February 2010 - The Business Lifestyle Magazine Digital Edition by Fort Bend Business Journal

Fort Bend/Katy

Volume 28 • No. 2

THE BUSINESS LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

FEBRUARY 2010

Mitchell & Duff, LLC Fort Bend’s Premier Women Owned Law Firm

SPECIAL FEATURES

■ Fort Bend Banking & Finance ■ Fort Bend Engineering & Construction ■ Business & Personal Taxes ■ Valentine’s Day

FEATURE STORIES

■ The First Rule of Fiscal Responsibility ■ Lake Pointe Town Center Expands ■ Enhancing West Fort Bend County ■ Newsworthy & Names in the News

$4.95

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

I Won the Battle Against Breast Cancer

IN FIVE DAYS!

WHEN I HEARD THE WORDS, "YOU HAVE BREAST CANCER..."

It took my breath away. Although I faced a lot of tough decisions, the choice to receive treatment at Methodist Sugar Land Hospital’s Cancer Center with renowned radiation oncologist, Clive Shkedy, M.D., was the decision that made the difference. After my initial consultation with Dr. Shkedy, I remember being able to breathe easy for the ﬁrst time since my diagnosis. Dr. Shkedy and the Cancer Center team not only gave me a cure — they gave me peace of mind. Thanks to Dr. Shkedy’s expertise, Methodist Sugar Land Hospital’s new HDR brachytherapy/partial breast irradiation program, and the exceptional radiation oncology team — I won the battle against breast cancer in ﬁve days — rather than the traditional six week radiation treatment. My partial breast irradiation treatment was quick and effective, allowing me to get back to my life in less than a week.

Today, I am cancer free! — Eleanor Dillard, Breast Cancer Survivor This is the Methodist level of cancer care — from diagnosis to survival, where leading technology and leading compassion — are leading to a cure. If you would like to speak with Eleanor Dillard, or for more information about HDR brachytherapy offered only at Methodist Sugar Land Hospital, call (281) 242-CURE (2873). To schedule your mammogram, please call (281) 242-PINK (7465).

16655 Southwest Freeway • Sugar Land, TX 77479

February 2010 â&#x20AC;˘ Fort Bend Business Journal

Publisher’s Preview by Carolyn Reed

Collective Voices Are Heard!

The Editorial Advisory Board Jacqueline Baly Chaumette President and CEO Baly Projects, LLC

Kolbe Curtice CCIM, CLS Curtice Commercial Real Estate

Louis Garvin President and CEO Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce

Will Hardee Financial Consultant RBC Dain Rauscher and Hardee Investment Group Dee Koch Grant Officer The George Foundation

Debbie Marcell, ABR, GRI Fort Bend Real Estate Prudential Gary Greene Realtors

Becky Munnell President and CEO Blue Jungle Marketing

Robert Roy Owner Sugar Creek Financial Group

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

Linda Starr Certified Master Coach Starr/CTC

Tim Stubenrouch President First Community Bank

Jeff Wiley President Greater Fort Bend Economic Development Council John Whitmore Whitmore Company

s evidenced by our political spotlight on local candidates, we are in the midst of a political season, and I am thinking about what our country is facing, and how we can make a difference. Sometimes I get the feeling that there is so little one person can do to change the direction in which we are headed, and then I remember, we are all in this together, and if we act together, we can make the difference. As we have all learned in high school Civics class, the government’s role is to serve the people. How do the lawmakers decide what we want or what is best for their district or state? They depend on their constituents to let them know how (proposed) federal policy affects them or their local community. Knowing and being responsive to the needs and concerns of the voters should be their top priority; it is what got them elected and will help get them re-elected. Legislators rely heavily on the expressed views of their constituents and information provided by experts - such as YOU. Speaking directly with a Member of Congress is the most effective means of gaining his or her support, but it is often difficult and impractical to do so. Have you tried to get in touch with any of them lately? That can be tedious at best. One single message may not make much of an impact; however, the same message delivered by many voices will. In fact, the greatest influence and impact is gained when large numbers of constituents speak with “one voice.” We can actually have a greater impact in working together than all of us working separately. There are two options that come to mind when trying to accomplish this goal. Since most of us do not have time to volunteer on a campaign, a convenient and legitimate shortcut is to show support through political giving with the greatest impact gained by joining with other individuals or colleagues in contributing to a Political Action committee (PAC). Money bundled or pooled together through a PAC, not only provides support for a specific

Fort Bend Business Journal • February 2010

member of congress it gives you an opportunity to speak directly to him or her about how legislation affects you. PAC contributions can be used in a variety of ways, which is important. Campaigning is expensive; covering the costs of radio/TV advertising, and direct mailings. I’m sure that most of you have heard of Tea Parties. They are non-partisan, grassroots groups made up of citizens and organizations that organize protests, hold community events and seek an educated citizenship. They are concerned about reckless overspending, unfair and punitive taxation, and increasing lack of government constraints. They are not controlled by any particular ideology or party, but strive to be a pluralistic and populist movement committed to liberty, especially economic liberty. The Fort Bend County Tea Party Society is such an organization. As evidence of how powerful and effective united voices can be, a Republican Massachusetts Senate candidate won the election defeating a party that had held the seat for over 50 years. In 2008, most independent voters went for Obama. Scott Brown’s victory shows that, even in a liberal state, independents won’t necessarily stick with him. The features for March will be Commercial and Residential Real Estate, Lifestyles for Seniors, Spotlight on Health, and The Fort Bend Dining Guide. Please call Carolyn Reed at 281 690-4201 to advertise your business. This issue features Engineering, Local Politics, Business and Personal Taxes, and Banking & Finance. We also have a lot of good, entertaining stories, thanks to our new Editor Sharon Wallingford. We are so pleased she has joined our staff. Welcome Sharon! Sharon Wallingford Until next month, keep those cash registers ringing. Carolyn Reed

This New Year, you resolved to end your struggle with obesity and begin living a healthier, better quality life. Let OakBend Medical Center help you keep your resolution and lose the weight.

A WEIGHT LO SS

solution NEW YEAR’S resolution. for your

At OakBend Medical Center, Dr. Brian Mirza, M.D., F.A.C.S. and

our staff are changing the lives of many by offering comprehensive weight loss solutions in a caring and compassionate environment. If you are overweight and seeking a weight loss solution that’s right for you, we invite you to attend one of our life-changing seminars.

Bariatric Program Seminars February 16, 2010 - 6pm March 16, 2010 - 6pm April 20, 2010 - 6pm OakBend Medical Center - Conference Room 1705 Jackson Street, Richmond, TX 77469 Some of the solutions we offer: - Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Banding

Before

- Sleeve Gastrectomy - Laparoscopic Gastric Bypass

Award-Winning Care To RSVP, please call 281.341.2860. If you would like more information, please contact us today. 1705 Jackson Street, Richmond, TX 77469 www.oakbendmedcenter.org www.drbrianmirza.com

February 2010 • Fort Bend Business Journal

S Fort Bend/Katy

Cover Story Mitchell & Duff LLC Fort Bend’s Premier Women Owned Law Firm

pg.

Volume 28 • Number 2 • February 2010

Special Features

8 22 29 47 54

For subscriptions send check for $25 to Fort Bend Business Journal 4655 Techniplex Dr., Suite 300 Stafford, Texas 77477 281-690-4200 TOLL FREE 1-888-430-7478 www.fortbendstar.com Single copy $4.95

Fort Bend Banking & Finance........................................................................................ Political Spotlight on Local Candidates......................................................... Business & Personal Taxes........................................................................................ Valentine’s Day Gift Picks............................................................................................ Fort Bend Engineering & Construction...........................................................

Features

PUBLISHER.................................... Beverly Carter ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER . ................... Carolyn Reed EDITOR ...........................................Sharon Wallingford GENERAL MANAGER............Michael Fredrickson MARKETING CONSULTANT.............Wanda Lockhart

Lake Pointe Town Center Expands........................................................................................ 20 Big Shots - Fort Bend Chamber Chairman’s Ball “O What A Night” . ........................... 34 Lopez Family: Getting Paid Money for a Day at the Gym ............................................... 36 Fort Bend ISD Engineering Academies are Grooming Future Engineers..................... 52

RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE SPECIALIST.........................................Becky Hall COLUMNISTS...............................Alan Sandersen ...........................................................Linda Starr ..................................................Tim Stubenrouch

Enhancing West Fort Bend County...................................................................................... 68

CONTRIBUTORS . .......................Wayne Chandler

Central Fort Bend Chamber Alliance Lauds Leadership................................................. 74

.............................................................Dori Wind

Update on Former Executive Nine Property in Missouri City................................... 76 Fort Bend CORPS Celebrates Ten Years............................................................................. 92

M O N T H L Y C O L U M N S Linda Starr Certified Master Coach

Discusses February Is About Love!..................... 6

PHOTOGRAPHER...............................Walter Hurst Hurst Photography

Money Talks Discusses The First Rule of Fiscal Responsibility................................. 16

Alan Sandersen Tax Smart Discusses 2010 IRA Rule Changes Spread Taxes for the Savvy Tax Planner..... 32

Names in the News........................... 38

Service Directory......................... 84-87

Fort Bend Chamber Newsletter.... 39-46 Newsworthy....................62-63, 80-83

Data Beat..................................... 88-89 Dining and Entertainment........... 94-96

Fort Bend Business Journal • February 2010

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

Tim Stubenrouch

MONTHLY DEPARTMENTS

..................................Barbara Magana Robertson

ON THE COVER Amy Mitchell & Elizabeth Duff Drozd Cover Photo Hurst Photography

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

Independent Free Papers of America

4655 Techniplex Dr., Suite 300, Stafford TX 77477 • Tel: 281-690-4200 February 2010 • Fort Bend Business Journal

COACHING TO INCREASE PRODUCTIVITY

Notes from the Coach by Linda Starr / Starr/CTC

February Is About Love! My favorite holiday is Valentine’s Day and what a great reminder it is for us all. Your business or professional practice is the perfect place to put a little more love in your life. It all starts with observation. Watch carefully to see what your publics are saying they need. All human communication, it has been said, falls into one of two basic categories: 1.I love you (Good morning) 2.Please love me (any complaint) It is a great habit to start listening from this context. If someone is not expressing love, then they are in some kind of pain and you have an opportunity to create

value and contribute to them. Adding value and generating customer delight is a proven path to referral business coming your way. Love Your Neighbor Take a moment to look to see what you can do to enhance the experience of that suspect, prospect, client/customer or past customer. Listening and giving undivided attention are among the rarest and most precious gifts. Remember that complaints are simply requests. Ask where you can provide a service, solution or referral to alleviate the problem. Remember, if there were no problems, there would be no business.

Love Yourself Taking care of yourself is the best way to insure that you are a contribution and not a drain on others. Have you noticed that our car runs better with fuel? You are the same. You will have nothing to contribute to others if your are “out of gas”. Remember to fill your own cup first before looking to see where you can give to another. Running on empty creates martyrs, who are among life’s most annoying companions. Don’t become one. Linda Starr is this area’s most experienced Productivity Coach. She can be reached at linda@StarrCTC.com.

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

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

Alan Sandersen 6

• Taxation • Tax Controversies • Litigation Support • Audits of Commercial and Governmental entities • Construction Companies

Fort Bend Business Journal • February 2010

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

281.242-3232 www.sktx.com

Explore the Cyber Jungle with Blue Jungle Marketing as your guide

he Internet has evolved from a cyber-web to a cyber-jungle. Since 1990, the Internet has grown from a few hundred sites to more than 29 billion personal and business related sites. Companies are clawing their way through the tangle of catch phrases like, Flash, SEO, PHP, HTML, XML, CFM, and XHTML to figure out how to gain an edge on their competition. Blue Jungle Marketing provides the experience of a professional partner to develop a strategic web-marketing plan that is unique for the customer’s market, message and long-term plans. How do I raise my search statistics? This question is commonly the first addressed at the table. Search Engine Optimization (SEO) has become a buzzword that we have all come to know. So why can no one say what SEO is exactly? Alan Twigg, author of ‘Search Engine Success’ describes it best as ever-changing equations that the search engine and directories do not want us to know. This basic fact allows every site the same opportunity to increase and fall in ranking. The key is to focus on the company and not web tricks. The goal is to provide a truthful representation of the organization in the language of the people. This means researching the market and determining the keywords that the client would use to look for a good or service. Then it is a matter of strategically sprinkling these terms throughout the site, routinely updating each page because search engines regularly re-index pages. It is important to continue with a strong print and media campaign that supports the

message on the site. Blue Jungle Marketing realizes the complexities and confusion in online marketing. We would like to help develop a strategy that works for you. For more information on SEO strategies and the many services that Blue Jungle Marketing has to offer call, (281) 240-6700 or visit www.bluejunglemarketing.com/SEO.

TOADAL SATISFACTION Blue Jungle Marketing believes that a web site is more than a communication tool; it is a valuable member of an organization that is able to acquire a n d r e t a i n c u s t o m e r s 24/ 7 w o r l d w i d e . No two companies are the same, and neither are web sites. Blue Jungle’s experienced marketing team strategically develops an online marketing plan that reflects the needs and desires of our customers. Learn how you can get started today! Call (281) 240-6700 or visit www.bluejunglemarketing.com.

PRINT MARKETING AD SPECIALTIES EXHIBIT GRAPHICS FLEET WRAPS WEB DESIGN 10700 CORPORATE DRIVE, SUITE 100, STAFFORD, TEXAS 77477

WEB HOSTING

February 2010 • Fort Bend Business Journal

Fort Bend Banking & Finance

The Credit Union Difference By First Community Credit Union Despite what you have heard about the financial market, First Community is safe, secure, and still lending. At first glance, credit unions look a lot like banks. Both offer loans, savings, checking services, and business accounts. But that’s where the similarities end. Credit unions are not-for-profit cooperatives where YOU are a part owner. Credit unions are less likely to charge service fees than banks and fees tend to be lower when they do. Unlike most other financial institutions, credit unions do not issue stock or pay earnings dividends to stockholders. Our earnings are returned to YOU in the form of better rates, better services and lower fees. Credit unions provide a secure financial choice for all consumers, all the while, staying true to the mission of “People Helping People”. We’ve provided financial services to the community for over 50 years and we’ll be here for YOU. At First Community, YOU are a person not a number. Our FIRST priority is YOU. Isn’t it time your financial needs are met in a FIRST Rate way? Need a business account? Our Business Growth Checking does what a bank can’t – it pays interest on your account! If YOU need extra funds, our customized business loans will keep your business prospering. Begin growing your business today!

Think First.® Experience personal and business solutions that are tailored to fit your needs and exceed your expectations at First Community Credit Union, located at 3400 Hwy 6 South near Williams Trace or 22150 Westheimer Parkway, inside Kroger. Click to FCCU.org and discover a First-Rate financial difference.

Indulge Yourself!

3.01%

APY*

FREE checking that pays you BIG! Plus, Nationwide ATM fee refunds. Apply Now!

281.856.5300

fccufirstrewards.org

Your savings federally insured to at least $250,000 and backed by the full faith and credit of the United States Government

NCUA

National Credit Union Administration, a U.S. Government Agency

*Annual Percentage Yield (APY) accurate as of 1/1/10. Dividends based on average First Community CU account balance. Minimum to open account is $25. Rate tiers are as follows 3.01%APY applies to balances of $.01 - $20,000 and 1.01%APY applies to balances over $20,000 as long as qualifications are met each statement cycle. 0.10%APY applies to all balances if qualifications are not met. Rates may change after the account is open. Fees may reduce earnings. No minimum balance is required. No monthly service charge. Available for personal accounts only. FCCU is open to residents in Harris or Fort Bend counties and Tomball.

Fort Bend Business Journal • February 2010

Fort Bend Banking & Finance

Time to look at Tax Deferred Savings

tâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a new year and another opportunity to contribute to your tax-deferred savings accounts. When you contribute to your 401k, IRA or other tax-deferred savings account, the government is essentially matching your contribution at your marginal tax rate and your contribution grows tax-free until it is distributed. Whether you qualify to make a tax-deferred contribution in 2010 is dependent on many factors; an experienced and qualified financial advisor can help you determine your eligibility and maximum contribution amounts. Each year, the IRS updates (and gener-

ally increases) contribution limits. Since prices remained flat in 2009, contribution rates will remain unchanged for this year. Below are the contribution limits for 2010: The income limitation for converting traditional IRAs to Roth IRAs will be lifted temporarily in 2010. This means that anyone, regardless of income, may roll over their tax-deferred IRA assets into a Roth IRA penalty free. All distributions will be taxed at ordinary income rates, but any future distributions from the Roth will be completely tax free. If you choose to make this conversion, the assets must remain in the Roth

for at least five years. The Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) is set to return this year; however, there is a chance Congress will again exempt this requirement for IRA owners in 2010. For now, we recommend a wait-and-see approach. It s not advisable to prematurely distribute RMDs, as the money cannot be deposited back into the account without tax consequences. WJ Interests is a fee only financial planning and investment management firm in Sugar Land. For more information, please contact us atwj@wjinterests.com or 281-634-9400.

Account Type

Max Salary Deferral

Additional Deferral if Over 50

Maximum Total Deferral

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

$16,500

$5,500

$22,000

SIMPLE IRA

$11,500

$2,500

$14,000

Traditional and Roth IRA

$5,000

$1,000

$6,000

Providing fee-only services to individuals, families and businesses since 1996. (281) 634-9400 â&#x20AC;˘ www.wjinterests.com

February 2010 â&#x20AC;˘ Fort Bend Business Journal

Fort Bend Banking & Finance

Trustmark Bank expands to 16 offices

rustmark’s history of meeting customers’ financial needs extends back to 1889. Through the years, Trustmark has broadened its customer base by expanding the market it serves as well as the products and services it provides. After building a statewide banking franchise in Mississippi, Trustmark entered the Tennessee market and then entered the Florida and Texas markets in 2003 and 2004, respectively. With over 16 offices in the Houston area, Trustmark continues to expand its Houston presence. Currently, Trustmark has 4 offices serving the Ft. Bend/Katy area which is led by our Market President Travis Van Horn. Trustmark Southwest Freeway office is managed by Wanda Glez-Kras, Angel Pena manages the Sugar Land and Fry Road offices and Debbie Gullien manages the Missouri City office. With $10 billion in assets, Trustmark has become a diversified financial services partner for its customers by providing personal and business banking solutions, corporate lending, cash management services, as well as wealth management and insurance solutions. As a company, we have distinguished ourselves from our peers by our commitment to world-class customer satisfaction, as well as our commitment to providing leadership in the communities we serve. Our clients understand that Trustmark is “People you trust. Advice that works”.

The $10 billion bank that doesn’t feel like a $10 billion bank. For the personal touch of a neighborhood bank, combined with the capabilities of one of the South’s oldest and strongest fi nancial institutions, come to Trustmark. We have 17 Houston area locations, with four offices serving the Ft. Bend/Katy area. To fi nd out more, call your nearest location.

FRY ROAD

SUGAR LAND

MISSOURI CITY

SOUTHWEST FREEWAY

7100 South Fry Road Katy, TX 77494 281.371.5300 4800 Hwy. 6 Missouri City, TX 77459 281.403.5002

1845 Hwy. 6 Sugar Land, TX 77478 281.637.4000 11709 Wilcrest Dr. Houston, TX 77099 281.983.7000

Fort Bend Business Journal • February 2010

Member FDIC

A Service Standard That is Anything But Standard

That's what you can expect when you're a Bank of Texas client. Although we have the resources of a multi-billion dollar financial services company, we are still known for the personal, responsive service we deliver to our clients. Our business philosophy is simple: We believe in taking great care of our clients. We value your time. We value your privacy. We value your business. We're responsive at every stage in the banking relationship. We are honored to have you as a client. Learn more about Bank of Texas and the complete array of sophisticated financial services and creative financing solutions by contacting: LOCATIONS: Sugar Land Office 15245 Southwest Freeway (281) 693-8755 Monday - Thursday: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Friday: 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. Saturday: 9:00 a.m. - Noon Sweetwater Kroger 4825 Sweetwater Blvd. (281) 693-8750 Monday - Saturday: 10:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. Sunday: Noon - 4:00 p.m. First Colony Kroger 3665 Highway 6 (281) 693-8764 Monday - Saturday: 10:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. Sunday: Noon - 4:00 p.m.

Frank Yonish Chairman of Sugar Land and Fort Bend County (713) 578-3556

WWW.BANKOFTEXAS.COM

MEMBER FDIC

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY LENDER

Fort Bend Banking & Finance

Warren and Severski Welcome assets at Founders Bank

ounders Bank has named Deb Severski as vice president and compliance officer, with responsibility for risk management and overseeing the bankâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fulfillment of state and federal regula-

tions. Severski has more than 25 years of experience and has served in banking center and call center management, retail operations, deposit operations and compliance. She previously worked for financial institutions in Ohio before moving to Texas in 2000, where she worked for Amegy Bank and a community de novo bank in the Houston area. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Deb has a great deal of experience in all facets of community banking and she will be a great asset to us here at Founders Bank,â&#x20AC;? said CEO Jim Sturgeon. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We are excited that she has joined the Founders Bank team.â&#x20AC;? Veteran community banker Dorothy Warren has joined Founders Bank as vice president of operations. Warren has close to 30 years of experience in Fort Bend banking. She started her career locally with FNB-Rosenberg, where she worked for 22 years in a variety of positions with increasing responsibility, including vice president/cashier.

Jim Sturgeon President & CEO

She joins Founders Bank from NewFirst National Bank, where she was vice president of compliance after serving several years as vice president of deposit operations. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Dorothy has an in-depth understanding of the critical role that operations plays in ensuring excellent customer service and years of hands-on experience in managing back-office functions,â&#x20AC;? said Founders Bank CEO Jim Sturgeon. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We are thrilled to welcome her as a new member of the Founders Bank team.â&#x20AC;?

About Founders Bank Founders Bank is Fort Bendâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s only locally owned and managed bank, with the goal of being â&#x20AC;&#x153;the best bank ever.â&#x20AC;? The bank takes its name from a â&#x20AC;&#x153;founders groupâ&#x20AC;? of Fort Bend business people and community leaders who served as the driving force behind the institutionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s organization. Founders Bank is focused on serving the Fort Bend community, with a special emphasis on small business, real estate and professional/executive needs. Learn more at www.foundersbanktx.com.

GOT NEWS? =>C78=6 4<10AA0BB8=6 C> A4?>AC 5>A C74

Email your news or press release to Carolyn@ FortBendStar.com We love to hear from you. Also, donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t forget to read The Fort Bend Star or visit www.fortbendstar.com Ideas & suggestions are also welcome.

weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re from here

Fort Bend/Katy

4655 Techniplex Dr. Suite 300 Stafford, TX 77477

Fort Bend Business Journal â&#x20AC;˘ February 2010

WE’RE HELPING SMALL BUSINESS GROW IN FORT BEND COUNTY. Because we’re Fort Bend’s only locally owned and managed bank, we know the challenges small businesses face. Our experienced lenders can help new and existing business owners obtain much-needed financing with an SBA loan without the challenges associated with the process.

SBA LOAN BENEFITS: • Longer maturity periods • Lower down payments • Fully amortized terms • SBA fees waived Come see our SBA lending experts today and get the capital you need to build your business’s future. For more information or to talk with Paul Reade, call Founders Bank at 281-325-5051.

4690 Sweetwater Blvd. at Lexington • Sugar Land 281.325.5000 • foundersbanktx.com Mon.-Thurs.: 8 am-5 pm

Drive thru hours:

Fri.: 8 am-6 pm

Mon.-Fri.: 7:30 am-6 pm

Sat.: 9 am-1 pm

Fort Bend Banking & Finance

“We do more” at IBC BANK

exas-based IBC Bank’s philosophy, “We Do More,” is the motivation behind the convenient banking service that is provided to the Fort Bend community when and where they need it most. IBC Bank first entered the Houston market in 1997 with five branches. Today, IBC operates 42 locations, including four in Fort Bend County. Many of IBC’s branches offer seven-day banking, which provides customers with the convenience of extended hours, allowing for account management, deposits and access to bank personnel and lenders. IBC’s management consists of local leaders who offer customer-focused advice and community-minded lead-

Darron Drago Senior Vice-President

ership. Karen Bell, vice president and area manager for Fort Bend County, including Sugar Land and Katy, has 30 years of experience in banking and branch management. Andrea O’Neill, vice president and area manager in Fort Bend and Wharton counties, including Richmond, Sugar Land, Wharton and El Campo, has 12 years of experience in banking and branch management. Because of their local ties, lenders can ensure that loan and investment decisions are made by knowledgeable professionals who are well-equipped to meet the banking needs of their community. IBC–Houston is a member of Texasbased International Bancshares Corporation (NASDAQ: IBOC), an $11.2 billion multi-bank financial holding company.

Jeff Samples President

Jay Rogers Chairman and CEO

Delores Hansen Senior Vice-President

Craig Bunk Senior Vice-President

Tradition of Trust. With more than 40 years of experience, reliability and commitment to the community, IBC Bank’s sustained strength and stability are second to none. Let us show you how you can use our expertise to help your business succeed. Stop by IBC Bank and talk to us, or better yet, call us and we’ll come see you.

713-526-1211 • www.ibc.com MeMber FDIC/InternatIonal banCshares CorporatIon

Fort Bend Business Journal • February 2010

Fort Bend Banking & Finance

LoweryBank provides personal service

s we begin a New Year complete with resolutions and a review of our finances, I find it appropriate to ask, “Is it time to fire your bank?” Looking for a local bank with an emphasis on personal service and a proactive, customer-driven “yes, we will” attitude and philosophy can be as easy as a walk in the park. LoweryBank offers customers a blend of highly personalized service, a full range of small business and personal banking products and, customized solutions to meet your immediate and long-term financial needs. At the heart of the bank’s philosophy is the belief that customer satisfaction is paramount,

and that at LoweryBank, customers eliminate many of the problems they experience at other banks. We make it our mission to get to know you and listen to your needs, not treat you as a number. Our friendly, hands-on approach to banking is the New Year’s start you need. LoweryBank’s experienced management team and professional support staff coupled with its range of financial products and services, and its’ “make it happen” approach to helping Alina Gonzalez customers, make it an ideal choice for Fort Bend. Vice Pres. of Deposit Services From lending (personal, business, commercial real estate, or mortgage) to key products including checking, savings, certificates of deposit and IRA’s, to convenience products like internet banking, debit cards and safe deposit boxes, LoweryBank is close by and ready to meet your banking needs. Come in and feel the tranquility today!

Personal & Business BanKinG  consumer & commercial lendinG

Relax!

Tranquility in the midst of adversity — can it be? LoweryBank with our local, experienced, friendly, hands-on approach to banking is a start. We know how to put our clients at ease — even during the difficult times. Bank with us, and we’ll make your experience a walk in the park.

Member FDIC

www.lowerybank.com  281.263.1100 16555 Southwest Freeway, Suite 100  Sugar Land, TX 77479

Yes, we will! February 2010 • Fort Bend Business Journal

Money Talks by Tim Stubenrouch / First Community Bank

The First Rule of Fiscal Responsibility It was not coincidence that our “Ten Things to Do in 2010” related to our money started with #1 – do a budget and use it. The word “budget” can be so intimidating that we might skip this resolution, but wait! The dictionary definition of “budget” as we think of it in financial terms is pretty simple. In short, a budget is a statement of the financial position of a person or business for a definite period of time based on estimates of expenditures during the period and proposals for financing them. Our budget needs to be a plan for coordinating our resources (income) and our expenses. A budget really is the only practical way to ensure that what we have coming in will cover what has to go out – it is a roadmap to managing our money. If doing a budget is new to you, it may

be helpful to use a template to get started. If you are an Excel user, you may be able to build your own budget simply, but if you need help search the Internet where there are lots of free resources available, or check with your tax preparer or accountant. If you use financial software for your business or your personal record-keeping, there may be a budget program included. Start with your monthly income. Next, list all your expenses for the month - mortgage or rent, utilities, pay for your employees, food for home, payments for insurance, loans and credit cards. Try to include paying off your credit cards, but be sure to set aside emergency funds for unexpected expenses like a flat tire on your delivery truck, or medical expenses if you get the flu. Try also to build in a savings plan. Your budget is a working document. You

can add to it, improve it, or start all over if necessary. Be alert for leaking cash – when we have cash in our pockets and we spend it, we do not always account for it in our budget. Try limiting your use of cash and use your debit card instead. Also limit the use of your credit cards because you will increase the payments you have to make next month. Developing a budget is the first step to fiscal responsibility. Imagine how much more secure we feel when we know we are using our money! Tim Stubenrouch is a Columnist for the Fort Bend Business Journal and is with First Community Bank, N.A., President - Fort Bend, 13135 Dairy Ashford, Suite 250, Sugar Land, TX 77478. He can be reached at 281-242-2262, fax: 281-242-1522, or email at stubenrouch@firstcommunitybank.net. ★

You see the glass half full.

So do we.

Katy - Cinco Ranch 281.395.0440 Missouri City - Sienna Plantation 281.778.0098 Sugar Land - Sugar Creek 281.275.5111 Sugar Land Town Center 281.275.5151 Richmond Downtown 281.344.0693 Rosenberg - Brazos Town Center 281.341.1100

firstcommunitybank.net

Fort Bend Business Journal • February 2010

Different. Better.

Fort Bend Banking & Finance

Tracy Walker’s State Farm Services Continue to Expand

A State Farm® IRA can make April 15

L ESS TA X ING. A State Farm IRA is a great way to invest in your future and it could save you money at tax time. Contact me today to learn about an IRA and the many funding options available.

s the Sugar Land area continues to grow, bringing with it new homes for families and many new businesses; the need for financial advice and insurance for those families and businesses will also continue to grow. State Farm Agent Tracy Walker provides her clients with sound guidance and advice, helping them achieve their financial goals and protect their assets. As a Charted Financial Consultant, it has become her passion to help her clients develop a plan that will help them provide for their children’s future education, while also focusing on preparing for their financial needs during their retirement years. When asked, “Why are you so passionate about what you do?” Tracy’s response is simple, but caring, “I love helping people realize their dreams and set a plan in motion to help get them get there. I am passionate about helping people with all of their insurance needs, especially if a need arises to file a claim. Prior to becoming an agent, I was a claims adjustor for 9 years. This experience enabled me to understand the uncertainty many clients experienced after the destruction caused by Hurricane Ike in this area. I was able to reduce that uncertainty by processing and paying many Hurricane Ike claims. Many hours were spent handling claims and writing drafts myself, so my customers did not have to wait for a claims adjustor. It was tiring, yet, very rewarding to seeing that my customers were relieved and happy”. As a mother of three Tracy understands the hectic life families of today are faced with. Tracy, when not working for her clients, finds herself spending her time chauffeuring and watching her three children play in a variety of sports - soccer, basketball, baseball, football, volleyball and track. Despite being occupied by the various endeavors of her children, she still finds time to be an active member of the Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce, the Sugar Land Rotary and the Business Network International as well as volunteering at her church, school and community events. So, whether you are new to the area, or you are simply looking for someone to discuss your insurance or financial needs that understands the busy life of Sugar Land families, please email or give Tracy a call. Tracy and her staff are ready and willing to assist in any way possible. The office is located at 15510 Lexington Blvd. Ste. N, Sugar Land, TX 77478. Tracy and her staff can be reached at 281-2650711, email at tracy@agentwalker.com and via the web at www. agentwalker.com.

Tracy Walker ChFC CLU CASL State Farm Agent Sugar Land, TX 77478 Bus: 281-265-0711 tracy@agentwalker.com

Consult your tax or legal advisor for specific advice.

statefarm.com ® P076005 12/07

State Farm • Home Office: Bloomington, IL

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

GROUP HEALTH INSURANCE BUSINESS PROPERTY AND LIABILITY

281-565-2222 Nationwide®

Insurance & Financial Services Jay Harris

Nationwide Is On Your Side®

President

www.insurancesolutionsoftexas.com February 2010 • Fort Bend Business Journal

INSURER

Fort Bend Banking & Finance

Houston Community Bank, N.A. focuses on safety and soundness

e are indeed fortunate to live and work in the dynamic community of Fort Bend County. By all accounts, Texas and Fort Bend are doing far better economically than the remainder of the country. We have all read about the problems associated with the large, money-center banks and the banking and financial system in general. As a result, many people are very concerned and are looking for “Confidence and Reassurance” in their bank. Historically, consumers and business owners have based their decisions about where to bank on accessibility, convenience and the price of the products and services. However, because of the current economic conditions and the accompanying news coverage, consumers are thinking differently today. They want to know if their bank’s assets, credit quality and capital levels are strong. They want to know if their bank is

a Five Star Rated bank. And, they want to know the person in charge. Veteran banker Claude B. Leatherwood, Vice Chairman and C.O.O. of the Houston Community Bank, N.A. system, is proud to report that HCB is very safe, very sound and very liquid. All are factors indicative of the bank’s superior financial condition. He stated, “Houston Community Bank and its employees are very proud of the bank’s strong credit rating and the fact that this locally owned bank is celebrating its 29th anniversary as a full service commercial and consumer financial institution. In addition, HCB continues to be well capitalized and the asset quality is sound. The values associated with good capital and liquidity levels are very important to both the bank and the customer. This strong financial position enables our management team to seize market opportunities and use that capital to make loans. Yes, HCB is still lending and actively looking for those opportunities to continue to solidify current relationships and establish new ones.

Small to mid-size businesses are the foundation of the economy. The business lending team at Houston Community Bank is leaving “no stone unturned” in securing quality loans and new depository relationships.” Leatherwood stated, “This bank has built its 29 year old business and professional reputation on the belief that strong, supportive customer relationships are the foundation for superior community banking. As a result, many of our customers who have moved their accounts to HCB regularly tell us how happy and pleased they are with our people, our products and our service.” If you are looking for “Safety and Soundness” as well as “Confidence, Reassurance and a Personal Relationship” in your bank....... Look no further...... Choosing the right local bank just got a lot easier. Please come in or call any of our convenient Fort Bend Banking Centers (281-343-7700) and let our experienced team tell you more about how Houston Community Bank, N.A. can benefit you and your business.

IS YOUR BANK A FIVE STAR RATED BANK? Are you looking for CONFIDENCE and REASSURANCE in your Bank? HCB is the Bank you can TRUST!

Come meet our experienced team! Brian Ellis Greatwood

Jeff Smith Stafford

Banking Officer - HCB 5 Years of Experience

iversa

President - HCB 33 Years of Experience

19855 Southwest Freeway Ste 100 Greatwood Lakes Office Building Sugar Land Texas 77479 281.343.7700

Vice Chairman / COO - HCB 39 Years of Experience

Terry Crockett Stafford & Greatwood

Senior Vice President - HCB 20 Years of Experience

Houston Community Bank, N.A.

Claude Leatherwood Fort Bend

13811 Murphy 11390 Veterans Memorial Road Houston (FM 1092) Stafford Texas 77477 281.208.2111

Fort Bend Business Journal • February 2010

Texas 77067 281.537.7200

1515 FM 1960 Bypass East Humble Texas 77338 281.540.1414

22240 Farris Green Porter Texas 77365 281.540.1414

Other Locations “Coming Soon”

houstoncommunitybank.com

Fort Bend/Katy

Advertising Pays! Attention Fort Bend Businesses, As experienced business professionals we all know the importance of these two words. As owners of family owned businesses we know the value of sharing our story and our philosophy with new and established customers. Whether we market our business by word of mouth or aspire to share it on a much larger scale, share it we must if we desire to exist and grow. For more than 20 years, The Fort Bend / Katy Business Journal has been in the business of business. The Journal is the only locally owned publication in the Fort Bend area dedicated to focusing on your business. Whether the Journal is highlighting the creation of new enterprises, celebrating milestones of existing entities or reporting award winning business endeavors, it is the sole publication in the area dedicated to researching and sharing business stories. The Journal has been an integral part of the phenomenal growth of Fort Bend County reporting on development opportunities, government growth strategies and regulations, and the community/ business synergies that comprise Fort Bend County. The Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce prints their monthly newsletter in our publication. To be a part of the Fort Bend / Katy business story, read the Journal and decide how you want to share your own story with the community. Businesses can choose to be a cover story, part of a monthly theme focus, or to run a time appropriate ad for a speciﬁc event. The Journal also features business involvement in the numerous philanthropic projects that epitomize the county. Our knowledgeable advertising executives can discuss available business presentation options. State-of-the-art graphic designers and awardwinning photographers are also available to present your visual story. The Business Journal cover stories are a testament to the professional ability of our writers. Call 281-690-4201 today to talk with Carolyn Reed, Associate Publisher. It’s your business and your future. Develop it now by sharing it with others who need your services and experience.

4655 Techniplex Dr., Suite 300, Stafford TX 77477 • Direct: 281-690-4201 • Cell: 281-323-0185

Did the Supreme Court Just Save Newspapers?

he Supreme Court’s decision in January striking down limits on campaign spending by corporations, which was split along ideological lines, will change the political and media landscape in profound ways that transcend ideology. Unless Chuck Schumer and others find a way to legislate around this, an explosion of advertising and other instruments of persuasion will soon erupt from every corner. In the future, political races will not just be about two or more candidates slugging it out; the messaging landscape will be flooded by a torrent of proxy and surrogate advertising, funded by those who have their own reasons for advocating on behalf of one candidate, vilifying another, or both. So, everyone into the pool -- and that means labor unions; special interests groups, some of which will start up precisely for the purpose of influencing election outcomes; non-governmental organizations with a cause in their pockets or an ax to grind; corporations with specific agendas; wealthy individuals who are passionate about some issue or candidate. My headline ironically makes reference to the fact that this will be a boon to the print version of newspapers. That’s because advocacy groups have tradition-

Lake Pointe Town Center Expands with New Shopping and Dining Options

lanned Community Developers, Ltd. (PCD) is pleased to announce that Lake Pointe Town Center will gain three new retailers. Berripop Frozen Yogurt, Extreme Pita and Malibu Tan will soon open for business in Lake Pointe Village, the Whole Foods-anchored shopping center at the intersection of Highway 59 and State Highway 6. Berripop - Located at 15810 SW Freeway, suite 300, Berripop will offer visitors fresh and nutritious natural yogurt in a variety of flavors with roughly 30 toppings to choose from. Berripop’s yogurt contains live and active cultures known as probiotics, that according to studies, can help protect your digestive

system and overall health by destroying ‘bad’ live bacteria within your digestive system that can cause diseases. Set to open March 2010, this location will mark Berripop’s eighth Houston-area location and will utilize 1,088 square feet of retail space. Beth Palka of Page Partners represented Berripop in the transaction. Extreme Pita - Extreme Pita is a fast casual concept featuring hot and cold pita pockets, souvlaki, gyros, falafel, flat baked pitas, salads and soups as well as breakfast items. The American/Mediterranean restaurant will be located at 15810 SW Freeway, suite 400 and is also scheduled to open for business in March 2010. Boasting 1,368 square feet of

Fort Bend Business Journal • February 2010

retail space, Extreme Pita customizes each pita to suit the customer’s individual taste. Braxton Brockenbrough of The Weitzman Group represented Extreme Pita in the transaction. Malibu Tan - Launched in 1997 in Pearland, Texas, Malibu Tan’s newest location will open at 15820 SW Freeway, suite 200. The 2,125 square-foot tanning salon will feature tanning beds, misting and other related accessories. Malibu Tan is set to open for business later this month. Bob Conwell of New Quest Properties represented Malibu Tan in the transaction. Charles Adams, vice president of retail for PCD, represented PCD in all three transactions.

ally used the full-page newspaper ad -- a kind of performance space -- to deliver their messages. It’s a convention that the public understands. It’s a big graphic canvas that makes an impression -- and it has room for dozens of signatures at the bottom. And, of course, it finds the right target. Newspaper readers are older and they vote. They’re informed and they actually enjoy the public discourse. Online advertising, including Google ad words and text links, are highly relevant and effective when targeted to behavioral intent – e.g. “pepperoni pizza delivered at midnight in Tribeca.” (It’s so effective, in fact, that it created the world’s largest media company, with $6.67 billion in revenue in the fourth quarter.) But this form of advertising doesn’t work to change opinion, to persuade, to communicate the breadth of support for a particular issue. That’s not to say online media won’t be used -- and used to its full and massive potential -- if the Supreme Court decision sticks. This sea change will unleash oceans of money everywhere. Just as the Obama campaign used digital media to raise money, to organize and spread its message, we’ll see many millions of dollars pour into the Internet. Voters in places where incumbents and challengers are particularly important to specific interest groups -- gigundo ones like Big Oil and Big Pharma, or obscure industries desperately concerned about a swing vote on a congressional committee that controls their future -- will be inundated by precision-delivered messages. It’s marketing by drone. They’ll see exquisitely precise advertising in their searches, stuck next to their e-mail, in display advertising as they journey from site to site. Not to mention onslaughts of broadcast and print ads. What’s more, advocacy groups will use the media to raise money for their efforts. Again, taking a chapter from the Obama campaign, special interest groups will use the Internet to plead their case to those who are most involved with -and care most passionately about -- their cause. “We need your help to fight for our cause,” the narrative will go. So if you’re a grower of domestic shitake mushrooms trying to defeat a congressman who doesn’t want to raise important

duties on Japanese shitake, you can target the mushroom industry and domestic mushroom lovers with fungal precision. Alarmists worry about the effects of corporate and special interest money distorting the political process. And there is no question that in some cases there will be a riotous eruption of advertising, some of it vicious, misleading and worse. At the same time, groups like FactCheck.org and Politifact will grow in importance. I believe that consumers -- and voters are a species

of consumer -- have become increasingly smart about using the Internet as a tool for information-gathering. And they are increasingly wise about separating the nuance from the noise. I find it ironic that liberals -- who are the loudest worriers about the financial struggles of newspapers -- aren’t welcoming the unintended consequences of this Supreme Court decision. It will mean millions of fresh dollars for their tired print friends.

Special Hours on Valentine’s Day Sunday, February 14th 12:00-3:00

Fort Bend’s Custom Jeweler

14015 Southwest Freeway at Sugar Creek

281-242-2900 www.jloggins.com Watch & Jewelry Repair on Premises Jan Loggins

HOURS: TUES-FRI. 10-6 • SAT. 10-3 February 2010 • Fort Bend Business Journal

Political Spotlight on Local Candidates

Ron Reynolds advocates for high-quality education and affordable healthcare investing in the community he has made a positive impact on the business and economic base in Ft. Bend. Ron believes that “to whom much is given, Ron Reynolds much is required.” As State Representative, I will serve the residents and business owners in Ft. Bend County by advocating for high-quality education, affordable healthcare and economic empowerment in our community.” Ron has the distinction of being one of the youngest people appointed to serve as an Associate Municipal Judge for The City of Houston. He was also an adjunct professor at Texas Southern University. He currently serves as Vice President of the Ft. Bend Democrats, Fort Bend I.S.D.

FORT BEND COUNTY CLERK

Over 27 years of Distinguished Service as Fort Bend County Clerk www.diannewilsoncountyclerk.com

Fort Bend Business Journal • February 2010

Paid for by the Dianne Wilson Campaign 2010, Robert Wilson, 1803 Arbor View Dr., Sugar Land, TX 77479, 281-413-6393

on Reynolds, a candidate for Fort Bend County’s State Representative House District 27, is a long time resident of Ft. Bend County who grew up in Missouri City. He is a product of Ft. Bend County public schools. He went on to attend Texas Southern University and received a B.S. degree in Public Affairs, “magna cum laude”. Ron received a Doctor of Jurisprudence from Texas Tech Univ. School of Law. Ron spends the majority of his personal time serving the community by practicing law, serving as President of the Missouri City & Vicinity Branch NAACP, being the voice of the voiceless and advocating for people who have been maltreated. He is the managing partner in Brown, Brown & Reynolds law firm. Ron believes that by

Bond Advisory committee and Constable Ruben Davis Advisory Council. Ron is past President of the Houston Lawyers Association. Ron has received numerous achievement awards for his legal and civic engagement. Recently he was voted “Best Attorney in Houston” by H Texas magazine. Some other awards include: Houston Citizens Chamber of Commerce “Business Pinnacle Award”, MLK Drum Major for Justice Award, EEOC Civil Rights All-Star Award, American Red Cross Humanitarian, Missouri City Juneteenth Community Service Award and YMCA Minority Achievers Award. Above all his accomplishments, Ron is most proud and grateful for his wife, Dr. Jonita Reynolds and his daughter, Lacey Reynolds.

Dianne Wilson, County Clerk of Fort Bend County, is a candidate for re-election

he has received many state and national awards, including the Trail Blazer Award presented in 2003 by the Texas Association of Counties Leadership Foundation. This premier recognition is awarded annually to only one Texas elected county official (out of about 4,500), who consistently has been an outstanding governmental leader. “Trailblazers, like Dianne, generously share their knowledge and expertise with other Texas county governmental communities, and serve as mentors to many,” states Karen Norris, Director of Texas Association of Counties. She serves on numerous local and state boards, including chairman of the board of trustees for the past five years for Texana MHMR Center serving a six-county region. Texana Center serves 4000 clients, has a staff of 550, and a $39 million annual budget. Dianne and husband Bob have been married for 40 years and reside in Sugar Land. “During my 27 year tenure as county clerk there have been many challenges which I addressed with enthusiasm and diligence. I have not waivered or tired in bringing improvements to the citizens of Fort Bend County and to the great State of Texas. I certainly look forward to continuing my service,” added Wilson.

Political Spotlight on Local Candidates

February 2010 â&#x20AC;˘ Fort Bend Business Journal

Political Spotlight on Local Candidates

Schaefer runs to bring integrity and innovation to District Attorney’s office

graduate of Houston Baptist University and South Texas College of Law, Nina Schaefer has been practicing criminal, juvenile and family law in Richmond for more than 24 years. She is currently an Associate Municipal Judge in Sugar Land and has held office as Presiding Municipal Judge for the City of Stafford. She has presided over hundreds of jury trials. She is active in the Republican party and with the Central Fort Bend Chamber Alliance. Schaefer and her family have a passion for public service and she experienced the ultimate sacrifice a law enforcement officer’s wife can make when -her husband, Wade Schaefer, died in the line of duty while serving as Chief Deputy for Pct. 5, Harris County Constable’s Office. Wade had retired from HPD as a Lieutenant. She is now married to Bob Mayne, a retired State trooper and her daughter was in law enforcement before leaving to care for her children.

Vote

NINA

“There is a smarter and better way to handle the continually growing criminal docket in our county,” says Schaefer. Presently, there is a backlog of cases and as Fort Bend County continues to grow so will the cases,” expoundes Schaefer. “As the District Attorney I will work these cases in a smarter, more cost effective manner, all the time seeing that justice is done. I will also incorporate community crime prevention opportunities into the office so that, together, we can all make the county a safe place for our families. “Professionalism and respect must be taught by example and our District Attorney should be the embodiment of integrity,” advocates Schaefer. “The District Attorney sets the example for young lawyers and should always be above reproach. As the DA, I would institute a comprehensive training program for young lawyers and a new policy of integrity and openness, as well as respect for others.”

JUSTICE, NOT POLITICS! • Former Municipal Court Judge

SCHAEFER District Attorney

• Over 20 Years legal experience in criminal law

for Fort Bend County

Here is what some concerned Fort Bend County Citizens are saying... “...I regretfully conclude that Healey has lost his moral compass. He is no longer deserving to hold the office of District Attorney.” Dick Tate - Letter to the Editor • Fort Bend Star • Fort Bend Herald • April 18, 2009

“It’s about damage control, his judgment is deeply flawed...It’s a shame that Healey lost his way.” Fred Hartman - Fort Bend Herald • May 8, 2009

“As an attorney, Nina Schaefer can always be counted on to treat the law with the highest respect and concern. Many times, she has volunteered for those in need of legal services who can’t afford it. As a municipal judge, she has been dependable and fair. Nina Schaefer is well liked, organized, and trustworthy. She has a good heart. She would make an excellent District Attorney, a job which requires a leader to be fair, seek justice, and run a professional office. It’s time for a change!” Bev Carter - Fort Bend Star • August 24, 2009 Pol. Adv. paid for by Nina Schaefer for D.A. Campaign, Robert Mayne, Treasurer, 3915 Broad Thicket, Sugar Land, Texas 77478

Fort Bend Business Journal • February 2010

Political Spotlight on Local Candidates

Patterson seeks efficient and effective local government

ames Patterson will seek re-election for a fourth term as Fort Bend County Commissioner Precinct 4 in the March 2, 2010 Republican primary election. “Fort Bend County Commissioners’ Court has accomplished a great deal for the benefit of our citizens in the years I’ve served, but there is more to do for this rapidly growing county,” Patterson said. County government is responsible for many aspects of our lives including roads, bridges, drainage, parks and recreation, libraries, elections, health care, EMS, animal control, social services, and emergency management. “The county is fortunate that commissioners work very well with the municipalities to complete roadway, drainage, and other projects - quickly and with shared resources,” Patterson said. Currently on the county agenda are: State Highway 6 Access Management Project

This project provides raised medians and left-turn bays on SH 6 from FM 521 in Arcola to Voss Road in Sugar Land, improving safety conditions by separating opposing traffic and allowing space for turning vehicles. Scheduled to begin in January 2010, funding partners include Fort Bend County, Missouri City, Sugar Land, and TxDOT. Fort Bend County Flood Maps Fort Bend County, the Federal Emergency Management Agency and other partners have completed a multi-year project to update and modernize flood maps. The result is the Fort Bend County Digital Flood Insurance Rate Map Program available online at http:// fbcmap.co.fort-bend.tx.us/floodplainmap/ index.htm. Fort Bend County Public Transportation The Fort Bend County Public Transportation Department will start a new commuter service route to the Texas Medical Center and Veteran’s Hospital after the first of

Commissioner James Patterson

the year from park and ride locations. Call 281-6333-7433 for information about routes and tickets. Early voting is February 16-25 and voter information is available at http://www.co.fortbend.tx.us/. For campaign information please visit www.electpatterson.net. On county business, contact Commissioner Patterson at 281-980-2235.

When results matter and experience counts

Commissioner, Fort Bend County, Precinct 4 Republican Primary March 2, 2010 Early Voting February 16-26, 2010

Efficient and effective government Improved mobility and transportation Better public health, safety and quality of life

www.electpatterson.net

Pol. Adv. Paid for by James Patterson Campaign, Jim Condrey, D.D.S., Treasurer, 314 South Belknap, Sugar Land, TX 77478 February 2010 • Fort Bend Business Journal

Political Spotlight on Local Candidates

GOT NEWS?

Numerous awards salute Brady Elliott’s service to district court

udge Brady G. Elliott, Judge of the 268th District Court of Fort Bend County, has served for over 20 years as judge of this Court. In that time period Judge Elliott has been recognized by the State Bar of Texas with a Presidential Commendation for leadership in improving justice in Texas; designated a class facilitator for the National Judicial College and one of the few trial court judges in the State of Texas assigned to a court of appeals (the 14th court of Appeals) to hear appellate case. In recognition of Judge Elliott’s extensive judicial experience he was authored a section in the Capital Murder Bench Book for Judges. The 268th District Court is a general jurisdiction trial court handling felony criminal cases and civil cases of unlimited jurisdiction. This Court requires a judge with experience in many facets of the law. Judge Elliott prior to taking becoming judge

had many years of experience in the many areas of the law. He served as associate general counsel and general counsel of two of Houston’s larger public corporations prior to entering the private practice of law. My practice of law required that I try cases in State and Federal trial courts throughout the United States. Judge Elliott was able to use this extensive trial experience to implement docket control procedures and courtroom and chambers computerization resulting in the reduction of a backlog of over 3000 cases when he took the bench. Judge Elliott believes that each litigant before the Court have the opportunity to have his case reached in a timely manner and victims of crime have their cases reached at the earliest opportunity. Judge Elliott and his wife Rhea have been residents of Fort Bend County for over 36 years and have two sons and one grandson.

lica b u p e

lec Re-E

BRADY

ELLIOTT

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

4655 Techniplex Dr. Suite 300 Stafford, TX 77477

QUALIFIED EXPERIENCED INVOLVED

Judge 268th District Court

• Appointed by Governor Bill Clements to the 268th District Court • Judge for Over 20 years with a Doctorate in law, Attorney 34 years • Graduate Texas College of Judicial Studies • Licensed to practice before U.S. & Texas Supreme Court, 10 U.S. Appeals Courts, U.S. Southern District Courts, and U.S. Tax Court • Charter member past Director & Treasurer, Oyster Creek Rotary Club; member, Sugar Land Rotary Club; past Vice President & Director, Fort Bend Alliance for Drug Prevention • Member, Juvenile Board and Chairman of Purchasing Board • Past Legal Counsel for the Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce • Veteran, United States Air Force • Past Director, Fort Bend Boys Choir • Past Chairman, Fort Bend County Community Justice Council • Past Administrative Judge, Board of District Judges

Judge Brady G. Elliott

“In compliance with the voluntary limits of the Judicial Campaign Fairness Act” Pd. for by the Brady Elliott Campaign, Rhea Elliott, Treas 2315 Fall Meadow Dr., Missouri City, TX 77459

Fort Bend Business Journal • February 2010

McCaul Predicts 2010 Will Be Big Year For Republicans By Wayne Chandler

Officials at the meeting from left, Woody Mann, chairman of the Katy Area EDC, Jeff Wiley, Greater Fort Bend EDC chairman, and Stan Stanley, former KAEDC chairman.

aty’s U.S. Representative Michael McCaul (R-TX), (before the recent Massachusetts Senate vote), told the Katy Area Economic Development members that he was confident that there’ll be lots of changes in the U.S. Congress after the November election. “I know that 2010 will b a good year up there,” McCaul said, referring to Congress. “We have been shut out of the process,” the Republican congressman said. “It’s all been behind closed doors,” he added, citing proposed legislation on health care, the “cap and trade” energy bill, and anti-terrorism. “There has been an abuse of power... they (Democrat leaders) have been drunk with power... and their time is short lived...” he said. The congressman said he and fellow representatives are well aware of the groundswell of opposition “all over this country.” McCaul said that this community uproar was impressed upon him last Fall when he came home to his own town hall meeting and found 2,000 Katy area residents had filled his meeting hall. “Normally, I would have had just a handful of people at these meetings,” he grinned. McCaul spoke to a rapt audience of Katy

Congressman Michael McCaul

Area EDC members and guests last January 12, the monthly General Membership Assembly. He fielded a dozen or so questions from members after his 30-minute review of 2009 Congressional activity. McCaul, who has specialized in operating on an intelligence subcommittee , was critical of the current administration’s handling of terrorists suspects who have been held at Guantanamo, Fort Hood and the Christmas Day flight to Detroit. “We can’t let these (terrorist) acts be swept under the rug,” he said. McCaul started his report noting that he knew that creating jobs was very important. “There never has been a more serious time in this nation,” McCaul said regarding employment. He is helping lead a protest against the U.S. Army’s decision to award a 3 billion dollar truck contract to an Oshkosh, Wisconsin firm, over a bid by BAE, a Sealy, Texas

firm. BAE, formerly Stewart and Stevenson, has protested and the U.S. Government Accounting Office (GAO) found flaws in the contract bidding procedure, and the Army has been directed to respond within the next month. “This contract will affect 3,500 to 10,000 jobs in this area, McCaul said. McCaul said that most of the jobs which this administration has created have been to governmental agencies. He noted that most pending legislation, including the “cap and trade” bill would “place enormous taxes on everything related to energy.” McCaul ‘s District 10 area, from Katy to Austin, includes about a million people. He lauded the support which he has received from Fort Bend and Katy EDCs and Chambers of Commerce. McCaul is in his third term as congressman for this district. “I come home every week,” McCaul said. “I want to stay in touch.”

February 2010 • Fort Bend Business Journal

Crimes Against Missouri City Citizens Declined in 2009

nitiating strategic programs and building community partnerships, Missouri City’s nationally-recognized Police Department has curtailed crime over the past year to keep the “Show Me City” one of the safest places in the nation. The Department’s public safety initiatives were so effective that six of the eight worst felonies, classified as Part 1 crimes, dropped double digits. From 2008 to 2009, murders fell by half—from 4 to 2, rapes fell 26 percent—from 23 to 17, robbery was down 10 percent—from 101 to 90, aggravated assaults were down from 87 to 64, vehicle thefts dropped from 100 to 66 and arsons from 17 to 11. However, due to the sluggish economy, Part 1 crimes increased overall by 3 percent because of an increase in two felonies—burglary and theft. Burglaries jumped 17 percent from 334 to 391 and thefts increased by 9 percent from 891 to 972. “In times of economic downturn, historically crimes against property go up,” explained Capt. John Bailey, whose Support Services Division tracks crime figures for the Missouri City Police Department. More importantly, Bailey noted that though crimes against property have risen, crimes against citizens have dropped. The surge in major offenses, combined with all other unlawful acts committed in the City, slightly pushed overall crime up 2.39 percent over the last year, from 4,479 offenses in 2008 to 4,586 in 2009. The figures, which will be reported to the Texas Department of Public Safety later this year, are reflective of how cities nationwide are struggling from the economic crisis. “Overall, major violent crime in the City is down and our officers are doing a superb job protecting the citizens,” Chief Joel Fitzgerald said. “Our officers have a real love for and commitment to the community and they do a great job of making sure residents feel safe and are serviced quickly.” Other vital crime data collected over the last year includes these facts: the crime rate per 1,000 residents increased incrementally over the last year, going from 23.25 per 1,000 people in 2008, to 23.72 per 1,000 people in 2009. And though there have been high- and low-crime periods over the past five years, overall crime has decreased

5.23 percent from 2005 to 2009. It is important to note that Missouri City is unique in its transparent reporting of crime figures. Using Incident Based Reporting (IBR), police officials record all crimes related to an incident. For example, if mailboxes on an entire neighborhood block were to be vandalized, Missouri City would report each as a separate crime under IBR standards. The method is quite different from other Fort Bend County agencies that only use Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) method that counts these offenses as one incident. The IBR method provides an accurate composite of crime that occurs within a jurisdiction; IBR accounts for why Missouri City is able to provide greater statistical insight into all criminal

Photo courtesy by Missouri City

Missouri City Police Chief Joel Fitzgerald reviews 2009 crime statistics.

offenses. Other regional police departments that use IBR are Pearland, Katy, Deer Park, Tomball and Galveston. Fitzgerald said the department is quick to respond to residents’ calls for assistance, helping to maintain the City’s strong stance against crime. Departmental figures for 2009 show that officers responded to Part 1 Crimes in less than 4 minutes. That time frame grew marginally by 3 seconds from the previous year, given the ever-increasing volume of traffic police officers must navigate when driving to call locations. The department’s proactive policing programs have strengthened the force internally and externally, building on the strong bond between the people and their police. For instance, 1,000 fewer calls for service came into the department last year, and a major factor in the drop is a new Homeowner’s

Fort Bend Business Journal • February 2010

Association program that “allows residents to have personal interaction with police at the community level,” Fitzgerald said. “We assigned supervisors to the HOAs around the City, which built in consistency and accountability,” he explained, adding “that decision allowed us to mitigate some of the calls we get because the officers directly answer residents and establish their own strategies to address problems in their areas. Their effectiveness is evident; they educate citizens and involve other City departments so they don’t have to call 911.” Another strategic departmental achievement last year was officers’ coordinated response to an increase in the thefts from motor vehicles and motor-vehicle parts from June to December. Fitzgerald said his staff analysts identified an emerging trend in this category and organized a series of stings to combat the crimes, cutting the incidence of crime from a high of 60 in October to 19 in December, normally a high-crime month. Additional bike patrols have also been dispatched in neighborhoods, shopping centers and commercial areas to deter crime and Fitzgerald said he envisions having more of these patrols on a steady day- and evening shift, to further “foster a spirit of unity between all stakeholders.” Other innovative measures the department has recently employed include the use of new software to identify patterns to predict crimes; increased communication to the officers in the form of specific intelligence about the areas they patrol; intensified efforts to distribute photos of suspects; and continuing participation in meetings with police chiefs from neighboring communities to exchange ideas and discuss crime trends. Chief Fitzgerald will provide more information about these measures and discuss the 2009 crime figures in a City Council presentation on Tuesday, Jan. 19. Meanwhile, Missouri City’s finest are moving forward with some bold ideas this year. Fitzgerald says the department is “working to put a “Missouri City’s Most Wanted” online and is already in the process of launching a crime tip line. Also, we’ve even been working in elementary schools to deliver the Anti-Gun/Drug/Violence message early to youngsters.”

Fort Bend Business & Personal Taxes

Roth IRA Conversion for 2010 Protects Your Retirement Savings By Dori Wind

“W

hile it is said that two things in life are certain, death and taxes, 2010 offers an incredible opportunity for the money you have in traditional IRA accounts to avoid taxes both before and after your death,” explained Robert Rolnick, local attorney and CPA. He continued, “Beginning on January 1, 2010 anyone, regardless of income, can convert a traditional IRA to a Roth IRA.” By converting a traditional IRA to a Roth IRA, these accounts may be left tax free* to your heirs at death and you and your heirs may avoid taxes on the money earned in your Roth IRA accounts in the future. The basic concept of the traditional IRA was that you could save for retirement while you were working, let the money grow tax free and then withdraw the initial contributions plus the earnings once you became age 591⁄2. At age 701⁄2 you were (and still are) required to begin to withdraw the money in your IRA account according to a percentage formula. A drawback to this savings plan was that any withdrawals are taxed. Brief History of IRA and Roth IRA In 1974, the Employment Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) created the first Individual Retirement Account which allowed tax deductible contributions of $1,500.00 per year. The major limitation of the first IRA was that you could not contribute to an IRA if you were covered by a retirement plan through your employment. The Revenue Act of 1978 established the Simplified Employee Pension Plan (the SEP-IRA) for small business owners. The popular 401(k) plan was also enacted in 1978 and much of the funds now in traditional IRA plans are the result of individuals who rolled their 401(k) accounts into individual IRAs after leaving their employer. In 1981, the Economic Recovery Tax Act allowed all employees to contribute to an IRA even if you were covered by a retirement plan. The Tax

Reform Act of 1986 eliminated the deductibility of contributions for higher income individuals. Roth IRAs were created in 1997 by the Taxpayer Relief Act. These plans allowed for taxed contributions to be put into an account which could later be redeemed tax free, and also allowed for early withdrawals under certain circumstances. The major benefits of the Roth IRA were (and still are) that the money in the account can grow tax free; no requirement to withdraw at age 701⁄2; if you own a Roth IRA at your death, the beneficiary can withdraw the money in the Roth IRA account tax free, or never withdraw funds at all. The major limitation on the Roth IRA was (and still is) that higher income individuals could not take advantage of these accounts. The maximum annual amounts that could be contributed into traditional IRAs and Roth IRAs have increased over the years. Prior to 2010, conversion of a traditional IRA into a Roth IRA was allowed but was subject to an income limitation. Higher income individuals could not convert their traditional IRA into a Roth IRA. As stated in the first part of this article, that income limitation has now been removed and anyone can convert a traditional IRA to a Roth IRA.

growth in the account when withdrawn. With a Roth IRA, income taxes are paid on the initial contribution, but growth in the account is not subject to income taxes. Second, withdrawals from a traditional IRA are taxed at the income tax rates in effect during the withdrawal year. Tax rates will probably rise in the future. Assuming a conversion is made in 2010, you would pay taxes on the amount converted at 2010 tax rates. A third benefit is that for 2010, a one-time provision allows investors who convert a traditional IRA to a Roth IRA in 2010 to spread the tax liability over tax years 2011 and 2012. Once your traditional IRA is converted to a Roth IRA, distributions from the Roth IRA after age 591⁄2 and five years after the conversion are income tax free and completely voluntary. Therefore, if you can afford to pay the conversion taxes using assets outside the IRA and you won’t need to withdraw money from the converted Roth IRA until age 591⁄2, and five years will have elapsed from the conversion, this provision will be advantageous for you. “Remember,” Rolnick cautioned, “you should always discuss your individual situation with you tax advisor before making any decisions.”

Benefits of Conversion Benefits of conversion can be enormous. First, with a traditional IRA, you pay income taxes on the initial contribution and any

* Roth IRA accounts (and traditional IRA accounts as well) could be subject to estate taxes, depending on other assets you own at death and future estate tax laws to be enacted by congress.

February 2010 • Fort Bend Business Journal

Fort Bend Business & Personal Taxes

Mark Hamlin, PC Employs Specialists Established several years ago, Mark J. Hamlin, PC, began operations in your area with a small group of founding members, and it now employs many accounting professionals in its location. Our firm is a member of several prestigious organizations, and in addition to its staff of Certified Public Accountants, it also employs a variety of specialists such as licensed actuaries, computer consultants, estate attorneys, and certified financial planners. With this depth of expertise, our firm can offer all its clients the widest possible range of services of any accounting firm in the area. Mark J. Hamlin, PC is a full service accounting and consulting firm. We cater to a wide variety of clients ranging from individuals to medium-sized corporations. Our staff accountants and partners specialize in retirement planning, business consulting, investments, estates and trusts, and personal financial planning. In addition to our specialty areas, we also provide tax and accounting services, including tax planning and tax return preparation, auditing, and bookkeeping.

Back row, from left: Sindy Pfaab, Tina James and Sissie Kipp. Front row, from left: Jena Bippert, Mark Hamlin and Peggy Piletere.

But what makes Mark J. Hamlin, PC stand out from the rest is not only our professional expertise, but our overt friendliness and caring attitude towards our clients. We work with clients on a one-on-one basis, creating a warm atmosphere the puts them at ease even during their highest times of stress. And we pledge to create an environment that will cause each of our clients to view us as a trusted business advisor. But don’t mistake our warmth for lack of knowledge, as we can offer you expert advice

in nearly every field of finance, accounting, and tax planning. Mark Hamlin, CPA, CVA, STC - Mark has over 35 years experience in all areas of tax, including federal income tax, state taxation, estate and gift taxation, representing clients in tax compliance, and with tax authorities. His experience also includes tax, audit (Financial and Tax), and internal audit. Peggy Piltere, CPA - Peggy has over 25 years of experience in taxation, finance, oil and gas, royalties, working interests, operating, administration, estates and trusts, representation with the IRS, and state tax. Jenna Bippert, CPA - Jenna has over 20 years of experience in taxation, financial reporting, retail, transportation, professionals, doctors, lawyers and dentists. Sissie Kipp, Senior Tax Accountant Sissie has over 20 years experience in retail, doctors, lawyers, dentists, architects, all phases of tax preparation, and financial statement preparation. Tina James, Executive Assistant

Reliable. Resourceful. Respected. Our Services: • Tax Services • Individual Taxes • Corporate Taxes • Estate, Gift And Trust Tax Return Preparation • Sales Tax Services • IRS And State / Local Representation • Accounting And Auditing

Mark J. Hamlin, PC

10701 Corporate Dr., Suite 292 • Stafford, TX 77477

281.240.0009 • www.markhamlincpa.com 30

Fort Bend Business Journal • February 2010

Fort Bend Business & Personal Taxes

At KenWood & Associates, It’s Proactive Rather Than Reactive!

f all you expect from your tax accountant is filling out your tax form accurately and getting it in the mail on time, you are missing out on a whole lot. KenWood & Associates takes a different approach: They are proactive rather than just reactive in accounting and tax matters for their clients. “We make it our business to know our client’s business as well as their personal finances and goals,” says Kenneth J. Wood, President of the full service firm. “There are no two companies exactly alike so the way their taxes are figured are not the same,” he explained.

“By knowing what sets this company apart from the next company allows us to do a better job. The product is tailored to the company rather than using a ‘one size fits all.’ approach,” he added. To do this, the KenWood approach is to make certain their collective knowledge, expertise, and personal service provide cost effective solutions rather than “just a solution.” The KenWood client knows that along with the tax return they can expect solid business advice. “For example, we had a new client who had a history of taking distributions rather than salaries from their business. As a result, their business was

subject to IRS scrutiny and limited to the amount they could fund for retirement. By adopting a pro-active planning approach, reasonable salaries were paid, retirement plans adopted, and the amount due for taxes was significantly reduced,” he related. “Our goal is to be proactive with our clients,” he said. “Call us today and find out what our approach can do for you and your company!” The KenWood offices are in Suite 300, in the Comerica Building, One Sugar Creek Center Blvd. at U.S. 59 and Sugar Creek Blvd.

February 2010 • Fort Bend Business Journal

Y O U

A N D

Y O U R

T A X E S

Tax Smart by Alan Sanderson / Sanderson Knox & Belt

2010 IRA Rule Changes Spread Taxes for the Savvy Tax Planner Tax Filing Season is no time to forget tax about forward thinking planning, even though many of us are focusing on filing our 2009 returns. Here is a good example: Gerald is a 63-year-old physician who, for many years, channeled money into a traditional 401(k), which he recently rolled over into a traditional IRA when he left his hospital position to start his own practice. The tax-deferred contributions seemed like a good idea at the time, but he has no intention of retiring within the next decade. Thus, he’s bothered by the account’s required minimum distributions (RMDs), which he’ll have to start taking after he turns age 701⁄2. When he visits with his financial advisor, he mentions some great IRA news and investigates the possibilities. His tax advisor had explained that Gerald

may be a good candidate for a Roth IRA. Of course, under 2009 rules, his modified adjusted gross income (MAGI), which is over $100,000, disqualifies him from converting his traditional IRA to a Roth. But, beginning in 2010, that MAGI limit is no more and virtually anyone can convert. Why convert? Among the chief reasons Gerald should consider converting is to avoid the RMDs that would force him to begin depleting his retirement funds before he’s ready to retire. Leaving these funds in a Roth IRA will give them more time to grow — incometax free. Another good reason to convert is, oddly enough, precisely the opposite — withdrawals from a Roth IRA can be more attractive than withdrawals from a traditional IRA. Unlike

traditional IRA contributions, Roth contributions (along with any funds put in the account via a conversion) can be withdrawn at will with no taxes or early-withdrawal penalties. In addition, withdrawals of Roth IRA earnings will be tax- and penalty-free as long as the account owner is at least 591⁄2 years old and has owned the account for five years. (Early withdrawals of Roth IRA earnings may be subject to taxes and penalties, though some exceptions apply.) Is there a cost? Definitely there is a tax cost for converting a traditional IRA to a Roth. Namely, Gerald will be taxed on the amount he converts from the traditional IRA because he’s basically moving assets from an account

ALAN SANDERSEN... continued on page 79

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

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

Alan Sandersen 32

• Taxation • Tax Controversies • Litigation Support • Audits of Commercial and Governmental entities • Construction Companies

Fort Bend Business Journal • February 2010

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

281.242-3232 www.sktx.com

85% of Sales Success is Driven by Attitude Linda Starr, Houston’s most sought-after business coach, can ensure that your team has the right attitude to generate sales for your business. Having assisted hundreds of professionals and entrepreneurs signiﬁcantly increase their revenues, Linda brings a unique understanding of market challenges. Her coaching offers real life skills and tools that enhance performance and bring results. In today’s business climate, you can’t afford to turn the page before calling...

Linda Starr Certiﬁed Business Coach Starr/CTC

713-622-8900

...to schedule a no-obligation conversation about your business.

Subscribe ONLY

TODAY

And receive the Business Journal in your mailbox for

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

Fort Bend/Katy

for 12 issues (1 year)

or charge my card $25 # _____________________ exp: _________ Name:____________________________________________________ Business:_________________________________________________ Address: _________________________________________________ City: _____________________________________________________ State: _______________________________________Zip: _________ E-mail: _________________________________________ cut here

February 2010 • Fort Bend Business Journal

FORT BEND

Photos provided by Larry Pullen

Fort Bend Chamber Chairman’s Ball “O What A Night” Saturday, January 16, 2010

Betty Lane and Brenda Pullen

Jessica Meyer and Pat Hogue

Dr. John Novak and Candy Novak

Toni Nelson

Dana Atkinson, Jackie Atkinson, Susan Neider and Sheldon Neider

Dee Koch and John Jull

Pam Robinson and Paul Robinson

Jaime Virkus and Carolyn Williams

Lane Pearson & John Langston

Kolbe Curtice and Harish Jajoo and Bridget Yeung.

Bruce Mercer

Kolbe Curtice & Harish Jajoo

Back (l-r) Michael and Lisa Fredrickson, Jessica & Jim Kij, Steve Fuqua and Joe Giesler. Front (l-r) Sharon Wallingford, Bev Carter, Lisa Giesler and Connie Fuqua.

Stacy Borgfeldt, Donna Hine, Louis Garvin and LeeAnn Stubenrouch

Barbara Brescian, John Brescian and Ann Smith.

Bud Childers, Pam Beach, Pam Beach and Frank Gracely

Dan & Gail Waldenmaier with Jo Howard and U.S. Rep. Charlie Howard

Brenda Bowman and David Bowman

BIG SHOTS

Getting paid money for a day at the gym sounds too good to be true, but for the Lopez family it’s a reality

Fort Bend Business Journal • February 2010

By Barbara Magana Robertson

ean, Steven, Mark and Diana Lopez are known as the first family of Taekwondo. In 2008, the siblings made history as all four represented the USA at the Beijing Olympics. Brother Jean served as coach to his younger siblings Steven, Mark and Diana. All three brought home medals. Their history making performance has paved the way to making the family an icon in the sport of Taekwondo. The siblings have taken their achievements and built a thriving industry. They have opened their own gym in Sugar Land and are currently preparing to open a second gym in the Houston Galleria area. Top athletes of Taekwondo come to train under the genius instruction of Jean Lopez. “Jean is to Taekwondo, what Phil Jackson is to Basketball... he is the master” says brother and athlete Steven Lopez. Jean’s students come from all over the nation and the world to train under his mastery. Jean is in his tenth year as a Coach with the USA’s Taekwondo’s Olympic team. His ability to train World Champions has made him the maharishi of the sport. Jean and his family chose to keep their business in the community where they grew up. Because of the Lopez family, Sugar Land has become known as the capitol of Taekwondo. Now with their family opening a new location in Houston, the international appeal is even greater. All the siblings personally train and are instructors at the Lopez Taekwondo Academy. The idea of having an Olympian as an instructor is appealing for both adults and children. “It is an incredible feeling to be training at our very own gym and to share the experience with my siblings” says Jean Lopez. Their gym is the only facility in Houston where you are able to be instructed by an Olympian. Furthermore, each sibling participates in seminars on Taekwondo and training regimes throughout the World.

They crisscross the Continents and travel through the Countries as guest of a variety of different groups and organizations. These seminars and demonstrations have been very lucrative for the family. Most important, these events allow the family to promote the sport of Taekwondo. The ability for the Lopez family to be the best in Taekwondo allows them to continue to reap the rewards. Steven, under the instruction of older brother Jean has won five consecutive World Championship titles and is currently ranked number one in the World. Mark is quick to say “If Jean is the Phil Jackson of Taekwondo then Steven is the Michael Jordon of our sport”. He is the most decorated athlete in the sport which includes two Olympic Gold medals and one Olympic Bronze medal. Mark is also currently ranked number one in the World

Through book signings, television interviews and social media platforms the family has had a good response to their book. Recently the siblings held a book signing and demonstration of Taekwondo at a local book store. Fans of all ages came out to meet these hometown heroes. The siblings’ ability to adapt and connect with their supporters continues to make them fan favorites. Companies recognize the siblings marketing potential. Entire advertising campaigns have been built around the Lopezes. AT&T has featured the siblings in a multi platform media push that includes both English and Spanish language TV ads. In addition, AT&T’s campaign includes radio, online, digital and direct mail. CocaCola features Steven Lopez as one of their “Ambassadors of Active Living” to help encourage and inspire people to lead active

“It is an incredible feeling to be training at our very own gym and to share the experience with my siblings,” says Jean Lopez. in his division and is the reigning Olympic Silver medalist. Diana is ranked in the top ten and is the reigning Olympic Bronze medalist. Their dominance in the sport of Taekwondo has opened many doors and continues to allow them financial stability and opportunity. One of those opportunities was to write a book. Together the siblings collaborated and penned “Family Power: The true story of How “The First Family of Taekwondo” Made Olympic History. The book is the story of all their journeys as a family born to immigrant parents. . “It is our story, our family’s story and I am just so proud that once again we could share it” says Diana. The siblings were able to achieve the American dream through endless hours of training, competitions and sacrifices. The book was released in November and is already in second print.

and balanced lives. As part of the campaign, Steven is one of six athletes that were featured on the cans of a six-pack of Coca-Cola. The branding options for the family vary from their pure athletic abilities and striking good looks to their Hispanic origins. Visa, Hilton Hotels and several others have sponsored and supported the siblings as they continue to expand their marketing potential. Even the City of Houston has reached out to the Lopez siblings as part of their “My Houston” campaign. In this campaign the siblings are sharing their adoration for Houston. The Lopezes join Beyounce, ZZ Top, Carl Lewis, Yao Ming and several other who share their praises and accolades of the international city. Mark loves the food and fine dining of Houston, while Diana is a huge fan of shopping. Their spots will be featured both nationally and internationally.

No matter what the public relations campaign may be, it is the sport of Taekwondo where the siblings get most of their recognition. Tournaments are a giant source of revenue for the siblings. In one aspect, the siblings participate and compete in tournaments for prize monies. Purse earnings can be from five thousand to twenty thousand dollars. In addition, the Lopezes serve as hosts of Taekwondo tournaments throughout the year which is a growing entity of their business. In 2010, the Lopezes will also host camps at their gyms. “My goal is to have a camp every quarter” says Jean. Each camp will have different levels of Taekwondo skills and age groups. Each of the siblings is kept busy with public appearances and speaking engagements. They have spoken in front audiences of Fortune 500 companies to local elementary school children. They are committed to being motivators of the sport and role models on and off the Taekwondo mat. The siblings are all entrepreneurs with a passion for the sport of Taekwondo. Their entire lives have been committed to family and being champions. Now the siblings have set their sights on the 2012 London Olympics. “God willing, my brothers and I will represent the USA and bring home three Olympic Gold Medals” say Diana. The training, workouts and conditioning will increase as the Olympic trials approach. For now, tournaments and competitions will keep the siblings vying to be ranked number one in the world in their respective divisions. The immediate outlook for the Lopez family is busy and business as usual. Their Sugar Land gym is the epicenter for elite Taekwondo athletes. Their new Galleria area gym opened January 28. Their book promotional tour continues to allow the siblings to meet their many supporters. For Jean, Steven, Mark and Diana they have set their minds to making history at the 2012 London Olympic Games by bringing home three Gold medals. It is definitely a Bull Market to be a Lopez sibling. For additional information on the Lopez family and their Taekwondo gym go to www.lopeztaekwondo.net. The Sugar Land area gym is located at 9907 S. Highway Six (near Old Richmond Rd) suite 350 in Sugar Land. The address for the Galleria area gym is 7615 S. Voss (near San Felipe) in Houston.

February 2010 • Fort Bend Business Journal

NAMES IN THE Kelsey-Seybold Designates Dr. Spencer Berthelsen as Fellow Kelsey-Seybold Clinic has designated Board Chairman Spencer R. Berthelsen, M.D., as Fellow in recognition of his commitment to quality patient care, his medical leadership and significant, enduring contributions to the advancement of clinical excellence for Kelsey-Seybold Clinic. The award was presented at the Clinic’s 60th Anniversary celebration, which was attended by Kelsey-Seybold Clinic founder Mavis P. Kelsey, M.D. “During Dr. Berthelsen’s years of service to Kelsey-Seybold Clinic, he has demonstrated absolute dedication to Kelsey-Seybold’s development as a preeminent medical organization, recognized for delivering high quality, cost-effective medical care, and has shaped Kelsey-Seybold into one of the nation’s leading accountable care organizations,” said Dr. Susan Brown, vice chairman of the KelseySeybold Board of Managers. Dr. Berthelsen has served in many leadership capacities while at Kelsey-Seybold Clinic, including chairman of the Department of Internal Medicine, medical director for Primary Care, and medical director for Managed Care. Dr. Berthelsen is a fellow of the American College of Physicians and the American College of Physician Executives.

Previous Kelsey-Seybold Clinic Fellow honorees include Dr. James Kemper, Dr. Stanton Fischer, Dr. James Smith, Dr. Don Owens, Dr. Earl Beard, Dr. Carlos Taboada, Dr. James Boland, Dr. David Mouton, Breaux Castleman, Vicki Buxton, Dr. James Hoyle, Enoch Freeman and Dr. Michael Newmark.

He also holds academic positions at Baylor College of Medicine and The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston as a clinical professor of Medicine. He has been recognized for excellence by leading medical organizations, including the Texas Society of Internal Medicine, Texas Medical Association and the Harris County Medical Society. In 2008, he was the recipient of the Texas Academy of Internal Medicine’s prestigious Laureate Award. Dr. Berthelsen holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Biology from Rice University and

Rep. Pete Olson newest member of House GOP Whip Team The House Republican Whip Team for the 111th Congress. Republican Whip Eric Cantor (R-VA) appointed Olson to serve as Assistant Whip this week. Republican Whip Eric Rep. Pete Olson Cantor said, “I am pleased to appoint Congressman Pete Olson to the position of Assistant Whip on the House Republican Whip Team. In just his first year in Congress, Pete has demonstrated himself to be a valuable voice in our Conference. The Whip Team plays an important role in directing the Republican Conference and as we begin the second session of the 111th Congress, I plan to draw extensively on Pete’s

bright new leadership.” “It is an honor to be part of a team that is working to empower Americans with a strong economy based on common sense reforms that ensure a limited, yet effective, government,” said Olson. “Under the leadership of John Boehner and Eric Cantor, Republicans are bringing the principals of limited government and fiscal discipline back to Washington. I look forward to being a part of this effort.” The House Republican Whip Team, led by Congressman Cantor manages the party’s legislative program on the House floor. The team works to achieve a unified Republican caucus that advocates for fiscal discipline and limited government on behalf of the American people.

Fort Bend Business Journal • February 2010

a medical degree from Southwestern Medical School in Dallas. Shortly after completing his residency in Internal Medicine at The University of California at San Diego, he began practicing at Kelsey-Seybold Clinic. Previous Kelsey-Seybold Clinic Fellow honorees include Dr. James Kemper, Dr. Stanton Fischer, Dr. James Smith, Dr. Don Owens, Dr. Earl Beard, Dr. Carlos Taboada, Dr. James Boland, Dr. David Mouton, Breaux Castleman, Vicki Buxton, Dr. James Hoyle, Enoch Freeman and Dr. Michael Newmark.

Fort Bend County Budget Administrator earns Professional Investment Designation Pamela Gubbels, Director of Finance and Investments for Fort Bend County, has earned the designation of certified County Investment Officer (CIO) from the Texas Association Pamela Gubbels of Counties (TAC). The CIO award is a professional credential presented to an elite group of county employees who engage in approximately 40 hours of formal classroom instruction, successfully complete a comprehensive examination and continue to advance their professional competency through on-going education. The curriculum incorporates classroom lecture and self study. The overall objective of the program is to safeguard public funds through the introduction of modern operational techniques that provide the county with appropriate yield from taxpayer dollars. TAC began its formal investment officer training program in 1992. To date, 65% of Texas Counties have certified Investment Officers who are primarily responsible for handling the investment of their county’s tax dollars. With this certification, Gubbels joins this distinguished group of Texas county officials.

Submit Newsworthy items to fbbj@fortbendstar.com

UPCOMING CHAMBER EVENT Governor Rick Perry Sponsorship Opportunities: event presenters $4,000 (12) top billing - priority seating event underwriters $2000 (10) priority seating event sponsor $1000 (10) priority seating corporate table (10) reservation $500 individual member reservation $40 individual non-member reservation $50

Thursday, February 18, 2010 Sugar Land Marriott Town Square 16090 City Walk - Sugar Land 11:30 - 1:00

Fort Bendâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Economic Forecast Challenges and Opportunities in 2010

Tuesday, February 16, 2010 Sweetwater Country Club 4400 Palm Royale Blvd Sugar Land 11:30 - 1:30

Dr. Barton Smith Institute for Regional Forecasting University of Houston

Mike Inselmann President Metrostudy

WWW.FORTBENDCHAMBER.COM February 2010 â&#x20AC;˘ Fort Bend Business Journal

Thank You To Our Renewing Members 1 Year Grimaldi’s Pizzeria Barry Fisher, 281-265-2280

First Colony Aquatic & Rehabilitation Center Sean M. Hayes, 281-325-0188

The Preserve at Colony Lakes Creekstone Management Adrienne Johnson, 281-499-4007

Harmony School of Science Huseyin Sari, 281-265-2525

Fruhstucks - Sienna Plantation Peter Quinones, 281-778-3343

7 Years Fugro Consultants, Inc. Donald Anderson, 713-369-5406

RC Hobby Shop Matt Keller, 281-265-4844

Gillen Pest Control Gary L. Gillen, 281-342-6969

2 Years Fort Bend Employee Federation - Local 6198 Anthony Lacsamana, 281-240-1865

HMG Park Manor of Quail Valley Carol Lowe, 281-499-9333

Great Wraps Cafe Priya Sinha, 281-701-1316

Industrial Audio/Video, Inc. David Lopez, 713-524-1956 LoweryBank Gem Childress, 281-263-1100

Oximtech, Inc. John Oommen, 832-573-8800 Prime Communications, LP Naushad Kermally, 281-240-7800 The Berry Company Tim Moloney, 636-939-1547

Perry’s Steakhouse & Grille Heather Alexander, 281-565-2727 Prudential Gary Greene, Realtors Lane Pearson, 713-857-4416 The Reserve at River Park West Carol Bridges, 281-232-3680

Home Helpers Fort Bend Ronald Norsworthy, 281-207-5359 P.F. Chang’s China Bistro Jimi D. Cagle, 281-313-8650 Prestige Car Wash Buddy Gray, 281-261-3100 Prudential Gary Greene, Realtors Nikki Owen, 713-465-6644 Terracon Todd Swoboda, 713-690-8989 8 Years John Knox Consulting Service John Knox, 281-334-5388

3 Years Complete Business Solutions Jennie Marshall, 888-445-8609

Upscale Properties Kevin Riles, 281-313-9300

Manpower, Inc. David Whaley, 281-491-3040

Yokogawa Corporation of America Frances Young, 281-340-4246

4 Years Fort Bend Family Promise Lyn Storm, 281-403-3923

6 Years Anson Aviation Dana Atkinson, 281-242-2555

Lone Star Pet Lodges of Missouri City Walter Darr, 281-778-5574

Bob Hebert, Fort Bend County Judge Robert E. Hebert, 281-341-8608

Inter-Active Health Care, Inc. Wilma Narvacan, 281-892-2000 X205

International Bank of Commerce Rosemary Jones, 713-285-2203

Wal-Mart Desiree Melchor, 281-403-5000

Jos. A. Bank Clothiers-Town Square Catalino ‘Cat’ Soto, 281-980-1601

10 Years City of Rosenberg Jeff Braun, 832-595-3310

Thomas E. Swonke, DDS, PC Thomas E. Swonke, 281-565-0808 UNETEK Inc. Joel Brown, 281-395-6300 5 Years Express Employment Professionals Joseph Wade, 281-491-0602

Magpies on Sweetwater Patti Michalek, 281-277-9777 Property Acquisition Services, Inc. Paul Heidaker, 281-343-7171

Star Furniture Company Bill Barnum, 281-342-7827 Summus Industries, Inc. Rodney Craig, 281-340-2033 9 Years H-E-B Food & Drugs Clarissa Herbert, 281-403-2172

RE/MAX Southwest Realtors Bill Moore, 281-980-6000 Sugar Lakes Family Practice John Pozzi, 281-565-2800

www.FortBendChamber.com 40

Fort Bend Business Journal • February 2010

10 Years VR Trading Company Ashok K. Bhagat, 281-303-5475 11 Years Karl’s at the Riverbend Susie Camenzind, 281-238-9300 Mischer Investments MarkKilkenny, 713-802-7900 RG Miller Engineers, Inc. Stephen G. Keller, 713-461-9600 12 Years First Colony Church of Christ Nancy Burnett, 281-980-7070 13 Years State of Texas, District 27 Dora Olivo, 281-208-8806 14 Years Fort Bend County Dispute Resolution Center Shelly Hudson, 281-342-5000 Fort Bend ISD, Community Part nerships Mel Morgan, 281-634-1108

15 Years Harris Construction Company, LTD Susan Harris Hohnbaum, 713-690-0791

21 Years Fox & Associates, LLP Attorneys at Law John L. Fox, 713-871-2076

RE/MAX Southwest Realtors Bette Lemon, 281-491-1776

Visible Applause Tom Ferguson, 281-980-3304

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

22 Years Houston Landscapes Unlimited Dean N. Carpenter, 281-568-7500 x16

Fastsigns Dave Tait, 281-491-7446 18 Years Earthman’s Funeral Directors Southwest Francis X. Gerosa, Jr., 281-240-3300 19 Years Houston Assoc. of REALTORS Fort Bend Branch Rhonda Flowers, 713-335-4240

24 Years KW Industries, Inc. James White, 281-240-0909 25 Years Prosperity Bank John Rebeles, 281-269-7200 26 Years Brown & Gay Engineers, Inc. Pam Robinson, 281-558-8700

20 Years Charter Title Company - Fort Bend David Draper, 281-242-1700 Dearborn & Creggs Stewart A. Jacobson, 281-277-6400

Welker, Inc. David Fish, 281-491-2331

Fort Bend Chamber Membership

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

Welcome New Members Bayou Belles Charity Service Organization Angeline Auzenne, Founder/President 24827 Laguna Edge Katy, TX 77494 832-671-2400 Charity Services

Mantra Fine Indian Cuisine Angie Patel, Owner 15295 Southwest Frwy Sugar Land, TX 77478 281-325-0071 Restaurants

NC Venture, Inc Jim Hrebnar, Executive VP/COO 4100 Greenbriar Dr. Suite 120 Stafford, TX 77477 281-265-5328 Financial Services

Neal-Schaffer, Inc. Sonny Smoak, Office Manager 2180 N. Loop West Suite 305 Houston, TX 77018 713-783-7117 Engineering & Planning

www.FortBendChamber.com February 2010 • Fort Bend Business Journal

Thank You Renewing Members

February Milestone Members 25 Years

Prosperity Bank 15 Years

Harris Construction Company, LTD RE/MAX Southwest Realtors - Bette Lemon

10 Years

VR Trading Company City of Rosenberg RE/MAX Southwest Realtors - Bill Moore

Sugar Lakes Family Practice CUTT

RIBBON

INGS

Timeless Plastic Surgery 1327 Lake Pointe Parkway, Suite 300 Sugar Land, TX 77478 281.242.8463

Timeless Plastic Surgery is one of the premier plastic surgery centers in Fort Bend County. Inspired and developed by Sugar Land resident, Dr. Peter Chang, it has become a CONCIERGE type of practice that caters to each individual patient by providing them with beautiful and natural results which are truly “timeless.” Dr. Chang holds two Ivy League and two doctorate degrees. He is the only plastic surgeon in this area that has specialized training in all types of cosmetic facial surgery. His meticulous pursuit of perfection and his genuine compassion for patients set him apart making him the ideal cosmetic plastic surgeon. Dr. Chang is known for his rhinoplasties, breast augmentations, and the “Timeless” tummy tucks. Call 281-242-TIME (8463). www.TimelessPlasticSurgery.com

www.FortBendChamber.com 42

Fort Bend Business Journal • February 2010

Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce 2010 Executive Committee Bridget R. Yeung is a principal & Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor (CRPC) with Fort Bend Financial with over 20 years experience in the financial service industry. Bridget, a 20 year resident of Sugar Land, is involved in numerous community service projects, including the restoration of the historic Lakeview Auditorium. She currently serves as Chairman on the City of Sugar Land Planning and Zoning Commission. Along with being Vice President of the Sugar Land Cultural Arts Foundation, Bridget currently is Vice President of Fort Bend County M.U.D. 123. Furthermore she serves as Vice President of Sugar Land Heritage Foundation and a 2003 graduate of the Fort Bend Leadership Forum

Bridget Yeung Chairman Kolbe has been a licensed Texas real estate broker for over twenty five years. In 1997, he opened Curtice Commercial Real Estate in Sugar Land. The firm has been involved in a broad spectrum of real estate solutions from complex land development to the representation of Fort Bend business owners to acquire or sell commercial property. Since opening, Curtice Commercial Real Estate has been involved in the lease, purchase, sale or development of over a million square feet of commercial space in Fort Bend County. Kolbe is a graduate of the University of Houston, and a 2004 graduate of the Fort Bend Leadership Forum.

Kolbe Curtice Immediate Past Chairman Christopher Breaux, CPA is a partner with the firm of Null Lairson, P.C. In this role, he has provided auditing and consulting solutions to a variety of governmental, non profit and private sector clients in the greater Fort Bend and Texas gulf coast areas for over twenty years. Additionally, Chris conducts technical training for both accountants and non-accountants at regional and state-wide conferences in the governmental sector. A graduate of Texas A&M University, Chris has served as past president of the Sugar Land Exchange Club, chairman of the Missouri City Parks Board as well as a board member and volunteer of various other businesses, professional and civic organizations. Chris graduated from the Fort Bend Leadership Forum, Class of 2008.

Chris Breaux Chair-Elect

www.FortBendChamber.com February 2010 â&#x20AC;˘ Fort Bend Business Journal

Upcoming Chamber Events Namita Asthana, a 2007 graduate of the Fort Bend Leadership Forum, is the owner and President of Verum Solutions, an IT and security services company based out of Fort Bend County. Verum Solutions provides IT operations, computer support, vulnerability assessments and video security services to small and medium sized businesses since 2001. Namita has lived in Fort Bend County since 1996, when she moved to the Houston area with her family. Prior to moving the Houston area, Namita has lived and worked in Atlanta, Brussels (Belgium) and New Delhi (India) for companies such as Apple Computers, European Information Service, Schlumberger and Amgen. Namita has a BS in English Literature from University of Lucknow, India.

Namita Asthana Secretary/Treasurer

Himesh Gandhi Legal Counsel

Louis Garvin President/CEO

As an associate attorney at Hrbacek & Associates, P.C., Himesh represents local individuals and entities in a wide variety of business transactions and commercial litigation. His primary focus is in the areas of entity formation, acquisitions, collections, litigation, construction, real estate, finance and general business. Himesh graduated from Houston Baptist University in 1999 and South Texas College of Law in 2002. In addition to practicing law, Himesh is active in community affairs. He is a member of the Board of Trustees for the Indo American Forum of Fort Bend, a member of the City of Sugar Land’s Building and Standards Commission, graduate of Sugar Land 101 and Sugar Land Fire Department’s Citizen Fire Academy, graduate of the Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce Leadership Forum and a member of the Exchange Club of Sugar Land. Himesh is also a member of numerous legal and professional organizations and also serves as a board member for the North American South Asian Bar Association.

Louis Garvin serves as President/CEO of the Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce, a Not for Profit Association and the Fort Bend Convention/Visitors Services and has held that position since 1995. He was born in Cameron, Texas and grew up in Temple and attended the University of Texas in Austin. He spent 25 years in the banking industry and was President of the Texas Commerce Bank in Sugar Land. He served in many volunteer positions with the Chamber and served as Chairman of the Board the year prior to his employment with the organization. Throughout the years, he has served on and chaired many volunteer boards and organizations including American Heart Association, Fort Bend Senior Citizens, Literacy Council, the Sam Houston District, Boy Scouts of America, Sugar Land Cultural Arts Foundation, Fort Bend ISD Partners in Education and the Exchange Club. He received the 2004 Rotary Club Humanitarian Award.

www.FortBendChamber.com 44

Fort Bend Business Journal • February 2010

I L L U ST R A T I O N B Y A L L I SO N M E R R I W E A T H E R

April 21-25, 2010 A Sugar Land-Houston Celebration www.TheGrandWineAndFoodAffair.com www.facebook.com/thegrandwineandfoodaffair February 2010 â&#x20AC;˘ Fort Bend Business Journal

FORT BEND

LEADERSHIP F O R U M

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

NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS! 46

Fort Bend Business Journal â&#x20AC;˘ February 2010

Celebrating Romance

GOLD CONNECTION JEWELERS Custom designs are our specialty 206 U.S. Hwy 90A, Richmond 281-344-9900 M-F 10-6 Sat 10-4

FINNEGAN CHEVROLET Sweetheart Deals 26529 Southwest Freeway Rosenberg 281-342-4200 www.finneganauto.com

PAINTING WITH A TWIST

“You paint the key and your partner paints the heart, hang them together or hang them apart...” Market at First Colony 3569 Highway 6 • Sugar Land 281-491-9200 www.paintingwithatwist.com/sugarland

Valentine’s Gift Picks DIVINE CLOSET BY JACKIE

SUGAR LAND ANTIQUES

Designer Clothing and Accessories for Women and Girls 5505 West Orem, Suite 300 Houston, TX 77084 713-729-9800 www.divineclosetbyjackie.com

EDIBLE ARRANGEMENTS

Katy: 281-599-9994 Sugar Land: 281-313-0039 Eldridge Parkway (W Houston): 281-531-8900 Why give ﬂowers when fruit is so much sweeter!!! www. EdibleArrangements.com

Your Holiday Gift Source

210 Brooks Street, Sugar Land 281-494-7082 www.sugarlandantiques.com

FERNANDO’S RESTUARANT A Unique Dining Experience

14135 Southwest Freeway 281-494-9087 www.fernandosrestaurants.com

FLOWERS BY ADELA Serving Fort Bend for 33 years! Call us for your Valentine’s Gift Missouri City - 281-499-5593 Sugar Land - 281-242-4020 www.ﬂowersbyadela.com

February 2010 • Fort Bend Business Journal

Fort Bend/Katy

COVER STORY

By Dori Wind | Photos by Hurts Photography

Mitchell & Duff, LLC - Fort Bend’s

“W

ith more than four decades of combined legal experience among the members of our law office, Mitchell & Duff, LLC, a women owned firm, is the premier law firm in the Fort Bend County area”, stated partner Amy Mitchell. While there are many women sole-practitioners in the county, Amy Mitchell (“Mitchell”) and Elizabeth Duff Drozd (“Duff”), partners and owners of the firm, wanted to capitalize on their combined strengths to create their own firm. Built on the extensive legal backgrounds and highly rated expertise of the two women, the firm enjoys an excellent reputation in the community. Ms. Mitchell and Ms. Duff are excited to bring a boutique law firm to Fort Bend County which offers so many areas of legal expertise. With their combined practices they offer representation in all civil areas including representing both businesses and individuals. Mitchell & Duff specializes in torts, contracts, civil litigation, consumer debt litigation, wills, trusts, family law, adoptions, guardianships, insurance, probate, representation of financial institutions, collections and strict liability. Additionally, Mitchell & Duff has the transactional experience which enables the firm to create business entities such as corporations or partnerships and to guide their clients through their transactional and business decisions. The firm is AV rated – the highest rating possible by the national law firm rating organization of Martindale Hubbell. Located at 210 Main Street in Richmond, Texas, just two blocks from the historic Fort Bend County Courthouse, they are centrally located which allows rapid access to the courts. While Duff began as a sole-practitioner, adding associate lawyers to her office from time–to-time, it was not until recently that she and Mitchell decided to build their new firm. Mitchell explained that the two women had very similar beliefs with regard to practicing law. “We are both dedicated to providing our clients with the best possible representation; we have a strong sense of ethics, and both of us have volunteered to work on the State Bar Grievance Committee. We believe in providing the highest caliber of legal services for a reasonable fee and will make recommendations to our clients about available cost savings in order to serve our clients’ needs efficiently and economically. We are both active in the community and have a strong commitment to its continued growth and prosperity,” affirmed Mitchell. It was a perfect fit when the two women decided to meld their practices into a firm. “We are a small town firm with both small town and big city clients,” said Mitchell. While located in Fort Bend County, Mitchell & Duff not only handle cases in Fort Bend, Harris and the surrounding counties, they routinely handle cases throughout the state of Texas. Mitchell stated, “We are ready to go wherever our clients need our expertise”.

Fort Bend Business Journal • February 2010

Amy Mitchell

Premier Women Owned Law Firm Duff is a graduate of South Texas College of Law and is licensed in all Texas state courts and the Southern District of Texas. She has been practicing law in Fort Bend County for more than 19 years. Her practice concentrates on family matters - including divorce, guardianship, probate, wills and trusts, adoption, parental rights and termination. She is regularly appointed by Fort Bend County judges to act as both Attorney ad Litem and Guardian ad Litem in Fort Bend County courts in probate, guardianship, and child protection cases. Duff has also completed both basic mediation training and Family Law mediation training, enabling her to act as a mediator in all civil matters. She related how in one case, while serving as an Attorney ad Litem, she was able to help a young mother, with an addiction issue, achieve sobriety in the Zero-to-Three Court (a specialized child protection court). The mother received treatment to become clean and sober, and eventually was reunited with her two small children. “When it seemed like almost everyone else had given up on her, I was able to help this mother turn her life around. Now, the mother and children are together as a family instead of the children being bounced around in various foster homes. Our community is much better off when we help families develop parental responsibility and reduce costly and unnecessary government involvement,” explained Duff. Duff continues to battle on behalf of families to keep necessary services for students at the Richmond State School. When the State informs families that the State wants to remove residents that have lived in the school for many years to lower quality facilities, Duff helps these families keep their loved ones in the place they call “home”. In addition to family cases, Duff noted that she is the “transactional attorney in the firm,” handling contracts, real estate matters, collections, business issues, and employment problems. During her years of practice, Duff has represented hundreds of businesses and individuals throughout the State of Texas, as well as many in other states and countries. “I have successfully developed purchase and sales agreements, mergers, acquisitions, start-up operations, and set up all types of business entities, including corporations, limited liability partnerships, nonprofit entities and joint ventures,” explained Duff. She also represents numerous MUD districts in the county. Mitchell is a graduate of Case Western Reserve Law School and has been in practice for more than 23 years. She is licensed in all Texas State and Federal Courts. She has extensive experience in all aspects of personal injury and death litigation, complex business litigation, and personal disputes. She also defends a number of different consumer finance cases. She has successfully argued a case to the Texas Court of Appeals related to the arbitration clause in credit card contracts. Elizabeth Duff Drozd

continued on page 50 February 2010 • Fort Bend Business Journal

Elizabeth Duff Drozd, Matthew Scholes and Amy Mitchell

continued from page 49 Mitchell brings a wealth of trial experience to the firm having represented banks, collection agencies, numerous businesses and individuals as well as having served as staff counsel for several major insurance companies. Her clients include individuals, and companies throughout Texas. Her current cases include defending a class action debt collection case in Marshall, Texas, and defending a Harris County case involving a building collapse which resulted in death and injuries to workers. As an insurance defense lawyer, Mitchell is intimately familiar with personal injury matters. She commented that many times in defending a client, if you can prevent that client from paying out a large judgment, you have won the case. In one roll-over automobile accident case that Mitchell defended, she explained that the jury did not believe the plaintiff’s story, and awarded the plaintiff only a nominal percentage of the damages she had sought. Mitchell’s client was ecstatic about avoiding a multi-million dollar judgment. Both women have applied their negotiating prowess in countless mediations and arbitrations, resolving complex and emotional issues that arise in personal injury, commercial and business transactions as well as stressful family situations. Through the use of these

skills, Mitchell and Duff can handle cases expeditiously as well as save costs for their clients. Mitchell said, “If a client wants to pursue litigation, we will listen to them and fight for them. But, we also want them to know that we are experienced negotiators and that they have the option to resolve a case prior to trial if they choose.” Mitchell & Duff’s prized associate attorney, Matthew Scholes, also a graduate of South Texas College of Law, has assisted clients in a broad range of areas, including adoption, divorce, collections, litigation and statutory compliance. The partners anticipate the firm’s continued growth in 2010 as the community is apprised of the high quality and comprehensive legal services that Mitchell & Duff provides to their clients. Duff and Mitchell both have strong ties to the Fort Bend County area and hold this community deep in their heart. Duff is the President of the Fort Bend County Fair Association, former President of the Richmond Rotary Club, and served as CoChair of the Red Cross Super Bowl for two years. She volunteers with the Fort Bend County Dispute Resolution Center, and Fort Bend Lawyers Care, is a member of the Fort Bend Bar Association, the Central Fort Bend Chamber Alliance (formerly Rosenberg Richmond Area Chamber of Commerce), the First Baptist Church of Richmond, and a

Fort Bend Business Journal • February 2010

Graduate of Leadership Fort Bend 1999. She and her husband, Carl Drozd, who recently retired from the United States Army after 20 years of service, live in Richmond with their two dogs, Bailey and Pepper. Mitchell is President Elect of the Exchange Club of Sugar Land, a board member of the Escape Center, a member of the Central Fort Bend Chamber Alliance and the Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce, as well as a Graduate of Leadership Fort Bend 2002. She volunteered her time with the 5A Grievance Committee of the State Bar of Texas, serving as Chair of the committee from 20032005. She has chaired numerous community events and helped raise hundreds of thousands of dollars to fight child abuse, domestic abuse, illiteracy, and to provide toys to underprivileged children for Christmas. She also has participated in Sugar Land 101 (class president), The Sugar Land Citizens Police Academy (class president), Community Assistance and Support Team (CAST) and the Sugar Land Citizens Fire Academy. Mitchell is a resident of Sugar Land and engaged to Jake Messinger. She and Jake have a blended family that includes her son, William, and Jake’s two children, Colin and Grace. Mitchell & Duff is located at 210 Main Street, Richmond, Texas, 281-341-1718. For more information on the firm, visit their website at www.mitchellandduff.com. H

6 Ad Flex Package Our Best Value for 2010 ! Contract for 5 Ads and get the 6th Ad FREE! You choose the advertising months most effective for your business. Choose any six issues over a 12 month period. Flex package also includes 1 (complimentary) editorial story about your business (300 words + photo). You choose the month! Reduced Monthly Rate

AD SIZES

full pg. 7.25 x 9.75 ................................$1,190 2/3 pg. 7.25 x 9.75 ...................................$895 1/2 pg. 7.25 x 4.75 ...................................$695 1/3 pg. 4.75 x 4.75 ...................................$470

Call now to plan your Ad Campaign for the year! TO ADVERTISE CALL CAROLYN REED 281-690-4201 • cell 281-323-0185 carolyn@fortbendstar.com

www.FortBendStar.com February 2010 • Fort Bend Business Journal

Fort Bend ISD Engineering Academies are Grooming Future Engineers

olleen Crottie, a 10th grade student at Fort Bend ISD’s Hightower High School, wants to be an engineer one day and is getting a head start toward realizing her goal by taking courses at Hightower’s Engineering Academy. Colleen is one of approximately 150 students enrolled in the Engineering Academy at Hightower. FBISD offers two engineering academies – one at Hightower and one at Marshall High School. The Electrical Engineering Academy at Marshall High School, offered to FBISD students in grades 9-12, is a college-paced program that gives students in-depth exposure to the field of electrical engineering, preparing them for careers in such areas as electrical/electronic engineering design, computer networking, engineering project management, robotics, chemical engineering technology, and communications engineering. The Academy students are enrolled in advanced placement courses for their core curriculum, while their electives are centered on the theories and application of various engineering principles for the four years they are in the program. Through the academy, students also qualify to receive up to 14 dual credits for engineering courses articulated with Houston Community College Northeast Energy Institute Campus. The comprehensive Engineering Academy at Hightower will relocate to Elkins High School for the 2010-2011 school year and is offered to eligible FBISD students in grades 9-12. The program covers all disciplines of engineering, including mechanical, electrical, aerospace, chemical, and industrial-manufacturing. The specific fields or disciplines are addressed through a variety of courses, including engineering principles and systems, computer applications, computer engineering design, manufacturing technology, principles of technology, and problems and solutions in engineering.

Sophomore, Colleen Crottie shows a CADD Program drawing of a coffee cooler she and two of her classmates designed. The second photo shows her with team members Nicholas Parker and Brandon Banks.

For Colleen, one of the Hightower Engineering Academy program highlights is seeing her computer drawings transformed into actual objects. “My project team members and I recently created a Lego coffee pot cooler based on a computer drawing that I designed using the CADD (ComputerAided Drafting) Program,” said Colleen. “In order for the project to function properly, we had to pay close attention to every detail.” Like many students enrolled in the academy, Colleen had little knowledge of how extensive the program would be until she began studying various aspects of engineering. To ensure that students receive a quality engineering program, an advisory committee comprised of engineering professionals (representing Rice University, the University of Houston, Prairie View A&M, Texas Instruments, Fluor Corporation, Schlumberger, and Baker Hughes), helped design the curriculum at Hightower. The

Fort Bend Business Journal • February 2010

committee meets at least twice a year to ensure that the curriculum continues to meet industry standards. “In designing the academy, our goal was to offer students various opportunities that would help maximize their opportunities to select engineering as a career,” said Don Ruggles, Engineering Academy Coordinator. “The programs are geared toward helping students acquire knowledge, develop skills, and build character.” The Electrical Engineering Academy at Marshall is also supported through strong business and community partnerships. Business professionals representing Shell, Schlumberger, Fluor Corporation, Air Products and Invensys, join a team of parents and representatives from non-profit organizations in comprising an Advisory Committee. “Our Advisory Committee assists with the planning of curriculum, teaching students career and college prep skills, serving

as mentors, taking part in fundraising efforts and providing their expertise on various student projects,” said Myrna Hodge, Academy Coordinator at Marshall High School. “We are fortunate to have regular involvement from various advisory committee members

Shown with their team’s award-winning robot are seniors Nikhil Kapur and Rook Sahu with Don Ruggles, Hightower Engineering Academy Coordinator.

on a weekly basis.” Don Ruggles heads the engineering academy at Hightower. He and his colleague, Jonetta Roquemore, together have 40 years of combined engineering experience in the corporate sector. As a former electrical engineer, Ruggles is honored to be a part of a program to groom future engineers. “I believe that the 33 years I devoted to the engineering profession have prepared me for my teaching role at Hightower,” said Ruggles. “I always wanted to teach and now I’m excited to come to work everyday to interact with students and help guide them toward successful careers.” Students in the academy are equally excited about the program at Hightower and have directed their enthusiasm toward competing in state and national competitions. Through their hard work and efforts,

Hightower boasts of an award-winning Robotics Club. The club competes each year in the BEST (Boosting Engineering Science and Technology) and FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) robotics competitions at the state and national levels. Recently the team earned first place in the BEST competition and earned the top award for the “Best Notebook 2009,” which documents the team’s activities, competition planning, and community awareness projects. Seniors Rook Sahu and Nikhil Kapur helped the Hightower Robotics Club win a recent state competition when they had to go into overtime to make emergency repairs to their team’s robot. “The night before the competition, Nikhil and I stayed up past 2:30 a.m in the morning to fix a broken part on the robot,” said Kapur. “Mr. Ruggles purchased the material we needed and basically left it up to us to repair the robot. We put our minds together and came up with a good solution. We earned best in state that year.” Marshall’s Electrical Engineering Academy also has an award-winning robotics team and has earned several top awards in competitions over the years. In 2008, Marshall electrical engineering students in the Shell-CSTEM sponsored Robotic Internship program participated in the FIRST Robotics Lone Star Regional Competition and placed fourth out of 46 teams in their qualifying match, making the quarterfinals for the first time in the team’s history. That was the team’s third year of competition. The team also received honorable mention and third place recognition for practicing safety protocol procedures throughout the competition. Marshall electrical engineering students also helped form a district-wide robotics team that had an outstanding showing at the 2008 Shell Schlumberger Sea Turtle Robotics Challenge. The team earned first place in the Interactive Media category and won Fourth Place Overall. If you would like to learn more about Hightower High School’s Engineering Academy, call 281-634-5240 or email Don Ruggles, Engineering Academy Coordinator, at don.ruggles@fortbendisd. com. For more information about the Electrical Engineering Academy at Marshall Hightower, call 281-634-6630 or email myrna.hodge@fortbendisd.com.

Richmond Police Department Alert New Citizen’s Police Academy Class Begins February 1 The Richmond Police Department is now accepting applications for Class #17 of the Richmond Citizen’s Police Academy (RCPA). The purpose of the Citizen’s Police Academy is to provide you with a better understanding of the operations of the Richmond Police Department. The classes will begin on Monday, February 1, at the Richmond Police Department located at 600 Preston Street in Richmond. Class hours are from 6:30 p.m. until 9:30 p.m. Classes will be held every Monday for nine (9) sessions. The only cost for this opportunity is your time and dedication. We will make the classes both informative and entertaining. During the academy, you will be exposed to many areas of law enforcement including but not limited to; 1. Meeting the staff and officers of the Richmond Police Department. 2. Touring the Richmond Police Department, Fort Bend County Jail. 3. Riding along with Richmond Police Officers during their shifts, if you choose. 4. Participating in the “TASER training”. (Full participation optional) 5. Participating in the role of a Patrol Officer during mock “traffic stops”. Join the more than 350 involved citizens who have graduated from our Citizen’s Police Academy by downloading an application at www.RichmondTxPolice.com. Click on the Citizens Police Academy button. Completed applications can be mailed to: Richmond Police Department Attn: MSgt. Lowell D. Neinast 600 Preston Street Richmond, Texas 77469 or call (281) 342-2849 for more information. Visit our website at www.richmondtxpolice.com.

February 2010 • Fort Bend Business Journal

Fort Bend Engineering & Construction

Great construction projects start with the unseen works of Tolunay-Wong Engineers

olunay-Wong Engineers, Inc. is a major civil engineering firm, started and grown from its Houston base to service customer’s world –wide. Just looking at size alone, Tolunay-Wong is among the top 25 civil engineering firms in the Texas Gulf Coast. But for just bragging, the 170 person technical staff can claim involvement in countless numbers of major construction projects world-wide. Sadly, there is virtually nothing they can point to with pride and claim “That’s Our Job” because in most cases what they do just can’t be seen. Simply stated, the sophisticated engineering TWEI does set the scene for huge buildings, massive highway structures, environmentally sensitive plants. Tolunay-Wong Engineers start their work looking at the land before anything will be built upon. The most spectacular high rise building must be built on a solid foundation, the huge petrochemical plant must be built on a base that will not allow the refinery equipment to tilt and fall.

It would be an understatement to say TWEI is a specialized, niche civil engineering firm that has found a path for growth and success. Truly, its success is the Great American story, except the main players came from elsewhere. How this group of talented engineers and scientists got together is a fascinating and humbling story. The chief executive and driving force of the company is Daniel O. Wong, a vibrant engineer with a seeming perpetual smile on his face. He is a pro; two years ago he was appointed to the Texas Board of Professional Engineers, the agency that oversees the qualifications of all registered engineers in the state. Wong, who handles the day-to-day company, makes certain he has a high profile in the community. He is active in assisting the Civil Engineering department and the alumni association. As a Sugar Land City Councilman, Wong pushes the University System, which operates a campus in the city, to expand course offerings. And, as a Councilman he is able to mix

The Management Team of TWEI go over plans (l-r) Arthur J. Stephens, P.E.., Sr. Vice-President, Daniel Wong P.E., PhD. Chief Executive Ofﬁcer, and Zeki A. Tolunay, P.E. President.

his profession with community need by designing and promoting ﬂood control plans. Capitalizing on being the City’s representative to the Houston/Galveston Area Council, Wong led the creation of a regional ﬂood control concept. For information call, 713-722-7064, located at 10710 S. Sam Houston Pkwy W #100 Houston, Texas 77031. H

• Geotechnical Engineering • Construction Materials Testing

www.tweinc.com

• Environmental Consulting • Solid Waste Services • Geotechnical and Materials Testing Laboratories

Houston 713-722-7064 Beaumont 409-840-4214 54

Fort Bend Business Journal • February 2010

• Forensic Studies Tolunay-Wong

Engineers, Inc.

Fort Bend Engineering & Construction

Rice & Gardner Consultants Helps Boeing Earn LEED Gold Certiﬁcation!

he Boeing Corporation’s Houston corporate headquarters building has earned LEED Gold Certiﬁcation in the U.S. Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design (LEED) for Existing Buildings: Operation & Maintenance (LEED EB O&M). The Boeing Corporation has instituted a “sustainable green” policy throughout all of its facilities and plants and was committed to the goal of certifying their existing Houston Headquarters.

Rice for engineering, commissioning and LEED AP of Rice & Gardner Consultants; Kenny Sibley of UES –for building automation and commissioning, Jo Ann Jarreau of Jarreau & Associates Jim Rice & Kevin Gardner for landscaping, and Paul Condie of KBM for green cleaning. LEED EB O&M is designed for owners of existing buildings to help improve energy efﬁciency, reduce potable water consumption, institute sustainable purchasing policies, recycle ofﬁce waste products and to improve overall indoor occupant comfort and performance. Conservation measures resulted in 22% potable water reduction, 2.2 million kilowatt hour energy reduction, and an Energy Star Rating of 79.

adquarters ulevard Corporate He Boeing’s Bay Area Bo

Under the direction of Boeing’s Project Manager, Javier Ortega, and Jim Rice, who served as the LEED Accredited Professional, a “green” team was assembled to ensure the Houston headquarters building earned LEED Certification. The team, comprised of in-house facilities personnel as well as existing vendors and consultants, met and developed a strategy to earn 59 points resulting in Gold Certification. Responsibility for earning and documenting specific points was assigned to various members of the team who documented and completed them over an 8 month period beginning in 2008. The green team included: Boeing personnel- Bill Richard, Operations Manager for Boeing, Javier Ortega-Project Manager, Michael Hall, Wanda Jones, Lee Hurzeler, Jim Christian, and Rick Rivas; Mary Walker of Molina Walker Architects, Kevin Gardner, Jim Thornton, Jim

“LEED is an internationally recognized green building certification system, providing thirdparty verification that a building or community was designed and built using strategies aimed at improving performance across all the metrics that matter most: energy savings, water efficiency, CO2 emissions reduction, improved indoor environmental quality, and stewardship of resources and sensitivity to their impacts.” (USGBC)

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

6161 Savoy • Suite 1212 • Houston, Texas 77036 • 713.482.2300 • 713.482.2314 fax • www.ricegardner.com February 2010 • Fort Bend Business Journal

Fort Bend Engineering & Construction

Some things are really important... Like community. We’re proud to be a part of this one and look forward to helping build a bright future for us all.

3200 Southwest Freeway, Suite 2700 | Houston, TX 77027 713-627-3303 | www.champ-tech.com 100114 - J&C Half Page Ad.pdf

1/14/2010

3:03:41 PM

Jones & Carter, Inc. is in business to help their clients be successful

ones & Carter, Inc. is a full-service engineering, planning, surveying, and consulting firm assisting public and private sector clients in design, development, implementation, and execution of today’s projects. Our capabilities include everything from project research, consultation, and design, to turnkey construction management of multimillion-dollar ventures. Established in 1976, Jones & Carter, Inc. has served the Fort Bend community by providing engineering services to cities, municipalities, developers, water districts, and the County. Today, Jones & Carter, Inc. provides services across the State of Texas. Hard work and the determination to get the job done right the first time have resulted in a steady expansion of business and a growing respect from the engineering community. Our team of experienced professionals is led by some of the leading Professional Engineers and Registered Professional Land Surveyors in the State. We are very proud of our more than 33 years of service as a quality civil engineering consulting and surveying firm and are committed to continuing our record of providing Smart Engineering and Smart Solutions to our clients. TM

Jones & Carter, Inc. has proudly been serving the Fort Bend County community and the State of Texas for more than 33 years. We are in business to help our clients be successful! Pecan Grove Country Club Our services include: Land Planning & Development ♦ Public Works ♦ Hydraulics & Hydrology ♦ Transportation ♦ Construction Management ♦ Surveying

CMY

Corporate Headquarters 6335 Gulfton, Suite 100 ♦ Houston, Texas 77081 ph 713.777.5337 ♦ fax 713.777.5976 Austin ♦ Brenham ♦ Bryan/College Station ♦ Dallas ♦ Houston Rosenberg ♦ San Antonio ♦ The Woodlands Smart Engineering. Smart Solutions.TM

Fort Bend Business Journal • February 2010

www.jonescarter.com

Fort Bend Engineering & Construction

February 2010 â&#x20AC;˘ Fort Bend Business Journal

Fort Bend Engineering & Construction

Lamar CISD begins engineering program Classes begin August 2010

he Lamar CISD Board of Trustees have appoved a new series of elective courses for students in the District’s four high schools for the 2010-11 school year. Beginning in August 2010, students in grades 9 and 10 will have an opportunity to join students from across the nation to explore engineering and engineering technology as a potential career. LCISD has joined the national pre-engineering program titled Project Lead the Way (PLTW). Currently offered in more than 3,000 school districts in all 50 states, PLTW curriculum was developed with the help of engineers and engineering universities and allows students to use science, technology, math and engineering to solve real world problems. Engineers and engineering technicians are creative women and men who make a difference in the world. Engineers are the people who create and design almost everything we use everyday, from soap to computers, from bridges to medical devices. Engineers have at least a four-year bachelor’s degree. Engineering technicians have at least a two-year associate degree and are the hands-on people who supervise the construction of what engineers design. The first course in the new course series is Introduction to Engineering Design (IED). Students, in grades 9 and 10, who like to create and design will be provided opportunities to learn engineering design software and to solve real world problems in the IED class. Students who successfully complete IED will be able to take additional courses during the following school years including Principles of Engineering (POE), Digital Electronics (DE), Civil Engineering and Architecture (CEA), Biotechnical Engineering (BTE), Computer Integrated Manufacturing (CIM), and Engineering Design and Development (EDD). Parents and students who are interested in receiving more information or pre-enrolling in the pre-engineering course IED should contact Christy Tucker, counselor at Lamar Consolidated High School at 832.223.3018 or via email to ctucker@lcisd.org. At Foster High School contact counselor Kelle Kipping at 832.555.5555 or kkipping@lcisd. org. For George Ranch High School contact Principal Leslie Haack at 832.234.4200 or lhaack@lcisd.org. For Terry High School, contact Counselor Lezli Steffen at 832.223.3418 or lsteffen@lcisd.org.

Students Will Learn To Build A Better World A new series of elective courses for students in all Lamar Consolidated Independent School District High Schools for the 2010-11 school year was approved by the Board of Trustees of Lamar Consolidated ISD. Beginning in August 2010, students in grades 9 and 10 will have an opportunity to join students from across the nation to explore engineering and engineering technology as a potential future career. LCISD has joined the national pre-engineering program titled Project Lead the

Fort Bend Business Journal • February 2010

Larry Sanders (THS) and Kristin Rausch (LCHS) are two of the teachers that will lead Lamar CISD’s Project Lead the Way at the Lamar CISD Computer Assisted Drawing Lab.

Way (PLTW). Currently offered in over 3000 school districts in all 50 states, PLTW curriculum was developed with the help of engineers and engineering universities and allows students to use science, technology, math and engineering to solve real world problems. Engineers and engineering technicians are creative women and men who make a difference in the world. Engineers are the people who create and design almost everything we use everyday, from soap to computers, from bridges to medical devices. Engineers have at least a four-year Bachelor’s Degree. Engineering technicians have at least a two-year Associate Degree and are the handson people who supervise the construction of what engineers design. The first course in the new course series is Introduction to Engineering Design (IED). Students, in grades 9 and 10, who like to create and design will be provided opportunities to learn engineering design software and to solve real world problems in the IED class. Students who successfully complete IED will be able to take additional courses during the following school years including Principles of Engineering (POE), Digital Electronics (DE), Civil Engineering and Architecture (CEA), Biotechnical Engineering (BTE), Computer Integrated Manufacturing (CIM), and Engineering Design and Development (EDD). Parents and students who are interested in receiving more information or pre-enrolling in the pre-engineering course IED should contact Christy Tucker, counselor at Lamar Consolidated High School at 832.223.3018 or via email to ctucker@lcisd.org. At Foster High School contact counselor Kelle Kipping at 832.555.5555 or kkipping@lcisd.org. For George Ranch High School contact Principal Leslie Haack at 832.234.4200 or lhaack@lcisd.org. For Terry High School, contact Counselor Lezli Steffen at 832.223.3418 or lsteffen@lcisd.org.

Fort Bend Engineering & Construction

IDC

Planners x Engineers x Program Managers

Public Works Transportation Building Facilities Construction Management

Performance Today for Tomorrow’s Projects IDC Inc. is a leading Texas-based infrastructure development consulting firm with a staff of professionals with the technical expertise and proven experience to provide planning, preliminary engineering, final design, and program and construction management services for public works, transportation, and building facilities for both public and private clients. IDC’s clients include the City of Houston, Brazoria County, METRO, Fort Bend County Toll Road Authority, City of Rosenberg, Harris County, TxDOT, City of Missouri City, Fort Bend County, City of San Antonio, Harris County Toll Road Authority, City of Pearland, LCISD, Brazosport College, UT System, among others. IDC offers distinctive planning, civil engineering, design, and program management services for major site development projects, public works, transportation, and building facilities. IDC staff have been involved with over 300 projects of note in and around the state of Texas. The projects include building facilities, site work, education facility projects, urban and rural freeways, toll

Jim Gonzales Principal

roads, transitways, city streets, county roadways, water resource projects, drainage, hydrology and hydraulics, water and wastewater facilities, and other utility improvements. These capabilities include planning, civil engineering, schematic design, final design, construction sequencing, construction traffic handling, utilities and drainage design, signing and pavement marking design, and program/construction management services. The principals have a combined professional experience of over 50 years in planning, civil engineering, and program/construction management services. IDC’s principals and staff are dedicated to providing professional services in a timely manner while maintaining superior client relationships through responsive communications. Our resources include civil engineers, planners, architects, civil designers, CADD specialists, and program/construction management professionals. IDC has earned the ranking among “Hispanic Business’ 100 Fastest Growing Companies in the United States.”

IDC

Larry Janak, PE Principal

11111 Wilcrest Green, Suite 250 8000 IH 10 West, Suite 600 Houston, Texas 77042 San Antonio, Texas 78230 T: 713-541-5591, F: 713-541-3501 T: 210-524-7730, F: 210-524-7731 www.idcus.com

February 2010 • Fort Bend Business Journal

Inc. Magazine Ranks Remedy Roofing 2nd Fastest Growing Construction Company In Nation

Katy-area Rooﬁng Company Ranked 79th Fastest Growing Company in U.S.

COMING MARCH - 2010 ISSUE

emedy Roofing was recently recognized as the nation’s second fastest growing company in the construction industry, according to Inc. Magazine. The ranking was part of the magazine’s annual “Inc. 500” list, which ranks privately owned companies according to their percentage revenue growth from 2005 through 2008. In addition, Remedy placed 79 on the list overall of privately owned companies who have experienced the greatest growth. “We look for demands in the residential and commercial roofing markets and work diligently with our team members to open new markets and develop areas of expertise,” said Remedy Roofing Co-Owner Greg Arnim. “In addition, we constantly work to build and improve on experiences we have with our customers and contractors.”

Remedy Roofing’s corporate headquarters are located in Katy. The company opened an Austin branch in 2006 and added a location in Denver, Colorado this year. Currently, Remedy Roofing has 15 fulltime employees and more than 80 sales representatives. Remedy Roofing recently donated more than 275,000 pounds of roofing material, enough to roof more than 50 homes, to Houston Habitat for Humanity. The materials will be used to roof Houston Habitat homes for underserved and hardworking Houston families. Any unused materials will be sold in the Houston Habitat for Humanity ReStore, a home improvement resale store where items are sold at greatly reduced prices and whose proceeds support the organization directly. For more information about Remedy Roofing visit www.remedyroofing.com.

Pictured are Remedy Roofing Owners Greg Arnim (left) and Doug Traylor (right) and Habitat ReStore Director Jim Culkin.

Special Feature

Spotlight on Fort Bend Healthcare TO ADVERTISE CALL CAROLYN REED ofﬁce: 281-690-4201 cell: 281-323-0185

carolyn@fortbendstar.com

Deadline: March 15 Fort Bend Business Journal • March 2010

www.FortBendStar.com

Reach local buyers with Search Engine Marketing available from your Local Newspaper!!!

plus 26 other search engines

If youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re thinking about getting more business from online or want to increase your online marketing presence, call The Star. We are local marketing experts.

281-690-4221 Michael@FortBendStar.com

March 2010 â&#x20AC;˘ Fort Bend Business Journal

NEWSWORTHY Obama aims to ax moon mission By Robert Block and Mark K. Matthews Orlando Sentinel NASA’s plans to return astronauts to the moon are dead. So are the rockets being designed to take them there — that is, if President Barack Obama gets his way. When the White House releases his budget proposal Monday, there will be no money for the Constellation program that was supposed to return humans to the moon by 2020. The troubled and expensive Ares I rocket that was to replace the space shuttle to ferry humans to space will be gone, along with money for its bigger brother, the Ares V cargo rocket that was to launch the fuel and supplies needed to take humans back to the moon. There will be no lunar landers, no moon bases, no Constellation program at all. In their place, according to White House insiders, agency officials, industry executives and congressional sources familiar with Obama’s long-awaited plans for the space agency, NASA will look at developing a new “heavy-lift” rocket that one day will take humans and robots to explore beyond low Earth orbit. But that day will be years — possibly even a decade or more — away. In the meantime, the White House will direct NASA to concentrate on Earth-science projects — principally, researching and monitoring climate change — and on a new technology research and development program that will one day make human exploration of asteroids and the inner solar system possible. There will also be funding for private companies to develop capsules and rockets that can be used as space taxis to take astronauts on fixed-price contracts to and from the International Space Station — a major change in the way the agency has done business for the past 50 years. The White House budget request, which is certain to meet fierce resistance in Congress, scraps the Bush administration’s Vision for Space Exploration and signals a major reorientation of NASA, especially in the area of human spaceflight. “We certainly don’t need to go back to the moon,” said one administration official.

Everyone interviewed for this article spoke on condition of anonymity, either because they are not authorized to talk for the White House or because they fear for their jobs. All are familiar with the broad sweep of Obama’s budget proposal, but none would talk about specific numbers because these are being tightly held by the White House until the release of the budget. But senior administration officials say the spending freeze for some federal agencies is not going to apply to the space agency in this budget proposal. Officials said NASA was expected to see some “modest” increase in its current $18.7 billion annual budget — possibly $200 million to $300 million more but far less than the $1 billion boost agency officials had hoped for. They also said that the White House plans to extend the life of the International Space Station to at least 2020. One insider said there would be an “attractive sum” of money — to be spent over several years — for private companies to make rockets to carry astronauts there. But Obama’s budget freeze is likely to hamstring NASA in coming years as the spending clampdown will eventually shackle the agency and its ambitions. And this year’s funding request to develop both commercial rockets and a new NASA spaceship will be less than what was recommended by a White House panel of experts last year. That panel, led by former Lockheed Martin CEO Norm Augustine, concluded that to have a “viable” human space-exploration program, NASA needed a $3 billion annual budget hike, and that it would take as much as $5 billion distributed over five years to develop commercial rockets that could carry astronauts safely to and from the space station. Last year, lawmakers prohibited NASA from canceling any Constellation programs and starting new ones in their place unless the cuts were approved by Congress. The provision sends a “direct message that the Congress believes Constellation is, and should remain, the future of America’s human space flight program,” wrote U.S. Sen. Richard Shelby, R-Ala., last month. Nevertheless, NASA contractors have been

Fort Bend Business Journal • March 2010

quietly planning on the end of Ares I, which is years behind schedule and millions of dollars over budget. NASA has already spent more than $3 billion on Ares I and more than $5 billion on the rest of Constellation. In recent days, NASA has been soliciting concepts for a new heavy-lift rocket from major contractors, including Boeing Co., Lockheed Martin Corp. and Pratt & Whitney. Last week, a group of moonlighting NASA engineers and rocket hobbyists proposed variations on old agency designs that use the shuttle’s main engines and fuel tank to launch a capsule into space. According to officials and industry executives familiar with the presentations, some of the contractor designs are very similar to the one pressed by the hobbyists. Officially, companies such as Boeing still support Constellation and its millions of dollars of contracts. Some believe that in a battle with Congress, Ares may survive. “I would not say Ares is dead yet,” said an executive with one major NASA contractor. “It’s probably more accurate to say it’s on life support. We have to wait to see how the coming battle ends.” Few doubt that a fight is looming. In order to finance new science and technology programs and find money for commercial rockets, Obama will be killing off programs that have created jobs in some powerful constituencies, including the Marshall Space Flight Center in Shelby’s Alabama. But the White House is said to be ready for a fight. The end of the shuttle program this year is already going to slash 7,000 jobs at Kennedy Space Center. One administration official said the budget will send a message that it’s time members of Congress recognize that NASA can’t design space programs to create jobs in their districts. “That’s the view of the president,” the official said. Robert Block, who reported from Cape Canaveral, can be reached at rblock@orlandosentinel.com or 321-6390522. Mark K. Matthews, who reported from Washington, can be reached at mmatthews@o rlandosentinel.com or 202-824-8222.

Submit Newsworthy items to editor_fbbj@fortbendstar.com

Olson Statement on Rumors of Possible Cuts or Cancellation of NASA’s Constellation Program Rep. Pete Olson today issued the following statement in response to recent reports on the President’s upcoming NASA budget and the future of the Constellation program: “President Obama has sadly been focused on the wrong priorities for America. He and Congressional Democrats have wasted billions of tax dollars on a “stimulus” bill that sent funds to his supporters and has failed to create jobs or stimulate our economy. He has not been focused on the national priorities that will get our economy back on track like national security, infrastructure, scientific research and development. A committed focus on these priorities will ensure a strong economy and restore America’s global leadership. “If recent reports regarding the future of the Constellation program and the direction of NASA are true, then the President could not be more wrong to consider cancelling it. The Constellation program is the best means for America to remain the global leader in

Census surveys to arrive soon

human space flight. Not insignificantly during this time of economic uncertainty, human space flight accounts for thousands of high paying American jobs and are essential to maintainRep. Pete Olson ing our leadership. At a time when the Constellation program continues to meet important programmatic milestones (on a smaller budget than promised) changing NASA’s course would bring instability to the agency and weaken America’s role as the global leader in human space flight. “I strongly urge the President to reconsider any attempt to reduce the role of human space flight at NASA. But Congress also has an important role in the decision making process and I will be working steadfastly with my colleagues to ensure that this short sighted proposal is not the final answer on the future of NASA.”

Annual Talent & Style Show The Clements High School Class of 2010 will host a Student Talent & Style Show on March 25 in the Clements Commons. The fundraiser, organized each year by the senior class to benefit their ProGrad event, will include a dinner catered by Carrabba’s Italian Restaurant, a raffle, and a live auction. Tickets for dinner and the show can be purchased in advance for $20. Tickets for attending only the show are $5.00 and will be sold at the door. Reserved tables will be available for $200. The evening begins at 6 pm, with dinner and the Talent Show commences at 7 pm followed by the Style Show featuring students modeling clothing from various local merchants such as, Camille La Vie, Kiss Kiss, Sun & Ski Sports, The Men’s Wearhouse, Urban Rendezvous and, Wardrobe the Boutique. Throughout the evening a wide variety of raffle items will be displayed followed by a live auction. Please contact Melinda Henry at 281565-1122 or Caroline Roberts at 281-491-

9269 to purchase tickets for the event. For more information on the Clements ProGrad 2010 Talent and Style Show visit www.clementsprogradonline.com

You can expect to receive in the mail a short survey that Sugar Land officials are hoping you’ll quickly send back. It’s 2010 and it’s time for another U.S. Census in which people of all communities across the country are counted to record accurate population and demographic data. The U.S. Census, mandated by the U.S. Constitution, is taken every 10 years and this year’s will be taken April 1. Census data helps determine boundaries for state and local legislative and congressional districts, and also makes cities and communities eligible for federal funding. Therefore, Sugar Land officials say it’s critical the city’s population is counted accurately. As part of the city’s initiative, “Sugar Land Counts!”, Mayor Jimmy Thompson appointed a 12-member Complete Count Committee made up of community leaders representing diverse ethnic, geographical and age groups to ensure the most accurate Census count for the city. Short 10-question surveys will be mailed out to all residents. All of the information you provide will be kept confidential, as mandated by law, with no questions about citizenship or social security numbers. The form cannot be filled out online and if you do not return a completed survey, you’ll receive a personal visit at home from a census taker. The census taker will ask you the questions on the form, record your answers and then submit the form for your household. Expect to see most of this activity happening in March since the Census results will need to be complete by April.

Indermuehle & Co. completes lease for SPWP, LLC in Stafford Clements High School Seniors dress up in “Style” for upcoming ProGrad 2010 DinnerStyle Show Fund Raiser. Left to right: Ryan Lisse, Emily Elizandro, Anthony Bresina, Lara Hoover, Lexi Melhorn, and Ray Oppman.

Stonebridge Granite & Marble, LLC has leased 6,900 square feet of warehouse space at 13335 Murphy Road in Stafford, Texas. The Landlord, SPWP, LLC, was represented by Lang Motes with Indermuehle

March 2010 • Fort Bend Business Journal

Sugar Land Addresses 2009 Accomplishments, Vision for the Future

ugar Land partnered with the Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce to present a State of the City Address focusing on the City’s 2009 accomplishments in January. This was the third year that the City has presented an annual summary of activities to citizens. A preview of accomplishments for 2009 follows: • RiverPark officially became part of Sugar Land with the annexation of the subdivision’s 3,592 residents on Dec. 1. Property taxes for RiverPark residents decreased from what was formerly paid to their Municipal Utility District. There is also no cost to existing residents associated with the annexation. • In Town Square, Minute Maid moved into its new corporate headquarters, and the final build-out of Town Square is currently taking place on property facing State Highway 6 and Texas Drive, one a six-story Class A office building. • Development began for the remaining acreage of Brazos River Park, a green-space that will be a model of how to incorporate recreation areas into the environment. • Justin P. Brindley Trail opened in Sugar Land Memorial Park, located just off U.S. Highway 59 on University Boulevard, near the Brazos River. The trail provides exciting challenges for beginner to intermediate riders, with several wooden technical trail features for the more experienced riders. The trail honors Justin Petersen Brindley, a Sugar Land resident and outdoor enthusiast who died in a rafting accident last year. • Sugar Land opened a new dog park, Pawm Springs Dog Park at Sugar Land Memorial Park. The tropical oasis-themed Pawm Springs dog park is a six-acre retreat that includes large- and small-dog areas enclosed by a chain linked fence, a shaded pavilion and a resort style pond. • Sugar Land City Council approved a $1.3 million contract for landscaping improvements along U.S. Highway 90A and State Highway 6. The improvements will include trees and shrubs that are similar to plantings along U.S. Highway 59. • The City of Sugar Land’s newest park, known as Duhacsek Park, was officially opened on May 5. The 50-acre Duhacsek Park was donated to the City by Walter and Virginia Duhacsek, who moved there in 1956 to enjoy life away from urban development. • Sugar Land continued a citywide,

every two-year Citizen Satisfaction Survey conducted by an independent research firm. The statistically valid and random telephone survey offered direct feedback from residents throughout the City on Jimmy Thompson citizen opinions about overall quality of life, police and fire safety in the community, parks, mobility, communications, code enforcement and city customer service in areas such as water and trash services. • Wharton County Louis Garvin Junior College joined the University of Houston-Sugar Land on a campus next to Brazos River Park. • Sugar Land opened Fire Station No. 1, a replacement facility, at Brooks Street and Matlage Way. • The Houston Museum of Natural Science at Sugar Land opened in 2009. It was another example of a successful public-private partnership with the Houston Museum of Natural Science and Newland Communities, developers of Telfair. Located at the intersection of University and New Territory Boulevards in the Telfair subdivision, the museum was the first step in a City initiative to create a cultural and entertainment district. • City Council approved on Sept. 15 a $220.3 million budget for fiscal year 20092010. The budget maintained the existing tax rate of 30 cents, one of the lowest in the state and second lowest for cities with a population of more than 25,000. The budget included $86.7 million for 2010 capital improvement projects. The 2010 CIP was the largest in City history, driven mainly by street projects. • The City refunded $13.2 million of outstanding General Obligation and Utility Revenue bonds for about a 6.5 percent savings over the life of the bonds in October 2009. • Debt for $45.1 million in capital projects was sold in November 2009 with an average interest cost of four percent. • Sugar Land’s financial stability and health was recognized by international rating agencies as the City’s bond sales were reviewed and the City’s tax backed Certificates of Obligation and General Obligation Refunding Bonds

Fort Bend Business Journal • March 2010

maintained the AA+ rating assigned by Fitch Ratings and received an upgrade to AA+ from Standard & Poor’s. Moody’s and Standard & Poor’s confirmed their ratings of Aa2 and AA on the City’s revenue debt. • Drainage: 1. In 2009, Sugar Land continued working with FEMA, Fort Bend County Drainage District and area levee improvement districts in the refinement of area flood maps. Revisions to the National Flood Insurance Program and the regulations that apply regarding flood insurance and floodplain/floodway regulations may have a significant impact on residential insurance. The City assisted in refining FEMA’s preliminary maps through the use of LIDAR –Light Detection and Ranging, the latest in topographical technology. Those FEMA maps were released Nov. 15. 2. A major project was completed – 750,000 square yards of soil were used to raise the height of several levees to meet the new FEMA standards. 3. A major drainage improvement project was completed in the Belknap/Brookside area and new projects began in areas including Sugar Creek and Sugar Mill. 4. Construction of detention ponds and basins in Riverbend Country Club golf course were completed in May 2008. The improvements will alleviate extensive street flooding and address an undersized ditch system and aged infrastructure. • A 10-year, $500 million re-construction project of U.S. Highway 59, U.S. Highway 90A and State Highway 6 was completed, adding 100 new lane miles of highway and frontage roads inside the city limits. • Sugar Land celebrated its 50th anniversary, culminating a year of special activities and events with a New Year’s Eve celebration at Town Square. • Recognitions: 1. Business Week named Sugar Land as one of the 50 best cities for Startup Businesses (just one city in each state was named). 2. Sugar Land was among 25 American towns included on Forbes’ list of “Top Towns to Live Well.” Forbes says cities on the list “boast cultural amenities, pro-business environments, highly educated workforces and enviable salaries.” 3. Sugar Land won two of the five Texas Municipal League Municipal Excellence Awards – one for the City’s Asian Outreach program and the other for volunteer response to Hurricane Ike.

4. The Anti-Defamation League named Sugar Land a Community of Respect© for the second straight year. The ADL’s Community of Respect© program is an initiative to help governments, non-profit organizations, faith institutions, businesses, and institutes of higher learning create an atmosphere that rejects prejudice and fosters respect and an appreciation for diversity. 5. Sugar Land was named the 11th safest city in America, a distinction based on an analysis of FBI crime statistics. The national ranking is included in CQ Press’ City Crime Rankings 2009-2010: Crime in Metropolitan America, a publication that annually compares crime in U.S. cities and metropolitan areas. Sugar Land has been among the top 20 safest cities in America for three consecutive years. 6. Aviation International News named SLRA as the Number One Fixed Base Operations airport in the Americas—chosen by airport users. • Sugar Land Regional Airport completed a huge new hangar complex project, a $24.5 million project largely funded through TxDOT Aviation. The airport is recognized as a very important part not just of the local economy, but the state’s economy. The 81st Legislature approved legislation allowing for the City to acquire a portion of the state prison facility currently being utilized primarily for state prison guard housing. Per Senate Bill 1149, the 96 acres may be purchased by the City “to expand municipal airport facilities or supporting commercial operations for the airport.” • Vision 2025 was created as a template for crafting future policies and decisions that will affect the City and is essentially an update to the City’s Comprehensive Plan, most recently updated in 2003. It offers an ideal view of what the city of Sugar Land should strive to be in the next 15 years. The Vision 2025 document contains 11 value-based principles that highlight key areas of importance for the City’s future. • Sugar Land sought proposals for a minor league baseball stadium and an indoor concert venue that could result in facilities by 2012 and 2013. During 2009, discussions focused on specific developers but agreements were not reached. There was continued interest from other potential development partners, including independent league baseball teams. Formal Request for Solicitation of Interest (RSI) documents are intended to identify additional partners for the development of a minor league baseball stadium and indoor concert venue. Voters authorized funding tools on Nov. 4, 2008, that could be utilized for a minor league baseball stadium and an indoor concert venue; these include existing capacity from the 4A Corporation and new venuespecific taxes (i.e., ticket tax, hotel tax and parking tax). Looking to the Future • Surface Water Conversion and Current Distribution 1. The City of Sugar Land is required to convert to 30 percent of surface water by 2013 and 60 percent by 2025. Sugar Land has relied totally on groundwater from the Chicot and Evangeline aquifers. Continued reliance on groundwater would have a negative impact in our ground subsidence. Property was acquired near the intersection of State Highway 6 and Voss Road to construct a surface water treatment plant. The first phase will be 9 million gallons per day; the second phase is anticipated to be 22 MGD. 2. To mitigate the effects of blending ground and surface water treated surface water will be transported to the City’s groundwater plants before redistribution of blended water to City customers. Phase one of the plant is anticipated to cost $54 million, and the transmission system to two City water plants cost is estimated at $22.5 million. The plant site is adjacent to Oyster creek. 3. Sugar Land received Texas Commission on Environmental Quality approval on a Microfiltration membrane treatment plant. • The University Boulevard project, two miles of new road with three bridges totaling $21 million, and the Dulles Avenue project, four miles of street reconstruction with new curb and gutter and sidewalks totaling $15 million, will be funded with municipal bond.

at The Victorian Resort & Conference Center

CELEBRATE MARDI GRAS! GALVESTON Two Weekends: February 5-7 and 12-14 from $99*/night 2-night Weekend Package or from $129*/night for single night stay. One Bedroom Condo Suite, sleeps up to 5. 6300 Seawall • Galveston • hawthorn.com • 800.231.6363 *All rates plus tax, etc. Not valid with any other discounts. Based on availability. Limited Offer - Subject to Increase.

ADVANCE RESERVATIONS REQUIRED.

March 2010 • Fort Bend Business Journal

Methodist Sugar Land Hospital teams up with Eclipse Soccer Club

ethodist Sugar Land Hospital (MSLH) has extended its sponsorship of Eclipse Soccer Club, which serves more than 2,000 youth players from across Fort Bend County and southwest Houston. Methodist and Eclipse recently reached a multi-year agreement that will promote Methodist Orthopaedic Specialists of Texas (MOST) to all Eclipse players, parents, team managers, coaches and volunteers. As part of the agreement, MOST conducts weekly sports medicine clinics at Sugar Land’s Lost Creek Park, Eclipse’s home field, and will provide VIP cards to expedite treatment at Methodist Sugar Land Hospital and at Methodist Orthopaedic Specialists of Texas. The Club also plans to team up with MSLH on other initiatives that can benefit the community, such as the recent Score for the Cause fund-raiser in support of breast cancer awareness and treatment which rose over $6700

Bottom row: Mac McCallum; Angela Byrd; Carl Hicks, M.D. Middle row: Rick Safier; Lowell Stanton; Timothy Sitter, M.D. Top Row: Steve Alexander and Ray Valdez, M.D.

for the Methodist Sugar Land Hospital/ Fort Bend Junior Service League Breast Cancer Fund. “Methodist Orthopedic Specialists of Texas has a long history of being deeply involved in supporting youth sports and keeping young athletes healthy, fit and in the game,” said Chris Siebenaler, CEO of Methodist Sugar Land Hospital.

Fort Bend Business Journal • March 2010

Methodist Sugar Land Hospital will continue as the primary jersey sponsor of the Eclipse recreational program. The hospital’s logo will be added to the Club’s competitive team jerseys in the future. The Club plans to use funds from the sponsorship to provide scholarships to cover training fees, improve and enhance field conditions and expand the club’s activities and offerings. “Methodist Sugar Land Hospital and Methodist Orthopaedic Specialists of Texas are a perfect fit for Eclipse,” said Rick Safier, president of Eclipse Soccer Club. “Our goal for the sponsorship is to move beyond the basics and create a partnership that leverages the expertise, technology and health care services of Methodist in order to benefit our young athletes and their families.” To learn more about Eclipse Soccer Club, visit the website at www.eclipsesoccerclub.com. For a physician referral to Methodist Sugar Land Hospital, call 281274-7500.

Get back in the game quickly with our Saturday Morning Injury Clinic. For athletes of all ages, the Saturday Morning Injury Clinic at Memorial Hermann Sugar Land Hospital offers complimentary evaluations when weekend game plans take an unexpected twist or bump. Located on the 1st floor of Medical Plaza I, the clinic offers easy access and peace of mind for sports enthusiasts of any age who are unsure about an injury. Full diagnostic and treatment services are also available to get you back to your game or regular activities. Open Saturdays from 9 to 11 a.m. For an appointment, please call 281.725.5333.

17510 W. Grand Parkway South, Suite 100 Sugar Land, TX 77479 memorialhermann.org

COMING MARCH 2010 ISSUE

Special Feature Advertising Section

Residential Real Estate Deadline: March 15

To advertise call Becky Hall at 281-690-4205 or 713-291-8190

Fort Bend/Katy

March 2010 â&#x20AC;˘ Fort Bend Business Journal

Preserving a Legacy By Enhancing West Fort Bend County The West Fort Bend Management District and Fort Bend County Form a Link By Sharon K. Wallingford

ffective transportation facilities are integral to community growth and a key component to a community’s economic success. West Fort Bend County is truly fortunate to be experiencing an outflow of explosive residential and commercial development and there appears to be more on the way. The enhancement of highway corridors should serve to connect and simplify our lives, but effecting change without a cohesive plan can actually divide the communities and impede mobility. Once the more heavily populated cities of the county and hubs of the region, the Richmond and Rosenberg areas were defenseless to the growth that came rapidly with the development of the Southwest Freeway in the 1970’s. New growth switched direction and approached the county from the east leaving the historic downtown business centers that once hustled and bustled to keep the local economy strong fading in comparison to a new populous settling in Stafford, Missouri City, and Sugar Land. The communities which had survived the early development of Texas, the plantation days, the Civil War, the rail boom, two World Wars, The Depression, and the cotton, oil and gas, and ranching eras and brought the county the first hospitals, department stores, and entertainment centers was feeling the effects. Economic planning continued through the efforts of the active membership of chamber of commerce’s, the formation of the Greater Fort Bend Economic Development Corporation in 1985, and individual cities forming their own economic development departments. By 2000, there were signs that West Fort Bend County could become the economic hub of the Gulf Coast region once again. Planning between the cities was fragmented and the people were asking to keep an attractive thoroughfare that would provide for economic growth and expansion, yet pre-

Joey Dupuis

Cliff Terrell

Glenn Howard

serve, protect and accentuate the rich history and natural beauty that brought Austin’s Old 300: the first settlers to Texas and Fort Bend County. Both cities were also attempting to bring new growth and looking to revitalize their downtown’s. Both downtown historic districts created economic venues to do so through volunteer hours and contributions. In 2003, the George Foundation officials became concerned about the quality of development that would follow the US59 (I69) corridor to the Wharton County line. “The opportunity to turn that vacant land into quality development simultaneously occurred on the other side of the Brazos when a small, independent group of downtown Richmond business owners met to discuss a management district concept for their locations,” said Lane Ward, who served as chairman of The George Foundation at the time. As the two groups talked they extended their discussions to include Richmond and Rosenberg officials. The group realized the formation of a management district similar to the more than 41 that are located throughout the Greater Houston area; including First Colony Mall, Galleria and The Woodlands, could serve as an umbrella group and a tool for property owners to address specific local needs while protecting, preserving and promoting urban activity centers. In 2005, the Texas Legislature created the West Fort Bend Management District, the largest of its size in Texas. The two cities appointed a five member board that currently includes Fort Bend county residents Lane Ward, the first chairman and president;

Fort Bend Business Journal • March 2010

Lane Ward

Vincent Morales

Joey Dupuis, Cliff Terrell, Glenn Howard, and Vincent Morales, the current president and chairman. A WFBMD focus group of community residents - all property and business owners - was formed in 2006 to provide feedback to the board. Their key findings included the development of a strong, uniting design identity and a master plan, all improvements needed to be based around beautification and developing improving services, visual blight needed to be addressed and minimized, and the district utilize synergies within the cities, counties and key partners to develop momentum for economic development. On July 18, 2008 a master plan was adopted but sat idle due to lack of funding. In October 2009 the mayors of the cities received announcement of the 2009 Statewide Transportation Enhancement Program (STEP) and a call for candidate projects. This federally funded program sparked applications from 202 statewide applicants and 31 from the Houston district. The WFBMD linked with the county to make application to the Houston District for the reforestation of US 59 & FM 762, a 44-acre major intersection which serves as the entrance way to west Fort Bend County. Up to 80 percent of the eligible project costs are reimbursed with federal funding. At least 20 percent of the costs must be provided by the nominating entity, as a local funding match. The $1.6 million project is under study and an the winning entries will be announced in July. “The original focus was on US 59

from the Brazos River through the city of Rosenberg,” explains Ward, adding the foundation paid for a consultant to study and make recommendations as to how the county could maintain some if not most of the natural beauty, trees and pastoral setting. “This report was presented to both city councils who embraced the ideas quickly. The only real question was how would you pay for this organization.” He recalls both cities were willing to help sponsor the concept and eventually the legislation, but they wanted the concept expanded to cover all of the major thoroughfares in the cities and ETJs. “It was definitely the cities idea to expand the coverage areas beyond US 59. This, alone, probably made it one of the most challenging aspects.” Ward, who has spent years in the banking and mortgage lending industry, knows the area well. His father’s family lived in Fort Bend County for over 100 years. Although he was born in Baytown, he and his wife, Vicki, have lived in Rosenberg and the FM 359 countyside for more than 30 years. “In some ways, West Fort Bend County reminds me of the FM1960 area of North Houston when we lived there in the early 1970s,” says Ward, who was appointed by the city of Rosenberg four years ago. “I remember it was largely unspoiled with trees lining the roadway. Eventually it developed on both sides of the roadway from FM 249 to Interstate 45N. “It appears no one noticed, and the development that took place left nothing of the natural beauty of the area in place and left much to be desired.” Lane has appeared and spoken before both cities and the Rosenberg Development Corporation. “One consideration we keep hearing from residents is to create and maintain green spaces.” “If you follow the predicted and projected figures, growth is going to take place,” he says, adding it is up to the citizens to determine the type of growth. “ Will it be quality growth or simply growth for growth’s sake?” “If there is one thing that I have seen over the past three or more decades it is the challenge of blending the old with the new,” adds Ward, saying its something other cities have done well. The overall growth of Fort Bend County is bringing growth to this portion of the county and things will change as a result.” Rumors of taxing property owners ran rampant through one of the cities. “It is only rumors and half truths,” explains Ward. “ If you study the legislation there are a limited

number of ways the district can raise funds. It can tax, but only after an election of the public living within the district approves the taxation. The public determines whether there is any taxation within the district. We can assess (not tax) property within the district, but only upon approval of the property owners of the majority valuation of property within the district. So property owners determine any assessments—again not a tax. Or we can receive monies through grants, special funding and voluntary gifts.” In mid 2009, Vincent Morales was asked to serve as president and chairman for the district. The native Houstonian who moved his family to Fort Bend county in 1993, resides in Rosenberg. As co-owner of GreenScape Associates, LLC, a design and build landscape firm based in West Fort Bend County, he sees the western end becoming the heart of the county and believes the district can help it become the county’s crown jewel. “The WFBMD will assist in the guidance of the development in West Fort Bend County to achieve it being viewed as not only the county seat, but the center of commerce for the county in the future,” he adds. Appointed by the City of Rosenberg two years ago, he will continue to update the Rosenberg Development Corporation on the progress of the district annually at one of their monthy board meetings. “Our goal is to help create development consistency along the Hwy 59 corridor in the western end of the county; including the main corridors in Richmond and Rosenberg city limits and ETJ’s.

“The community should be proactive in creating a mechanism to preserve and enhance the identity of the West Fort Bend County community and its heritage,” says Joey Dupuis, another property owner in Rosenberg. “My hometown is Nederland, Texas, where the population since 1970 has been a steady 16,000 (currently 16,090).” After high school I moved to the Houston to attend the University of Houston and during that time, my uncle was the golf pro at Pecan Grove Country Club. I visited him frequently and really liked the area so I eventually moved and purchased an auto dealership in Rosenberg where its friendly residents remind me of my hometown.” Dupuis has since sold his business, but currently manages a Lexus dealership in Clear Lake. “My children continue to attend school in Richmond (PreK to High School). For convenience to work, I live in Missouri City and make the commute to Richmond to Clear Lake each morning and evenings.” Dupuis and his family plan to move back to Richmond/ Rosenberg at some point in the future. When he purchased Fort Bend Toyota, Dupuis joined the Rosenberg-Richmond Chamber of Commerce. He graduated the leadership program and served as chairman of the board. “During my terms of leadership with the Chamber, the one effort that continued to peak my interest was the efforts a beautification plan for the various continued on page 70

March 2010 • Fort Bend Business Journal

Preserving a Legacy continued from page 69 corridors, most notably the 90A corridor. The effort was one the Chamber had for many years prior to my involvement. In my thinking, the WFBMD is an extension of the chamber’s efforts in the beautification endeavor.” Dupuis was appointed by the City of Richmond. “At the time of the district’s creation, I was working on the construction of a new Fort Bend Toyota facility on Hwy 59 at 99. I also managed that dealership at that time.” “We are at a critical time in the development of the corridors within our district,” he adds.”There is so much history and character of the West Fort Bend community that needs to be preserved. The growth will continue at a rapid pace and now is the time to ensure we preserve our legacy. “I feel that Richmond and Rosenberg are All American Cities, the Norman Rockwell types of cities that people are proud to call home,” adds Dupuis, aware that Richmond will soon celebrate its 175 birthday and Rosenberg celebrated its 125 last year. Former Fort Bend County Treasurer Cliff

Terrell is a native of Bellmead, a community overshadowed by its neighbor to the west - Waco. After retiring from serving two stints as the Rosenberg-Richmond Area Chamber executive director during the 1960s and again in the late 1980s, Terrell knows first hand what bringing new business to West Fort Bend County can do for a community. “Today businesses have choices about where they want to locate and often they choose where their image can be a statement.” Terrell has long had strong feelings about the importance of image. “It’s a major factor in a communities ability to attract jobs and residents and I believe the Richmond\ Rosenberg area is improving in this category. However, we need to be aggressive in our efforts to not only improve our appearance, but also in all categories that make a quality community; including schools( our entire community needs to be aware of the need to improve our average educational attainment levels). A broad community acceptance of efforts to improve our community is necessary.

BUSINESS LAWYERS www.texasbizlaw.com

SUGAR LAND 19901 Southwest Freeway Sugar Land, Texas 77479

281.558.2220 HOUSTON

AV Rated Law Firm by Martindale.com Board certified in Consumer & Commercial Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization* *Charles Vethan

Fort Bend Business Journal • March 2010

2909 Baldwin Houston, Texas 77006

713.526.2222

Appointed to the board by the City of Richmond, Terrell claims Richmond is a strong supporter of the district and reports to them regularly. “As someone who has been involved in the real estate development business for the last 30 years, you might think that I would be the last person to support more government regulation,” chuckles Glenn Howard. “Generally a true statement, but not in the case of the WFBMD.” “Whether we like it or not, the Richmond, Rosenberg area is experiencing significant growth that is expected to continue for some time. The major roadways that traverse our section of the County will be the focus of much of the office, retail, industrial and other commercial development. That development can either be attractive or it can be ugly. I support the concept of the District because I prefer the former.” As a partner in a real estate development company that prides itself in creating quality environments, Howard realizes that the district is not asking for anything more than any good developer would do on its own, that includes a general concern for the aesthetics of what is being created. Good development is good for business, and it is good for the community. And if everyone abides by the same minimum standards, no one has an advantage or disadvantage. Take signage for example. “If a new retail business locates on a busy thoroughfare, it will typically want to stand out among the other stores in the area,” says Howard. “ A common way to achieve this would be to erect a sign that is a little larger and brighter than its neighbors. The next retailer to come along in the area will want to be a little bigger, higher, and brighter than the last. And then the next one may want to add animation to get public attention. Pretty soon there is so much visual pollution, that none of the retailers can be recognized and they all lose out. And the fall out is a negative perception of the community.” “I would like to see West Fort Bend County residents become more informed about the Management District, volunteer and get involved,” says Ward. “There are excellent opportunities for volunteering and being involved. The WFBMD board meetings are held the third Friday of each month and are open to the public. Meeting sites and additional information can be obtained at www. wfbmd.org. ★

Technology available in all Flavors FULL FEATURE DIGITAL AND IP TELEPHONE SYSTEMS

Panasonic ideas for life

FULL FEATURE SURVEILLANCE SYSTEMS Record OR watch online • Business Property • Employees • From anywhere you have an internet connection One Call, One Source, Unlimited Solutions

Buy a Business Telephone System and a Surveillance System with one camera.

Get another camera FREE

Call for a FREE System quote

281-265-3500 www.prostarcomm.com Serving Fort Bend County & Houston - Since 1992

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

March 2010 • Fort Bend Business Journal

Local Businesses Recognize Sugar Land Airport’s Civil Air Patrol Squadron’s Efforts

he Civil Air Patrol’s Sugar Land Composite Squadron, recently received donations from Sam’s Club and HEB to continue its efforts to carry out the three primary missions assigned to the Civil Air Patrol by Congress: Cadet Programs, Aerospace Education, and Emergency Services. The funding helps operate the Squadron’s Cessna 172 single engine aircraft. The aircraft has been used to provide hour-long orientation flights to 98 cadets enrolled in the Junior Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps (JROTC) programs at Elkins High School, Lamar High School, Kempner High School, and Westbury High School this past year. In addition, the Squadron has provided numerous orientation flights to Sugar Land cadets and cadets in other CAP Squadrons. Each CAP cadet is entitled to receive five hour long orientation flights in the front seat of a CAP airplane and five flights in a glider. Flights are based upon a training syllabus prepared by CAP. An unlimited number of backseat rides are also authorized for the CAP cadets. The Squadron’s first JROTC flight of the year was conducted in March by Lt. Col. Bob Wolin, an orientation pilot with the Sugar Land Squadron. He flew the cadets from Sugar Land Airport over the Houston area. “The JROTC flights are an important part of the continuing collaboration between the Civil Air Patrol and the U.S. Air Force,” said Lt. Col. Denver Radford, commander of the Sugar Land Squadron. “We are delighted to be able to provide these flights to today’s high school JROTC students who may well be future Air Force officers.” “Providing orientation rides for the cadets is one of the ways I share my passion for flying with cadets” Wolin said. “There is nothing greater than to see a CAP cadet or JROTC cadet’s face when they realize they are controlling the aircraft 3,000 feet above the ground during the non-critical stages of the flight at a speed in excess of 100 miles per hour, often before they even have a driver’s license.” Cadets learn about pre-flight preparations and inspections, navigation, weather, aircraft instruments, flight maneuvers, and more. To participate in the Civil Air Patrol’s orientation flight program, cadets must join CAP at an annual cost of $31.00 and be at least 12 years old and under 18. Members of the Sugar Land CAP Squadron, including cadets, have helped NASA in searching for shuttle parts following the Columbia accident, help with Search and Rescue when the need arises, including for Allison, Katrina, Rita and Ike and for individual aircraft that are reported missing. In addition, cadets have provided support at the Wings Over Houston Airshow for many years and have provided aviation merit badge training for nearly two hundred boy scouts this year. Funding from Sam’s Club and HEB help to provide equipment for the Squadron’s missions, scholarships to national training events and to help pay for local cadet training expenses. Many of the Squadron members are in the Civil Air Patrol because

Fort Bend Business Journal • March 2010

Bob Wolin at the aviation merit badge class for the scouts at the Wings over Houston Air Show.

of the cadet program, the high caliber of young people that they work with and what they have seen the program do for the cadets. Cadets learn the CAP motto “I will not lie, cheat or steal, or tolerate anyone who does,” very early on in the program. Sugar Land’s cadets adhere to that goal and to the other CAP motto “Excellence First” in whatever area they go out in. In addition to flying, CAP cadets go through basic military procedures to learn military customs and courtesies. They advance in rank from basic airman, airman first class, sergeant rank and lieutenants to colonel. Robert Thibeaux, a squadron cadet, said, “the cadet program is awesome because we get to help out our communities and we get to learn how to fly.” Advantages of being a cadet are especially valuable to someone looking at a military career, especially if they want to go to a military academy. Several cadets from the Sugar Land Squadron have been appointed to the service academies. The CAP cadet program is the best place to start because the service academies and Congressman know the attributes of CAP cadet officers and the quality of their training. In addition, if a cadet reaches the rank of Cadet Second Lieutenant they can enter the Air Force as an Airman First Class (E-3) with higher pay. CAP, the official U.S. Air Force Auxiliary, is a nonprofit organization with more than 60,000 members nationwide. It performs 95 percent of continental U.S. inland search and rescue missions as tasked by the U.S. Air Force Rescue Coordination Center. Volunteers also perform homeland security, disaster relief and counterdrug missions at the request of federal, state and local agencies. The members take a leading role in aerospace education and serve as mentors to the almost 27,000 young people currently participating in CAP cadet programs. For more information on Sugar Land’s CAP programs contact Denver Radford at (281) 433-9520.

Special Feature

Lifestyles

for Seniors

COMING MARCH 2010 ISSUE Deadline March 15

TO ADVERTISE CALL CAROLYN REED 281-690-4201 or 281-323-0185

carolyn@fortbendstar.com March 2010 â&#x20AC;˘ Fort Bend Business Journal

Central Fort Bend Chamber Lauds Leadership for 2010

he Central Fort Bend Chamber Alliance Board of Directors recently announced new members of the board slated to begin their terms this month. A total of five positions were available for the coming year, and they have been filled by Rob Bamford, Tommy Kuykendall, Melissa GarciaMartin, Kevin Patton and Justin Vickrey. Two additional positions that were vacated late in 2009 have been filled by Alicia Casias and Barry Beard.

New Officers The new slate of officers for 2010 includes Dan McDonald at the helm as chairman of the board, Kamal Ariss serving as vice chair, and Tom Crayton reprising his role as treasurer. Lynne Humphries will continue to serve on the executive committee as immediate past chair, and Gail Parker as president and CEO of the organization. The Board of Directors also amended the Chamber’s Bylaws in 2009 in order to increase the number of position for Exofficio Directors. These members of the Board are not afforded voting privileges, however they bring considerable expertise to the table and provide information and counsel as needed. Members of the elite group are Jack Belt, vice president of the Greater Fort Bend Economic Development Council; Glen Gilmore, City Manager of Richmond; Jack Hamlett, City Manager of Rosenberg; Betty McCrohan, President of Wharton County Junior College; County Commissioner Andy Meyers, Precinct 3; County Commissioner Richard Morrison, Precinct 1; Dick Phillips, associate vice chancellor of the University of Houston System at Sugar Land; Dr. Thomas Randle, Superintendent of the Lamar Consolidated Independent School District; and Jamie Roberts, Mayor of the City of Fulshear.

The 2009 Central Fort Bend Chamber Alliance awards were presented to Kevin Kohl, Silver Eagle Distributors, Corporate Partner of the Year; Elliot Wood, Kona Grill, Committee Member of the Year; Frank Gracely, AT&T, Committee Member of the Year; Patrick Sexton, representing Legacy Ford owner Ron Ewer, Business Person of the Year; Front row, left to right, Cliff Terrell, WCJC, Volunteer of the Year (Raymond Saage Award); Georgia Flynn, Avant-Garde Real Estate and Consulting, Ambassador of the Year; Juliana Ewer, representing Legacy Ford owner Ron Ewer, Business Person of the Year; Tom Crayton, CPA, Board Member of the Year. The awards were presented at the January 8, 2010 Awards Luncheon held at Safari Texas Ranch in Richmond. Board Vice Chairman Kamal Ariss served as master of ceremonies.

New Directors Rob Bamford, Director of Land Development for luxury new home builder, Trendmaker Homes has seen a lot of changes with the company, and in Fort Bend County in his 18+ Rob Bamford years of employment. He is currently very heavily involved in one of their newest ventures, Cross Creek Ranch, a 3,200-acre master planned community located in Fulshear, just moments from Rosenberg, Richmond, Katy, the Grand Parkway and the Westpark Tollway. Bamford is a graduate of Clarion State

Fort Bend Business Journal • March 2010

University in Clarion, Pennsylvania, but has resided and worked in the greater Houston and Fort Bend area for the past 26 years. He notes that he hopes to contribute his “insight and experience in the local housing market” to the workings of the Chamber, along with the considerable contacts he has made in Fort Bend County. Barry Beard is a recognizable name to the Central Fort Bend Chamber Alliance, since he previously served two terms on the Board of Directors, concluding on December 31, 2008. Following

Barry Beard

the required one-year leave from a board post, Beard was invited to return when an unexpired term became available. Executive Vice-president of the recently opened Sugar Land branch of Post Oak Bank, Beard is a 2002 graduate of the Chamber’s Leadership Fort Bend program, and is presently chairing boards for the ARC of Fort Bend, T.W. Davis Y.M.C.A. and the Fort Bend Country Club. He believes his enthusiasm and past experience will be the biggest assets he will bring to the Chamber Board. He and his wife, Kay, reside in Richmond. Also filling a vacated unexpired term on the Board, Alicia Casias plans to use her experience as a small business owner to “offer new ideas, feedback, and insight” about the Alicia Casias needs of local business owners. Casias, the owner of the Alicia Casias Agency, has been a Chamber member for several years, spending a considerable amount of time volunteering as a Chamber Ambassador, and most recently helping to establish the Chamber’s Hispanic Business Division, of which she is the Secretary.  She is also on the boards of the T.W. Davis Y.M.C.A., Lamar Educational Awards Foundation (L.E.A.F.) and the Richmond Rotary Club; and she participates in the Fort Bend Hispanic Heritage Forum, the ABWA, and the Ladies of Richmond/Rosenberg Express Network. She and her husband John are residents of Rosenberg, where her business is located. Melissa Garcia-Martin and her husband, Lionel, are partners in the law firm Garcia-Martin & Martin, P.C. , located in Sugar Land. Garcia Martin received a Bachelor of Science from the University of Houston and a Doctor of Jurisprudence from the South Texas College of Law. She notes that she Melissa Garcia-Martin has “a commitment to community involvement” and will offer “a new perspective to current ideas”. She too assisted in the development in the first-ever Hispanic focused Chamber group, and also holds a position on its governing council and chairs the speaker sub-committee. Melissa’s community involvement is extensive,

and includes membership to the Business Network International (Pecan Grove), Fort Bend Lawyer’s Care, Fort Bend County Bar Association, Houston Hispanic Bar Association, the National Minority Supplier Development Council, and a Teacher’s Aid for Sacred Heart Catholic Church. The Garcia-Martin family are residents of Richmond. Also a resident of Richmond, Tommy Kuykendall, Jr. is a Vice-president with CivilCorp, LLC, and serves as the Chairman of the Fulshear Planning Commission and the President of the Fulshear Development Corporation. He proudly admits to being born and raised in this area of Fort Bend County, which clearly explains his Tommy Kuykendall, Jr. desire to focus on quality growth in the region. Kuykendall is a 1985 graduate of B.F. Terry High School, and received his BS in Civil Engineering with Magna Cum Laude honors in 1997 from the University of Houston. He is a member of the American Society of Civil Engineers, and served as that organization’s President in 2007-2008. He and his wife, Rhonda, and their family are active members of the Avenue N Church of Christ in Rosenberg. Tommy’s enthusiasm is evident as he states, “The Chamber appears to be growing and developing at an unprecedented rate – I am excited for the Chamber and our community, and want to help propel it into the future!” Kevin Patton does not like to do anything half-way, but wholeheartedly jumps in feet first. He founded his State Farm Insurance Agency on FM 762 in Richmond in 2003, and since then has qualified every year for the Chairman’s Circle, which is only offered to the top 5% of State Farm Agents Kevin Patton nationwide, as well as the Lone Star Leaders, a group of the to 40 agents in the State of Texas. Recently he was inducted into the prestigious “President’s Club”, signifying him as one of the top 50 State Farm agents in the nation! Always a high achiever, Patton attended Dillard University in New Orleans and Oklahoma State University, graduating with a degree

in Physics and Math. His career got an auspicious start as a physics researcher at Oklahoma State University. Kevin’s community involvement list is long, and includes a position as a founding council member for the Chamber’s new Young Professionals Division, board membership of the T.W. Davis Y.M.C.A., membership of the Rotary Club of Rosenberg, and a “meals on wheels” deliverer for Fort Bend County Seniors. He was a member of the Chamber’s Leadership Fort Bend Class of 2009, and he and his wife, Margaret, live in Richmond and are the proud parents of Kanaan and Kenzi. A well-known banker in Fort Bend County, Justin Vickrey enjoys his position as Vice President of Commercial Lending with First Community Bank, N.A. A graduate of Justin Vickrey the Chamber’s Leadership Fort Bend Class of 2009, he has been actively involved with the Central Fort Bend Chamber Alliance since 2005 when he joined the Ambassadors. Vickrey served as Co-chair and Chairman of the Ambassadors and was named Ambassador of the Year in 2007. He now serves as the founding Chairman of the Chamber’s new Young Professionals Division, and also serves on the Board of Directors for the T.W. Davis Y.M.C.A. in Richmond where he has been a Director since 2008. Other community organizations in which Justin has been involved with include L.E.A.F., Fort Bend Society for the Arts, and the Rosenberg Lions Club. He attended the University of Houston where he studied Marketing and is a member of Beta Theta Pi. Justin is an active member of the Memorial Church of Christ in Houston and currently resides in his hometown of Katy. Two other directors were re-elected to serve second terms, including Joe Freudenberger, CEO of OakBend Medical Center and resident of Sugar Land; and Tom Crayton, a self-employed CPA who offices and resides in Greatwood. Terms for the new and renewing members will continue for three years, expiring on December 31, 2012. continued on page 78

March 2010 • Fort Bend Business Journal

Citizens upbeat at update on former Executive Nine Property

bout 50 residents turned out on Jan. 12 to hear the latest City update on plans to transform the former Executive Nine property at the Quail Valley Golf Course into a neighborhood/community park, complete with a pavilion, hike and bike trails, water features, a children’s playground area and fitness stations. During the meeting, the engineering firm of Freese and Nichols of Houston presented the findings of a study of the planned park that started in the Fall and was completed this month. The firm presented two concepts for the new park and both included input the City has received from residents. One featured a pair of 10- to 30-feet-wide “brook-like streams” running through the park, additional open space, more trees, and a large central lawn. The second concept was more formal in nature and included a large central fountain with a sitting area and a “great lawn” in the northeast part of the park. Both concepts included a playground area for children, a pavilion, a restroom, a butterfly garden, fitness stations and parking areas. The proposed, passive recreational area would be a combination of a neighborhood park, which is classified by national standards as 5- to 25-acres of land serving the immediate neighborhood within a half-mile radius, and a community park, which is classified as 25-

Photo courtesy of Missouri City

Missouri City residents listen to a recent presentation on plans to transform the former Executive Nine property at Quail Valley Golf Course into a premier park.

to 150-acres of land serving a 2-mile radius around the area. The proposed park space is 38 acres and will serve an area slightly larger than a half-mile radius. Entrances into the park include Robindale Park, Hampton/East Creek Club Drive and Glen Echo Park. Hiking and biking trails would be approximately 10-feet wide, where possible, to accommodate police patrols and some of the landscaping on the property would be changed to better accommodate drainage concerns. “The potential of the project was a pleasant surprise, and it lends itself to a great park,” said Jeff Taylor, vice president of Freese and Nichols. “We tried to balance what we heard

WHOLESALE OPEN TO THE PUBLIC • Blue Bunny, Good Humor & Blue Bell Ice Cream • Push Cart Rentals for Special Events • Bagged Ice & Dry Ice Sales

Credit Card Accepted Se Habla Español Open 7 Days a Week

Come visit us Today in Stafford at

13755 Greenland Dr. Call us at 281.499.9837 76

www.southernicecreamtx.com

Fort Bend Business Journal • March 2010

from the community and we tried to make it a very beautiful area and a comfortable setting for families, while still limiting the amount of parking.” When asked for their preference at the presentation, residents sitting in the Community Center overwhelming selected the more natural, informal Concept 1. However, no final plans have been made at this time. The next steps in the process will involve assessing community reaction, and taking the plan to the City’s Parks Board for a recommendation to City Council. Residents on-hand for the meeting were pleased with the preliminary plans, and again expressed the hope that limited activities would take place near their homes. “I think the City and Freese and Nichols really looked at everything to make it a park we can be proud of,” said Bill McCrea, who lives nearby. “I walk there every day with my little dog, and this will be great.” Tom and Reggie Nichols, who moved to Missouri City from New York City, liked the idea of a central fountain, and hope it would become this area’s “Central Park.” They also use the park every day to walk their dogs. “It looks like the park will be enjoyable to residents,” said resident Betty Crockett. “I really like the hills in the area, and hope they

Park concept 1 presented to residents.

detail regarding a construction schedule and budget for the park project forthcoming. To view the proposed park plans, visit the city’s website, missouricitytx.gov and click on “The Quail Valley Parks Project” on the homepage. Residents should monitor the City’s website and agenda for future parks updates. Missouri City residents listen to a recent presentation on plans to transform the former Executive Nine property at Quail Valley Golf Course into a premier park. Below are images of the two park concepts presented to residents.

Photo courtesy of Missouri City

will keep some of those in place.” “We were very pleased with the turnout and feedback we’ve received from citizens on this matter,” said Assistant City Manager Bill Atkinson. “The next steps will be presentation of this information and citizen feedback to the Parks Board who will make a recommendation to City Council. It is anticipated the park will be completed in stages, with the initial phase to begin in Spring or Summer of 2010.” The cost of the proposals has not yet been decided. Funds for the new park will be available from the 2008 voter-approved bond issue. The concept plans presented will continue to evolve with greater

Park concept 2 presented to residents.

COMING MARCH 2010 ISSUE

Special Feature

Deadline: March 15

Commercial Real Estate To Advertise Call Carolyn Reed 281-690-4201 or 281-323-0185

Fort Bend/Katy

carolyn@fortbendstar.com

March 2010 • Fort Bend Business Journal

Central Fort Bend Chamber Lauds Leadership for 2010 continued from page 75 2010 Executive Board Revealed Dan McDonald will serve in 2010 as the Chairman of the Board. He has been a Board member for three years, and is a partner with Anco-Wessendorff Insurance Services, an independent insurance agency in Richmond, and has been a part of the agency for over 18 years.  He is the founder and owner of AncoMcDonald Waterworks Dan McDonald Insurance Services L.L.C., a niche insurance agency that insures public entities and Water District related entities in Texas. He is a Municipal Utility/Public Entity insurance consultant for over 500 public entities in Texas. McDonald is a licensed Real Estate Agent and has been ranching cattle in Fort Bend County for over 25 years. Dan was a member of the Chamber’s Leadership Fort Bend Class of 1989, and a 1987 graduate of Texas A&M University.  He and his wife, Mary Ann, have two children, Matt and Ali, who attend Calvary Episcopal School. The family resides in Richmond where they are members of Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Elected to serve as Vice-chairman of the Board in 2010, Kamal Ariss is beginning his third year as a member of the board. Ariss is Vice president of Business Development & Marketing for J.E.Dunn South Central, which has offices located in Houston, Dallas, Austin and Oklahoma City. JE Dunn Construction, a national third generation Kamal Ariss family-owned company and leader in the construction industry, was founded in 1924 and is the 21st highest ranking firm in the nation with a volume of $2.5 billion in 2008. Kamal has managed the planning and construction of many large national projects in his 25 years of practice. Actively involved in his community, in addition to the Central Fort Bend Chamber Alliance board, he serves on boards for The Oaks at Briargrove and the Greater Fort Bend Economic Development Council, and very proudly as a member of The Association of Former Students’ Board of Directors. Kamal is a member of the Houston A&M Club, Chancellor’s Century Council, the A&M

PAC, the National Association of Industrial and Office Properties, Construction Owners Association of America, and CoreNet Global. He is a 2006 graduate of the Chamber’s Leadership Fort Bend class, and has been involved in various other Chamber activities.  He has an undergraduate and graduate degree from Texas A&M University. He and his wife, Traci, have two children, Conner and Maya, and reside in Houston. Thomas J. “Tom” Crayton, elected as Treasurer of the Board for a third term in 2010, has been a self-employed Certified Public Accountant since 1984, first in Bellaire, and most recently on Grand Parkway in Fort Bend County. Crayton received his BS in Accounting from the University of Houston, and has an impressive Thomas Crayton background of Chamber affiliations. While practicing in Bellaire, he was a very active member of the Greater Southwest Houston Chamber of Commerce, serving two terms on their board of directors and two years as board treasurer. He has been a member of the Bellaire Southwest Houston Rotary Club since 1986, and is a past president. Crayton is also a member of the Houston Chapter of the Texas Society of CPA’s, and has also been a director and treasurer of that organization. Since moving his accounting business to Fort Bend County and joining the Chamber, he has been involved in the Chamber’s Business Development Department, and has served four consecutive years on the Celebration Ball Committee. He is a graduate of the Chamber’s Leadership Fort Bend Class of 2007 and has completed three years of service on the Board of Directors. Crayton lives in Greatwood with his wife, Denise. Outgoing chairman of the board, Lynne Humphries has been a Board member for four years and served as Chairwoman of the Board in 2009. She is a partner of Allen Boon Humphries Robinson LLP, and practices in public law, with extensive experience in urban development and special districts. She played a significant role Lynne Humphries in the creation of the West Fort Bend Management District, which encompasses the greater Rosenberg and Richmond area, touching virtually

Fort Bend Business Journal • March 2010

every major artery in and out of the vast community. She received her Bachelor of Journalism degree with high honors in 1974 from The University of Texas, and worked as a journalist and television writer in Australia for three years before returning to the U.S. and beginning her law career. She earned her law degree from Southern Methodist University in 1982. She is a member of the Order of the Coif, is Editor of the Journal of Air Law and Commerce, is a member of the State Bar of Texas the Houston Bar Association, the Urban Land Institute, and is very active in various Fort Bend charities. She and her husband, Rod, reside in Richmond. Chamber president/CEO, Gail Parker, a fifth generation Texan, has resided in Fort Bend County since 2001, and has held her current position with the Chamber for six years. She held executive positions in various non-profit organizations in Fort Bend and Victoria for more than a dozen years before coming to the Chamber. Parker is Gail Parker on several committees and Boards in Fort Bend County, and is a 2005 graduate of Leadership Fort Bend through the Central Fort Bend Chamber Alliance, a 2002 graduate of the Fort Bend Leadership Forum and a 2003 graduate of Leadership Excellence for Non-Profits. She is a graduate of The Victoria College, and she and her husband Randy, a Petroleum Engineer, reside in Sugar Land. Rounding out the balance of the Board of Directors are the following members who are continuing their terms through 2010: Jim Brown (Memorial Hermann Hospital at Sugar Land), Lee Duggan (Houston Fence Co.), Ron Ewer (Legacy Ford-Lincoln-Mercury), Steve Greenley (CenterPoint Energy), Marcia Holmes (Gurecky Manufacturing Co.), Kevin Krahn (Aecom), Rocky Lane (Lane Real Estate), Chuck Littlepage (IceBlue Advertising), Mark Magee (Amegy Bank), Greg Nielson (Houstonian Golf & Country Club), Jennifer Raymond (Indermeuhle & Co.) and Bob Ring (Edminster Hinshaw Russ & Assoc.). The Central Fort Bend Chamber Alliance is located at 4120 Avenue H in Rosenberg, and has served Fort Bend County since about 1910, with plans for several grand 100th anniversary events in the forthcoming year. For more information about the Chamber, call 281-342-5464, or visit www.CFBCA.org.

Zerwas receives 2009 Woman of the Year Award

Cindy Zerwas, wife of State Representative John Zerwas, was named as Woman Of The Year by the West Fort Bend County Republican Women’s Club for dedication and outstanding service to the people of Fort Bend, Waller and Wharton Counties. (pictured: State Rep. John Zerwas, Cindy Zerwas, Susan Cannata-WFBCRWC President, Janice Gillen - WFBCRWC Vice-President).

Come experience the new

Riverbend Country Club • Championship Golf Course • Tennis, Swimming and Fitness • Dining and Social Activities • Fort Bend County’s premier member-owned country club • Currently accepting applications for Membership

Call 281.269.2526 For current membership incentives or to schedule a tour of Riverbend

TRICIA HAWKS Director of Membership

ALAN SANDERSEN... continued from page 32

funded with tax-deferred contributions (the traditional) to one funded with after-tax dollars (the Roth). PLANNING POINT – The two year special. His tax advisor mentioned that, for 2010 conversions, the tax code allows Gerald to report the income evenly over the following two years. That is, he’ll report 50% in 2011 and 50% in 2012. In doing so, he’ll be able to defer recognition of the income and perhaps avoid being taxed at a higher rate. On the other hand, should Gerald’s tax situation warrant doing so, he can elect to report all of the income in 2010. Is it January yet? Yes ! Naturally, if Gerald is serious about a Roth conversion, there are a number of other details he and his advisor will have to work out. Nonetheless, Gerald leaves his financial advisor’s office with one more reason to look forward to tax advantaged planning opportunities for 2010. Alan Sandersen is a columnist for the Fort Bend Business Journal and owns Sandersen Knox & Co, L.L.P., Certiﬁed Public Accountants. He can be reached at 281-242-3232. www.sktx. com ★

Future Leaders Begin Here Southminster School, Fort Bend County’s best, academicallyfocused private Christian School, prepares future leaders by providing students opportunities to lead, serve, and learn. To find out more, visit us online at southminsterschool.org or call us directly at 281.261.8872.

The Voyage Begins Here™ March 2010 • Fort Bend Business Journal

NEWSWORTHY Helping severely obese patients lose weight Methodist Sugar Land Hospital continues to bring leading services to this area and this time is the first hospital in Fort Bend County to offer the Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy proceGuillermo Ponce de Leon, M.D. dure, which was performed by Guillermo Ponce de Leon, M.D., general surgeon on staff at Methodist Sugar Land Hospital. “The surgical procedure helps people with morbid obesity lose weight and improve or resolve obesity-related health conditions including type 2 diabetes, hypertension, obstructive sleep apnea, high cholesterol and acid reflux/GERD,” said Dr. Ponce de Leon. During this procedure, a thin vertical sleeve of the stomach is created using a stapling device, and the rest of the stomach is removed. The sleeve is approximately the size of a banana, which is able to hold only 15 percent as much food as the original stomach. This procedure limits the amount of food you can eat and helps you feel full sooner. It allows

for normal digestion and absorption. Food consumed passes through the digestive tract in the usual order, allowing it to be fully absorbed in the body. The length of time of the surgery varies. The average operative time is between 1.5 to 2.5 hours and the average hospital stay is 2 to 5 days. Patients usually return to normal activities in 2 weeks and are fully recovered in 3 weeks.

EPA public hearing on strengthening ozone standard February 2 The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will convene a public hearing on Feb 2 regarding whether to strengthen the national ambient air quality standard (NAAQS) for ground-level ozone. EPA has proposed that the level of the 8hour primary standard, which was set at 0.075 ppm in the 2008 final rule, should instead be set at a lower level within the range of 0.060 to 0.070 parts per million (ppm), to provide increased protection for children and other “at risk” populations against an array of ozonerelated adverse health effects. Visit http://regulations.gov to read the proposed rule. According to the EPA, “breathing ozone can trigger a variety of health problems including chest pain, coughing, throat irritation, and congestion” and “repeated exposure may permanently scar lung tissue.” Visit the EPA’s ozone page to learn more. This EPA hearing is one of only three in

the US, and a rare opportunity to voice your thoughts regarding air quality standards. If you would like to testify at the hearing, please contact Tricia Crabtree at crabtree.tricia@epa. gov or (919) 541-5688. Public comments will be limited to five minutes. What: EPA public hearing regarding proposed standards for ground-level ozone When: Tuesday, Feb 2, 2010 from 9:30 am to 7:30 pm, or later, depending on the number of speakers. EPA will make every effort to accommodate all speakers that arrive and register before 7:30 pm. There will be a break from 12:30 to 2:00 pm. Where: Hilton Hobby Airport - Moody Ballroom, 8181 Airport Blvd, Houston. EPA will accept written comments on the proposed rule through March 22, 2010. All comments should reference docket number EPA-HQ-OAR-2005-0172:

Fort Bend Business Journal • February 2010

Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy can be the first step before gastric bypass, or it can be a single procedure for weight loss. If a sleeve gastrectomy is used as part of a two-step procedure, the first step is for the surgeon to create the small stomach “sleeve.” After a period of time determined by the surgeon, another procedure would be performed in which the surgeon attaches a section of the small intestine directly to the stomach pouch. This allows food to bypass a portion of the small intestine. Doing so enables your body to absorb fewer calories, in addition to consuming less food. This two-step procedure may be done because patients may not be able to tolerate both procedures during a single operation. Studies show that the two-step procedure has been used successfully in patients with a body mass index greater than 50 or for high-risk patients. Dr. Ponce de Leon will work with patients to establish a tailored progress plan and develop new health habits in the areas of physical activity, nutrition, and emotional well-being. He and the patient can set goals and continuously watch the progress together—especially for the first three years, as the patient adjusts to his/her new lifestyle. The Sleeve Gastrectomy procedure is just one of the many medical firsts that Methodist Sugar Land Hospital has brought to Fort Bend County. For instance, just in the last couple of years Methodist Sugar Land Hospital’s physicians have successfully performed abdominal aortic aneurysm repair, angioplasty with stents, brain surgery, carotid artery stenting, gastric lap band surgery, open heart surgery, single port laparoscopic gallbladder surgery, urinary bladder reconstruction and videoassisted thoracoscopic surgery – the first time any of those procedures had been performed in Fort Bend County. Free Weight Loss Seminars: Come and learn the latest information on weight loss solutions including Lap-Band and Gastric Sleeve and have your questions answered. The seminars are held on the third Wednesday of every month starting in February at 6:30 p.m. Located at Methodist Sugar Land Hospital in conference rooms A&D in the Main Pavilion. Seating is limited. Call 281-274-7500 to reserve your seat. Seminar Dates: February 17, March 17, April 21, May 19, June 16, July 21, August 18, September 15 and October 20.

Submit Newsworthy items to editor_fbbj@fortbendstar.com

Fort Bend Business Women Assist Area Seniors Volunteers from the Fort Bend American Business Women’s Association, Home Instead Senior Care, The Terrace at First Colony and the Jewish Community Center assisted in collecting, wrapping and distributing gifts to underserved seniors in the local community. Since 2006, Home Instead Senior Care has partnered with local non-profit and community organizations to identify seniors who might not otherwise receive gifts during the holiday season. The company then works with local businesses and retail stores to help facilitate the purchase and distribution of gifts by placing trees and ornaments within their various locations. Each senior’s gift requests are written on a Be a Santa to a Senior tree ornament. Fort Bend CVS Pharmacy Stores partnered by hosting Gift Trees at their businesses. For more information on the program, visit www.beasantatoasenior. com. The Fort Bend American Business Women’s Association participates in variety of philanthropic community service projects throughout the year. This holiday season they collected and distributed gifts to the Fort Bend Women’s Center and the Be a Santa to a Senior Program. Information is available at www.abwafortbend.org.

Ft. Bend ABWA Members Cheri Pemble, Judy Gulgun & Amanda McCalla, Home Instead Senior Care Staff Corelle & Ursula Chester, Destiny Bilbrew & Michella Garner, Jewish Community Center Seniors Companion Program Director Marilyn Vargui, Terrace at First Colony Activities Director Cathy Ruf and Terrace resident volunteers partnered together for the Be a Santa to a Senior Program.

Methodist Sugar Land Hospital celebrates new services with physician office staff Methodist Sugar Land Hospital celebrated another successful year of delivering Leading Medicine to the Fort Bend community by hosting a special holiday luncheon for the often “unsung heroes” of medicine – office managers, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, medical assistants and other professionals who keep physician offices running smoothly and provide the first level of patient care. More than 170 people attended the event, which included brief presentations on new Methodist Sugar Land Hospital services and innovative offerings for patients, physicians and the community, followed by a Q&A with hospital CEO Chris Siebenaler. “Physician office staff members play a critical role in every patient’s treatment process,” Siebenaler said. “We are honored to celebrate the hospital’s leading technology and services and to share our excitement for the future with them.” Office staff members were pleased to learn that Methodist Sugar Land Hospital is providing a web-based system to make scheduling their patients easier and faster. The system also performs “medical necessity” checks and produces an electronic order. “We already know Methodist Sugar Land Hospital provides outstanding care and stateof-the-art technology, but knowing that now it is even easier for us, the office staff, to schedule, is very exciting,” said Ginger Qualls, nurse with Southwest OB/GYN. Julie Occhipinti, Cath Lab Manager, shared expansion and staffing plans and discussed the hospital’s efforts to quickly evaluate and treat heart attack patients. MSLH’s fast-track approach continues to beat national standards in getting heart attack patients into the cath lab so that a life-saving “balloon” can be inflated to open blocked arteries. Physician office staff also learned that Methodist Sugar Land Hospital has some of the most advanced technology and medical capabilities to treat cancer. “For the first time in Fort Bend County HDR brachytherapy has shown promising results for breast cancer patients while

Sally Shen, Julie Occhipinti, and Karen Tobin.

Ginger Qualls, Sharon Aust, Rosa Pina and Monique Robinson Physician Office Luncheon.

minimizing side effects,” explained Clive Shkedy, M.D., Medical Director of the Cancer Center at Methodist Sugar Land Hospital. “The Cancer Center is pioneering new therapeutic treatments, including partial breast irradiation therapies such as Mammosite and Contura which deliver radiation directly to the precise location where a tumor was removed through a specially designed catheter.” This new technology has shortened breast cancer treatments to five days instead of the typical six weeks, and the healthy tissue is exposed to less radiation. Methodist Sugar Land Hospital is the only institution in Fort Bend County to offer this treatment option. “It was so exciting to hear that Methodist Sugar Land Hospital has brought leading-edge services home to our patients,” said Sharon Aust, nurse for breast surgeon, Kelly Dempsey, M.D. “Now our patients can have access to a full-service oncology program right here in Fort Bend County. Methodist Sugar Land Hospital has made it so much easier for our doctors and patients to access the best care in our community.”

February 2010 • Fort Bend Business Journal

NEWSWORTHY Spaghetti Cook-Off set up for February 19 at Fluor The Exchange Club of Sugar Land gears up, with pots and pans, for its 23rd annual Spaghetti Cook-Off sponsored by Classic Chevrolet. The event is scheduled for February 19, 2010 at the Fluor Corporation cafeteria serving from 5 to 8 pm. This fun filled family oriented event salutes the law enforcement community in Fort Bend County. In addition to the spaghetti, with delicious sauces provided by the various law-enforcement teams, there will be salad, bread and iced tea. One team’s spaghetti will be judged the best, and that team will have community bragging rights for a year. Dinner tickets are $10 in advance from any ECSL member—children under twelve eat free—or $15 at the door. There will be live entertainment, live and silent auctions, cake walk and a free fun-zone for children, and a fabulous raffle to determine who wins the $5000 vacation package Grand prize. Jacqueline and David Chaumette will serve as Honorary Chairs for the evening. The entire proceeds from the Exchange Club Spaghetti Cook-Off go to the prevention of child abuse, the promotion of Americanism,

Photo by Jorge Marra

Photo by Larry Pullen

The Exchange Club of Sugar Land gears up, with pots and pans, for its 23rd annual Spaghetti Cook-Off scheduled for Friday, February 19, 2010 at the Fluor Corporation cafeteria. Back row, L to R: Clark Walter, Greg Oelfke, Bob Hargarther, Paul Barnett, Jake Messinger, Mark Lukin and Don Schneider. Front row, L to R: Margo Pasko, Alicia Marra, Carey Snyder, event Chair Doug Earle, Honorary Chairs Jacquie and David Chaumette, event Co-chair Harish Jajoo, Amy Mitchell, Toni Spigelmyer, Nora Sim and Elizabeth Howard.

and the support of ESCAPE Family Resort Center and several Fort Bend County charitable organizations, such as CASA, the Fort Bend Women’s Center, Fort Bend Crime Stoppers, Fort Bend YMCA, and others. In addition, the Exchange Club of Sugar Land serves needy children through Santa’s Exchange, recognizes outstanding high school and middle school students each month, pro-

AQHA Welcomes Dressage as an Official Class Fort Bend County horse owners welcome that Dressage is now an official AQHA class – one in which you can earn AQHA points, qualify for AQHA Incentive Fund earnings and compete for year-end awards. Beginning at Training Level 4, AQHA dressage classes will be held within existing classes at competitions licensed by the United States Dressage Federation or United States Equestrian Federation. The same USDF-USEF judges will preside over the AQHA classes; the only additional requirement is that the judges must be AQHA members. Exhibitors must also be current members of AQHA, and the horse must be a registered American Quarter Horse. A competition license fee of $85, good for the lifetime of the horse, is also required. The shows must be approved by AQHA at least 60 days in advance.

Horses competing in dressage are given scores, expressed in percentages. The Quarter Horse show industry has always been a pointdriven system so AQHA has created a conversion table to change dressage scores into AQHA points. To see the conversion table, go to www.aqha.com/showing/guidetoshowing/dressage.html and click on “frequently asked questions.” In addition to awarding points, AQHA is recognizing the three highpoint American Quarter Horses at each of the nine USEF-USDF Regional Championship shows in 2010 and has also created a high-point recognition program for the open, amateur and youth divisions in each level of dressage competition. Amateur and youth eligibility is based on criteria found in the AQHA Handbook of Rules and Regulations.

Fort Bend Business Journal • February 2010

The Exchange Club of Sugar Land has been busy getting ready for the upcoming Spaghetti fundraising on February 19, 2010. Pictured from L to R are: Sponsorship Chair Elizabeth Howard, Exchange Club of Sugar Land president Betty Baitland, Spaghetti Title Sponsor Classic Chevrolet Don Kerstetter, event Co-Chair Harish Jajoo and event Chair Doug Earle. To sponsor Spaghetti please contact Ms. Howard at 713302-3457.

vides shoes at Walk With Pride and serves Fort Bed County senior citizens. Doug Earl, 2010 Spaghetti Chair and Harish Jajoo, Co-Chair, invite everyone to attend this enjoyable and worthwhile, funfilled family event. For corporate tables please contact Elizabeth Howard at 713-302-3457.

Sugar Land Cultural Kite Festival Rescheduled to Feb. 6 The City of Sugar Land rescheduled its Cultural Kite Festival to Saturday, Feb. 6 due to forecasted rainy weather conditions on the original date. Festival times will remain the same -- 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. -- and all activities will still be held at Sugar Land Memorial Park, 15300 University Blvd. The festival will feature fine cultural food and entertainment from various countries. There will be kite flying competitions and lessons for those that have never flown a kite. Local kite clubs will provide parachute bowl racing for kids and a display of kites of all shapes and sizes for families to view. Walk-around entertainment and kite decorating workshops also will be available.

Cultural Kites Festival

Submit Newsworthy items to editor_fbbj@fortbendstar.com

Fort Bend County Honors Allen Winter Allen Winter was honored with a reception for retiring from Fort Bend County after 25 years of loyal service. Joining him at the reception was his brother and sister, several elected officials, numerous County employees and representatives from Texana Center. County Judge Bob Hebert stated, “We are thankful for Allen’s commitment and faithful service to Fort Bend County. He should retire knowing that he has made a remarkable contribution to Fort Bend County and touched the lives of numerous county employees in immeasurable ways.” Allen worked 20 hours a week in the County Facilities Custodial Department where his duties included light maintenance and grounds keeping. Allen became a friend to many during his years of employment. When out and about in the Richmond area, Allen enjoys meeting co-workers, both past and present. He also works several hours a day at the Texana Authority office in Richmond performing general housekeeping tasks. Allen loves talking to his co-workers and enjoys remembering the birthdays of his co-workers with handmade birthday cards. He loves to watch sports and travel to Austin to spend time with his family. Please visit http://www.fortbendcountynews.info for more information pertaining to local events and updates.

County Judge Bob Hebert congratulates Allen Winter on his retirement.

T.W. Davis Family YMCA Kicks off 2010 Partners Campaign YMCA Rallies the Community to Help Local Children, Families and Seniors The T.W. Davis Family YMCA 2010 Partners Campaign is officially underway. This year’s campaign joins over 75 local volunteers to raise funds in the community to provide less fortunate children, teens, adults, seniors and families with sliding scale scholarships and program subsidies. “The money raised during this campaign goes directly to children and families who need YMCA values-based programs like youth sports, before and after school child care, teen programs, summer camp, swim lessons and membership,” said James Duke, Partners Campaign Chair. “Your donation could mean that a working parent can feel at ease, knowing their child has a safe, nurturing place to go after school, or that a teen struggling academically will be guided by a mentor who helps them improve not only their grades, but their self-esteem as well,” said Duke. Through the kindness of local donors, the YMCA strives to fulfill its mission to provide its services to everyone, regardless of their inability to pay. A donor can designate their gift to be used to support a particular facility or program. The T.W. Davis Family YMCA’s fundraising goal this year is $115,000 Achieving this goal will mean that more people will be able to experience positive YMCA programs. Throughout the Greater Houston area and the surrounding eleven counties served, more than 1,500 volunteers participate in the YMCA’s annual Partners Campaign, making sure even more people benefit from YMCA programs and services. How can you get involved? Call the T.W. Davis Family YMCA at 281341-0791 to speak with Jess Stuart, the Executive Director. You can become a donor, volunteer or both. “Together we can ensure the YMCA makes a positive

T.W. Davis YMCA Partners Campaign YMCA Executive Director Jess Stuart and Champaign Chair James Duke discuss Jan 28 Kick-off at Safari Texas Ranch in Richmond.

difference for kids, families and communities every day,” said Jess. First organized in 1886, the YMCA of Greater Houston’s mission is to put JudeoChristian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind and body for all. The YMCA seeks to serve those of all faiths, or none. In the greater Houston area, 41 YMCA facilities and hundreds of program sites provide character enrichment and fun activities for people of all ages, cultures and abilities. Last year, more than 875,000 people in Houston were served through valuesbased Y programs such as child development and education, older youth and teen programming, health enhancement, wellness, camping, sports and recreation, community development, wellness, fellowship, refugee resettlement and affordable housing. Locally, the YMCA utilizes the skills of nearly 6,000 staff members and 15,000 volunteers. Limited financial assistance is made available through the YMCA to individuals and families who substantiate need. To learn more, call 713-659-5566 or visit us on the web at www.ymcahouston.org.

February 2010 • Fort Bend Business Journal

To be listed

Call Carolyn Reed

at 281-690-4201

S E R V I C E D I R E C T O R Y

Accountants Gerald Blakemore, CPA P.C. • 281-201-1809 www.geraldblakemorecpapc.com gerald@geraldblakemorecpapc.com Tax preparation and consulting for business and individuals. Accounting and bookkeeping services. Member: QuickBooks ProAdvisor® Program. No charge for initial consultation. Douglas T. Brown, CPA • 281-265-8366 www.douglastbrown.com. doug@douglastbrown.com. One Sugar Creek Center Blvd., Suite 970, Sugar Land, TX 77478. Tax preparation and consulting for individuals, businesses, trusts and estates. Accounting and bookkeeping services for small to medium size businesses. Serving all of Houston, Katy and Sugar Land. We focus on your needs to provide exactly the service you require. Call or email for a free consultation. Dennis Fernelius, CPA • 281-342-5342 Now affiliated with Philip Hammon III, PLLC CPA’s, 2501 1st Street, Rosenberg, TX 77471, 281-342-5342 or www.philhamman.com. Continuing to serve the East Fort Bend Business community • Questions call 281-261-7551 • Personal/Business tax planning and compliance • Accounting • Popular accounting software setup and support. Sandersen, Knox & Belt, LLP • 281-242-3232 www.SKBTexas.com asandersen@skbtexas.com. Alan K. Sandersen, CPA, 13401 Southwest Freeway #101, Sugar land, TX 77478, E-mail: Fax: 281-242-3252. Taxation, financial statements, audits-business/governmental.

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

Advertising, Promotional Specialties Blue Jungle Marketing - 281-240-6700 www.bluejunglemarketing.com jmunnell@bluejunglemarketing.com. Jim Munnell, 10700 Corporate Drive, Suite 100, Stafford, Tx 77477, Fax: 281-240-6711, signs, promo. products, tradeshow displays, web design, etc.

Business Spirit Promotional Products 281-208-1100 www.BusinessSpirit.com Gifts • Travel Mugs • Caps • T-shirts • Briefcases • Food Gifts • Sport Towels • Knives • Rulers • Golf Items • Awards • Pens • Calculators • Canvas Bags • Calendars • Manicure Sets • Key Tags • Mirrors • Letter Openers • Flashlights • Imprinted Plastic Bags • Journals • Radios • Crayons • Coffee Mugs • Stress Relievers • Jackets • Chocolates • Nuts • plus 475,000 other items on our website!

Air Conditioning & Heating/Sales & Service Fresh Air, L.P. • 281-499-3511 www.freshairinc.com sonnyr@freshairinc.com. Sonny Roncancio, 5702 Power Line Rd., Richmond, TX 77469. Fax: 281-3441189, Serving Fort Bend Since 1971; Residential & commercial sales/service.

Attorney At Law Law Office of Robert Hohenberger 713-680-9454 www.law-tex.com 2500 Wilcrest Drive, Suite 107, Houston, Texas 77042 Specializing in areas of Family Law, Debt Resolution, Debt Mediation, Consumer Bankruptcy and Business Bankruptcy. Board certified in Family Law, Consumer Bankruptcy, and Commercial Bankruptcy. Will help with other legal issues as well. Law Office of Melissa G. Martin, P.C. 281-343-8914 www.mgmartinlaw.com Melissa G. Martin, P.C. , 19901 Southwest Freeway, Sugar Land, Texas 77479. A general practice law firm in Sugar Land. Handles all legal matters including, but not limited to, business and commercial law, family law, insurance, and personal injury. Will give you the individualized attention you need. Call for a free consultation 281 343 8914. The Showalter Law Firm • 281 341 5577 www.showalterlaw.com mail@showalterlaw.com. David W. Showalter, 1117 FM 359, Suite 200 Richmond, TX 77469 Fax: 281341-5572.

Auto Repair / Maintenance AAMCO of Stafford • 281-879-0055 12103 Murphy Road, Stafford, Texas 77477. Complete Car Care Center. Lifetime Warranty Available. Specializes in Foreign and Domestic vehicle. Certified and Professionally Trained Technicians with over 40 years of experience. State of the Art Diagnostic testing equipment. Honors manufacturer’s and extended warranties. Free towing available. Free shuttle service available. FREE Nationwide Warranty. Auto Central-Automotive Service & Sales 281-499-9684 www.autocentral.biz david@autocentral.biz. David Fauvelle, 2526 Fifth Street, Stafford, Texas 77477, Fax: 281-499-0183, Fast, friendly and professional automotive repair. AAA approved auto repair.

Fort Bend Business Journal • February 2010

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

Banks Frost Bank - Stafford • 713-388-1191 www.frostbank.com 3531 S. Main, Stafford, TX 77477, Fax: 713-388-7600, Three Fort Bend County locations to meet your banking needs. Founders Bank • 281-325-5000 www.foundersbanktx.com Email: customerservice@foundersbanktx.com. Fax: 281-325-5050. Fort Bend County only. Locally owned and managed bank. 4690 Sweetwater Blvd., Sugar Land 77479 Houston Community Bank - Fort Bend 281-343-7700 www.houstoncommunitybank.com cleatherwood@houstoncommunitybank.com. Claude Leatherwood, Greatwood Lakes Bldg., 19855 SW Frwy, Ste 100, Sugar Land, TX 77479, Fax: 281-343-7787. Full service community bank. Houston Community Bank - Stafford 281-208-2111 www.houstoncommunitybank.com jsmith@houstoncommunitybank, Jeff Smith, 13811 Murphy Road, Stafford, TX 77477, Fax: 281-208-4420. Community bank offering a broad range of financial services. The State Bank of Texas • 281-494-6686 www.tsbot.com nbb@tsbot.com. Nicki Black, 13010 Murphy Road, Stafford, TX 77477, Fax: 281-494-6747, , Locally and independently owned - our prime interest is you! Sterling Bank - Fort Bend • 281-277-0100 12840 Southwest Freeway, Stafford, TX 77477, Fax: 281-277-0223, Serving owner-operated businesses with local decision makers.

12 MONTHS LISTING FOR ONLY $300

Blinds / Window Coverings Budget Blinds • 281-416-8499 www.budgetblinds.com bdimmitt@budgetblinds.com. Bob Dimmitt, 1306 FM 1092, Suite 401, Missouri City, TX 77459, Fax: 832220-8051, Custom window coverings, personal style consultant, “expert fit” measuring and installation.

Business Coaching The Growth Coach • 281-841-6680 www.TheGrowthCoachHouston.com g.smith@thegrowthcoach.com The most experienced business coaching team in Ft Bend County! Our staff has over 50 years combined experience mentoring business owners. We help busy entrepreneurs to slow down, catch their breath, reflect and map out the critical changes they need to improve their businesses and lives. Our clients get results! In the end they make more money, work less, and enjoy a better life.

Carpet Cleaning All Star Rotokleen • 281-731-0755 www.allstarcleanpro.com John Sturrock, 435 FM 1092, Suite B-1 #561, Stafford, TX 77477, Fax: 281-438-5771, Organic cleaning solution with low moisture.

Catering Chef for You Chef Service & Catering 281-313-2433 www.chef4u.net. 9920 Highway 90-A, Suite B-260, Sugar Land, Texas 77478, Call Marcie to handle your next luncheon or dinner party. Check our online Corporate Catering Menu which can be customized to meet your needs.

Chiropractors Smouse Chiropractic & Scoliosis Center • 281-494-5144 www.scoliosistreatmentctr.com doctor.scoliosis@worldnet.att.net. Gary F. Smouse, DC, and Stephanie M. Smouse, BS, DC, 14015 Southwest Freeway #9, Sugar Land, TX 77478, Fax: 281-4942975, Chiropractic care with a non-surgical treatment of scoliosis.

Computer, Sales & Services Fast-Teks On-site Computer Services Greater Sugar Land / Katy Fort Bend Area • 281-857-6227 www.fastteks.com mkirkpatrick@fastteks.com. Business & residential computer specialists. Troubleshooting, Virus Removal, DSL & Cable setup, Wireless Networking, Data Back Up and Recovery, Preventative Maintenance Agreements, Website Development and more. 281-857-6227. New Dimensions Multimedia Computing • 281-980-4106 www.newdimcomputers.com normvoss@newdimcomputers.com. Norm Voss, 1108 Soldier’s Field Court, Suite 100, Sugar Land, TX 77479, Fax: 281-980-4107, Computer Sales, Service & Networking.

Construction Material Provider Sprint Sand & Clay Dispatch 281-277-5404 www.sprintsandandclay.com Sprint Sand & Clay is a full-service construction material provider of sand and clay type material with trucking, excavation, demolition, and other construction capabilities. Sprint Sand & Clay will work with you to provide everything you will need to start a successful build project. Whether a contractor is looking for select fill, sand or mulch; Sprint Sand & Clay can provide you with the material you need, when and where you need it. P.O. Box 19129 Houston TX 77224.

Country Clubs

Hardee Investment Group @ RBC Wealth Management • 713-853-0879 www.hardeeinvestmentgroup.com will.hardee@rbc.com Will Hardee, 1001 Fannin Street, Ste. 1200, Houston, TX 77002, Fax: 713-651-3366, 800-838-0757 tollfree. Investment management, financial long term planning and consulting. Sugar Creek Financial Group • 281-565-2266 www.sugarcreekgroup.com robroy@windstream.net. Robert H. Roy, ChFC, Fax: 281-565-2277, 12946 Dairy Ashford #350, Sugar Land, TX 77478. Life, Health, Pensions, Investments for businesses and individuals.

Fitness Center

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

Debt Collection Services Beta Financial Services LLC • 281-208-0656 Roger Harris, Manager. Beta Financial Services LLC, 2601 Cartwright Road D161, Missouri City Texas 77459. Office 281-208-0656. Fax 281-403-3415

Debt Resolution Services Robert Hohenberger, Attorney at Law 713-680-9454 www.law-tex.com 2500 Wilcrest Drive, Suite 107, Houston, Texas 77042. In times like these, with layoffs, reduced income, and increased interest rates, let us help you deal with your creditors to develop a plan to reduce and resolve your debt. We offer Debt Resolution, Debt Mediation, Income Tax payment plans and more. Call today for a consultation.

Financial Products & Services Cohen Jacobs Financial Services C.J. Eaden, CITRMS • 281-499-8484 www.cybercopsusa.com idtking@yahoo.com, 802 Texas Parkway Suite G, Stafford, TX 77477 Fax: 281-499-2712 Providers of Identity Theft Protection and Restoration for individuals and small business owners, including a suite of services which provides help in every phase of Identity Theft. We help small business owners comply with new Federal Trade Commission guidelines on Identity Theft. Free training and education provided.

Curves for Women Pecan Grove - 832-451-8160 Sugar Land by the Mall - 281-240-0998 Stafford - 281-564-6161 Missouri City - 281-208-9260 30 minute fitness & weight loss center for women.

Gifts Edible Arrangements – Stafford The Fountains Shopping Center 281-313-7848 (281-31-FRUIT) Fresh fruit arrangements and gift boxes for pick-up and delivery in a variety of sizes. Our arrangements are hand-sculpted fresh fruit “bouquets” that artfully resemble floral arrangements and can be customized with gourmet chocolate, plush bears, and Mylar balloons. An edible arrangement is perfect way to say thank you, happy birthday, get well or congratulations, great for any meeting or celebration.

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

Identity Theft Cohen Jacobs Financial Services C.J. Eaden, CITRMS • 281-499-8484 www.cybercopsusa.com idtking@yahoo.com, 802 Texas Parkway Suite G, Stafford, TX 77477 Fax: 281-499-2712 Providers of Identity Theft Protection and Restoration for individuals and small business owners, including a suite of services which provides help in every phase of Identity Theft. We help small business owners comply with new Federal Trade Commission guidelines on Identity Theft. Free training and education provided.

Insurance Agencies Agentwalker.com - State Farm Insurance 281-265-0711 tracy@agentwalker.com - Tracy Walker ChFC, CLU, CASL. AKA Soccer Mom, Baseball Mom, Football Mom 15510 Lexington Blvd Ste N Sugar Land, TX 77478 Providing Insurance and Financial Services

February 2010 • Fort Bend Business Journal

S E R V I C E D I R E C T O R Y

To be listed

Call Carolyn Reed

at 281-690-4201

S E R V I C E D I R E C T O R Y

Assurance One of Texas, LLC • 281-494-6400 email@sugarlandinsuranceagent.com. Cherie Young, 245 Commerce Green Blvd., #110, Sugar Land, TX 77478. Members of Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce since 1993. Full Service Independent Insurance Agency specializing in the Best Customer Service available. Insurance Solutions of Texas 281-565-2222 • 281-341-5060 www.insurancesolutionsoftexas.com Jay Harris, Auto, Home, Business, Flood Insurance. 14140 Southwest Freeway, Suite 150, Sugar Land, Texas 77478. 281-565-2222, Fax 281-565-3333. 2515 Ave. H, Rosenberg, Texas 77471. 281-341-5060, Fax 281-341-5558. Mark Dalton Insurance Agency • 281-242-2333 www.mdaltoninsurance.com service@mdaltoninsurance.com. Mark Dalton, 101 Southwestern Blvd. #106, P.O. Box 1205, Sugar Land, TX 77487-1205, Fax: 281-242-9162, Auto, Home, Life, Business, Insurance. Serving Ft Bend County for 25 yrs. Dan Noltensmeyer & Associates 281-342-7200 Nationwide Insurance, 19974 Southwest Freeway, Sugar Land, Texas 77479, Fax: 281-342-7203 State Farm Insurance • 281-265-0707 tracy.walker.le19@statefarm.com. Tracy Walker, 15510 Lexington #N, Sugar Land, Texas 77478, Fax: 281-265-0707, Mutual funds, IRA’s, Life, Business Insurance, Auto, Home, Health.

Investment Companies Edward Jones • 281-494-3737 www.edwardjones.com Gayle.Swafford@edwardjones.com Gayle L. Swafford - Financial Advisor. 4623 Austin Parkway, Sugar Land, Texas 77479, Fax: 888-849-8932, Financial services firm specializing in helping individual investors achieve their goals. Your local source for a variety of investments and financial services.

Jewelers J Loggins Jewelers Fort Bend’s Custom Jeweler • 281-242-2900 www.jloggins.com info@jloggins.com. 14015 Southwest Freeway, Sugar Land, TX 77478. Fax: 281-242-0839. Custom Design, Custom Repairs, Custom Makeovers. Full-Service Fine Jewelry Store, carrying famous designer lines.

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

Magazine Fort Bend Business Journal • 281-690-4200 www.fortbendstar.com Fort Bend’s ONLY business publication. 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.

Medical Equipment & Supplies Active American Mobility & Medical Supply, 281-265-3155 www.aamobility.com 15229 Southwest Freeway, Sugar Land, TX 77478, Fax: 281-265-6058. Full line of mobility solutions and medical supplies.

Mortgage Realty Plus Mortgage - 281-403-3905 realtyplus@acninc.net. We have experienced loan officers to find the right mortgage. Experienced Realtors to explain the process & answers your questions to help you find a house and negotiate a contract to achieve you Real Estate goals. 2823 Dulles Ave., Missouri City, 281-403-3905, fax 281-403-1080, 1-877-405-3905. BBB Member, License No. 227

New Construction, Custom/ Planned Community Lakes of Mission Grove - 281-341-7010 www.mission-grove.com missiongrove@ev1.net. Sam Harrison, 1121 F.M. 359, Richmond, TX 77469 Fax: 281-341-5572. New Home Builders, LLC - 281-980-3390 ww.NHBrealtor.com dmiller@realtor.com. Diana Miller, 19901 Southwest Freeway, Sugar Land, Texas 77479, Fax: 281-9807640 Real estate firm specializing in new construction, custom/planned community.

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.

Optometrists Today’s Vision - 281-242-2020 www.2020sugarland.com todaysvision@2020sugarland.com. 15337 Southwest Frwy., Sugar Land, TX 77478 - Williams Trace @ Hwy 59 (Next to Conns). Thomas P. Arnold, O.D., Melissa C. Moeller, O.D., and Associates. Therapeutic and Pediatric Optometrists. Elissa R. Wedemeyer O.D., FCOVD, F.A.A.O 281-499-2600 5425 Hwy. 6 #B-100 Missouri City, TX 77459. www. drwedemeyer.com. Therapeutic Optometrist, in house optical with a large selection of frames and contact lenses, medical management of eye infections and diseases.

Fort Bend Business Journal • February 2010

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 ORKIN - Commercial Services www.orkin.com 713-784-2706 - April Shane-wilton (South Of I-10) 713-952-4500 - Dana Mowe (North Of I-10) Orkin services customers in a wide variety of industries, and we tailor our pest management solutions to fit your facility. Call today for a comprehensive inspection with pest pressure evaluation including quote and to find out about our “Orkin Triple Guarantee” and customized 7-step solution. VISIT OUR WEB SITE AT WWW.ORKIN. COM TO LEARN MORE.

Pharmacies Ed’s Pharmacy - 281-499-4555 Ed Sziy, 3740 Cartwright, Missouri City, TX 77459, Fax: 281-499-7088. Walgreen’s Drug Stores Hwy 6 @ Williams Trace - 281-980-5780 Lexington @ Dulles - 281-499-0231 24Hr Hwy 6 @ FM 1092 - 281-208-5904 24Hr Grand Parkway @ Hwy 59 - 281-633-0299 With more locations throughout Fort Bend to serve you better

Physicians Immunizations & Drug Testing IMU Southwest, The IMUnization Clinic 281-313-7468 www.IMUnizationclinic.org imusouthwest@windstream.net. 12869 Capricorn St. 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.

Plants, Interior Design Interiorscapes of Houston 281-933-0470 Alan L’ Roy, P.O. Box 218023, Houston, TX 77218, Fax: 281-277-0541, Interior plant maintenance, Serving Sugar Land & Fort Bend County, Specializing with a devotion to a degree beyond the usual.

Plumbing Supplies Morrison Plumbing Supply & Showroom 281-499-3299 10404 Cash Road, Stafford, TX 77477, Designer Quality at Clearance Prices. Your complete source for name brand faucets and fixtures at competitive prices.

Printers / Graphics Blue Jungle Marketing - 281-240-6700 www.bluejunglemarketing.com jmunnell@bluejunglemarketing.com. Jim Munnell, 10700 Corporate Drive, Suite 100, Stafford, Texas 77477, Fax: 281-240-6711, signs, promo products, tradeshow displays, web design, etc. 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 Bearden Development • 281-568-4185 budt@beardendevelopment.com. 10460 W. Sam Houston Parkway S., Suite 200, Houston, TX 77099, Commercial office, warehouse and manufacturing facilities for lease or build to suit. Commercial development and investments. 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, 20 yrs exp. in Fort Bend. Indermuehle & Co. - Commercial Real Estate 281-240-9090 www.icotexas.com lindermuehle@icotexas.com. Larry Indermuehle, 2333 Town Center Drive Suite 300, Sugar Land, TX 77498, Phone 281-240-9090 - Fax: 281-240-9070 - 1800240-9090, Commercial real estate sales, leasing and investments. 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. Mimi Kwan, Realtor CRS, GRI, ABR, e-PRO, Broker-Associate 281-208-51100 www.mimikwan.com MimiKwan@Realtor.com. 4500 Highway 6 @ Austin Pkwy, Sugar Land, TX 77478-4488, Office: 281-2655533 ext. 1212 *** Toll Free 877-373-6293 ext. 1212, Direct: 281-208-5110-Fax 281-208-5151. RE/MAX Fine Properties. Each ofﬁce independently owned/operated. Riverstone Development Co. - 281-499-8700 www.riverstone.com tom@riverstone.com. Tom Wilcox, 4855 Riverstone Blvd, Missouri City, Texas 77459, Fax: 281-499-8704, Luxury waterside living in Fort Bend from $200s to the many millions. Telfair by Newland Communities 281-325-0032 www.telfair.com 1310 Heritage Place, Sugar Land, Texas 77479. Fax 281-325-0051. Telfair by Newland Communities – The Art and Soul of Great Living from the $260’s to Over $1 Million.

“The Power of Three” Team 281-207-5155 www.3realtors.com Denise Hulse, Kathy Richardson & Michele Sergie. RE/MAX Southwest, 14905 SW Freeway, Sugar Land, TX 77478. Email: info@3realtors.com. Residential Real Estate and 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.

Stafﬁng Service / Temporary Help Strategic Employer Services, LLC Professional Employer Organization (PEO) 281-277-3006 www.strategicemployerservices.com Strategic Employer Services, LLC is a Fort Bend County based PEO providing full service human resources benefits to small businesses, enabling them to compete aggressively with larger organizations to hire and retain productive employees. Our offices are located at 4411 Bluebonnet, Suite 108, Stafford, Texas 77477. (10/07)

Transportation TREKEXPRESS 281-633-RIDE www.trekhouston.org jr@trekhouston.org. Commuter bus service from Fort Bend County to Uptown/ Galleria and Green way Plaza. Managed by TREK and funded by Fort Bend County Commuter Service.

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

Wash / Laundry / Drop-Off Coin Laundry @ Stafford - 281-261-6191 504–C Murphy Road@Ave. E, Large Commercial, Front load Washing machines; Wash, Dry & Fold same day service. Club welcome, both business or individuals. 7 days, 8 am-10pm

Waste Collection Services Sprint Waste Services Dispatch 281-491-7775 www.sprintwaste.com Sprint Waste provides trash collection services to a wide variety of commercial customers throughout Houston and as far away as El Campo and Victoria. Whether you are a business looking for a permanent waste solution or a general contractor with a temporary need, Sprint Waste has roll-off boxes, front load containers, and garbage compactors to meet your every need. P.O. Box 940820 Houston TX 77094.

Web Site Design & Programming DonDulin.com - 281-238-4719 www.dondulin.com don@dondulin.com, Don Dulin, P.O. Box 1840, Richmond, TX 77406, Fax: 281-239-6193, Complete web development; marketing, database, e-commerce and hosting.

Help people find your business here! Call Carolyn Reed 281-690-4201 • 281-323-0185

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

carolyn@fortbendstar.com

February 2010 • Fort Bend Business Journal

S E R V I C E D I R E C T O R Y

Data Beat DBA (Assumed Names)

(+) = More Names

This is a sample of the Assumed Names (DBAs) filed at the Fort Bend County Clerk’s office for December 2009. More Assumed Names may be viewed online at http://ccweb.co.fort-bend.tx.us/RealEstate/SearchEntry.aspx. There were 300 Assumed Names with Notary Fee for month of December. There were also 75 Assumed Names without a notary fee. Ewing Hope E Mrs The Diaper Foundation (+) 2707 Quail Creek Dr 77459 Yun Long Llc Uncle Lee’s Cafe Ii 1315 Thomas Jefferson Way 77459 Peron Tawn T.c.d. Publishing 10502 Mcafee Court 77031 Carter Brandon (+) Journey 17307 Gaucho Dr 77083 Bpic Enterprises Llc Royal Furniture 435 Fm 1092 #z2 77477 Jailaymi Enterprise Llc Bombay Grill 1852 Fm 359 77406 Ngo Kim Avalon Nails 6711 South Fry Rd 77494 Gallardo Luis Boost It Solutions 7206 Highland Oak Ct 77407 Ellis Patrice M Tempting Delights Vending Distributors Po Box 17053 77496

Greatwood Imaging & Sleep Center Inc Greatwood Sleep Center 19875 Southwest Fwy #110

Adekunle Florence M Olma’s Touch 14551 Beechnut St 77083

Forwardmed Llc Bridge Medical Supply 2511 Wind Fall 77479

Jugueta Marieta J4 Automotive 2638 5th Street 77477

Hernandez Angela (+) Stiletto Stacks Entertainment 5915 Yaupon Ridge Dr 77469

Crew Rachel Airbrush Beauties 21002 James Long Ct 77406

Egan Cheryl C & E Tax Service 3003 Straight Elm St 77545

Ingenhuett Troy S Tsi Tree Service 1218 Emerald Green Ln 77094

Blakes Blessings Blakes Blessings 2422 Poco Dr 77489

Coleman Lashaun O’taste It Family Catering 1218 Lexington Blvd 77489

Tsai Yao-lei Ray Online 10807 Highway 36 77461

Jones Damon Ace Home & Apt Preparation Services P O Box 1523 77489

Afeman Jacob Vasquez Julio K Jake’s Remodeling Greater Travels 2103 Enchanted Oaks Ln 77471 3339 N Sutton Sq 77477

Ogbonda Esther Lastminutegod.com 14314 River Glen Dr 77498

Torres Armando Atconstruction 4507 Casey Circle 77479

Morales Adam River City Hotrods (+) 13618 Florence 77498

Webb Don E (+) Valve Procurement Specialties (V.p.s.) 3618 Honey Creek Dr 77478

Bravo Leann Mr. Bravo 530 Land Grant 77406 Davis Marie A Mugs Of Expressions P O Box 1247 77489

Ndukwe Edwin Trend Pharmacy 2600 Cordes 77479 Ndukwe Don Consolidated Engineering And Testing 1826 Lauren Pl 77489

Wells Josh Katy Thunder 8614 Rising Oak Lane 77494 Missouri Investments Llc Shoe City 1715 Texas Parkway 77489

Coleman Linda One Voice Coalition 4855 Riverstone Ste 108 77459

Charasso Interests Inc Studio 563-houston 8130 Crescent Knolls 77406

Metcalf Nena Nena Metcalf Photography 5931 Yaupon Ridge Dr 77469

Lakhani Nishant Blue Angel Records 4310 Browning Ct 77479

Hrbacek Brad Modern Day Motor Cars Llc 912 4th Street 77471

Ceballos Elsa Janneth Eka Trucking Company 15630 Chocke-canyon 77478

Bortz Jamin Corinthian Custom Pools 3015 Willow Ford Dr 77450

Owens Lori Anne Owens Consulting Group 6727 Knoll Park Dr 77479

Adams Cheantel Myindexstrategy.com 18339 Austin Oak Lane 77407

Mai Hanh Tran Serendipity En Vogue Llc 14022 Coral Bean Dr 77498

Salazar Michelle Pure Skin Aesthetics 2745d Town Center Blvd Suite 120 77479

Remo Ireneo G Accumix Pharmacy Services 3943 Fields Crossing Ln 77498

Singh Ranbir Brazos Sleep Center 9303 Hillhaven Ct 77469 Humphrey Darryl Sr Humphrey’s Construction & Land Consultant Co. 515 Fm 2919 77451

Lambi Martha Martha’s Jewelry Gallery 5423 Walnut Glen Lane 77471 Greatwood Imaging & Sleep Center Inc Greatwood Imaging 19875 Southwest Fwy #110 77479

Nguyen Diep Ngoc 4th Street Food Store 1622 4th Street 77471 Russell Lisa A Katy Custom Embroidery 1107 Wildwood Ln 77494

Fort Bend Business Journal • February 2010

Mcfarlan Cheryl Recovery Of Medicare Advantage Overpayments 11601 Shaw Creek Pwy #111-194 77584 Riveredge Ventures Inc Votebooster 708 Riveredge Dr 77406

Afeman Jacob Williams Sandra Jake Afeman Enterprises Attractive Divas 2103 Enchanted Oaks Ln 77471 16511 Sagewood Court 77459 Phi Hung Hp Green Energy 11569 Hwy 6s #300 77498

Samuelson Clark Fort Bend Publications 3530 Elmridge 77025

Lipsanen Krista (+) Avant Garde Salon 2745 Town Center Blvd Suite 123 77479

Ward Fern F. Ward Assemblies 6302 West Bend 77085

King Roy F (+) Insured Resources 2510 Cannons Point Ct 77478 Malone Eric Sign Shine 6414 Haven Forest Ln 77469 Slater Terry Terry Slater Dba Slater Insurance Agency 4645 Sweetwater Blvd #750 77479 Franklin Mark Bubba Jake’s 3523 Santa Rosa Ln 77478 Bell Daryl J All-in Entertainment (+) 6761 Indian Lake Dr 77489 Bell Daryl J All-n (+) 6761 Indian Lake Dr 77489 Branch Delois Olive Branch Productions 32731 Westminster Dr 77441 Arevalo Dolores V & R Transportation 9211 Windswept Grove Dr 77083

Richey Steven Quantum Outdoors Inc 6723 Hathaway Lane 77479 Quantum Outdoors Inc Quantum Outdoors Productions 6723 Hathaway Lane 77479 Richey Steven Hunting Freak Inc 6723 Hathaway Lane 77479 Heath Annette P Up N Away Balloons & Bouncers 910 Fm 359 77406 Corwin Bregitta (+) Gulf Coast Critical Care P O Box 1075 77437 Williams Joyce Ann Just For You Vending 12 Ten Acre Walk 77459 Stubblefield Thomas Blade Savers & Southern Pet Distributors 6803 River Road 77469 Fedor Enterprises Llc Entertainment Technology Solutions 3911 Kitchen Hill Lane 77479 Thompson Jamial D Elite Home Installations P O Box 2182 77497

Data Beat DBA (Assumed Names)

Elkins Randy Elkins Home Services 3411 High Pine Dr 77459

Ankrah Justice (+) Justice Express 20014 Benton Spring Ln 77407

Harbor Community Church Harbor Anchors 867 Dulles Ave 77477

Bosschaerts Claudia P Lowery Vincent Kidsville Early Childhood Center Premier Contractors 2303 Bedford Oak St 77545 3807 Breaker Ct 77459

Tyo Mattie (+) K & M Medical Supplies 2440 Texas Parkway #330 77489

Adair Suanne B Adair To Travel 3843 Indian Point Dr 77459

Brown Latonya Expresspro Cleaning Services 14231 Fm 1464 #8102 77498

Stellus John (+) Shalod Used Auto Sales 111 Present Street 77489

Dupont Amber Everthing Pet 12919 Southwest Freeway Ste 140 77477

Allys International Inc Aladdin Bistro 6350 Hwy 90-a #200 77478

Kidda James A Kidda Computer Service 922 Knoll Forest Dr 77479 Mcdonald Leon Jr L.m. Lawn Care 966 Deer Creak 77477 Yukon Flooring Katy Llc Yukon Flooring And Glass 13230 Murphy Rd #600 77477 Yukon Flooring Katy Llc Yukon Cabinet 13230 Murphy Rd #600 77477 Yukon Flooring Katy Llc Universal Floor Supply 13230 Murphy Rd #600 77477 Rizvie Dilshad Five Starz 8123 Vista Del Sol 77083 Revolution Dojo Llc Revolution Bjj And Crossfit 414 Grand Parkway #197 77494 Revolution Dojo Llc Revolution Martial Arts And Fitness 414 Grand Parkway #197 77494

Chopra Rajat Bright Shine Cleaners 7102 Tessa Lakes Crt 77479 Howell Kandy E Hott Stuff Catering & Concessions 22715 Piper Rd 77461 Perez Lisa Sugar Letter 2614 Orchard Creek Ln 77494 Perez Lisa Note Trunk 22136 Westheimer Pkwy 77494 Meyen Steven W Atm Compliance Specialist 2221 Briar Ridge Dr 77471 Lewis Joseph (+) Lewis Services 15243 Loma Paseo Dr 77083 Rizvie Mehnaz Five Starz 8123 Vista Del Sol 77083 Gonzalez Antonio J Manos Peruanas 2495 S Mason Rd Apt 1531 77450

Davis Laurette (+) Diva’s Lounge 2435 Texas Parkway Suite O 77489

Etinfoh Helen E Novie International 18023 Timerwalk Lane 77469 Coleman Steven J (+) God’s Army Ministries 2723 Cheryl Ct 77459 Luna Corinne Texas Realty & Managment 3502 Point Clear Dr 77459 Saif Investment Group Llc La Quita Inn & Suites Sugar Land 6424 E Riverpark Dr 77479

Mcintyre Jetta Jet Set 203 Unique Ct 77583 Joyce Maria E Long Time Living In Silence (Domestic Violence) 4903 Taylor Lake Ct 77407 Taylor Jorden L Temple Of Praise International Ministries 1201 Preston Street 77469

Taylor Douglas Big State Security 16138 Bowridge 77053

Caston Tamara (+) Taste The Colors I Cater 3001 Dove Country Drive #314 77477

Vasquez Luis Maria’s Cleaning Services 6615 Kearney Dr 77469

Uresti Arthur E Kanota Park Interests 2815 Country Club 77478

Adams Sharon Judgment Final Recovery 2822 Salt River Ct 77459

Reyes Cynthia Westside Saints 6802 Grapevine Trail 77407

Gregg Harrison Jr Harrison Gregg Jr Campaign/ election Fund For Judge 3312 Palm Desert Lane 77459

Chang Kun Amcan Material & Technologies 6819 Wittenberg Ave 77479

Al Johar Mansour (+) Camlizer.com 14019 S W Fwy 77478

Colley Martine The Complete Cup (+) 7518 Eastwood Lake Ln 77407

Handwriting Matters Inc Motor Skills Matter 4501 Cartwright Road Ste 508 77459

Al Johar Mansour (+) Proxyonearabia.com 14019 Sw Fwy 77478

Andrade Ricardo Lecaroz Bakery #2 15815 S Post Oak 77053

Mairena Mario (+) R.m.m. Construction & Designs 2319 Quail Place Dr 77489

Big Will Trucking Llc Big Will Trucking 15026 Chaeridge Dr 77489

Bosschaerts Claudia P Kidsville 2303 Bedford Oak St 77545

Tony Van Nails Llc Regal Nails 345 S Hwy 6 7748

Ankrah Justice (+) Coastal Trucking 20014 Benton Spring Ln 77407

Cobb Bryan Sugar Land Electric Service Co 3419 Cannon Pass Ct 77478

Blancett Sarah At Your Service 5804 Lynbrook 77057

Brye Gary M Gary’s Tractor Service 12419 Fern Meadow Drive 77477

Turner Tangela E Turner Virtual Services 1000 Farrah Lane #331 77477

Landry Lynne Bravo Insurance Agency 16227 Coyridge Lane 77053

Mcmorris Sedwyn Maurice Mcmorris Landscaping 3502 Dahlia Hill 77545

Civitelli Janet Global Castle 16107 Kensington Dr Pmb 115 77479

Advanced Pro Services Lp Advanced Pest Control 3945 B Greenbriar Dr 77477

Huther William Paradise Destinations 1906 Sable Glen Court 77469

Revolution Dojo Llc Revolution Crossfit 414 Grand Parkway #197 77494

Jackson Quantaa Qj’s Next Level Training 17424 W Grand Pkwy Ste 166 77479

Royal Motor Finance Llc Bochia Sportswear 20106 Larkspur Landing 77407

Henderson Quinton Don Henderson’s And Sons All Around Industrial 1826 Corretta Ct 77545

Reyes Cynthia Westside Youth Sports Association 6802 Grapevine Trail 77407

(+) = More Names

Kirsch Charissa L Art Angel Project 3351 Dew Point Ln 77479 Morethandinner Inc Datingwithbenefits.com 2910 Commercial Center Blvd 103-151 77494

Young Ira Charles Young Trash Service 917 Davis 77583 Tran Hoa Hoa Tran Insurance Agency 11647 Hwy 6 South 77498 Hall Dashana L Ltc Profonline 6923 Descartes Drive 77407 The Fellowship At Cinco Ranch (+) Loft Records 22765 Westheimer Parkway 77450 Moore James M Jim Moore Properties 1623 Meadowsweet Dr 77479 Hlavaty Enterprises Inc Liberty Tax Service 1705-c Texas Parkway 77489 Miles David Rainy Day Autos 5210 Pebble Bluff Ln 77479

Woodley George H Dvm First Colony Kennels 2505 Williams Trace Blvd 77479

Belland Joshua Jb Residential Construction 3610 Bartons Ln 77479

Woodley George H Dvm First Colony Veterinary Clinic 2505 Williams Trace Blvd 77479

Martinez Francisco Frank’s Mtz A/c And Heating Services 1221 Cumming Rd 77471

Jackson Quantaa Quantaa Jackson’s (Saqc) Speed, Agility, Quickness Camp 17424 W Grand Pkwy Ste 166 77479

Ozuna Alicia The New Me (+) 1214 Hemple Dr 77471

February 2010 • Fort Bend Business Journal

Data Beat

JANUARY 2010 Sales Tax Allocation Comparison Summary Reports Sales Tax Allocation Comparison Summary reports present data about monthly local sales and use tax allocation payments to local sales taxing jurisdictions. These net payments represent monies identified for the local jurisdictions since the previous monthâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s distribution. These reports will allow you to compare current year sales and use tax payments with the previous year. When used with other local economic indicators, they may help indicate present and future trends. County/City Fort Bend

Net Payment This Period

Comp Payment Prior Year

% Change To Date

2009 Payments To Date

2008 Payments Change

Percent

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

23,853.00 5,132.02 26,085.65 1,046.20 72,885.96 436,990.27 22,868.32 3,600.30 5,859.93 320,735.46 772,716.59 4,020.47 829,773.59 2,806,617.31 1,079.82

37,021.31 5,652.57 25,019.77 1,069.50 87,542.78 469,628.23 39,425.40 3,792.00 3,229.95 329,154.75 844,580.89 3,524.53 1,142,224.68 3,160,742.49 5,341.51

-35.56% -9.20% 4.26% -2.17% -16.74% -6.94% -41.99% -5.05% 81.42% -2.55% -8.50% 14.07% -27.35% -11.20% -79.78%

23,853.00 5,132.02 26,085.65 1,046.20 72,885.96 436,990.27 22,868.32 3,600.30 5,859.93 320,735.46 772,716.59 4,020.47 829,773.59 2,806,617.31 1,079.82

37,021.31 5,652.57 25,019.77 1,069.50 87,542.78 469,628.23 39,425.40 3,792.00 3,229.95 329,154.75 844,580.89 3,524.53 1,142,224.68 3,160,742.49 5,341.51

-35.56% -9.20% 4.26% -2.17% -16.74% -6.94% -41.99% -5.05% 81.42% -2.55% -8.50% 14.07% -27.35% -11.20% -79.78%

County Total

5,333,264.89

6,157,950.36

-13.39%

5,333,264.89

6,157,950.36

-13.39%

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

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

Net Payment This Period

Comp Payment Prior Year

33,942,102.89 14,759,355.91 14,547,233.15 9,726,393.34 7,215,285.22 5,597,630.43 5,299,602.60 5,203,363.03 4,733,228.24 4,090,215.08 4,077,157.82 4,020,475.36 3,695,002.57 2,889,644.25 2,875,128.40 2,806,617.31 2,558,511.52 2,483,261.88 2,478,780.52 2,421,848.57

41,646,892.56 15,666,715.32 18,291,082.59 10,379,952.27 7,774,990.44 5,502,205.66 4,812,885.27 5,197,277.74 4,460,168.97 4,036,377.94 4,403,157.98 4,817,919.90 3,677,130.32 3,405,709.58 2,987,200.58 3,160,742.49 2,850,844.32 3,263,269.08 2,706,534.30 2,942,785.42

Fort Bend Business Journal â&#x20AC;˘ February 2010

% Change To Date

-18.50% -5.79% -20.46% -6.29% -7.19% 1.73% 10.11% 0.11% 6.12% 1.33% -7.40% -16.55% 0.48% -15.15% -3.75% -11.20% -10.25% -23.90% -8.41% -17.70%

2009 Payments To Date

2008 Payments Change

Percent

-18.50% -5.79% -20.46% -6.29% -7.19% 1.73% 10.11% 0.11% 6.12% 1.33% -7.40% -16.55% 0.48% -15.15% -3.75% -11.20% -10.25% -23.90% -8.41% -17.70%

Data Beat

Commercial Building Permits

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

TYPE OF PERMIT

VALUE

OWNER/CONTRACTOR

ROSENBERG 2751 Klauke Rd 1902 4th St 24701 Southwest Fwy #700

Commercial Bulding Commercial Bulding Commercial Bulding

$75,000 $10,000 $90,000

Fort Bend County Fort Bend County/Bass Construction Camarata & Platon Commercial

Grand Total Valuation (Commercial & Residential)

12/01/09-12/31/09

$193,000

SUGAR LAND 234 Matlage Way 16305 Kensington Dr Ste 1506 16305 Kensington Dr Ste 250 16305 Kensington Dr Ste 150A 206 Brooks St 223 Fifth St 12620 W Airport Blvd Ste 170 1327 Lake Pointe Pkwy Ste 320 19820 Southwest Fwy 1410 Gillingham Ln 2150 Town Square Pl Ste 450 125 Pierre Schlumberger 17510 W Grand Pkwy S 121 Telfair Central Blvd 7320 US Hwy 90A Ste

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

$3,258,035 $156,000 $285,000 $482,880 $136,000 $150,000 $184,000 $49,979 $62,704 $150,000 $384,061 $650,000 $700,000 $4,251,843 $120,000

Grand Total Valuation (Commercial & Residential)

12/01/09-12/31/09

$24,392,233

City of Sugar Land Apache Services, Inc Town Center Lakeside, LTD/Business Diversified Corp Town Center Lakeside, LTD/Business Diversified Corp Town Center Lakeside, LTD/Business Diversified Corp Boone Claire T & Karen Laird Ft. Bend ISD/Jamil & Skith Construction Cobalt Industrial Reit II/J & P Construction Company ASI Commercial Construction EMI Corp/Lakeside Commercial Builders MB Sugar Land Gillingham LTD P/Straus Systems, Inc. Town Center Lakeside, LTD/D E Harvey Builders, Inc Schlumberger Tech-Admin & SPC/E E Reed Construction Company Memorial Hermann Hospital/J E Dunn of Texas, Inc NNP-Telfair, LP/Brookstone, LP Highway 90 Plaza Partners, LP/Business Diversified Corp

Significant Land Transactions Some significant land transactions in Fort Bend during the month of December 2009. Land transactions can be researched on line at http://ccweb.co.fort-bend.tx.us/search.asp?cabinet=opr. Some entries may be conveying mineral rights. SELLER

BUYER

Gonzales Elein Mccowan Sharon Ross (+) Hannover Estates Ltd (+) Trendmaker Homes Inc H L U Services Inc Martinez Saturnina Fort Ben County Levee Improvement District No 17 Sugar Land City Of Texas Board Of Criminal Justice Terrabrook Cinco Ranch Southwest Lp (+) Fort Bend County Levee

North Fort Bend Water Authority 0.0443 Ac 1 Fort Bend County Water Control 0.0298 Ac And Improvement District No 2 Fort Bend County Municipal Part 1.284 Ac Utility District No 141 Centerpoint Energy Part 118.62 Ac Houston Electric Llc (+) North Fort Bend Water Authority Part 0.3351 Ac North Fort Bend Water Authority Part 0.0659 Ac Mort Bend County Municipal Utility District No 138 Part 0.008 Ac Texas Department Part 0.2115 Ac Of Criminal Justice Sugarland City Of Part 3.8236 Ac Public Part 0.0749 Ac Centerpoint Energy

ACRES

SELLER

BUYER

Improvement District No 17 Fort Bend County Levee Improvement District No 7 Fort Bend County Levee Improvement District No 19 Somerville Acres Inc Hunter Clayton Llc Sugar Land Ranch Development L L C (+) Torres Delia Perez First Colony Community Services Association Inc Holecek Dorothy A

Houston Electric Llc Centerpoint Energy Houston Electric Llc Centerpoint Energy Houston Electric Llc Centerpoint Energy Houston Electric Llc Centerpoint Energy Houston Electric Llc Fort Bend County Municipal Utility District No 128 Fort Bend County Water Control And Improvement District No 2 Sugar Land City Of Fort Bend Drainage District

ACRES Part 15.3327 Ac Part 3.94 Ac Part 137.0556 Ac Part 274.582 Ac Part 4.1072 Ac Part 0.0112 Ac Part 0.0765 Ac Part 0.4414 Ac

Part 5.741 Ac February 2010 • Fort Bend Business Journal

Servicing the Fort Bend Community for Ten Years Fort Bend Corps Continues To Revitalize Fort Bend By Sharon K. Wallingford

fter unofficially starting its first ever capital campaign during the last decade, the CORPS has officially opened its new office in Missouri City. The 7,800 square foot office warehouse space located at 13330 South Gessner Road (between Highway 90A and the Beltway) is the location. The new building provides for ample office and warehouse space. The facility has been designed for any future office expansions the organization may need, says Barkley Peschel, one of the original founders of the voluntary group. “Our job is to revitalize low-income housing and neighborhoods in Fort Bend County and now we finally have a location to store materials and call a permanent home after 10 years.” To date the CORPS has raised a total of $430,000 to cover a down payment and build-out. “The CORPS is financing approximately $250,000 through long-time supporter, Prosperity Bank, and the organization’s goal is to continue raising funds to pay off the loan within a few years,” added Peschel. He says the CORPS could not have taken on this size of endeavor had it not been for the support of its Board of directors, finance committee and the numerous financial sup-

porters that gave to its first ever campaign. That, he says, includes a special thanks to Kolbe Curtice with Curtice Commercial Real Estate for his assistance in representing the CORPS during the purchase. The organization is divided into five programs to better serve the community. Hearts and Hammers completes exterior repairs. It is a volunteer driven home repair program that restores the exterior of homes monthly. In 2008, 750 volunteers performed 4000 hours of volunteer labor on 140 projects. The volunteer labor and materials was valued at $202,000. Selected homes are primarily wood sided and need scraping and painting. Other tasks include siding replacement, window repair, caulking, porch repair, step and wheelchair ramp construction as well as yard cleanup and trash removal. The CORPS locates and qualifies the homeowner, determines the scope of work, and provides all necessary paint and building materials by raising money through private donations. Local corporations, churches, schools, and civic associations sponsor volunteer crews of 15-35 people including a crew leader. These volunteer crews perform all the work and supply their own tools, ladders, scrapers, paintbrushes, hammers, and compassion.

CORPS Board of Directors

Fort Bend Business Journal • February 2010

Roofs Over Fort Bend take on the necessary roof repairs of homes. They repair or replace leaky or failing roof systems. Professional roofing contractors, who are fully insured and guarantee all materials and labor to the homeowner, are hired by the CORPS to make the repairs. The CORPS mainly utilizes public grant dollars to pay for these repairs. After Hurricane Ike, this group provided 31 roofs replacements and interior repairs totaling $150,000. Another $112,000 in material funds were made available to the clients to complete repairs that addressed life, health and safety issues. And the third, Interior Repair Program uses professional contractors and licensed tradesmen to provide repairs to essential interior living systems. Typical repairs include basic plumbing (water and waste water delivery), water heater repair or replacement, septic repair or replacement, sewer connection, gas service, electrical, foundation stabilization, and handicap accessible bathrooms. “Cosmetic improvements are not considered for this program. The purpose of this program is to correct life, health and safety issues so the homeowner can live safely, and comfortable in his or her own home with their basic need for shelter met,” states Peschel. These programs assist the elderly, disabled, and low-income homeowners who are physically and financially unable to make the needed repairs themselves. A fourth program is the Energy Efficiency program which is sponsored by CenterPoint Energy’s Agencies in Action Program grant. Since November 2007, the CORPS has provided a total of 423 homes with energy efficiency improvements totaling $1.275 million. This is an appropriate savings of $1,800 per household or $150 per month is saved as a direct result of the upgrades. The CORPS fifth program has completed 12 neighborhood cleanups with volunteer work crews on 400 homes since June 2006.

To date, 1533 volunteers have performed 17,170 hours of volunteer labor. A total value of $347,702.62. The program has also embraced the installation of 20 septic systems. “In order to run this program,volunteer crews are needed to make the exterior repairs,” says Peschel. “Often local corporations, churches, schools, and civic associations sponsor volunteer crews of 15-35 people including a crew leader. These volunteer crews perform all the work and supply their own tools, ladders, scrapers, paintbrushes, hammers, and compassion. The CORPS locates the house, qualifies the homeowner, raises the money to pay for materials, and assigns a crew to a home.” The organization completed 357 projects in 2009 in Sugar Land, Fresno, Richmond, Rosenberg, Missouri City, and Arcola. To raise more funds and awareness, on February 5 the Fort Bend CORPS will hold its second annual Hearts and Hammers Gala at Safari Texas Ranch. The Fort Bend CORPS is a 501 c (3) non-profit corporation that was established in 1999. So far the organization completed home repairs on over 400 homes within Fort Bend County, all free of charge with no obligation. This is all made possible by grants, donations, and by the work of hundreds of volunteers. “Half of the funds for the gala will go towards the capital campaign, which supports a permanent Fort Bend CORPS office and warehouse space,” adds Peschel. “The other half goes to the Hearts and Hammers Program, which restores the exteriors of homes within Fort Bend County.” “Founding members Bob and Carole Brown, Bill and Susan Jameson, Herb and Emelia Appel, Barkley and Jill Peschel, and David and Sharon Sabom will all be cochairs at this event, which is as we’ve said also the 10 year anniversary for Fort Bend CORPS.” “The Fort Bend CORPS has made many accomplishments in the past ten years that we can be very proud of,” says Ron Castillo, director of the program. “Being the only non-profit that provides free home repair assistance to residents in Fort Bend County is a big undertaking. One of which we have excelled in.” “We service all areas of the county which includes approximately 672 square miles,” he adds, exhibiting the pride he has in the program. “I was born in Sugar Land and have lived here all my life. I started my service

Some of this houses being renovates.

Garner’s House Before

Garner’s House After

Stokes’s House Before

Stokes’s House After

career when I was a young boy attending church functions with my parents.” Ron’s father, a carpenter by trade, and his mother, a homemaker, raised four sons and two daughters. “We were raised believing that GOD would take care of our needs, so that we could take care of those in need. And because of that, volunteerism, helping others was a way of life to all of us.” Ron brings what his parents instilled in him and what he learned working for Commissioners Grady Prestage and Tom Stavinoha to the CORPS. “I have been very successful taking the CORPS to the next level. I have a great staff, very supportive board of directors and supporters that believe in our mission and what we do.” “I have always said that this is a way of life for me. Not a job. I come to work each day wanting to help others and improve their quality of life.” Castillo and Peschel both predict the next 10 years will be challenging, but easier, with the addition of the newly obtained housing facility . “It’s always a challenge when you are trying to find more dollars to do more,” says Castillo. “It’s even more of a challenge when you are trying to do more with less funding.” The CORPS has been fortunate that we are innovators in providing services to our clients, says Castillo, without duplication of services. “Addressing life, health and safety has been a motto we stand by that incorporates how we help those who are elderly, disabled and those living on low incomes. I welcome the next 10 years with open arms as we embrace new challenges and new goals. My resolution for 2010 is to maintain what we have and to continue to help others.” “The need for a community revitalization effort and housing rehabilitation program in the county is great,” he adds. “ It must be a community-wide effort, and one of which the entire county must take ownership. “Future repair projects depend on community support in the form of monetary donations, in-kind donations, and volunteer work crews. Your support and your organization are vital to improve the quality of life in Fort Bend County, one home at a time.” Additional information and applications are available at www.fbcorps.org or by calling 281-313-2677. “Should you need additional information, please do not hesitate to contact me at your convenience,” says Castillo.

February 2010 • Fort Bend Business Journal

FOOD REVIEW: FERNANDO’S RESTAURANT

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

FOOD DRINK

ENTERTAINMENT

GUIDE

Owner Fernando Echeverrira’s restaurant offers fresh food and great service. Fernando’s has created a menu to satisfy everyone’s taste buds. A visit to Fernando’s begins with a charming waiter who pulls out chairs and hands you the cloth napkin. Service is excellent. The meal begins with plantain chips and a smooth dipping sauce made of mayonnaise, carrots, parsley, lemon and cilantro. You cannot taste the mayonnaise. If you like chicken, Soteado is a great choice. Two chicken breasts, baked in a wine-lemon-butter sauce with a little garlic, are so tender they actually melt in your mouth. Rice, grilled vegetables, and frijoles (black beans) along with Italian bread and butter complete the meal. The restaurant offers a blend of South American cuisine with a touch of Italian. Fernando’s Latin Cuisine - 14135 Southwest Freeway • Sugar Land Parking - parking lot What to Wear - anything from business casual on up Reservations - available but not required Seating - private room(s) & wine room Price - $$

AURA Restaurant • Chef/Owner Frédéric Perrier brings over 30 years experience to his newest venture - AURA. In an upscale yet casually comfortable setting, Innovative American Cuisine reigns and is highlighted in the numerous Daily Specials. AURA features only the finest, freshest ingredients. From Lunch Salads & Sandwiches to Dinner with Crabcakes and Filet Au Poivre to Diver Sea Scallops with Boneless Braised Short Rib ‘Surf & Turf’ appetizers and Farm Raised Chilean Sea Bass. No need to go to Houston or into Sugar Land for truly high quality dining experience...you will easily find it at AURA (without ‘Big Restaurant’ prices!) at Township Square - Missouri City. Lunch Mon-Sat 112. Dinner Mon-Thurs 5-9 and Fri-Sat 5-10. Please call for Reservations &/or Catering ~ 3400 FM 1092, 81-403-AURA (2872). $$ • WB

A Unique Dining Experience 14135 Southwest Freeway Sugar Land, TX 281.494.9087 www.FernandosRestaurants.com 94

Fort Bend Business Journal • February 2010

Barry’s Pizza • Barry’s Pizza at the Fountains was opened in 1997 with the idea of creating the best pizza in Fort Bend. Barry’s customers have said that Barry’s has more than fulfilled their goals! From our dough and pizza sauce, made fresh daily, to Barry’s own signature Mozzarella Cheese, we have been thrilling the pizza lovers of Fort Bend for over 8 years. Barry’s is a full service, full menu restaurant going to great lengths to maintain excellent quality and service. • 11303 Fountain Lake Dr. • 281-494-0666. $ • WB Candelari’s Pizzeria • Albert Candelari began making sausage over 50 years ago. As the years have passed the flavor remains the same, which is why Candelari’s is the “King of Sausages”! They take that delicious Italian sausage and put it in pizzas, pastas, and sandwiches. Enjoy appetizers, salads, pastas, sandwiches, pizzas and desserts in there dining room, large patio, or full bar with large screen TV’s. Happy hour is Monday - Thursday 3 to 7pm. This casual dining experience is available at two locations in Fort Bend. Call either location for take-out or delivery. 7425 Hwy 6 S (Just North of Sienna) 832-947-0440 / 6825 S Fry Rd (Fry & 99) 281-395-6746. www.candelaris.com. $ • FB Charlie’s Restaurants and Catering, Poboys and Grill • Two locations in Fort Bend. Cajun home cooked food. The “special” plate is a favorite with a choice of one meat, two sides and a roll. The meat choices range from brisket, sausage, and meat loaf, to baked chicken, turkey/dressing, ham, salis-

bury steak and spaghetti/meatballs. Home made desserts are a favorite feature. Catering is available for large to small functions, banquets, corporate or organization luncheons/dinners. 4719 Lexington @ Dulles, 281-499-0808 and 1250 Texas Parkway, 281-499-2233. $ Chef for You • Offers take out dinners prepared from scratch by professional chefs. Online ordering; Customized Catering Menus Available; Corporate Catering for Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner. Homemade Cakes, Cookies, and Brownies; Soups and Salads. New menus offered each week at www. chef4u.net • 9920 Highway 90-A, Suite B-260, Sugar Land • 281-313-CHEF (2433). $ Fernando’s Latin Cuisine • We are pleased to announce the arrival of Fernando’s Latin Cuisine-An exotic culinary adventure! Started by, Fernando Echeverria, the same owner of Los Andes by the Compact Center in Houston-Another wonderful Latin American restaurant. Fernando’s Latin Cuisine is located in the same building where Ruth’s Chris used to be. Featured dishes include Empanadas appetizer, Fileton, (Filet mignon) and Asada Y Camarones, Casually called the surf and turf. 14135 Southwest Freeway, in Sugar Land. 281-4949087. wwww.fernandosrestaurants.com. $$ • FB Hickory Barn BAR-B-Q • The Kiddy Brothers came to Houston with great BBQ on their minds. The first BBQ restaurant opened in 1953. Since then the family owned and operated business has

been serving up great BBQ. Although times have changed, our idea of great BBQ hasn’t. Come by and see us. Catering available. • 11534 Wilcrest @ W. Belfort. 281-530-9382. $ Incredible Pizza Company • All-You-Can-Eat Buffet is Made Fresh, From Scratch, Every Day. Enjoy 30 varieties of Pizza, 3 Styles of Pizza Crust, Meatballs & Spaghetti, Piping Hot Baked Potatoes with All the Toppings, Soups, Fresh Pasta with a Choice of Sauces, a Salad Bar Featuring Over 80 Items Including 9 Different Homemade Salad Dressings, and Desserts. Pies, Cobblers, Bread Pudding, Cinnamon Rolls, Ice Cream, Cookies & Much More for only $6.99 per person. Corporate Events, Team Building, Lock-ins, Birthday Parties, and Every Day Fun! In addition to the Incredible Food, the 20,000 Square Feet of Play Space is a Blast for Kids and Kids at Heart. www. ipcsugarland.com Open Sunday-Thursday 11am9pm, Friday & Saturday 11am-10pm, 3412 Highway 6 South @ Williams Trace, 281-313-0631. $ J & L Café • Homestyle Cookin’ like Grandma used to make! Joy Smith and Paul Jordan are back, and they’re cooking up a delightful assortment of homemade dishes to satisfy the heartiest of appetites. Since they opened their new restaurant, they’ve been serving up family recipes handed down for 3 generations. Stop by J & L Café and enjoy Chicken and Dumplings, Smothered Oxtails, Meatloaf, Ribs, Fried Catfish, Roast Beef, Mashed Potatoes, Okra, and Cornbread Dressing, to name just a few menu

Traditional Mexican Recipes for Great Mexican Food Fajitas, Parrilladas, Enchiladas, Quesadillas,Chiles Rellenos, Pollo Asado,Baby Back Ribs and more...

12821 SW Freeway at Corporate Dr. Stafford, Texas 77477 281.240.3060 • 281.240.3135 (fax) HAPPY HOUR Monday-Friday 11am-7pm

Free Mini Buffet Monday Thru Friday

4pm-7pm

DAILY SPECIALS MONDAY

Chicken Fajitas for 2.............. $12.99 Domestic Draft Beer Pitchers... $5.99 Tequila Jose Cuervo................. $2.99

TUESDAY

Haciendas Plato....................... $7.99 Regular Margarita.................... $1.99 Corona..................................... $3.00

WEDNESDAY

Fajitas & Shrimp for 2............ $17.99 Draft Beer................................ $1.50 Strawberry Margarita............... $3.99

THURSDAY

Pollo A La Playa....................... $9.99 Bottled Domestic Beer ............ $2.00

FRIDAY

Parrillada for 2....................... $23.99 Hacienda-Rita.......................... $4.99 PRIVATE ROOM AVAILABLE. GIFT CARDS ALSO AVAILABLE

SATURDAY

Fajitas for 2 & Ribs................. $16.99

SUNDAY

Buffet 10pm to 3pm Fajitas, Shrimps Ribs and more............ $9.99 Coronitas................................... $.99

Sunday Brunch Buffet

10AM - 3PM FOOTBALL HAPPY HOUR SATURDAYS & SUNDAYS DISCOUNTED DRINKS AND SNACK BAR

5 OFF

Buy 1, Get $5 OFF your second meal! Dine-In only. Not valid with lunch or other specials. 1 coupon per table. Expires 02/28/10

FREE ICE CREAM

February 2010 • Fort Bend Business Journal

items and daily specials. The assortment of Desserts includes Peach Cobbler, Cheesecake and Banana Pudding, all guaranteed to make your taste buds smile! Joy Smith, co-proprietor, worked as Personal Chef to Former Houston Mayor Lee Brown for many years. Whole Cornish Hens are available on Sundays. Breakfast served Tuesday-Saturday 6-9am, Open for Lunch and Dinner Tuesday-Sunday, Closed Mondays. 1110 FM 2234 on the border of Stafford & Missouri City. 281-499-9895. $ Karl’s At The Riverbend • Romantic Dining in the Country, across the creek from a horse farm. Swiss Chef Karl Camenzind’s menu features Angus steaks, Prime Rib, Wienerschnitzel, Trout Almondine and other fresh fish, Rack of Lamb, Steak and other wild game, Atkins specials, a budget weeknight menu offered along with the regular menu, plus a wonderful Sunday Brunch Buffet. Company Luncheons and Rehearsal Dinners invited. Open Tues-Sat for Dinner and Sunday Brunch 5011 FM 723 Richmond 281-238-9300 www.karlsrb.com Read our reviews at www.b4-u-eat. 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. Twenty-three of those years have been spent in the restaurant business. If you want authentic Mexican food made from only the freshest ingredients and at a reasonable price, go to Lupitas Mexican Restaurant formerly Pico De Gallo Mexican Restaurant. The Garcias continually concentrate on customer satisfaction. That includes the quality and freshness of their food as well as the family atmosphere of their restaurant. Dine-In, Take-out, and Catering available. 3121 Highway 6, Sugar Land • Call 281-265-6556. $ • WB Mangola’s Fine Italian Restaurant• Serving fine Italian food to Southwest Houston and Fort Bend Country for more than 20 years. Conveniently located at 11786 S. Wilcrest @ Highway 59 S. Open for Lunch and Dinner 7 Days a week. Check out our website www.mangolasrestaurant.com. Call 281-498-6790 for reservations or to schedule your special event. Mantra Fine Indian Cuisine • Discover India with exotic spices and aromatic flavors that will awaken your taste buds and lift you off your feet, we will make you feel like royalty. Mantra Fine Indian Cuisine offers Lunch Buffet and To-Go lunch options, that’s in your budget and leave you to come back for more. Mantra caters to all from spicy hot to mild flavors. We prepare our meals fresh and offer a wide selection of healthy choices. We have full menu and full bar and you can enjoy the evening out on our patio with your family or friends. Mantra also offers special catering promotions for parties and formal functions or any event any size, host in our restaurant or choosing of your choice. Hours of Operation: Monday through Thursday, Friday to Sunday, Lunch: 11a.m. to 2:30p.m. Lunch: 11a.m. to 2:30p.m. Dinner: 5:30pm to 10p.m. Dinner: 5:30pm to 11p. m.Come visit us at 15295 Southwest Freeway off of Williams Trace exit. For more information, contact us at 281-325-0071 or visit www.mantraofsugarland.com. $$ • FB Old Hickory Inn Barbecue • More than 40 years in business in the Houston and Fort Bend area, Old Hickory Inn Barbecue is famous for their Old Fashion Hickory Smoked Barbecue and numerous Homemade Side Dishes, made fresh daily. They are available to cater your next event, for up to 3000 guests. In addition to great Barbecue, they make an awesome Gyro (Greek wrap featuring beef & lamb), and feature fruit cobbler, cream pies, rice pudding and cheesecake for dessert A casual dining experience in 3 convenient locations, with a drive-through window at the Highway 6 location. Open 7 days a week, Sunday-Thursday from 11am-9pm, and Friday & Saturday 11am-9:30pm. 3334 F.M. 1092 @ Hwy 6 Missouri City 281-499-8904 / 8000 Hwy 6 @ Beechnut 281-983-5020 / 5427 S. Braeswood @ Chimney Rock 713-723-8908. $ • WB

Fort Bend Business Journal • February 2010

Outback Steakhouse • Inspired by Australia’s spirit of adventure, Outback Steakhouse has been an innovator in the culinary world by creating big, bold flavors using only the freshest ingredients. Voted #1 Best Steak in the 2009 Zagat Survey of National Full-Service Restaurant chains, Outback’s mission is to provide high quality fresh dishes at affordable prices. Explore Outback’s new menu with 15 meals under $15 including new choices, classic favorites and down under prices starting at $9.95. Our favorites include the Bloomin’ Onion®, Outback Special Sirloin with Grilled Shrimp on the Barbie, Honey Dijon Chicken with Sweet Potato Fries and much more! The local Proprietor is Anthony Antonidis. Open Mon.- Thur. 4-10 pm, Fri. 4-11 pm, Sat. 3-11 pm, Sun 11 am-9:30 pm. Located at 15253 Southwest Freeway, (Off Highway 59 and Williams Trace Exit) in Sugar Land, Texas. 281-980-4329. $ FB Panda Garden • Panda Garden Restaurant, the three times winner for Best Oriental Restaurant in Fort Bend County, located at 3563 Highway 6 in Kroger Center, provides a warm, casual environment to best service all diners. The goal of our restaurant is to offer 100% satisfactory to the customers with variety selection of popular Hunan Cuisine. “We offer fresh, made from scratch meals that is unforgettably delicious!” Manager Kenny adds. The restaurant offers accommodations for small group meetings and wonderful party tray for catering to the near by businesses and schools. Panda Garden is open 7 days a week on Mon. – Sat.: 11a.m. – 10 p.m. and Sun. 11a.m. – 9:30p.m. Delivery is available everyday with a min. of $15.00 purchase. A lunch special is offered daily as well as the full regular menu offerings. 3563 Hwy 6 @ Williams Trace, 281-265-0303. $ • WB Pappa La Rosa Flying Pizza and Restaurant • Pappa La Rosa Flying Pizza and Restaurant is a warm and inviting family owned and operated restaurant where pizza, pasta and subs are available on the menu, with daily specials. Catering, a private party room and birthday packages are also available. Dine in or take out. Open for lunch and dinner Tuesday – Sunday. • 16227 Lexington Boulevard, Sugar Land • Call 281-313-3500. $ • WB Post Oak Grill Restaurant & Bar • The Rios Family invites you to come and experience the same quality, ambiance and service that you have at the original Post Oak Gill. Join us for a wonderful culinary adventure featuring fine center-cut steaks, chops, fresh seafood, soups, sandwiches, salads, and outstanding wine selection. Open lunch & dinner - Monday-Thursday 11:009:00pm, Friday & Saturday 11:00-10:00pm. Happy Hour 3:00-6:00pm. 4524 Highway 6, Sugar Land • Call 281-491-2901.www.postoakgrillsugarland.com $$ • FB Sandy McGee’s Restaurant & Catering • The “BEST” soups, gourmet sandwiches and salads in TEXAS. Casual Dining in Historic Downtown Richmond. Sandy McGee’s has a sterling reputation for “FRESH”. Mon.Fri. 10am-9pm and Sat.-Sun. 10am-3pm. 314 Morton St., Richmond. 281344-9393. $ Tacone Flavor Grill • Fresh. Fun. Handmade. Unique Environment. Tacone is a Casual Quick Serve Restaurant with gourmet flavor at not so gourmet prices. Rated Best Gourmet Wrap Restaurant by Restaurant and Resorts. This franchise based company from Los Angeles, CA has unique gourmet wraps, hot pannini sandwiches, salads, and smoothies. There is a BBQ Chicken Quesadillas waiting for you at Tacone. Make your other senses jealous! Sugar Land Town Square, 2228 Texas Drive, Sugar Land, 77479; 281-313-2300, fax: 281-313-2305. www.tacone.com. $ Tornado Burger • Home of the famous Spicy Burger. Find out why Houston’s largest newspaper raves about their burgers! Read the review by the Houston Chronicle at: http://blogs.chron.com/cookstour/archives/ 2007/09/burgerology.html. They make their burgers with fresh-ground chuck, and even their buns are handmade! The French fries are fresh Idaho potatoes cut right in front of you and fried to order! They compete with the multinationals with fresh food at low prices and very fast service. Their Philly Cheesesteaks are as good as Pat’s if not better! Open Mon. - Sat. 11am-10pm, Sun. 11am-9pm. Dine-In or Drive-Thru. 505 Murphy Rd (FM 1092) just south of Hwy 90 in Stafford, 281-403-FAST (3278). $

Search online for your next new or used car, truck or suv

Sell your car in print and

nline.

www.FortBendAutoMarketplace.com or follow the link at www.FortBendStar.com

See some of the ads in Print in our classiďŹ ed pages every week.

Brokerage

Investment

Development

Own part of this beautiful Class A shopping center located in the heart of Shadow Creek Ranch, the fastest growing area in Pearland. Choose any size you need and be your own landlord instead of just a tenant. Danny Nguyen, CCIM

(713) 270-5400

www.DNCommercial.net

9999 Bellaire Blvd. | Suite 909 | Houston, TX 77036 dannynguyen@dncommercial.net