June 2012 - The Business Lifestyle Magazine Digital Edition by Fort Bend Business Journal

Volume 30 • No. 6

THE BUSINESS LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

June 2012

At Five Star Dentists™ it’s all about Your Smile. Your Success!™

INSIDE FEATURES / STORIES

Progress & Growth in Fort Bend County - Mid Year Fort Bend Senior Living Who Owns the Beach? Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce Newsletter Data Beat Information 4.95

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Editor’s Preview

by Sharon Wallingford

The Editorial Advisory Board

June is Hot!

t’s hot in Fort Bend County. It’s June, so that’s what we can expect. What’s great is Fort Bend County is hot! We stay ahead of the curve when it comes to business. To prove so, Hurricane Awareness Week has been declared. This week, County Judge Robert Hebert declared the week of June 2 as “Hurricane Awareness Week” in Fort Bend County. Hurricane season officially begins June 1 and continues through November 30th. As we enter the 2012 Hurricane Season, it is critical that everyone in our area becomes more knowledgeable about hurricanes and hurricane preparedness. During this week, we hope that citizens will begin to prepare by developing a family emergency plan. For more information about hurricanes and being prepared, please visit Fort Bend County’s Office of Emergency Management website: www.fbcoem.org. ; Be sure to ‘like’ FBCOEM on Facebook and follow the Fort Bend County Office of Emergency Management on Twitter to receive daily tips about Fort Bend County alert systems, evacuation information, resource kits and other information on how to be prepared. Take a look at this month’s cover. It features Andrew Tran DDS, the founder and president of iDentalApps, Inc., and Minhly D. Nguyen DDS, the president of Five Star Dentists, which has three locations in Fort Bend County. The Missouri City couple are perfect examples of how a combination of innovation, healthcare technology and

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

community spirit can lead to success. Read about their incredible journey about living and working in our county. We have many more articles about the county’s growth and people to share with you. From Katy to Missouri City, Meadows Place to Kendleton, Thompson Field to Fulshear, the businesses in our community are busily closing deals, creating new opportunities and studying how to do everything better. As you will see in this issue, there are many opportunities to attend meetings about various topics that can keep you alert and informed as a citizen. We also want to wish all our newly elected officials the best. They worked hard on their campaigns; many with dedicated volunteers. These are the people you voted to represent you on local, state and national levels. Now follow them on to our November election cycle. Enjoy the month! With schools out for summer recess, please remember to make the important decision to buckle up. If you plan to vacation or travel have your vehicle safety checked and plan to allow enough time to arrive at your destination. By all means have a great time.

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

Keep those cash registers ringing! Sharon K. Wallingford

“Great minds discuss ideas. Average minds discuss events. Small minds discuss people.” - Eleanor Roosevelt

Fort Bend Business Journal • June 2012

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

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For the health of your business

CONTENTS

Fort Bend/Katy

Cover Story

Volume 30 • Number 6 • June 2012 For subscriptions send check for $25 to Fort Bend Business Journal

At Five Star Dentists it’s all about Your Smile. Your Success!

pg.

Special Features

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

Progress & Growth in Fort Bend County - Mid Year....................... 14 Fort Bend Senior Living.............................................................. 32

Inside Stories

Monthly Columns

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

MARKETING CONSULTANTS................ Jennifer Pappas-Blancas Diane Strehl Ann Sturrock RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE SPECIALIST.........................................Becky Hall CONTRIBUTOR ............................... Joan Frances Wayne Chandler ART DIRECTOR.................................Joey Belleza

Kolbe Curtice CCIM, CLS

Leland Irwin

Commercial Real Estate

Law and Business

Discusses Fort Bend - More Than A Growth Story ................................ 31

Discusses Who Owns the Beach..................... 39

Alan Sandersen

Elsa Maxey

Discusses Prequalifying Subcontractors Important in Today's Economy....... 37

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

ADVERTISING DIRECTOR ..................Mary Doetterl

It’s Stan and the Mann.......................................................................8 Feds Visit Fort Bend County........................................................ 10 Re/Max Patels: Savvy Fort Benders.......................................... 18 West Fort Bend Unsettled by Fire Protection Changes........ 20 Missouri City: The Movie............................................................... 21 ICSC Claims Global Vision is Critical......................................... 22

Tax Smart

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

Star Digital Studios Discusses Video Communications a Requirement? Now More Than Ever!..................... 41

Monthly Departments Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce Newsletter...................................................23-30 Newsworthy ......................................................................................................42-44 Names in the News................................................................................................. 46 Data Beat...........................................................................................................56-59 Service Directory...............................................................................................60-62 Meet & Eat - Food, Drink & Entertainment Guide............................................62-63

Fort Bend Business Journal • June 2012

ON THE COVER 5 Star Dentists Andrew Tran, DDS & Minhly D. Nguyen, DDS

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Rice & Gardner Consultants Engineer Building’s that Lower Energy Costs!

JIM RICE

KEVIN GARDNER

Rice & Gardner Consultants provided engineering services for the Fort Bend County North Annex.

Rice & Gardner Consultants continues to provide engineering services for various projects at Fluor’s Lake Pointe Plaza Campus.

oday most people spend the majority of their day indoors at home, at school or at the office. It is important then that our homes, our schools, our office buildings, and the many other buildings we frequent provide a good indoor environment for the people who live and work in them. A good indoor environment is one that addresses the quality of the air we breathe, appropriate temperature and humidity levels, appropriate lighting levels, and in general promotes good indoor occupant comfort, health and well-being. Because building operations account for over half of all U.S. electricity consumption and contributes a significant portion of greenhouse gas emissions, it is important that they be engineered and designed correctly to minimize electrical consumption, reduce their carbon footprint and still provide a good indoor environment for building occupants. Designing, installing and utilizing efficient lighting and HVAC systems with properly designed building automation control systems is the first step in reducing building energy consumption, lowering utility costs and providing a good indoor environment. In today’s economy, property owners and managers must demonstrate the value of their property to their tenants, both existing and future, while finding ways to reduce costs without negatively impacting occupant comfort or owner services. It is a delicate balancing act. Proper engineering design and installation can provide owners with a ten to fifteen percent decrease in their energy bills and a corresponding improvement in tenant satisfaction. Rice & Gardner Consultants has a highly trained staff of Engineers, Project Managers and Commissioning Agents to assist you. To find out how you can lower your building’s electric bills and provide improved occupant comfort contact Rice & Gardner Consultants today. To learn more call us at 713-482-2300 or visit our website at www.ricegardner.com.

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Fort Bend Business Journal • June 2012

Top Producer Coldwell Banker United

Terri Kurkjian

Arlene Rolsen

FORT BEND Real Estate All-Stars

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RE/MAX Fine Properties

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Durmoye Realty

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Emelia Appel

Veronica Valentz

Hank Mann Mike Harness & Sherry Miles

Barbara Montgomery

Realtor ABR, CBR, GRI RE/MAX Heritage

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Rhonda Beavers

Cathy Simeone

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Realtor ABR, GRI, CSP, ASP

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Sherry Glazener

RE/MAX Southwest

Sherry 281.340.4111 Keller Williams Realty

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Sonia Cousins

Denise Hulse

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Realtor-HALL of Fame

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RE/MAX Southwest

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appel@garygreene.com Prudential Gary Greene

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Kristi Bajjali

RE/MAX Fine Properties

Paula and William Johnson

Realtor - 23+ yrs experience

Hank Mann Team RE/MAX Fine Properties

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Cathy Stubbs

Dorothy Yee

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Broker/Owner Wayne Stone Properties

Jeanne Gregory

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Wayne Stone

Joan Berger

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It’s Stan and the Mann: A dynamic duo in Katy By Wayne Chandler

t’s Stan and the Mann. For those of you who haven’t guessed that’s Stan C. Stanley and Woody Mann Jr. The two businessmen have been guiding forces, the only two chairmen of the Katy Area Economic Development Council, as the body celebrated its ninth anniversary last May 9 in new, expanded facilities in the Brazos Valley Schools Credit Union building at 438 FM 1463 at I-10 Among those who have nurtured, promoted, helped this impressive Katy Area EDC grow in the past eight years, Woody has been the mover and Stan has been the shaker. At virtually every monthly general assembly breakfast or Board of Governors session, Woody and Stan are hands on. Woody will move along the breakfast meeting, introducing special guests, newcomers, and good-naturedly prodding some of his associates. Stan, still membership chairman, will congratulate new members, cite others on their membership anniversaries, and invite others to become a part of what has become a business-shaking factor in the continued growth of the Katy Area EDC. “No other folks have been more involved in leading the transformation of the Katy area than Stan and Woody,” said Lance LaCour, KAEDC president and CEO, “and they continue to push forward on a variety of initiatives throughout the community.” As these two gentlemen sat down after the anniversary meeting, they both continued to display their humility. “Give Stan all the credit,” Woody concluded, as Stan just smiled and shook his head. Stan served as the first chairman of the organization. Both men said the organizational success was in getting 15 board members to commit financially since the group didn’t and –and never has had – a tax base. They are proud that as the EDC has grown they’ve only lost one of those board

Stan C. Stanley and Woody Mann Jr.

members. Stanley moved to Katy in 1977, formed Stanley Signature Products, Inc., and has helped form churches, served on Katy ISD committees and has become one of the leading Boy Scout executives in the Greater Houston area. “Stan is the most humble man I know,” said Jonathan Holland, Boy Scouts of America district director. “I find at times that my main motivation is to make Stan proud of what we’re doing in the Katy area.” For the Katy Area Chamber of Commerce, Stan was chairman and Chamber Citizen of the Year in 2002. For Katy ISD, he headed the advertising committee which helped approve a $315 million bond program in 2002. Stanley had an elementary school named in his honor in 2009. Mann’s 47 years in the Greater Houston area’s commercial real estate industry is rooted in every aspect of the business – from development, construction, property management, leasing and commercial brokerage operations to underwriting major commercial mortgage loan applications. A Texas real estate broker, Mann is president of Vista Equities Group and senior president of Vista Management Company. The Vista companies, founded in 1985, now are responsible for 1.7 million square feet of commercial and retail properties. Mann has been knee deep with Vista Equities since 1996 in developing 30 neighborhood shopping centers, including The Plazas at Spring Green, at Cinco Ranch

Fort Bend Business Journal • June 2012

Boulevard and Spring Green in Cinco Ranch Southwest. In 2007, the company opened LaCenterra at Cinco Ranch, at the Grand Parkway and Cinco Ranch Boulevard. All 160,000 square feet of specialty retail and restaurant space, and 90,000 square feet of office space is leased, and now the company is offering an additional 40,000 square feet of retail space and then plans to offer 700,000 square feet of retail, Class A office and residential apartment living. The company is developing The Reserve at the Grand Parkway, a 90-acre medical and office space project which also will be home to the Katy campus of St. Luke’s Episcopal Hospital on the Grand Parkway at Kingsland Boulevard. A graduate of the University of Arkansas, Woody and his wife, Cathie, have served for the last 10 years on the Houston Marathon Race Committee, an event which produces in excess of $40,000 annually for the Houston economy. Woody is a member of the Katy Area Chamber, too. Both Stanley and Mann helped the first multi-year economic strategic plan succeed with the recruitment of more than 150 partners. Now, the EDC has formulated a second multi-year plan. A significant feature of the new plan will be the new community branding campaign, labeled “Katy, Texas – Energy Grows Here.” Both men attributed much of the EDC success to Lance LaCour who was hired after an exhaustive search, to become the president and CEO. Most decisions for businesses to come to the Katy area happen after extended negotiations, and they commend LaCour, Frank Lombard, vice president, and the EDC staff, for making it all happen. Both men lauded the Katy ISD as being a great lure to corporate executives and their families that come to Katy. They hinted that several major business announcements are likely in the next few months regarding more companies for Katy. As these business developments occur, Stan and the Mann, will applaud, and take it all in stride.

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June 2012 â&#x20AC;˘ Fort Bend Business Journal

Feds visit Fort Bend on American tour and leave with new viewpoints By Wayne Chandler

toast is in order – a big glass of water -- to all the Fort Bend developers, city, county and levee district officials for the 17 levees which protect our billions of dollars in property assets. At an all-day fact-finding session in Sugar Land, a U.S. Corps of Engineers official claimed that, of all levees in the Southwest Division: · 49 are “Unacceptable” · 75 are “Minimally Acceptable” · 13 are “Acceptable” · Only about half of these levees are protected under the 100-Year Flood Plan insurance programs And, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) man, Guy Lowes, of Denton, under the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, noted that “every levee is different, most of them are earthen, and levee design varies. There’s a lot of stuff out there.” The general conclusion is that, even when residents are protected by good flood control projects, virtually everyone needs flood insurance. Even if they are in the 500-Year Flood plans. When it comes to Fort Bend County, Andre McDonald of Sugar Land countered these scary reports. McDonald, a First Colony resident, is a member of the prestigious National Academy of Science Levee Committee which heard this report. (The NAS was established by President Abraham Lincoln in 1863). McDonald is president of the largest levee, Fort Bend County Levee Improvement District (LID) #2 and heads the Fort Bend Flood Management Association, an umbrella group of area levee district representatives. McDonald states that all Fort Bend levees are accredited by FEMA, all were locally funded at a total cost of $1 billion, and now protect $10 billion in appraised property valuation. “We have 17 levee districts in Fort Bend County and all are certified by a professional engineer and credited by FEMA. There are

about 50 per cent of the FEMA Region VI district levees that meet that criteria, and that is a testimony to Fort Bend’s sound levee projects,” McDonald said. A blue ribbon group of experts from the historic NAS spent three days in Fort Bend County and the Greater Houston area as part of a 20-month tour of America to see, hear and talk about levees and flood insurance. The first day, May 9, the NAS group inspected some levees and flood control systems in Fort Bend, Brazoria, Galveston and Harris counties . The second full day was spent in the Sugar Land Marriott Hotel, so these committee members could hear testimony relating to levees, the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) and FEMA Region VI which includes Texas, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Arkansas and Louisiana. Then, the third day was a closed session where members summarized their input. Sugar Land was the third stop of this tour, which began last November in Washington, D.C. and then proceeded to view the levees in Central California in February. They’ll meet in St. Louis this Summer and then conclude back in Washington, D.C. in the Fall. The committee’s role is to gather all the information possible on levees, the NFIP, and suggest ways to improve policies and practices regarding the some 100,000 miles of levees throughout this nation. This whole complex study was requested by FEMA when cities and counties such as Fort Bend began protesting the threatened rising costs in flood insurance and additional changes to the 100-Year Flood Plan maps. The committee, headed by Retired Brigadier General Gerald Galloway, professor of civil and environmental engineering at University of Maryland, includes 12 members from throughout the nation, including McDonald. They heard from Jeff Jacobs, director of Water Science and Technology Board who gave a brief history of the NAS and the National Research Council; Corise Morrison, CPCU, executive director of USAA Insurance Company, who explained NFIP’s Write Your Own program; Mike Jordan, P.E.

Fort Bend Business Journal • June 2012

From left, .Andre McDonald, president FB LID # 2, Gerald Galloway, NAS chairman, and Guy Lowes, Denton, FEMA Region VI director.

levee safety program manager, Southwestern Division, U.S. Corps of Engineers, related challenges in updating levee systems; Jill Jordan, P.E., assistant city manager for the City of Dallas, told of Dallas’ recovery from FEMA ‘s 2007 decertification; Samuel Brody, Texas A & M professor, suggested reducing levee vulnerability through land use practices, and Doug Whipple, Dow Chemical, explained his company’s comprehensive emergency preparedness program. During public comment session, David Oliver, an attorney for Allen, Boone, Humphries and Robinson, reinforced McDonald’s contention that Fort Bend County entities have long shown foresight, developed –and funded – effective levee projects without federal help. Oliver stated that he hoped the committee would recognize Fort Bend’s efficiency when suggesting changes in levee policies and practices. McDonald became a board member of Fort Bend LID #2 in 2000 and has been president since 2004. He’s had more than 30 years experience in building levees throughout the world. He has directed operations of airport construction, mass earthworks, industrial plant construction, wastewater treatment plant construction, modernization of oil refineries and grass roots LNG facilities. He studied engineering and business administration at Mississippi State University. McDonald credits renown builder and developer Gerald Hines, who developed First Colony, with having the vision to pioneer master planning in Fort Bend County, and who spent some $40 million during the 1970s to prepare for flood protection. McDonald also credits Don Russell, a developer of Sugar Creek, with sound advanced planning for flood control measures.

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Denbury agrees to acquire Thompson oil field

enbury Resources Inc. (NYSE:DNR) (“Denbury” or the “Company”) has announced that it has entered into an agreement to acquire Thompson Field in Fort Bend County, Texas from a private seller for $360 million in cash and a production payment, described below. The acquisition is expected to close in early June and is subject to satisfactory completion of due diligence reviews and customary closing conditions. The purchase price is subject to standard purchase price adjustments for revenues and costs between the June 1, 2012 effective date and the closing date of the transaction. Denbury plans to fund the purchase with approximately $213 million of the cash received from its 2012 non-core property sales and borrowings under its revolving credit facility. A significant portion of the purchase that will be funded with proceeds from the property sales is anticipated to qualify as a like-kind exchange. This qualification is expected to allow Denbury

to defer paying approximately $30 million of cash taxes in 2012 on the taxable gains realized from the property sales. Transaction Highlights Thompson Field was discovered in the early 1930s by Gulf Oil, Hugh Roy Cullen, and Wesley West. The 8,454 acre field was jointly owned and operated by Chevron and ExxonMobil from 1932 until they sold their interests in separate transactions to the seller in 1999 (Chevron) and 2003 (ExxonMobil). Oil production from the field peaked in 1974 at approximately 41,000 barrels of oil per day (“Bbls/d”). The acquisition includes a nearly 100% working interest and 84.7% net revenue interest in the Thompson Field. The field is located approximately 18 miles west of Hastings Field that Denbury is currently flooding with carbon dioxide (“CO2”), and the current terminus of the Green Pipeline which transports CO2 from Denbury’s source in Jackson Dome, Mississippi. Net to Denbury’s interest, the field is producing approximately 2,200 Bbls/d of oil and potential conventional (non-tertiary)

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Fort Bend Business Journal • June 2012

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reserves are estimated at approximately 17 million barrels of oil. Denbury plans to develop the conventional undeveloped reserves at Thompson Field over the next several years while it designs the field’s CO2 flood. Annual development costs until the CO2 flood commences are estimated at approximately $12 million. Thompson Field is similar to Hastings Field, producing oil from the Frio zone at similar depths, and is also believed to be an ideal candidate for a CO2 flood. Denbury estimates the field’s original oil in place (“OOIP”) at approximately 650 million barrels of oil, with the zones initially targeted for CO2 flood estimated to have approximately 300 million barrels of OOIP. Based on its other Gulf Coast CO2 floods, Denbury estimates that a CO2 flood of Thompson Field could recover between 30 million and 60 million barrels of oil. The capital costs of implementing a CO2 flood at Thompson Field are currently estimated at between $8 and $10 per barrel. In the transaction, the seller will receive a production payment which equates to a 5% net revenue interest when oil production exceeds 3,000 Bbls/d and the field is under CO2 flood. Phil Rykhoek, Denbury’s President and CEO, commented, “We are excited about the opportunity Thompson Field presents and its strategic fit with our operations in the Gulf Coast region. Thompson Field is in close proximity to the Green Pipeline which will allow it to be connected to this CO2 transportation system with a minimal level of pipeline infrastructure spending. Further, in light of their similarities, we expect to use the knowledge gained from our CO2 flood at Hastings Field to optimize the planned CO2 flood of the Thompson Field. The acquisition adds to our deep inventory of tertiary development projects in the Gulf Coast region that we plan to develop with our natural source of CO2 from Jackson Dome and anthropogenic CO2 sources in the region. While we are still in the process of incorporating the field into our development plan, we anticipate first tertiary oil production will not occur prior to 2017. The acquisition bolsters our ability to deliver consistent growth in tertiary oil production and proved reserves for the remainder of the decade.”

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Join the Chamber’s YPD a night of networking, complimentary appetizers and drink specials. Tuesday, June 12 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Ray’s Gourmet Country 8502 FM 359, Fulshear June 2012 • Fort Bend Business Journal

Special Feature: Progress & Growth in Fort Bend County - Mid Year

Historic Richmond: Where opportunities abound

he City of Richmond, which once served as an early commercial center during the founding days of Texas, is taking a new approach to business as it expands its boundaries along the Brazos River and Grand Parkway. The Brazos River once allowed the city to flourish as a principal docking port for mail routes, flatboats and packet steamers during earlier settlement and plantation days. Today it remains an unbeatable natural resource as the largest body of water in Texas and for futurist park and recreational purposes. By 1837, Richmond had achieved its city status and by 1860, the population had more than doubled, making it the second largest city and commercial center in Fort Bend County. The past is equal to the future. The city is proud of its long list of well-known sons and daughters including Stephen F. Austin, the Father of Texas; Jane Long, the Mother

of Texas; Mirabeau Lamar, the Father of Education for Texas; General Sam Houston’s loyal scout Deaf Smith, and the Old 300, referring to the first Austin colonists who built cabins along the mighty rivers and creek beds as they began to immigrate into the state. There are monuments to indicate the milestones. The county’s fifth courthouse built in 1909 is under restoration and the newly constructed Fort Bend Justice Center is complete and in full use. Today, the city prepares to celebrate its 175th anniversary as one of the State’s oldest cities taking the lead as the most suitable in the county for a contrasting blend of old and new development. History brings opportunity. With numerous open commercial sites remaining near recently established master-planned communities intertwined by updated roadways and infrastructure expansions, Richmond is the home city to more than 12,000 residents: A split of fourth and fifth

generation Texans and young professional families seeking the amenities that mobility studies for pedestrian trails, bike lanes and bike trails can bring. A proposed North Tenth Bridge across the Brazos River (FM 762 to McCrary Road) and a road expansion that could eventually reach I-10 is on the drawing board to open the heart of the city. New stand alone businesses such as CVS Pharmacy at FM 359 and Skinner Lane and Lifechek Pharmacy at FM 762 and Jackson (90A) compliment Oak Bend Medical Center locations. The development of Wessendorff Park provides the communityat-large with a gazebo, botanical gardens and bridged bayous that tie active Historic Downtown to other historic structures such as the Richmond Police Department, Decker Park and Historic Morton Cemetery on the north and the Courthouse, Moore home, Fort Bend Museum, and commercial businesses to the south. HISTORIC RICHMOND, continued on page 51

Where History Meets Opportunity Mayor Hilmar G. Moore • Commissioner Bill Dostal • Commissioner Gary Gillen

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Fort Bend Business Journal • June 2012

Special Feature: Progress & Growth in Fort Bend County - Mid Year

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June 2012 • Fort Bend Business Journal

Special Feature: Progress & Growth in Fort Bend County - Mid Year

Every where in Katy energy abounds Katy Area EDC heats up a new branding iron: By Wayne Chandler

aty, Texas: Energy Grows Here There’s a brand new logo, an icon intended to be a leaf, a drop, and a symbol of the energy industry and is intended to show a point. The base colors, yellow and red, are used to portray energy, strength and opportunity. The new logo and slogan were enthusiastically accepted by members at the KAEDC General Assembly breakfast May 15. “The logo was designed to create a point of distinction that can be used by anyone and placed anywhere in the Katy area to provide a geographical point of distinction that shows this is the place where energy grows,” said Lance LaCour, KAEDC president and CEO. LaCour and Rick Blan of the placemaker team displayed an impressive power point presentation. Blan noted that energy is everywhere in the Katy area: In the thriving Katy ISD schools, its families, in the business it attracts, the Energy Corridor and in the

KAEDC President and CEO Lance LaCour, left, and Rick Blan of the placemaker team.

story of Katy’s colorful, friendly heritage. The Katy branding web site is being launched in June. New signage will be displayed at each of the 24 points of entry to Katy. There will be banners, window displays, and other creative marketing devices. The colorful logo lapel pin was handed out to the some 80 persons at the breakfast. This new marketing tool came about after some 18 months of intense research by a noted branding idea man, Steve Chandler, of

ChandlerThinks, Hendersonville, Tennessee, just northeast of Nashville. Chandler and his staffers talked with stakeholders, did manon- the- street interviews, did online surveys and talked with neighbors outside of Katy. Chandler was the lead man several years ago of a firm which developed a marketing strategy for the City of Missouri City. Dan Boggio, KAEDC’s placemaker team chair, said, “What we learned is that ‘Katy’ is a sense of place more than just a geopolitical jurisdiction. This is largely because the area referred to as ‘Katy’ has multiple political jurisdictions that intersect with the KatyISD.” Chandler staffers were surprised by the “extremely high” rate of responses they received regarding the importance of the KISD system to the community. Alton Frailey, KISD superintendent, concluded the meeting by noting that the Katy area community energizes the school district, as much as the district inspires the business community. The KAEDC welcomes inquiries about details of the new program via Shelby Gurley at 281-396-2200 or by email to shelbygurley@katyedc.com.

Katy Area Economic Development Council founders Founders of the Katy Area Economic Development Council had their first meeting eight years ago this month. Then, last May 9, they met in new, expanded facilities in the Brazos Valley Schools Credit Union building at438 FM 1463 at I-10 in Katy. Attending were, seated, from left, Don Elder, City of Katy mayor; Ann Hodge, Katy Area Chamber of Commerce president, and Ken Courville, Centerpoint Energy. Standing, from left, are Massoud Baaba, Tristar Holdings; Garry Willis, BP America; Stan Stanley, Stanley Signature Products; Woody Mann Jr, Vista Equities-La Centerra; Scott Barbie, Memorial Hermann, Katy; David Woodham, Consolidated Communications, Inc.; Alton Frailey, Katy ISD superintendent, and Steve Robinson, Allen, Boone, Humphries & Robinson. Not pictured are Downy Vickers, Tradition Bank; Tom Permetti, Christus St. Catherine Hospital, Katy; Andy Meyers, Fort Bend County Precinct 3 commissioner; Mace Hirt, Simon Properties, Katy Mills Mall; Dan Boggio, PBK Architects; Paul Lawson, Pepper-Lawson Construction, and Steve Reichardt, Keystone Classic Homes.

Fort Bend Business Journal • June 2012

Special Feature: Progress & Growth in Fort Bend County - Mid Year

There’s no place like Meadows Place.

As you can tell, Meadows Place is a great place to live. But it is also a great place to work and a great place to put a business. S. Kirkwood and West Airport intersect right in the middle of our city which is bordered by Dairy Ashford and the Southwest Freeway. Meadows Place EDC is currently engaged in retail recruitment and Retail Gap Analysis show opportunities abound with major leakage and income available for several different types of retail establishments and restaurants. To take advantage of this safe, friendly little city with an outstanding location, all you have to do is put your business here. For more information, contact the Mayors office at 281-983-2950 or send him an E-mail at mayor@cityofmeadowsplace.org.

You’ll be glad you did.

CityofMeadowsPlace.org June 2012 • Fort Bend Business Journal

RE/MAX’s Patels: Savvy Fort Benders growing robust business State top award opens more opportunities

By Elsa Maxey

inesh and Nimesh Patel, owners of RE/MAX Fine Properties in Sugar Land, are blazing a trail towards becoming legends. Right now, they are known statewide for their accomplishments in commercial and residential real estate in Fort Bend County and the Greater Houston Area. In fact, this year, they were named 2011 Texas Broker/Owners of the Year at the annual, statewide RE/MAX Convention in Galveston. For them, it was the best way to start off the year. “That was one of our goals,” said Nimesh. “We had a five year plan to become the broker/ owners of the year and we accomplished it in only three,” added Minesh. It has been their crowning achievement…so far. Out of 250 plus RE/MAX offices, the Patel brothers hold the number one spot. “We’re not just about numbers,” said Minesh. “Since real estate is always evolving, we are committed to showing our clients how we have adapted to this ever changing market. By creating innovative, technological business practices our agents are have the ability to close deals more efficiently and effectively.” The fact remains, however, that RE/MAX Fine Properties in Sugar Land has Realtors® averaging more transactions and more volume than any other brokerage in Fort Bend County, proof that closing a deal is more than just about the market itself,

but also about the operational habits of the group. The state award helped earn them an invitation to RE/MAX International in Denver to be honored as RE/MAX Catalyst Broker for 2012. As a Catalyst member, they are a part of an elite circle of brokers whose innovative growth strategies set the standard for offices throughout the RE/MAX network in all of North America. The Patel brothers have also been visited by broker owners from across the state. Quiet professionals, the Patel’s are not into self promotion, least of all boastful, and their focus remains on growing the business. One thing they take pride in doing is helping their Realtors® with their own professional development to advance, so that they “move forward with us” and grow within the community. The brothers are local leaders who work alongside many of their contemporaries entering today’s leadership roles leveraging even stronger partnerships. Having grown up in Sugar Land, the Patel’s are products of the local Fort Bend Independent School District beginning with their elementary school education. This duo recalls when Dulles Avenue was just a dirt road, and today, their office is not that far away from that street on Austin Parkway and State Highway 6, one of the county’s busiest corridors booming with business, commercial and retail activity. No dirt roads here today, and no surprise to those who know them that

A few of RE/MAX Fine Properties outstanding agents.

Fort Bend Business Journal • June 2012

this is where the Patel’s would buy their RE/ MAX office. They are at a place that is more than a niche in a shopping center. It’s a prime location akin to a corner office where they are positioned to continue a meteoric rise in their profession of choice, right here in their hometown. Recently named among the 40 Rising Stars by the Fort Bend Business Journal, their line of work before their arrival into real estate began in corporate America. Minesh, a Houston Baptist University graduate, began his career in California working as an institutional equities trader, which helped build his strong background in finance and operations. After attending the University of Texas, Nimesh moved to California and gained valuable knowledge in technology while working in the Silicon Valley. He moved back to Sugar Land in 2002, and began his real estate career with RE/MAX which Minesh would eventually follow. One day as they look back, the year 2009 will be personally historic to both of them. That’s when the big knock on the proverbial opportunity door came calling, it was for the Patels, and they were home. They purchased a real estate business and set forth their mission to rebuild an office starting with only 45 Realtors®. Reputation building became focal and after a three-year downturn in the economy, they took over a business melding “old school and new school” aiming at a “younger, efficient and tech forte” operation, all plus points. Challenge ON! “Blood, sweat, and tears,” rebuilding they term it, a new organizational culture, inventively phasing in savvy state of the art technology, blazing yet another trail that early on made for a paperless real estate business. Two young guys at the helm and three years later, the statistics speak for themselves. A new logo, new website, Facebook and Twitter presence, You Tube videos, pictures, virtual tours, this is part of the mainstay marketing initiated by the Patels. They’ve also stayed in print, still important and effective in marketing due to its portability, whether there’s service or power, also preferred by some going for the traditional such as newspapers and magazines, and its visibility, which means there’s no special access required. Although selling real estate in the “cloud” takes place at this RE/MAX office with the use of the latest technology, agents still engage in face-to-face contact, handshakes, but there are paperless transactions, “closings where the realtor and client never meet in person, all done electronically,” said Minesh. For those who have not bought a house recently, it may be hard to imagine. Advertorial

In the midst of their fourth year, the Patel business owners, who brought a corporate tried-and-true mindset to real estate in Fort Bend County, are a class act. They’ve trained their Realtors®, now numbering close to 100, to become more effective, better business leaders. There’s even a classroom at their 10,000 square foot RE/MAX office building, the setting each Thursday for coaching. This is also where the staff and Realtors®, some as young as 22 years and all the way up to senior, flagship core, gather to offer insights, tell stories, laugh, and deal with the challenges of succeeding in the market. The result— Realtor® performance stand outs. “We had 50 agents out of 90 receive state awards,” with Shawn Gao, Team Riddle and The Sansone Team being recognized for their outstanding lifetime achievements at the state convention earlier this year. “A testament to the whole office, they take ownership in the way they do their work,” said Minesh of the entire workforce. Of course, there are the rewards, but there are also events held where the agent turnout is impressive, “again, a testament of the office culture we are very proud of,” Nimesh says. With a strong sense of community and as if speaking of his own family, he said, “we’ve not lost one agent to a major competitor” since they assumed the realty group, outside of retirement or a decision to leave the business altogether. The competitive organizational culture internally is along the lines of sibling rivalry, family-oriented fun, “we work hard and play harder.” All Fort Bend residents, “our Realtors® are your neighbors,” said Nimesh. “They mirror the community” from Greatwood, Sienna Plantation, Sweetwater, First Colony, all parts of the Sugar Land – Fort Bend area, including parts all the way out to Needville. Just recently, Julie Morales, became the latest addition to the energetic group of

Nimesh and Minesh Patel proudly display their awards. Advertorial

“In the Sand” 2011 Texas Broker/Owner of the Year Award - Galveston Convention.

realtors. “It’s staggering how much RE/MAX Fine Properties has to offer and how helpful they are whenever you need them,” she said. Other places have been personified as money grabs making the Patel’s operation stand out as the realty group going in the right direction. An active Fort Bend partner, RE/MAX Fine Properties in Sugar Land has a motto about its service - “It’s time to expect more,” and they are intent on doing it for the community of prospective buyers and sellers. So how else is it they stand out? No one sells more real estate than RE/ MAX and the credit for the realty groups’ success belongs to the agents, getting those transactions closed and keeping their clients happy, acknowledges Minesh. “Our agents have adapted to changing trends, learned to adjust to the needs of today’s consumers, and they continue to provide the best professional, reliable customer service,” said Nimesh.

The realty group also does charitable giving, which includes donations to the Miracle Network, Texas Children’s Hospital, the Snowdrop Foundation, ARC and many others like baseball, little league, soccer leagues, and supporting the annual Komen Race for the Cure, all of those helped with fundraising efforts. When it comes to charitable gift giving, the Patel’s only regret is that they can’t be involved in every single charity. What’s to come? People moving to Texas, to this Houston area, according to forecasts about affordability and there being no state income tax. “We like being a part of the economic and cultural boom in Fort Bend County,” said Nimesh. “We live in a great city, in this great county, in this great state, and we are facing phenomenal growth and for that, you have to know what you are doing.” RE/MAX Fine Properties in Sugar Land is the only realty group among the 100 local, family-owned businesses comprising the Texas Community Referral Network. The RE/MAX network in Texas consists of members and offices across the state. Since its inception in 1977, the RE/MAX organization in Texas has been the destination for the top tier of agents, who collectively lead the industry in professional designations, experience and productivity. Nationally, RE/ MAX agents conduct on the average nearly twice as many transactions annually as the average agent productivity at the second most productive competitor. For more information, contact RE/MAX Fine Properties at 281-265-5533, visit their office at 4500 Highway 6 South in Sugar Land, or online at www.fortbendhomesonline. com.

June 2012 • Fort Bend Business Journal

West Fort Bend County residents and businesses unsettled about fire protection

est Fort Bend County residents and businesses have some serious decisions to make about fire protection. Some folks in Rosenberg’s extra-territorial jurisdiction (ETJ) and beyond have been studying the issues, and the deadline to do so is inching ever closer. The harsh reality, said Rosenberg City Manager Jack Hamlett, is that Rosenberg Fire Department cannot afford to continue to respond to fires outside its district; therefore, residents in those areas need to weigh their options and come to some decisions by Sept. 30, 2013. Hamlett said the city sent letters in the fall of last year to those affected, informing them of the situation and deadline, and providing some options. He also said several responses have been received, most of which have been positive. “Council has asked us to again send out follow-up notices this summer,” Hamlett said. Decision, decisions Rosenberg Fire Chief Kathy Hutchens retired May 31, but prior to leaving said the city is offering contractual agreements that will allow certain areas the option to continue to have fire protection. Hamlett said some subdivisions, homeowners’ associations and municipal utility districts (MUDs) have expressed interest in the contracts, and city officials are studying maps to determine the best ways to serve such areas. Another option, said Hamlett, is for individual property owners whose land abuts city limits to request annexation into the city; but, of course, that brings with it city taxes. Landowners whose property lies in the city’s ETJ may also request annexation, but their property must be adjacent to city limits or have only agricultural property between the two. Hamlett said city staff has had “several meetings with homeowners’ associations (HOAs),” and Council will likely make a decision on annexations in June.

Final drafts of the agreement for the Rosenberg Fire Department to provide services for HOAs outside city limits are being prepared and should be completed by the end of May. Hamlett said the city is not looking to make agreements with individual landowners “because there’s no assurance that we would get paid, and it puts the fire department at too much liability.” With HOAs, he said, liens can be put on properties if homeowners do not pay the fire service fee, so the city is assured of getting its money one way or another. Show them the money In April, Rosenberg City Council unanimously approved a resolution allowing Hamlett to negotiate fire protection agreements to provide services within the city’s ETJ. There is a possibility that the city could provide fire service to HOAs outside its ETJ such as in the case of Kingdom Heights subdivision, north of town. Hamlett said although those homes are Richmond’s ETJ, Rosenberg provides their water services for a fee. Wade Goates, former Rosenberg fire marshal and new fire chief, said the fees will be used to help pay for the city’s third new fire station on FM 2977, for which Hamlett said $1.2 million has been budgeted. City taxes will fund the new facility as well. “We expect that we would have the opening of that station some time in late summer of 2013,” Goates said. Hutchens said the department has provided fire service for designated areas outside Rosenberg city limits for many years, but can no longer afford to do so. She said the cost of that service has “drastically” increased and Rosenberg residents have had to bear the costs. She also said the city annually makes requests to Fort Bend County Commissioners Court for compensation for providing fire protection outside Rosenberg city limits, but continues to be turned down.

Fort Bend Business Journal • June 2012

However, Precinct 1 Commissioner Richard Morrison said the county does partially reimburse fire departments for fire services they provide outside their districts. Who’s got ya covered? Morrison said Rosenberg’s decision to no longer provide fire service to some areas “creates a hardship” for smaller volunteer fire departments and for many folks in rural areas of Precinct 1, and it may take some time to find a solution. “It’s left them in a big quandary and they’re trying to figure out what they’re going to do,” he said. “What the volunteer departments are looking into - at least in my portion of the county, which is south of Rosenberg - is to set up an Emergency Services District.” An ESD, Morrison explained, is a taxing authority whose funds can only be spent on emergency services such as fire and ambulance. In this case, he said, the county would continue to provide ambulance service, so the funds would be spent solely on fire protection. The process takes about nine months and begins with collecting on a petition signatures of property owners from the designated area. The petition would describe the ESD’s boundary and proposed tax rate, which can be a maximum of 10 cents per $100 valuation. From there, the petition would go before Commissioners Court, which would call an election, leaving final approval up to voters. If the ESD were to be approved, Commissioners Court would appoint a board of commissioners to oversee it and set the budget. Morrison said cities within that ESD who wish to continue to provide their own fire services can do so. He said an ESD “can contract with the volunteer fire departments to run it, or run their own. Right now, they’re leaning toward contracting with the volunteer fire departments.” He Commissioners Court would

have liked to have presented the ESD on the May, 2012, ballot. In the meantime Rosenberg’s Assistant Fire Chief, Darrell Himly, said the county’s fire departments provide mutual assistance for each other any time it’s needed, and “we will still honor those agreements.” When asked how the department would handle a case such as the October, 2010, infamous incident in which Tennessee firefighters let a rural home burn to the ground in Obion County because the homeowner hadn’t paid the $75 annual fire service fee, Goates said “Under the contracted agreement - and we have several contracts that are in place right now with different MUDs that are outside the city - its unquestionable that if we receive a call, we respond.” But Hamlett said, “I think that is a

real reality. We’ve got to remember that my job is to look out for the taxpayers of Rosenberg and make sure that everybody is paying their fair share. The city of Rosenberg taxpayers cannot continue to subsidize fire protection out in the county.” Hamlett said Council has been reviewing the city’s fire service area and its cost to Rosenberg taxpayers for a couple of years now, and has determined that “the area that the county now assigns to use is huge” and unrealistic, stretching to FM 1093 north, and into Harris county’s ETJ. County Fire Marshal Vance Cooper said his office does not set those boundaries. “The response areas in unincorporated Fort Bend County, prior to me being in office and all the time I will be in office, is a gentleman’s agreement between the fire chiefs as to who covers what,” he said. Cooper said there’s a map in his office that the county’s fire chiefs have been

updating and signing off on since 2000. Any time fire departments feel a change needs to be made in coverage areas, those changes are agreed upon, marked on the map, and signed by the chiefs of each department affected. “The only boundaries that are not decided by the fire chiefs are city annexations and the creation of an emergency service district,” he said. “For example: Part of Beasley’s response area is in Rosenberg’s ETJ. If Rosenberg were to annex that portion of their ETJ that is in Beasley’s fire response area, then Beasley would lose that response area. It would be a statutory line change.” Rural residents who want to know which fire department covers their homes and properties can call Cooper’s office at 281-238-1500 or visit www.co.fort-bend. tx.us and click on “quick links,” then “engineering,” then “county maps.” WEST FORT BEND, continued on page 53

State of the City debuts growth highlights

Now Showing on its website: Missouri City, the movie By Elsa Maxey

f you’re trying to find the 30-minute movie about Missouri City that recently played at a cinema in town, you’re out of luck. But you’ll find it on the city’s website. It was the feature of this year’s “State of the City” address introduced by Mayor Allen Owen. In a full house at the Star Cinema Grill on State Highway 6, the city and the Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce orchestrated the video presentation along with lunch, and there was popcorn, too, before the show. The first run movie produced by Bobby Bracken of the city’s municipal television station was entertaining and informative highlighting ongoing developments, projects and even some of its community leaders, not all elected officials. As for circle data filled images, there was only one. “If you came to see pie charts, and you came to see graphs, then you came to the wrong show because I think you want to see what Missouri City is about,” said Mayor Owen. Movie personalities in the show like CPA Chris Breaux, a partner of the Audit and

Assurance Services at Whitley Penn, an accounting firm that recently merged with Null Lairson, were among the city resident notables. In May, the Fort Worth-based Whitley Penn merger became effective with the local area-based accounting firm that has offices in Houston and Sugar Land known for audit and consulting services to government agencies. Their combined workforces, reportedly numbering nearly 300 employees, now represent Whitley Penn LLP. The new name is the focus of a comedy snippet of the city movie serving as an introduction with Breaux in that piece. Mayor Owen said that in 2011, $500 million worth of businesses and companies created hundreds of new jobs in the city. Part of that business development includes Ben E. Keith, a food distribution company under construction at the Beltway Business Park on Gessner Road. Also featured is City Centre at Quail Valley, that’s the name of its new multi-million Community Center and Golf Pro Shop, expected to be fully operational this year. Along with that effort is a new Recreation and Tennis Center on Cypress Point. These

projects are intended to serve residents, businesses, visitors and others as amenities that can accommodate special events. The film feature includes city neighborhood HOA President Bertha Eugene, Life Scout Stricklin Snyder, who led volunteer activities, and La Escondida Owner Sergio Espinosa…all of whom define themselves to be Missouri City as part of the here and now. So, what’s “Coming Soon” to Missouri City? Why it’s the Recreation and Tennis Center projected to be completed in mid-Summer, the announcement of a $65 million major business, and probably a bond referendum next year for city-wide infrastructure projects. The city reports that Missouri City’s focus will continue to be business gains, the diversification of the tax base and an increase in jobs for residents. Next year, Mayor Owen said City Centre is where he expects to welcome guests to the annual “State of the City” address. Check local listings for what may be another movie.

June 2012 • Fort Bend Business Journal

International Council of Shopping Centers claims global vision critical to success

lobal economic and demographic trends — some positive, some threatening — promise to slam retailers and developers into a new golden era of growth — if they position themselves to benefit, says ICSC President and CEO Michael P. Kercheval. “Things are happening now on our planet that are critically important to our industry,” said Kercheval. “It’s a new world order without any order yet.” Kercheval cites key phenomena that he says will affect retailers and developers everywhere, regardless of whether they are domestic or international players. These issues include: expanding middle classes in developing countries; shrinking growth opportunities in developed countries; the continued easing of international capital flows; and the unemployment crisis. These and other subjects will be atop the

agenda at ICSC’s Retail Real Estate World Summit, in Shanghai, September 11–14. The middle classes in Latin America, Asia and “new” Europe, especially Russia, are rapidly expanding, creating a hunger for retail goods and for shopping centers to sell those goods, Kercheval notes. And while there is little demand for new centers in North America and Western Europe, there is plenty to keep developers busy in the developing world. Many retailers and developers recognize the imperative of global growth, but do not necessarily know where to begin. “Education and the exchange of information are critical to the prosperity of our industry’s members.” But it is not just the industry that stands to benefit. There is a universal social imperative too. Retail already provides millions of jobs around the world and stands to generate millions more as economies grow. For instance, the United States’

108,000 shopping centers support nearly 18 million jobs, or 12.7 percent of the work force, according to ICSC. The retail industry is destined to have a similar impact on employment in developing countries. Numerous developers in Fort Bend County are members of the organization and are taking note. The stakes are equally high for government officials and the private sector. Regions and municipalities in developing countries eager to boost revenues and employment can learn much about development incentive tools like those used by their counterparts in the U.S., such as tax increment financing (TIF), Kercheval notes. Retail is destined to become as entwined in the economic health of communities in developing countries as it is in the developed world. INTERNATIONAL COUNCIL, continued on page 45

A Sugar Land Tradition... Renewed

For information on membership options, contact Kelly Buettner in our Sales and Marketing office today! 281.494.9131 x134 • www.sugarcreekcctexas.com 420 Sugar Creek Boulevard 22

Fort Bend Business Journal • June 2012

Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce Newsletter

This is your opportunity to enhance your value personally, professionally and as a community stakeholder. This ten-month program consists of monthly sessions and retreats covering a variety of topics. “The Leadership Forum allowed me to gain valuable insight into many different aspects of Fort Bend County. The relationships, networking opportunities & leadership skills I gained were priceless. I highly recommend the program to anyone looking to enhance their careers.” -Himesh Gandhi, Sugar Land City Councilman “In 2012, Classic will graduate itʼs fourth executive from Leadership, and I intend to send at least one employees every year...more if I can spare them! I love this program so much that I am now the primary sponsor. It is a terriﬁc program exemplifying all the best about Fort Bend County and the Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce. If you want to build personal and business relationships that last, while learning about the unique, special place we live, then enroll in Leadership... it works!” -Don Kerstetter, Owner, Classic Chevrolet Sugar Land “It all adds up. Year after year, Fort Bend Leadership Forum provides consistent return on investment for our participants, businesses and our community.” -Christopher Breaux, Principal, Whitley-Penn, L.L.P. As a newcomer to Sugar Land, I was so grateful to ﬁnd that the Fort Bend Chamber had a leadership program. Having participated in the Class of 2010, the program exceeded my expectations. Besides having a diverse class mix, the speakers were outstanding and I learned more about Fort Bend than anticipated. Now I have a greater base of colleagues to access thanks to the camaraderie of my Leadership class! -Karen Daly, City of Sugar Land, Assistant City Manager

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

www.FortBendChamber.com

June 2012 • Fort Bend Business Journal

Membership

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

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 Atria Assisted Living Erica Hogan, Executive Director 1401 Soldiers Field Drive Sugar Land, TX 77479 281-494-4200 Assisted Living

Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce Newsletter

Baker & Associates Chris Baker, President 1922 Chattaroy Place Sugar Land, TX 77478 832-594-8351 Financial Services

Cartridge World

Kris Allfrey, Vice President 6202-B Highway 6 Missouri City, TX 77459 281-303-5702 Retail

CBC Golf Carts Chris Bunkiewicz, President 203 Ulrich St Sugar Land, TX 77498 281-494-1164 Golf Carts

Center for General & Laparoscopic Surgery Eserogene Otah, CEO 138 Eldridge , Suite E Sugar Land, TX 77478 281-232-3886 Health Care

Center for Spine, Sports & Rehabilitation Excellence Debbie Simmons, Marketing Operations Consultant 1200 Creek Way Drive, Suite 200 Sugar Land, TX 77478 713-590-2700 Health Care

The Children’s Place Phyllis Orozco, PR Coordinator 12642 Fountain Lakes Cr Stafford, TX 77477 201-453-6925 Retail, Childrens Wear

CST Corp

Sanjeet Chauhan, President & CEO 12210 Bedford St. Houston, TX 77031 713-263-1300 Information Technology Services

Depression & Bipolar Support Alliance

Mary Collins, Executive Director 3800 Buffalo Speedway, Suite 350 Houston, TX 77098 713-600-1131 Counseling

Fort Bend Business Journal • June 2012

Fadi’s

Pro-Optix Eye Care

First Community Bank - Sugar Creek

Salvation Army

Fadi Dimassi, Owner 716 Highway 6 Sugar Land, TX 77478 281-313-3144 Restaurants

Tim Stubenrouch, Market President 13135 Dairy Ashford, Suite 250 Sugar Land, TX 77478 281-242-2255 Banks

Imperial Johnson Development

Shay Shafie, General Manager 198 Kempner Sugar Land, TX 77478 281-494-0248 Real Estate, Development

Longhorn Steakhouse

Bruce Maxwell, Managing Partner 16746 Southwest Freeway Sugar Land, TX 77479 281-240-1018 Restaurants

Sana Malik, Clinical Director 16103 Lexington Blvd, Suite I Sugar Land, TX 77479 281-242-1331 Health Care Tina Turner 1500 Austin St Houston, TX 77002 281-207-2530 Association

Total Heart Cardiovascular Consultants Kenneth Otah, Medical Doctor 138 Eldridge Rd, Suite E Sugar Land, TX 77478 281-232-3886 Physicians, Cardiologist

Upclose Magazine

Gina Pizzini, Publisher 11569 Highway 6., Suite 198 Sugar Land, TX 77498 281-235-0600 Magazines

Molto Bene Italian Restaurant

Victor Bentz, Owner 8817 Highway 6 S., Suite 200 Missouri City, TX 77459 281-778-1474 Restaurants www.FortBendChamber.com

Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce Newsletter

SAVE THE DATE

UPCOMING EVENTS

June Healthcare Division - Lunch & Learn Where Did My Money Go? Medical Practice Finance Robin Ward, CEO of Freedom Billing Associates June 6, 2012 - 11:30 am to 1:00 pm • Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce Business & Professional Division - Lunch & Learn The Latest Mobile Marketing Tips, Tools & Trends with The Marketing Department: June 12, 2012 - 11:30 am to 1:00 pm • Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce Sugar Land Infrastructure Update Allen Bogard, with City Manager June 28, 2012 - 7:30 -9:00 am • Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce

July Governmental Relations Luncheon Rosenberg State of the City with Mayor Vincent Morales July 9, 2012 - 11:30 - 1:00 • Safari Texas Ranch Infrastructure Division Infrastructure Breakfast with Mike Stone, PPMS July 26, 2012 - 7:30 - 9:00 am • Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce

RIBBON CUTTING

C & C Dental

www.FortBendChamber.com

17003 SW Freeway, Suite 100 Sugar Land, TX 77479 281-242-0241 www.cashionandcodyonline.com

Enhanced Energy Services of America, LLC 1650 Highway 6 S., Suite 120 Sugar Land, TX 77478 281-302-5470 www.enhancedenergyservices.com

Pollo Campero 6324 Highway 6 South Missouri City, TX 77459 281-403-9999 www.houston.pollocampero.com

June 2012 • Fort Bend Business Journal

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

6 Years

Taco Cabana Javier Gomez, 281-980-9863

7 Years

Cynthia E. Hoelscher, CPA, PLLC, 281-313-2300

Sugar Land Courier Services Johnnie Anderson, 281-403-0022 Riverbend Country Club Chuck Cox, 281-269-2526 Sienna Dental Brian Reeder, 281-778-5330 Plan Ahead Events Felicia Jackson, 713-817-3792

Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce Newsletter

Benefits Unlimited / Gallagher Benefits Services Eileen Westbrook, 281-243-6409 House of Blooms Pat Houck, 281-242 1555

2 Years

JE Dunn Construction Kamal Ariss, 713-353-6213 Titanium Electrode Products Cathleen Johannessen, 281-498-4727 Sugar Land Spine and Disc Stacy Croft, 281-491-3472

Milestone Member 5 Years

Intergrasys Technologies, Inc. Shoby John, 281-325-8000 Primrose School of Sienna Bill Brown, 281-431-8687 Fort Bend Skin Cancer Center Keith Schulze, 281-980-6647 Wallace Bajjali Development Partners Costa Bajjali, 281-768-6700

Fort Bend Business Journal • June 2012

Caldwell Companies Todd Johnson, 713-690-0000 Rice & Gardner Consultants, Inc. Jim Rice, 713-482-2300 Champion Contractors of Texas Brent Mikeska, 713-898-9817 Interiorscapes of Houston Alan L’Roy, 281-933-0470

8 Years

Money Management International David Juengel, 713-394-3400 Roberts Markel Weinberg, PC Marc D. Markel, 713-840-1666

9 Years

The Trestles Chris Sandblom, 281-208-2779 Broadstone New Territory Norma Butcher, 281-340-5555 Fort Bend Rotary Club Sunil “Sunny” Sharma, 713-956-9500

Milestone Member 10 Years

Cognitas Technologies, Inc. Alicia Marra, 281-565-0265 OraQuest Dental Plans Dawn McInvale, 281-313-7170 Newland Real Estate Group, LLC Ted Nelson, 713-575-9000 The Enclave at Woodbridge Sallie Browne, 281-313-1900 Merrill Lynch Bart A. Reese, 281-490-1600

Milestone Member 10 Years

RE/MAX Southwest Realtors Curtis Warren, 713-303-1111 The Millis Group, Inc. Mark W. Millis, 281-343-1400

11 Years

Halff Associates, Inc. Raul Wong, 713-588-2450

12 Years

KHOU TV Stacy Bynes, 713-284-8754 Fairway Golf Carts Johnny Tedder, 281-240-3230 Harry M. Green Interests, Inc. Harry M. Green, 713-953-9800 Wells Fargo Bank Jerry Goodson, 281-491-2400

13 Years

Planned Community Management, Inc., AAMC Tammy Evans, 281-870-0585 Sugar Creek Baptist Church Mark Hartman, 281-242-2858 Doug Turner Plumbing Co., Inc. Douglas Turner, 281-980-9300 Tolunay-Wong Engineers, Inc. Daniel Wong, Ph.D, 713-722-7064 Wings-N-Things Robert Farrell, 281-242-2999 A. Fuller Electric, Inc. Alton Fuller, 281-499-5333 Certified Landscape & Maintenance, LP Mark Fertitta, 281-561-6757

www.FortBendChamber.com

Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce Newsletter

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

Southwest Storage Jamie Jones, 281-494-7867

Fish Construction, Inc. Scott A. Fish, 281-261-3375

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

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

14 Years

Wharton County Junior College - Sugar Land Robert Wolter, 281-243-8411

19 Years

Hamre’s Kitchen & Bath Remodeling Jamie Hamre, 281-494-9200

J Loggins Jewelers Jan Loggins, 281-242-2900

Milestone Member 15 Years

Katy ISD Alton Frailey, 281-396-6000 Linebarger Goggan Blair & Sampson, LLP Chip Sutton, 281-342-9636

16 Years

East Fort Bend County Jaycees Karen Kovar, 281-431-0759 First Colony Mall Donna Molho, 281-265-2353

17 Years

OakBend Medical Center Cindy Reaves, 281-341-3000 BKD, LLP Trent Parten, 713-499-4600

18 Years

Child Advocates of Fort Bend Ruthanne Mefford, 281-341-9955 Memorial Hermann Sugar Land Hospital

www.FortBendChamber.com

Heritage Texas Properties Judy Monroe, 281-240-8800

Milestone Member 20 Years

David Taylor Cadillac / Buick / GMC David Taylor, Jr., 713-777-7151

29 Years

Pamela Printing Company Ann Smith, 281-240-1313 Scanlin Sign Service, Inc. Ed Scanlin, 281-561-9924 The George Foundation Dee Koch, 281-342-6109

Milestone Member 30 Years

Sweetwater Country Club Gene Miller, 281-980-4100

32 Years

United Equities Buster Freedman, 713-772-6262

39 Years 24 Years

Fort Bend County Museum Association Candace Jones, 281-342-1256 Taylor Morrison Steve VonHofe, 281-598-3000

Randalls Food Markets, Inc. Paul McTavish, 713-268-3500

SAVE THE DATE November 5th, 2012

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

27 Years

2012

The Holoway Jones Law Firm, PLLC Russell C. Jones, 281-242-8100 Lake Olympia Animal Hospital Terry J. Dobson, 281-499-7242

28 Years

Fort Bend ISD Timothy Jenney, 281-634-1000 Severn Trent Services, Inc. David Walker, 281-578-4200

Location:

QUAIL VALLEY GOLF COURSE For more information contact Jan at 281-491-0218 or jan@fortbendcc.org June 2012 • Fort Bend Business Journal

Ribbon Cuttings

Nothing Bundt Cakes 1531 Highway 6, Suite 125 Sugar Land, TX 77479 281.491.2253. www.NothingBundtCakes.com

N Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce Newsletter

othing Bundt Cakes reintroduces an old family favorite – the Bundt cake - with a fresh, clean look that appeals to all ages. The bakery offers 10 flavors, 40 custom decorations and a wide range of sizes, from Bundtinis – single serving cakes – to the larger Bundts and all feature their signature cream cheese frosting. Nothing Bundt Cakes is one of the nation’s few retailers committed to the baking of Bundt cakes and specializes in enhancing their customers’ celebrations with delicious solutions for tasting, sharing and giving. “I hope these cakes will become a part of everyone’s lives, whether as a personal

indulgence, a special gift or a centerpiece during any gathering or special occasion,” said Thuy Pham, Nothing Bundt Cakes local bakery owner. “We are thrilled to be in Sugar Land and look forward to being a part of this community.” The bakery is located at 1531 Highway 6, Suite 125 in Mody Plaza between Highway 59 and Fluor Daniel. Hours: Mon-Fri 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.; Sat 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Phone: 281.491.2253. www. NothingBundtCakes.com

UTMB - Regional Maternal & Child Health Program 14823 SW Freeway Sugar Land, TX 77478 713-234-3100 www.utmb.edu/rmchp

TMB has served the families in Fort Bend County for many years with a Regional Maternal and Child Clinic in Stafford. The new UTMB clinic in Sugar Land replaces the Stafford clinic, just three miles from the old Stafford location UTMB’s Regional Maternal and Child Health Program provides quality community-based health care services to women and children who might otherwise not receive them. The Sugar Land clinic offers pre-pregnancy counseling, family planning, pregnancy testing, prenatal care, prenatal ultrasounds, well-woman and well-child exams, breast and cervical cancer screening, pediatric exams, immunizations, screening and treatment for

Fort Bend Business Journal • June 2012

sexually transmitted diseases. The clinic’s days and hours of operation are Tuesday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. On Mondays the clinic is open from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. The UTMB Regional Maternal and Child Health Program is a network of 32 community-based clinics serving low-income and uninsured women and children from more than 100 Texas counties. Telemedicine connects many of these community clinics to UTMB’s main campus in Galveston. The RMCHP serves more than 100,000 women and children annually.

www.FortBendChamber.com

Sweetwater OB/GYN 16545 SW Freeway, Suite 150 Sugar Land, TX 77479 281-242-1400 www.sweetwaterobgyn.com

weetwater OB GYN Associates offers comprehensive care to women of all ages and all needs in the Fort Bend area. From obstetrics & gynecology to infertility, Dr. Shannon Crowe, Bryan Blonder, Kelli Burroughs, Brian Heaps and Nurse Practitioner Alejandra Grimsley, partner with each woman to educate and guide her in making informed healthcare decisions. The practice believes that it’s all about empowering women to live life to its fullest and encourage them to

become active partners in their own healthcare as their needs change through childbearing years and beyond. Sweetwater OB GYN Associates offers the very latest state-of-the-art OB GYN techniques including in-office, minimally invasive surgery. They also offer treatments for heavy menstrual bleeding, birth control, incontinence, and carry an exclusive line of supplements formulated for women.

Woodley Construction, Inc. 4323 Palmer Plantation Dr. Missouri City, TX 77459 713-245-9034 www.myitsworking.com

oodley Contracting, Inc., a family-owned home renovation business, is proud to service the Fort Bend community. Freddie Woodley, owner and contractor, personally brings over 20 years of home renovation experience to all of his clients. Woodley lives in Missouri City with his wife and three sons. “Woodley Contracting, Inc. is able to maintain an edge in times like these because our policy has always been to do the job at the most affordable rate to clients by not over inflating repair costs,” says Woodley. “I personally oversee every project to maintain our high customer satisfaction standards.” Woodley Contracting, Inc. is accredited by the Better Business Bureau, a member of the Fort Bend Chamber of

www.FortBendChamber.com

Commerce and the Real Estate Investors Club of Houston. Being an investment property rehabilitation specialist, Woodley understands the importance of maintaining reasonable rates so investor clients can make a profit. Woodley Contracting, Inc. offers a variety of home renovation services including: roofing, decks, brick patios, home repair, kitchen and bathroom renovation, concrete and custom painting. For guaranteed low pricing and a prompt response, call Woodley for a free written estimate at (713) 245-9034 or visit www.myitsworking.com.

June 2012 • Fort Bend Business Journal

Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce Newsletter

www.FortBendChamber.com

FORT

BEND

LEADERSHIP F

National Government Sponsors

Granite Properties Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce Newsletter

Republic National Distributing Company Greater Houston Retailers Association Brown & Gay Engineers, Inc. Trinity Risk Solutions EJ Dearborn & Creggs 30

Fort Bend Business Journal â&#x20AC;˘ June 2012

www.FortBendChamber.com

R E A L

E S T A T E

Commercial Real Estate

By Kolbe Curtice, CCIM, CLS

Managing Director Colliers International - Fort Bend

Fort Bend - More Than A Growth Story This afternoon I drove from Sugar Land to the I-10 East/Ship Channel area. Last month a 13,000-square-foot tenant in a warehouse building I represent in that area expanded his business and added an additional 60,000 square feet. I was driving over to check on the progress of new tenant improvements on the property. While driving, I was thinking not only about the success of this tenant and his ability to quadruple his space, but numerous reports of similar successes for other tenants in the area from other brokers that I work with. Driven primarily by the energy- driven local economy, the Houston Ship Channel area is beginning to see a real shortage of available industrial space. I’ve made the same drive many times over the past few years. This afternoon I decided to count the number of new construc-

tion projects along Beltway 8 between Sugar Land and the Ship Channel. In today’s hightech commercial real estate world, there are many ways to research activity in a market. We have numerous resources to be able to check new lease transactions, new loan activity, new construction projects, etc. I have always felt, however, that the best way to get a sense of a market is to physically drive it. On the drive this afternoon, I counted thirteen new construction projects along the stretch of Beltway 8 between Sugar Land and I-10 East. I can’t remember one new construction project along that same route as recent as a year ago. This construction activity seems to mirror the level of activity that we are seeing in Fort Bend County. Over one-half of the new commercial real estate transactions we are currently involved

in will require new construction. Last month, our company hosted K.C. Conway, Colliers International’s national economist, at the Fort Bend Economic Development meeting at Sweetwater Country Club. K.C. joined Colliers after spending several years in Washington D.C. as an advisor to Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke. In his talk, he brought a national perspective to the current economy. Among the things he reported were: 1) Although the Houston area has not been as severely impacted, the median priced single family home purchased in the US in 1979 (the mid-point of the 1977-1981 housing recession) has actually lost value (an 8.5% loss).

KOLBE CURTICE... continued on page 40

June 2012 • Fort Bend Business Journal

Special Feature: Fort Bend Senior Living

Seniors Helping Seniors

etting older isn’t easy for many folks, especially when the body, or mind, or both, begin to fail. They want to stay in their own homes, but it’s too much work for them on their own. They want to maintain their independence, but they also want a little companionship. They need some help with the basics of life, but they want to maintain their dignity. Fortunately, those spending their Golden Years in the Fort Bend area can call on the in-home services of Seniors Helping Seniors, which matches seniors who want to provide help with seniors who are looking for help. “As our senior community grows, it just makes sense to bring seniors together,” says Mike Alexander, owner of

the Fort Bend Seniors Helping Seniors franchise with his wife Barbara. “It is so much easier to receive assistance from someone you feel really does understand what you are going through and can relate to the issues you are dealing with.” The Alexanders established their Seniors Helping Seniors franchise in 2010 to serve primarily Sugar Land, Missouri City, Stafford, Sienna Plantation, Lake Olympia, Richmond, Rosenberg and surrounding areas. “What makes Seniors Helping Seniors different from other in-home care companies are the senior caregivers that are part of our team”, explains Mike Alexander. “Everyone who works with us has a strong interest in helping others and many have had the experience of caring for an elderly relative or spouse.

Caring for Older Parents?

Seniors Helping Seniors offers non-medical services by Seniors who want to provide care for Seniors who need a helping hand to continue to live independently at home with safety and dignity.

We only employ compassionate, caring seniors who are interested in in helping other seniors to stay in their homes and live independent lives with dignity and safety. All of our senior caregivers undergo a rigorous screening process. We offer a full range of non-medical services. Our caregivers are available any day, any hour of the week. Whether it is taking someone to a doctor’s appointment, going shopping, helping with mail, cooking, cleaning, seeing a movie or even just changing a light bulb our caregivers are there because they really want to be. Seniors Helping Seniors in-home services can provide support for you or someone you love, call Mike Alexander for more information and free consultation, 281, 261-8107 office – visit us at www.seniorshelpingseniors.com.

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

• Doctors Appointments • Meal Pre/Cooking

Paul B. Jackson, CFA, CIPM President

• Light Housekeeping • Companion Care • Alzheimer/Dementia Care • Errands/Shopping

Cell: 281-797-3511

• Assitance Mobility

Licensed

Contact Mike Alexander Oﬃce: 281-261-8107

Bonded

Affordable Rates

Fort Bend Business Journal • June 2012

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

Special Feature: Fort Bend Senior Living

Your story continues here... You’ve worked hard all your life. You’ve raised a family, taken care of others and served your community. Along the way you’ve had some fun, experienced some heartache … and prepared so that one day you could enjoy the retirement lifestyle of your dreams. Well, that day is here and that place is The Terrace at First Colony. We provide a lifestyle where you can do everything you want, while we take care of everything you need. We make the repairs; you can come and go as you please. We do the cooking; you do the dining. We do the driving; you enjoy the ride. We do the landscaping; you smell the roses.

To learn more or to schedule your personal visit, call a community near you.

THE HAMPTON MEADOWS PLACE Personalized Assisted Living Alzheimer’s & Dementia Care 11919 W. Airport Blvd. Stafford, Texas 77477 (281) 240-1707 THE HAMPTON SHADOWLAKE Personalized Assisted Living Alzheimer’s & Dementia Care 2835 Shadowbriar Drive Houston, Texas 77077 (281) 759-6700 Facility No. 010267 & 030372

THE TErrACE AT FirST COLONy independent Living 16900 Lexington Boulevard Sugar Land, Texas 77479 (888) 636-4344

Your story continues here... ® Reg. U.S. Patent and TM Office 20406-ROP03-0412-GB

www.brookdaleliving.com June 2012 • Fort Bend Business Journal

COVER STORY

At Five Star Dentists™ it’s all about Your Smile. Your Success!™

heir smiles light up any room. Their achievements spell success. Dr. Andrew Tran and Dr. MinhLy Nguyen, proud owners of Five Star Dentists, have known each other since grade school in Viet Nam. He was class president and she was class vice president. She came to America in 1992 and settled in Houston. He arrived to call Illinois home in 1990. They rekindled their friendship in 2001 when he began a cross America search for her. They met in Ohio, where Dr. Nguyen went to dental school, and soon wed. Today, the couple resides in Missouri City with their four children. He is the founder and president of iDentalApps, Inc., a software company which focus on developing dental related educational and useful pocket apps and games for the iPhone, iPads, and android phones. She is the founder and president of Five Star Dentists with two locations in Fort Bend County and one in Southwest Houston. Dr. Tran serves as vice president. He received his Bachelor of Science in Computer Science from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in 1998 and his Master of Science from the Illinois Institute of Technologies in 2003. He recently received his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the University of Texas School of Dentistry at Houston in 2012 and is excited to join Dr. Nguyen and Five Star Dentists’ team of doctors in providing the best dental care for patients of Fort Bend County. “Fort Bend County is still growing, so as the need for dentistry. Our mission is to provide the highest quality dental care in a

(left to right): Ms. Kim, Dr. Nguyen, Mary, Maria, Dr. Tran. Five Star Dentists team when first opened 2005.

family-based practice that is professional and fun-loving,” says Dr. Nguyen. “We use proven state-of-the-art technology and cutting edge equipment including Computer Digital Radiography, Intra-oral Digital Camera, and Multimedia Education, to enhance your experience and provide the best possible care. “We want to ensure that every patient achieves a healthy and beautiful smile.” “The minute you walk through the door, we want you to know you have come to the right place.” “Our dentists and hygienists are very thorough and comprehensive,” says Dr.

Fort Bend Business Journal • June 2012

Nguyen. “We take great pride in providing the best possible patient care and offer the highest standard in dental care. At each patient’s visit, prior to the treatment, our dentists and staff take time to review patient information and to make sure that the patient knows and understands exactly what treatment is recommended, why its recommended, and how much the treatment plan will be.” Standing strong behind their slogan “Your Smile. Your Success.”, Five Star Dentists is very active with supporting and giving back to the communities. They have sponsored and participated in many

educational and health fair programs at the local elementary schools as well as sponsoring many local school sport teams such as the Lamar High School Football team, First Colony Swim Team, etc. Beginning this year, Five Star Dentists will also participate in scholarships programs to support and promote success of youth in our communities. Also beginning this year, Dr. Tran, will partner his software company iDentalApps, Inc. with Five Star Dentists and will be giving out free dental related educational apps and games for iPhones, iPad, iPod, android phones, etc. for each and every patient as well as for the parents of the patients of Five Star Dentists. The patients are very excited about this offer as they look forward to receiving this enhanced value and experience in coming to Five Star Dentists.

(First row left to right): Maria, Ruth, Ms. Kim, Mary, Jennifer. Second row: Yessica, Edith, Dr. Nguyen, Dr. Huu, Yenis, Kallie, Elizabeth. Third row: Laura, LeAnn, Priscila, Amber, Rebekah. Five Star Dentists team now 2012.

Dr. Minhly Nguyen Dr. Nguyen received her doctorate in Dental Surgery at Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio in 2003. She enjoys all aspects of dentistry from Zoom-advance bleaching, resin (white) fillings, crowns, bridges, root canal, and wisdom teeth extraction to placing implants. Dr. Nguyen also enjoys orthodontic dentistry and successfully treats numbers of advanced cases both by conventional metal braces and Invisalign. She invested more time studying Implant Dentistry. More training included Comprehensive & Treatment Planning, Surgical & Restorative Implant, Sinus Lift, Bone Graft & Teeth In One Hour. She extensively focuses on cosmetic dentistry including implant-supported crown, implantsupported bridges and dentures and full mouth reconstruction. Dr. Nguyen just completed her training in Laser Dentisty-a fantastic recent innovation in the field of cosmetic dentistry. As a member of the American Dental Association, the Texas Dental Association, the Greater Houston Dental Society, the American Orthodontic Society, the Vietnamese Culture & Science Association and the Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce,

she has attended and been involved in several fund raising and charity events, social, networking and political events, and also appeared on a TV talk Show. She and Dr. Tran are the parents of a daughter and three sons. They enjoy spending time together including playing outdoor sports, swimming, skating, going to the movies, traveling and skiing. Dr. Nguyen’s charisma, gentle approach and excellent skills in dentistry will make your visits to Five Star Dentists, a comfortable and pleasant experience. Whatever problem you might have, she will find a solution to enhance your smile and your confidence to match the motto: “Your Smile. Your Success!”

dental health care so that we can always provide the best and most comfortable, time-saving, treatments to our patients using the state-of-the-art equipments. Dr. Tran recently graduated from the University of Texas Health School of Dentistry and will now join our excellent team of doctors in providing the same five star dental care to our patients. Dr. Tran, together with Dr. MinhLy Nguyen, were married for 9 years and have four wonderful children. Dr. Tran’s family oriented personality and his genuine, gentle approach will make your visit to our office a pleasant experience for the whole family. Dr. Hoa Kim Huu

Dr. Andrew Tran We are pleased, proud, and excited to welcome Dr. Andrew H. Tran to our FIVE STAR DENTISTS family as a dental care provider. Dr. Tran, who also has a Master Degree in Computer Science and worked in the computer industry for 7 years, has been with our practice from the very beginning. With his expertise, Dr. Tran has always made sure that our offices stayed on top of technology advances in

As a former resident of Mobile, Alabama, Dr. Kim Huu is pleased to consider Fort Bend County her new home. She is extremely excited to combine her talents with the advanced skills and knowledge of the wonderful staff at 5 Star Dentists, to provide you with the highest quality of care possible and with a friendly smile.

June 2012 • Fort Bend Business Journal

continues....

Dr. Huu completed her undergraduate studies at the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa before receiving her Doctorate in Dental Surgery at The LSU School of Dentistry in New Orleans, Louisiana. Upon graduation, she was the proud recipient of the Excellence in General Dentistry Award. She has been a member of the 5 Star Dentists team since 2006. She is well trained in providing comprehensive dental treatment including but not limited to resin (white) filings, root canals, crowns, bridges, partial and complete dentures, simple extractions as well as wisdom teeth extractions. She enjoys helping her patients acquire the smile they have always wanted. Dr. Huu has a minimally invasive and conservative approach to dentistry. Dr. Giao Le Dr. Le completed his Doctorate in Dental Surgery degree at University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston Dental Branch in 2011. As a senior dental student, he was a recipient of the American Academy of Periodontology Dental Student Award for Achievement in Periodontology. This honor is given to the graduating senior at each dental school who displays the highest level of academic and clinical achievement related to periodontics. Dr. Le is currently a resident of the advanced education program in periodontics at The University of Texas School of Dentistry. His research interest is in the area of dental implants supported over dentures. He and his wife, Giang Tran, enjoy traveling internationally and sampling exotic ethnic cuisines. Dr. Le’s practice philosophy focuses on patient education. His mission is to provide patients with the knowledge and treatments required to maintain and enjoy a healthy and esthetic dentition for life. Dr. Jennifer Tang Dr. Tang is a native Houstonian. She received her Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from University of Houston. She was the President of Delta Delta Sigma UH Pre-Dental Society and the University of Houston Chapter. Dr. Tang received her Doctorate degree from University of Texas San Antonio Dental School then continued on for more

Name Left to Right: BaoLong, Dr. Nguyen, BaoKhoa, BaoYen, Dr. Tran, BaoDuy.

advanced training through the Advanced Education General Dentistry Residency from University of Texas San Antonio Dental School. Through that training she is also certified in Enteral and Intravenous Conscious sedation, Full Mouth Rehabilitation, CAD/CAM technology, root canals, pediatric dentistry, implant placement and restoration, functional crown lengthening, lateral ridge augmentation, sinus up fracture, full mouth extractions, and socket preservations. She also continued her comprehensive orthodontic training for an additional two years and also has received her Invisalign certification. She has also treated medically compromised patients in the dental clinic, VA Dental Clinic and Hospital Dentistry and Operating room settings with intubated patients. She’s currently a member of Academy of General Dentistry, American Dental Association, Texas Dental Association, Greater Houston Dental Society. She loves to travel around the world to indulge in different cuisines and experiences of different cultures. Some of her favorite hobbies include snowboarding, hiking, snorkeling, cycling, wakeboarding and watching sporting events. Dr. Tang is very knowledgeable in comprehensive dentistry and helping patients understand their diagnosis is her first priority. Her dental philosophy is to make sure that the patient

Fort Bend Business Journal • June 2012

feels comfortable at all times. Her goal is to gain the patients trust. 5 Star Technology The latest technology at 5 Star Dentists includes laser dentistry, computer digital radiography, and the use of Diagnodent, Intraoral camera, ZOOM bleaching, multimedia education, veneers, and white fillings to appropriately complete pediatric, family, and cosmetic dentistry. These services include prophylaxis and scaling and root planning, restorative fillings, dental crowns and bridges, root canal therapy, extractions and oral surgery. Their services also include partials and dentures, dental implants, porcelain veneers, Invisalign clear braces and conventional metal braces. With offices in Fresno, Houston, Rosenberg (Brazos Town Center) and a fourth coming soon at FM 1093 and the Grand Parkway. “Our goal is to open five offices to match our name,” said Dr. Tran. For additional information on Five Star Dentists visit their website 5StarDentists.com or contact 281-431-8909.

Your Smile. Your Success!

Y O U

A N D

Y O U R

T A X E S

Tax Smart

By Alan Sandersen

Sandersen Knox & Co. L.L.P.

Prequalifying subcontractors important in today's economy Subcontractor failure is one of the biggest risks faced by general contractors (GCs) today. And one of the most effective strategies for minimizing this risk is subcontractor prequalification. This process benefits subs, as well, by providing them with a competitive advantage once they’ve made the list. Prequalification isn’t new but, in the current economy, it’s playing a more prominent role in the construction business. Many contractors are even using Web-based collaborative tools to help streamline the process. Prequalify, then requalify Prequalification should be an ongoing process, not a one-time event. Even financially strong subcontractors are susceptible to the risks and uncertainties of the construction industry. It’s critical for GCs to monitor

subcontractor performance and require prequalified subs to “requalify” periodically. Subcontractor red flags could signal trouble Here are some examples of red flags that may signal potential subcontractor failures or defaults: • Reluctance to furnish or update financial statements or other requested information. • Sloppy presentation of financials. • Declining cash flow or liquidity. • Increasing amounts of debt. • Growth in accounts receivable while income declines. • Insufficient working capital to meet backlog. • Failure to comply with debt covenants. • Denial of surety bonds. • Increasing number of liens, claims or

lawsuits. • Escalating employee turnover. • A pattern of profit fade. • Difficulty in determining job status and cost to complete. • Rising overhead. The best protection is a carefully developed subcontractor prequalification program. Sureties typically prequalify subcontractors for underwriting purposes, but an internal program is important for un-bonded subs. Also, Subcontractor Default Insurance providers generally require insured contractors to have a prequalification program in place. Alan Sandersen is a columnist for the Fort Bend Business Journal and is a Partner with Sandersen Knox & Co, L.L.P., Certified Public Accountants. He can be reached at 281-2423232. www.sktx.com. H

Telfair Commercial Tracts at Highway 59 and University Now “On the Market” FOR SALE

Scan to access Telfair’s commercial tract brochure. Free QR Code Readers: iPhone/Android - Scan or RedLaser BlackBerry - QR Code Scanner

HIGHWAY 59 & UNIVERSITY BLVD, SUGAR LAND +/- 178 Acres for Commercial Development; Can Be Divided • Prime Freeway Intersection and Frontage in “Downtown” Sugar Land •

Within the 2,018-Acre Telfair Master-Planned Community • Ideal for Office, Retail, Hotel, Mixed Use

Professional Medical Office Building Opportunities • Telfair is the #1 Selling Community in Fort Bend

•

Subscribe to commercial tract specific updates: www.telfair-commercial.com Kolbe M. Curtice CCIM

281 494 4769 MOB 281 802 2260 kolbe.curtice@colliers.com

DIR

Charles Herder

713 830 2100 MOB 713 825 8088 charles.herder@colliers.com

DIR

Corbin Janssen

281 269 3444 MOB 281 344 7271 corbin.janssen@colliers.com

DIR

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

Johnson Development acquires Fort Bend’s master-planned community Cross Creek Ranch 3,200-Acre Community Johnson Development’s first in Fulshear area

ohnson Development Corporation has acquired Cross Creek Ranch, the 3,200-acre master-planned community located minutes west of the Grand Parkway off FM 1093. Originally designed and developed by Trendmaker Homes, Cross Creek Ranch opened in Spring 2008. In 2011, new home sales in Cross Creek Ranch placed it as one of the top 20 best-selling master-planned communities in the United States. Most recently, the west Houston community was recognized as Houston’s 2012 Master Planned Community of the Year by the Greater Houston Builders Association. Located in the top-performing area for new home sales in Houston, Cross Creek Ranch currently has close to 700 homes with another 5,000 home sites available for development over the next ten years. Approximately 200 acres in the community have been set aside for retail, commercial and multi-family.

Moving Across Town or Across the Globe

Whether you’re moving into the region OR out of town, finding the right neighborhood and community can be a challenge. As members of the world’s largest corporate relocation network, we can also help you understand your options. From beautiful suburbs and subdivisions to city neighborhoods and condominiums, our staff and real estate professionals can provide you with insights into local schools, transportation, amenities and more. We know these decisions really matter, and that’s why more families choose us to help them move that anyone else. If you or anyone that you know is moving across town, across the country or even across the globe, call us. We can place you with an agent that will take the guess work out of relocating. Let us help you help someone!

Call us at 281-242-6200 38

Fort Bend Business Journal • June 2012

The purchase of the popular master-planned community marks Johnson Development’s entry into the Katy submarket, an area the Houston-based development company with a 30-year track record has eyed for years. “We’ve been interested in the Katy area sub-market for quite some time,” notes Johnson Development President Larry Johnson. “This is an exciting addition to our portfolio of highly amenitized communities.” The acquisition also comes at a time when masterplanned communities nationwide are reporting their strongest sales in three years, according to Robert Charles Lesser & Co., an independent real estate advisory firm. Moreover, Houston currently stands at the top housing market in the United States as measured by new home starts. Johnson Development’s collection of award-winning master-planned communities includes Sienna Plantation and Riverstone, two of the top best-selling masterplanned communities in the United States, as well as Fall Creek, Woodforest, Tuscan Lakes, Edgewater, Silverlake and the new Imperial development in Sugar Land. Will Holder, president of Trendmaker Homes, says the company will continue to build homes in Cross Creek Ranch. He adds the sale will allow Trendmaker Homes to participate aggressively in other communities in Houston. “We’re proud of what we started in Cross Creek Ranch and will continue to explore new areas of growth in the Houston area,” says Holder. Residents in Cross Creek Ranch enjoy a number of resortstyle amenities including the Cross Creek Water Park, a large resort-style swimming pool with a 200-foot water slide, a wading pool and spray park. It also is home to miles of hikeand-bike trails and a fitness center and sports complex with tennis courts, basketball court, sand volleyball court and playgrounds for all ages. Plus, several parks are located within walking distance of every neighborhood in the community. Builders in Cross Creek Ranch include Ashton Woods Homes, Kickerillo Company, Newmark Homes, Perry Homes, Plantation Homes, Trendmaker Homes and Village Builders. Families in the community currently attend schools in the Katy Independent School District and eventually in the Lamar Consolidated Independent School District as well. In addition, the Cross Creek Ranch Education Foundation will fund enhanced education programs for students of all age groups. For information about Cross Creek Ranch, go to www.crosscreektexas.com.

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

Law and Business

By Leland Irwin

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

Who Owns the Beach? In the last two months we have discussed the Texas Supreme Court’s recent rulings favoring the rights of private landowners over both government and business interests. In another recent ruling, the Texas Supreme Court balanced the rights of private landowners with public interests. In Carol Severance v. Jerry Patterson, Commissioner of the Texas General Land Office, et al., the Texas Supreme Court again sided with private landowners in an opinion that some have called an obituary for the Texas Open Beaches Act and the concept of rolling public beachfront access easements. Passed in 1959, the Open Beaches Act guarantees free and unrestricted access to both State owned beaches and private beach property to which the public already has an easement or other right to use. The area from mean low tide to mean high tide is called the “wet beach” and is indisputably owned by the State. The

area from mean high tide to the vegetation line is known as the “dry beach” and is often privately owned. The public’s right to use the dry beach is not automatically presumed by the Open Beaches Act. A person buying beachfront property along the Texas gulf coast does so with the risk that their property may eventually recede into the ocean becoming either submerged or part of the wet beach. When this happens, which it often does, the property owner loses the property to the State. Likewise, if the ocean naturally recedes away from the land moving the mean high tide, a private property owner’s land may actually increase. Regardless of these changes, the boundary is always fixed by the mean high tide. In the Severance case, Ms. Severance purchased beachfront property on Galveston Island’s West Beach. At the time of the purchase,

a public easement existed on the dry beach between her property and the wet beach. No such easement existed on her property. Five months after purchasing the property, Hurricane Rita hit Galveston Island devastating the adjacent property burdened by the easement and moving the beach vegetation line landward. Because of the hurricane, the entirety of the Severance’s house was now in the dry beach area. The State claimed that the easement on the former dry beach area rolled onto the Severance’s property and requested that she remove the house. The landowner refused and filed suit instead. The Court found for the landowner ruling that public beachfront easements do not roll under Texas law. In balancing the competing rights and interests of the private property

LELAND IRWIN... continued on page 51

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KOLBE CURTICE... 2) Industrial warehouse space nationally is in very short supply, particularly in port cities. The expansion of the Panama Canal will position Houston for strong long-term growth in the industrial sector. Based on tonnage, the US has two ports that rank among the world’s busiest – New Orleans and Houston. Fort Bend will benefit with its geographic location and the construction of the intermodal facility west of Rosenberg. 3) Texas ranks 4th Best for fiscal health according to Forbes. This ranking was determined by comparing state debt per capita (Texas is among the lowest, at $520 per person), unfunded pensions per capita (again Texas is low at $7,744.00 per person) and gross state products (Texas being among the highest in the country at $916 billion). As such, the state is very well positioned for growth, as industry does not want to expand where the local fiscal house is in disarray, taxes are likely to go up, services will be cut and infrastructure will not be maintained. Fort Bend will be very attractive as one of the fastest growing counties in the state. K.C. said that although Fort Bend has very strong growth ranking statistics, it is our quality

continued from page 31

of life and stability of investments metrics that make us so attractive. He said that the honors and awards such as those achieved recently in Sugar Land – i.e. the safest city in America (FBI statistics), the Best Place to Live (Money Magazine), Sugar Land Airport’s recognition as one of the top 10 fixed base operators (FBO’s) in the country, Sugar Land’s 2011 recognition for fiscal management, etc. have positioned the county for continued growth well beyond any perceived “energy corridor” bubble. K.C. summarized his presentation with a slide emphasizing the three areas that, in his opinion, we must resolve to get the national economy headed back in the right direction. Those are: 1) we need capital to start flowing again (he emphasized that there is plenty of capital sitting on the sidelines – but we need to have an environment that creates confidence in investing again), 2) we need to find a solution for the federal banking regulations (Section 165 – Dodd-Frank) which are putting a stranglehold on investment and the flow of capital, and 3) we need to resolve the high unemployment in the country by creating incentives for

companies to expand. Earlier this afternoon my daughter called me from her college campus as she was leaving the last class of her college career. She will graduate next Saturday. She has worked hard, and as proud as her mom and I are of her for graduating, we are even more proud that she will be starting a great job next month at a leading aerospace company in Ft Worth. I mention this because out of the 40-plus graduates in her business school major, 39 have been able to secure jobs. If employment and new construction activity are the best barometers for measuring an economy, K.C. would like what I am seeing this month in my small part of the world. We have a long way to go, but there is nowhere I would rather be while working to get there than in Texas and Fort Bend County. Kolbe M. Curtice CCIM, CLS is a licensed Texas Real Estate Broker and is the Managing Director of Colliers International – Fort Bend, 15999 City Walk, Suite 250, Sugar Land, Texas, 77479. He can be reached at 281-494-4769 or kolbe.curtice@colliers.com.

COMING JULY 2012 ISSUE Deadline: JUNE 10

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Fort Bend Business Journal • June 2012

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By Elsa Maxey

Executive Producer Star Video Productions

Video communications a requirement? Now more than ever! Many organizations have begun to rethink how they communicate, especially now with all the technical advances underway. There is a lot to gain from video communications. There is a basic need for people to want to see a face or some kind of action that cannot be replicated with words or still photos. Not exactly a face-to-face communication, but it’s the closest thing since most communication is non-verbal, but visual. It’s the sort of thing that keeps decisions moving forward. The next time you see a video, think about what you’ve experienced. Sometimes without one word being spoken, the video…more than a picture…is

worth tenfold more than a thousand words. What you’re seeing is motion, it’s alive, just like you. Videos move and have sound. Often times, they have more personality than print, even it it’s an article. Video makes a message dynamic and engaging. It’s important to make a point how in today’s fast-paced, decision-making environment, there are times when meeting in person is not efficient or even possible, and yet there’s a message that needs to be conveyed. Don’t take the risk of not maximizing it. Videos are great for marketing for a lot of reasons. People like to watch them. They are more entertaining than text. They are concise and pack a ton of information.

Keep in mind, however, that most people will want to watch short pieces. Sometimes two minutes can be a long time to talk about one thing. Thirty seconds (:30) is plenty to give anyone time to explain one topic. There is no limit to what you can do with video. Let us help you express your company’s personality with your brand. Give us a call. Elsa Malakoff is a contributor to the Fort Bend Business Journal and Fort Bend Star and a Exevutive Producer of Star Video Productions. She can be reached at 281690-4280. Go www.Starvideoproductions.com or email us elsamaxey@starvideoproductions. com.

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281-690-4280 June 2012 • Fort Bend Business Journal

NEWSWORTHY

Key principles that will lead to a stronger Texas Gov. Rick Perry announced the Texas Budget Compact, composed of five key principles for a stronger Texas. The governor has called on lawmakers to commit to these principles in preparation for the 2013 legislative session and going forward, urging the continued importance of carefully stewarding Texas taxpayer dollars, especially as Medicaid puts increasing pressure on our state budget. “The priorities set and decisions made in 2011 helped stabilize our economy and kept industries hiring in the Lone Star State like nowhere else in the country,” Gov. Perry said. “It is imperative we remain committed to the sound conservative values that have

brought us to where we are today. If Texas leaders will commit to govern and budget by the five principles of the Texas Budget Compact, we will ensure continued growth and prosperity, an honest budget, and more limited government.” “Texas continues to face serious budget concerns that can only be addressed by significant fiscal reform,” Sen. Patrick said. “I am proud to continue my support for these initiatives and be among the first to endorse this compact.” Gov. Perry is pledging his commitment to the following principles, and asking lawmakers to do the same: • Practice Truth in Budgeting

Oakbend Medical Center to host local celebrity Steven Hubbell on June 14 Steven Hubbell, son of Bowie Elementary School teacher Margaret and Judge F.E. Hubbell, grew up in his dad’s hometown of Rosenberg. President of the Lamar Consolidated High School senior class of 1978, he later graduated from the University of Texas at Austin. After a fruitful career in the field of water quality protection, in 2004 he returned to his longstanding love of creative writing. Steven’s first book, One Autumn in Europe, chronicles his coming-of-age hitchhiking adventure in 1979. While writing this memoir, he was compelled to attempt to capture the landscapes of the journey on canvas. His second book, La Via dell’Amore, tells the story of his 2006 return to Europe accompanied by his twenty-one year old daughter, Maria. His third book, Anchors of Mist, is a novel that explores the story of a man who is unable to dismiss the powerful impressions of his dreams. Steven is honored to have the opportunity to share his thoughts on the writing process, and will also be displaying some of his art at OakBend Medical Center

on Thursday, June 14 at 5 p.m. Having found an avenue to publish his work, the author encourages other creative spirits to unleash their visions on the world: “It’s virtually free, it’s reasonably easy, and it’s practically painless,” he insists. You are invited to enjoy an evening of camaraderie with a man who still considers himself a small town boy. Please join us at OakBend Medical Center’s atrium, located at 1705 Jackson Street in Richmond on Thursday, June 14 at 5 p.m. The special wine and cheese event is $10. Please RSVP to Sharon at 281-341-4812 before June 10. Book supplies at the event will be limited, so if you would like to have Steven Hubblle sign your copy, please purchase any of the above books in advance on Amazon.com (search by author’s name) and bring it with you. Steven lives in Dripping Springs with his wife and two children. He can be contacted at steven_hubbell@sbcglobal. net and is looking forward to spending a fun evening with you at OakBend Medical Center in Richmond.

Fort Bend Business Journal • June 2012

• Support a Constitutional limit of spending to the growth of population and inflation • Oppose any new taxes or tax increases, and make the small business tax exemption permanent • Preserve a strong Rainy Day Fund • Cut unnecessary and duplicative government programs and agencies Committing to these principles now is imperative as we address budget challenges in the 2013 session, specifically with respect to Medicaid, which already consumes a massive amount of our budget and is primed to eat up significantly more in both the short and long terms., Additionally, in order for Texas to continue leading the nation in job creation and economic development we must rein in state spending and make the small business tax permanent. Texas’ economy continues to rank number one in the nation for job growth and business climate. Perry contends the state has added more new jobs over the past year than anywhere else in the country, and the employment rate continues to decline, and is more than a full point below the national average. Additionally, state sales tax collections have posted steady gains over the past two years.

Aber appointed to Texas racing commission Gary Aber of Simonton has been appointed by Governor Rick Perry to the Texas Racing Commission for a term to expire Feb. 1, 2015. The commission oversees pari-mutuel wagering on horse and greyhound racing. Aber is a veterinarian and owner of Simonton Veterinary Clinic. He is a member of the American Association of Equine Practitioners. He received a bachelor’s degree from Texas Tech University and a Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from Texas A&M University.

Submit Newsworthy items to sharon@fortbendstar.com

Fort Bend motorists warned to buckle up or pay up Police Out in Force May 21 – June 3 for Click It or Ticket Campaign From May 21 through June 3, thousands of state troopers, police officers and sheriff’s deputies across the Lone Star state will be on the lookout for drivers and passengers who are not buckled up or whose children are not properly restrained. Throughout this two week-long enforcement period of the Texas Department of Transportation’s annual Click It or Ticket campaign, drivers and passengers who choose not to fasten their seat belts could be pulled over and fined up to $250, plus court costs. Texas law requires that both drivers and passengers wear seat belts. Children younger than 8 years old must ride in a child safety seat or booster seat unless they are taller than 4 feet 9 inches. TxDOT uses the “Click It or Ticket” campaign to raise awareness about the law surrounding seat belt use and the importance of always buckling up.

“It only takes a minute to strap on your seat belt and to make sure that everyone else in your vehicle is properly restrained,” said Carol Rawson, TxDOT’s Traffic Operations division director. “That one minute can save a life. We shouldn’t have to remind people to wear seat belts. But just in case, police officers around the state will be pulling over folks who still have not gotten the message.” Traffic crashes remain a leading cause of death in Texas. In 2011, nearly 3,000 people died in fatal collisions on Texas streets and highways. Almost half of those drivers and passengers were not buckled up. Wearing a seat belt reduces the risk of fatal injury by 45 percent for car occupants and 60 percent for light-truck occupants. “Click It or Ticket is not just about writing tickets. It’s about saving lives,” said Rawson. “Seat belt use in Texas is much higher than it was when we started this effort 11 years ago,

but we still have some holdouts. We want everyone to get on board with the habit of buckling up.” Most at risk for serious injury or death are pickup truck drivers and passengers. Pickups account for one in four registered vehicles in Texas and are twice as likely to roll in a crash. However, seat belt use among pickup drivers and passengers continues to lag. Ninety-one percent of pickup drivers buckle up compared to 95 percent of other drivers. And, only 80 percent of truck passengers use seat belts compared to 92 percent of passengers in other vehicles.

New fire pumper truck for Northeast Fort Bend

TCEQ announces workshops for the alternative fueling facility program The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) has scheduled additional workshops to review AFFP grant requirements and application procedures for potential applicants. The three AFFP workshops are as follows: June 13, 2012, in Austin, 1:30 p.m. at TCEQ headquarters, 12100 Park 35 Circle, Building F, Room 2210, Austin, Texas 78753; June 18, 2012, in Arlington, 10:30 a.m., North Central Texas Council of Governments, Transportation Council Room, 616 Six Flags Drive, Centerpoint II, Arlington, TX 76011; and June 19, 2012, in Houston, 1:00 p.m. at the Tracy Gee Community Center, AR-1, 3599 Westcenter Drive, Houston, TX 77042. The TCEQ AFFP grants are part of the Texas Emissions Reduction Plan (TERP) program. These grants will offset a portion of the cost of either the construction of new facilities dispensing alternative fuels to vehicles and equipment, or the substantial

reconstruction of existing facilities to provide new services or capabilities dispensing alternative fuels to vehicles and equipment. Eligible alternative fuels include biodiesel, hydrogen, methanol, natural gas, propane, and electricity. Eligible projects are required to be located within the EPA defined non-attainment areas of Houston-Galveston-Brazoria, Dallas-Fort Worth, and El Paso. These fueling stations must be located within the county boundaries of the EPA designated non-attainment counties and must be made available to the public. Application deadline is July 31, 2012, 5:00 p.m. CST. For additional up-to-date information on the grant application process, eligibility requirements, and copies of the application forms for the AFFP, visit the TERP Web site, www.terpgrants.org or call 800-919-TERP (8377).

Northeast Fort Bend Fire Chief Rick Duplant shows off the department’s brand new $192,000 pumper which allows firefighters to pour up to 2,200 gallons of water on a blaze in areas where there isn’t a fire hydrant available. This pumper was made possible through the Fort Bend Emergency Services District 5 which also is planning a second emergency station on two acres of land at FM 1464 and Denver Miller. That 180 by 80 foot structure would house an EMS unit in addition to firefighters and equipment. That building, with 14,400 square feet, would be slightly larger than the main Old Richmond Road station. This 20-year old fire department was operated largely by volunteer firefighters and funds until voters approved creation of the ESD four years ago.

June 2012 • Fort Bend Business Journal

NEWSWORTHY

Citizen input needed for pedestrian and bicycle master plan

‘Mattress Mack’ guest speaker for Chamber’s June 8 Luncheon Noted Entrepreneur and Public Speaker Jim McIngvale to Share Insight Jim McIngvale built a Houston-based furniture empire on a foundation of innovative concepts and marketing savvy. On June 8, the Gallery Furniture owner, known as “Mattress Mack,” will share some of his insight as the guest speaker for the Central Fort Bend Chamber Alliance’s Business Luncheon. The luncheon is scheduled from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Safari Texas Ranch at 11627 FM 1464 in Richmond. Gallery Furniture, established in 1981, has been consistently ranked in Furniture Today’s Top 100 Furniture Retailers for some time and currently ranks as the salesper-square-foot leader for independent retailers in the United States. The store records about $200 million in sales per year. It originally sold less

expensive furniture targeted toward lower income individuals, but has since expanded to include higher-end furniture. Presenting Sponsor, Sponsor Tables and Jim McIngvale Corporate Tables are available. To sponsor this event, contact Angie Wierzbicki at 281-342-5464 or angie@CFBCA.org. Reservations for the luncheon are $30 for Chamber members and $40 for prospective members and guests. After June 4 at noon, a $10 late fee will be added. Cancellations less than 72 hours in advance and “no shows” will be charged. For reservations or more information call the Chamber at 281-342-5464.

Rosenberg Mayor Vincent Morales to present State of the City Mayor to share updates about growing suburb The Central Fort Bend Chamber Alliance and Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce will host a “State of the City” luncheon featuring a presentation by the Mayor of Rosenberg, Vincent Morales, on Monday, July 9 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Safari Texas Ranch, 11627 FM 1464, Richmond. Morales was elected Mayor of Rosenberg in May 2011. He is the Senior Vice President and co-owner of GreenScape Associates, LLC, a locally based landscape management/design/build firm. Presenting Sponsor for the event is NewFirst National Bank. Sponsor opportunities including Event Presenter,

Event Underwriter and Corporate Tables are available for the luncheon. To sponsor this event at any level, contact Angie Wierzbicki at 281-342-5464 or angie@CFBCA.org. Vicent Morales Individual reservations for the luncheon are $25 for Chamber members and $35 for prospective members and guests. After July 3, a $10 late fee will be added. For reservations or more information, go to www.cfbca.org or call 281-3425464.

Fort Bend Business Journal • June 2012

Sugar Land residents are encouraged to participate in an update to the City’s Pedestrian and Bicycle Master Plan. Residents may visit www.sugarlandtx. gov/pedbike to take a survey, provide feedback, complete an online mapping activity, sign up for e-mail updates and learn about future public meetings. The next meeting is scheduled on June 25, from 6-8 p.m., at City Hall, 2700 Town Center Blvd. North. The updated plan will identify a network of pedestrian and bicycle routes throughout Sugar Land. The intent is to utilize existing and future routes for both recreational and mobility-related purposes. Basedon public feedback, the plan should: • identify origins and destinations; • determine where better connections are needed; • specify how connections should be made (i.e., on-street, off-street); • identify preferred route types (i.e., trails, bike lanes, shared lanes); and • improve challenging crossings such as U.S. Highway 59, State Highway 6, U.S. Highway 90A, the Brazos River and the railroad. Sugar Land’s long-range vision for “Superior Mobility” was incorporated into the City’s 2011 Comprehensive Mobility Plan after residents expressed a desire for greater mobility choices. Sixty-nine percent of residents who participated in the City’s mobility survey last year said they would ride a bike more often if improvements were made to the City’s bicycle network.

Submit Newsworthy items to sharon@fortbendstar.com

Deal will bring increased services, more doctors and continued presence in local communities

Memorial Hermann acquires South Texas Medical Clinics

emorial Hermann has acquired South Texas Medical Clinics, P.A. (STMC), the largest, multispecialty physician practice in the Southwest region spanning three counties – Wharton, Matagorda, and Fort Bend. With roots that date back more than 60 years to the Outlar-Blair and Rugeley and Blasingame Clinics, two highly-regarded rural medical practices, STMC emerged from a merger between the two healthcare entities in 1985. The main and largest clinic in the South Texas Medical Clinics practice – based in Wharton – is comprised of 31 full-time physicians, 11 contract physicians, and 13 practice extenders (physician assistants and nurse practitioners). STMC also has clinics located in El Campo, Bay City, Needville and Rosenberg.

International Council of Shopping Centers claims global vision critical to success

“We are happy to welcome South Texas Medical Clinics into the Memorial Hermann family,” said Dan Wolterman, President and CEO of Memorial Hermann. “We have had a long relationship with this respected practice that has been raising the bar and providing high-quality healthcare for many years. “We look forward to strengthening our relationship by enhancing services and adding new doctors,” Wolterman continued. “I also want to ensure the clinics’ patients, and the community as a whole, that they will continue to receive the same quality of care from their trusted doctors and clinical staff.” STMC already provides an array of comprehensive services, including imaging services such as CT, nuclear medicine, digital mammography, ultrasound, and bone density. The laboratory services include routine and special chemistries, hematology, coagulation, immunology, and microbiology. STMC also offers various ancillary services such as chemo and infusion therapy, audiology procedures, sleep studies, pain management and physical therapy. In

addition, STMC has a full-service pharmacy and optical shop in the Wharton Clinic. “The physicians of South Texas Medical Clinics are very excited to join the prestigious Memorial Hermann Healthcare System,” said Dr. Jeffery Gubbels, Board President of South Texas Medical Clinics, PA. “For us, it is the most logical choice in our evolution as an organization. From its inception, South Texas Medical Clinics has endeavored to be innovators in the delivery of healthcare to our neighbors in the community. “With this next step we will be able to expand the services we offer as we recruit new medical and surgical specialists, Dr. Gubbels continued. “We will also expand access with primary care, women’s services, and pediatric specialists. The conversion to electronic health records will ensure that all our physicians in every location will have the complete information necessary to ensure the best quality care. By joining the Memorial Hermann family we will be ensuring the best possible care for our patients and community for generations to come.”

INTERNATIONAL COUNCIL, continued from page 22

Capital, too, is seeking out opportunity in emerging markets, where corporations and consumers alike have access to a growing array of credit options. Governments, meanwhile, are easing restrictions on capital — many in Latin America, for instance, are providing developers access to pension fund financing. Retail real estate is especially attractive to investors, Kercheval observes, noting that it has proved to be the least volatile sector. “The future of our industry will be shaped by this summit,” Kercheval said, stressing its importance to all sectors of the industry. “If you don’t have an answer to a question, you are probably not alone, but at this summit you’ll have the best chance of getting it answered.” Compiled by the staff of Shopping Centers Today. © May 11, 2012 International Council of Shopping Centers.

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June 2012 • Fort Bend Business Journal

NAMES IN THE NEWS Fort Bend Cares announces new Executive Director Scott Breeze, Chairman of the Fort Laura has most recently served as the Bend Cares Board of Directors, recently Executive Director of Mental Health announced the hiring of Laura Richard America of Fort Bend County and has as the charitable foundation’s Executive additional non profit experience with the Director; replacing Jill Curtis who will be Fort Bend Regional Council on Substance stepping down April 30 to spend more time Abuse and the Fort Bend County Women’s in California with her husband. Center. “The Board and the Fort Bend She has 20 years of management, community is very thankful for marketing and development Jill’s tireless efforts over the past 18 experience in the corporate world, months during a significant period as well, working for BMC Software of growth for our organization. and IBM. Laura has deep ties to the Fortunately, Jill has agreed to stay community having grown up in on as a member of the Board. Fort Bend County and graduating Going forward, we are thrilled to from Houston Baptist University have Laura join our organization Laura Richard with a degree in Marketing and and believe that she will be a perfect fit to Management. help us accomplish our goals and objectives. The list of organizations that she has She possesses leadership and volunteered with includes the Fort Bend organizational skills coupled with extensive Junior Service League, Child Advocates, non profit experience which will positively Texana, FBISD and numerous others. contribute to the impact we are having Laura currently resides in Sugar Land in serving disadvantaged children in our with her husband, Jim, and their 3 community,” said Breeze. children.

The City of Sugar Land named one of healthiest employers A Houston business journal recently named the City of Sugar Land among the healthiest employers in the region. The city was awarded second place for employers with 500-1,499 employees at HBJ’s first Healthiest Employers awards luncheon in March. Verizon Wireless took the first place honors. HBJ singled out Sugar Land’s Wellness Creed which acknowledges the importance of having a healthy mind in a healthy body. HBJ also commended the city for providing city-wide wellness plans and activities and for spending $50,000 of the city’s money ever year on activities like “Lunch and Learns,” which provide education on health topics;“Impact a Hero,” a Memorial Day walk for veterans and the “Dragon Boat Regatta,” a race to raise multicultural awareness and fitness habits.

“The designation of Sugar Land as one of Houston’s Healthiest Employers reflects the efforts of City Leadership, the Wellness Committee and all employees to embrace wellness as a way of improving life,” said Assistant City Manager Karen Glynn. “We are very proud of this recognition.” The goal of Sugar Land’s wellness initiatives are to create a culture of health and wellness with specific outcomes that include lower health care and disability costs for the city and employees; a healthier, happier workforce; decreased illness and injuries; reduction in absenteeism and improved productivity; and improved recruitment and retention. In 2010 City Leadership established a Wellness Committee and formalized its goals and initiatives, which included developing its Wellness Creed.

Fort Bend Business Journal • June 2012

Three new administrators have been selected for Lamar Independent School District Michelle Amos is the district’s first After-School Program Coordinator. She is a graduate of Tulsa University and has a master’s in English from the University of Houston. Amos has 14 years of Michelle Amos experience in education, including four years teaching in Oklahoma, two years as a federal grant director, also in Oklahoma, and eight years as a program coordinator for an after-school program in Fort Bend ISD. Deborah Bible will be an assistant principal at George Ranch High School. A graduate of Tarleton State University, she received her master’s degree in in Educational Leadership from the University of Deborah Bible Texas-Permian Basin. Bible has 23 years of experience in education, including 20 years of teaching English on the secondary level and one year as an assistant principal at Snyder High School. She has served as the instructional coordinator at Foster High School since 2010. Frederick Black will also be an Assistant Principal at George Ranch High School. Black is a graduate of Stephen F. Austin State University and received master’s degrees in Physical Education and Educational Frederick Black Administration from Prairie View A&M University. He has 12 years of experience in education, including 10 years of teaching experience in the Fort Bend and Alief school districts and two years as an assistant principal at a middle school in the Cypress-Fairbanks ISD.

Submit Newsworthy items to sharon@fortbendstar.com

Dr. Liliana Diaz welcomed at Methodist Sugar Land Hospital Pulmonary Medicine & Sleep Disorders Specialists Liliana Diaz, M.D., has joined the The Methodist Hospital Physician Organization and is affiliating her pulmonary and sleep medicine practice, now named Methodist Pulmonary and Sleep Medicine Specialists, with Methodist Sugar Land Hospital. Dr. Diaz has a long and distinguished history of treating pulmonary and sleep medicine issues in Houston and Sugar Land and is the medical director of numerous sleep labs in the area. She is board certified in internal medicine, pulmonary disease, critical care medicine and sleep medicine. Her practice provides a wide range of advanced pulmonary, asthma and allergy and sleep disorder services, including: • Comprehensive pulmonary testing • Testing and individualized treatment for allergies

• Critical care and hospice-related services • Sleep medicine services “I chose pulmonary medicine as a specialty because it presents me the opportunity to make Liliana Diaz, M.D. a critical difference for people in significant need,” says Dr. Diaz. “It is vitally important to be able to breathe well, and when you have a breathing difficulty, it is severely limiting. My goal is to reduce those limitations and improve my patients’ quality of life.” Dr. Diaz takes great pride in providing compassionate, individualized care, built on careful evaluation of each patient’s unique diagnoses and challenges. “I work hard to develop trusting relationships with my patients so that

together, we can design and implement customized care plans that directly address their needs,” she said. Methodist Pulmonary and Sleep Medicine Specialists will play an important role in the hospital’s service to the Fort Bend community. “We are thrilled to have Dr. Diaz join the Methodist family,” said Chris Siebenaler, CEO of Methodist Sugar Land Hospital. “Her practice provides a full range of services in the rapidly growing fields of pulmonary care and sleep medicine with a focus on personal care and attention that fits perfectly with our approach.” To schedule an appointment with Dr. Diaz, call Methodist Pulmonary and Sleep Medicine Specialists at 281-325-0005. For more information about Methodist Sugar Land Hospital, visit MethodistSugarLand. com.

The MOST Complete ORTHOPEDIC CARE for FORT BEND COUNTY Kenneth M. Renney, M.D. Sports Medicine

Jeffrey B. Wood, M.D.

Diseases & Deformities of the Spine

Eddie T. Matsu, M.D.

General Orthopedics, Joint Replacement

Mark W. Maffet, M.D.

Knee & Shoulder Surgery, Sports Medicine

Timothy C. Sitter, M.D.

Knee & Shoulder Surgery, Sports Medicine

Methodist Orthopaedic Specialists of Texas

Methodist Orthopaedic Specialists of Texas (MOST) physicians are recognized as some of the finest board-certified physicians in the specialty of orthopedics. They provide comprehensive, world-class orthopedic care under one roof right here in Fort Bend County — from sports medicine to joint replacement, hand and wrist to ankle and spine care. They perform on a higher level, so you can, too.

 To schedule an appointment, call 281-494-MOST (6678) or email MOSTappts@tmhs.org.

Vincent C. Phan, M.D.

Hand & Upper Extremities

Carl A. Hicks, M.D.

Joint Reconstructive Surgery

Christopher K. Smith, M.D.

Adult & Pediatric Orthopedics

David A. Braunreiter, M.D. Sports Medicine

Ray R. Valdez, M.D. Foot & Ankle

Anthony J. Muffoletto, M.D.

Diseases & Deformities of the Spine

Four Convenient Locations:

Proud Sponsor of Deacon’s Dugout for the Sugar Land Skeeters

281-494-MOST (6678)  MethodistOrthopedics.com  MOSTappts@tmhs.org

June 2012 • Fort Bend Business Journal

 1201 Brooks Street  Sugar Land, Texas 77478  1327 Lake Pointe Parkway, Suite 425  Sugar Land, Texas 77478  18400 Katy Freeway, Suite 200  Houston, Texas 77094  2500 Fondren, Suite 209  Houston, Texas 77063

Ribbon Cutting Central Fort Bend Chamber Alliance

Fort Bend Women’s Center Penny Wise Donation Center (4737 Hwy 6 South, Stafford): Front row, from left: Roxy Ventura, Sugar Land Magazine; Jean Machann, Reading Road Office Park; Jean Dotson, Penny Wise; Angela Ramirez, Penny Wise; Liz Moreno, Fort Bend Women’s Center; Joy Dowell, Penny Wise Resale Centers Director; Anita Maddox, Missouri City Donation Center Manager; Vita Goodell, Fort Bend Women’s Center Executive Director; Carol Alcorta, Penny Wise; Tom Wilson, Reading Road Self Storage; Darrell Karnopp, Network Funding; Shirley Jackson, La Casona Mexican Restaurant, and Sue Chaing.

Trustmark Bank (1845 Hwy 6, Sugar Land): From left: Lou Jackson; Tiffany Pace; Jeremy Boyum; Shirley Jackson, La Casona; Debbie Turk, Trustmark Bank; Laura Daley, Trustmark Bank; Charlie Braun, bizINTOUCH; Wanda Kras, Trustmark Bank; Shai Thakkar, Trustmark Bank; Pamela Knight, Trustmark Bank; Matt Ontiveros, SpringHill Suites by Marriott; Jason Bray, Trustmark Bank; Travis Van Horn, Trustmark Bank; Gilbert Limones, First Victoria National Bank; Lisa Matthews, Servpro of West Fort Bend County; Shanta Kuhl, Chamber President/CEO; Tom Wilson, Reading Road Self Storage, and Liz Moreno, Fort Bend County Women’s Center.

Richmond Farmers Market (Corner of Hwy 90 and 2nd Street, Richmond): From left: Bill Whitworth, Richmond Police Chief; Glen Gilmore, City of Richmond; Evalyn Moore; Barry Beard, Post Oak Bank; Bill Dostal, Richmond City Commissioner; Joe Freudenberger, OakBend Medical Center; Mayor Hilmar Moore, City of Richmond; Kandice Gremillion, LegalShield; Teri Vela, Richmond City Manager; Shanta Kuhl, Chamber President/CEO; Gary Gillen, Richmond City Commissioner; Cathy Pitts, SIG McDonald & Wessendorff Insurance; David Gerstenberger; Gary Allred; Tom Wilson, Reading Road Self Storage, and Anne Ondrusek.

Victor’s Mexican Grille (8525 FM 359, Fulshear): From left: Belinda Suarez, Alicia Casias Nationwide Agency; Lisa Matthews, Servpro of West Fort Bend County, Tom Wilson, Reading Road Self Storage; Blake Greer, Greer Wealth Management; Erica Tirado, First Victoria National Bank; Juan Garcia, Victor’s Mexican Grille; Suzanne Loehr, Stieber Insurance Group; Cheryl Stalinsky, City of Fulshear; Darrell Karnopp, Network Funding; Ashley Long, First Victoria National Bank; Gilbert Limones, First Victoria National Bank; Michael Martin, Martin Mortgage, and Dave and Janet Foshee.

Fort Bend Business Journal • June 2012

ATTENTION : Fort Bend High School Seniors

CONGRATULATIONS! Jesse Rice

Congratulations to Jesse Rice, a senior at Fort Bend Christian Academy High School, for being selected as Texas Direct Auto’s “Scholarship Star” for June! Jessica DeMarr, Director of Business Development, presents the $1000 check. Jesse’s academic achievements and extracurricular activities include National Honor Society, National English Honor Society, French Honor Society and he currently serves as captain of the Varsity Basketball team. This multi-talented student was selected to be on the Academic Team and qualified for the State Art Competion, placing 4th with his entry entitied Energy OverRide. He was also awarded the French Academic Excellence Award and was selected by Rotary Club of Houston to attend Camp Enterprise for students who are interested in becoming involved in business. Jesse was selected as part of Texas Direct Auto’s commitment to educational excellence through the “Scholarship Stars” program. Application details are listed below.

1,000

SCHOLARSHIP! Find complete details and forms at

www.fortbendfocus.com

June 2012 • Fort Bend Business Journal

Wallace Bajjali…. Master Developer for tornado torn Joplin Missouri By Joan Frances

hen the devastating tornado ripped through Joplin Missouri on May 22, 2011 no one would have guessed that about a year later a company, six hundred and six miles away in Sugar Land, would help them redevelop the city. On April 2, the city of Joplin passed a resolution authorizing negotiations with Wallace Bajjali Development Partners to help rebuild the areas impacted by the tornado. Eight out of nine council members agreed to sign the letter of intent, one member abstained from the vote. The process of choosing this company was a long and involved one.

Jane Cage, Chairwoman of the advisory team chose four finalists for the job. The committee conducted a thorough background check and visited projects David Wallace the firm was involved in. They went to Waco and interviewed the city leaders there. There were also many hours of conversation and recommendations from other economic development leaders as well. The main factor in selecting Wallace Bajjali appeared to be the strong understanding this company has of public-private partnership. The government invests along with private investors. Wallace Bajjali also gives a personal touch, willing to be at risk with the city and take on the financial burden with them.

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

Fort Bend Business Journal • June 2012

FrostBank.com

David Wallace, CEO of Wallace Bajjali and former Mayor of Sugar Land, traveled to Joplin 12 times to reinforce his commitment to the recovery and reconstruction of this city. Fate played a big part in his initial involvement. He was attending a dinner at the International Council of Shopping Centers National Convention when the tornado hit. Chris Crossland of Crossland Construction was notified his mother’s home was damaged and Wallace took an interest to help. From that moment things began to fall into place. His compassion paid off. Over 5,400 homes were destroyed, an eight mile stretch of land. He began meeting with the community officials to get a pulse for how to turn this disaster into something good that enhances life and invites city growth. His team offered a unique approach, listening to the community and engaging the citizens in the designs that will create a sustainable city that will stand the test of time. The work of reconstruction has already started. The Master Development plans will begin in 60 to 90 days. Wallace said the estimated amount of money they need is $1.9 billion, with over $1 billion of public and private sector capital already secured. The project should take three to five years to complete. The city will reap the benefits of the make-over with plans to include a “Town Square” downtown with pedestrian and retail accessibility. Wallace Bajjali has been in business since 2006 and even in the midst of the recession is extremely busy. Large contracting jobs include Waco in 2007 and Houston, Pearland in 2008. Projects in Houston in 2009, Montgomery County in 2010, Amarillo in 2011 and now work in Joplin Missouri. So what traits does this company have that others do not? Simply stated, Wallace Bajjali is a company that strives to find the infrastructure needs of a city and connects the synergy with public and private ownership. So in the future, when the news has articles about substantial city growth and progress, look for the name of the developer, it may very well be Wallace Bajjali.

LELAND IRWIN... continued from page 39

owner with the public, the Court concluded that a private property owner’s right to exclude others from her land when no easement exists on that land is greater than the public interest in the use of privately owned dry beach to access public beaches. This holding should be no surprise in light of the Court’s other recent rulings involving private property rights. Echoing the same strong language we’ve seen in its previous opinions, the Court declared at the very outset of that private property rights are fundamental, natural, inherent, inalienable, not derived from the legislature and pre-exist constitutions. Many have sharply criticized the Court for this ruling, including Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott. While for some, unrestricted beach access may have suffered some judicial erosion, private property owners can rest assured that their rights are on solid ground. Leland Irwin is a contributor to the Fort Bend Business Journal and a partner at Ellis & Irwin, L.L.P. He can be reached at (832) 595-1242 or at leland@ei-law.com.

Historic Richmond: Where opportunities abound

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The Richmond Farmer’s Market which opened at 90A and Second Street in May provides fresh produce from local growers (www.ci.richmond.tx.us/market.html) to the many residents and restaurants; including the newest communities of Del Webb Sweetgrass, Rio Vista, River Park West and surrounding communities. The plan for the proposed US 59 frontage roads at the FM 762 exit will open Richmond’s exterior to greater opportunities and growth. The City of Richmond is currently studying numerous specific retail sectors that are presently under served and are identifying opportunities for product or service expansion to fill the gaps. The appeal of the University of Houston/Wharton County Community College campuses only a few miles east on US 59 (I-69) and the Fort Bend Technical College to the west add to the many advantages of choosing the City of Richmond. Come and experience the real Texas - the county seat - and the lifestyle opportunities of Fort Bend County.

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THIS IS ONE OF MANY VICTORIAN SPECIALS, CALL TODAY FOR DETAILS. June 2012 • Fort Bend Business Journal

Will water soon cost more than oil? By Wayne Chandler

ill Callegari isn’t certain when a barrel of water will cost Texas more than a barrel of oil. That’s what one of State Representative Callegari’s colleagues— Troy Fraser, R-Horseshoe Bay, chairman of the Texas Senate Natural Resources Committee – predicts. But Callegari, the veteran Katy state representative, does agree that water is “too cheap.” That’s what Joseph W. (Bill) Norris, a 30-year water management planner, told MUD delegates at a recent Association of Water Board Districts seminar in Dallas. Too cheap for current desalination efforts to be practical, and too cheap to wake up state legislators to pass his proposed legislation of the past two Texas Legislative sessions. Callegari’s omnibus water bill which would ease the legal path for creation of more lakes and reservoirs throughout the state. How close did his bill come from beating the last deadline? “Maybe 30 minutes,” Bill smiles. His bill is a slam dunk to pass the 2013 legislative sessions. Meanwhile, the plague of the 2011 drought has dried up some current reservoirs, and water levels in rivers and aquifers continue to plummet. The droughts of 2006 and 2009 wreaked $4.1 billion and $3.8 billion, respectively, in agricultural damage. Some experts predict that this latest drought may have cost Texas businesses more than $9 billion. Texas’ plight in water management might have been a lot worse, had Callegari not been instrumental in creating municipal water districts. In 2001, he passed the legislation that created the West Harris County Regional Authority which, again, allowed locals to solve their own water supply issues. But, in 2007 he guided a bill through the Legislature designating 19 major

reservoir sites – mostly in East Texas -- which remain undeveloped. Callegari cites two reasons for the lack of progress in providing more water sources: Federal regulatory interference, and environmentalists. “Regulatory hurdles preclude our ability to transfer water from bountiful rivers to areas in need,” he said. “We need to take greater strides toward implementing water-smart conservation practices and technologies, including reuse and desalination.” “I consider myself an environmentalist, ” Callegari stated while sitting in his office in the Katy Houston Community College building, “but environmental groups ask federal judges to control millions of gallons of Texas water through the Endangered Species Act to prevent ‘harm and harassment’ to a whooping crane, a snail and a few mussels.” He pointed out that, five years ago, he served on a legislative commission that recommended a process “ to ensure the environmental needs of each Texas river system is met.” “There’s not much compromise with most environmental groups,” he said. Callegari said that this recent drought, now considered the most severe since Texas weather records have been kept, “should bring our long-term water policy into sharper focus. To our credit, Texas is renowned for its strides in comprehensive, statewide water planning.” A lack of funding is another major problem which water supply strategies face. “We need a reliable funding source… reservoirs, pipelines and water desalination plants are expensive. Texas will need to invest $30 billion or more for projects like these in the coming decades,” he said. “As a fiscal conservative, I am reluctant to suggest the need for new state revenues or financing mechanisms,” he said. Callegari cited that more surface water sources are the answer, versus groundwater sources. The groundwater removal, in time, causes land levels to subside. Through mandates from subsidence districts, MUDs

Fort Bend Business Journal • June 2012

State Representative Bill Callegari of Katy.

are turning to surface water. And, increasing use of groundwater is bringing on legal battles. Laws governing Texas groundwater are still subject to interpretation. Fraser, who is Callegari’s counterpart in the Texas Senate, said, “Most of the battles we’ll see over the next 50 years will be over water.” Surface water is regulated as a public resource, and users – cities, farmers, industry – must be granted a permit, a rule intended to control the flow and keep it from drying up. But, the last significant legislation regarding groundwater came in 1904 when the Texas Supreme Court ruled that landowners could pump as much water as they wanted as long as it was for “beneficial” use. About a decade ago, oilmen such as T. Boone Pickens and Clayton Williams proposed leasing lands and selling their groundwater and relaying it hundreds of miles away to major waterhungry cities. These plans brought on lawsuits which still haven’t been resolved. Back then, groundwater was considered an inexhaustible resource. Back then, the population of Texas was about 500,000. Now, the Texas population is near 26 million and increasing at the rate of 1,000 persons per day. Desalination continues to be a project for the future. Countries such as Saudi Arabia and Mexico (and cruise ships) have

Joseph W. (Bill) Norris

gone to desalination because they had to do so, even at high costs. Same was true for the City of El Paso. Desalination from the Gulf of Mexico still is about five

times the cost of most Texas water sources. Callegari notes that briny water sources which take less processing (and sometimes eliminates the high cost of transporting) is becoming more feasible in some areas, including Montgomery County. Callegari, who has represented State House District 132, which includes Katy and West Harris County, since 2000, spent 30 years in the private water industry. He is a revered leader among water management boards throughout the state. “The benefits of committing to investing in long-term water supply solutions will outweigh the costs of drought,” Callegari said. “Droughts are native to Texas, and our growth requires that we be prepared to withstand long- and short-term droughts. While we may hope, pray and forecast for the best of rainfalls, prudence necessitates that we plan, build and find a way to pay for the worst of droughts.” Perhaps by sound water management strategies, Callegari and all Texans, may not see the price of water equal that of oil.

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West Fort Bend County residents and businesses unsettled about fire protection WEST FORT BEND, continued from page 21

To keep abreast on the fire service agreement issue, visit www.ci.rosenberg. tx.us, click on “agendas and minutes”, and learn about upcoming council meetings and read minutes from past meetings. Without a fire services agreement and city service, it could impact the individual homeowner insurance. It would be a case by case based on the insurance company and individual coverages. Regarding the monthly fee, that would apply to a residential homeowners association or subdivision. As such, it would apply to individual resident including any accessory structures. If a commercial structure is located within the service area, there is a formula based on square footage and use. The monthly rates would not be available to individual properties not located within an area served by an agreement.

www.braintek.com

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serving the greater houston area June 2012 • Fort Bend Business Journal

2012 looks even greater for Katy 2010

2011

GROWTH

Percent (%)

254,360

269,832

15,823

6.22

78,730

89,513

10,783

13.70

$104,228

$106,398

$2,170

2.08

LABOR FORCE

135,241

145,719

10,478

7.75

EMPLOYED

128,430

138,270

9,840

7.66

4.8

4.9

-.1%

2.08

By Wayne Chandler

POPULATION

ince Lance LaCour took the reins as president and CEO of the Katy Area Economic Development Council, $1.05 billion in new capital investments have been deposited in the area, topped off by what LaCour terms a “very exciting year in 2011.” LaCour presented his sixth consecutive annual business activity review at the KAEDC’s April general

TOTAL HOUSEHOLDS AVG. HOUSEHOLD INCOME

UNEMPLOYMENT RATE

The rate of new home sales jumped significantly in 2011 as the new Bridgelands community opened.

TxDOT ‘getting out ahead’ of Panama Canal expansion

ith the upcoming expansion of the Panama Canal, Fort Bend County and Texas are in a unique position and the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) will play a defining role in ensuring Texas is well-positioned to capitalize on this economic opportunity. To prepare for the expansion, TxDOT is creating a Panama Canal Stakeholder Working Group comprised of a wide variety of entities with an interest in the expansion of the canal and is seeking input from them on promoting port activities in state transportation planning, tackling highway bottlenecks - bridges and links to terminals, and supporting rail investment, especially for exports. A 2011 Cambridge Systematics study concluded the expansion will allow demand for import and export shipments via Western U.S. Coast ports to remain substantial in coming years, though those ports face physical and other limited constraints to expansion. This means constraints on West Coast ports could result in more cargo

being shipped through Texas ports. “Preparing the state’s infrastructure for such an expansion, in terms of sea and land-based infrastructure, is crucial to accommodating this increased freight traffic,” said State Representative Larry Phillips of Sherman. The group will produce a report by year’s end assessing the state’s readiness to maximize any opportunities the Canal’s expansion might bring. The group will be led by Harris County Judge Ed Emmett, a former state representative, and former member of the Interstate Commerce Commission. Before becoming County Judge, Emmett was a recognized expert on freight transportation issues and logistics. “This collaboration presents us with an opportunity to fully understand the impact of the Panama Canal expansion on Texas’ imports and exports and to prepare for that impact.” said Judge Ed Emmett. TxDOT has invited entities from the port, agriculture, trucking, manufacturing, government, oil and gas, and rail industries to be a part of the group. Those confirmed include

Fort Bend Business Journal • June 2012

representatives from: Texas Association of Manufacturers, Texas Port Association, Texas Motor Transportation Association, Texas Farm Bureau, Economic Development and Tourism Division of the Governor’s Office, Port of Houston Authority, Texas Economic Development Council, BNSF, and Judge Ed Emmett. “Bringing together a broad group of experts involved in freight movement in Texas will allow us to develop a comprehensive master plan that addresses connectivity with our ports and potential expansion of export opportunities,” said Bill Meadows, Texas Transportation Commissioner. “This Stakeholder Group will focus on enhancing and facilitating the flow of goods through and on our system, which does not stop at our ports but continues through our major corridors such as I-35 and I-69. “ Plans are for the group to meet approximately once monthly for the next six months. “The vast amount of experience Judge Emmett brings to this effort ensures the tasks put before this group will be completed at a quality level,” Meadows added.

2009

2010

2011

Cinco Ranch

892

817

814

Firethorne

238

254

196

Cross Creek

161

189

247

Woodcreek Reserve

Bridgelands

n/a

335

1,310

1,314

1,652

COMMUNITY

TOTAL

assembly meeting, and hinted that 2012 may conclude even better. In the pipeline for 2012, LaCour noted the possibility of 700-plus jobs being added in the manufacturing energy sector, plus more than 300 new positions in the office sector . There’re 400,000 SF of speculative building projects along Mason Road to the Grand Parkway Corridor. LaCour also pointed to a new fouryear Strategic Economic Development Plan through 2015, updating one which has guided progress since 2007. LaCour also is excited about a new Katy Brand campaign which is nearing completion and will be announced soon. In a 35-point presentation, LaCour cited some impressive figures showing increases in area population, household incomes and labor force, and an unemployment rate slightly higher. KAEDC membership in 2011 was at a level of 137. The EDC added two new Board of Governors, five new Strategic Partners and 15 new Associates, making a total of 29 Board of Governors, 20 Strategic Partners and 88 Associates, with Stan Stanley as membership chair. LaCour listed 18 selected office projects in 2011 with total space of 243,488 SF with 657 jobs. Some 10 industrial selected projects for the same period added 97,888 SF and 137 jobs. There were two medical projects in 2011 – UTMB, adding 10,000 SF and 20 jobs, and West Houston with 6,165 SF and 15 jobs. Katy area real estate inventory, through the end of 2011, totaled 266 buildings, 14.5 million SF, with only 5.2% vacant/available. There are 196 industrial buildings with more than 1

million SF, with only 3.2% available. The KAEDC published a 2011 development map which totaled more than $4,000 in sales. LaCour reminded the membership that the KAEDC soon will move into new headquarters in the Brazos Valley Schools Credit Union building at 25525 Katy Mills Parkway, nearly doubling the space it currently occupies in the Merrell Center Athletic Complex.

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houstoncommunitybank.com June 2012 • Fort Bend Business Journal

DBA (Assumed Names)

Data Beat (+) = More Names

This is a sample of the Assumed Names (DBAs) filed at the Fort Bend County Clerk’s office for April 2012. More Assumed Names may be viewed online at http://ccweb.co.fort-bend.TX.us/RealEstate/SearchEntry.aspx. There were 395 Assumed Names with Notary Fee for month of March. There were also 100 Assumed Names without a notary fee. Cantu Juan Carlos Red Planet’s Jewelry and Collectibles 1341 Evergreen Rd 77545 04/02/2012 Pickett John Richard Gulf Coast Healthcare Promotion’s 818 Mayweather 77406 Onega Michael Completely Custom Creations 16903 Tranquil Dr 77498 Egoh Betty Mother & Child Helping Hand 19607 Norfolk Ridge Way 77407 Bell Ekiria Collins Yorkshire Terriers (Yorkies) of Houston 2002 Kitty Hawk Dr 77489 Blount-Melbourne Bridget Stacey-Ann Tegdirb Design Builders Po Box 496 77406 Burns Nicole (+) Law office of Nicole Burns 25234 Ibris Ranch Dr 77494 Davis Ranessa Prairie View (Pv) Prosper 2806 Sedona Creek 77459 Witherspoon Carolyn R (+) Fair Star Photography 2611 Nature Ct 77406 Lark Sugar Ray Lark & Lark Construction 16110 Salida De Sol Dr 77083 Fontenot Taronald Fon2no Metallic Creations 7411 Neuces Creek 77459 Alif Alim LLC Rosy’s Salon and Spa 403 South Hwy 6 Ste D 77478 Thomas Rohan Slab City Motorz 3535 Highway 6 S 77082 Erxleben Russell Jr (+) R.E. Jumps 33606 Bridle Rd 77476 Panamthottam LLC Sigma Learning Center 4501 Cartwright Road 77459

Skillman Michael Wayde Skillman Aircraft Company 6003 Conroy Point Ln 77494

Onsale Network LLC Storm Tech 6804 Hwy 6 S 77085

Campbell Steven J Tnr Investor Support Fund 81 The Oval St 77479

Mazzei Mario A Mazzei’s Gourmet Pizzeria 25927 Ravenside Dr 77494

Mouton Brian Richmond Elite Sports Services 12403 Ashcroft Dr 77035

Taylor Robert Taylor - Pressley Consultant 2627 Old South Dr 77406

O’kehie & Associates Pc Dealsconvention.Com 7726 Candlegreen Ln 77071

Ofurhie Onemena (+) Dapper Videos 2307 Plantation Bend Dr 77478

Vernon Calvin R Jr (+) Zone Relaxx Beverage Co. 506 Little River Ct 77406

Jones Taecia Limitless Ems 17424 W Grand Pkwy Ste 137 77479

Whitley Quintin Papa C’s Southern Barbecue 903 Crabb River Rd 77469

Diaz Luz Del Carmen Multiservicios Rosenberg 3704 Ave H 7471

Ray-Sykes Debbie Raskyez Personal Care Provider 2510 Morning Meadow Dr 77489

Moss Timothy M (+) A All Animal Control 1923 J Meyer Rd 77469

Weathers Leola G Sapphire Event Services 2107 Westwood Dr 77477

Mcduffie Linda Mac 8 Productions 8419 Bird Run Dr 77489

Payne Deborah Adrec Ventures Po Box 19801 77496

Mcduffie Linda Red 15 8419 Bird Run Dr 77489

Pedroza-Salcedo Miguel A Pedroza International Management Consultants 13218 Orchard Harvest Dr 77407

Chedester Camilla (+) Azariah 807 Venice 77478

Deluna Albert E Custom Creations 7514 Red Robin Ln 77075 Skarya Saad Sam (+) Houston Travel Sports Baseball 24044 Cinco Village Ctr Blvd 77494 Brackens Christina Purses With Purpose 6623 Castleview Ln 77489 Bertnick Jennifer M Proper Show Braids 9015 Gaylord #60 77024 Madaras Kevin J (+) Madaras Electrical 1235 Woodley Bend 77479 Madaras Kevin J (+) Sugar Land Electrical Pros 1235 Woodley Bend 77479 Conaway Stacy Martin Cincomac 5914 Walkabout Way 77450 Liu Jizun Ivan Consulting 6015 Spring Brook Ct 77479 Reynoso-Benitez Jorge L Bohemian Knights Entertainment 2603 Waterbrook Lane 77471

Bnm Investments Inc Bnm Electronics 6603 Ste C, W Fuqua Dr 77489 Baba Majid S Mbe Qinve-Chuck Wagon Deli 12503 Southwest Fwy 77477 Liberty Bonding II Country Bonding 7848 Hwy 90-A, Ste D 77478 Shah Ashok Kumar (+) Edata Library.Com 2515 Willow Springs Ln 77479

Vela Daniel Daniel Vela Trucking 24731 Mount Auburn Dr 77494 Kurtz Diane (+) Webdirect Solutions 66 Schubach Dr 77479 Hedrick Larry F Tanford Resources 2495 S Mason Rd #617 77450 Beyan Janina Cpr-Smart (+) 15914 Willbriar Ln 77489 Dorsey Betty Jean (+) B & J Cleaner (+) Adams Joint Ventures LLC 2430 S Main St 77478 “2 Or A Crew” 9432-A Hwy 6 S 77083 Sgm Corporation V-J Electronic Assemblies 12831 Royal Drive 77477

Fort Bend Business Journal • June 2012

Dornes Priscilla Salon Khosen 12603 Lalue Lane 77071 Reyes Joann (+) Rosita’s 24-7 Bail Bonds 105 Fort St Masjid At-Tawhid At-Tawhid Educational Center of Houston / A-Tech 4722 Robins Way 77479 Ahamba Elizabeth Immaculate Imperfektions 1930 Lakewinds 77459 Solano Kennie G Hair By Kennie 6455 S Fry Rd 77494 Jbj Enterprises The We Project (+) 3403 Dartmouth Field Ln 77545

Bernstine Brythin O (+) Center of Joy Tabernacle Ministeries 12315 Ormandy St 77085 Bonilla Douglas A Bonillas Mobile Repair 10522 Belknap Dr Ste B 77498 Dubose Bobie Tex Style Corvette Hand Carwash & Detail Center 13216 Hwy 6 77583 Brown David K Brown Arrow Consulting 22526 Arbor Stream Dr 77450 Weiss Tracy Got 2 Try That 1822 Riverbend Xing 77478 Tran Steve S Avst Services (+) 4303 Oak Forest Dr 77459 Felts Ronald Earl Ii F2 Cattle Company 21430 Wild Jasmine Ln 77450 Puig Santiago Puig Marketing Inc. 205 Lane Dr 77471 Mariano William B Siklista Cycling Team 1907 Winding Hollow Dr 77450 Uhlig Brian (+) Bdu Designs 2527 Colonel Ct Dr 79406 Porrovecchio Dennis J Jr (+) Mastercraft Construction 2314 Windcroft Lane 77479 Stovall Chad (+) Cs Irrigation Services 626 Summer Trace Ln 77406

JBJ Enterprises The Me Project (+) 3403 Dartmouth Field Ln 77545 Price Arrie Kandiland Jumpers Sauer John Jr (+) 1927 Mustang Laughing Owl Lawncare Springs Dr 77459 1116-B Edgewood Dr 77406

DBA (Assumed Names)

Data Beat

Obi Obiakonwa Be Loud Entertainment (Dj Qholic) 1907 Doris Ct 77489

04/09/2012 Otmishi Homayoun (+) Majestic Technology 12318 South Meadow 77477

Todd Reakie Norwood (+) Bad Habitz 20626 Fm 1093 77407

Vega Walesca (+) Black Stallion Steam Carpet Cleaning 9510 Spindlewood 77083

Tolbert Marcus H-Town Door Slammer Kar Klub 7911 Cicada Dr 77459 Aerio Rehab Services Inc Aerio Rehab 4690 Sweetwater Blvd Suite 160 77479 Ferguson William Liberty Home Pros 7723 Green Path Ct 77479 Kubes C W Sonny Cwsk Enterprises LLC 4801 Woodway Drive Suite 300 East 77056

Teodoro-Quirino Macci Illuminare 914 Opal Chase Dr 77469 Gallaher Todd Campaign Direct of Fort Bend County Po Box 8144 78713 Gonzales Joe Modern Furniture 422 Fair Oak Dr 77477 Yevchuk Mykhaylo M.Y. Logistic 1926 Lauren Place 77489

Mikens Markell M and M’s Transportation 5603 Piper Glen Ln 77459

Janis Damon (+) Dentma 2611 Suntree Ln 77450

Martin Veredeane L (+) Hollywood Hair Extension Signature 2745D Towne Center Blvd 77479

Caballo Pardo LLC Vehicle Review 3415 Ave O 77471

Sprouse James (+) 30 Corp 16107 Kensington Dr #324 77479 Sprouse James (+) 30 Corp.Com (+) 16107 Kensington Dr #324 77479 Serrano Guadalupe Serrano Lawn Service 118 Thunder Basin 77469 Graham David (+) Degra 2429 Fm 360 77471 Turkic Flooring and Remodeling Ltd Co Royal Flooring 5205 S Mason Rd Ste 180 77450 Zimmerman Nancy (+) Nancy Zimmerman Interiors 1406 Lake Pointe Pkwy 77478 Dameron Elizabeth Annette (+) Peace, Love & Petsitting 8119 Summer Wind Ct 77479

Carter W A “Bill” (+) Westside Referee Clinic 7814 Montilla Ct 77083 Reyes Joann Rosita’s In & Out Bail Bonds 105 Fort St 77469 Nu Image Care LLC New Image Realty 17424 W Grand Parkway #282 77469 Decal Wilfredo G Think Insurance Group 2302 Waterford Park St 77459 Massington Darlene (+) Mark 4 Seed 3602 Twisted Brook 77053 Massington Darlene (+) Break 4 Moms 3602 Twisted Brook 77053 Massington Darlene (+) Creative57 (+) 3602 Twisted Brook 77053 Isom Byron M As Women We... 9119 Hwy 6 Ste 230 #256 77459

(+) = More Names Kazmi Farah J A Richmond Auto Inspection 103 Crabb River Road

Musavi Raza (+) Techlog Corporation 7514 Summer Night Ln 77469

Acosta Oscar (+) Icam Transport 707 Tori Rd 77469

Lerma Arthur The Way Ministries (+) Po Box 1415 77406

Mckellar Mark Katy Cinco Realty 5211 Summerhill Manor Ln 77494

Williams Antoinette Y A.W. Transport (+) 1210 Blackhawk Ridge Ct 77471

Okeke Eric Ethical Concerns Co 16115 Padons Trace Ct 77489

Troth Jason D Plantation Landscaping 16322 Ginger Run Way 77498

Hinojosa Donna (+) Dsh Caregiver Services 2075 Samantha Ct 77479

Thomas Anthony (+) Exel Medical Transportation 13546 Bonilla Lane 77083

Pollard Evelyn R A Given Vision Productions & Promotions 12250 S Kirkwood Rd Apt 1715 77477

Easterling Melanie M M. E. Media Solutions (+) 25822 Palmdale Estate Dr 77406

Mixon Cynthia S Aggie Display Designs 18 W Kitty Hawk St 77406 Marsh Brandon Q True Mechanical 2127 Vermillion Oak St 77545 Manzanares Fabiola J (+) Vicky’s Taqueria Mexican Food 711 N 4Th St 77469 Kiwi Services Kiwi Services 1289 North Post Oak Rd 77055 Dennis Shane True Family Tee’s 1410 Lazy Spring Dr 77489 Dennis Shane Strong Arm Car Audio 1410 Lazy Spring Dr 77489 M Z R Enterprises Inc Herbel Choice 104 Industrial Blvd Ste K 77498 Jobes Ada Michele Michele Fisher Media 1310 Summer Forest Dr 77479

Hallberg Wayne Otto The Wood Grotto (+) 2611 Firecrest Dr 77494 Tandoori Tadkka Inc Cafe India 2319 Williams Trace Blvd 77478

Krampitz Nannette (+) Inside & Outside Community Living, L.L.C. 3511 Skinner Lane 77406 Amey Michael Wayne Ii (+) official Team Entertainment 2115 Summit Meadow Dr 77489

Harroff Bonnie (+) Beyond Beauty By Bonnie 1522 Alderwood Dr 77479

Contreras Edward P Shelton Family Cleaner No 60 1251 Pin Oak Rd Ste 105 77494

Momin Sultan R (+) Standard Sweets Restaurant 10502 Fountain Lake Dr #1823 77477

Four Points Construction Corp Pedini of Houston 4007 Greenbriar Dr Ste C 77477

Rance Ennis Clr Services 1626 Bonnie Lea Ln 77545

Hammond Amanda White Pearl Promotions Po Box 1421 77406

Johnson Michele L Pmmj Enterprises 1226 Americana Drive 77459

Lee Chequerra Brilliant Society 7710 Chase Creek Dr 77489

Noble Avan Bravo Creative Arts Center 4309 Sienna Parkway #650 77459

Ali Sara Smashing Resumes 19002 Mission Park Dr Apt 725 77407

Huffman Brenda J Lofton (+) Great Escape Vacations Int’l 10498 Fountain Lake Dr #212 77477

Lopez Blanca O Cumare Jorge (+) B&C Sigms (+) Upco Servicios, Inc. 3522 George Washington 77459 Bldg Century Tower 4Th Floor Ste 401 PA Thompson Jenna (+) Franklin Nwocha Pretty As Possible Robertson Kiasha Fon Auto Sales 21023 Bright Lake Bend Ct 77407 5 Star Cosmo Kit Rental 1138 Evandale 77479 1915 Highcrest 77489 Slaughter Lillie S M D (+) Pei Jianping Family Medicine of Missouri City Da Lun-Lun Inc (+) Tianchan Biotechnology Co 1524 3Rd Street 77489 Lun-Lun Washateria 5939 Garden Hills Dr 77479 107 Avenue F 77477 Turrubiate Ninfa (+) Ward Fran (+) Linens & Decor By Ninfa Pickett John Richard (+) Attic Treasures 3915 Junker St 77471 Gulf Coast Healthcare Promotions 22002 Rustic Canyon Ln 77469 818 Mayweather 77406 Jama Kama Hassan (+) Pittard Kimberly Arcs E Limeted Hill Rolanda Kinesofit Fitness & Personal Training 23011 Crystal Downs Ct Mo-Naye’s Restaurant 922 Rosa Del Villa Ct 77406 15052 Hwy 6 77583 June 2012 • Fort Bend Business Journal

Data Beat May 2012 Sales Tax Allocation Comparison Summary Reports Sales Tax Allocation Comparison Summary reports present data about monthly local sales and use tax allocation payments to local sales taxing jurisdictions. These net payments represent monies identified for the local jurisdictions since the previous monthâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s distribution. These reports will allow you to compare current year sales and use tax payments with the previous year. When used with other local economic indicators, they may help indicate present and future trends. County/City Fort Bend

Net Payment This Period

Comp Payment Prior Year

% Change To Date

2012 Payments To Date

2011 Payments Change

Percent

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

36,766.32 8,835.93 58,489.98 723.15 97,813.38 602,888.10 43,352.67 2,761.70 6,852.48 386,481.48 1,246,544.84 13,097.94 1,435,410.29 3,766,673.36 0.00

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

46.99% 5.51% 31.62% -67.45% 8.47% 11.42% 16.18% -27.71% 172.44% -1.20% 6.71% 22.93% 5.10% 3.45% -100.00%

133,257.29 36,576.36 253,637.79 4,627.07 437,111.06 2,636,475.38 163,306.69 14,007.69 25,214.59 1,688,316.06 5,288,697.80 60,497.84 6,082,020.13 18,702,176.64 11,119.50

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

16.06% 19.06% 44.20% -45.10% 14.81% 9.08% 9.19% -18.65% 20.18% 3.14% 9.05% 41.10% 9.13% 8.88% 52.22%

COUNTY TOTAL 7,706,691.62

7,333,763.16

5.08%

35,537,041.89

32,601,073.50

9.00%

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

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

Net Payment This Period

Comp Payment Prior Year

% Change To Date

2012 Payments To Date

52,059,907.57 23,835,136.79 22,303,736.62 14,709,688.49 10,770,742.17 8,445,670.82 6,980,043.06 6,688,280.94 6,462,037.27 6,295,641.72 5,844,796.63 5,452,457.44 5,465,436.67 4,907,647.39 4,590,910.16 4,370,661.44 3,766,673.36 3,891,216.34 3,842,991.82 3,472,834.40

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 6,086,210.72 6,603,413.24 6,160,924.02 5,563,818.18 5,285,794.14 5,234,709.27 5,173,109.55 4,247,201.69 4,843,598.71 3,640,920.33 3,772,859.44 3,090,790.04 3,369,998.63

6.08% 2.87% -0.79% 8.75% 16.05% -2.98% -4.04% 9.89% -2.14% 2.18% 5.05% 3.15% 4.40% -5.13% 8.09% -9.76% 3.45% 3.13% 24.33% 3.05%

233,195,800.89 101,947,271.45 96,192,246.98 65,392,259.67 47,642,550.37 36,833,124.24 31,852,301.11 30,174,342.26 29,487,867.86 27,538,464.19 27,400,420.80 25,511,851.47 23,369,898.20 21,796,028.74 20,635,673.34 20,501,740.78 18,702,176.64 18,291,754.62 16,474,447.41 16,141,952.07

Fort Bend Business Journal â&#x20AC;˘ June 2012

2011 Payments Change

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 25,551,329.31 27,964,467.09 26,007,345.06 27,090,796.40 24,485,847.41 22,180,889.02 19,126,819.86 18,380,727.31 20,245,037.31 17,176,301.39 15,541,447.75 13,875,981.14 14,456,620.29

Percent

10.44% 8.85% 6.01% 8.03% 9.41% 3.58% 2.39% 18.09% 5.44% 5.88% 1.14% 4.19% 5.36% 13.95% 12.26% 1.26% 8.88% 17.69% 18.72% 11.65%

Data Beat

Commercial Building Permits

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

TYPE OF PERMIT

VALUE

OWNER/CONTRACTOR

MEADOWS PLACE 12002 South West Freeway

Commercial Driveway

$45,000

Texas Direct /CSTS,Inc.

Grand Total Valuation (Commercial)

04/01/12-04/30/12

$45,000

MISSOURI CITY

$250,000 $20,000 $49,500 $30,000 $11,373 $18,000

6122 Hwy 6 1100 FM 1092 D 4401 Sienna Cir 2601 Cartwright Rd B 9009 Sienna Christus Dr 4642 Riverstone Blvd

Commercial Lease Alteration Commercial Lease New Commercial Addition Commercial Remodel Commercial Addition Commercial Lease Alteration

Grand Total Valuation (Commercial)

04/01/12-04/30/12

$8,284,831

ROSENBERG 3782 Reese Road 23503 Brazos Town Crossing

Commercial Building Commercial Building

$120,000 $30,000

Grand Total Valuation (Commercial)

04/01/12-04/30/12

$150,000

STAFFORD 13347 Pike Rd 13715 Murphy Rd D 10302 Cash Rd 4800 Sugar Grove Blvd 603

Commercial Building Commercial Building Commercial Building Commercial Building

$686,000 $190,000 $88,000 $18,111

Grand Total Valuation (Commercial)

04/01/12-04/30/12

$998,111

SUGAR LAND 927 Julie Rivers Dr 2277 Plaza Dr Ste 270 4909 Commonwealth Blvd 1 Stadium Dr 1470 First Colony Blvd 16614 Creek Bend Dr 12835 Alston Rd 4690 Sweetwater Blvd Ste 260 101 Parklane Blvd Ste 301 11420 Diary Ashford Rd Ste 108 19875 Southwest Fwy Ste 250 101 Parklane Blvd Ste 203 2245 Texas Dr Ste 130 16605 Southwest Fwy Ste 575 16605 Southwest Fwy Ste 500 1437 State Hwy 6 Ste 400 13000 Executive Dr 16535 Southwest Fwy Ste 270 16535 Southwest Fwy Ste 650 1460 Southwest Fwy 13135 Dairy Ashford rd Ste 500 14121 B Southwest Fwy 13303 W Airport Blvd One Fluor daniel Dr Bldg D 16000 Southwest Fwy Ste 100 110 Schlumberger Dr 11555 University Blvd

Commercial Addition Commercial Addition Commercial Addition Commercial Addition Commercial Addition Commercial New - Hospital Commercial New - Churches Commercial Buildout Commercial Buildout Commercial Buildout Commercial Buildout Commercial Buildout Commercial Buildout Commercial Buildout Commercial Buildout Commercial Remodel Commercial Remodel Commercial Remodel Commercial Remodel Commercial Remodel Commercial Remodel Commercial Remodel Commercial Remodel Commercial Remodel Commercial Remodel Commercial Remodel Commercial Remodel

$25,929 $86,250 $38,000 $82,410 $40,000 $2,301,097 $1,850,000 $100,000 $437,197 $116,000 $186,000 $127,803 $342,011 $156,343 $295,040 $200,000 $945,668 $145,200 $97,490 $120,000 $80,000 $343,111 $75,000 $382,340 $210,500 $102,211 $330,925

Grand Total Valuation (Commercial)

04/01/12-04/30/12

$9,537,561

Colony Lakes Center LTD/Ameripride Contruction Company Baxi LLC/Melanio Manuel ASHO LP/Shton Construction Palmer center LP/Revelation Construction LLC Ratner Retail Group 7000 TX LL/Marygrove Awnings Texas Source Contracting & Construction

J. Stone Construction Highlights of Houston Inc.

Clay Development/ Clay Development American First Window & Door/ Granite Master Adamas Investments/ Jairus Construction LLC Stat-care/Parkway Properties/ Mahaca Construction

August Companies Town Center Lakeside, LTD/O’Donnell/Snider Construction Ft Bend ISD/Sportscapers Permanent School Fund/USA Shade & Fabric Structures API Realty, LLC/ABC Awning Company Lake Pointe Town Center, LTD/Anslow-Bryant Construction, LTD Alpha & Omega International Ministry/Pillar & Strong, Inc FCB Fort Bend Holdings, LLC/Crossmark Devel & Construction LLC APAAR Sugar Creek LP/Prescon Construction Services Stafford Dorothy/PJ Home Builders & Construction KM-TS Greatwood, LLC/City Commercial Contractors APAAR Sugar Creek LP/Precon Construction Services Town Center Lakeside, LTD/Trademark Construction & Remodeling Methodist Hospital/South Coast Const Services Inc Methodist Hospital/South Coast Const Services Inc 1437 SH6, LLC GSL Fund 21 Sub D. LLC/Tellepsen Builders First Colony Mall, LLC/ Cornerstone Building Contractors First Colony Mall, LLC/Burns Retail Construction LLC Prosperity Bank El Campo/SLI Design, Inc. GPI-M Sugar Creek, LLP/O’Donnell/Snider Construction Guaranty Federal Bank FSB/Archi-Group Construction OCC West Airposrt LTD/Apollo Construction Lakepointe Assets, LLC/Mahaca Construction Mody Capital, LLC/Emerus Development Schlumberger Tech Corp/Southern facility Srv Construction Lexington Sugarland, LP/Meridian Constructions, LLC

June 2012 • Fort Bend Business Journal

Advertising

SERVICE DIRECTORY

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

Auto Repair / Maintenance Auto Central-Automotive Service & Sales 281-499-9684 www.autocentral.biz david@autocentral.biz. David Fauvelle, 2526 Fifth Street, Stafford, Texas 77477, Fax: 281-499-0183, Fast, Friendly and professional automotive repair. ASE Blue Seal Certified, State Inspection Station, Diesel Repair, Open Saturdays 8-3. Charlton’s Auto Body Repair and Vehicle Detailing 281-499-1126 www.charltonsbodyrepair.com Chuck Charlton, 1131 Staffordshire @ 5th Street, Stafford, Texas 77477, Charbody@aol.com, Fax: 281-499-1694, Complete collision repair. Frame & Unibody straightened. Expert computer color matching. Custom painting & pin stripping. Honest service. 79 Years Strong and 3 Generations Proud! Colony One Auto Center 281-980-4440 www.colonyoneauto.com Rod Tate, 1131 Dulles Avenue, Stafford, TX 77477, Fax: 281-261-0048, Complete state of the art automotive repair & maintenance facility. First Tire & Automotive 281-313-2886 www.firsttireandauto.com Craig Popp, owner,3 Sugar Land Locations. 960 Eldridge, 281-313-2886 & 2303 Williams Trace Blvd. 281-9802666 (First Colony), 20015 Southwest Freeway. 281-343-5666 (Greatwood), Diagnostic testing and evaluation, Manufacturer’s routine recommended maintenance, domestic and foreign vehicle repairs, AAA approved, ASE certified. Ask about our Fleet Service!

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

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

Country Clubs & Golf Courses Quail Valley Golf Club 281-403-8518 (Direct) 281-403-5910 (Golf Shop) www.golfquailvalley.com Quail Valley Golf Course offers 36 holes of championship golf, a full practice facility, lessons and a fully stocked golf shop. The Missouri City Community Center at Quail Valley Golf Course hosts the Bluebonnet Grille at the 37th Hole, multiple event rooms as well as the 300 seat Magnolia Ballroom. Quail Valley Golf Course and the Missouri City Community Center are the perfect sites for your next meeting or big event. For more information visit www.golfquailvalley.com Quail Valley Golf Course 2880 La Quinta Dr. is located at Missouri City, TX 77459. Riverbend Country Club 281-269-2526 www.riverbendcountryclub.org triciarbcc@gmail.com. Tricia Hawks, 1214 Dulles Avenue, Sugar Land, TX 77478. Conveniently located in the heart of Sugar Land, Riverbend Country Club is just 25 minutes south of downtown Houston, Texas. Established in 1957, Riverbend continues its tradition as Fort Bend County’s only member owned club. Whether you’re looking for championship golf, fine dining, pools, tennis, fitness facilities or a wide variety of social and golf activities Riverbend is definitely the place to belong. The Houstonian Golf & Country Club 281-494-4245 www.houstoniangolf.com A private golf and country club providing the area’s finest golf course and golf practice facilities along with fitness, pool, tennis, spa and dining amenities. Golf and Club (non-golf) Memberships are currently available.

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

Fort Bend Business Journal • June 2012

12 MONTHS LISTING FOR ONLY $300

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

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

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

Insurance Agencies Prince Benefits Group - 713-884-8399 www.princebenefitsgroup.com Partner with a strategically uncompromising and experienced insurance agency that specializes in employee benefits. We help you attract the right talent and keep them happy! The jewel in our crown of insurance is group insurance but we offer the complete spectrum of benefits for groups and individuals: health, dental, life, vision, disability, 401k, general liability, property, worker’s compensation, umbrella, commercial auto, COBRA administration, HR compliance, etc. Prince Benefits Group provides your company the leverage it needs to get what it needs. Insurance Solutions of Texas 281-565-2222 • 281-341-5060 www.insurancesolutionsoftexas.com Jay Harris, Auto, Home, Business, Flood Insurance. 14140 Southwest Freeway, Suite 150, Sugar Land, Texas 77478. 281-565-2222, Fax 281-565-3333. 2515 Ave. H, Rosenberg, Texas 77471. 281-341-5060, Fax 281-341-5558.

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

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

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

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

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

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

12 MONTHS LISTING FOR ONLY $300

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

Optometrists

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Remodeling / Outdoor Living Living Improvements 281-499-7000 www.living-improvements.com AWARD WINNING - 2010 & 2011 Houston’s BEST “Outdoor Living Space” Living Improvements’ commitment to excellence makes us the perfect fit for your building needs. We have over 200 years cumulative in-house experience in the remodeling and construction industry making us highly skilled, professional and detail oriented striving to exceed our customer’s expectations. We feature outdoor living spaces, custom homes, interior and exterior renovations. Our commitment to excellence is just one of the reasons we have over 5,000 satisfied customers. SERVING FORT BEND & SURROUNDING COUNTIES FOR OVER 35 YEARS. See more on page 62

June 2012 • Fort Bend Business Journal

SERVICE DIRECTORY

Landscaping / Lawn Care

SERVICE DIRECTORY

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

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

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

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

Guadalupe

RIVERFRONT DUPLEX

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

RioRatonDuplex.com book at

832-788-2294

BLU Restaurant | Lounge (New Listing) BLU boasts a globally influenced, Euro-Asian menu from acclaimed Executive Chef Junnajet “Jett” Hurapan. With a diverse background that spans cuisine from Thailand to New American and Mediterranean, Chef Jett’s dinner menu offers an extensive array of both small and larger plates perfect for sharing. Looking for a great deal, come enjoy an incredible three-course lunch menu for $12 Tues - Fri, and $4 happy hour menu Tues - Sun. BLU recently started a Live Jazz Sunday Brunch from 11am to 3pm! Visit www.blusugarland.com ~ 2248 Texas Drive - 281.903.7324. $$ • WB Candelari’s Pizzeria Albert Candelari began making sausage over 50 years ago. As the years have passed the flavor remains the same, which is why Candelari’s is the “King of Sausages”! They take that delicious Italian sausage and put it in pizzas, pastas, and sandwiches. Enjoy appetizers, salads, pastas, sandwiches, pizzas and desserts in there dining room, large patio, or full bar with large screen TV’s. Happy hour is Monday - Thursday 3 to 7pm. This casual dining experience is available at two locations in Fort Bend. Call either location for take-out or delivery. 7425 Hwy 6 S (Just North of Sienna) 832-947-0440 / 6825 S Fry Rd (Fry & 99) 281-395-6746. www.candelaris.com. $ • FB

Fort Bend Business Journal • June 2012

Fernando’s Latin Cuisine We are pleased to announce the arrival of Fernando’s Latin Cuisine-An exotic culinary adventure! Started by, Fernando Echeverria, the same owner of Los Andes by the Compact Center in Houston-Another wonderful Latin American restaurant. Fernando’s Latin Cuisine is located in the same building where Ruth’s Chris used to be. Featured dishes include Empanadas appetizer, Fileton, (Filet mignon) and Asada Y Camarones, Casually called the surf and turf. 14135 Southwest Freeway, in Sugar Land. 281-494-9087. wwww.fernandosrestaurants.com. $$ • FB Karl’s At The Riverbend Romantic Dining in the Country, across the creek from a horse farm. Swiss Chef Karl Camenzind’s menu features Angus steaks, Prime Rib, Wienerschnitzel, Trout Almondine and other fresh fish, Rack of Lamb, Steak and other wild game, Atkins specials, a budget weeknight menu offered along with the regular menu, plus a wonderful Sunday Brunch Buffet. Company Luncheons and Rehearsal Dinners invited. Open TuesSat for Dinner and Sunday Brunch 5011 FM 723 Richmond 281-2389300 www.karlsrb.com Read our reviews at www.b4-u-eat.com. $$ • FB Las Alamedas Restaurant & Cantina Las Alamedas Restaurant and Bar Continues the long standing tradition of fine Mexican food and beverages that began in 1980, is now relocated in Katy at The La Centerra Center. Join us seven days a week for our warm hospitality and anything from brunch on the weekends to private corporate events and everything in between. We are a total scratch kitchen featuring an extensive selection of authentic dishes. We are family friendly with a great children’s menu. Our patios were voted one of the top two in the Houston area. Please visit our website and like us on Facebook! The only thing missing is you! We are open for lunch and dinner seven days a week and we serve brunch Saturdays and Sundays from 10am to 2pm. Our bar and lounge offers full meal service from open to close. Hours of operation are, Monday thru Thursday from 11am to 10pm, Friday from 11am to 11pm, Saturday from 10am to 11pm, Sunday from 10am to 9pm. BAR 11am till closing. 23501 Cinco Ranch Blvd., Suite F-140, Katy, TX 77494. 281-347-3030. Reservations accepted by phone and on line by visiting our web site www. lasalamedas.com. $$ • FB Las Haciendas Mexican Bar & Grill Santos Escobar and his brother Ascension Escobar serve up dozens of heaping traditional gourmet Mexican plates. Lunch Specials run weekdays from 11am - 3pm. Great margaritas, fajitas and much more. Catering available as well as a party room for private parties. • 12821 Southwest Freeway. 281-240-3060. $ • FB Lupitas Mexican Restaurant Jaime and Lupe Garcia have lived in Fort Bend for 36 years. Twentythree of those years have been spent in the restaurant business. If you want authentic Mexican food made from only the freshest ingredients and at a reasonable price, go to Lupitas Mexican Restaurant formerly Pico De Gallo Mexican Restaurant. The Garcias continually concentrate on customer satisfaction. That includes the quality and freshness of their

food as well as the family atmosphere of their restaurant. Dine-In, Takeout, and Catering available. 3121 Highway 6, Sugar Land • Call 281265-6556. $ • WB Panda Garden Panda Garden Restaurant, the three times winner for Best Oriental Restaurant in Fort Bend County, located at 3563 Highway 6 in Kroger Center, provides a warm, casual environment to best service all diners. The goal of our restaurant is to offer 100% satisfactory to the customers with variety selection of popular Hunan Cuisine. “We offer fresh, made from scratch meals that is unforgettably delicious!” Manager Kenny adds. The restaurant offers accommodations for small group meetings and wonderful party tray for catering to the near by businesses and schools. Panda Garden is open 7 days a week on Mon. – Sat.: 11a.m. – 10 p.m. and Sun. 11a.m. – 9:30p.m. Delivery is available everyday with a min. of $15.00 purchase. A lunch special is offered daily as well as the full regular menu offerings. 3563 Hwy 6 @ Williams Trace, 281-265-0303. $ • WB Post Oak Grill Restaurant & Bar The Rios Family invites you to come and experience the same quality, ambiance and service that you have at the original Post Oak Grill. Join us for a wonderful culinary adventure featuring fine prime beef, chops, fresh seafood, soups, sandwiches, salads, and outstanding wine selection. Open lunch & dinner - Monday-Thursday 11:00-10:00pm, Friday 11:00-11:00p.m., Saturday 4:00-11pm, Sunday 10:00-9:00pm, & Sunday Brunch 10:002:00pm. Happy Hour 4:00-7:00pm. 1550 Lake Pointe Parkway, Sugar Land • Call 281-491-2901. www.PostOakGrillSugarland.com $$ • FB Tradicao Brazilian Steakhouse Tradicao Brazilian Steakhouse is the best new steakhouse in Fort Bend. Tradicao, pronounced Tra-dee-son, was named after the Brazilian word for “tradition” and founded on the idea to continue this traditional way of grilling. They are a family owned and operated churracaria whose goal is to make sure your dining experience is one you will never forget. Their prixe fixe menu includes 14 cuts of perfectly grilled meats brought to your table side, a large salad bar and hot sides. Tradicao would like to invite you to come join them, sit back and relax. Lunch Mon-Fri 11am-2pm, Sat Closed, Sun 12-3pm. Dinner Mon-Thurs 5-9:30pm, Fri 5-10pm, Sat 4-10pm, Sun 5-9pm. Phone: 281-277-9292. 12000 Southest Freeway, Meadows Place, TX, 77477, www.TradicaoSteakhouse.com.

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June 2012 • Fort Bend Business Journal

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Vista Bank Texas is a privately owned Houston based bank which specializes in serving small to mid-sized businesses, professionals, medical providers and high net worth individuals. With over $600 million in assets, $79 million in capital, local decision making and 8 Houston metro area locations, Vista Bank Texas has the financial strength, products and experienced local bankers to develop customized solutions tailored to suit your individual needs. DOWNTOWN WEDGE INTERNATIONAL TOWER 1415 Louisiana Street Houston, Texas 77002

EDLOE 2606 Edloe Street Houston, Texas 77027

KATY FREEWAY 9235 Katy Freeway, Suite 160 Houston, Texas 77024

HIGHWAY 290 14561 Northwest Freeway Houston, Texas 77040

CHAMPIONS 6461 FM 1960 W Houston, Texas 77069

SUGAR LAND 4690 Sweetwater Blvd, Suite 100 Sugar Land, Texas 77479

WHARTON 1610 N. Alabama Rd. Wharton, Texas 77488

BOLING 100 Texas Avenue Boling, Texas 77420

www.vbtexas.com â&#x20AC;˘ 713.210.7600

INSIDE BACK

EDLOE 2606 Edloe Street Houston, Texas 77027

KATY FREEWAY 9235 Katy Freeway, Suite 160 Houston, Texas 77024

HIGHWAY 290 14561 Northwest Freeway Houston, Texas 77040

CHAMPIONS 6461 FM 1960 W Houston, Texas 77069

SUGAR LAND 4690 Sweetwater Blvd, Suite 100 Sugar Land, Texas 77479

WHARTON 1610 N. Alabama Rd. Wharton, Texas 77488

BOLING 100 Texas Avenue Boling, Texas 77420

www.vbtexas.com â&#x20AC;˘ 713.210.7600

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

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

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

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