winners prior to the election.

There will be a runoff election in this city this June for the Position 1 seat between William T. “Bill” Benton and James Urbish.

Vicent Morales

Cynthia McConathy Joe Segura

Dwayne Grigar

Juan Salazar

H MEADOWS PLACE Two aldermen seats on the Meadows Place ballot resulted in wins for Place 4 incumbent Terry Henley, who ran unopposed, and John Whiteman, who received 263 votes and will be replacing Place 5 incumbent Rick Staigle, who received 211 votes.

Terry Henley

John Whiteman

H ROSENBERG Vincent Morales was elected Mayor of the City of Rosenberg. Morales ran against a formidable candidate, Susan Euton, a Position 1 at large city council incumbent since 2009. Euton received 755 votes or 44 percent compared to Morales’ 962 votes or 56 percent of the vote. Morales will be replacing Mayor Joe Gurecky and is scheduled to be sworn in on June 7. Other Rosenberg results include wins by Cynthia McConathy for the At-Large Position 2, and incumbents Joe Segura of District 2, and Dwayne Grigar of District 3; incumbents Juan Salazar of District 1 and Tom Suter of District 4 ran opposed and were elected to office.

Fort Bend Business Journal • June 2011

Tom Suter

H FBISD The Fort Bend Independent School District’s results show Position 1 incumbent, Susan Hohnbaum, keeping her seat; she ran against Wade Watassek. Another incumbent , Position 4 Trustee Daniel Menendez, will be replaced by the winner of the trustee seat, Bruce Albright. Rodrigo Carreon and Kevin Daniels. Position 5 seat, vacated by incumbent Laurie Caldwell, will go to Patsy Taylor. She won against Jonita Reynolds by only 52 votes.

Susan Hohnbaum

Bruce Albright

Patsy Taylor

H LCISD The Lamar Consolidated Independent School District Board of Trustees will see one incumbent coming back and two new ones sitting on the board. District 4 incumbent Julie Thompson won against Jamie Dozier by a wide margin.

Replacing incumbent Jack Christiana, who did not seek re-election for the District 5 board seat, is Dar Hakimzadeh. Rhonda Zacharias will be the new trustee for District 7. She earned the majority votes over incumbent Richard McCarter and Gary Gates, Jr.

Dar Hakimzabeh

Julie Thompson

Rhonda Zacharia

H SMSD Stafford Municipal School District trustees Rodney Butler and Cindy Hoelscher were reelected for another three more years. Arturo Jackson also ran for office and garnered 30 percent of the votes.

Rodney Butler

Cindy Hoelscher

Rosenberg celebrates completion of Bamore Road Improvement Project Phase II

he City of Rosenberg held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the newly-completed section of Bamore Road in May. Members of the Rosenberg City Council, along with members of the project team and representatives from the construction and engineering firms, were on hand to celebrate the completion of the second phase of improvements to Bamore Road which began in June of 2010. Phase II of the Bamore Road Improvement Project included widening and drainage improvements from Bernard Avenue to just north of Southgate Drive. The completed roadway is now three lanes with a designated center turn lane and curb and gutter. Concrete sidewalks were constructed down the east side of the roadway, and the section of Bamore Road in front of Bowie Elementary School

includes sidewalks on both sides of the road for improved pedestrian access. The City hopes to begin design on Phase III of the project, with improvements from Southgate Drive to Avenue K, in 2012. The project was funded by City of Rosenberg 2006 Bond Funds, and Fort Bend County 2007 Mobility Bond Funds. The project engineer was IDC, Inc. and the contractor was Gonzalez Construction. City of Rosenberg Project Director, Melissa Peña, commended residents and the Lamar Consolidated Independent School District for their cooperation, stating, “This would not have been possible without the flexibility and patience of the neighborhood surrounding the project. Working together, we have been able to successfully complete this important infrastructure improvement project for the benefit of all Rosenberg residents.”

Sugar Land Charter Amendments Not all Sugar Land’s proposed charter amendment changes were approved by voters. Two of them, propositions 3 and 6 relating to reducing the number of voters to call a vote in a referendum to 10 percent and reducing the number of voters to require a council member or mayor recall to 20 percent, respectively, failed. Bond Referendums - Fort Bend WCID No. 2 and Stafford MSD The Fort Bend County Water Control & Improvement District No. 2 bond referendum passed as did all four SMSD bond propositions. For complete results of the May 14 Election, check the Fort Bend County’s website for Elections Administration’s Cumulative Report.

(L to R): Melissa Peña - Project Director, Councilor Joe Segura, Councilor Tom Suter, Larry Janak – IDC, Mayor Joe Gurecky, Jack Hamlett – City Manager, Councilor Dwayne Grigar, Javier Gonzalez – Gonzalez Construction, Councilor Juan Salazar, Maria Gonzalez – Gonzalez Construction, Carl Simpson – IDC, John Maresh – Assistant City Manager, Councilor Susan Euton, Mayor-Elect Vincent Morales, and Pete Cavazos – Gonzalez Construction.

June 2011 • Fort Bend Business Journal

Hurricane Preparedness Caring for elderly in a storm

very year the weather experts around the country predict how many hurricanes the season will produce. However, at Fort Bend Seniors Meals on Wheels’ recent Hurricane Preparedness Day, speakers from different organizations spoke on being prepared and caring for the elderly in the county. David Vasquez, chairman of the board of directors for the organization, served as the emcee. Meteorolist Dan Reilly of the National Weather Service noted from the podium it does not matter how many hurricanes are forecasted, because it only takes one. “This year, forecasts predict above average number of storms, but it only takes one. In 1983 there were only four named storms, but one of those storms was Allison, which dumped three feet of rain on the area,” Reilly said. In its 28th year of issuing predictions, the Colorado State University forecast team has predicted an above-average 2011 Atlantic basin hurricane season with 16 named storms forming in the Atlantic basin between June 1 and November 30. Nine of those are expected to turn into hurricanes with five developing into major hurricanes, those with sustained winds of 111 mph or greater. The active season is based on current La Nina conditions that are expected to transition to near-neutral conditions during the heart of the hurricane season. According to Reilly, “Now is the time to

Dan Rielly, National Weather Services spokesperson, at Fort Bend Seniors Meals on Wheels Hurricane Preparedness day; Dan Reilly, National Weather Service with David Vasquez-chairman of the board of directors Fort Bend Seniors Meals on Wheels.

start preparing, by collecting non-perishable goods. “Don’t wait for a storm because store shelves will be cleared by then. Also, be sure to visit our website for a preparation guide and additional helpful information. The website is www.nhc.noaa.gov” he said. Shauna Evans of Fort Bend County’s Emergency Management asked all residents to visit the website www.enablefortbend.com. “On the website there is a survey which will assist Fort Bend County departments, such as the Office of Emergency Management and Health & Human Services, plan how to assist people with special needs, such as the elderly, in the

Fort Bend Business Journal • June 2011

county during an emergency or natural disaster. Caregivers are invited to complete the survey for those in their care,” Evans said. This survey however, is not a request for hurricane evacuation transportation, since Fort Bend County is not an evacuation county. However, if severe weather is anticipated, some people may need to be moved to a safer place or people with special needs may require assistance due to power outages, medications or medical support. “This survey will help us identify people who may need assistance during an emergency and assist us in planning for such an event,” Evans said. Randy Prior, CenterPoint manager for

Fort Bend County, noted that CenterPoint is conducting mock drills to prepare for the 2011 hurricane season. “If a storm comes we will deploy our resources and we also have the option to bring in resources from around the country. During Hurricane Ike we brought in 10,000 resources for electrical restoration. Every storm is different, such as Ike was mainly a wind storm, others might be wind and rain or just rain,” Prior said. Prior added that CenterPoint suggests people prepare for two weeks without electricity. “It is also important to unplug appliances and to turn off the main breaker to your home,” Prior said. If a storm does hit, for those who have access to the website, residents can track by zip code the day their power will be restored. That website is, www.centerpointenergy.com. The Red Cross’ representative Caroline Egan, who serves as program coordinator of Emergency Services, recommends Red Cross’

three easy steps to prepare for hurricane season: get a kit, make a plan and be informed. “A kit would consist of prescriptions needed by the family, change of clothes, nonperishable food, manual can opener, favorite bedding, sanitation items such as soap, garbage bags, personal items, water, glasses, hearing aids, flashlights, batteries, battery operated radio, and other emergency supplies,” Egan said. Yet, she added, do not rush out and buy everything today, but when you are at the store, pick-up one or two items. Build your kit a little by little. “Also, make a plan. For example, have the phone number of someone that all family members can call and check in with. Have a place to meet, such as the mail boxes at the end of the street. Also, if evacuation is necessary, make a plan for your pets and a plan of where to go. Caregivers make a plan for those you care for today and do not take it for granted that if there is a storm you will

have all plans ironed out then,” Egan said. If increment weather hits Fort Bend County, Fort Bend Seniors Meals on Wheels will arrange evacuation for elderly shut-ins or any on their programs, if needed. “Usually, in Fort Bend County, we are asked to hunker down, so our organization is collecting hurricane supplies for shut-in seniors and we are asking for the community’s help. Any items your family would need during a hurricane would be needed by a senior citizen shut-in,” Manuela Arroyos, CEO, Fort Bend Seniors Meals on Wheels said. Also, Fort Bend Seniors Meals on Wheels is in the process of delivering five shelf-stable meals and water to each of the 700+ shut-in seniors in case of a hurricane. “Yet, during a hurricane, as you know, it takes more than food and water, it takes flashlights, batteries, pet food and other items, so we hope the community will help support this Hurricane Preparedness Drive,” Arroyos said.

Improving job numbers

Unemployment falls to 7.4 percent in Fort Bend County By Elsa Maxey

n the latest Texas Workforce Commission report, the local area’s unemployment rate in April dropped to 8 percent for the Houston-Sugar Land-Baytown metropolitan statistical area. The previous month, the unemployment rate was 8.3 percent, meaning that there were 13,600 more jobs in April in this area, which includes Houston. Extrapolating Fort Bend County from the statistical grouping, the state agency reports that the unemployment rate fell from 7.8 percent in March to 7.4 percent in April. The number of new jobs added in Fort Bend County in April over the previous month was 1,025. Latest state figures show that there are a total of 262,958 persons currently working in Fort Bend County as compared to 259,683 during the same time last year. Unemployment rates in April for the larger cities in Fort Bend County show Sugar Land at 6 percent, Missouri City at 7.3 percent, and Rosenberg at 7.5 percent. For

the same month, neighboring Houston is at 7.7 percent. Statewide, the unemployment rate for April is 8 percent, down from 8.1 percent in March. Although it is just a slight improvement, it represents a decline in the number of those without jobs and the third consecutive month that the rate has dropped, according to state data. The state’s unemployment rate for April is below the 9 percent national jobless rate, and Texas Workforce Commission Chairman Tom Pauken said that employers statewide added 32,900 jobs in April. He said this makes the seventh consecutive month of increases in employment in the state and last year, annual job growth accounted for 254,400 more jobs in Texas. The lowest unemployment rate in Texas is in the Midland area, which reports April figures of 4.4 percent. The Amarillo metropolitan statistic area had the second lowest unemployment rate at 5.2 percent followed by College Station-Bryan at 5.7 percent. Brownsville-Harlingen had the

highest rate at 11.5 percent. According to business sources in the state, the Texas economy continues to outperform the U.S. economy. Overall, the jobless rate nation-wide has fallen in most states for the month of April. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that unemployment rates are down in 39 states in April as compared to the previous month. There were increases in only three states and the District of Columbia. In 46 states, the unemployment rates this past April were lower than the same time in the previous year. Nevada still has the highest unemployment rate at 12.5 percent and is followed by California at 11.9 percent. The lowest unemployment rates are in North Dakota at 3.3 percent, Nebraska at 4.2 percent, and South Dakota at 4.9 percent. Labor Department figures also show five states in April with the largest job increases in employment - New York, 45,700; Texas, 32,900; Pennsylvania, 23,700; Massachusetts, 19,500; and Florida, 14,900. Texas, however, ranks first nationally for the largest annual job growth adding those 254,400 jobs.

June 2011 • Fort Bend Business Journal

Methodist Sugar Land Hospital celebrates expansion of Breast Center

ethodist Sugar Land Hospital continues their legacy of Leading Medicine by expanding the Breast Center to provide complete care for patients – from screening and diagnosis to survival – all in one comfortable, convenient location. In response to the increasing demand for our services, the Breast Center recently moved to its new location off Town Center Blvd, still on the Methodist Sugar Land Hospital Campus. The larger space features a warm, comforting ambiance and more comfortable, spa-like furnishings to put patients at ease. To celebrate the new expansion of the Methodist Sugar Land Hospital Breast Center, the Fort Bend Community, Fort Bend Junior Service League and Central Fort Bend Chamber Alliance members joined Methodist Sugar Land Hospital’s staff and physicians in an open-house. Over 300 guests attended the event and had a chance to tour the Breast Center, meet the physicians and hear about the expanded services now available in the Breast Center. “It was great to see so many community members and business leaders at the event. I now hope that those who attended can spread the news that this Breast Center is right in their community and offers everything from dedicated, highly trained breast radiologists, the latest technology and a focus on personal, compassionate care all in one convenient place,” said Sandra Templeton, M.D., board-certified surgeon specializing in breast surgeries and on staff at Methodist Sugar Land Hospital. Since opening our doors on August 1, 2009, the Breast Center rapidly outgrew its original facility. “We are meeting a very real need in the community,” says Stephen Phillips, M.D., board-certified breast radiologist. “The center is staffed by a multi-disciplinary team of breast care specialists, working together to provide the

Tracy Boone, Heidi Trento, Teresa Lindamood, Lisa Lewis Smith, Jennifer Simoneaux, Sammie Durden, Kiri Seliger, Chasity Norris, Chitra Vigneswaran.

Laura Taylor, FBJSL; Janet Leatherwood, CNO; Chris Siebenaler, CEO; Stephen Phillips, M.D., Breast Radiologist; Lowell Stanton, CFO; Brigit Engleman, FBJSL and Cari Middaugh, FBJSL.

most comprehensive care possible in one convenient location. That is a combination that is difficult to beat and one our community is taking advantage of and using.” Our full-time breast radiologists are exclusively dedicated to breast care and read every image taken in the Breast Center and perform procedures with the use of state-ofthe-art technology. Having this full-service expertise available to patients everyday is unique to Methodist Sugar Land Hospital.

Fort Bend Business Journal • June 2011

When choosing a Breast Center to meet your needs, it does make a difference where you go. Patients who choose the Breast Center at Methodist Sugar Land Hospital can undergo a mammogram and, if necessary, an ultrasound or MRI often on the same day. In addition, all biopsies are sent to our on-site pathology department. “We are providing the continued on page 24

FORT BEND Charlie’s Back! Fort Bend County Commissioner Patterson and Raymond Franks.

James

Charlie Myer, who headed the YMCAs in Missouri City and Richmond, is the Regional Advancement Officer of the YMCA of Greater Houston - West Group YMCAs. He’s returned to this area from Irvine, California, where he held a management position. In a recent welcoming event, former and current board YMCA members met with Myer and will be picking-up, so to speak, where they left off as they continue their working relationship with him.

Burke Randolph--immediate past Fort Bend YMCA, Mike Flory, Marshall Whichard and Gladys Brumfield--Fort Bend YMCA Center executive.

Joan Vogan, Charlie Myer and his wife, Elizabeth.

Cee Cee Parker, Bill & Linda Griffin and Elizabeth Myer.

Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce Grand Wine and Food Affair - TOTALLY GRAND!

John Bowen, Dean of the Hilton College of the University of Houston, is with his wife, Toni, accompanied by a “grape,” UH students Roxy Gomez and Christy Tamez as they all join in the fun and food tasting experiences of the Fort Bend Chamber organized Grand Wine and Food Affair, which closed with a Sugar Land event at Town Square.

The tasting was grand at this year’s event at the Sugar Land Marriott Town Square held on April 30. In the ballroom many “foodies” sampled culinary treats and tasty wines as did (l-r) Jason and Diane Kelly, Lisa Cox and Jim Browne, who got the inside scoop from Houstonian Hotel Executive Chef Neal Cox.

Becky Kolaja along with husband and Missouri City Mayor Pro Temp join Frances Chenne and Laura Luckenback this past Sunday at the Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce’s organized Bistro Brunch at Town Square, the closing event of the Grand Wine and Food Affair.

Sombrero guy David Kachadourian pops an unlit cigar into his mouth, perhaps making a statement, and is joined by wife Charise and Brad Montgomery at the Bistro Brunch this past Sunday at the Sugar Land Town Square.

Kim Brooks, Katy Feehery of the Sugar Land Marriott, Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce chief Keri Schmidt and Celia Olson are among those enjoying the fun at Bistro Brunch this past Sunday at Town Square.

BIG SHOTS

COVER STORY

OakBend Medical Center, Family Focused Care in Fort Bend OakBend Medical Center has become a cornerstone of family health in Fort Bend County and a model for healthcare delivery with a prevention-driven focus.

pening with just 57 beds in 1950, the OakBend Medical Center and its community based OakBend Medical Group physicians today consist of an experienced medical team with a broad reach throughout West Fort Bend, a comprehensive 133,000 square foot acute care facility, a new emergency center, two convenient community campuses and 5 medical group physician offices, with two more opening in 2011. Offering a full spectrum of women’s services, an award-winning Stroke Program, Cardiovascular Care and Wound Care programs, the only accredited Cancer Center and Senior Care facility, OakBend has become a life long health partner to Fort Bend families. Providing innovative new technology and the latest in screening, diagnostics and treatments directed by board-certified and surgical specialists offer a level of care for which the Texas Medical Center is renowned right here in Fort Bend County. OakBend Medical Center has for the second year in a row received the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association’s Get with the Guidelines® Stroke Gold Plus Performance Achievement Award. OakBend Medical center is among the first in the area to offer a minimally invasive laser ablation procedure, designed to

eliminate artery blockages and restore blood flow in the legs - the first ever FDA-cleared laser procedure for peripheral artery disease (PAD). And providing the latest in Otolaryngology, OakBend is the first to offer the less invasive endoscopic Balloon Sinuplasty with new, Acclarent technology. Recently, OakBend physicians, certified fitness trainers and nutritionists have collaborated to promote a healthier lifestyle through opening, Lifestyles, a unique fitness center/program, located at 1601 Main Street, Suite 602 in Richmond.

Women’s Services at OakBend The individualized Women’s Services program at OakBend Medical Center is designed to provide a warm and welcoming environment for patients. The birthing suites are designed with the comforts of a woman’s home in mind and include spa-like bathrooms, flat screen televisions, living area and comfortable overnight accommodations for fathers-to-be. The program features a top-rated birthing center with custom suites and an onsite Level II Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). The professional staff of nurses and neonatal specialists provide a full-service nursery in close proximity to the onsite NICU. At the Jackson Street campus Women’s Imaging services provides the same comfortable environment, while promoting

Fort Bend Business Journal • June 2011

the latest procedures for breast screening and other diagnosis, including: • Screening & Diagnostic Mammography • Breast and other Ultrasound • Ultrasound and Stereotactic Guided Biopsy • Breast Specific Gamma Imaging (BSGI) • Bone Density Scanning The Women’s Services program is staffed with professionals who understand the multifaceted life of women and the role stress plays in sustaining good health. Resources are available to help women manage their stress, health challenges and overall well-being.

Award Winning Stroke Center The only designated primary stroke center in Fort Bend County, OakBend Medical Center’s Stroke program was for the second year in a row, awarded the Gold Plus Performance Achievement Award. Offering the most advanced diagnostic services and minimally invasive procedures for some of today’s common as well as complex cardiovascular conditions, OakBend Medical Center provides an expansive scope of services directed by cardiovascular specialists and board-certified cardiologists and neurologists with decades of experience. As a recognized Gold Plus Performance

Joe Freudenberger

Dr. Amitabh Shukla

OakBend Medical Center Chief Executive Officer

Board Certified in Neurology, Electromygraphy, Sleep Medicine and Vascular Neurology

Achievement Award Hospital, OakBend Medical Center is recognized by the American Heart Association and American Stroke Association for achieving 85 percent or higher adherence to all Get with the Guidelines® Stroke Performance Achievement indicators for consecutive 12 month intervals and 75 percent or higher compliance with six of 10 Get with the Guidelines® Stroke Quality Measures to improve quality of patient care and outcomes. According to OakBend Medical Center Chief Executive Officer Joe Freudenberger, the award reaffirms the commitment that OakBend has made to Fort Bend County and serves as a standard for the level of care the organization brings to the community. “To be recognized by the American Heart Association and the American Stroke Association is an honor. This achievement is indicative of the goals we set for OakBend and the standard of care we are committed to offering families in our community,” said Freudenberger. According to Dr. Amitabh Shukla, board

certified in Neurology, Electromyography, Sleep Medicine and Vascular Neurology, not only is a stroke devastating for the individual, but it also creates a vulnerability in the family and on society. “Caring for a stroke patient can deteriorate the health of family members as well as pose an economic challenge on a broader scale - as only 10 percent of stroke patients will fully return to work. Nearly 60 percent are left with some form of disability. The economic impact of stroke is far reaching,” said Shukla. Underscoring lifestyle choices that can reduce stroke risk, OakBend stroke team staff members also work to educate the public on the importance of recognizing signs of a stroke as early as possible. As a Joint Commission Primary Strokecertified hospital, stroke patients seen within the first four and a half hours at OakBend

may receive an advanced new medication known as intravenous tissue plasminogen activator (tPA), which is dramatically improving patient outcomes. OakBend recently held a stroke awareness event to educate the public on early signs of stroke and to provide educational seminars on preventative steps that families can take to reduce their risks for many of the cardiovascular conditions seen today. The diagnostic tools and treatments available at OakBend include; stress echocardiogram, carotid ultrasound, carotid stent replacement, nuclear cardiology, coronary artery (CT) scans and coronary artery bypass, diagnostic heart catheterization, automatic implantable cardioverter defibrillator (AICD) and aneurysm repair.

continued on page 22

OakBend Medical Center offers the region’s premier hospitalbased air ambulance services through PHI Air Medical

continued from page 21

Wound Care Affecting approximately 5-7 million Americans each year, chronic wounds can dramatically impact quality of life. Identifying the underlying cause of chronic wounds is an essential part of successful treatment. The Wound Care center at OakBend has expanded to offer wound care specialists and the latest treatments in wound care - addressing the underlying cause and contributors that are preventing a more rapid healing. From venous, diabetic, pressure and burn wounds to arterial, cancerous, traumatic and surgical wounds, the OakBend wound care specialists and health advisors work to create a plan with the overall body in mind - assessing nutrition, exercise habits, contributing lifestyle, behavioral and environmental factors and existing diseases and conditions. Many factors may prevent a wound from healing and cause it to become chronic; diabetes, poor circulation, advanced age, immune suppression, neuropathy, and infection. Weight, poor nutrition and poor habits such as smoking can also interfere with the healing process. OakBend Medical Center offers a specialized wound care team that first carefully assesses health history and contributing factors, to form an individualized plan of care for each person. Among the advanced chronic wound treatments available at OakBend is the Hyperbaric Oxygen Treatment, which increases oxygen delivery to the damaged tissue to promote more rapid healing. The Hyperbaric Oxygen Treatment also encourages blood vessel formation, preserves damaged tissue and eliminates toxic substances from the wound. Other wound care treatment at OakBend includes Wound Debridement, special Wound Dressings, and Blood and Vascular Testing.

Grand Parkway Grand Opening – OakBend Medical Center Board Member cut the ribbon on the Emergency Room Department located at the Grand Parkway and West Bellfort with representatives from both the Central Fort Bend Chamber Alliance and the Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce.

While delivering advanced wound care, the comfort and needs of each patient remains the primary focus of the wound care team.

Otolaryngology OakBend Medical Center is also expanding its scope of services in otolaryngology - now offering the new lessinvasive and pain-free Balloon Sinuplasty™ (Acclarent) procedure for chronic sinusitis. The procedure provides permanent relief to sinus sufferers without the harsh intervention, bleeding, painful nasal packing, and the lengthy recovery time associated with traditional sinus surgery. According to Dr. David Sycamore, who specializes in otolaryngology at OakBend, this new low risk, outpatient procedure is generally safe for most adults as well as children. It entails the insertion of a small flexible balloon catheter through a nostril and into the blocked sinus passageway. The balloon is then inflated with liquid to dilate the small drainage ports from the sinuses and gently restructure and open the sinus passageway. This inflation under pressure assists the release of blockages without the need for removal of tissue or bone - decreasing recurring risk of inflammation and infection.

“The procedure lasts approximately one hour with very little downtime and is providing permanent relief for most patients. Patients are able to return to their daily activities in just a few days,” said Sycamore. This latest technology is far less invasive than conventional sinus surgery and removes the harsh aspects that have for so long created fear and apprehension among chronic sinus sufferers contemplating surgery “Today, there is no reason a patient should continue to suffer. In just an hour’s time, we can dramatically improve their quality of life,” added Sycamore. OakBend Medical Center continues to grow with the community, improving accessibility while meeting the changing needs of a changing society. Partnering with community organizations to expand education and preventative resources and screenings, OakBend provides community-based programs such as Heart Health and Wellness Fairs, Breast Cancer Support Initiatives, The Special Needs of Aging Relatives support groups, and regular Blood Drives. The mission of OakBend Medical Center is to administer with warmth and caring hand the highest standard of care and medical expertise to help patients navigate their way back to better health and implement lifelong habits for sustaining it.

OakBend Medical Center - Main Campus

OakBend Medical Center - Williams Way Campus

1705 Jackson Street, Richmond, Texas 77469 PH: 281.341-3000 • info@obmc.org

22003 Southwest Freeway, Richmond, Texas 77469 PH: 281.341.2000 • info@obmc.org

www.oakbendmedcenter.com

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Methodist Sugar Land Hospital celebrates expansion of Breast Center continued from page 18

full continuum of care – from screening all the way through surgery or radiation – all in one place. Having a dedicated center enables our physicians to communicate with one another more effectively and coordinate care more efficiently, which means the women are able to begin treatment immediately,” Phillips said. In addition to providing the only fullservice breast cancer screening and care in Fort Bend County, the Methodist Sugar Land Breast Center’s technology is second to none. The powerful whole body 3 Tesla MRI machine – typically found only in the nation’s top academic medical centers – provides state-of-the-art image resolution and features bilateral breast imaging and

computer assisted detection. “No other Fort Bend County hospital has a 3T MRI,” Phillips said. “We were very pleased to see the overwhelming support of the community at the open house. With over 300 people attending the event we were able to spread the word about the importance of mammograms and the Breast Center that is second to none. We have been Leading Medicine in Fort Bend County since 1998 and look forward to continuing on that path for years to come as we serve this great community,” said Janet Leatherwood, CNO at Methodist Sugar Land Hospital. To schedule a mammogram at the Breast Center, please call 281-242-PINK (7465). For more information on Methodist Sugar Land Hospital, visit www.MethodistSugar Land.com or call 281-274-7500 for a physician referral.

Sandra Templeton, M.D., Breast Surgeon; Gail Parker and Stephen Phillips, M.D., Breast Radiologist

Melissa Roca, Finance Director; Lowell Stanton, CFO; Marlene Gonzalez, Business Office Director and Frances Goerlich, Cancer Center Director

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Fort Bend Business Journal • June 2011

Rose-Rich Veterinary Clinic receives National Hospital Design Award

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ose-Rich Veterinary Clinic’s new facility has been named national 2011 “People’s Choice” Veterinary Hospital in the veterinary industry’s 2011 Hospital Design competition. The clinic is featured in the May 2011 issue of Veterinary Economics magazine, sponsor of the annual competition among newly-completed animal hospitals. The clinic’s new 10,000-square-foot hospital opened in the late spring of 2010 at 2203 Thompson Road in Richmond. This location has remained the same since the then-young business moved there in 1970, providing generations of Fort Bend residents with quality and affordable veterinary care. Practice owner Dr. Sharon Moore began planning the new facility in 2008, working with Austin-area veterinary architect Ralph A. Thibodeau to design a unique veterinary facility. Regional architectural influences and a courtyard-themed waiting room contribute to the distinctive appearance. Other portions of the facility are notable by their functional design, providing efficient spaces for surgery, intensive care hospitalization and treatment procedures. Animal housing areas include eight themed luxury suites with cable TV for the pets and Internet-accessible webcams for viewing by their vacationing owners. Among the elements praised by judges of the Hospital Design competition were the facility’s overall beauty—inside and out, the stunning reception area, and its innovative use of technology. General Contractor Rosenberger Construction broke ground for the facility in July 2009, which opened in April 2010. Financing for the project was provided by Amegy Bank. A virtual tour of the awardwinning facility is available at http://www.roserichvet.com/ourhospital-overview.html. The clinic is open weekdays from 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Exam appointments, surgeries, boarding and grooming are scheduled in advance. The clinic is open Saturdays from 8 a.m. to noon with no appointment necessary. Call (281) 342-3727 to make an appointment or for more information. Email clinic@roserichvet.com or Friend Us on Facebook: Rose-Rich Veterinary Clinic.

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Wages, health benefits and job safety were among topics covered

US Labor Department hosts free informational and outreach forum in Houston for employers and worker groups

ore than 120 employers and advocacy groups in the Houston area recently participated in the U.S. Department of Labor’s informational and outreach forum to learn more about wages, health benefits, job safety, affirmative action and veterans’ re-employment rights. The free event took place at Rice University. “The Labor Department is committed to providing information consistent with our compliance assistance program,” said Melissa Speer, regional director for the Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs in Dallas. “We are hopeful that this outreach effort has increased awareness about employer responsibilities and provided workers with knowledge of their rights, as well.” The following Labor Department

agencies and offices offered free workshops on these topics: The Wage and Hour Division offered compliance assistance on the Fair Labor Standards Act. The FLSA establishes minimum wage, overtime pay, recordkeeping and child labor standards. The presentation covered an employer’s requirements under the FLSA, with an emphasis on the employment relationship and hours worked. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration provided an overview of the OSHA inspection process, including why a company may be inspected and the process that takes place before, during and after the inspection, as well as record-keeping rules. The Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs covered fundamental “best practices” that help contractors avoid

major technical and discrimination violations, including examples from real cases and instructions for investigating essential aspects of an equal opportunity program. The Veterans’ Employment and Training Service provided an understanding of employer responsibilities under the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act, which guarantees re-employment for veterans, including reservists, guardsmen and returning active duty personnel. The Women’s Bureau articulated its four top issues – equal pay; higher paying jobs for women in green, non-traditional and sciencetechnology-engineering-math occupations; women veterans who are experiencing homelessness; and workplace flexibility – and addressed how the agency and administration are addressing these priorities.

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Texas Business Alliance (TBA) conference coming to Sugar Land

exas Business Alliance (TBA), a nonprofit, membershipdriven leader of small business advocacy, development and promotion, announced a city and venue change for its One Woman National Business Conference® (One ® Woman ). The conference held for the past two years at the Omni Houston Hotel will in 2011 be held in Fort Bend County at the Sugar Land Marriott Town Square, 16090 City Walk, Sugar Land, on Friday and Saturday, August 19-20. One Woman® is a two-day business development conference for business owners and corporate personnel. The honorable Sugar Land Council Member Jacqueline Baly Chaumette is this year’s honorary chairwoman and journalist Lisa Ling will serve as the keynote speaker for the conference. “Fort Bend County is one the largest counties in Texas with a growing population of women business owners,” said TBA Founder and CEO Jeffrey L. Boney. “TBA is a statewide organization and our intention is to bring quality programming like the One Woman® to cities across the state. The conference capitalizes on Texas’ innate ability to attract women entrepreneurs whose economic impact represents billons of local dollars annually. TBA, through its programs and promotional infrastructure, reinvests in its local economy by supporting small businesses ranging from construction, energy, oil and gas, hospitality, transportation and manufacturing to visual design and information technology. “ At One Woman® women in business (and men) hear from top presenters regarding the latest industry trends and business growth strategies. Attendees build business contacts and establish relationships with decision makers who listen to their business value proposition for potential contracting opportunities. Corporate personnel, specifically supplier diversity officers, will learn how to better serve the small business community and meet new potential suppliers through a new tract of workshops and “Track Meet” with the seasoned business owner track of participants. Co-chairing the 2011 conference is Susan M. Repka, executive director, Women’s Business Enterprise Association and Christal M. Jackson, founder, Jackson & Associates Group LLC. “We invite women in business to join a network of women who have formed an alliance making One Woman® more than a conference, but a movement of like-minded business owners,” shared Repka and Jackson. Anchoring the conference is a large tradeshow where exhibitors come to sell, demonstrate and share their products, services and book projects. A Youth Explosion program for youth entrepreneurs also will be held during One Woman®. One Woman® will offer two tracks of development courses for small business owners representing start-ups and large small

businesses. TBA targets small businesses as defined by the Small Business Administration as independently owned and operated, organized for profit, and has annual revenues up to $21.5 million. Registration for One Woman® is continuing. For more information, please contact Texas Business Alliance at 713.738.7578. TBA is a member-driven, solutions oriented, 501(c)(6) nonprofit organization, with a mission to equip minority- and women-owned businesses to be qualified suppliers, ready to compete for public, private and international opportunities through progressive development, and specialized training. Its vision is to strengthen the Texas economy and spur job creation by expanding minority- and women-owned businesses, and encouraging youth entrepreneurship. Chapter organizations are being pursued in Dallas/Ft. Worth, San Antonio, Austin and El Paso. Visit www.texasbusinessalliance.org for more details.

June 2011 • Fort Bend Business Journal

Enemy aircraft plane spotter Peggy Duggan’s patriotic role as Girl Scout By Elsa Maxey

eggy Duggan, a first lady of Sugar Land married to former Mayor Lee Duggan, calls Fort Bend her home. But she has fond memories of growing up in Angleton in neighboring Brazoria county. That’s where she first joined the Girl Scouts and did what many consider one of the most patriotic duties as a member of this service group: She served as an observer, an enemy aircraft spotter for the United States Air Force during World War II. Life changed dramatically for everyone in America who stayed home during the war and Duggan experienced this during part of her adolescence. She has memorabilia to share, like ration

Peggy Duggan

Stamps for buying gasoline

coupon books with stamps to purchase fuel, sugar, meat, butter, shoes and other items. Rationing limited what one could buy. Here at home, people were asked and sometimes ordered to endure hardships so that food and material would be available for the armed forces fighting in the war. As such, those back home also served their country during the war as citizens were encouraged to be the backbone of support on the home front. Girl Scouts were very much a part of this support.

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Wings pinned to jacket

Fort Bend Business Journal • June 2011

Duggan, who was 12 years at the time, served her country loyally, and at the time probably did not realize the magnitude of significance this had on the war effort. Her father, E.L. “Jack” Boston, a bank president, was Brazoria County’s war bond chairman, and no doubt inspirational about duty to one’s country. Duggan recalls how the county raised $79,900 and purchased a B-17 Flying Fortress, a Boeing military aircraft used for combat missions during the war. The county also went on to raise an additional $332,000 in war bonds to have more aircraft purchased with their support, boasting having raised more money than any other county. Duggan attended the war bond rallies and said her dad would make it a point to invite a soldier that had returned from the war noting that one of the participating veterans went on to earn recognition for his character featured in the “Battle of Midway” movie. During the time that Duggan underwent the special program on aviation, called Mariner Girl Scouts, she was trained by officers stationed at Ellington Air Force Base. It took special training that had to do with recognizing airplane markings and their silhouettes. “Japanese planes, German and American planes, we had to take a test to earn our wings,” said Duggan, who underwent the program with about five other Girl Scouts. The wings were awarded upon the completion of an intensive course study for a task involving tremendous accountability and responsibility, and it took about a month, she said. Then came the application of what she had been trained to do. Duggan recalls going to a tower that was built in the community “one block from home.” “Army Flash, Red Flash,” she calls out recalling the names for the type of aircraft spottings. “We even saw an AT 6 training plane.” This is the information she passed

on as she notified officers at Ellington Field of the planes she spotted and the time of day. Duggan recalls there being shift duty where the Girl Scouts each took their turn for their watch as they scouted for enemy aircraft. “We heard that a German submarine was spotted in the Gulf in Galveston,” with full capabilities, she said. She also recalls black out drills, when all the lights in the community had to be turned out. She was in church one of those times. Peggy Duggan, who stayed involved in Girl Scouting until the end of her high school senior year, was a skillful scout, especially during World War II, when Girl Scouts also collected scrap iron and helped grow Victory Gardens in their backyards to supplement their food supply. As an adult she continued her service to scouting. She was a Girl Scout troop leader and has two daughters who also became Girl Scouts. During the 50th anniversary of the Girl Scouts of San Jacinto Council, she served as the keynote speaker of their commemorative event held at the Moody Gardens in Galveston. For the occasion she wore her wings.

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“Hats Off to Katy. Stay Proactive!”

Looking back at the Great Recession: Be glad you live here! By Wayne Chandler

hat was the opening salute of Patrick Jankowski, vice president, research, of the Greater Houston Partnership (GHP), to the Katy Area Economic Development Council’s May assembly as he summarized the national economic downturn which he said started in December 2007. Patrick Jankowski Jankowski, as the numbers man since 1981 for GHP (which includes 10 counties and 125 cities in the Greater Houston area) gave a stark comparison of economic conditions in this area, compared to all the other 19 U.S. metro communities. Quick observations: • The recent recession wasn’t as bad for this area as in the ‘80s • The construction industry is the slowest to recover • Things have been improving slightly since June 2009 for most of the GHP The Greater Houston area appears to be Treasure Island,

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compared to virtually all other U.S. areas, according to a long series of power point reports which Jankowski made. Nationwide, some 8.75 million jobs were lost in this recession, with only 1.8 million recovered so far. In Greater Houston, 121,200 jobs were lost, with 65,700 recovered so far. Hardest hit: Los Angeles 519,500 jobs; Detroit 480,900; New York 389,600 and Atlanta 223,700. Least affected: Washington D.C. and Baltimore each lost fewer than 100,000 jobs. Months in this national recession: Houston 15, Boston 16, Washington D.C. 21, Chicago 23, New York 24, Los Angeles 42, and Detroit, off the chart. Under Depth of the Recession , in percentage of jobs lost, D.C. fared best at 3.2 %, Boston 4.3, Boston and New York 4.3, and Houston 4.6. Other areas: Dallas 5.2 %, LA 9.6, Miami 10.2, Phoenix 12.8 and Riverside, CA 13.5. Detroit was excluded. Houston was one of only three of the 20 largest U.S. metro areas to show a gain in Gross Domestic Product during ’07-09. San Francisco had a 3.8 percent gain, Washington D.C 2.3 and Houston 0.5. All others had a decline, ranging from 0.4 decline in Seattle to Riverside, CA, at 8.1, and Detroit at 13. Houston was second only to Dallas in having the lowest decline in home values. Dallas’ decline was 1.3 percent and Houston 1.6 percent. Biggest decline in home values: LA at 28.5 %, San Diego 28.8, Detroit 34.4, Tampa 34.6, Miami 39.9, Riverside 44, and Phoenix 48.1. Comparing recessions, Jankowski’s figures showed that from March ’82 to March ’87, the area lost 33,208 jobs, or 45 percent. But from October ’08 to January ’10 the job loss was 15,000, or about 16.3 percent. Jankowski attributes much of the local positive forces to a strong work ethic. How many people agree with the statement, “If you work hard in this area eventually you will succeed? “ His charts showed that 80 per cent or more of the Greater Houston workforce, since 1997, has believed this statement. He noted that a recent Rasmussen Poll showed that, nationally, 58 percent don’t think that a good work ethic will pay off, and another 16 percent aren’t sure. In summary he said: • Output for the national economy has recovered but employment still lags • This area fared better than most of the others • Area jobs and output is exceeding national figures • The local future indicates long-term growth and prosperity. Jankowsl noted that there are more than 3,000 companies in this area with international ties, including 62 of the 100 largest foreign companies in the world. He said that 120 foreign corporations have come here or expanded operations here since 2008. There are 94 consulates. All of these figures bode well for the local area.

US Department of Labor’s OSHA launches national survey on employers’ safety and health practices to help guide future rules, compliance, outreach

he U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration has launched a survey of private sector employers as a tool toward better designing future rules, compliance assistance and outreach efforts. As many as 19,000 employers nationwide will receive the Baseline Survey of Safety and Health Practices, which asks questions about workplace safety and health management practices. The survey will be sent to private sector employers of all sizes and across all industries under OSHA’s jurisdiction. Questions include whether respondents already have a safety management system, whether they perform annual inspections, who manages safety at their establishments and what kinds of hazards they encounter at their facilities.

Participation in the survey is voluntary. The survey is accompanied by a cover letter from Assistant Secretary of Labor for OSHA Dr. David Michaels. Contact information for OSHA and its contractor, Eastern Research Group, is included for respondents who have questions about the survey. They will receive a paper copy of the survey that can be filled out and returned to ERG and the option to complete it online. Only those who receive a paper copy of the survey will be able to complete the online version. The agency expects the data collection phase to be completed by August. ERG will provide the results – which will be anonymous and cannot be used for enforcement – to OSHA. OSHA published a notice of its intent to conduct the survey in the Federal Register on Aug. 12, 2010. Following a 60-day

comment period, as required by the Regulatory Flexibility Act, OSHA published a second Federal Register notice for comments on Nov. 3, 2010, and received clearance from the Office of Management and Budget to conduct the survey. A pre-test with a sample of employers was conducted in April 2011. For more information about the survey and to view a copy, visit http://www.osha. gov/national-survey/national-surveyannouncementbaseline-survey.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.

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Port Commission approves formation of task forces

Port Authority maintains growth in all cargo commodities

he Port Commission of the Port of Houston Authority approved formation of Port Commission task forces and two separate memoranda of friendship and trade cooperation between the Port Authority and two ports in Mexico. The Port Authority also approved a memorandum of agreement with the Houston-Galveston Council, to participate in the Sustainable Communities Regional Planning Grant Program Consortium, among several matters approved during the May 24 meeting. Also at the meeting, Port Commissioners unanimously tabled a special agenda item for consideration of and possible action regarding the employment of Alec G. Dreyer, Chief Executive Officer. In his monthly report, Dreyer said April continued the strong growth seen in all commodity categories. “Steel is booming, with tonnage up 31 percent over last year. Year-to-date steel volumes are 1.1 million tons, ahead of last year by 69 percent,” he said. Primarily driven by the strong TEU volume gains in March and April, container revenue was up 31 percent for April and is up 17 percent year-to-date. “Ship arrivals at our Turning Basin facilities were up strong in April with working vessels being ahead of last year by 11 percent,” he said. “On a year-to-date basis, working vessels at our Turning Basin facilities are up five percent over last year.” Ship arrivals at Port Authority container facilities were up eight percent for the month and four percent year-to-date. A total of three ships carrying 8,000 TEUs -- the largest container ships to come into the Gulf of Mexico -- arrived in April. Twenty-foot-equivalent unit (TEU) volumes were up 19 percent and container

tonnage was up a “staggering” 22 percent for the month, Dreyer noted. Year-to-date, TEUs are up 9 percent and container tonnage is up 11 percent. The Port Commission approved the formal designation of five standing task forces, each to be comprised of up to three members of the Port Commission. The Audit Task Force will primarily advise regarding Port Authority financial statements, its accounting and financial reporting processes and financial statement audit. The Governance Task Force will prepare and update Port Authority governance policies and procedures for Port Commission consideration, and action and review governance-related matters. The Pension Task Force is tasked to primarily advise regarding the administration of the Port Authority Restated Retirement Plan and the investment of the Plan’s assets. The Procurement Task Force will prepare and update procurement policies and procedures for Port Commission consideration and action. Finally, the Small Business Development and Community Relations Task Force will update Small Business Development Program policies and procedures and advise regarding other small business development matters, and also update the Port Commission’s Sponsorship Policy and Procedures. The Port Commission approved two Memoranda of Friendship and Trade Cooperation, one with the Port of Progreso in the state of Yucatan, Mexico, and the other with the Port of Dos Bocas in Tabasco, Mexico. Both memoranda are intended to bring these ports to work together to develop and expand mutual understanding and cooperation and share technical and professional expertise regarding port administration and development, in an effort to promote greater economic benefits for the ports. The parties share a mutual interest in cooperating to generate new business by

Fort Bend Business Journal • June 2011

promoting the all-water routes between both ports and the Port Authority. The Port Commission approved a Memorandum of Agreement with the Houston-Galveston Area Council to participate in the Sustainable Communities Regional Planning Grant Program Consortium. In July 2010, H-GAC asked the Port Authority to join a consortium of local governments and nonprofit groups to apply for a Regional Sustainable Planning Grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, and the Port Authority signed a Memorandum of Agreement as a party of interest in the Regional Sustainable Planning Grant. In October 2010, H-GAC was awarded $3.75 million for regional planning for sustainable development. H-GAC has now requested that the Port Authority enter into a second MOA, to participate in the development of a regional plan for sustainable development in the Houston-Galveston area. The Port Commission awarded purchase orders totaling $597,500 to Portable Computer Systems, Inc., Verizon Select Services. Inc., to install vehicle tracking on portable computers in Port Security and Emergency Operations Department vehicles. The Port of Houston Authority owns and operates the public facilities located along the Port of Houston, the 25-mile-long complex of diversified public and private facilities designed for handling general cargo, containers, grain and other dry bulk materials, project and heavy lift cargo, and other types of cargo. Each year, there are more than 7,700 vessel calls at the port, which ranks first in the U.S. in foreign waterborne tonnage and second in overall total tonnage. The port authority plays a vital role in ensuring navigational safety along the Houston Ship Channel, which has been instrumental in Houston’s development as a center of international trade.

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June 2011 • Fort Bend Business Journal

Grand opening ceremony of the ‘Polly Ryon’ building at Texana

exana Center officially dedicated the Learning Center, at the new West Campus, as the Polly Ryon Building at a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony on May 3. George Patterson, Texana Chief Executive Officer, provided the welcoming address introducing the Texana Board of Trustees; Dianne Wilson, Steve McDowell, Dr, Dennis Young, J.C. Whitten, Willie Greer and Anita Christensen. Dianne Wilson, Texana Board of Trustees Chair, described Texana’s vision to be recognized and supported as the leading resource in the community for people with behavioral healthcare needs and intellectual & developmental disabilities services. Wilson stated that this vision will be achieved by creating and delivering life changing services, providing care, support and education, to unlock clients’ and patients’ potential for safe, independent and productive lives within our community and that this new learning center is a step towards that vision. Wilson thanked The George Foundation for their foresight in awarding the $1.5 million challenge grant that lead the way to Texana’s success in obtaining several large donations from other foundations including; Gulf Coast Medical Foundation, Houston Endowment, The Mabee Foundation and the Meadows Foundation. Patterson then talked about the honor of being able to name this first-class learning center building after such an impressive historical figure in the community - Polly Ryon – the much beloved grandmother of the late Mamie George. He went on to describe Polly’s leadership, care and compassion as she tended both to the family ranch and the people in the community. He remarked that she has provided a shining example to Texana as we care, support and educate all

Back Row L to R: Kevin Barker, Texana Center and Teresa Kopnicky, Roland Adamson & Tom McNutt from The George Foundation Front Row L to R: Manuel Lopez, Texana Center, Dee Koch, The George Foundation, Beth Duncan, Texana Center Dianne Wilson, Chair Texana Board of Trustees, Mike Wells, Chairman, The George Foundation, George Patterson Texana Center CEO & Angie Sanders, Interim President Central Fort Bend Chamber Alliance

that enter the Polly Ryon Building. Mike Wells, Chairman of The George Foundation Board, then congratulated Texana and commented that The George Foundation was very proud to be a participant in the project, not only because of the first rate facility that has been built, but more importantly because Texana is now able to fulfill an unmet need in the county. The Texana West Campus Project comprises two buildings; a modern onestory Learning Center for people with intellectual & developmental disabilities and a new two-story Service Center. Texana hopes soon to be able to announce that the campus has successfully completed the application to be a LEED (Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design) registered building; the first of its kind in Rosenberg. The Learning Center will provide vocational training, habilitation services,

Fort Bend Business Journal • June 2011

employment assistance and supported employment services to people with intellectual & developmental disabilities. These services are vital and needed, as there is no other provider in our service area offering equivalent programs. The Service Center will administer and deliver individual client services such as case management, nursing services, and enrollment in respite care. Our Early Childhood Intervention program, which provides support to children under the age of three with developmental delays, will also be housed in our new Service Center. Texana is one of the largest community-based programs in Texas, has 43 facilities in its six-county service area, served by close to 600 staff. Three hundred of those employees are based in the campuses in Rosenberg and bring all kinds of economic benefits to the community. For more information visit www.texanacenter.com.

Texana Center in Rosenberg opens second campus

exana Center in Rosenberg has opened its new West campus composed of two new structures. The complex was dedicated May 3 and is the city’s first LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) registered building site. Fort Bend County Texana Center Board Chair Dianne Wilson emceed the dedication ceremonies and recognized Rick Hollington, designer of the buildings which meet guidelines established by the US Green Building Council, and members of the Tellepsen Construction team, which was in charge of constructing the new learning center and service center. Wilson named project supporters of the new campus by including The George Foundation, which provided a leadership gift,

Aerial view of the Texana Center

and other notables contributing to Texana’s vision having provided financial support. These include the Houston Endowment, Gulf Coast Medical Foundation, Mabee Foundation, Meadows Foundation, Huffington Foundation, Madison Foundation and many private individuals. Texana provides behavioral healthcare

and intellectual and developmental disabilities services in six counties covering 6,000-squaremiles. The services are delivered by almost 600 staff members from 43 facilities. In Rosenberg, Wilson said the staff consists of 300 members, who daily contribute to the local economy. “Our vision and mission is to be recognized and supported as the leading resource for people needing behavioral, intellectual and developmental care, support and education by individuals, families, community stakeholders, peer groups and public and private institutions,” she said. For the past 11 years, Wilson said the Texana Center has created and delivered life changing services. This, she said, has unlocked “their potential for safe, independent and productive lives within local communities.”

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Fluor’s Houston office achieves 100 million safe hours

luor Corporation’s Houston office located in Sugar Land has achieved a significant safety milestone of 100 million safe work hours without a lost-time incident. During the 17year span, dating back to 1994, thousands of office employees have worked safely with no lost-time injuries. To commemorate the occasion, the company held a celebration for employees, retirees, on-site clients and subcontractors at its Sugar Land campus. Fluor maintains this safety milestone in accordance with Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s record-keeping guidelines. “Our core values define who we are as a company. The health and safety of our employees are always our company’s highest

priorities,” said David Seaton, Fluor’s chief executive officer. “Having worked part of my career in our Houston office during this era, I am proud to congratulate our employees and encourage them to continue to focus on safety each day.” Fluor’s Houston office, with more than 2,200 employees, is the center of the company’s Energy & Chemicals Business Group, which performs projects for oil, gas and chemicals clients globally. “Our employees apply the same health and safety mindset and follow the same rigorous guidelines globally whether they are working on challenging construction projects in remote locations or in an office environment like in Houston,” said Garry Flowers, Fluor’s senior vice president of Health, Safety & Environment. “This

achievement is a testament to our daily commitment to safety for our employees and customers.” “Achieving this momentous milestone required participation by each and every employee,” said Mike Smith, vice president & general manager of Fluor’s Houston office. “This milestone was the result of the teamwork and safe habits that every employee has put forth during the past 17 years.” Fluor Corporation (NYSE: FLR) designs, builds and maintains many of the world’s most challenging and complex projects. Through its global network of offices on six continents, the company provides comprehensive capabilities and world-class expertise in the fields of engineering, procurement, construction, commissioning, operations, and maintenance.

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Fort Bend Business Journal • June 2011

Katy business heats up a new ‘Branding Iron”

he entire Katy business community will be under a lot of scrutiny in the next few months from a “new set of

eyes.” The Katy Area Economic Development Council’s Place Committtee has hired a Tennesse marketing strategy firm to recommend a theme, logo and/or slogan to better identify and describe what the Katy community is all about. Steve Chandler, of Chandler Thinks, in Hendersonville, TN, a few minutes northeast of Nashville, was in the Katy area for three days in mid-May, connecting with Katy Area EDC personnel, conducting workshops, and doing “man-on-the street” type interviews with regular Katy citizens. “I promise a non-partisan point of view,” said Chandler, who recently started

his own company after years of experience in the marketing and advertising agency business. Chandler was with another Tennessee firm about three years ago, which provided Steve Chandler a community branding program for the City of Missouri City. Bob Graf, economic development coordinator for the City of Missouri City, said that Chandler was the lead man with the branding company which was hired by his city, and “did a great job.” “It was an interesting project for us,” Graf said. “It gave us some new direction, and his research helped us learn more about ourselves.” Graf spoke to the Katy place committee about two months ago regarding Missouri City’s branding

experience, but he was unaware that Katy had selected Chandler for its branding. Dan Boggio, chairman of the KAEDC committee, said that some eight marketing firms from throughout the United States had applied for the branding job, and that the field was narrowed to three firms about a month ago. Boggio announced at the May KAEDC general assembly breakfast that Katy had selected Chandler. “There’ll be a lot of research done in the next three months,” Chandler said. “We’ll not only talk with the main Katy stakeholders and do online surveys with various Katy entities, but we’ll go outside Katy, too, and ask the neighbors what they think about the community.” Chandler expects to be back in the Katy area in the next few months. But for now he says that he’s “all eyes and ears.”

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Wharton County Junior College ranked as one of top 10% in the country; supported by national leaders in business, education, labor Wharton County Junior College eligible for $1 million Aspen Institute prize fund supporting excellence; high profile “jury” to select winners; top foundations behind new venture impacting six million students

n its first step to identify the nation’s best community colleges and award $1 million in prize money, the Aspen Institute College Excellence Program today ranked Wharton County Junior College (WCJC) as one of the nation’s 120 best community colleges, challenging it to compete for the prize funds (to be announced in December 2011) by insisting on high standards for learning, college completion without delay, and serving as a training ground for jobs that pay competitive wages. The full list of eligible institutions can be found at www.AspenCCPrize.org. Citing the urgent need to focus on the value and potential of community colleges, Aspen Institute College Excellence Program Executive Director Josh Wyner said, “We must set the bar much higher than we have in the past. To achieve excellent student outcomes, we need to highlight our country’s success stories and learn from them so that we can keep reaching higher. Recognizing community colleges like Wharton County Junior College sends a message to others that aspire to excellence, while encouraging WCJC to apply for the nation’s top community college prize. As a country, now more than ever, we need all community colleges to graduate more students with the knowledge and degrees they need to be successful in the workforce.” Second Lady Dr. Jill Biden and Arne Duncan, Secretary of Education, attended the Aspen Institute’s announcement event. The Aspen Prize was announced at the White House Community College Summit hosted by President Obama and Dr. Biden

in October. At that time, the President noted how critical community colleges are to the millions of youth and adult learners – who enroll in America’s nearly 1,200 community colleges every year. Dr. Biden, a lifelong educator who continues to teach English at Northern Virginia Community College, noted that “The country is becoming increasingly aware of the importance of community colleges in educating our way to a stronger America. I am inspired by all of today’s community college students—the workers who have returned to school to improve their job prospects, the mothers who juggle jobs and childcare while preparing for new careers, and those who work diligently while at community college, preparing to transfer to a four-year institution.” WCJC and 119 other community colleges will be winnowed to eight-to-ten finalists in September based on how much students learn, how many complete their programs on time, and how well students do in the job market after graduating. WCJC is now eligible to submit an application containing detailed data on these criteria. WCJC must demonstrate that it delivers exceptional student results, uses data to drive decisions, and uses that information to continually improve over time. Speaking for the jury that will select winners and finalists, former Governor of Michigan John Engler – president of the Business Roundtable and former president of the National Association of Manufacturers – emphasized the tremendous importance of community colleges in preparing the hightech workforce American companies need.

Fort Bend Business Journal • June 2011

Aspen will conduct site visits to each of the ten finalists in the fall. And, based on the evidence, the Prize Jury will select a grand prize winner and two to three runners-up, to be announced in December. The Aspen Prize is funded by the Joyce Foundation, the Lumina Foundation for Education, the Bank of America Charitable Foundation, and the JPMorgan Chase Foundation. The Aspen College Excellence Program aims to identify and replicate campus-wide practices that significantly improve college student outcomes. Through the Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence, projects targeting a new generation of college leaders, and other initiatives, the College Excellence Program works to improve colleges’ understanding and capacity to teach and graduate students, especially the growing population of low-income and minority students on American campuses. For more information, visit www.AspenCCPrize.org. The Aspen Institute’s mission is twofold: to foster values-based leadership, encouraging individuals to reflect on the ideals and ideas that define a good society, and to provide a neutral and balanced venue for discussing and acting on critical issues. The Aspen Institute does this primarily in four ways: seminars, young-leader fellowships around the globe, policy programs, and public conferences and events. The Institute is based in Washington, DC; Aspen, Colorado; and on the Wye River on Maryland’s Eastern Shore. It also has an international network of partners. For more information, visit www.aspeninstitute.org.

New hope for early breast cancer detection

Memorial Hermann Sugar Land to offer FDA approved breast tomosynthesis

emorial Hermann will be the first hospital system in South Texas to introduce a new cuttingedge digital technology that will improve physicians’ ability to detect smaller tumors at the earliest stages of breast cancer, potentially saving the lives of hundreds of women. The Imaging Center at Memorial Hermann Sugar Land Hospital is now scheduling mammograms on the Selenia Dimensions digital breast tomosynthesis system (Dimensions 3-D) that recently received approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Breast tomosynthesis is a 3-D imaging technology that enables radiologists to see “inside” the breast. It combines data from a series of low-dose radiation, twodimensional (2-D) images taken during a short scan to create a single threedimensional (3-D) image of the breast. Breast tomosynthesis reduces or eliminates problems caused by tissue overlap. It also offers a number of advantages over conventional 2-D digital mammography, including improved diagnostic and screening accuracy, fewer recalls, greater radiologist confidence, and 3-D lesion localization. “The recent FDA approval of tomosynthesis has major potential to improve the efficacy of screening women for breast cancer,” said Stephen Rose, M.D., a breast radiologist affiliated with Memorial Hermann and principal investigator of last year’s breast tomosynthesis clinical trial at Memorial Hermann Memorial City that paved the way for the technology being approved. “The quality of images with 2-D digital mammography systems is excellent and is still considered the gold standard of breast screening, but the ability to peel away layers with tomosynthesis is a tremendous advance. It provides an opportunity to markedly improve what we’re doing in

breast screening, especially for women with dense or fatty breast tissue.” Clinical trials using the Dimensions 3-D system showed measurable improvement in clinical performance over conventional mammography. The trials also showed significant gains in specificity - the confidence to rule out cancer without recalling the patient for further study - and other benefits, including improved lesion and margin visibility and the ability to accurately localize structures in the breast. “Our ability to detect smaller tumors at the earliest stages of breast cancer will improve with tomosynthesis. Additionally, we will be able to reduce additional testing for false positive results,” added Dr. Rose. Breast tomosynthesis will be available to patients who are due for their yearly

screening mammogram. Since the technology is not yet covered by insurance, Memorial Hermann will bill the patient’s insurance for a 2-D digital mammogram and charge a nominal fee of $50 for the advanced service upon patient request. Patients should call now to schedule an appointment for June and beyond. “We are extremely excited to be able to offer breast tomosynthesis to our patients,” said Jim Brown, chief executive officer of Memorial Hermann Sugar Land Hospital. “The addition of this new technology in our hospital highlights our significant commitment to women’s health.” For more information about breast tomosynthesis or to schedule an appointment, call 1-877-40-MAMMO or visit www.memorialhermann.org/imaging.

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June 2011 • Fort Bend Business Journal

APBI joins growing range of breast services

MD Anderson Radiation Oncologist brings new option, experience to Katy

he University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center’s Regional Care Center in Katy now offers some women newly diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer a newer treatment option. Adding to a growing complement of breast cancer services, the MD Anderson Regional Care Center in Katy now offers accelerated partial breast irradiation (APBI), or brachytherapy, a radiation therapy technique delivered after lumpectomy. The use of APBI steadily has been growing, and for the appropriate patient, is a suitable treatment option. For some women, accelerated partial breast irradiation may be an alternative to the

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current standard which is four to six weeks of daily external beam radiation after breastsparing surgery. With the newer technique, the number of radiation treatments is reduced to only five days of twice-daily treatments after surgery. Bringing the technique to MD Anderson’s Regional Care Center in Katy is radiation oncologist Elizabeth Bloom, M.D., associate professor in Radiation Oncology. Bloom recently moved to the center, but has been with MD Anderson since 1999 and was one of the first to bring APBI to Houston. She has treated about 150 patients with APBI since 2008 when she first introduced it at MD Anderson’s Radiation Treatment Center in Bellaire. According to Bloom, APBI, given after lumpectomy, directly treats the area in the breast at highest risk for recurrence while minimizing the dose to the remaining healthy breast tissue. With APBI, the breast surgeon inserts a small device into the lumpectomy cavity and expands it to fill the small, hollowed-out area of the breast where the tumor once was. The devices, composed of several small catheters (tubes), are designed specifically for APBI and come in a wide variety of sizes and shapes to accommodate the needs of each patient. The device is left in place for approximately eight to 10 days for treatment planning and delivery. When treatment begins, a radioactive seed is inserted through the individual catheters of the implanted device and left in place for about five to 10 minutes – the length of one radiation treatment – and then removed when the patient leaves the Katy center. The procedure is repeated twice daily for a total of five days. The ideal candidate for APBI typically is a woman who is more than 50 years old and has a relatively small tumor that is confined to the breast, she said. “Communication between the patient and her MD Anderson care team and communication within her MD Anderson

Fort Bend Business Journal • June 2011

team is even more vital when it comes to APBI,” said Bloom. “Every day we work in synch to leverage our specialties in radiation, surgery, medical oncology, radiation physics, pathology and radiology, but our collaboration is especially evident with APBI.” She said the team at MD Anderson is ideal because of its breadth and depth of experience with the technique and the focus on breast cancer diagnosis, treatment, support and recovery. Susan Hoover, M.D., associate professor of Surgical Oncology and a breast surgeon who cares for patients at MD Anderson Regional Care Center in Katy, agrees that collaboration is key with APBI. “When it’s clear that a patient would do well with APBI and is interested in pursuing the treatment, the communication starts immediately,” said Hoover, who trained in breast surgery as a fellow of The University of Texas Southwestern Breast Oncology Fellowship Program funded through Susan G. Komen For the Cure. “While this technique may not be for everyone, we want to make it as accessible as possible to as many patients as we can. It is an effective option for a select group of patients.” In addition to APBI and other radiation techniques, MD Anderson’s Regional Care Center in Katy offers a growing range of breast cancer services, including care for benign breast disease and suspicious lumps. The Katy center’s breast team includes medical oncologists, oncology nurses experienced in breast care, radiation oncologists, breast surgeons, social workers, pain management specialists, rehabilitation therapists experienced in lymphedema, nutritionists and genetic counselors. MD Anderson’s Regional Care Center in Katy is located on the campus of CHRISTUS St. Catherine Hospital. MD Anderson also has regional care centers in The Woodlands, Sugar Land and the Bay Area (Nassau Bay).

New solid waste and recycling education program event Expectation: To save resident $800,000 annually

n educational event focusing on Sugar Land’s new enhanced solid waste and recycling program is planned on June 4, from 8-10 a.m., at Lost Creek Park, 3703 Lost Creek Blvd. Residents are encouraged to attend the event to learn about the enhanced programs and use of the new carts, including the different sizes available. The event will also feature an automated collection truck demonstration. The new program is expected to save City residents $800,000 annually. New

service will begin on Dec. 5. Households in Sugar Land currently provided service by Republic Services will receive automated garbage collection twice per week, automated recycling collection once per week, green waste collection once per week, bulky waste collection once per month and an on-call collection service. Current curbside recycling will be expanded to include all colors of glass bottles and jars. The addition of a green waste program ensures all green waste -- grass clippings, leaves, brush, tree limbs, etc. -- will be taken to a composting facility and recycled into mulch or compost rather than sent to a landfill. Also new for every household will be a 95-gallon garbage cart and a 65-gallon recycling cart, though larger or smaller cart sizes may be requested. Residents can request their cart sizes by completing an online survey

by July 20. To take the survey, visit www. sugarlandtx.gov/solidwaste, click the “Enhanced Solid Waste” banner and then click the “Cart Selection Survey” link. The survey will be available on June 1. Automated curbside collection contributes to the neighborhood’s appearance (as residents are issued carts with wheels and lids that have a uniform appearance) and more efficient operations that results in savings to residents. The program also utilizes carts that provide for a reduction in litter, odors and problems associated with animals and insects. A test of the program in several Sugar Land neighborhoods resulted in a 260 percent increase in recycling, a benefit that results in less trash in area landfills. For more information, visit www. sugarlandtx.gov/solidwaste or call Sugar Land Public Works at (281) 275-2450.

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June 2011 • Fort Bend Business Journal

NEWSWORTHY

Sugar Land 101 class inspires local graduates Sugar Land City Council recently recognized 28 graduates of Sugar Land 101 - a 10-week course focusing on City operations and preparing participants for leadership roles in the community. By the end of the course, citizens have a better understanding of the structure and functions of Sugar Land’s governance. The 2011 graduating class marked the program’s eighth year. Many Sugar Land 101 graduates go on to serve on a City board or commission or become more involved in their local homeowners associations. According to recent graduate Kelly Knake: “The class exceeded my expectations. The time and effort of all involved made the course an excellent use of my time.”

The curriculum includes presentations by city staff; a mock city council meeting with Mayor James Thompson; and field trips to several sites, such as the water treatment plant, police and fire stations, the Sugar Land Regional Airport and the traffic center. Class member Lana Reeves said, “The course led us through a condensed version of the processes of the City of Sugar Land while introducing the people who provide our services.” Applications for the next SL 101 class will be available in August. Space is limited. For more information or to register, visit www.sugarlandtx.gov and select “City Services,” then “Sugar Land 101.”

Methodist Sugar Land Business Blender The Central Fort Bend Chamber Alliance held a Business Blender at Methodist Sugar Land Hospital’s new fully comprehensive breast center. The Methodist staff gave tours of the state-of-the-art facility.

Methodist Sugar Land Hospital CFO Lowell Stanton and Chamber Interim President Angie Sanders.

Methodist Sugar Land Hospital Marketing Coordinator Kaelyn Stolhand and Chamber Membership Director Alicia Davis.

Andi Wallis, Texana Center, enjoyed one of the frozen pink lemonades, which fit the pink-themed affair.

Fort Bend Business Journal • June 2011

Extreme drought crippling Fort Bend agriculture By Gene Hall As wildfires in Texas continue a rampage across more than two million acres, another major disaster is gripping the Lone Star State. Dry weather has a stranglehold on all but a small portion of Texas. Almost the entire state is officially classified in drought—much of it as extreme or exceptional. The seven-month period from October of 2010 to April of this year is officially the driest on record. May is usually our wettest month. Except for a few isolated areas, rain has refused to fall. Texas farmers and ranchers are in an extremely critical situation as we prepare for June and the hot summer months. Crops are shriveling in the field. Pastures are burning. Many farmers likely will have little or nothing to harvest. Some ranchers already are selling their herds. The irony is that Texas farmers and ranchers entered 2011 with great hope. Crop and livestock prices were high. Texas agriculture was looking forward to a great year. Instead, we’re facing a situation which could be more devastating than the drought of 2009, when farmers and ranchers suffered direct losses of $4 billion. This year, input costs for producing crops and livestock are close to historic highs. According to the American Farm Bureau Federation, these costs have increased 85 percent since last year. Fuel, fertilizer, seed, feed and other high-cost production items already are invested with little hope of breaking even financially. Although it’s too early to speculate, those kinds of losses two times in three years will be hard to overcome for many producers. Texas agriculture is responsible for about 14 percent of jobs in Texas. The agriculture industry has been a positive national force in helping the U.S. pull through the recession. We are concerned about the negative consequences even beyond our farms and ranches. What will help most is steady, abundant moisture.

Submit Newsworthy items to sharon@fortbendstar.com

St. Giles Living Centers, Inc. opens Sugar Land office St. Giles Living Centers, Inc. (SGLC) has opened a regional office at 1005 Industrial Blvd. in Sugar Land. The company was founded by Jim Hazen and Al Strickland in 1991 and has additional offices and programs in Houston, Beaumont, Baytown, and Lufkin. SGLC provides long-term care, vocational, and pre-vocational services to people

with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The company is licensed by the State of Texas and contracts with the Texas Department of Aging and Disabilities. They offer Group Home living through the Home and Community Services Program and the Intermediate Care Program (ICFMR). Vocational and pre-vocational services are offered at the Industrial Blvd. location for

Sienna Branch Library presents computer classes for job hunters The Adult Services staff at Fort Bend County Libraries’ Sienna Branch Library, 8411 Sienna Springs Blvd in Missouri City, will present a series of free computer classes for job-hunters in June. Job-hunters may attend all classes, or they may choose to attend individual classes. The series begins on Wednesday, June 8, with the program, “Finding Jobs on the Internet.” Learn how to navigate job-search websites. The class begins at 10:00 am, in the Computer Lab. On Wednesday, June 15, learn how to use Microsoft Word (version 2007) templates to create a resumé. The class begins

at 10:00 am, in the Computer Lab. The class on Wednesday, June 22, will show job-hunters how to use Microsoft Word templates to create cover letters for their resumé applications. The class begins at 10:00 am, in the Computer Lab. The classes are free and open to the public. Seating is limited, however, and reservations are required. To register online at the library’s website (www.fortbend. lib.tx.us), click on “Calendar,” select “Sienna Branch,” and find the program. Participants may also register by calling the library at 281-238-2900, or by visiting the library.

County commuter services can save you money As gas prices continue to increase, Fort Bend County encourages residents to use its commuter services. Utilizing these services enables individuals the opportunity to lower transportation costs while maintaining mobility. Fares are very reasonable and range from $1.00 to $3.50 per ride. Discounts are available from advanced ticket book sales. Switching from driving to riding public transportation for even a few trips is a proven way for individuals to cut costs. Fort Bend offers an extensive schedule where weekday commuter services are available to the

Texas Medical Center, Galleria/Uptown and Greenway Plaza from three Park & Ride locations within the county. There are also connectivity routes available to the METRO bus system. Additional information on these services can be found at the links below. To view the Fort Bend Public Transportation webpage: http://www.co.fortbend.tx.us/getSitePage.asp?sitePage=23544 To view the Texas Medical Center Commuter Service webpage: http:// www.co.fort-bend.tx.us/getSitePage. asp?sitePage=33655

both Medicaid and private-pay individuals. “St. Giles is excited to be opening the Sugar Land office and looks forward to partnering with The ARC of Fort Bend County, the Texana Center, and the many families in the area who are in need of assistance,” said co-founder Jim Hazen. The office at Industrial Blvd. is being leased from the ARC of Fort Bend County, and was extensively remodeled prior to SGLC move-in. All remodel work was conducted by local design-build company Eagle Eye – CP. St. Giles Living Centers, Inc. can be contacted via their website at http://www. sglctx.com/index.htm or by phone at (281) 565-4121.

Yoga on the Brazos with Carrie Muchaw Yoga on the Brazos is a growing yoga studio and so they are moving June 1 to 936 FM 359 in Richmond. Carrie Muchaw, owner and instructor, invites the public to join the small, Carrie Muchaw intimate classes which allow more personalized attention. “We will be adding more specialty classes such as Kids Yoga, Yoga for Children with Special Needs, Yoga for Seniors, and Yoga Groove (yoga to groovy music),” she says. They will also hold massage and aromatherapy services. Classes are 75 min. Each class devotes special time to meditation and breathing as well as the great physical aspects of yoga. “Whether you are a beginner or a more experienced yogi, we have a class for you.” A grand opening will be held Saturday, June 18. We will have free yoga for adults and children. Chair massage and aromatherapy will also be available. For additional information visit the website www.yogaonthebrazos. com.

June 2011 • Fort Bend Business Journal

NEWSWORTHY Gail Parker’s retirement party

LCISD to offer Chinese Academy this summer

On May 12, the Central Fort Bend Chamber Alliance said goodbye to retiring President/CEO Gail Parker, who served the Fort Bend business community superbly for eight years. She received proclamations from Congressman Pete Olson, County Judge Robert Hebert, the Texas House of Representatives and the cities of Rosenberg, Richmond and Fulshear.

For the third consecutive year, Lamar CISD is offering a free Chinese language and culture academy to students entering Fourth – Ninth grades. Chinese Academy is a fun, but rigorous, non-credit course that promotes learning of world languages and being a world citizen. Students will have the opportunity to learn basic Chinese language skills such as greeting people properly, understanding the formations of 30 written characters, expressing likes and dislikes, and much more. Culture will be taught through the study of folk art, calligraphy, puppet shows, etc. The Chinese Academy will be held at Lamar Junior High School Mon.-Thur. June 6-30, 8:30-11:30 am. Please check the “Startalk” website for registration and other details: http://www.txstartalk.org/ tab_student.htm

Kevin Patton State Farm, Liz Moreno, Fort Bend County Women’s Center; Gail Parker; and Kamal Ariss, JE Dunn Construction.

Construction to begin soon at Dulles Ave. The Sugar Land City Council awarded a $9.5 million contract to James Construction Group, LLC for the reconstruction of Dulles Avenue from Avenue E to U.S. Highway 90A. The project also includes intersection improvements at Cartwright Road and Lexington Boulevard. Construction is expected to begin during July and last about 18 months. The completed road will include: • four lanes in each direction separated by medians; • curbs and gutters; • drainage improvements; • decorative traffic signals, street lighting and sidewalks; and • intersection improvements at Cartwright Road and Lexington Boulevard. Project stakeholders include Sugar Land, the cities of Stafford and Missouri City, Fort Bend County and Water Control Improvement District No. 2.

Fort Bend County Historical Commission

Ribbon Cutting The Central Fort Bend Chamber Alliance conducted a ribbon cutting at Turrentine’s Custom Framing at 2117 Avenue I in Rosenberg.

From left: Marylin Almon, Sandra Macik, Julie Sacks, Linda Turrentine, Cody Siebert, Linda Wassell, Wade Hyatt, Cathy Pitts, Lauren Hyatt, Don Drachenberg, Dorris Drachenberg, Peg Turrentine, Don Turrentine, Amy Joe Holdaway, Teresa Nolasco, Brenda Dresner, Tom Wilson, Glenn Dresner, Josh Daniels, Becky Smith, Faith Degelleke, and Lisa Matthews.

Cinco De Mayo at Legacy Ford in Rosenberg

Needville Eagle Scout Logan Tajchman was presented a certificate of appreciation from the Fort Bend County Historical Commission by Commission Chair Bert Bleil. Logan was cited for his recent restoration and beautification work at the Minnonite Cemetery on Janda Road and was honored at the May 17 meeting of the commission. Among commission activities are the identification, inventorying and protection of county cemeteries. Ron Ewer, Legacy Ford, and Kevin Patton, Kevin Patton State Farm.

Eagle Scout Logan Tajchman and Bert Bleil.

Fort Bend Business Journal • June 2011

Jimmy Cantu, Pier 36 Seafood, serves Interim Chamber President Angie Sanders some of the delicious food offered at the event.

Submit Newsworthy items to sharon@fortbendstar.com

Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce Newsletter

for the Fort Bend Leadership Forum Class of 2012 The Fort Bend Leadership Forum presents the opportunity to enhance your value personally, professionally and as a community stakeholder. This ten-month program, August through May, consists of monthly sessions and retreats covering a wide variety of topics. For information please contact David Crowl at 281.491.2497 or David@fortbendcc.org

FORT

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LEADERSHIP F

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LEADERSHIP F

“I thought I knew everything. This program took me outside my box. Connected me with the city and county division and leaders. In the ten months I learned so much more. The workings of my city and how it makes all things work. I know now how to give back effectively as I grow with it. Thank you Chamber of Commerce for putting it together.” —Namita Asthana, President,Verum Solutions

“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, Null-Lairison

www.FortBendChamber.com

June 2011 • Fort Bend Business Journal

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 411eat.com

Robin Nicolson Sales Representative Sugar Land, TX 77479 832-607-9100

Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce Newsletter

Afforce Industries Irrigation

Michael Von Williams CEO/Founder 10307 Shipmans Landing Dr. Missouri City, TX 77459 713-884-0172 Landscaping

Aztec Events & Tents Joseph Garcia 601 W. 6th Street Houston, TX 77007 713-699-0088 Event Rentals

Big International Group Arshad Bhatti President 7322 SW Freeway Houston, TX 77074 832-446-8899 Export & Import

Bob Davidson Consulting LLC

Bob Davidson President 2306 Summer Wind Drive Sugar Land, TX 77479 832-361-2424 Consultants, Business Development

BookKeeping Express

Franchise Innovators International

KVM Tools Inc.

Leonard Faucher Sr. Managing Partner 54 Sugar Creek Center Blvd. Ste 300 Sugar Land, TX 77478 832-886-2757

Jubin Jacob Chief Executive Officer 4501 Cartwright Rd., Suite 408 Missouri City, TX 77459 832-788-7456 Distributor

Business Solutions & Investments, Inc

Fundamentum Capital Solutions

ROSI Recycled Office Systems, Inc

Clay Group Properties

Greatwood Imaging Center

The Rouxpour Restaurant & Bar

Jenneth Watson Owner 19901 Southwest Freeway Sugar Land, TX 77479 281-937-9991 Financial Services

Christopher Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Connor Business Consultant PO Box 2994 Sugar Land, TX 77478 281-770-7279 Business Consultants Bharat (Bart) Sanghvi Owner 28000 SW Freeway Rosenberg, TX 77471 713-320-9499 Real Estate, Commercial

Corgan Associates, Inc. John Haskew Director of Educational Design 12 Greenway Plaza, #1100 Houston, TX 77046 713-425-4993 Architects

Fish Place

Hanif Nandolia, Owner 24004 SW Freeway, #102 Rosenberg, TX 77471 281-232-0110 Restaurants

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

Mike Kinney Managing Director 3403 Brinmont Place Ln Katy, TX 77494 832-671-4935 Commercial Lender

Robert Murphy Space Planner 10129 Stafford Centre Dr Staffard, TX 77477 281-403-4477 Office Furniture & Design

Baker Niazi, CEO 19875 Southwest Freeway, Ste 110 Sugar Land, TX 77479 281-545-2226 Imaging Center, Radiology Clinic

Lincoln Ward, Owner 2298 Texas Drive, Ste F Sugar Land, TX 77479 281-240-7689 Restaurants

Greatwood Sleep Center

Southwest Urgent Care

Indo American News

Sunrise Natural Foods

Baker Niazi, CEO 19875 SW Freeway, Ste 110 Sugar Land, TX 77479 713-518-1345 Medical Services- Sleep Disorders Krishna Giri Marketing Director 7457 Harwin Drive, Suite 262 Houston, TX 77036 713-789-6397 Newspapers

Baker Niazi, CEO 19875 Southwest Freeway, Ste 100 Sugar Land, TX 77479 281-545-2323 Medical Clinics

Kamal Dama, Owner 927 Julie Rivers Dr. Sugar Land, TX 77478 281-240-6887 Distributor

www.FortBendChamber.com

Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce Newsletter

upcoming events save the date

JUNE Chamber Young Professional

Strategically Working the Room M-Lounge June 22 - 4:00 pm - 7:00 pm

Talasek Builders Justin Talasek Partner 1023 Lively Ct Richmond, TX 77406 281-202-8326 Home Builders, Custom

TLC Office Systems Carol Singletary Sales Consultant 8711 Fallbrook Houston, TX 77064 713-695-3900 Office Equipment

Infrastructure Division

Government Relations Division

State of the City – Missouri City Mayor Allen Owen Sugar Creek Country Club June 24 – 7:30 am – 9:00 am

Infrastructure Monthly Breakfast Meeting

Network Nites

Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce June 23 – 7:30 am – 9:00 am

Sweetwater Country Club June 30 – 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm

JULY Infrastructure Division

Infrastructure Monthly Breakfast Meeting Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce July 28 – 7:30 am – 9:00 am

B2B-Mini Expo Network Nites Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce July 28 – 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm

Turquoise Grill & Bar Yilmaz ‘Jim’ Dokuyuca Chef/Owner 16019 City Walk Sugar Land, TX 77479 281-937-7481 Restaurants

Wilbur Smith Associates

Butch Babineaux Vice President 9800 Richmond Avenue #400 Houston, TX 77042 713-785-0080 Engineering, Consulting

AUGUST Government Relations Division Luncheon

Congressman Pete Olson

Sugar Land Social Club August 8 – 11:30 am – 1:00 pm Community Resources Division

Children at Risk – “Legislative Update/Summary” Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce August 8

Leadership Forum Alumni Reunion & Welcome Class of 2012 Reception August 10

www.FortBendChamber.com

June 2011 • Fort Bend Business Journal

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

Limb Design Doris Kampf, 713-529-1117

2 Years

M.D. Anderson Cancer Center - Sugar Land Annie Starkey, 281-566-1800 Republic Harley-Davidson Craig D. Slovak, 281-295-1000

8 Years

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

9 Years

City of Rosenberg Jack Hamlett, 832-595-3310 Sweet Tomatoes Connie Contreras, 281-240-1400

12 Years

Tolunay-Wong Engineers, Inc. Daniel Wong, 713-722-7064

Cognitas Technologies, Inc. Alicia Marra, 281-565-0265

A. Fuller Electric, Inc. Alton Fuller, 281-499-5333

Lakeland Estates Libby Crean, 281-208-8200

Sam’s Club Bennett Murff, 281-295-2525

WJ Interests, LLC William Jameson, 281-634-9400

Quail Valley Fund Susan Fox, 281-499-8371

ERA Benes Realty Joseph Benes, 281-240-6110

Colliers International Kolbe Curtice, 281-494-4769

4 Years

The Enclave at Woodbridge Sallie Browne, 281-313-1900

13 Years

3 Years

Primrose School of Sienna Bill Brown, 281-431-8687

Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce Newsletter

Roberts Markel, P.C. Marc D. Markel, 713-840-1666 Heritage Executive Realty Naomi Lam, 281-568-5595

Fort Bend Skin Cancer Center Keith Schulze, 281-980-6647 River Oaks Cleaners Jack Momin, 281-491-0900

Milestone Member 5 Years

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Houston - Fort Bend Kime Smith, 281-207-2330 Primrose School of Greatwood Bill Brown, 281-343-8889 Industrial Information Resources Michael Bergen, 713-783-5147

The Millis Group, Inc. Mark W. Millis, 281-343-1400

Money Management International David Juengel, 713-394-3400

Fort Bend Business Journal • June 2011

14 Years

Katy ISD Alton Frailey, 281-396-6000

Milestone Member 10 Years Silverado Senior Living Le Riggs, 281-277-1221

Amica Mutual Insurance Company Johnna Maxwell, 800-532-6422 Douglas E. Koger, Attorney at Law Douglas Koger, 281-340-2050

11 Years

Frost Bank - Missouri City Ken Hutto, 713-388-7797 Fairway Golf Carts Johnny Tedder, 281-240-3230

7 Years

Hamre’s Floor Covering Jamie Hamre, 281-494-9200

Wells Fargo Bank Jerry Goodson, 281-491-2400

Linebarger Goggan Blair & Sampson, LLP Charles Sutton, 281-342-9636 TeeRoo’s Private Label Beverages Mark Poley, 281-242-6444

Milestone Member 15 Years OakBend Medical Center Cindy Reaves, 281-341-3023 BKD, LLP Trent Parten, 713-499-4600

16 Years

IDC Inc. Jim Gonzales, 713-541-5591

www.FortBendChamber.com

Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce Newsletter

Become a member Today! For membership information contact: Jan-Michael Jenkins • 281.491.0218 17 Years

Child Advocates of Fort Bend Ruthanne Mefford, 281-344-5103 Premier Wireless Lea Bogle, 281-575-8500

23 Years

28 Years

26 Years

Morris, Ligon & Rodriguez, PC Larry D. Morris, 281-242-2400

Fort Bend County Museum Association Mary Doetterl, 281-342-1256

Mental Health America of Fort Bend County Laura Richard, 281-207-2480

Pamela Printing Company Ann Smith, 281-240-1313

The Holoway Jones Law Firm, PLLC Russell C. Jones, 281-242-8100

19 Years

33 Years

Sugar Creek Country Club Kelly Buettner, 281-494-9131

27 Years

AT&T Alice Aanstoos, 713-567-7718

38 Years

Severn Trent Services, Inc. Dennis Gorden, 281-578-4200

Randalls Food Markets, Inc. Steve Frisby, 713-268-3500

Fort Bend ISD Timothy Jenney, 281-634-1000

NETWORKNITES Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce

SweetWater Country Club

b u Cl

n o i it d E

4400 Palm Royale Blvd. Sugar Land, TX 77479

Thursday, June 30 5 pm - 7pm

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

www.FortBendChamber.com

June 2011 • Fort Bend Business Journal

Ribbon Cutting

Barton House MKT 3060 Edgewater Dr Sugar Land, TX 77478 281-313-2500 www.barton-house.com

Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce Newsletter

ervice Barton House is an assisted living facility designed for Alzheimer’s residents. Located on two lakeside acres in the First Colony neighborhood of Sugar Land, Barton House is a large, single-story home with twenty private rooms surrounding a formal living room, an activity area, a dining room and an “open” kitchen. Barton House started in 1995 as a study to discover the most sensible, secure and compassionate way to care for people with Alzheimer’s and related memory loss. Every detail has been designed with the cognitively impaired person in mind, from rooms sized to prevent isolation to colors specifically chosen to decrease perceptual difficulties. The design of Barton House is state-of-the-art, with an ambience that’s intimate and homelike.

When a loved one is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, it’s difficult to know what to do. Home care is simply not feasible for most families today. And the alternative, institutionalization in the locked wing of a nursing home, is far from ideal. In fact, most cognitively impaired people don’t need the regimented care provided in a nursing home. What they need is a place designed specifically for them. With an environment that feels like a home, not a hospital with a program of care that stresses individuality and interpersonal contact.

ITR Technologies, LLC 1455 Highway 6 South, Ste B Sugar Land, TX 77478 713-344-1618 www.itrpro.com

TR Technologies, LLC was founded in 2004 with a primary focus of delivering Premium IT services to small and medium size businesses. ITR builds each client relationship by developing a solid support strategy for each client driven by their unique business needs. We are able to provide solutions to fit any business by focusing on 24/7 business automation, network and staffing stability, and decreasing IT costs. We even offer

Fort Bend Business Journal • June 2011

medical EMR solutions. ITR has been located in Houston for the past 4 years and recently moved to Sugar Land. ITR is a BBB Gold Star Recipient and can be reached at 713-344-1618 or on the web at www.itrpro.com.

www.FortBendChamber.com

The Southwest 59 Sunrise Rotary Club 6410 Hwy 6 #244 Missouri City, TX 77459 832-642-3091 www. sw59sunriserotary.org

he Southwest 59 Sunrise Rotary Club, the newest chartered Rotary Club in Fort Bend County, meets every Wednesday at 7 a.m. for breakfast at Café Adobe in Sugar Land, 2329 Highway 6. On occasion, the club members meet at a different location such as the Museum of Natural Science and other places announced in advance of meetings. Officially having come into being a little over a year ago in February 2010, this Rotary Club boasts 56 members and counting. Many of them have already been involved in the new club’s fundraisers for charitable gift giving. Each weekly meeting of this Rotary Club features an informative speaker who engages the participation

of the members. All in all, belonging to the Rotary Club is where meaningful service work is carried out, not only in the community, but there are also opportunities to do it internationally. The Rotary motto— Service Above Self conveys the humanitarian spirit of the organization’s more than 1.2 million members in 33,000 clubs worldwide. There are many volunteer opportunities with the local club that are about improving the quality of life in our communities and there are also many fun club events, just because.

011 2 F O S S A CL National ent m n r e v o G Session

FORT

BEND

LEADERSHIP F

THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS:

FORT BEND classic chevrolet LEADERSHIP minute maid F

Cinco Ranch & Telfair - By Newland Communities

Sugar Land Sugical hospital • Aliana

Post Oak Publishing • Premier Wireless www.FortBendChamber.com

June 2011 • Fort Bend Business Journal

Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce Newsletter

www.FortBendChamber.com

Upcoming Chamber Events

State of the city Friday, June 24, 2011 Fri Sugar Creek Country Club

420 Sugar Creek Blvd - Sugar Land 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Sponsorship Table for 10 - $1,200 Mayor Allen Owen

Corporate Table for 8 - $350 Individual Reservation for Member - $30 Individual Reservation for Non-Member - $40

Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce Newsletter

Cancellations must be received in writing and conﬁrmed by 5 p.m. Wednesday, June 22, 2011. Thereafter full payment is due. Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce • 445 Commerce Green Boulevard • Sugar Land, TX • 77478 Farrah@fortbendcc.org • 281.566.2152 • Fax 281.491.0112 • register online at www.fortbendchamber.org

District 22 Update with Congressman Pete Olson Monday, August 8, 2011 11:30 am – 1:00 pm

Sugar Land Social Club 16305 Kensington Dr., Suite 150 Sugar Land, TX 77479

Congressman Pete Olson

Event Sponsor - $1,200 Corporate Table - $400 Individual Member Reservation - $30 Individual Non-Member Reservation - $40

Cancellations must be received in writing and confirmed by 5 p.m. Thursday, August 4, 2011. Thereafter full payment is due. Register online at www.fortbendchamber.org Farrah@fortbendcc.org • 281.566.2152 • Fax 281.491.0112

Fort Bend Business Journal • June 2011

www.FortBendChamber.com

Meet the JEWELS of Fort Bend

Joyous, Extraordinary Women Enriching Lives

Cari Middaugh Pat Hebert

Doris Gurecky

Judy Schmid

proudly announces the 2011

Lucia Street

Luncheon & Style Show

Safari Texas Ranch BENEFITING

The Literacy Council of Fort Bend County

Thursday, September Twenty Two, Two Thousand and Eleven 11:30 am - 1:30 pm Safari Texas Ranch ◆ 11627 FM 1464 ◆ Richmond, Texas

MISTRESS OF CEREMONIES

Nancy Olson

Special Thanks to Our Official Jewels Contributors Alisa Murray Photography - Official Photographer J Loggins Jewelers - Official Jeweler Pamela Printing - Official Printer

Safari Texas Ranch - Official Venue Salon Eben & Day Spa - Official Salon May W. Tape, D.D.S. - Official Entertainment Sponsor

Tickets & Sponsorship Opportunities ◆ 281-690-4242 or www.FortBendFocus.com

NAMES IN THE NEWS Boney receives United Way leadership award

Business Journal welcomes Kerry Jarka

Missouri City resident, Texas Business Alliance founder and CEO Jeffrey L. Boney was recently honored by the United Way of Greater Houston and its Project Blue program Jeffrey L. Boney with the very prestigious Dorothy F. Caram Commitment to Leadership Award presented to a community leader who has demonstrated exemplary community involvement, current board service, commitment to increase diversity in leadership and whose dedication exemplifies the Project Blueprint maxim: Be the change you want to see in the world.

Kerry W. Jarka has been named Advertising Director for the Fort Bend/Katy Business Journal, Fort Bend’s only business news source for 29 years. Jarka served as Senior Vice President of Kerry W. Jarka Development at Founders Bank in Sugar Land prior to accepting this position. Jarka joined Founders Bank in 2009 from BBVA-Compass Bank, where he was first vice president of consumer lending. He previously worked at Primus Financial, a credit division of Ford Credit and built the consumer lending function at University State Bank. He has over 30 years experience in the banking and finance industry. Jarka is a graduate of Texas Lutheran University in Seguin. He and his wife, Sandy, a long-time Fort Bend ISD teacher and coach, are residents of Sugar Land along with sons, Shane and Korey. Jarka has been involved in a number of community activities throughout his career and presently serves on the Fort Bend CORPS board and as the 2011-2012 incoming secretary of the Sugar Land Rotary Club. He is a past president of the Alief Lions Club.

Texana welcomes new board member Mary Rose Zdunkewicz, was recently sworn in as the newest member of the Texana Center Board of Trustees. Dianne Wilson. She will be one of four board members who represent Fort Bend County. Zdunkewicz attended Lamar Consolidated Independent School District, and has been a resident of Weston Lakes since 1985. She has worked as a real estate sales representative for many of the major builders and developers in Fort Bend County and she has been a major contributor to her community by participating in public service, community development, business and volunteer activities.

Texana Center Board of Trustees by Board Chair, Dianne Wilson & Mayor of Weston Lakes Mary Rose Zdunkewicz.

Student internships announced by the LCISD Career & Technology program The Lamar CISD Career and Technical Education Auto Technology program has teamed up with Gillman Fort Bend, Southwest Kia, Rosenberg Tractor and Legacy Ford to mentor four LCISD students in the Automotive Youth Educational Systems Internship program. Each business is part of LCISD’s auto technology advisory council and has agreed to participate in the internship program by sponsoring one junior auto technology student beginning this summer and through the student’s senior year. The goal for these third-year auto tech students is to learn the skills needed for a career in the automotive industry from a senior technician at a local dealership/business in a paid internship. The dealerships/business partners work with the school district to give students experience and job skills that will prepare them for entrylevel service technician positions and postsecondary educational opportunities and/or industry certificates. For those who wish more details about the automotive program at LCISD, please contact Deon Wilson, LCISD’s auto tech instructor at 832.223.3000 or a high school counselor.

Germer is keynote speaker Sugar Land’s Richard A. Germer was the keynote speaker for the national convention in West Palm Beach, Florida, for 1st Discount Brokerage. The offers company securities Richard A. Germer to independent stock brokers. Germer & Germer, LLC works in coordination with 1DB. The major aspects of the business model that Germer has been using for over 10 years is being encouraged to be adapted nationally by 1DB.

Fort Bend Business Journal • June 2011

Sal Diaz of Gillman Fort Bend and student Richard Fonseca.

Submit Newsworthy items to sharon@fortbendstar.com

Turquoise Grill Grand Opening

Turquoise Grill & Bar recently hosted a private Grand Opening event for its newly-opened location in Sugar Land Town Square. The event offered guests the opportunity to sample Turquoise Grill’s Mediterranean fare and celebrate the restaurant’s second Houston-area location, located at 16019 City Walk. (L-R) Consulate General of Turkey Akil Oktem, Turquoise Grill & Bar Owner Jim Dokuyucu and Former Sugar Land Mayor David Wallace.

Kimbra Valachovic and Andrea Jennings

Megan Muretta, Barb Edwards and Nikki Edwards. June 2011 • Fort Bend Business Journal

DBA (Assumed Names)

Data Beat (+) = More Names

This is a sample of the Assumed Names (DBAs) filed at the Fort Bend County Clerk’s office for April 2011. More Assumed Names may be viewed online at http://ccweb.co.fort-bend.tx.us/RealEstate/SearchEntry.aspx. There were 450 Assumed Names with Notary Fee for month of April. There were also 83 Assumed Names without a notary fee. Cell Masters Inc Cell Masters 1020 Herndon Dr 77479

Jonas Austin Emanuel Jr Jmanimel Venutures 3147 Confederate South Dr 77459

Vrana Rudolph A Jr Rudy’s Welding Service 330 N 4Th St 77417

Denman Carprena Ckrystal Clear Cleaning Services 1103 Evandale Lane 77479

King Kenneth Elite Networking 9506 Spanish Mill Dr 77064

Denman Carprena Innovative Site Works 1103 Evandale Lane 77479

Jones Eze O Ambiance Medical and Rehabilitation Care P O Box 721011 77272-1011

Singleton Brenda Total Package 2019 15611 Winter Briar 77489

Estes-Echols Tanesha God’s Anointed “Little” Angels 1714 Ashmore Ct 77489

Sun Kosal Gourmet Donuts 26440 FM 1093 Suitte 413 77406

Bourgeois Susan Law Office of Susan E. Bourgeois 19901 Southwest Fwy 77479

Valdez Jaime Isai (+) Iglesia Cristiana Roca De Los Siglos 6347 Suite B Ashcroft 77081

Garcia Steve Squeaky Clean Window’s 1714 Jones 77471 Durisek-Potter Doreene Mae Double Dee Deals 1385 FM 359 Ste 320 77406 Prempro Protection Group Inc T. Marshall Consulant 1306 FM 1092 #306 77459 Williams Kimberly PK Enterprise 16122 Aldenridge Dr 77053 Preston Lakesha (+) Devine Marchalett’s Dance & Drumline 8633 W Airport Blvd #129 77071

Meyer Mark W Mark W. Meyer Builder 13400 Hwy 36 Ste 106 77461 S Smith And Associates LLC Smith And Associates 1503 S Medio River Cir 77478 Saini Ramesh (+) Guru Logistics 7106 Cornflower Lane 77494 Ali Shmir (+) Ali Enterprise 1515 Brazos Gate Dr 77469 Chavez Desiree M Munoz Produce 511 Cay Rd 77471

Bruce Pamela Sam Houston Class Reunion 17503 Poplar Canyon Ct 77407

Peraza Rosa E Insurance For Texas Seniors 3307 Aldridge Drive 77459

Morton Tammie Tee’s Enterprises 1212 Louise St 77471

Sung Steve Steve Sung Cpa 12221 S Kirkwood Ste 2334 77477

Walji Shafiq Microinsights 2034 Plantation Bend Dr 77478

Toby Willis Investments Inc Toma Janitorial Services 8002 Eden Park Ct 77406

Cecilia Carpio Pllc Kids & Teens Dental Place 11041 Shadow Creek Pkwy Suite 125 77584

Walji Kamil Kykstart Enterprises 2034 Plantation Bend Dr 77478

Fort Bend Business Journal • June 2011

Igbokwe Ignatius Dr (+) Demolloy Chiropractic & Wellness Clinic 810 Murphy Road 77477

Cole Omotunde Saka (+) Colan Eneterprises 8406 West Sienna Cove 77083

Nguyen Dzuy Chuck Nguyen Photography 2218 Keeran Point Ct 77498

Whiting Sheronne Shannon Transport Inc. P O Box 2025 77459

Allen Edward Jr Heads And Tails Barber and Beauty Shop 7311 Tara Blue Ridge 77469

Caldwell-Brown Carmellia Lia’ Maj Realty Group 2023 Secretariat Dr 77477

Mcdougle Candie Savoir Faire Salon 2415 Riata Park Ct 77494

Hinsley David Scott C & G Building Services LLC 7518 Forest Island Dr 77406

Saunders Omar R German Auto Service 10111 Belknap 77478

Hinsley David Scott C & G Recycling Services 7518 Foster Island Dr 77406

Khan Aveshan The Texas Driving Academy (+) 4747 Hwy 6 South 77459

Arias Carlos R (+) Tex Lawn Service 1314 Austin St 77471

Tulip Enterprise Inc Easy Auto Inspection 10021 Hwy 6 South 77478

Aririguzo Richard Ise Citizens’ Congress (I.C.C.) 13427 Castleway Dr 77083

Buettner James (+) 2Jimmys.Com 3621 Avenue P 77471

Oshinuga Emmanuel Golden Noble Healthcare Services 301 S 9Th Street Ste 216 77469

Nguyen Anh-Dao Thi D Hair & Nail 1730 B F Terry Blvd Ste 902 77471 Hendrix-Green Toni R H.E.A.R.T. Family Ministries 1743 Oakbury Drive 77489 Elam Melanie (+) Client Catering 3815 Kitchen Hill Ln 77479 Elam Melanie (+) Beyond Typical 3815 Kitchen Hill Ln 77479

Benjamin Ashley Jar Junkies 3422 Bremerton Falls Dr 77459 Ugo Theresa C Xtracare Transportation 1915 Glen Park Dr 77489 Embaye Fesshaye Allstates Trucking Logistics and Services P O Box 18964 77496

Elam Melanie (+) Calendars 4 Free 3815 Kitchen Hill Ln 77479

Ashford Green Properties LLC American Heritage Academy & Daycare 5701 Ave I 77171

Horombe Chacha (+) Ciembor Software Consulting 21003 Lilac Meadows 77407

Sugar Land Cleaning Services LLC Mrs. Clean 10306 Bellago Lane 77407

Mcdonald Jocelyn (+) Mcward Investors 12700 Stafford Ste 1218 77477

Rim-Sai Corporation Speedpost Mail 5205 Mason Rd 77450

Plasencia Daniel (+) P M V Auto Sales 246 Ave E 77477

Ortiz Elmer Ortrans Trucking 1707 Texas Ave 77471

Walker Lionel Fast Cash Payday Advance 11095 Fondren Ste B 77096

Lira Julio Miss Quince Anos Magazine TX 1450 W Grand Pwy Ste G 463 77494

Davis Laverne A Heaven Sent Home Services 3526 Timothy Ln 77406 Newton Charles Sherlock Home Inspections 4218 Oxbow Circle East 77441 Howard Jonathan Xtreme Slide Show Creator 7802 Long Shadows 77479 Bivens Robert M Rob Bivens Photography 1702 Red Lake Court 77406 Hill Tanya The Shower Goddess (+) 3219 W Rangecrest Pl 77479 Guebara Rufus III Qualified Contractor Services 1515 Hwy 36 N 77471 Dollihite Sheryl (+) Smarketing 5827 Stratford Gardens Dr 77479 Lucas Brittany Brittany Lucas Photography 307 Lakeview Dr 77498 Rodriguez Edwin A (+) J.E.M.S. 26511 Blanchard Grove 77494 English Susan (+) Cars And Trucks Ii 2906 5th Street Ste A 77477-6708 Sanchez Concepcion Conchita 5323 FM 521 Rd 77583 Cruz Julian Robert Blasting Pressure Washing L.L.C. 3606 Laverne 77545 Rogers Megan Megan Rogers Photography 1126 Azalea Bend 77479 Hernandez Denise (+) Trinity Enterprises 1006 Woodcreek Cove Ln 77494

DBA (Assumed Names) Foss Roland K Supplychain Usa 1730 Pilgrim Journey Dr 77406 Brown Michael E Brown’s Catering 2802 Gray Moss Court 77478 Valdez Eva Flores Evita’s Totebags and Accessories 1808 Cypress Dr 77469 Carney Jason Infinite Solutions 214 Havenbrook Ln 77406 Tyler Sylvester Serenity Property Preservation & Debris Removal Services 3610 Naples Point Ln 77459

Data Beat (+) = More Names

Ezeoke John The Anointed Jesus Vitory Ministery 10101 Bissonnet St 74036

Gaines David D (+) Dna Design Build 1022 Austin Colony Dr 77406

Moore Kizzie E Perfect Peace And Refuge P O Box 1422 77487

Giles Gwendolyn Forever Cherished Cards 610 Whippoorwill 77489

Reyes Jacquelyn Cedillo Construction 2218 Parrott Suite 21 77471

Asghar Nafees Hrna Technolgies 7106 Westford Park Ln 77469

Cannon Marlon Cannon’s Fitness Supplies / Supplements 3101 Vista Dr Apt 6301 77471

HRNA Technolgies Ideas Unlimited 7106 Westford Park Ln 77409

Ghazal India Cafe LLC Ghazal Indian Cafe 435 Fm 1092 Suite S 77477 Johnson Amy Greatwood Floral Designs 6715 High Knoll Dr 77479

Hoffman Cydni The Little Pea (+) 315 Land Grant Dr 77406 Bolden Sabrina Jadee’s Beauty Supply 8383 Elmundo # 921 77054 Chiadika Ignatius (+) Refiner Remnant Church 3430 Saint Charles Ct 77459

Monge Angela Y (+) Evergreen Gardens Solutions 5616 Longleaf Dr 77469

Lockhart Josh Lockhart Livestock 701 Hillcrest Dr 77469

Min Loun K Bakery Donut Missouri City 2703 Cartwright 77459

Lockhart Josh (+) J.T. Cattle Company 701 Hillcrest Dr 77469

Gibralter Information Technologies Inc The Mart (+) 5818 Pendelton Place Dr 77479

Johnson Derrick Arcola Custom Detail Etc. 111 Compton 77583

Hall Bayron D Mister B. Contractors 2218 Laurel Oak 77489

Schnick William Bryan Biomedical Research and Analysis 31 Chesham Mews 77459

Gibralter Information Technologies Inc Gibraltar Media Group 5818 Pendelton Place Dr 77479

Tielke Thomas Txterra Realty Bryant John Brandon 1022 Sugar Mountain Ct 77498 Integrity Contractors 7322 Southwest Fwy 77074 Tielke Thomas Choice Plus Realty Bryant John Brandon 1022 Sugar Mountain Ct 77498 Integrity Roofing 7322 Southwest Freeway Tielke Thomas Suite 1818 77074 Terratx Properties 1022 Sugar Mountain Ct 77498 Humphrey Margaret Learning Express Katy Eneh Mercy E (+) 5556 South Peck Rd 77450 TLC (Tender Loving Care) 1600 Good Day Dr 77459 Mcallister Donnell Mcallister Photography Cheng Hua (+) 8218 Alannah Lagoon Dr 77083 Pier 61 Seafood 4916 Aven H 77471 Davis Hassan Banana King Njigi Samuel K 7115 S Mason Rd Alltax Services Apt 923 77407 13200 Bellaire Blvd 77083 Bassey Daniel Tezeno Diane Trinergy Global Resources Ltd Savvy Productions P O Box 422111 77242 2426 Buttonhill Drive 77489 Bassey Daniel Dillender Glen Transworld Engineering Express Vending & Construction Ltd 6418 Columbia Falls 77450 P O Box 422111 77242

Kellems Stephen T (+) Stephen’s Gallery 6007 Kelsey Pl Ct 77479 Cisneros Ramiro Ram Construction 7230 1/2 Petra Lane 77469 Charlo Terrie Charlo And Grice Lawn & Landscaping Services 2922 Straight Elm St 77545 Solis Victor (+) Tanilo’s Tire Shop 916 1st Street 77471 Gilliam Sonja G Premium Realty LLC 515 Reedwood Drive 77489 Petro Gen Vacuum Sales Corp More-Than-Motors.Com 1560 A Industrial Dr 77489

Bassey Daniel Transworld Management Services Ltd P O Box 422111 77242 Anetor-Folahan Ehikede Caring Hand E.M.S. 10811 Bissonnet 77099

Global Seafood Wholesale Inc M&M Trading (+) 216 1/2 FM 1092 77477 VTG Services LLC Visiting Therapist Group 3707 Bailey Lane 77459

Bassey Daniel Techstar Company Ltd P O Box 42111 77242

Emmanuel Kervin (+) Direct Connect 9903 S Dairy Ashford # 4804 77099

Kersten Charles Joseph III (+) All American Roofing, Restoration And Construction 24810 Jacana Dr 77355

Mccarthy Brian (+) Association Of Financial Educators 19901 Southwest Frwy 77479

Kersten Charles Joseph III (+) All American Roofing and Construction 24810 Jacana Dr 77355 Jacob Jackson Crossbridge Desyn Ink 402 Honeysuckle Vine Dr 77469 Leonard Amy Amy Leonard 14502 Ardwell Dr 77498 Schramme Bobby (+) Katy Contracting Services 26718 Willow Lane 77494 Guzman Francisco Javier (+) Guzman’s Lawn Service 1914 Austin St 77471 A U Tech Inc The Plastic World (+) 4607 Mason Ct 77479 Franklin-Richard Shannan (+) Frinvestment Realty & Development 16430 Lost Quail Dr 77489 Eneh Mercy E (+) T.L.C. Tender Loving Care Ems 1600 Good Day Dr 77459 Salahian Shawn M Shawn M Salahian, Attorney At Law 5510 Rio Sabinas 77583

Zaragoza Richardo (+) Golds Palace 4227 Ave H Suite C 77471 Allotey Nathan (+) Inphocus Media 17323 Guacho Dr 77083 Harvell Jerry J&L Premier Realty Cinco Ranch 23123 Crossbend Dr 77494 Flores Jennifer Faith 4Ever ~ Designs Bait ~ Clothing Company 7003 Rockergate 77489 Paliwanag Vista Ing Budget Bunds Of Humble 12514 Hunting Briar Dr 77099 Lipkins Artara T Am & Pm Expediting P O Box 1924 77487-1924 Melton Kenyon W (+) Kenyon’s Kafe’ The Heat Is In The Flavor’ 11906 Brighton Lane 77477 Masoud Eihab Rajab (+) Southwest Recycling 10331 Clodin Rd 77407 Almusawi Fadhil (+) Aladdin’s Hookah Lounge & Oxygen Bar 7903 South Echo Branch 77459

Young Robert L (+) Catacombs Sunday School 21015 James Long Ct 77406

Bolivar Chris Skips Transportation & Investments P O Box 2311 77497

Barrientos Jose H (+) Bonanza Tire Shop 202 N 10Th Street 77469

Cruz Andres Cruzn’-N-Style Enterprise 1406 Sullivan Springs Dr 77494

White Joseph White’s Properties 1226 Noble Glen 77545

Hossain Adnan Digital Study Guides.Com 4307 Moss Lake Ct 77406

June 2011 • Fort Bend Business Journal

Data Beat

May 2011 Sales Tax Allocation Comparison Summary Reports

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

Net Payment This Period

Comp Payment Prior Year

% Change To Date

2009 Payments To Date

2008 Payments Change

Percent

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

25,011.66 8,374.04 44,436.05 2,222.27 90,172.68 541,054.64 37,313.38 3,820.83 2,515.21 391,180.08 1,168,082.59 10,654.68 1,365,637.59 3,640,920.33 2,367.13

24,822.69 6,578.80 38,217.41 1,448.80 99,042.24 603,158.20 36,766.40 4,467.43 2,136.97 417,044.92 1,216,750.14 9,381.44 1,469,344.12 3,510,812.36 3,468.81

0.76% 27.28% 16.27% 53.38% -8.95% -10.29% 1.48% -14.47% 17.69% -6.20% -3.99% 13.57% -7.05% 3.70% -31.75%

114,809.84 30,718.56 175,892.74 8,428.63 380,714.06 2,416,901.21 149,552.21 17,219.50 20,979.78 1,636,852.96 4,849,775.07 42,873.64 5,572,749.16 17,176,301.39 7,304.75

101,706.38 29,657.79 147,306.86 6,748.21 409,712.79 2,496,460.70 141,419.70 18,239.97 39,356.27 1,711,583.27 4,670,504.14 35,565.89 5,487,178.23 16,353,779.00 15,787.00

12.88% 3.57% 19.40% 24.90% -7.07% -3.18% 5.75% -5.59% -46.69% -4.36% 3.83% 20.54% 1.55% 5.02% -53.72%

COUNTY TOTAL

7,333,763.16

7,443,440.73

-1.47%

32,601,073.50

31,665,006.20

2.95%

Top 20 City Sales and Use Tax Comparison Summary - May 2011 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 Plano Round Rock Amarillo Corpus Christi McAllen Lubbock Irving Midland Frisco Sugar Land Mesquite Abilene Tyler

Net Payment This Period

Comp Payment Prior Year

% Change To Date

2009 Payments To Date

49,075,121.63 23,168,414.90 22,482,096.89 13,525,278.71 9,280,579.69 8,705,721.87 7,274,394.83 6,603,413.24 5,563,818.18 6,160,924.02 6,086,210.72 5,285,794.14 5,234,709.27 4,843,598.71 5,173,109.55 4,247,201.69 3,640,920.33 3,549,191.92 3,772,859.44 3,307,846.99

47,419,146.06 21,004,722.26 21,053,620.24 13,610,355.33 9,951,914.57 8,566,494.67 6,593,736.97 6,170,553.76 5,610,817.26 5,777,874.32 5,390,956.54 5,256,876.22 5,078,118.14 4,868,668.91 3,423,684.55 4,017,244.01 3,510,812.36 3,621,337.98 3,239,712.23 3,223,568.50

3.49% 10.30% 6.78% -0.62% -6.74% 1.62% 10.32% 7.01% -0.83% 6.62% 12.89% 0.55% 3.08% -0.51% 51.09% 5.72% 3.70% -1.99% 16.45% 2.61%

211,142,363.90 93,654,341.30 90,734,638.36 60,529,132.79 43,542,279.59 35,559,922.73 31,106,460.96 27,964,467.09 27,090,796.40 26,007,345.06 25,551,329.31 24,485,847.41 22,180,889.02 20,245,037.31 19,126,819.86 18,380,727.31 17,176,301.39 15,747,014.90 15,541,447.75 14,908,226.44

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

2008 Payments Change

200,202,048.55 87,625,660.00 87,218,073.95 58,652,567.85 41,638,584.82 34,775,228.20 29,267,088.24 25,337,489.83 26,020,735.79 23,966,016.56 23,725,666.75 24,789,568.57 21,184,555.35 18,877,341.13 14,452,140.85 16,850,224.35 16,353,779.00 14,688,087.80 14,022,876.71 14,491,859.00

Percent

5.46% 6.88% 4.03% 3.19% 4.57% 2.25% 6.28% 10.36% 4.11% 8.51% 7.69% -1.22% 4.70% 7.24% 32.34% 9.08% 5.02% 7.20% 10.82% 2.87%

Data Beat

Commercial Building Permits

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

TYPE OF PERMIT

VALUE

MISSOURI CITY 6701 Hwy 6 140 8790 Hwy 6 140 Res B 4875 Hwy 6 6245 Hwy 6 500 6302 Hwy 6 B 4225 Sienna Pkwy 220 13215 Stafford Rd 1000

Commercial Lease Alteration $30,000 Commercial Lease New $320,000 Commercial Lease Alteration $150,000 Commercial Lease New $112,000 Commercial Lease New $35,000 Commercial Lease Alteration $48,650 Commercial Alteration/Remodel $49,500

Grand Total Valuation (Commercial & Residential)

04/01/11-04/30/11

$1,551,150

ROSENBERG 24303 Brazos Town Crossing 500 28000 Southwest Fwy #G 24004 Southwest Fwy #502 1730 B P Terry Blvd #402 24102 Commercial Dr #402 2700 Avenue N 26111 Southwest Fwy

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

$35,000 $115,000 $150,000 $40,000 $25,000 $75,000 $18,000

Grand Total Valuation (Commercial & Residential)

04/01/11-04/30/11

$373,600

STAFFORD 4235 Greenbriar Dr 435 FM 1092 S 10408 Mula Rd 13004 Murphy Rd 206

Commercial Building Commercial Building Commercial Building Commercial Building

$335,675 $8,000 $381,200 $7,500

Grand Total Valuation (Commercial & Residential)

04/01/11-04/30/11

$732,375

SUGAR LAND 15850 Southwest Fwy Ste 300 2150 Town Square Pl Ste 395 19875 Southwest Fwy Ste 130 2150 Town Square Pl Ste 150 2245 Texas Dr Ste 300 19875 Southwest Fwy Ste 120 16605 Southwest Fwy Ste 120 7320 US Hwy 90A Ste 210 16655 Southwest Fwy Ste 600 15625 Southwest Fwy 4690 Sweetwater Blvd Ste 240 16605 Southwest Fwy Ste 185

Commercial Buildout Commercial Buildout Commercial Buildout Commercial Buildout Commercial Buildout Commercial Buildout Commercial Buildout Commercial Buildout Commercial Buildout Commercial Buildout Commercial Buildout Commercial Buildout

$164,457 $278,444 $140,257 $146,139 $757,551 $198,192 $134,416 $180,000 $5,916,039 $66,000 $186,000 $149,082

Grand Total Valuation (Commercial Buildout Only)

04/01/11-04/30/11

$8,424,605

OWNER/CONTRACTOR

Incredible Renovations, LLC Hwy 6/Sienna Parkway LTD/Turnbow Design & Construction Berke Enterprises LTD/Strong Group, Inc. SDI Missouri City Holdings LLC A2Z Builders SVS Bees Creek LLC Etal/Provest Group Pike Road-Stafford LP/Bearden Management, Inc

MMP Services Inc HM General Contractors Floors by Bernard Hobbs & Curry Family LTD PRTSP/Allstate Sunrooks, Inc PPP Properties LP/Warren SW. Refrigeration

Kansas City Life Insurance/Empire Roofing Companies Ghazel India Cafe/Winston Construction Mark Livesay/Regency Plumbing/Regency Plumbing Construction TCB MMC, INC/Village Drywall Services

Lake Pointe Town Center LTD/Sword Construction, LLC Lake Pointe Town Center LTD/O’ Donnel/Snider Construction KW-TS Greatwood, LLC/Majesta Homes, LLC Town Center Lakeside, LTD/Trademark Construction & Remod Town Center Lakeside, LTD/Trademark Construction & Remod KW-TS Greatwood, LLC/Woodlands Design Group Methodist Hospital/South Coast Const Services Inc Highway 90 Plaza Partners, LP/Trincon Services Group, LLC TMH Medical Office Buildings/Austin Commercial, LP Fort Bend MB Land, LP/Crossmark Devel & Constr LLC FCB Fort Bend Holdings, LLC/Crossmark Devel & Constr LLC Methodist Hospital/South Coast Const Services Inc

June 2011 • Fort Bend Business Journal

Advertising

SERVICE DIRECTORY

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

Auto Repair / Maintenance Auto Central-Automotive Service & Sales 281-499-9684 www.autocentral.biz david@autocentral.biz. David Fauvelle, 2526 Fifth Street, Stafford, Texas 77477, Fax: 281-499-0183, Fast, friendly and professional automotive repair. AAA approved auto repair. Charlton’s Body Repair - 281-499-1126 www.charltonsbodyrepair.com. Chuck Charlton, 1131 Staffordshire @ 5th St., Stafford, TX 77477, Fax: 281-499-1694, Complete collision repair. Frame & Unibody straightened. Expert computer color matching. Custom painting & pin stripping. Honest service. 79 Years Strong and 3 Generations Proud! Colony One Auto Center - 281-980-4440 www.colonyoneauto.com Rod Tate, 1131 Dulles Avenue, Stafford, TX 77477, Fax: 281-261-0048, Complete state of the art automotive repair & maintenance facility. First Tire & Automotive - 281-313-2886 www.firsttireandauto.com Craig Popp, owner,3 Sugar Land Locations. 960 Eldridge, 281-313-2886 & 2303 Williams Trace Blvd. 281-9802666 (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 Founders Bank - 281-325-5000 www.foundersbanktx.com Email: customerservice@foundersbanktx.com. Fax: 281-325-5050. Fort Bend County only. Locally owned and managed bank. 4690 Sweetwater Blvd., Sugar Land 77479 The State Bank of Texas - 281-494-6686 www.tsbot.com nbb@tsbot.com. Nicki Black, 13010 Murphy Road, Stafford, TX 77477, Fax: 281-494-6747, , Locally and independently owned - our prime interest is you!

Sterling Bank - Fort Bend - 281-277-0100 12840 Southwest Freeway, Stafford, TX 77477, Fax: 281-277-0223, Serving owneroperated businesses with local decision makers.

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

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

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.

Locksmith 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.

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

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

Fort Bend Business Journal • June 2011

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 tom@riverstone.com. Tom Wilcox, 4855 Riverstone Blvd, Missouri City, Texas 77459, Fax: 281-499-8704, Luxury waterside living in Fort Bend from $200s to the many millions.

Jeanne Gregory, CRS, GRI 281-344-8918 www.jeannegregory.com jeannegregory@earthlink.net. 14905 Southwest Freeway, Sugar Land, Texas 77478, Fax: 281-242-6754, Re/Max Southwest. Residential real estate sales & corporate relocation. Jennifer Weaver, ABR, CRS, GRI 281-207-5037 www.jenniferweaver.com RE/MAX Southwest, 14905 Southwest Freeway, Sugar Land, Texas 77478. Residential sales and corporate relocation since 1979. Janet Williams, Realtor 832.724.4894 Realm Real Estate Professional www.har.com/jlwilliams janetw4co@yahoo.com 14090 Southwest Frwy, Ste 102. Sugar Land, TX 77478, It’s a great time to buy a HUD foreclosure with FHA financing because you just pay $100 down payment + closing cost. Call for details. Providing services for buyers, sellers, renters. Also specialize in short sales for residential and commercial.

Remodeling / Outdoor Living Living Improvements 281-499-7000 www.living-improvements.com AWARD WINNING - 2010 Houston’s BEST “Outdoor Living Space” Living Improvements’ commitment to excellence makes us the perfect fit for your building needs. We have over 200 years cumulative in-house experience in the remodeling and construction industry making us highly skilled, professional and detail oriented striving to exceed our customer’s expectations. We feature outdoor living spaces, custom homes, interior and exterior renovations. Our commitment to excellence is just one of the reasons we have over 4,000 satisfied customers. SERVING FORT BEND & SURROUNDING COUNTIES FOR OVER 35 YEARS

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.

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

June 2011 • Fort Bend Business Journal

SERVICE DIRECTORY

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Total Nonfarm Employment increased by 32,900 in April

Texas unemployment rate drops to 8.0 percent

he Texas seasonally adjusted unemployment rate decreased to 8.0 percent for April, down from 8.1 percent in March, and from 8.2 percent a year ago. April was the third consecutive month that the Texas unemployment rate decreased, as it remained well below the U.S. unemployment rate for April of 9.0 percent. Texas total nonfarm employment was up by 32,900 jobs in April for a total gain of 254,400 jobs from a year ago. “Texas has demonstrated its ability to bounce back from the effects of the national recession through strong and consistent job growth over the past year,” said Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) Chairman Tom Pauken. “Over the past five years, Texas added more than 500,000 jobs, the largest gain for any state in the nation.”1 Employment in Trade, Transportation, and Utilities increased by 17,900 jobs in April for a total of 48,700 positions added over the year; Education and Health Services employment rose by 11,300 jobs in April for a total of 49,000 jobs added this year and an annual job growth rate of 3.6 percent. Professional and Business Services employers added 8,000 jobs in April and showed strong over-the-year growth with 57,900 positions added. April also was this industry’s third consecutive month of jobs added. “When more Texans are employed and providing for themselves and their families, it is good news,” said TWC ommissioner Representing Labor Ronny Congleton. “Although much remains to be done, we have seen significant job growth over the last year, as Texas added more than 254,000 jobs.” The Financial Activities industry added 3,900 positions in April. Businesses in this industry include insurance, real estate, rental and leasing companies; Mining and Logging employment rose for the sixth straight month, as employers added 3,700 jobs since last month and 32,800 jobs since April 2010. “Texas continued to add jobs, with seven of the 11 major industries expanding this

past month,” said TWC Commissioner Representing the Public Andres Alcantar. “The decrease in the unemployment rate over the month and over the year is another welcome sign.” The Midland Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) had the lowest April unemployment rate in the state at 4.4 percent. The Amarillo MSA had the second lowest unemployment rate in April at 5.2 percent, followed by the College StationBryan MSA at 5.7 percent (not seasonally adjusted). Audio downloads from TWC Chairman Tom Pauken on the latest labor market data

are available at the following link: http:// www.twc.state.tx.us/news/press/2011/ praudio11.html. 1. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), from March 2006 to March 2011 (preliminary), Texas added 539,500 jobs over the past five years when compared with the U.S. 50 states and Washington D.C Please note that the unemployment estimates for the United States and Texas in this chart are “Not Seasonally Adjusted” for purposes of comparison to the “Not Seasonally Adjusted” Metropolitan Statistical Area data. Civilian Labor Force Estimates for Texas Metropolitan Statistical Areas

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

152,898.0 12,248.4 81.6 133.8 918.6 190.9 159.4 118.2 215.6 3,261.1 2,180.3 1,080.6 324.6 2,918.9 171.8 94.4 111.6 146.7 308.3 78.6 73.6 54.8 993.9 58.0 64.9 101.9 58.8 115.9 72.6

April 2011 Emp. Unemp. 139,661.0 11,306.1 76.5 126.8 858.8 170.7 141.1 111.4 199.2 3,010.9 2,012.4 998.4 293.2 2,686.6 159.0 86.9 104.3 138.3 273.2 75.2 69.1 51.5 923.8 53.4 60.3 94.6 54.8 107.6 67.6

Rate

13,237.0 942.3 5.1 7.0 59.8 20.2 18.3 6.8 16.4 250.2 167.9 82.2 31.4 232.3 12.8 7.5 7.3 8.4 35.1 3.4 4.5 3.3 70.1 4.6 4.6 7.3 4.0 8.3 5.0

8.7 7.7 6.2 5.2 6.5 10.6 11.5 5.7 7.6 7.7 7.7 7.6 9.7 8.0 7.5 8.0 6.6 5.8 11.4 4.4 6.1 5.9 7.0 8.0 7.1 7.2 6.9 7.1 6.8

C.L.F. 153,022.0 12,215.5 81.3 132.4 913.1 191.7 157.7 116.9 217.1 3,237.7 2,162.6 1,075.3 322.9 2,917.9 169.7 94.7 112.9 145.7 312.6 78.4 74.1 55.2 993.8 57.9 65.4 101.6 58.9 116.5 71.7

March 2011 Emp. Unemp. 138,962.0 11,231.3 76.0 125.2 850.6 170.8 138.8 110.0 199.9 2,976.1 1,987.1 989.1 290.6 2,676.2 156.4 86.9 105.2 137.0 275.4 74.8 69.4 51.8 921.0 53.0 60.6 93.9 54.6 107.8 66.6

14,060.0 984.2 5.3 7.2 62.5 20.9 18.9 6.9 17.2 261.6 175.5 86.2 32.3 241.7 13.3 7.8 7.7 8.7 37.2 3.6 4.7 3.4 72.8 4.9 4.8 7.7 4.3 8.7 5.1

Rate 9.2 8.1 6.5 5.4 6.8 10.9 12.0 5.9 7.9 8.1 8.1 8.0 10.0 8.3 7.9 8.2 6.9 5.9 11.9 4.6 6.3 6.1 7.3 8.4 7.4 7.6 7.3 7.4 7.1

C.L.F. 153,911.0 12,136.0 83.9 131.5 912.2 186.1 157.0 116.6 213.6 3,203.3 2,137.0 1,066.3 317.8 2,889.8 167.9 95.6 111.7 147.5 305.1 77.1 72.6 55.2 991.9 58.0 65.4 101.7 59.1 115.3 73.3

April 2010 Emp. Unemp. 139,302.0 11,177.5 78.8 124.2 849.3 166.9 140.5 109.8 197.3 2,945.0 1,964.1 980.9 289.4 2,653.2 155.9 87.4 103.7 138.9 271.7 73.0 66.8 51.8 922.6 53.3 60.6 94.2 54.7 107.3 67.8

Rate

14,609.0 958.5 5.1 7.3 62.9 19.2 16.5 6.8 16.3 258.3 172.9 85.4 28.4 236.6 12.0 8.2 8.0 8.6 33.4 4.1 5.8 3.4 69.3 4.7 4.8 7.5 4.4 8.0 5.5

9.5 7.9 6.1 5.5 6.9 10.3 10.5 5.8 7.6 8.1 8.1 8.0 8.9 8.2 7.1 8.6 7.2 5.8 10.9 5.3 7.9 6.2 7.0 8.1 7.3 7.4 7.4 7.0 7.6

Texas Nonagricultural Wage and Salary Employment Seasonally Adjusted+

Mar. '11 to Apr. '11 INDUSTRY TITLE TOTAL NONAG. W&S EMPLOYMENT TOTAL NONGOVERNMENT** GOODS - PRODUCING Mining & Logging Construction Manufacturing SERVICE - PROVIDING Trade, Trans. & Utilities Information Financial Activities Profess. & Business Svcs Education & Health Svcs Leisure & Hospitality Other Services Government

Fort Bend Business Journal • June 2011

Apr. 2011*

Absolute Change

Apr. '10 to Apr. '11

Mar. 2011

Apr. 2010

Percent Change

Absolute Change

Percent Change

10,557 ,100 8,699,500

10,524,200 8,665,500

10,302,700 8,445,900

32,900 34,000

0.3 0.4

254,400 253,600

2.5 3.0

235,000 587,900 819,600

231,300 597,200 821,600

202,200 564,700 809,100

3,700 -9,300 -2,000

1.6 -1.6 -0.2

32,800 23,200 10,500

16.2 4.1 1.3

2,093,800 185,500 626,600 1,322,300 1,429,200 1,031,100 368,500 1,857,600

2,075,900 187,100 622,700 1,314,300 1,417,900 1,029,200 368,300 1,858,700

2,045,100 197,000 622,700 1,264,400 1,380,200 1,000,900 359,600 1,856,800

17,900 -1,600 3,900 8,000 11,300 1,900 200 -1,100

0.9 -0.9 0.6 0.6 0.8 0.2 0.1 -0.1

48,700 -11,500 3,900 57,900 49,000 30,200 8,900 800

2.4 -5.8 0.6 4.6 3.6 3.0 2.5 0.0

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

Aristotle Grill The Greeks have landed in Sugar Land! Owner Hamid Panah and his staff have just opened on the corner of Hwy 6 and Hwy 59 providing the best Greek dishes in the area! Everything from appetizers to traditional Greek salads, to plates specials and traditional Gyro sandwiches, Chicken Shawarma & Kafte Kabobs, this is the place for a nice, relaxed atmosphere and elegant Greek dining! Aristotle Grill also caters employee lunches, business meetings, and corporate gatherings. Their goal is to leave their guests impressed! Open 7 days, Sun-Thurs 11 am -9 pm, Fri-Sat 11 am -10 pm. 2109-B Highway 6 @ Highway 59 South, Sugar Land. 281-277-7787. $ WB AURA Restaurant Chef/Owner Frédéric Perrier brings over 30 years experience to his newest venture - AURA. In an upscale yet casually comfortable setting, Innovative American Cuisine reigns and is highlighted in the numerous Daily Specials. AURA features only the finest, freshest ingredients. A three course prix fixe lunch for $12.95 to Mussles Marinieres, Roasted Red Snapper or Filet Mignon with Cognac Peppercorn Sauce. No need to go to Houston or into Sugar Land for a truly high quality dining experience... you will easily find it at AURA (without ‘Big Restaurant’ prices!) at Township Square - Missouri City. Lunch Mon-Sat 11-2. Dinner Mon-Thurs 5-9 and Fri-Sat 5-10. Please call for Reservations &/or Catering ~ 3400 FM 1092, 81-403-AURA (2872). $$ • WB

Candelari’s Pizzeria Albert Candelari began making sausage over 50 years ago. As the years have passed the flavor remains the same, which is why Candelari’s is the “King of Sausages”! They take that delicious Italian sausage and put it in pizzas, pastas, and sandwiches. Enjoy appetizers, salads, pastas, sandwiches, pizzas and desserts in there dining room, large patio, or full bar with large screen TV’s. Happy hour is Monday - Thursday 3 to 7pm. This casual dining experience is available at two locations in Fort Bend. Call either location for take-out or delivery. 7425 Hwy 6 S (Just North of Sienna) 832-947-0440 / 6825 S Fry Rd (Fry & 99) 281-395-6746. www.candelaris.com. $ • FB Fernando’s Latin Cuisine We are pleased to announce the arrival of Fernando’s Latin Cuisine-An exotic culinary adventure! Started by, Fernando Echeverria, the same owner of Los Andes by the Compact Center in Houston-Another wonderful Latin American restaurant. Fernando’s Latin Cuisine is located in the same building where Ruth’s Chris used to be. Featured dishes include Empanadas appetizer, Fileton, (Filet mignon) and Asada Y Camarones, Casually called the surf and turf. 14135 Southwest Freeway, in Sugar Land. 281-494-9087. wwww. fernandosrestaurants.com. $$ • FB Gringo’s Mexican Kitchen Since 1993, we strive to provide the highest quality Mexican food at the lowest price possible. Gringo’s

offers dine-in, take out and customized catering to fit your needs. Open Sun-Thurs: 11am – 9pm and Fri-Sat: 11am – 10pm. Join us for Happy Hour (Mon-Fri: 2pm – 6pm) with $2.99 Margaritas and $1 Draft Beers. Some favorites include the Pollo Marisco, Smokin’ BBQ Pork Quesadillas, Sizzling Fajitas and Silver Star Margaritas. Located at 12330 Southwest Freeway in Stafford (59S & W Airport). 281980-7482 (RITA) gringosmexicankitchen.com. $ • FB J & L Café Homestyle Cookin’ like Grandma used to make! Joy Smith and Paul Jordan are back, and they’re cooking up a delightful assortment of homemade dishes to satisfy the heartiest of appetites. Since they opened their new restaurant, they’ve been serving up family recipes handed down for 3 generations. Stop by J & L Café and enjoy Chicken and Dumplings, Smothered Oxtails, Meatloaf, Ribs, Fried Catfish, Roast Beef, Mashed Potatoes, Okra, and Cornbread Dressing, to name just a few menu items and daily specials. The assortment of Desserts includes Peach Cobbler, Cheesecake and Banana Pudding, all guaranteed to make your taste buds smile! Joy Smith, co-proprietor, worked as Personal Chef to Former Houston Juneor Lee Brown for many years. Whole Cornish Hens are available on Sundays. Breakfast served TuesdaySaturday 6-9am, Open for Lunch and Dinner Tuesday-Sunday, Closed Mondays. 1110 FM 2234 on the border of Stafford & Missouri City. 281-499-9895. $ continued on page 64

June 2011 • Fort Bend Business Journal

continued from page 63 Karl’s At The Riverbend Romantic Dining in the Country, across the creek from a horse farm. Swiss Chef Karl Camenzind’s menu features Angus steaks, Prime Rib, Wienerschnitzel, Trout Almondine and other fresh fish, Rack of Lamb, Steak and other wild game, Atkins specials, a budget weeknight menu offered along with the regular menu, plus a wonderful Sunday Brunch Buffet. Company Luncheons and Rehearsal Dinners invited. Open Tues-Sat for Dinner and Sunday Brunch 5011 FM 723 Richmond 281-238-9300 www.karlsrb.com Read our reviews at www.b4-u-eat.com. $$ • FB La Magia Cafe & Pizza If you are looking for casual dinning with an easy atmosphere then La Magia is just the place for you! La Magia Café & Pizza recipes and menu are based on almost 30 years of Italian cooking. The dishes served at La Magia are prepared and cooked in the traditional Italian way, using fresh ingredients and herbs, giving them a home cooked flavor since 1980. In addition to authentic Italian cooking, La Magia offers popular American dishes. The pizzas are made with medium crust and cooked in a stone oven. This cooking process gives the dough a slow rise, for a true pizza flavor. All meals are prepared with extra virgin olive oil and the freshest ingredients and herbs. Open 7 days, Sun-Thurs 11 am -9 pm, Fri-Sat 11 am -10 pm. Lunch menu specials Mon – Fri. 3699 Highway 6 @ Settlers Way Blvd, Sugar Land. 281-565-0366. $ WB Las Haciendas Mexican Bar & Grill Santos Escobar and his brother Ascension Escobar serve up dozens of heaping traditional gourmet Mexican plates. Lunch Specials run weekdays from 11am - 3pm. Great margaritas, fajitas and much more. Catering available as well as a party room for private parties. • 12821 Southwest Freeway. 281240-3060. $ • FB Lupitas Mexican Restaurant Jaime and Lupe Garcia have lived in Fort Bend for 36 years. Twenty-three of those years have been spent in the restaurant business. If you want authentic Mexican food made from only the freshest ingredients and at a reasonable price, go

to Lupitas Mexican Restaurant formerly Pico De Gallo Mexican Restaurant. The Garcias continually concentrate on customer satisfaction. That includes the quality and freshness of their food as well as the family atmosphere of their restaurant. Dine-In, Take-out, and Catering available. 3121 Highway 6, Sugar Land • Call 281-265-6556. $ • WB Mantra Fine Indian Cuisine Discover India with exotic spices and aromatic flavors that will awaken your taste buds and lift you off your feet, we will make you feel like royalty. Mantra Fine Indian Cuisine offers Lunch Buffet and To-Go lunch options, that’s in your budget and leave you to come back for more. Mantra caters to all from spicy hot to mild flavors. We prepare our meals fresh and offer a wide selection of healthy choices. We have full menu and full bar and you can enjoy the evening out on our patio with your family or friends. Mantra also offers special catering promotions for parties and formal functions or any event any size, host in our restaurant or choosing of your choice. Hours of Operation: Monday through Thursday, Friday to Sunday, Lunch: 11a.m. to 2:30p.m. Lunch: 11a.m. to 2:30p.m. Dinner: 5:30pm to 10p.m. Dinner: 5:30pm to 11p.m.Come visit us at 15295 Southwest Freeway off of Williams Trace exit. For more information, contact us at 281-325-0071 or visit www. mantraofsugarland.com. $$ • FB Outback Steakhouse Inspired by Australia’s spirit of adventure, Outback Steakhouse has been an innovator in the culinary world by creating big, bold flavors using only the freshest ingredients. Voted #1 Best Steak in the 2009 Zagat Survey of National Full-Service Restaurant chains, Outback’s mission is to provide high quality fresh dishes at affordable prices. Explore Outback’s new menu with 15 meals under $15 including new choices, classic favorites and down under prices starting at $9.95. Our favorites include the Bloomin’ Onion®, Outback Special Sirloin with Grilled Shrimp on the Barbie, Honey Dijon Chicken with Sweet Potato Fries and much more! The local Proprietor is Anthony Antonidis. Open Mon.- Thur. 4-10 pm, Fri. 4-11 pm, Sat. 3-11 pm, Sun 11 am-9:30 pm. Located at 15253 Southwest Freeway, (Off Highway 59 and Williams Trace Exit) in Sugar Land, Texas. 281-980-4329. $ FB Panda Garden Panda Garden Restaurant, the three times winner for Best Oriental Restaurant in Fort Bend County,

Fort Bend Business Journal • June 2011

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 Gill. Join us for a wonderful culinary adventure featuring fine centercut steaks, chops, fresh seafood, soups, sandwiches, salads, and outstanding wine selection. Open lunch & dinner - Monday-Thursday 11:00-9:00pm, Friday & Saturday 11:00-10:00pm. Happy Hour 3:00-6:00pm. 4524 Highway 6, Sugar Land • Call 281-491-2901. www.postoakgrillsugarland.com $$ • FB Sandy McGee’s Restaurant & Catering The “BEST” soups, gourmet sandwiches and salads in TEXAS. Casual Dining in Historic Downtown Richmond. Sandy McGee’s has a sterling reputation for “FRESH”. Mon.-Fri. 10am-9pm and Sat.-Sun. 10am-3pm. 314 Morton St., Richmond. 281-344-9393. $ Tornado Burger Home of the famous Spicy Burger. Find out why Houston’s largest newspaper raves about their burgers! Read the review by the Houston Chronicle at: http://blogs.chron.com/cookstour/ archives/2007/09/burgerology.html. They make their burgers with fresh-ground chuck, and even their buns are handmade! The French fries are fresh Idaho potatoes cut right in front of you and fried to order! They compete with the multinationals with fresh food at low prices and very fast service. Their Philly Cheesesteaks are as good as Pat’s if not better! Open Mon. - Sat. 11am-10pm, Sun. 11am-9pm. Dine-In or Drive-Thru. 505 Murphy Rd (FM 1092) just south of Hwy 90 in Stafford, 281-403FAST (3278). $

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