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

Volume 29 • No. 11

THE BUSINESS LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

DEAL CLOSED!

November 2011

robertsmarkel ATTORNEYS AND COUNSELORS AT LAW

(l-r) Jeffrey Roberts, Marc Markel and Gregg Weinberg celebrate another successful deal in the firm’s wine and cigar room.

INSIDE FEATURES / STORIES

Fort Bend Attorneys - Legal Eagles Meet & Eat - Fort Bend Dining Guide Is it a Hobby or Business? Why You Should Care Katy Voters Asked to Approve Bonds Amendments Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce Newsletter Data Beat Information 4.95

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November 2011 • Fort Bend Business Journal

CONTENTS

Fort Bend/Katy

Cover Story

Volume 29 • Number 11 • November 2011 For subscriptions send check for $25 to Fort Bend Business Journal

DEAL CLOSED! RobertsMarkel Attorneys & Counselors at Law

pg.

Special Feature

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

Fort Bend Attorneys - Legal Eagles............................................. 19 Meet & Eat - Food, Drink & Entertainment Guide........................... 60

Inside Stories

GENERAL MANAGER............Michael Fredrickson EDITOR ...........................................Sharon Wallingford ADVERTISING DIRECTOR ..................Mary Doetterl

Richmond taking a pro-active approach to growth................................................................. 8 Methodist Sugar Land Hospital receives national and state recognition for its stroke prevention and care program......................................................10 Texas voters prepare for November 8 election......................................................................14 PCCA celebrates 30 years..........................................................................................................42 Cotton USA - Global Solutions come to Katy........................................................................45 Fort Bend Hot Shots - Greater Fort Bend EDC & OakBend - What’s Up Doc..............48 Patrick Henry named best company........................................................................................55

Monthly Columns

MARKETING CONSULTANTS................ Jennifer Pappas-Blancas Diane Strehl Ann Sturrock Patty Tristan RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE SPECIALIST.........................................Becky Hall CONTRIBUTORS . .......................Wayne Chandler Elsa Maxey ART DIRECTOR.................................Joey Belleza

Alan Sandersen

Kolbe Curtice CCIM, CLS

Tax Smart

Commercial Real Estate

Discusses Is it a Hobby or a Business? Why You Should Care.................... 13

Discusses Commercial "Ground Up" Construction.................................. 29

Chad Ellis

Brian Covault

Law and Business

Business Resources

Discusses What Employers Need to Know About Non-Compete Agreements............ 27

Discusses Local Resources to Help Your Business Grow ...................... 41

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

Monthly Departments Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce Newsletter...................................................33-40 Newsworthy.......................................................................................................46-47 Data Beat...........................................................................................................50-53 Name in the News.............................................................................................54-55 Service Directory...............................................................................................56-58 Dining and Entertainment.................................................................................63-64

Fort Bend Business Journal • November 2011

ON THE COVER (l-r) Jeffrey Roberts, Marc Markel and Gregg Weinberg celebrate another successful deal in the firm’s wine and cigar room.

Consulting firm envisions solutions in and out of the box to achieve high-performance buildings

ice & Gardner Consultants was established to provide commercial, institutional and government clients with a balanced approach toward achieving energyefficient buildings. The firm’s engineers and building professionals capably employ in-thebox solutions proven to considerably lower energy costs, yet they also devise out-of-the box innovations to reduce life-cycle maintenance costs. This balanced philosophy is evenly applied across all three of their service arenas – mechanical, electrical and plumbing design; program management over large public bond programs; and commissioning to assure that building systems deliver the performance levels promised by design. With multiple Fort Bend projects in their portfolio, Rice & Gardner recently completed

the Fort Bend County Annex in Katy, Fluor Server Room in Sugar Land and Lufkin Automation Plant in Missouri City. The firm’s work in other parts of Southeast Texas includes multiple renovation projects at the Johnson Space Center and commissioning the 400,000-square-foot Boeing Center in

Rice & Gardner

Clear Lake; two of the area’s first certified Leadership for Energy Efficient Design (LEED) schools for Houston Independent School District; and a LEED-certified meeting center at Sheldon Lake State Park in northeast Houston. They have also renovated the San Antonio City Hall, designed HVAC systems for dialysis clinics throughout Texas and commissioned the historic Federal Customs House in New Orleans. Rice & Gardner encourages staff members to be active in the community. Jim Rice serves as the Education Division Chair for the Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce, Chairman for Fort Bend Cares and on the Literacy Council of Fort Bend County Board of Directors. He is also a member of the Fort Bend Independent School District Board of Trustees. Kevin Gardner is active in the Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce and the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo.

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November 2011 • Fort Bend Business Journal

Editor’s Preview

by Sharon Wallingford

The Editorial Advisory Board

A time for thanksgiving in Fort Bend County

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

his month I have pushed - yes, I’m sad to say I had to push - myself into a review of general civics and have given considerable time to rereading the Constitution of the United States of America. I found it rather amazing how my attitudes slides with what I understand is trying to be accomplished for our

Jacqueline Baly Chaumette President and CEO Baly Projects, LLC

nation. America and Fort Bend County are fortunate to have had this document to guide us in becoming a healthy nation and county of vitality, faith, and renewable economic gain. Listening to the news, I’ve begun referring to us - the citizens - as the STOP generation:

Stop excess spending, corruption, bullying, consumption of eating unhealthy food sources, rules that promote human bondage and a long list of others that can probably quickly come

Dee Koch Grant Officer The George Foundation

to our minds today. As we do, we are allowed to become more attuned to our liberties, our foundation of home and family and work, and our freedoms that can continue to be passed to the next generation. On the thought of economic liberty: In 1916, a minister and outspoken advocate for liberty William J. Boetcker published a pamphlet entitled “The Ten Cannots.” I thought I

Becky Munnell President and CEO Blue Jungle Marketing

would share his message with you as we move into America’s holiday season. You cannot bring about prosperity by discouraging thrift. You cannot strengthen the weak by weakening the strong. You cannot help the poor man by destroying the rich.

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

You cannot further the brotherhood of man by inciting class hatred. You cannot build character and courage by taking away man’s initiative and independence. You cannot help small men by tearing down big men. You cannot lift the wage earner by pulling down the wage payer.

Tim Stubenrouch President First Community Bank

You cannot keep out of trouble by spending more than your income. You cannot establish security on borrowed money. You cannot help men permanently by doing for them what they will not do for themselves. So, maybe as you set the table for your family’s annual feast, take in a football game, or

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fly the skies to visit family or friends, you will also plan some quiet reading time to reread the Constitution. Or better yet read it aloud and discuss it with those you are spending this special holiday weekend. You do have a copy on your coffee table don’t you? For now, read about all the interesting and exciting articles that are inside this issue.

Keep the cash registers ringing.

Contact:

Sharon K. Wallingford

Mary Doetterl Mary@FortBendStar.com

Fort Bend Business Journal • November 2011

Sharon K. Wallingford Sharon@FortBendStar.com

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Richmond taking a pro-active approach to growth they expect and deserve. Expanding our Austin’s settlement in 1822 on the banks sales tax revenue base by bringing quality of the Brazos River, which runs through retail into our city is vital to achieving the the town and offers unique retail future we envision for Richmond.” development opportunities. As the oldest According to Vela, the city selected community and the county seat of Fort The Retail Coach because Bend County, the city also the firm has an excellent has an established reputation for producing downtown district results. “We talked to frequented by not only other cities that have local residents, but the worked with the firm and 1,500 county employees conducted extensive working in the new interviews with The Retail $74-million-dollar Coach,” said Vela. “We courthouse completed in feel like with The Retail July. Coach we have found a “We are excited about very good fit for our city working with the City of and will have the added Richmond,” said Aaron benefit of working with Farmer, National Project Terri Vela, City Manager, experienced professionals Director for The Retail City of Richmond who are on the same page Coach. “Terri Vela and a with us in terms of what we want to leadership team that includes Mayor achieve.” Moore and the commissioners clearly Richmond’s vibrant Texas history and recognize the potential for growth and western culture dates back to Stephen F. want to make the right things happen, in the right way.” The Retail Coach will complete a Retail Trade Area Determination, Retail Gap/ Opportunity Analysis, Demographics and Psychographics Analysis, and Retail and Restaurant Feasibility Study for Richmond. merican Recovery and Funding is allocated across eleven The Retail Gap/Opportunity Analysis Reinvestment Act (Recovery categories: Contracts, education, energy, will illuminate which of 52 retail Act) funding for grants, environment, health and human services, categories in the Richmond community contracts and loans is housing and community development, are exhibiting deficiencies or leakages. A distributed by the federal government to labor, public safety, research, leakage occurs when Richmond residents various entities within each state transportation, and other. shop in surrounding communities, instead including state government, local Total of Texas Recovery Act Funding of their own hometown. The Retail government entities, local non-profits is $29,110,295,316.20. For Fort Bend Coach will then identify specific retailers and other organizations. County’s share see the chart below: and restaurants that are an ideal fit for Richmond’s Retail Profile and Retail Funding Breakdown: Trade Area and create customized Category....................................................................................................... Amount strategies for attracting the prospects. Energy...................................................................................................$164,447,178 The firm will also determine the area’s Education................................................................................................$88,746,420 sub-markets, make land use Transportation.........................................................................................$56,509,952 recommendations and focus on Health and Human Services....................................................................$18,607,800 strengthening existing businesses. Contracts...................................................................................................$2,124,121 “There is a broad base of positive Public Safety................................................................................................$974,219 interest and support among our citizens, Housing and.................................................................................................$681,542 businesses, and civic and community Community Development Environment.......................................................$414,000 Research......................................................................................................$199,758 organizations,” said Vela. “Our Other...............................................................................................................$16,434 partnership is an exciting step into Fort Bend County Total: . ...................................................................$332,721,424 Richmond’s future.”

hile the City of Richmond embraces its rich history, leaders are also taking a pro-active approach to growth that includes attracting new retail and restaurant choices to the community consistent with our culture, in addition to their efforts to attract commercial businesses. Richmond has partnered with The Retail Coach, a national retail recruitment and development consulting firm that has helped local governments, chambers of commerce and economic development organizations expand retail in more than 100 Texas communities as well as cities throughout the United States during the past 10 years. “We never want to lose sight of our history, the citizens we serve, and the warm sense of community we enjoy,” said Terri Vela, city manager of Richmond. “But we do want to grow and provide our citizens the amenities and services that

Texas County maps reveal funds

Fort Bend Business Journal • November 2011

IBC ‘Keeping Powder Dry’ in uncertain banking world By Wayne Chandler

y the end of 2011, IBC Bank will have closed 55 of its smaller – in store branches located in grocery stores, including six in Houston and one each in Katy, Kingwood, Missouri City, Spring, Wharton and The Woodlands, and eliminated 500 permanent jobs. IBC still will have 219 branches throughout Texas and Oklahoma; including Richmond, Sugar Land, and Katy. Dennis Nixon, IBC chairman and CEO, said the closings are the result of recently passed banking regulations that limit how much banks can charge stores for debit credit card transactions. IBC has decided to take this cost-cutting route, and keep its free product programs. Competitive banks have selected a number of alternative moves. Dennis Nixon “ The new regulations have resulted in numerous changes in the financial industry from the elimination of rewards programs to the elimination of free checking. Our customers have always made it clear to us that free products and services are extremely important to them.” Nixon said that the debit card interchange revenue has been a “critical source of revenue,” and comes without ample explanation from Congress. “Government many times passes regulations that end up hurting the very people they were intended to help,” Nixon said. “This appears to be one of those cases” said. “We do not believe the new regulations will benefit anyone,” he said. Nixon said that the banking industry, as a whole, expects more federal regulations in 2012. “Dodd-Frank is a massive regulatory bill and it will create more problems,” he said. The CEO said that IBC , its employees, board members and other stakeholders have been in a belt-tightening mode. “This has been our theme since the crisis occurred in 2008, and will continue to be,” Nixon said. He said IBC deals directly with credit card companies to eliminate middleman costs. When asked why IBC and other banks are hesitant to lend money, Nixon said, “It has been my experience that businesses are paying down debt and keeping their powder dry because market conditions are so uncertain. They will not expand or add employees. Until regulatory over reach is stopped and then reversed, tax policy is known, health care costs are understood, and the fiscal outlook for the nation is predictable, business is in a recess.” Nixon said his bank “will continue to deliver the best possible service to our customers, once the 55 branches close…then we’ll be extending our hours and days of operation at some of our traditional locations.” IBC Bank was founded in 1966 in Laredo, Texas, and still will have 375 ATMs in 89 communities throughout Texas and Oklahoma. November 2011 • Fort Bend Business Journal

Methodist Sugar Land Hospital receives national and state recognition for its stroke prevention and care programs

ethodist Sugar Land Hospital is playing a major role in stroke prevention and care. Stroke is the third leading cause of death in the U.S. today. The hospital was recently named a Primary Stroke Center by the Texas Department of State Health Services, a designation given only to health care institutions that have demonstrated commitment to stroke prevention and services, including a dedicated stroke unit; 24-hour stroke team; trained emergency department personnel; 24-hour neuroimaging and lab services; neurosurgical, neurological and medical support services; and a public education program. In addition, Methodist Sugar Land Hospital has received the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association’s Get With The Guidelines®-Stroke Silver Plus Performance Achievement Award. The honor recognizes Methodist Sugar Land Hospital’s commitment and success in implementing a higher standard of stroke care by ensuring that stroke patients receive treatment according to nationally accepted standards and recommendations. “With a stroke, time lost is brain lost, and these recent awards demonstrate that our staff is committed to providing care that has been shown in the scientific literature to quickly and efficiently treat stroke patients with evidence-based protocols,” said Amitabh Shukla, M.D., Medical Director of the Methodist Sugar Land Stroke Program. Methodist Sugar Land Hospital has developed a comprehensive system for rapid diagnosis and treatment of stroke patients admitted to the emergency department. This includes always being equipped to provide brain imaging scans, having neurologists available to conduct patient evaluations and using clot-busting medications when appropriate.

Methodist Sugar Land Hospital’s Stroke Care Team.

“The mortality rate for stroke in Harris and surrounding counties is twice as high as the national average, making it even more important for Methodist Sugar Land Hospital to bring this higher standard of stroke care to Fort Bend County residents,” said Maria Socci, Manager, Stroke Program. “Methodist Sugar Land Hospital is to be commended for its commitment to implementing standards of care and protocols for treating stroke patients,” said Lee H. Schwamm, M.D., chair of the Get With The Guidelines National Steering Committee and director of the TeleStroke and Acute Stroke Services at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston. “The full implementation of acute care and secondary prevention recommendations and guidelines is a critical step in saving the lives and improving outcomes of stroke patients.” Get With The Guidelines-Stroke uses the “teachable moment,” the time soon after a patient has had a stroke, when they are most likely to listen to and follow their healthcare professionals’ guidance. Studies demonstrate that patients who are taught how to manage their risk factors while still in the hospital

Fort Bend Business Journal • November 2011

reduce their risk of a stroke. Customized patient education materials are made available at the point of discharge, based on patients’ individual risk profiles. “The time is right for Methodist Sugar Land Hospital to be focused on improving the quality of stroke care by implementing Get With The Guidelines–Stroke. The number of acute ischemic stroke patients eligible for treatment is expected to grow over the next decade due to increasing stroke incidence and a large aging population,” said Janet Leatherwood, CNO at Methodist Sugar Land Hospital. According to the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association, stroke is one of the leading causes of death and serious, long-term disability in the United States. On average, someone suffers a stroke every 40 seconds; someone dies of a stroke every four minutes; and 795,000 people suffer a new or recurrent stroke each year. For a physician referral, please call Methodist Sugar Land Hospital’s physician referral line 281-274-7500, or visit MethodistSugarLand.com.

Methodist Sugar Land Hospital’s Cancer Center hosts successful prostate cancer screening event

ethodist Sugar Land Hospital’s Cancer Center recently hosted a very successful prostate cancer screening event with over 220 men in attendance. “We have hosted this very important event the last 7 years because prostate cancer is the second leading cancer in men, behind skin cancer,” says Frances Goerlich, Director at Methodist Sugar Land Hospital’s Cancer Center. More than 217,000 men in the U.S. will be diagnosed this year, and one in six men will be diagnosed at some point in their lives. Fortunately, when detected and treated early, prostate cancer has an CONTINUED on page 12

Another successful Prostate Cancer screening event hosted at Methodist Sugar Land Hospital’s Cancer Center.

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

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Board-certified neurologists with a special emphasis on neurophysiology, neuromuscular disorders and sleep medicine. Located on the Methodist Sugar Land Hospital campus in Medical Office Building Two, Suite 131. Call 281-494-6387 to schedule an appointment.

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

November 2011 • Fort Bend Business Journal

Katy voters asked to approve bonds, amendments By Wayne Chandler

ome 36,000 voters in Katy’s vast Willow Fork Drainage District will decide the fate of a $29 million bond issue, proposed by the district to provide a host of recreational facilities. If approved, it won’t increase the total tax rate for residents. Katy Area Economic Development Council passed a resolution in support of the bond issue which provides miles and miles of walking trails through the 5,700 acres and would pass near 10 Katy ISD schools, improve community park areas, and connect with a network of trails in the West Houston Trails Master Plan. The plan also has the approval of Katy ISD. Other election proposals are urged to be “Yes” votes by Texas Representative Bill Callegari (R-Katy), and KAEDC president and CEO Lance LaCour.

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Callegari, citing that the recent drought has increased the urgency for a host of water programs, urged voters to approve Texas Constitutional Proposal 2 which would authorize funding of bonds through the Texas Water Development Board which might create some 19 water reservoirs throughout the state. Callegari pointed out that there hasn’t been a reservoir built in Texas in the last several years while the state’s population continues to increase dramatically the need for collection and use of more water. He noted that it takes several years to develop a reservoir, once approved. LaCour urged approval of Proposals 4 and 5 which would allow counties and municipalities to create tax zones which would allow more projects such as the Katy Mills shopping center to happen. KAEDC Vice President Frank Lombard announced LaCour has just completed six years as the council’s top executive. Lombard pointed to the council’s continued economic

Methodist Sugar Land Hospital’s Cancer Center hosts successful prostate cancer screening event

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successes which he attributed to the leadership of LaCour and chairman Woody Mann Jr. LaCour hinted that there would be several announcements soon regarding more business parks and other office projects in the Katy area. LaCour noted that the Katy area is moving from being a bedroom community into a thriving, viable business center. LaCour also called attention to the November 21 Don Hennigan Memorial Golf Event at Willow Fork Country Club which will be a fundraiser for Cinco Charities, which is still looking for a site for a 17,000-square foot home similar to a Ronald McDonald Home, to aid Katy cancer victims and their families. Katy industrialist Monty Ballard and his wife, Erin, are covering all operational costs of the golf tournament, in addition to their recent provision of temporary Cinco Charities housing, and a $1.5 million pledge.

CONTINUED from page 11

excellent cure rate. The prostate gland is about the size of a walnut and is located under the bladder. The gland is found only in men. “The prostate grows as a man reaches maturity and is maintained at adult size for as long as male hormones are being produced,” said Carl Ogletree, M.D., urologist on staff at Methodist Sugar Land Hospital. Urologist, Antoine Makhlouf, M.D., also on staff at Methodist Sugar Land Hospital states, “Sometimes the prostate continues to grow over time around the urethra, the tube that carries urine. This causes urinary outflow blockage, disrupting normal urinary habits. This can simply be the result of an enlarged prostate or it could be a sign of cancer. Most prostate cancer does not cause symptoms, however, and can only be

Fort Bend Business Journal • November 2011

detected by PSA screening along with digital rectal exam.” The American Cancer Society suggests that all men over age 50 should be screened annually, and men at high risk, such as African Americans and men with a family history of prostate cancer, are encouraged to begin screenings as early as 40. As with many cancers, early detection of prostate cancer and a variety of treatment options offer the best chance of a successful outcome. A special thank you to the urologists, Lawrence Baum, M.D.; John Boon, M.D.; Antoine Makhlouf, M.D. and Carl Ogletree, M.D. and all of our volunteers, who made the event possible for the Fort Bend and surrounding communities. For more information on Methodist Sugar Land Hospital, visit www. MethodistSugarLand.com or call 281274-7500 for a physician referral.

Y O U

A N D

Y O U R

T A X E S

Tax Smart

By Alan Sandersen

Sandersen Knox & Co. L.L.P.

Is it a hobby or a business? Why you should care Have you ever dreamed of turning your hobby or your vocation into a regular business? If so, there are two sets of rules to remember. 1. If you make money, it is taxable income even if it came from a “hobby” of yours. 2. If you lose money, it may or may not be deductible. Yes, there appears to be a double standard here. Remember, the Tax Code’s purpose is to fund the Treasury, not to subsidize our hobbies. You won’t have any unusual tax headaches if your new business is profitable. Remember that under the catch all wording of Code Sec 61 gross income means all income from whatever source derived. However, if the new enterprise consistently generates losses (deductions exceed income), IRS may step in

and say it’s a hobby—an activity not engaged in for profit—rather than a business. What are the unappealing tax consequences to the IRS labeling your venture a hobby? The short answer is that if you have a legitimate business, your losses get deducted of the face of the tax return where you want them, and if you have a hobby your excess deductions go to tax oblivion on Schedule A as miscellaneous itemized deductions subject to the 2% floor. There are some rules and exceptions, but in general this is not the best place for your contemplated deductions to reside. Two simple ways to avoid the hobby loss rules: 1. Generate a profit in at least three out of five consecutive years (two out of seven years for breeding, training, showing, or racing horses).

2. Run your venture in such a way as to show that you intend to turn it into a legitimate profit-maker, rather than operate it as a some sort of hobby or recreational exercise. Fortunately, the IRS regulations themselves state that the hobby loss rules won’t apply if the facts and circumstances show that you have a profit-making objective. You defeat that by running your new venture in a businesslike manner. There are a number of related elements that apply to this. The classic “hobby loss” situation involves a successful businessperson or professional who starts something like a dog-breeding business, or a farm.

ALAN SANDERSEN... continued on page 58

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Explanatory statements for the Texas Constitutional Amendment election Proposition Number 1 (SJR 14)

JR 14 would amend the constitution to authorize the legislature to provide the surviving spouse of a 100 percent or totally disabled veteran with an exemption from ad valorem taxation of all or part of the market value of the surviving spouse’s residence homestead as long as the surviving spouse has not remarried, the property was the residence homestead of the surviving spouse when the qualifying veteran died, and the property remains the residence homestead of the surviving spouse. The proposed amendment would appear on the ballot as follows: “The constitutional amendment authorizing the legislature to provide for an exemption from ad valorem taxation of all or part of the market value of the residence homestead of the surviving spouse of a 100 percent or totally disabled veteran.” Proposition Number 2 (SJR 4) SJR 4 would amend the constitution to authorize the Texas Water Development Board to issue additional general obligation bonds on a continuing basis for one or more accounts of the Texas Water Development Fund II, with the restriction that the total amount of bonds outstanding at any time does not exceed $6 billion. The proposed amendment would appear on the ballot as follows: “The constitutional amendment providing for the issuance of additional general obligation bonds by the Texas Water Development Board in an amount not to exceed $6 billion at any time outstanding.” Proposition Number 3 (SJR 50) SJR 50 would amend the constitution to authorize the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board or its successors to issue and sell general obligation bonds on a continuing basis for the purpose of financing educational loans for students, subject to certain constitutional restrictions, including a restriction as to the maximum principal amount of bonds outstanding at any one time.

The proposed amendment would appear on the ballot as follows: “The constitutional amendment providing for the issuance of general obligation bonds of the State of Texas to finance educational loans to students.”

Constitutional Amendments and Proposition 1

exas voters are being asked to consider 10 amendments to the Texas Constitution on November 8. From the adoption of the current Texas Constitution in 1876 to the present, the legislature has sent 643 proposed amendments to Texas voters, of which 467 have been approved and 176 have been defeated. According to Senator Glenn Hegar the first measure on the ballot is Proposition 1, which ensures that the surviving spouces of 100 percent disabled veterans receive the benefit of the residence homestead property tax exemption for which their disabled spouse is already qualified under current law. Although nothing can ever fully compensate our veterans and their families for their sacrifices, this measure is an acknowledgement of their selfless service to our nation in the defense of our liberties, our freedoms, and our families. Here, is a complete analysis for each proposed constitutional amendment:

Proposition Number 4 (HJR 63) HJR 63 would amend the constitution to authorize the legislature to permit a county to issue bonds or notes to finance the development or redevelopment of an unproductive, underdeveloped, or blighted area within the county, and to pledge increases in ad valorem tax revenues imposed on property in the area by the county for repayment of such bonds or notes. The amendment does not provide independent authority for increasing ad valorem tax rates. The proposed amendment would appear on the ballot as follows: “The constitutional

Fort Bend Business Journal • November 2011

amendment authorizing the legislature to permit a county to issue bonds or notes to finance the development or redevelopment of an unproductive, underdeveloped, or blighted area and to pledge for repayment of the bonds or notes increases in ad valorem taxes imposed by the county on property in the area. The amendment does not provide authority for increasing ad valorem tax rates.” Proposition Number 5 (SJR 26) SJR 26 would amend the constitution to authorize the legislature to allow cities and counties to enter into interlocal contracts with other cities and counties without having to assess an ad valorem tax and set aside a specified amount of funds for the payment of costs under the interlocal contract. The proposed amendment would appear on the ballot as follows: “The constitutional amendment authorizing the legislature to allow cities or counties to enter into interlocal contracts with other cities or counties without the imposition of a tax or the provision of a sinking fund.” Proposition Number 6 (HJR 109) HJR 109 would amend the constitution to increase the amount of principal that is available for withdrawal from the permanent school fund each year and would also clarify certain references to that fund in the constitution. Increased access to the principal of the state public education trust fund would be based upon HJR 109 granting the authority to consider alternative market calculations when determining the amount of principal that is available for distribution to the available school fund. HJR 109 would also provide authority to distribute to the available school fund annual revenue from school fund land or other properties up to $300 million per year. The proposed amendment would appear on the ballot as follows: “The constitutional amendment clarifying references to the permanent school fund, allowing the General Land Office to distribute revenue from permanent school fund land or other properties to the available school fund to provide additional funding for public education, and providing for an increase in the market value of the permanent school

fund for the purpose of allowing increased distributions from the available school fund.” Proposition Number 7 (SJR 28) SJR 28 would amend the constitution by adding El Paso County to the list of counties authorized to create conservation and reclamation districts to develop parks and recreational facilities financed by taxes. The proposed amendment would appear on the ballot as follows: “The constitutional amendment authorizing the legislature to permit conservation and reclamation districts in El Paso County to issue bonds supported by ad valorem taxes to fund the development and maintenance of parks and recreational facilities.” Proposition Number 8 (SJR 16) SJR 16 would amend the constitution by requiring the legislature to provide for taxation of open space land devoted to water stewardship purposes on the basis of its productive capacity. The proposed amendment would appear on the ballot as follows: “The constitutional amendment providing for the appraisal for ad valorem tax purposes of open-space land devoted to water-stewardship purposes on the basis of its productive capacity.” Proposition Number 9 (SJR 9) SJR 9 would amend the constitution to authorize the governor, on the written recommendation and advice of the Board of Pardons and Paroles, to grant a pardon, reprieve, or commutation of punishment to a person who successfully completes a term of deferred adjudication community supervision. The proposed amendment would appear on the ballot as follows: “The constitutional amendment authorizing the governor to grant a pardon to a person who successfully completes a term of deferred adjudication community supervision.” Proposition Number 10 (SJR 37) SJR 37 would amend the constitution by extending the length of the unexpired term that causes the automatic resignation of certain local elected officeholders if they announce candidacy or become candidates for another office from one year to one year and 30 days. The proposed amendment would appear on the ballot as follows: “The constitutional amendment to change the length of the unexpired term that causes the automatic resignation of certain elected county or district officeholders if they become candidates for another office.

County election shows strong support for civil service

n October election at the Fort Bend County Sheriff’s Office asked voters if they were “For” or “Against” the creation of a Sheriff’s Department Civil Service System. The election was open to all Sheriff’s office employees and was conducted by the Fort Bend County Elections Administration. John Oldham, the County’s Elections Administrator, reported the proposition passed by a count of 565 “for” and 5 “against.” Interest in the election was high with nearly 79% of the Sheriff’s Office employees casting a vote. Kent Edwards, the County’s Human Resource director, explains that the election was actually the second step in the formation of a Civil Service Commission at the Fort Bend County Sheriff’s Office. “The whole process is governed by the Texas Local Government Code Chapter 158, Subchapter B.” The statute starts with the requirement that a petition is signed by at least 20 percent of the Sheriff’s office employees and presented to County Judge Bob Hebert. That petition was delivered to the judge’s office on September 1, and was processed and validated by Fort Bend County Elections Administration which reported that 71.9% of the 718 employees signed the petition requesting an election. Judge Hebert issued that order on September 13 and Tuesday, October 11 was selected as election day. What happens next? Edwards explains, “Now that the election has been held and the proposition passed, a three-member Civil Service Commission is formed as directed by the statute. The Sheriff, Commissioner’s Court, and the District Attorney will each appoint one person to serve on the Civil Service Commission. Although the statute specifies no deadline for those appointments to be made, I’m

expecting that those names will be announced shortly.” To be eligible for appointment, a person must be 1) at least 25 years of age, and 2) a resident of Fort Bend County for the last three years. The Sheriff will designate one of the members as Chairman of the Commission. Each member is appointed for two years, and the initial members draw lots to see which two of them will serve two year terms initially, and which member will initially serve just one year. “Once the Commissioners are appointed, then the work begins,” said Edwards. “They’re responsible for coming up with a set of rules and regulations that will govern their Commission and its activities.”

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November 2011 • Fort Bend Business Journal

DEAL CLOSED!

robertsmarkel ATTORNEYS AND COUNSELORS AT LAW

COVER STORY

Fort Bend Business Journal • November 2011

(l-r) Jeffrey Roberts, Marc Markel and Gregg Weinberg celebrate another successful deal in the firm’s wine and cigar room.

he law firm of Roberts Markel is celebrating its 30th anniversary this month. As the firm reaches this milestone, we sat down with Jeff Roberts and Marc Markel and discussed their success and their vision for the future. Jeff Roberts and Marc Markel formed the firm in 1981 despite having attended rival law schools. Their goal was to have a law practice that would provide customized service to each client. For the past 30 years Roberts Markel has treated every client’s problem as if it were their own. This philosophy of partnering with clients has created an environment that promotes teamwork for seeking out the very best result for the client—whether a business deal or a victory in the courtroom.

n talking with Jeff and Marc it is quite clear that attention to detail and understanding the needs of the client is what it takes to succeed. When clients come to the firm it usually involves a complex issue that is a concern of the client. “We work with our clients as partners in developing a strategy to get to a positive resolution” says Jeff Roberts. The law firm of Roberts Markel has handled some of the most recognizable business deals in Fort Bend County history. A classic example was the sale of the historic Imperial Sugar factory which involved a chain of title dating back prior to the Texas Revolution. The firm has worked with developers of communities within Fort Bend County such as Sugarland Properties Incorporated, the developer of First Colony, Planned Community Developers, the developer of Sugar Land Town Center and Johnson Development Company, the developer of both Sienna Plantation and Riverstone. “Our company has relied upon the great advice and skills of Roberts Markel for over 20 years. We would recommend them highly to anyone in need of counsel in the areas of real estate, property owner associations, and litigation services” says Les Newton, Planned Community Development, Ltd. Currently Roberts Markel is working with Johnson Development in various aspects of the redevelopment of the Imperial Sugar site. The firm has assisted the developer with drafting the documents for the future of the site which includes the Sugar Land Skeeters ballpark and many mixed uses to be developed in the area. “I have done business with Roberts Markel for years and they have always done a great job” says Shay Shafie, General Manager for Johnson Development. “Our firm represents the interests of business” says Marc Markel. He goes on to say that “we have been and will continue to be available to Fort Bend businesses, meeting their legal needs. Many companies do not have attorneys on staff and they rely upon our attorneys to assist them with choice of entity selection, drafting and negotiation of contracts, employment related matters, real estate acquisition and sale, leasing of real and personal property, sale purchase and merger of entities and if issues arise that cannot be

resolved to assist them with litigation.” When asked about the firm’s philosophy, Jeff Roberts proudly says “the firm’s philosophy of representation involves working with the client as a partner in order to achieve joint success. Our firm seeks long-term relationships with our clients.” Roberts goes on to say that Roberts Markel’s success is mirrored by the success of its clients”. Many of their clients have grown side by side with the firm for the past 30 years. “I have had the privilege of working on commercial real estate transactions in Fort Bend County for over two decades” says Kolbe Curtice, Managing Director with Colliers International. “I learned long ago the importance of referring service providers to my clients that not only know their craft, but more importantly, know Fort Bend County. For legal matters, no one knows Fort Bend commercial real estate better than Carl Favre and his team at Roberts Markel in Sugar Land. I use them often and give them my highest recommendation!” Jeff Roberts told us that the most effective way to create a successful law firm is by always putting the client’s interest first and making sure that they succeed. “Over the years we have grown with our clients—not only as clients, but also as friends. Every day presents a new challenge and new opportunities. Believe it or not, it’s not boring even after 30 years.” Beginning with two lawyers in 1981 the firm has grown to 22 lawyers with offices in Sugar Land, Houston, Dallas and San Antonio. The firm will be opening its Austin office in early 2012. The firm’s growth has been fueled by the needs of its clients which are multi-county in nature. Roberts Markel is an AV rated firm and is listed on Martindale-Hubbell’s list of preeminent law firms. They also have the distinction of having many of their lawyers designated as AV rated attorneys by MartindaleHubbell, the highest rating accorded by that directory for legal abilities and ethics. These Martindale-Hubbell ratings are attained solely by peer review from other lawyers who are familiar with the professional practices of the attorneys in question. In addition to these ratings, each practice group at Roberts Markel is headed up by an attorney certified by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization for their practice designation.

“In my experience many business owners are reluctant to involve the services of a law firm until it is often too late,” says Marc Markel. “They fear that attorneys unnecessarily complicate their business dealings and drive up the costs. In reality, a lawyer who thoroughly understands their clients’ business is a major asset to every business transaction and actually brings value far beyond the fees charged. Many clients tell me that they wished they had involved us on matters prior to the one at hand.” Every businessperson strives to build a successful business and avoid costly, and often-times, non-productive litigation. Unfortunately there are times when the only effective solution to be obtained is at the courthouse. Roberts Markel has developed an aggressive team of trial attorneys noted for their abilities in the courtroom. The litigation team of the firm is headed up by Jeff Roberts and Gregg Weinberg, both Board Certified Civil Trial attorneys who together have over 50 years of trying lawsuits to juries across Texas. Jeff Roberts still holds one of the largest plaintiff’s verdicts in Fort Bend County. In 2008 the firm was fortunate to grow through the addition of Gregg Weinberg and his practice group. Gregg is one of the foremost attorneys in the state involved in representation of professionals, including architects, engineers, lawyers, accountants, insurance agents and real estate brokers. Gregg informed us that prior to joining Roberts Markel his experience had been with one of the more successful trial firms in the region. He quickly found that his clients needed more than litigation—in fact, they needed help in avoiding the courthouse. “I viewed the merger with Roberts Markel as an opportunity to provide my clients with full service representation…the courthouse being the back-up plan.” Roberts Markel believes that its growth is largely dependent on its ongoing efforts to attract some of the best legal talent in the state. The firm has an active recruitment program including rotating law clerks and interns from law schools throughout the state. The firm believes this creates a vibrant environment for senior lawyers mentoring bright and aggressive new talent. continued on page 34 CONTINUES...

November 2011 • Fort Bend Business Journal

GIVING BACK Roberts Markel makes it a priority to not only provide legal service in Fort Bend, but to also give back to the community. The firm financially supports numerous non-profit organizations in their fundraising efforts. In addition to direct financial assistance, Roberts Markel devised a unique way to provide non-profits with a much needed service—a place to meet. After placing an office in Fort Bend, Roberts Markel realized that there were very few convenient forums for non-profit organizations to meet. They quickly made the decision to open their state of the art conference room (which will comfortably seat up to 30) for Fort Bend County organizations to meet. The following organizations and their directors are familiar with the board room in the Sugar Land offices of Roberts Markel: Child Advocates of Fort Bend County; Sugar Land Rotary Club, Fort Bend Friends and Neighbors; Keep Sugar Land Beautiful; Tri-City Women’s Club; Rainbow Room; Legacy Foundation; Sugar Land Heritage Foundation; The Fort Bend Community Museum Association; Fort Bend Cares; and Fort Bend Regional Substance Abuse just to name a few.

Sugar Land Conference Center and attorneys pictured from left to right – Lyndsay Weber, Carl Favre, Robert Mitchell, Brady Ortego, Christopher Morales, Amy Dunham and Courtney Culver-Schaefer.

In addition to the financial assistance it provides to its non-profits, Roberts Markel is committed to attorneys having personal involvement in community affairs. Carl Favre, who handles real estate development and leasing, also acts as the Director and current Legal Counsel for the Fort Bend

Chamber of Commerce. Carl currently serves on the Boards of the Sugar Land Heritage Foundation and the Parks Youth Ranch. Carl also serves as the Vice President of the Southwest 59 Sunrise Rotary Club.

WORK HARD. PLAY HARD. --

EDUCATION

Marc Markel and Jeff Roberts speak at educational seminar.

Roberts Markel believes that continuing education is essential for a business to succeed. The firm’s efforts toward continuing education are headed up by Marc Markel. He knows that the more educated and welltrained his clients are, the more productive his attorneys can be in terms of representation. Marc is a frequent author, lecturer and educator on issues affecting the clients of Roberts Markel. The firm hosts frequent educational seminars in order to educate its clients and the public regarding various legal issues. Speakers for the seminars provided by Roberts Markel characteristically consist of the firm’s attorneys along with special guests from industry professionals. The most recent seminar was held last month and was geared towards community associations. This seminar was entitled “The Essentials of Community Risk Management”. The purpose of this seminar was to help community managers and their associations become aware of the importance for them to understand their insurance, governing documents, dealing with their owners and board members, fair housing issues and much more. The next planned seminars for the Fort Bend area will be in conjunction with the Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce and will be a series of seminars with topics to include; Choice of Entity for my new business venture; Risk Management Essentials; Don’t Sign That Proposal, a guide to negotiating contracts with vendors; and Real Estate Essentials for Business.

Fort Bend Business Journal • November 2011

“Aiming to Please” Amy VanHoose and Amy Dunham, attorneys of Roberts Markel, at the firm’s annual skeet shoot.

Roberts Markel enjoys the company of their clients outside the walls of the office. Events such as the annual skeet shoot allow the firm attorneys and their clients to get to know one another in a more informal setting. The firm wants their clients to know that lawyers are real people too. “I know I have a good relationship with a client when I can stand next to them with a loaded shot gun,” says Gregg Weinberg. Jeff, Marc and Gregg share a passion for one of the finer things in life…wine. The firm has hosted numerous wine events profiling different wine makers including some of the finest craft wine makers from Napa Valley. Some of these wine events are partnered with a twist. This past year a top chef from one of the areas upscale restaurants held his book signing at a wine event and let the guests sample some of his extraordinary masterpieces. Stemming off of their “giving back to the community” philosophy, Roberts Markel frequently donates wine and wine dinners to various charities for their auctions. When it is all said and done, Roberts Markel has succeeded for thirty years because of the relationships they have built with their clients – in and out of the office. These clients feel like they are a part of the legal team that works for them. Clients of Roberts Markel know that their business needs are always put first. Roberts Markel is looking forward to the future of assisting existing clients and developing new client relationships.

Fort Bend/Katy

S P E C I A L F E AT U R E

Fort Bend Attorneys LEGAL EAGLES

he answer, of course, is Fort Bend county. Our amazing populous, diversified business structure and economic impact is rock solid in comparison to so many other communities around the globe. The legal profession plays a key role in our everyday lives, community structure and family lifestyle status. What we have to remember is all lawyers are not alike. Contrary to the images we see in the movies and on TV, they certainly are not all dashing off to trial every week to win a new case. Lawyers work in various capacities, legal and non-legal, and often specialize in specific areas. Many take the more traditional career paths in law offices and

courts, while certainly others are more partial to community assessment, corporate settings, government, public interest and policy writing, or serve as professors in law schools and universities. Most eventually specialize in a particular area. Lawyers may specialize in trial law (civil or criminal), appellate law (helping clients who seek to reverse or to uphold lower court decisions), bankruptcy law, trusts and estates, tax law, corporate law, environmental law, intellectual property, communication law, elder law, employment and labor law, entertainment law, health care law, education law, and international law. The field is open and is always changing in response to new laws and novel legal issues. These legal eagles serve us in many

ways. Probably the majority are in private practice. Many work in firms that have several hundred lawyers in cities across the world. Lawyers usually join firms as “associates” and work toward becoming “partners.” Others serve in in-house positions, usually for a large corporation who specialize in specific issues. For example, one might supervise litigation being handled by an outside firm, another might address the company’s employment issues, and a third might work as a lobbyist who monitors and tries to influence legislation related to the company’s business. Then there are government law which includes prosecutors (district attorneys, State Attorney Generals, and Continued on page 26

NEED TO HIRE AN ATTORNEY? Contact a Fort Bend County Bar Association Member at www.FortBendBar.com Our members practice in most areas of the law, such as family law, criminal law, personal injury, estate planning, bankruptcy, and business disputes in Fort Bend County, Harris County, and adjacent counties. WANT TO BE A BETTER ATTORNEY? Join the Fort Bend County Bar Association at www.FortBendBar.com Our benefits include: Professional portrait with no sitting fee to be taken early in 2012 Annual membership directory in binder with Fort Bend County Court System information, followed by annual refill pages Listing on www.FortBendBar.com, which averages 300+ hits a day! Your individual page will feature your professional profile and a direct link to your firm’s website. Bar website advertised in local publications Annual golf tournament Free attendance at bench-bar socials Lower member price at 10 monthly luncheons featuring one hour of CLE Opportunities to donate pro bono services to the citizens of Fort Bend County For more information call 281-565-3634 or email us at fortbendbar@comcast.net.

Fort Bend Business Journal • October 2011

SPECIAL FEATURE

Where do Legal Eagles land?

Fort Bend Attorneys - Legal Eagles

Experience, competence, responsiveness, and cost-efficiency make the difference for you...

ort Bend County attorney Michael Brophy has been a successful civil litigator throughout Texas for more than 26 years. Mr. Brophy has handled lawsuits involving such diverse areas of the law as maritime tort and cargo claims, product liability, medical and nursing-home malpractice, auto and homeowners insurance claims, commercial disputes, insurance coverage disputes, and family law. Mr. Brophy is recognized as a Collaborative professional by the Collaborative Law Institute of Texas. Tired of lawyers who won’t return your calls? Responsiveness is a cornerstone of this Fort Bend area law firm’s everyday practice. Whether we’re already handling a case for you, you need us to take your new case, or you simply have a legal question that needs to be answered so that you can make informed decisions about your business or personal dispute, we’re here to help. Your calls will be returned within 24 hours, without fail! Need help? Call Mike Brophy. You’ll join a fast-growing number of Fort Bend County businesses who have established ongoing relationships with this firm.

THE

Brophy Law Firm Commercial Litigation Insurance Law Insurance Defense Powers of Attorney Family Law Wills One Sugar Creek Center Blvd., Suite 355 Sugar Land, Texas 77478 281.277.4141 • 281.277.4111 (FAX) e-mail: info@houstonarealitigator.com www.HoustonAreaLitigator.com

Michael D. Tracton Law Office of Michael Tracton, P.C. Devoted exclusively to the practice and litigation of family law matters, the Law Office of Michael D. Tracton offers its clients the comfort, commitment and communication needed in times of distress and difficultly. Located in Sugar Land and servicing Fort Bend, Harris, and surrounding counties. The family law practice focuses on divorce, property division, and child custody, as well as modifications, paternity, and other family law matters.

The father of seven children, Mr. Tracton has a unique perspective on family. With more than 30 years of experience as an attorney, his practice includes the areas of expertise. • Family Law • Child Support & Alimony • Parental Rights

• Divorce & Separation • Spousal Maintenance • Large Estate Property Divisions

• Custody & Visitation • Adoption

Most importantly, Mr. Tracton and the firm’s principal goal is to listen to every client, understand his or her specific needs and provide specialized legal representation for each individual and their situation.

12920 Dairy Ashford Road, Suite 140 Sugar Land, Texas 77478

mdtracton@tractonlaw.com 281.242.7111 • www.tractonlaw.com October 2011 • Fort Bend Business Journal

(Standing) Matt Scholes and Carla Freeman (Sitting) Elizabeth Duff and Amy Mitchell.

Mitchell & Duff is professionalism at its best

hat skills would you want your law firm to bring to the table? If your answer includes knowledge, experience, advocacy, clarity, integrity, professionalism, ethics, then all of that can be found right here in the heart of Fort Bend with the attorneys and staff of Mitchell and Duff, LLC.

Mitchell & Duff is located at 210 Main Street between Fort Bend Countyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s historical courthouse and the newly opened Justice Center. The firm, founded by a dynamic duo, Amy Mitchell and Elizabeth Duff, along with their competent staff, has quickly established itself as Fort Bendâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s premier women owned law firm.

PAGE 22

By merging their practices, Ms. Duff and Ms. Mitchell provide clients with a broad spectrum of representation in the civil arena such as general civil and complex litigation, consumer debt litigation, corporate transactions, contracts, real estate, mediation, estate planning, probate, guardianships, adoptions, wills, trusts and other family and corporate matters. In fact, with over forty-five years of combined legal experience, Mitchell & Duff has the training and skills to handle your civil needs. “We have you covered when it comes to the important moments of your life,” the two convey, adding the office has not only doubled in size to provide services at reasonable costs but, to meet the community’s needs based on the county’s continuing growth as well. Both have been trying and winning their clients cases. “We represent both businesses and individuals in disputes from pre-suit investigation through the appellate process. We have the experience that it takes to handle all civil matters that arise in the business and personal world. Mitchell & Duff takes pride in assessing all of our client’s needs and ensuring that their cases are handled with the maximum expertise, ethics and efficiency while maintaining the quality of handling our clients deserve,” says Mitchell. Not surprisingly, the firm has achieved Martindale-Hubbell’s highest AV rating for legal ability and ethical standards based on both judicial and peer review. “Additionally, we have extensive experience in handling complex transactional matters with the goal of avoiding unnecessary litigation,” says Duff. “Our transactional experience has allowed us to create business entities such as corporations or partnerships and to guide our clients through their transactional and business decisions.” The two believe their strengths arise from their varied experiences. The quality of the attorneys and their training along with the ability to provide services at a reasonable fee is a source of pride for them. Duff states, “It is our goal to work diligently to keep our clients for the long term, while still

addressing each client’s individual lehis Bachelors of Business Administragal and litigation needs efficiently and tion in Management from Texas Tech economically.” University, in Lubbock. During his ten “We are a small community firm ure as an attorney, he has worked with with both small town and big city clihis clients in a broad range of areas, ents,” says Mitchell, adding the firm is including adoption, divorce, collections, located 26 miles southwest of Houston, litigation and statutory compliance. yet in the Greater Houston MetroAn avid outdoors man, Scholes lives plex. Our attorneys are licensed in in Richmond, with his wife, Jennifer. all Federal and State courts in Texas, They are excited about their new baby which allows us to handle cases in and daughter, Cadence. He is a Charter around Houston and Fort Bend as well member of the Lone Star Exchange as throughout the state of Texas. We go Club of Richmond as well as the incomwherever our clients need our expering chairman for the Bellaire chapter of tise.” Ducks Unlimited. Mitchell, a graduate of Case West Mitchell and Duff’s newest asern Reserve Law School, has been in sociate, Carla Freeman, was admitpractice for over 25 years. She has ted to the State Bar of Texas in 2010. extensive experience in all aspects She practices in all areas of general of personal injury and death litigacivil law and civil litigation. Freeman tion, business litigation, and personal earned her undergraduate degree in disputes. She has argued a case to the business administration with conTexas Court of Appeals related to the centrations in finance and marketing arbitration clause in credit and confrom Trinity University in San Antotracts. She has been a resident of Sugar nio in 2006. At Trinity, she was on the Land since 1993. Mitchell serves on Sugar Land City Council and continues to We are a small community support her many varied firm with both small town local and state projects. and big city clients. Duff, a graduate of South Texas College of Law, has practiced law in Fort Bend County for 20 years. Duff’s wide Dean’s list, a member of Alpha Lambda breadth of specialties cover family, Delta Honor Fraternity, and the Naestate planning, probate, guardianship, tional Society of Collegiate Scholars. real estate and other transactional Freeman graduated from Texas matters for individual and corporate Wesleyan University School of Law clients. Duff has been a resident of in Fort Worth in 2010. She was on the Fort Bend County since 1974. She is senior staff of the Law Review, the proud of her husband, Carl Drozd, who Dean’s List, and a Dean’s Scholastic recently retired from the United States Scholarship recipient. Prior to coming Army after 20 years of service. to Mitchell & Duff, she interned with Both have built their business by Federal District Judge Lynn N. Hughes active participation in the local comin Houston. munity and have given tirelessly to Freeman, a fifth generation Katy numerous organizations such as Rotary resident, enjoys spending time with clubs, the Sugar Land and Lone Star family and friends, traveling, hunting, Exchange Clubs, the Fort Bend County fishing, skeet shooting, and helping out Fair, chambers of commerce, the Red on the ranch. Cross, and Escape Center and numerTheir mission is to make a differous others over the years. Both serve as ence through outstanding legal, profesmodels of community leadership. sional and community service. This Senior associate attorney, Matthew goal is fulfilled everyday at Mitchell & Scholes, has been practicing law since Duff, LLC. 2007. Scholes earned his law degree For additional information visit from South Texas College of Law and mitchellandduff.com.

itigation can significantly impact a company’s ability to protect itself in a competitive market and to achieve its business goals. Additionally, litigation in the business and commercial realm can often be both complex and lengthy, consuming a company’s valuable time and resources. When litigation becomes necessary, businesses in Fort Bend County have a reputable, results oriented law firm available to help them through the process. Ellis & Irwin, LLP, combines their unique Texas practice with a philosophy of helping their clients reach their goals in a quick, cost effective manner.

Whether representing a large corporation, a financial institution, or a small business owner, the seasoned attorneys at Ellis & Irwin, LLP strive to maintain excellent representation providing their clients with their trademark “get-it-done” attitude. “There are as many opportunities for success in business as there are challenges to knock you off track,” says Leland Irwin, a partner with the firm. “We use our expertise to develop winning strategies for our clients.” Ellis and Irwin, LLP was formed in 2003 when attorneys Chad Ellis and Leland Irwin combined their practices and decided to locate the firm in Fort Bend County.

Fort Bend Business Journal • November 2011

“I was born and raised here,” says Chad Ellis. “I know the people here, the businesses here, and I knew that we could provide our business community with the diversity of legal services that the firms downtown provide, but we could do it in a more cost-effective manner.” “At the end of the day, it’s the result that matters,” says Irwin. “But we also understand that our clients want realistic expectations and advice about what effect litigation will have on their business. Our job is not just to get them to a trial. Our job is to figure out what they want from the litigation process and work with them to develop a strategy to get them there. We judge our success by the success of our clients.”

SPECIAL FEATURE

Ellis & Irwin, LLP knows the litigation process

Fort Bend Attorneys - Legal Eagles

The Gbenjo Law Group stands ready to protect you

he Gbenjo Law Group is a Houston-based firm that practices law not only in Texas but also in other states like Washington, D.C., Maryland and Georgia. The Gbenjo Law Group is dedicated to fighting for and obtaining the justice you deserve. With approximately two decades of experience, The Gbenjo Law Group has aggressively and successfully sought justice for clients and has litigated cases in the states, appellate and federal courts as well as in the U.S. Supreme court. The areas of practice include: Divorce; Contracts; Personal Injury; Employment Discrimination (based on age, sex, age, color, nationality, race, disability and religion); Sexual Harassment; Immigration and Debt Collection. Litigation experience includes victory in cases against the C.I.A., the Smithsonian, the U.S. Department of Transportation, the Department of Veterans Affairs, the United States Postal Service, Maryland Department of Transportation, Federal Bureau of Prisons, Potomac Electric Power Company and many others. Please give us a call if you are having problems on the job, whether you are an employee in the private or public sector. If you feel you are tolerating sexual harassment just to keep your job, we will fight to the finish for you. If you have a contract and you are uncertain whether you are thoroughly protected or whether you can cancel the contract, give us a call. If you are convinced that you are ready to part ways with your spouse, we are always at your disposal. Likewise, if you find yourself in a car wreck, we have shoulders over which you can comfortably rest. If you need a dependable and experienced firm that can fight for you, get the job done, and get you the justice and money you deserve, look no further than the

Gbenjo Law Group. Contact us at 713771-4775, or email us at Yourlawgroup@

yahoo.com; or Thegbenjolawgroup.com.

Divorce, Adoption, & Prenuptial Agreement Personal Injury / Car Wreck Contracts & Debt Collection Employment Discrimination Race, Sex, Age Discrimination â&#x20AC;˘ Overtime Pay

Representation in Court

The Gbenjo Law Group Practicing Law in MD, D.C., GA, & TX. Approximately Two Decades of Experience.

8449 West Bellfort, Suite 100 713.771. 4775

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

Law Firm offers solutions to families in crisis

Farha Ahmed Attorney at Law

ith over 15 years of experience as a Texas attorney, Farha Ahmed has focused on representing her clients with zeal and compassion. Results driven and focused on effective legal representation for individuals and small business clients, Farha recognizes that time and cost are critical factors for clients Farha Ahmed facing challenges, simple or complex. Farha understands that these issues impact the daily lives of her clients. Her firm realizes that lengthy litigation may not be the best solution for her clients. Whether in the courtroom or in mediation, her clients value the time and attention she gives to their cases. Areas of practice include: Commercial transactions, family law, probate, and civil litigation. Farha advises domestic abuse victims and non profit organizations. In addition, she helps law enforcement reach out to underserved communities and is a volunteer attorney with Fort Bend Lawyers Care. Farha is actively involved with Sugar Land community efforts and the local and business community. Located at 2150 Town Square Place in Sugar Land, you can reach Farhaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s office at 281.313.3839 or email her at farha@windstream.net. She is available by appointment only.

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

Where do Legal Eagles land? Continued from page 20

federal prosecutors who work at the Department of Justice here in D.C. and at U.S. Attorneyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Offices throughout the country) and public defenders (who represent those who cannot afford an attorney). Lawyers also work for the Environmental Protection Agency, the Office of Homeland Security, the Security Exchange Commission, the Consumer Product Safety Commission, and the Patent and Trademark Office. In addition, state legislative bodies and the US Congress offer exciting opportunities for lawyers to develop and help pass legislation. Judicial clerks research and draft memoranda and opinions for judges. Often, these intellectually stimulating and prestigious positions are short term. Public interest attorneys work for non-profit organizations that seek to change the law. These attorneys might strive to strengthen environmental laws, to protect the rights of children in foster care, to promote civil rights of gays and lesbians, or to advocate for racial and religious tolerance. Lawyers also teach at all educational levels. Many become professors while others seek publishing opportunities. Our special section Legal Eagles salutes and supports these fine men and women who live, work and contribute to our fine community and society as a whole. I hope you will join in and applaud their efforts as well.

SPECIAL FEATURE

he law firm of Myres & Associates, PLLC focuses its practice on solution-based advocacy for clients in complex divorce cases, consumer bankruptcy, and other family law disputes. Their Houston attorneys have over seventy years of combined experience representing clients and providing strategic advice to minimize conflicts and maximize the chance for a positive outcome. Whether it is a high net worth divorce, simple property division, or a divorce with debt requiring bankruptcy assistance, their attorneys provide valuable advice to help their clients formulate a plan for a fair resolution during the divorce and beyond. Their attorneys assist clients with child custody and visitation issues, child support, and paternity actions, working to ensure that the best interests of children are preserved. The firm also represents clients in enforcement actions, modifications, and child relocation cases to support clients whose life plans have changed post-divorce. The attorneys are well-versed in other family law matters as well, including issues with same-sex couples, pre- and post-nuptial agreements, international family law, cases involving mental health issues, and even changes in family structure requiring assistance with wills, trusts, probate, and estate administration. Every client can rely on the attorneys of Myres & Associates, PLLC to be professional, responsible and effective.

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

Fort Bend Attorneys - Legal Eagles

Law and Business

By Chad Ellis

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

What employers need to know about non-compete agreements Attracting and hiring talented employees is the cornerstone of successful business. Often though, in today’s business climate, talented employees are recruited by competitors and some choose to leave and form competitive businesses. In an effort to protect client lists and proprietary information, many employers require that new employees sign non-compete agreements at the time of hiring. However, these agreements, if drafted incorrectly, may not be giving employers the protection they are seeking. Employers should always consult a competent attorney when drafting a covenant not to compete to ensure that terms of the agreement are enforceable. The validity and enforceability of covenants not to compete are governed by sections 15.50-15.52 of the Texas Business and Commerce Code, which provides that at the time the agreement is made, the limitations

contained in the agreement must be reasonable in terms of time, geographical area, and scope of activity to be restrained. Additionally, a covenant not to compete must not impose a greater restraint than is necessary to protect goodwill or other business interests of an employer. The Courts have interpreted the statutes to mean, “A covenant not to compete is a restraint of trade and unenforceable as a matter of public policy unless it meets a reasonableness standard.” This reasonableness standard has generated volumes of opinions from our Courts about which agreements are enforceable and which are not. For example, the Texas Supreme Court has held that an industry-wide exclusion is unreasonable. Additionally, in personal services occupations, covenants are overbroad and unreasonable when they extend to clients with whom the employee has had no dealing during his employment.

A finding that a non-compete agreement is unreasonable does not mean that an employer is completely out of luck. If a covenant not to compete is held to be unreasonable, the Court may reform the covenant to make it valid. This may not give the employer the protection they originally desired, but does offer some form of relief for drafting an overbroad agreement and certainly requires litigation to get there. The best method to ensure that noncompete agreements are enforceable is to have them drafted and/or reviewed by legal counsel. Chad Ellis is a columnist for the Fort Bend Business Journal and a partner with Ellis and Irwin, L.L.P. This article is not intended to provide specific legal advice for a particular situation. Legal advice can only be provided in the course of an attorney-client relationship with reference to all the facts in a specific situation. He can be reached at 832-595-1242. www.ei-law.com.

COMING DECEMBER 2011 ISSUE

Deadline: November 11

Special Feature

County Progress

Saluting Growth, Chambers of Commerce and the Fort Bend Economic Development

Fort Bend County has grown exponentially and engineering & construction firms are instrumental in keeping up with that growth. To Advertise Call Mary Doetterl 281-690-4204 or 713-397-6279

Fort Bend/Katy

Mary@fortbendstar.com

November 2011 • Fort Bend Business Journal

Phil Wilson selected to lead Texas Department of Transportation

he Texas Transportation Commission has selected Phil Wilson as the Texas Department of Transportation’s (TxDOT) 19th executive director. Wilson currently serves as senior vice president of public affairs for Luminant, an electric generation company headquartered in Dallas, and previously served as Texas Secretary of State. As secretary, Wilson was responsible for elections and acted as the governor’s chief liaison on the Texas-Mexico border and issues with Mexico. He has also served as Chairman of the Governor’s Competitiveness Council, where Wilson helped identify ways the state could improve its economic position for continued long-term success. Wilson’s public service also includes time as an aide to U.S. Senator Phil Gramm and on the senior staff of Governor Rick Perry. “Phil’s experience as a public servant and member of the Texas business community has prepared him well to lead the department

Where friends gather and family memories are made. For information on membership options, contact Kelly Buettner in our Sales and Marketing office today! 281.494.9131 x134 • www.sugarcreekcctexas.com 420 Sugar Creek Boulevard

Fort Bend Business Journal • November 2011

Phil Wilson

as it continues to modernize,” said Ted Houghton, Texas Transportation commissioner and chair of the commission’s executive director search committee. “While TxDOT is certainly a national leader in transportation infrastructure development, there are opportunities for Phil to guide the department through this period of transition, emerging a more responsive and efficient

organization.” “I am honored. This is an agency with a rich history in successfully building for our future with dedicated employees,” said Wilson. “I look forward to working with the agency, Commission, Legislature and local communities on the most efficient and effective ways to build infrastructure for Texas.” During his time as secretary of state, Wilson led a number of transportation-related programs, including the Border Colonia Access Program and the Texas Interagency Work Group on the Texas and Mexico Border Affairs initiative. The secretary of state also serves as the state’s chief economic development officer, and in that role, Wilson worked with TxDOT professionals in bringing new opportunities to the state. As a chair of the Governor’s Competitiveness Council, Wilson and his colleagues made several transportation recommendations to improve the state’s competitiveness, including proposals to reexamine public-private partnerships, expand inland ports, repair and maintain the state’s existing infrastructure and advancement of rail relocation efforts. Wilson succeeds Amadeo Saenz, Jr., who retired from state service at the end of August. Wilson is the department’s first executive director since legislation was passed in 2009 removing the requirement that the position be occupied by a professional engineer. He holds a bachelor’s degree from Hardin-Simmons University in Abilene and a master’s degree in business administration from Southern Methodist University. The Texas Department of Transportation is responsible for maintaining 80,000 miles of road and for supporting aviation, rail and public transportation across the state. TxDOT and its approximately 12,000 employees strive to empower local leaders to solve local transportation problems, and to use new financial tools, including tolling and public-private partnerships, to reduce congestion and pave the way for future economic growth while enhancing safety, improving air quality and preserving the value of the state’s transportation assets. Find out more at www.txdot.gov. Fan us on Facebook www. facebook.com/txdot. Follow us on Twitter www.twitter.com/txdot.

R E A L

E S T A T E

Commercial Real Estate

By Kolbe Curtice, CCIM, CLS

Managing Director Colliers International - Fort Bend

Commercial “Ground Up” construction As we enter the last quarter of the year, we are seeing encouraging signs in the Fort Bend commercial real estate market with a number of new businesses opening. Of particular significance is the re-emergence of “ground-up” construction projects. Several factors over the past few years have throttled new commercial construction. Those have included the post-recession economic instability, limited financing resources for commercial construction and a less than robust commercial leasing market. One of the largest barriers to new projects, however, has been the wide gap between owners pricing expectations and buyers perceptions of property values. Following the recession, property owners were slow to accept that their properties had dropped in value. At the same time, prospective buyers had false expectations of the pricing required to obtain

those properties. That gap has narrowed substantially over the past year and that, coupled with an increase in the availability of capital, has spurred an increase in the velocity of new development activity. I felt that this would be an appropriate topic for this month’s column. I often find that clients significantly underestimate the processes and timelines required for new construction transactions. The majority of “ground up” construction projects that I have been involved with in Fort Bend have taken somewhere between one and two years to complete. Clients typically don’t allow enough time for the work that is required prior to the commencement of construction. During that period, the contract must be negotiated and signed, financing must be secured and the building and other improvements must be designed and submitted to

the appropriate regulatory authority obtain a construction permit. It is not unusual for this period to take longer than the actual construction. The contract preparation, negotiation and execution will generally takes about a month. Financing can take several months, depending on the lender and the loan terms. In most cases, lenders order an appraisal (generally about three weeks) be performed for the property to assist them in determining the loan terms. Loan approval time can vary, depending on the type of loan (i.e. a small business administration backed loan which often requires both internal bank approval and SBA approval versus a conventional loan which would require only internal bank approval).

KOLBE CURTICE... continued on page 58

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

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

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

281.242-3232 www.sktx.com

November 2011 • Fort Bend Business Journal

Advertising Pays! To Our Business Neighbors: 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 best to share your own story with the community. Businesses can choose to be a cover story, part of a monthly theme focus, or to run a time appropriate ad for a specific event. The Journal also features business involvement in the numerous philanthropic projects that epitomize the county. Our knowledgeable advertising executives can discuss available business presentation options. State-of-the-art graphic designers and award-winning photographers are also available to present your visual story. The Business Journal cover stories are a testament to the professional ability of our writers. Call 281-690-4204 today to talk with Mary Doetterl, Advertising Director. It’s your business and your future. Develop it now by sharing it with others who need your services and expertise.

4655 Techniplex Dr., Suite 300, Stafford, Texas 77477 • Direct: 281-690-4204 • Mary@FortBendStar.com

CONGRATULATIONS! Asmani Patel

Congratulations to Asmani Patel, a graduate of Hightower High School’s Medical Academy and current student at The University of Texas at Austin, for being selected as Texas Direct Auto’s “Scholarship Star” for November! Jessica DeMarr, Director of Business Development, presents the $1000 check. Patel holds various volunteer and community service positions at the University of Texas at Austin including Resident Assistant and Student Assistant and Membership Coordinator for the Indian Cultural Association. Other community service includes Management and Marketing Volunteer for the Theater Action Project and volunteering at Brackenridge Hospital, both in Austin. She is majoring in Business Administration, but plans to further her education and peruse a degree in healthcare. Patel was selected as part of Texas Direct Auto’s commitment to educational excellence through the “Scholarship Stars” program. Application details are listed below.

1,000

SCHOLARSHIP! Find complete details and forms at

www.fortbendfocus.com

November 2011 • Fort Bend Business Journal

City of Rosenberg prepares residents for future needs

he City of Rosenberg held two required public hearings on annexation in October. The public hearings were necessary steps in the City’s proposed annexation of six (6) areas currently in the City’s extra territorial jurisdiction (ETJ). The purpose of municipal government is to provide services that protect health and safety, improve quality of life, and offer economic opportunities to residents. City taxpayers pay for a wide array of services that benefit the greater region and state. Texas cities, unlike the cities of other states, don’t receive state financial assistance or state revenue-sharing. To offset this, the State of Texas allows cities to annex adjacent areas into the city and the system through which services and facilities from which they benefit are financed. The broad power of Texas cities to annex has permitted cities in Texas to share in the benefits of growth in the surrounding areas. Annexation is the process by which cities extend their municipal services, regulations, voting privileges, and taxing authority to new territory. It is also a means of ensuring that residents and businesses outside a city’s corporate limits who benefit from access to the city’s facilities and services share the tax burden associated with constructing and maintaining those facilities and services. Cities annex territory to provide areas with municipal services beyond those available in rural areas; to create efficiencies in service delivery, particularly for public safety services; to apply city development standards; to protect and expand the tax base; and to maximize the return on a city’s investment in infrastructure and business incentives. Rosenberg staff and city council members evaluate potential areas for annexation on an annual basis. In total, the six (6) proposed areas for annexation comprise 1015.9 acres (this includes roadways and right-of-ways), or

approximately 7% of the city’s current land area (14,272 acres). The City of Rosenberg’s main purpose in proposing annexation of the areas is to expand the city’s tax base to cover the costs of services provided these areas, specifically, the cost of fire protection – a service from which inhabitants in unincorporated areas currently benefit, but for which currently, only city residents pay. The city also seeks to bring these areas into its boundaries in order to be better able to plan for the future provision of water services to the entire region. The City of Rosenberg evaluated the potential long term impact of providing fire services through the Rosenberg Fire Department to unincorporated areas. Although Fort Bend County has provided some funding as partial reimbursement for these services in the past, the amount is nowhere near adequate to cover the actual costs of providing them. Consequently, existing Rosenberg taxpayers are subsidizing the costs of fire protection in unincorporated areas. Because of this, and the anticipated rising costs of fire protection coverage in the future due to continued growth, Rosenberg City Council voted to terminate fire services provided by the City of Rosenberg as of September 30, 2013, for any unincorporated areas that do not have a Fire Services Agreement. Should the proposed six (6) areas be annexed, based on 2010 property valuations, the addition of these tracts would add approximately $34 million in taxable value to the city tax rolls. At the current City of Rosenberg tax rate of $0.50 per $100 valuation, this amount would generate approximately $171,000 per year in additional property tax revenue for the City. A home with an assessed value of $100,000 would pay $500 in City of Rosenberg taxes, which would be utilized to help offset the costs of providing essential services such as Fire and Police protection, street and road maintenance, code enforcement and animal control to the newly-annexed areas. These

Fort Bend Business Journal • November 2011

essential services would be provided upon the effective date of annexation at a similar level of service to that now being provided to other areas in the City, as laid out in the Municipal Service Plans for each area. One of the main benefits residents in the proposed areas for annexation will receive is the opportunity for improved Insurance Service Office (ISO) ratings. Improvements in ISO ratings can result in lower fire insurance premiums for property owners. The City of Rosenberg is working to improve its ISO rating to a “2”. The City is committed to constructing a new Fire Station (Fire Station No. 3) in the Bryan/ Spacek Road area in the next two (2) years, and purchasing a 75-foot aerial ladder truck in 2012. These improvements should help achieve the goal of an ISO rating of “2” by the end of 2013. Increased property tax revenues will help fund the costs of Fire Station No. 3, and the additional personnel required to man the station and equipment. In addition to improved fire protection, bringing annexed areas into the city allows Rosenberg to plan for future water and wastewater infrastructure needs in accordance with its overall Capital Improvement Plan and Groundwater Reduction Plan. Along with the construction of Fire Station No. 3, these plans currently include improvements to Bryan Road, improvements to Spacek Road, a new water line along FM 2977, a water storage tank on FM 2977, a new water line along Spur 529, and a new water well and storage tank at the intersection of Spur 529 and Highway 59. Individuals were invited to attend the two public hearings to voice their opinions regarding the proposed annexation. Specific questions related to the annexation process can be addressed to Rosenberg Planning Director Theresa Grahmann-Parma, at theresag@ci.rosenberg.tx.us, or by calling (832) 595-3500. Annexation documents, along with links to the Texas Local Government Code, and the City of Rosenberg Charter, are available here.

Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce Newsletter

FORT

BEND

LEADERSHIP F

Understanding Differences Sponsors

AMS Houston Growth Coach

www.mycruisesforall.com Perdue, Brandon, Fielder, Collins & Mott, LLP

Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce Newsletter

Traffic Engineers Ismaili Jamatkhana & Center WEIGHTLOGIX Casanova & Co Insurance Danny Nguyen Commercial Gary Greene Realty – Markeith Spears Farha Ahmed, Attorney at Law Premier Wireless Stargel Office Solutions State Farm Insurance – Darren Boone Suleman Lalani MD,PA Totally You – A Mobile Spa

www.FortBendChamber.com

November October 2011 2011••Fort FortBend BendBusiness BusinessJournal Journal

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

Welcome New Members Advanced Wellness Medical Clinic

Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce Newsletter

Jaime Robledo, Medical Director 21830 Kingsland Blvd, Suite 102 Katy, TX 77450 832-321-5735 Health & Wellness

Berryhill Baja Grill Jeffery Brooks, Owner / Executive Chef 13703 Southwest Freeway Sugar Land, TX 77478 281-313-8226 Restaurants

Custom Cuisine / Gale Batchelor Gale Batchelor, Owner 13003 Parkbrook Way Ln Sugar Land, TX 77478 281-782-0810 Caterers

Foundation Foot & Ankle Centers, LLC Julie Lester, Owner 1111 Highway 6, Suite 120 Sugar Land, TX 77478 713-234-7057 Health Care

Freebirds World Burrito

Oncology Consultants

Chuck Kennedy, General Manager 15285 SW Freeway Sugar Land, TX 77478 281-565-8740 Restaurants

Luis T. Campos, CEO 16675 SW Freeway #250 Sugar Land, TX 77479 713-800-0671 Health Care

Global Imaging, LLC

Radley Management, LLC

Puneet Ghei, President 11211 Hwy. 6 Suite B Sugar Land, TX 77478 281-313-1700 Imaging Center, Radiology Clinic

Medifast Weight Control Centers Stacy Knight 15281 Southwest Freeway Sugar Land, TX 77478 281-491-2296 Health & Wellness

Mercyfull Home Health, Inc. Mercy Grant, Administrator 301 S. 9th Street, Suite 216 Richmond, TX 77469 281-232-7500 Home Health Care

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

Texas Lawn & Landscape Services Todd Seward, President 4771 Sweetwater Blvd. PMB 147 Sugar Land, TX 77479 281-242-5568 Landscape Contractors

Tradicao Brazilian Steakhouse

Cody Radley, President Missouri City, TX 77459 281-513-1419 General Contractors

Luis Abrantes, Owner 12000 SW Freeway Meadows Place, TX 77477 281-277-9292 Restaurants

Sienna Modern Dentistry Jenn Coll, Operations Manager 8740 Hwy 6, Suite 150 Missouri City, TX 77459 281-778-5355 Dentists

TX 3RD Coast MMA Joe Soliz, Professor 14021 SW Freeway, Suite A Sugar Land, TX 77478 281-302-6183 Martial Arts

The Solana at Cinco Ranch Christen Madigan, Sales Counselor 24001 Cinco Village Center Blvd. Katy, TX 77494 281-395-9600 Health Care

Universal Promotional & Print Randall Coward, Printing Solutions Specialist 4471 Sweetwater Blvd, Suite 338 Sugar Land, TX 77479 281-736-1430 Advertising, Promotional Specialties

www.FortBendChamber.com

Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce Newsletter

UPCOMING EVENTS

SAVE THE DATE

November Membership Luncheon

Business & Professional Division

The Changing Face of Texas: The Impact on Jobs, Business & People With Steve Murdock

Curt Tueffert – “Recharge Your Fourth Quarter Sales”

Network Nites Expo Lite at Classic Chevrolet

November 2, 2011, 11:30 pm – 1:00 pm Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce 445 Commerce Green Blvd., Sugar Land

November 3, 2011, 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm Classic Chevrolet 13115 Southwest Freeway, Sugar Land

November 1, 2011, 11:30 pm – 1:00 pm Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce 445 Commerce Green Blvd - Sugar Land

December Business & Professional Division

Education Division

Veronica Wasek – “Ten Things That Business Owners Do Not Know That Will Drive Them Out of Business

The $49 Million Dollar Question & The Plan from Superintendent Lance Hindt

December 1, 2011, 11:30 pm – 1:00 pm Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce 445 Commerce Green Blvd., Sugar Land

Holiday Luncheon

December 9, 2011, 11:30 am – 1:00 pm Stafford Centre 10505 Cash Rd., Stafford

December 15, 2011, 11:30 pm – 1:00 pm Sweetwater Country Club 4400 Palm Royale Blvd., Sugar Land

Virtual Business Marketing Joel Patrick Pearsall, Owner 1502 Brookstone St. Ln. Sugar Land, TX 77479 281-744-3435 Marketing Services

You Only Younger Med-Spa Donna Braunreiter, Co-Owner 7002 Riverbrook Dr. Sugar Land, TX 77479 281-937-7537 Health & Wellness

www.FortBendChamber.com

Seasonal Celebration a holiday luncheon presented by the Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce

SAVE THE DATE! Thursday, December 15 at 11:30 am Sweetwater Country Club 4400 Palm Royal Boulevard Sugar Land, Texas

November 2011 • Fort Bend Business Journal

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

Service King Collision Repair Centers Clayton Geisendorff, 713-773-5000 SugarLandPC.com Charles Swihart, 281-494-0894 The Houston Museum of Natural Science at Sugar Land Adrienne Barker, 281-313-2277 Bancroft Plastic Surgery Greg Bancroft, 281-785-2592

The Growth Coach Glenn Smith, 281-841-6680 Coffeyville Resources Dan Daly, 281-207-7711

Jamail and Smith Construction Jim Jamail, 281-461-7075

11 Years

W.S.S. Tri-County Child Development Council, Inc. Helen Wright, 281-239-3414

12 Years

Gateway Printing / Jones & Cook Matt Vest, 281-277-6500

14 Years

CFI Mechanical, Inc. Chuck Fell, 832-467 8200

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Tara McDowell, 832-605-5731

Memorial Hermann Surgery Center - Sugar Land Steve Hildreth, 281-238-1620

Nectron International, Inc. Michael Kardoush, 281-240-2222

2 Years

6 Years

George Ranch Historical Park Candace Jones, 281-343-0218

CIRCLES at Wrenway, LLC Shelia Stewart, 281-741-9945

The Fort Bend Church Sonya Stevenson, 281-980-8322

Principal Financial Group Wesley Forte, 713-783-1818 x234

The Reserve at River Park West Carol Bridges, 281-232-3680

3 Years

Trustmark National Bank Angel Pena, 281-637-4000

McGrath & Co., PLLC Mark McGrath, 713-882-6572

Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce Newsletter

Milestone Members 5 Years

Lina T. Ramey & Assoc. Lina Ramey, 713-972.02 Skeeter’s Mesquite Grill Ciro Arriaga, 281-980-0066

Johnny’s Custom Cabinets Johnny Guerrero, 281-498-8950

8 Years

Shell Oil Company Myron Brown, 713-546-8608

Bank of Texas - Sweetwater Blvd. Darrell Pevoteaux, 281-693-8750 Lamar CISD Christy Willman, 832-223-0332 Wallstreet Texas Michael Sachs, 281-953-2050

16 Years

Bank of Texas - Sugar Land Frank Yonish, 713-578-3555

18 Years

Hilton Garden Inn Houston/Sugar Land Lailani Argao, 281-491-7777

Minute Maid Dan Schafer, 281-302-4678

Sugar Land Plumbing Jeanne Edmunds, 281-242-6990

CFF Capital Management LP Farha Ahmed, 281-313-3832

9 Years

Kindred Healthcare-Southwest David Cross, 281-275-6000

ServiceMaster SouthWest Cleaning/Restoration Paulette Janak, 281-242-5777

Vasos Bar-B-Q Frank B. Vasos, 281-242-8585

HLS Enterprises of Texas, Inc. Stephanie Christison-Marks, 281-494-1818

4 Years

Southminster School Helen Jackson, 281-261-8872 HealthSouth Lisa Collins, 281-276-7574 Brazos Valley Schools Credit Union Ruth Keogh, 281-499-6171

Milestone Member 10 Years

Sugar Land Rotary Club Greg Pendley, 281-277-1000

Fort Bend Business Journal • November 2011

Sundance Construction Company Kevin H. Harris, 281-277-1000

19 Years

Bank of Texas - First Colony Frank Yonish, 281-265-2800 www.FortBendChamber.com

The Swinging Door Steven Onstad, 281-342-4758

Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce Newsletter

22 Years

T, OCT S SA EN W EEKS —1 0 1 OPF R O —

State Farm Insurance Richard Stegall Richard Stegall, 281-491-1111 Premier Internal Medicine Associates, PA Elizabeth Torres, 281-242-3737

23 Years

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

Milestone Members 25 Years Lexington Boulevard Animal Hospital Sandy Seamans, 281-980-3737

OPEN Saturday

9am-1pm, RAIN or SHINE

Jerdon Enterprise, LP Bruce White, 281-261-5000

HWY 90 at Imperial Development In front of the Char House & Silos

26 Years

SHOP Local & EAT Well

Stafford Municipal School District Lance Hindt, 281-261-9200

27 Years

Local produce and edibles Live music . Chef tastings and demonstrations Picnic grounds

City of Meadows Place Charles Jessup, 281-983-2950

Hosted by Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce

28 Years

www.imperialsugarland.com

Comerica Bank Frank Petras, 281-243-1401

31 Years

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

for a listing of the vendors & activities.

SPONSORS FortBend CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

CONVENTION & VISITORS SERVICES

For membership information, Contact: Jan-Michael Jenkins 281-491-0218 www.FortBendChamber.com

November 2011 • Fort Bend Business Journal

Ribbon Cutting

A Time and Place for Everything 5680 Hwy 6, Suite 170 Missouri City, TX 77459 (832) 277-1745 www.atimeandplace4.com

Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce Newsletter

isa Giesler is the energized owner of “A Time and Place for Everything”, LLC and the author of the book, My Life is a Mess: Organizing 101. Lisa was born in New Orleans. Growing up her family would call her the “White Tornado”. Who would have thought it was a crime to put something away? Establishing her business in 2008, Lisa enjoys helping people to organize their homes and offices in a fun and simple manner as well as guiding others in how to maximize and enjoy their lives and goals. Her humorous and informative speaking style entertains and encourages while educating various groups. Services offered are: organizing spaces in the home

or office, closet organizing, unpacking and organizing after a move, time management consultant, life coaching, virtual organizing and speaking. With a home based office, A Time and Place for Everything will come to your location. Hours of operation are Monday – Saturday. Call today for an appointment. 832-277-1745 Visit Lisa at www.atimeandplace4.com

Luby’s 3434 Highway 6 S Sugar Land, TX 77478 (281) 980-1696

uby’s Cafeterias was founded in 1947 in San Antonio, Texas with a mission to be the most innovative and successful cafeteria company in America. They serve their customers real food, real ingredients and home cooked dishes made every day with love by people who are most certainly at home in the kitchen. With a culinary commitment to healthfor-you dishes and value-driven limited time offers Luby’s is squarely focused on creating a next generation, contemporary dining experience. Your local Sugar Land

Fort Bend Business Journal • November 2011

Luby’s is located at 3434 Highway 6 South with Hours of operation Monday-Friday, 11am-8:30pm; Saturday and Sunday we are open to serve All You Can Eat Breakfast from 8am-12pm and the lunch and dinner from 11am8:30pm.

www.FortBendChamber.com

Aling’s Hakka Chinese Cuisine 15425 Southwest Freeway, Sugar Land, TX 77478 281-242-0432 www.alingshakka.com

ling’s: Houston’s Pioneering Restaurant serving Hakka Chinese Cuisine. Hakka implies “Guest People” are famed for their delectable food and splendid cooking style. As they travelled they altered their cooking to cater to the taste of the local people. The proprietors Gau /Gary Yan and Hsiaolin Motiwala both of Hakka descent and acclaimed food purveyors from India are proud to open the first Hakka Chinese restaurant in Sugar Land which will be serving “CHINDIAN” food. A scrumptious fusion Chinese cuisine blended with a few selective Indian spices [Without the Curry Spices] and

family recipes .Please visit ALING’S to tantalize your taste buds with their delicious creations such as: Shrimp Island, Chilli Chicken[Dry], American Chop-Suey, Man-Chow Soup, Chicken Lollipop or the chef’s favourite refreshing beverages such as “EXOTIC PASSION” and Fresh Lime Soda.

GattiTown 3412 Highway 6 S. Sugar Land, TX 77478 www.gattitownsugarland.com (281) 313-0307

r. Gatti’s Pizza returns to Sugar Land after 16 years with GattiTown family fun center. The 57,000 sq. ft. GattiTown includes an All You Care-to-Eat buffet, an expansive Midway arcade, VIP/ birthday rooms, attractions like bumper cars, indoor Go Karts, Putt-Putt Golf, Mini Bowling and more. The new Gattitown specializes in events of all kinds, form birthday parties to corporate team building. Gattitown proudly serves Mr. Gatti’s signature pizzas on the buffet, plus Spa-Gatti pastas, a salad bar, baked potato bar, soups and desserts. Diners can choose from four themed dining rooms: the Courtyard Café and

www.FortBendChamber.com

Library for relaxed, quiet dining; the River Oaks Theatre, which shows kids programs and cartoons; and Gatti’s Park, featuring sports on the big screen. The new GattiTown is located at 3412 State Highway 6 South in Sugar Land and is open 7 days a week for lunch and dinner. Hours of operation and more information can be found online at www.gattitowsugarland.com.

November 2011 • Fort Bend Business Journal

Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce Newsletter

www.FortBendChamber.com

Ribbon Cutting

Momentumack Consultants, Inc 15200 Park Row Dr, #911 Houston, TX 77084 momentumack.com (281) 389-1845

Hygeia Enviro-Clean, Inc.

Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce Newsletter

11314 Windfern Houston, TX 77064 www.hygeiaec.com (281) 970-150

Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce & Safari Texas Ranch Chairman’s Gala

SAVETHEDATE Saturday January 21, 2012 Safari Texas Ballroom 11627 FM 1464 Richmond, Texas

CHAIRMAN’SGALA

FORT BEND CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Fort Bend Business Journal • November 2011

www.FortBendChamber.com

Texas Community Referral Network

Business Resources

By Brian Covault

TCRN Founder/CEO

Local resources to help your business grow All businesses, regardless of industry, have one thing in common. They all have computers. Computers are a driving force for every business owner. In fact, when a computer is down, it seems as if “the sky is falling”. TCRN-Sugar Land is filled with resources to help every local business thrive. Whether you are a start-up business or a seasoned company cemented in the community, TCRN Business Services can provide the resources every local business needs. Two things businesses commonly overlook with regard to computers are Data BackUp Systems and adequate Virus Protection. If you are not currently backing up all of your data, you should. Ask yourself, “What would I do if all of my data and emails were lost?” A good back up system will rotate media and take recent backups offsite. What good are

backups if your computer(s) and your backup drive are stolen or destroyed? Monitor, test and check your backups regularly. Next, have a multi-pronged approach to virus protection. Be sure you are running antivirus software and that it stays updated. Be sure your computers are running a firewall, and set up limited user accounts for employees by using an internet filter to block employee access to web mail, social media, gaming and other non-work related websites. Sugar Land PC is a local company and can usually have a technician to your office (or home) the same day of your call within a few hours to address your computer problems. They work with all types of industries and use many different business applications and server systems. Sugar Land PC helps you understand your IT needs without flooding

the air with a lot of “technical jargon” and will communicate with you in a clear, simple fashion so they can implement the best solution for you. They can even provide computer support that monitors your systems so issues can be resolved before you can be impacted negatively. Sugar Land PC is an expert in all computer related functions, including the following areas: Desktop Support, Managed IT Service, Network Security, Data Recovery, Exchange Servers & Outlook, Server Setup and Maintenance as well as set up for Smart Phones. Sugar Land PC is located at 15531 Southwest Freeway in Sugar Land in the Home Depot shopping center at Williams Trace.

BRIAN COVAULT... continued on page 58

Real estate agents that SELL HOMES advertise them in The Star H Local Agent H Local Advertising H Local Results

281.690.4200 4655 Techniplex Dr. Suite 300 • Stafford, TX 77477

November 2011 • Fort Bend Business Journal

PCCA celebrates thirty years in Sugar Land

Compounding brings personalized medicine to patients and animals

rofessional Compounding Centers of America (PCCA), the leading supplier of pharmaceuticals, education and consulting for independent pharmacies, celebrates thirty years of life-saving personalized patient care as it launched the 30th Annual International Seminar. More than 700 compounding pharmacists coming to Sugar Land. PCCA serves approximately 4,000 independent community pharmacists throughout the United States, Canada, Australia and other countries around the world. “Compounding is the science of creating personalized medicinal dosages,” said Gus Bassani, PharmD, PCCA Vice President of Consulting, R&D and Formulations. Gus Bassani “While many people associate medicine with large pharmaceutical manufacturers, independent community pharmacists are the original specialists who compounded pharmaceutical ingredients into treatments. Today we are part of the triad relationship of patient, physician and pharmacist, all three working together to solve unique medical problems.” “PCCA began thirty years ago when a drug that one patient needed was no longer being manufactured,” said Jim Smith, PCCA president. Jim Smith “Our core mission— helping physicians and independent community pharmacists treat patients with the absolute best medicines—is as crucial today as it has ever been. The ongoing drug shortage crisis is a clear reminder of that.” PCCA provides member pharmacists

with access to the highest quality pharmaceutical ingredients, the latest research, quality control processes, and testing technologies to create compounded medications that meet the individual needs of patients. Member pharmacies carefully formulate the active ingredients into unique dosage forms that are appropriate for patients. Compounding pharmacists also work with physicians to provide personalized medications for unique patient groups, such as pediatrics, geriatrics and veterinary medicine. While beginning to commemorate its 30th anniversary, PCCA is looks forward to the next thirty years. “Compounding is the wave of the future, as informed consumers and Bill Letendre scientific advances drive increased demand for personalized medicines,” said Bill Letendre, M.S., R.Ph., M.B.A., PCCA Vice President of Compounding Pharmacy Management (CPM) Services. “As DNA profiles become increasingly accessible, customized care becomes more essential, and compounding pharmacists are the key to medicinal dosages tailored to one person’s exact profile. The idea of ‘my medicine’ becomes a reality with compounding.” As companion to personalized medicines, PCCA believes the burgeoning markets for nutraceuticals and cosmeceuticals will further heighten the public attention on compounding pharmacies. “Nutraceuticals provide vital nutritional benefits as well as protection against chronic disease,” said Letendre, “while cosmeceuticals customize and personalize therapy to protect skin from the harmful, external forces of aging.” Pain management is another popular arena for compounding pharmacies. “We’ve

Fort Bend Business Journal • November 2011

developed a transdermal cream that delivers medicine directly through the skin,” said Bassani. “Physicians can prescribe a compounded cream that targets the inflammation and pain directly in the knee, for example, potentially reducing the sideeffects of taking multiple pain pills orally.” Compounding pharmacists come throughout the year to participate in PCCA training courses and continuing education events, and more than 700 pharmacists converged on Sugar Land for the 2011 International Seminar, held in and around Sugar Land Town Square, October 19-22. “The International Seminar was an unparalleled opportunity for compounding pharmacists to share knowledge with each other, while participating in best-in-class accredited continuing education,” said Bassani. “The Seminar also was an opportunity for PCCA to give back to its communities—both the community of pharmacists and the Greater Houston-area community.” PCCA holds its annual International Seminar locally in the Greater Houston area each year, and focuses on local needs for its charitable outreach. PCCA is the largest corporate donor to the Fort Bend County Women’s Center (FBCWC), and will be donating proceeds from various charity events to the FBCWC. “PCCA is a major advocate and supporter of the Women’s Center,” said Vita Goodell, FBCWC Executive Director, “which has helped more than 32,000 survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault—and their children—achieve safety and self-sufficiency.” The community focus is a natural fit for PCCA, says Smith: “We exist to help independent pharmacists serve their communities, so of course we’re going to look for ways to serve our own community here in the area. Our commitment to

holding the seminar locally enables us to multiply economic benefits to local merchants, and in fact, when people in the industry talk about compounding, they talk about Greater Houston and Sugar Land —we’re the epicenter.” The U.S. drug shortage brings fresh attention to the vital role of accredited compounding pharmacists, who can compound dosages which otherwise would be unavailable. To find A Compounder™ is available online at: http://www.findacompounder. com.

Taste of Sugar Land shares the bounty with Fort Bend County

he ninth annual “Taste of Sugar Land” is reaping the bounty of the harvest once again. This year, three deserving area charities will share in the proceeds of the “Taste” which happens Sunday, November 13, 4 - 8 p.m. at Safari Texas Ranch, 11627 FM 1464. Hosted by members and friends of the First Presbyterian Church, Sugar Land, 281240-3195, and generously presented by Whole Foods, Sugar Land, this year’s event will benefit the Fort Bend Women’s Center, 281-344-5750, East Fort Bend Human Needs Ministry, 281-261-1006, and Fort Bend Family Promise, 281-403-3923. Attendees will be served non-stop by 20 of Fort Bend’s finest restaurants, and entertained by generous and talented area musicians throughout the evening. Exciting auction venues and other attractions will round out the evening as we all benefit in the spirit of the season by helping out our neighbors. Tickets can be purchased for $30 through any of the organizations listed above, or by accessing the official web site, tasteofsugarland.com. Reserved tables and sponsorships are also available. For more information,please contact: Betty Verdino (281) 437-8881 - (713) 3765908 or Verdigo9@aol.com.

presents the 9th annual

Taste of

Come and share the bounty! Safari Texas Ranch • 11627 FM 1464 Sunday, November 13, 2011 Hosted by members and friends of First Presbyterian Church of Sugar Land. Sharing the bounty with East Fort Bend Human Needs Ministry, Fort Bend Family Promise, and Fort Bend County Women’s Center.

$30.00 per person Children 3 and under FREE.

4:00 pm -5:00 pm Auction preview, Entertainment & Appetizers 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm 9th Annual “Taste of Sugar Land”

20 + Restaurants

Live and Silent Auctions Continuous Entertainment Free Parking Visa/Master Card accepted on site.

Win A $100

Shopping Spree at the Whole Foods Sugar Land! There will be 2 winners! Need not be present to win.

For tickets call First Presbyterian Church of Sugar Land • 281-240-3195

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

FrostBank.com November 2011 • Fort Bend Business Journal

Aetna foundation supports YMCA program promoting youth health & wellness

he Fort Bend YMCA is the recipient of a $25,000 grant for the YMCA’s After School and Outreach Health Enhancement program. During the presentation, Maria Mendez, Mid-America West Regional Director for Aetna, presented YMCA Group Executive Director Eric Schenkelberg, with a check for $25,000. “Aetna is proud to be supporting the YMCA in their endeavors to make this community’s youth healthier”, stated Mendez. The funded program will be held at the YMCA’s Outreach sites in Fresno and Four Corners, as well as the After School program in the Stafford School District. The funded program named C.A.T.C.H. (Coordinated Approach To Childhood Health) was initially developed by the University of Texas’ School of Medicine in Houston. The program focuses on regular exercise, nutrition education and health education for both the youth in the program and the families of the youth. The support will also allow the YMCA to provide healthy snacks and drinks for the youth in each program. The CATCH program started earlier this fall and will continue to run at the designated sites through the summer of 2012. It is expected that approximately 120-150 kids will benefit directly from the program over the next year, and hundreds of family members will indirectly and directly benefit from the education the kids receive. In addition, the families will take part in regular family events focused on the learnings

Aetna Supports Childhood Health Through YMCA Program – (From Left to Right) Eric Schenkelberg, YMCA Group Executive, Maria Mendez, Aetna Regional Director, Amy Parkins, YMCA Program Director and Charlie Myer, YMCA Regional Director.

that the kids received in the program. “We are excited about the continuation of this program with Aetna’s support, because the data from our past CATCH programs have proven that we can reduce the BMI (Body Mass Index) of kids that are considered pre-obese or obese”, stated Amy Parkins, YMCA Program Director & CATCH Coordinator. The YMCA is a 501 C 3 Non-Profit organization dedicated to strengthening the foundations of community through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. For more information on the YMCA or the YMCA’s CATCH program go to www.ymcahouston.org . For more information about the Aetna Foundation, go to, www.aetna.com/foundation

Skeeters to host first pitch set for April 26

he Sugar Land Skeeters will throw the first pitch on Thursday, April 26th, 2012 as minor league baseball comes to Fort Bend County. The Skeeters will open its inaugural season by playing host to the two-time defending Atlantic League champion York (Pa.) Revolution in a fourgame series spanning April 26-29, according to the AL schedule released this week. The full 2012 schedule can be seen online at SugarLandSkeeters. com by clicking the schedule tab on the home page. Game time for home and road games will be released at a later date. The Sugar Land Skeeters offices are presently located at 16160 City Walk in Sugar Land Town Square, Sugar Land where additional information, tickets and Inaugural Season merchandise are available. The Skeeters may be reached at www.SugarLandSkeeters.com or by calling 281.240.HITS (4487), and on Facebook (facebook.com/ sugarlandskeeters) and Twitter (@SL_Skeeters).

Fort Bend Business Journal • November 2011

Cotton USA-Global Disaster Solutions to locate in Katy, Cotton Foundation also announces plans

2 NIGHTS-4 PEOPLE ALL INCLUSIVE $195 Musicals Weekends at The Grand 1894 Opera House Wizard of Oz Nov 12 or South Pacific Nov 19 (Tickets are additional, order from The Grand)

By Wayne Chandler

otton USA-Global Disaster Solutions is moving its headquarters to the Katy area with plans to expand. To boot, the company is planning a foundation aimed at aiding Katy area cancer victims and their families. Pete Bell, president and CEO, announced that his fire and water restoration firm, which has tackled big relief jobs all over the world, is moving to a 50-acre site at 5443 Katy Hockley Cut-off, moving some 21 miles from a Northwest Freeway site which it has had since the firm was founded in 1996. Bell said that the move will mean hiring of some 50-60 employees in the Katy area. Bell and associate Daryn Ebrecht are longtime Katy residents, and their families are deeply involved in Katy. Then, Susan Link, executive vice president of the new Cotton Foundation, announced plans to develop a 16-acre ranch, “where we dream of giving families a private retreat where they can make memories together.” It will be called Taylor’s Place, in honor of a girl named Taylor, who was four years old when her father Tom Wallace died after a four-year battle with cancer. Wallace was a friend of Bell and Ebrecht. “ To honor Tom, “ Susan said, “we took up the fight to bring hope to families in a private place that seems miles away from life’s challenges.” Bell said that his firm is one of the world’s most experienced fullservice disaster recovery and restoration companies. He noted that Cotton recently had crews for a month in flood-stricken East Coast communities after Hurricane Irene. He noted that Cotton had major jobs as a result of Hurricane Katrina and Wilma, as well as the Gulf oil spill. Bell said that his firm did a major cleanup and restoration of the Katy High School fire in 2001. The firm did a major recovery effort after Hurricane Alicia hit the Texas Medical Center. The firm currently has a 12,000-square-foot building on the new site, has purchased 17 acres adjacent to its original 33 acres, and soon will build another 12,000-square-foot structure. Then, the company will build a 60,000-square foot structure, mainly to house equipment. “We’re excited to be here,” Bell said in concluding his announcement to the Katy Area Economic Development Council’s October general assembly breakfast. Regarding Cotton Foundation plans for Taylor’s Place, Link said that Phase One will include construction of an entertainment lodge. There’ll be playground equipment, fishing, rock climbing and a baseball field. Phase Two will add cabins for families to stay overnight. Link said, “The retreat-like atmosphere of Taylor’s Place is sure to foster love and hope and help families make the most of their time together.”

am.ily F r o F Fun ..

lop. F p i l F lop. F p i l F lop. F p i l F

FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS Nov 24 – Jan 1 Holiday sights, sounds, smells and snow during Moody Garden’s 10th Annual Festival of Lights (Tickets are additional, order from Moody Gardens)

6300 Seawall • Galveston • TX • victoriancondo.com www.facebook.com/galvestonvictorian • 866.853.5726 Valid thru 12.30.2011. Inclusive rates include all fees and taxes. ASK ABOUT OUR FALL RATE SPECIALS.

November 2011 • Fort Bend Business Journal

NEWSWORTHY 7th Annual Regional Infrastructure Conference Shown are: Left to right, Central Fort Bend Chamber Alliance President and CEO Shanta Kuhl, Fulshear Mayor Tommy Kuykendall, METRO President/CEO George Greanias, and Missouri City Assistant City Manager Scott Elmer participated at the recent 7th Annual Regional Infrastructure Conference at the Sugar Land Marriott hosted by the Central Chamber and presented by HSCC Construction Software and S&B Infrastructure. Greanias was among the keynote speakers who provided updates and forecasts relating to roads, highways, rail lines, ports and environmental issues.

Group 1 automotive acquires David Taylor Cadillac Buick GMC Southwest Freeway location In mid-October Group 1 Automotive, Inc. (NYSE: GPI), a Fortune 500 automotive retailer, announced the acquisition of David Taylor Cadillac Buick GMC and the opening of two new Volkswagen dealerships in the San Diego and Beaumont, Texas, market areas. In addition, Group 1 announced that it opened Sterling McCall Fiat to serve Greater Houston. In total, the six franchises are expected to generate $188.0 million in estimated annual revenues. David Taylor Cadillac Buick GMC, located on the Southwest Freeway, is expect-

ed to add about $110.0 million in estimated annual revenues and complements the 11 existing dealerships that Group 1 operates in the Houston-Metro market area. Sterling McCall Fiat in Greater Houston is expected to generate $5.0 million in estimated annual revenues. The awarded franchises will be located in existing facilities alongside current operations. The facilities will be modified to the manufacturer’s image requirements and will add at least 25 additional service bays to meet the demands of these growing brands. “The addition of these franchises dem-

onstrates our ongoing efforts to grow our business while further diversifying our brand mix,” said Earl J. Hesterberg, Group 1’s president and chief executive officer. Group 1 owns and operates 108 automotive dealerships, 140 franchises, and 27 collision centers in the United States and the United Kingdom that offer 31 brands of automobiles. Through its dealerships, the company sells new and used cars and light trucks; arranges related vehicle financing, service and insurance contracts; provides automotive maintenance and repair services; and sells vehicle parts.

Rosenberg Railroad Museum announces coordinated effort with the Texas Independent Trail Region The Rosenberg Railroad Museum, Fort Bend county’s only railroad museum located in Rosenberg, has announced a coordinated effort with the Texas Independent Trail Region. As a result, the headquarters for the Texas Independence Trail Region has found new offices. RRM Executive Director Jerry Hoover announced that Lee Towns, executive director for TITR, will share administrative offices with staff on the museum campus. “Through education and promotion, the Texas Independence Trail Region fosters

the preservation and improvement of its historical, cultural, and natural resources to encourage tourism, enhance the regional economy, and celebrate the spirit of Texas Independence,” adds Hoover. Both offices are located at 1921 Avenue F at Third Street in Historic Downtown Rosenberg. The Texas Independence Trail Region, part of the Texas Heritage Trails Program, covers an area of 28 counties from Liberty County, east of Houston to San Antonio, and from Bastrop County in the north to south of Victoria. The Texas Independence

Fort Bend Business Journal • November 2011

Trail Region has been headquartered in Fort Bend County since its inception in 1997. In cooperation with the Texas Historical Commission, the Trail provides technical, financial and marketing assistance to help drive cultural and historical tourism across the Independence Trail Region. For additional information call Towns at (281)239.9235 or Email: coordinator@ TexasIndepenedenceTrail.com To learn more about the Rosenberg Railroad Museum and its events click www. rrmuseum.org.

Submit Newsworthy items to sharon@fortbendstar.com

Fort Bend Family Health Center receives extreme makeover Fort Bend Family Health Center (FBFHC) is breaking ground in preparation for a major renovation of its Richmond Center. The renovation will feature upgraded interiors, including remodeled exam rooms with a modern look. During the renovation, Fort Bend Family Health Center will continue its health care services, as well as lab and pharmacy services. All clinic operations will be held in mobile buildings located at 400 Fort Street, directly behind the health center’s current location. “We know our patients are just as excited as we are about the changes at Fort Bend Family Health Center,” said Carol Edwards, FBFHC CEO. “They deserve the best and we have the opportunity to give it to them.” FBFHC’s Richmond Center has been in its 400 Austin Street location since 1989. In spring 2012, nearly 25 years later, Fort Bend Family Health Center’s patients will receive health care services in a brand new facility. The annual Bears, Blankets and Books

holiday program is now underway. The program relies heavily upon participation from businesses and individuals in the community to provide more than 400 children with a special gift during the holidays. This year’s event will be held on Thursday, December 8 at St. John’s United Methodist Church at 400 Jackson Street in Richmond. Donations needed include teddy bears, children’s books and blankets. The items may be new or gently used. Any monetary donation is greatly appreciated and can be mailed to Attn: Community Relations, Fort Bend Family Health Center, 400 Austin Street, Richmond, TX 77469. Families who register for the gift program and meet eligibility requirements will receive a picture with Santa Claus, teddy bears, blankets and books. For more information, please call FBFHC’s Community Relations department at 281-633-3169. The Fort Bend Family Health Center is a private, not-for-profit federally qualified health center (FQHC) that serves Fort Bend

The changing face of Texas The impact on jobs, business and people The Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce Special Events Division presents The Changing Face of Texas: The Impact on Jobs, Business & People presented by Steve H. Murdock, PhD. This event will take place Tuesday, November 1 with a luncheon at 11:30 a.m. at the Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce, 445 Commerce Green Blvd., Sugar Land 77478 followed by a presentation from Murdock regarding the demographic impact on today’s business climate. Steve H. Murdock is the Allyn R. and Gladys M. Cline Professor of Sociology at Rice University. He previously served as Director of the U.S. Bureau of the Census having been nominated for the position by President Bush and unanimously confirmed by the U.S. Senate in 2007. Prior to his appointment

at Rice, he was the Lutcher Brown Distinguished Chair in Demography and Organization Studies at the University of Texas at San Antonio and the Director of the Institute Steve H. Murdock for Demographic and Socioeconomic Research. Murdock was also appointed by Governor Rick Perry as the official State Demographer of Texas. Individual Member Reservation available for $25 – Individual Non-Member Reservation available for $35 – At the door for $35. Register today at www. FortBendChamber.com or contact Farrah Gandhi for sponsorship or reservations at 281-566-2152 or Farrah@fortbendcc.org.

County and the surrounding areas. Fort Bend Family Health Center is a United Way agency. Each year The Center provides assistance to approximately 27,000 members of the Fort Bend, Waller and Wharton communities through maternity, pediatric and adult clinics, dental services, WIC (Women, Infants and Children) nutrition program, and behavioral health and counseling.

SafeKick expands in Katy SafeKick, a company specializing in welldrilling issues, has started construction of a 10,000-square foot building to meet a need for more space. The company which currently occupies a 2,000-square foot office space at 410 W. Grand Parkway South in the Legend Natural Gas Building, will construct the new building just south of the DetNorske Veritas office building on the east side of Ravello Drive, south of Colonial Parkway, in the Westside Office Park. SafeKick opened its doors in Katy back in 2009, and currently maintains a staff of 15 engineers and software developers, said Vice President Jason Hannam. SafeKick specializes in resolving traditional drilling issues using newly devised combinations of software, hardware and Webbased solutions. Hannam says the company has a goal of constructing a second building in Katy within two years. SafeKick has released its first product “SafeVision.” SafeKick likes to refer to “SafeVision” as the “Driller’s GPS,” helping guide the driller on a safe and efficient path. The company’s international headquarters is in the United Kingdom. Several major factors led SafeKick to launch its US branch in Katy, Hannam says. The first factor was the obvious need to locate near its client base throughout the Houston area’s vast energy corridor. The second factor was a desire to locate in a livable and fast-growing community like Katy. The third was the relocation recruitment and support efforts that Katy Area EDC provided.

November 2011 • Fort Bend Business Journal

FORT BEND

By Elsa Maxey

Greater Fort Bend EDC celebrates 25th anniversary Leading Locally, Connecting Globally

afari Texas’ Salute to Fort Bend 2011, celebrating the silver anniversary of the Greater Fort Bend Economic Development Council (EDC), was recently held at the Safari Texas Ballroom in Richmond. The October 7th gala was also a tribute honoring the past chairmen of the private-public partnership that was established in 1986 to promote economic vitality and to ensure quality development in Fort Bend County. The honorees of the event were Ed Hines, the late Fred Davenport, Bill Hartman, Dutch Lichliter, Pete Slot, William O. Jameson, and Robert C. Brown, III. A special recognition of Herb Appel for his accomplishments and dedication to Fort Bend County and the Greater Fort Bend EDC was the feature of the evening. In conjunction with the recognition, a special toast to Appel will be taking place this month at the Hyatt Place in Sugar Land. Appel, a CEO of the Greater Fort Bend EDC spearheaded hundreds of business relocations and expansions in Fort Bend County, enhancing the tax value of communities and providing thousands of jobs.

U.S. Congressman Pete Thompson, Nancy Olson.

Olson,

Gay

Honorees - Herb Appel, Bob Brown, Bill Jamison, Pete Slot, Bill Hartman, Ed Hines.

Bob Brown with his “Girls,” wife Carole, daughters and granddaughters.

Emelia and Herb Appel surrounded by family.

Melissa and Kevin Gardner, Jim Rice, Christine and Vern Hegwood.

Gay and Sugar Land Mayor James Thompson with Marilyn Glover.

Bob and Lillian Graf, Danny and Marie Nguyen.

Deepak Sane, Floyd Emery, Ron Lee, Tom Marshall.

OakBend - What’s Up Doc

O Dick Phillips, Diana and John Null, and Jim and Tracey Shaw.

akBend’s 2011 What’s Up Doc? event was a great evening for all! More than 500 guests, including over 50 physicians, received a report of OakBend’s growth and expansion of services and an opportunity to network, dine with physicians in over 15 specialty groups.

Chief Executive Officer, Joe Freudenberger made the presentation and Board President Joe Gurecky thanked the 50 plus sponsors and underwriters for their participation. This included a special presentation to Allison and Cassandra Wen for their continued support for OakBend Medical Center.

Dave Johnson, Dee Koch and Perri D’Armond.

Ray Aguilar, Sandra Mazoch, Jocelyn Gordon, Laura Freudenberger, David Wallace, Rene Casanova. Meadows Place Mayor Charles Jessup, Shirley and John Isbell.

Deacon and Tiki Jones, Jess Stuart, Keri Schmidt.

Roy Cordes, Bouche’ Mickey and Albert Glover.

Dr. Joey Bluhm, Dr. Hillery and Ms Elizabeth Hillery, Dr. Kumara Peddematham, Dr. Amitabh Shukla.

Dr. Irene Hernaez, Dr. Ekpedeme Wade, Ruthanne Mefford.

Dr. Uttam Tripathy, Dr. Mayank Parikh.

Dr. Mehjabin Parkar and Ms. Smita Jaffer.

BIG SHOTS

DBA (Assumed Names)

Data Beat (+) = More Names

This is a sample of the Assumed Names (DBAs) filed at the Fort Bend County Clerk’s office for September 2011. More Assumed Names may be viewed online at http://ccweb.co.fort-bend.tx.us/RealEstate/SearchEntry.aspx. There were 376 Assumed Names with Notary Fee for month of September. There were also 93 Assumed Names without a notary fee. Gibbs Nichelle J Jewel Michiel Photography 2322 Poco Dr 77489

Hashmi Syed S (+) Abs Help And Services 11226 Ramp Creek Ln 77498

Aluko Anthonia O Divine Ventures 11106 Sheldon Bend Dr 77406

Prince Jai Bevineau Jai Prince Photography 8519 Forest Lane 77479

Sajo Corp We Buy Bling 910 Evandale Lane 77479

Smith Angela Like It Clean 5915 Indian Hills Lane 77479

Shun Enterprise Inc Shun Asian Bistro 4916 Avenue H 77471

Herrick Margaret P Decorating Den Interiors 10303 E Crosby Lane 77459

Sajo Corp Truck Stop Consulting 910 Evandale Lane 77479

Smith Angela Kids N Mind 5915 Indian Hills Lane 77479

Ervin Laurie The Bling Queen (+) 9802 Sabine Circle 77459

Miller Herbert E Southern Office Solutions 13003 Murphy Rd #K-1 77477

Wood Winston L Woodco 708 Alabama St #104 77494

Page Thomas Page Property Services 16810 Tranquil Dr 77498

Waddle-Jones Leo (+) Krystal Kounty 3707 Pennington Ct 77459

Mckenzie Linda Re-Claiming our Schools Initiative Po Box 16993 77496

Page Thomas Fort Bend Property Preservations 16810 Tranquil Dr 77498

Bobby Trading Corporation A 2 Z Remodeling and Home Improvement 5407 Beacon Springs Ln 77479

Abel Chris Lone Star Print Solutions 23855 Cinco Ranch Blvd Ste 230 77494 Hiller William M The Wilmark Group (+) 1450 Sugar Creek Blvd 77478 Kenneth Thomas Regner D C P A Grand Parkway Chiropractic and Rehabilitation 7830 W Grand Parkway S St 180 77406

Johnson Joseph C Joseph Johnson Insurance Agency Po Box 172 77459 Garrett Rita Marie Take Five Jewelry & Accessories 1134 Americana Drive 77459 Marcotte Celani Me’lange 1515 Sandcroft Lane 77479

Hackney Kenneth R East Wind Missionary Baptist Church 2503 South Main 77477 Lawson Kimberly P Dreams 2 Future 10218 Antelope Alley 77459 Stalling Robert D Success General Contractors 21514 Cozy Hollow Ln 77469 Goldreich Andrea Lilly In Lemon USA 3838 N Braeswood Blvd #454 77025

Solano Jesus Solano Welding 2807 Deborah St 77477

Williams Lisa Six Star Generals 1707 Glacier Blue 77545

T Clay Enterprises LLC Phd Etc. Resale - Pants, Hats, Dresses & More 16614 Lost Quail 77489

Poole Micah William (+) Promotions Period.Com 2211 Victoria Ct 77459

Williams Lisa Ebony Creations 1707 Glacier Blue Dr 77545

Jones Kristie K Swc Services 1264 Deerbrook Drive 77479

Le Nhi Thanh Bnj Nails & Spa 2575 Eldridge Ste C 77498 Amezquita Carlos Janitorial Consultants of Houston 2210 Winchester Lake 77471 Ikemefuna Sandro Kinetics Rehabilitation & Wellness Solutions 10731 White Bridge Ln 77478 Fraley La Tosha Neveu Neveu...The Social Secretary 2235 Summit Meadow Dr 77489 Alvarez Julio 7 Diamond Construction 770 Linden St 77545

Williams Lisa Dark Island Collaborations 1707 Glacier Blue 77545 Langford Miriam Stitch By Stitch 32418 Watersmeet St 77441 Tristan Francisco Noe Tristan’s Remodeling 1615 Ave D 77545 Zermeno Mark A (+) Z Best Lawns 14226 Nelson Bay Ct 77498 Nguyen Thy Dinh Top Nails & Spa 1870 Fm 359 Rd 77406

Fort Bend Business Journal • November 2011

Castelberg Nicholas South Texas Trade Company 826 Comstock Springs 77450 Rich Meca M June Rich Ferguson 8323 Wilcrest Dr #11016 77072 Rich Meca Top Gun Closers 8323 Wilcrest Dr #11016 77072 Martin Lameka S Exquisited Affairs Design and Event Planning 3923 Dogwood Bough Ln 77545 Oasis Trading L L C Jewelry Emporium 5000 Katy Mills Circle Ste # 523 77494 Ullah Khaja Rafi Mars Trading & Financials USA 107 Chandler Ct 77479

Defrayne James G Carreno-Delaluz Jose Fernando Sucess 360 JFC Trucking 1418 Berrytree Drive 77479 2703 Sica Hollow Ln 77494 Sasser Kasey Sotelo-Badillo Marco Antonio Cakes By Kasey Houston Biomagnetic Therapy P O Box 791 77406 2703 Sica Hollow Ln 77494 Carillo Maurico Whitwell Steven Carinos Car Wash Strive Handyman Service 202 Compton St 77583 725 Blume Rd #15 77471 Zambrano Adolfo L Deaton Aydee The Locksmith Company (+) Construction Information 12214 Ashley Cir Dr West 77071 Consultants 1826 Polley Ct 77406 Sidney Christopher S & S Transport Carr William Daniel 1234 Catskill Dr 77459 R&B Design’s 7038 Noff St 77074

Jacob Jincy Consolidated Nurse Aide Training Institute Inc 140 Eldridge Rd Ste G 77478 Chiu Grace S Brynwood Holdings 4410 Wavertree Dr 77459 Cane Sabrina Creative Xpressions 1926 Eastfield Drive 77459 Walter Kelly Jo Houston Wild 98 3107 London Lane 77459 Hawkins Richard A Rahcmtech 8134 Blase Rd 77471 Martinez Rogerio Rogerio’s Lawn Care Service 2215 Fall Meadow Dr 77459 Van Cyck Charles Mark Pordyne Consulting 18111 Flowering Oak Ct 77407 Hines Jai (+) Got Everything 515 Pin Oak 77493 Lesak Joe B Frozen Ropes Falcons 7403 Lone Star Jctn 77406 Joseph Bobby (+) A 2 Z Home Improvement and Remodeling 17424 W Grand Pkwy S 77479 Sheriff Michael S 1St Class Limo 1822 Misty Oaks Ln 77479 Sheriff Michael S Telfair Classic Limo Inc. 1822 Misty Oaks Ln 77479 Live Laugh Lunch LLC Live Laugh Lunch 3822 Ave P 77471 Ahuja Ashwani Shelly’s Fashion 7711 Fagan Way 77479 N T A N LLC Stop. N. Bye 2201 1St Street 77471

DBA (Assumed Names) Batchelor Gale Custom Cuisine/ Gale Batchelor (+) 13003 Parkbrook Way Ln 77498

Data Beat

Smith Kymberlie L Ks Salon 15375 Southwest Fwy 77478

(+) = More Names Ledesma Eiron (+) Eiron Ledesma & Glenn Wilson Sports Placement Services 2511 Woodstream Bl 77479

Simmons John Jay (+) Finally Made it Offshore Adventures 21107 Gladys Yoakum Dr 77406

Sunesara Akbar (+) Great Light 16155 Mission Glen Dr 77083

Orduna Catherine Orduna Candles 702 Damon St Rr 77471

Zafav Faiza Texadent 8635 Long Point Rd 77055

Mcclendon Kelvin (+) Kelvin Mcclendon & Strive 22155 Wildwood Pk Dr Apt 1312 77469

Billingsley Dauphine L D L Billingsley & Associates 6027 Quiet Village Ct 77053

Holmes Allister L A & E Holmes Transport Service 8115 Weeping Willow Pl 77459

Adams Tara M (+) Cross Your Art 2319 Country Mile Ln 77406

Jeffery R Dale Fort Bend Contract Management 5680 Hwy 6 # 140 77459

The Special Gifts Inc (+) Loli’s Special Gifts 1902 Cypress Dr 77469

Grand Parkway Imaging Center Inc Greatwood Imaging Center 19875 Southwest Fwy # 110 77479

Bolt Steven Crossfit Sugar Land 225 Gonyo Lane 77469

Williams Karen Space City Transportation 16123 Pasadero Dr 77083

Shahid Kamelia Green Planet People 15815 Plagens Lane 77489

Roesler C L (+) Lynnco Distributors 12336 Roesler Rd 77461

Cornejo Heather Creative Catering 2235 Sentinal Oaks 77478

Johnson Mary L (+) M.L.J. Pest Control (+) Po Box 272 77497

Williams Dacia Dacia A Williams Attorney at Law 3335 Cartwright #150 77459

Watts Dorothy (+) Dorothy’s Dilectible Delights (+) 7206 Camino Verde 77035

Nutt Katrina Spa 359 5507 Fm 359 77406 Coverdale Leonard Circle C Consulting 1110 Briarmead 77406 Harris Barney Barney Harris Delivery Service 4946 Drake Stone 77053 Warren Aletha (+) Vip International 5042 Hearth Hollow Ln 77479 Watkins Tiffany (+) Vip Young Executives 5042 Hearth Hollow Ln 77479 Serrano Carmen R Simply Organize 3330 Kempwood Dr 77479 Vehra Nasir M (+) O S K Trucking 2326 Sunset Trail 77478 Bagel Mania Corporation (+) Wendy’s Hwy 36 27943 Sw Freeway 77471

Grand Parkway Sleep Center Inc Greatwood Sleep Center 19875 Southwest Fwy # 110 77479 Cunningham Brenda J (+) Beloved Caregiver Services 21126 Amber Crossing Dr 77406 Wang Eric Diamond Liger 6515 Corporate Drive #12 77036 Williams Joanne (+) Community Assoc. Concepts 935 Eldridge Rd #600 77478 Phillips Lashea Phillips Security Solutions 430 Taskwood Dr 77469 Kesete Michael R Lu & Lu 8010 Thorncroft Manor 77407 Lopez Armando Daniel (+) Armando’s Paint & Body 6829 Highway 36 S 77471

The Smile Doctors Pa (+) Arceneaux Laura (+) Smile Dental Quality Background Screeners 738 Fm 1092 77477 12326 Meadowglen Dr 77477 Nwachukwu Nduka (+) Daniels Norrissell Jr (+) Ndy’s Motors Nov8 Designs & Graphics 16515 Eaglewood Shadows 77498 7206 Camino Verde Dr 77083 Sackett Russell (+) Geathers Tianay (+) Greatwood Tree Service Panther Pride Booster Club 8918 Royal Crest Ln 77469 310 Morton St 77469 Nava Nelsy (+) Kindred-Jenkins Carolyn (+) Envios Y Servicios Express Favor Creations Works 927 Second St 77471 13130 Hp Johnson 77451 Ledesma Eiron (+) Snagg Avril Athete Placement Wrapped N Minutes 2511 Woodstream 77479 10314 Deer Lodge Ct 77459

Velasco Raul Raul’s A/C Service 11959 River Meadow 77477 Wagner Evelyn F Today’s Health Matters 22503 Katy Fwy #5 77450 Nunez Daniel Squaw And Company 11569 S Hwy 6 # 108 77498 Aboudeif Kim (+) Letam Trading 3706 Mission Valley Dr 77459 Marcotte Celani Me’langer 1515 Sandcroft Lane 77479 Gonzalez Jesus I Harris Contractors 15236 Quail Covey Ln 7444 Hi-Tech Appliances Shell Market 11750 Hwy 6 South 77498 Tsounis Shanna Sam Skye Parties 5703 Story Book Trail 77459 Nelson Brandon Woodnuts 20806 Avery Cove Ln 77450

Bernstein Brett (+) Sugar Land Tennis 6019 Kelsey Place Ct 77479 Uribe Gabriel Chicano Auto Sales 3107 Ohio St 7545 Gonzalez Valerie Midnight Cakes 20814 Camphor Tree 77449 Thompson Mcron Top Notch Trucking 4720 Reading Rd #1807 77471 Wardlaw Gwendolyn (+) Kandi’s Salon 15406 W Hutchinson Cir 77071 Marles Alex A & M Construction 610 Regal Hallow Ln 77073 Thomas Earl Thomas Interests 1000 Farrah Ln 77477

Bingham Kathy (+) Elite Medical Collections 310 Morton St Ste KB 77469

Uthuppan Noby K Kochuveettil Cad Drafting & Design 1807 Freedom Tree Ct 77459

Esiaba Chidi (+) 7 Minutes Ltd 6303 Southwood Ct S 77035

Mcgowan Donald Donald Mcgowan Photography 2507 Robin Knoll Ct 77545

On-Call Transportation L L C On-Call Transportation 2002 Eubank St 77093

Jacobs Larry T Texas Touch Up & Paint Po Box 1344 77406

Barrera Johnnye A Jr Admangination 4514 Lake Village Dr 77441

Ojielo Onukwube (+) Pharmdex Consulting Ltd 14027 Coral Bean 77498

Draper Tony C (+) Suave House Music 5090 Richmond Ave #523 77056

Pham Andrew Hao Coporate Copy and Network Solutions 14927 Bennett Mill 77498

Dugger Gregory Allen (+) C&G Trucking (+) 1711 Airline Dr 77493 Taylor General Jr B4u Think Technology Group P O Box 434 77545 Taylor General Jr General Technology Group P O Box 434 77545 Hancock Laconda On The Run Grocery 1514 Willow Mill Dr 77489 Elhamdi Dalila Point Maid 22015 Flannery Ct 77450

09/14/2011 Hendrix Victor C Brazos Derivatives Co. 4130 Hyde Park Dr 77479 155 2011091389 Eres Consultants Digital Learning Institute 307 S Esplanade Ln 77477 Caldwell Kim D Vsb Installations 2335 Morning Meadow Dr 77489 Harper Alan D Harper Services 3130 Windmill St 77479

November 2011 • Fort Bend Business Journal

Data Beat

October 2011 Sales Tax Allocation Comparison Summary Reports

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

Net Payment This Period

Comp Payment Prior Year

% Change To Date

2011 Payments To Date

2010 Payments Change

Percent

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

0.00 6,811.39 35,933.77 1,618.68 75,346.27 436,631.08 28,460.05 4,113.65 3,760.19 314,209.16 838,406.62 12,832.44 1,022,813.71 3,019,753.01 1,339.52

21,602.48 7,532.30 28,522.23 1,147.81 78,783.06 482,825.56 26,777.96 4,056.65 4,787.24 323,478.48 921,506.14 15,985.62 992,406.57 2,749,220.47 1,322.93

-100.00% -9.57% 25.98% 41.02% -4.36% -9.56% 6.28% 1.40% -21.45% -2.86% -9.01% -19.72% 3.06% 9.84% 1.25%

182,714.31 58,791.43 344,853.23 14,575.27 680,840.87 4,414,909.85 267,003.89 32,405.96 36,937.74 2,926,746.27 8,568,211.52 100,725.70 9,999,663.40 29,760,710.38 17,898.84

178,811.42 48,196.87 279,886.99 11,990.71 729,685.45 4,534,479.87 266,474.28 33,203.43 59,245.84 3,114,942.18 8,453,214.90 85,612.90 9,740,165.72 28,372,943.87 25,926.26

2.18% 21.98% 23.21% 21.55% -6.69% -2.63% 0.19% -2.40% -37.65% -6.04% 1.36% 17.65% 2.66% 4.89% -30.96%

COUNTY TOTAL

5,802,029.54

5,659,955.50

2.51%

57,406,988.66

55,934,780.69

2.63%

Top 20 City Sales and Use Tax Comparison Summary - October 2011 Please note that Sugar Land is 17th in sales tax revenues in the state. City

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

Net Payment This Period

Comp Payment Prior Year

% Change To Date

2011 Payments To Date

39,242,667.05 16,375,471.73 18,580,709.26 10,452,237.20 8,331,018.23 7,486,513.34 5,612,228.75 4,600,766.90 4,850,560.63 5,028,492.04 5,071,622.58 4,056,115.31 3,873,366.15 3,515,328.70 3,499,783.72 3,553,145.92 3,019,753.01 7,614,770.01 3,179,321.87 2,502,028.58

36,211,769.26 16,640,047.69 15,112,011.23 10,630,899.03 8,908,974.19 6,315,270.35 5,269,587.41 4,223,667.30 5,109,873.30 4,440,730.82 4,591,248.25 3,877,347.95 3,704,685.92 3,165,287.01 2,745,810.04 3,168,486.87 2,749,220.47 2,427,146.17 2,580,219.20 2,476,752.92

8.36% -1.58% 22.95% -1.68% -6.48% 18.54% 6.50% 8.92% -5.07% 13.23% 10.46% 4.61% 4.55% 11.05% 27.45% 12.14% 9.84% 213.73% 23.21% 1.02%

377,909,396.34 165,681,067.02 163,067,249.45 107,394,872.97 79,173,876.52 63,962,779.26 55,285,023.33 48,893,657.08 48,063,344.73 46,731,658.79 46,687,737.33 41,718,543.81 38,495,177.43 35,422,040.76 34,358,597.21 32,856,643.64 29,760,710.38 29,386,139.63 28,687,999.88 26,550,268.44

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

2010 Payments Change

355,743,616.65 157,351,053.98 154,160,405.31 103,480,610.74 74,817,862.44 61,995,175.32 51,700,852.03 44,242,734.17 47,533,223.42 41,669,930.43 42,726,035.82 41,270,367.35 37,139,789.63 33,118,515.64 26,155,932.45 30,299,949.48 28,372,943.87 24,128,432.97 24,963,993.87 25,523,757.75

Percent

6.23% 5.29% 5.77% 3.78% 5.82% 3.17% 6.93% 10.51% 1.11% 12.14% 9.27% 1.08% 3.64% 6.95% 31.36% 8.43% 4.89% 21.79% 14.91% 4.02%

Data Beat

Commercial Building Permits

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

TYPE OF PERMIT

VALUE

OWNER/CONTRACTOR

MISSOURI CITY 2716 Cypress Point Dr

Commercial Lease Alteration $120,000

9929 Hwy 6

New Commercial

$8,500,000

Satterfield & Pontikes Construction

4422 Riverstone Blvd

New Commercial

$4,069,000

W.R. Newman General Contractors

6324 Hwy 6

New Commercial

$600,000

3434 FM 1092 325

Commercial Lease Alteration $28,000

TSP Holdings LTD/Houston Remodeling Inc.

10207 S Sam Houston Pkwy 100

New Commercial Lease $325,000

MCMET Colony Crossing Limited/Startex Construction Mgmt.

2210 Texas Pkwy

Commercial Alteration

$100,000

5660 Hwy 6

Commercial Alteration

$50,000

Kohls Illinois Inc/Crane Construction Company

6245 Hwy 6 200

New Commercial Lease

$35,000

SDI Missouri City Holdings LLC/Quality Cabinets & More

Grand Total Valuation (Commercial & Residential)

09/01/11-09/30/11

Team Howie LTD/Revelation Construction LLC

Missouri City 6 LP/Higbie Ventures of Texas, Inc.

Willowridge Missionary Baptist/Wyatt Management

$13,827,000

ROSENBERG 24401 Southwest Fwy

Commercial Building

$350,000

24221 Southwest Fwy 1000 Darden Center Dr

Commercial Building

$1,250,000

4002 FM 762

Commercial Building

$300,000

Newquest Properties

27309 Southwest Fwy

Commercial Building

$300,000

Texas Hyundai

28120 Southwest Fwy #102

Commercial Building

$13,989

Tortas Las Llardas

1406 Southgate Drive

Commercial Building

$46,000

M & M IV Limited Partnership

Grand Total Valuation (Commercial & Residential)

09/01/11-09/30/11

Brazos Town Center Tract 10 Olive Garden

$2,270,489

STAFFORD 11210 West Airport Blvd

Commercial Building $ 222,091.87

13350 Pike Rd

Commercial Building

$22,250

12807 Trinity

Commercial Building

$3,999

13131 North Promenade Blvd

Commercial Building

$263,000

Graybar Electric/Facilities Electric

12999 Murphy Rd B-6

Commercial Building

$48,700

Subway Sandwich/Provest Group

Grand Total Valuation (Commercial & Residential)

09/01/11-09/30/11

Wal Mart/Cornerstone Paving Stafford Road Partnership/Texas Fence Co Industeq

$560,150.87

SUGAR LAND 16929 Southwest Fwy

New Commercial

Grand Total Valuation (Commercial & Residential)

$644,818

09/01/11-09/30/11

Sugar Land Properties Inc./C A Walker, Inc. $644,818 November 2011 • Fort Bend Business Journal

NAMES IN THE NEWS

Indermuehle & Co. is now ICO Commercial Indermuehle & Co. has announced its 20 year anniversary and rebranding as ICO Commercial. Investors, companies, corporations and non-profit organizations have relied on their commercial real estate services to successfully guide them through a variety of complex situations. Founded in 1991 by Larry Indermuehle, ICO Commercial will be led by Lang Motes, president and Payton Indermuehle, executive vice president under the direction of Larry Indermuehle, CEO. ICO Commercial’s vision is to guide clients through making informed strategic decisions about commercial real estate buying, leasing, selling, building, managing and investing. Transitioning from a logo with multiple buildings to their new logo consisting of one building symbolizes the simplicity of collaborating with ICO Commercial. The Indermuehle name carries the depth of market knowledge and commitment to integrity that explains why they are a recognized leader in the industry. ICO Commercial’s new branding communicates how simplifying the process creates fresh perspective and serves their clients better. “This is the perfect time to introduce a new logo and branding,” said Lang Motes, president for ICO Commercial. “It demonstrates who we are as a company today, but also where we are going without sacrificing

our rich past. Over the past 20 years the firm’s reach has expanded from a local boutique shop into a regional full-service commercial property solutions provider. We understand that develLang Montes oping our processes around client needs is the key to our success. Our reputation and commitment to these disciplines has contributed to our expanding professional team and our strong year over year sales growth.” “We’ve always been proud of our history yet tried to be a forward-thinking company within the industry,” said Larry Indermuehle, CEO for ICO Commercial. “For 20 years, we have maintained a reputation of reliability, efficiency and authenticity—and those words will always describe who we are.” “We are looking at acquisition opportunities, opening up additional offices, and ultimately further expanding our professional team. We’ve just completed some substantial investments in our technology and support staff and we are very excited about our future,” said Payton Indermuehle, executive vice president. For more information on ICO Commercial visit our updated web site www.icotexas.com.

Sugar Land entrepreneur recognized for top performance Hermes career highlighted for exceptional customer service and business results Jim Hermes has accepted the Chairman’s Inner Circle Award for high standards in customer satisfaction, customer retention and profitable business growth from Allstate Insurance Company. He is one of only 3 percent of Allstate’s agencies and personal financial representatives in Texas to reach this level of achievement, based on sales for auto, property,

commercial, power sports insurance and financial services in the country. Hermes is a prominent entrepreneur in the Sugar Land community, contributing to numerous Jim Hermes local organizations and events. His agency The Hermes Agency is located 1650 Hwy 6, Suite 180 in Sugar Land and can be reached at (281) 2402800.

Fort Bend Business Journal • November 2011

West Fort Bend appoints new board member & president The newest member of the West Fort Bend Management District Board of Director’s is Bob Ray of Ray Glass Company in Rosenberg. Being a small business Bob Ray owner in the district, made Ray a distinguished candidate for serving on the Board of Director’s. Ray brings over twenty years of local business knowledge and experience to the position. As a long time resident of the community, Ray also brings a historical perspective on the evolution of development along the Avenue H corridor throughout the years. In addition to serving on the board, Ray will also serve on the District’s Variance Review Committee. In his first two months on the board Ray has already worked to revise the District’s variance review process. Updates and a diagram of the process will soon be uploaded to the website for the public to view as part of the variance process. In addition, the new process will bring transparency and greater coordination between local governments, developers and the District. This past summer marked tremendous change for the West Fort Bend Management District. In addition to receiving a new board member to the Board of Director’s the District also elected a new Board President and hired an executive director. Joey Dupuis, a long time volunteer with the District will serve as President for the West Fort Bend Management District. Dupuis has a long history of working with the District. Since the District’s creation Dupuis has served in a variety of capacities including the creation of a marketing committee for the District as well as numerous years as a appointed Board Member. Dupuis has seen the organization mature over the past five years and understands the direction it is headed.

Submit Newsworthy items to sharon@fortbendstar.com

Patrick Henry named to Best Companies to Work for in Texas Patrick Henry Creative Promotions, Inc.(PHCP), a full-service food and beverage marketing company in Stafford, has been named one of the Top Best Places to Work in Texas companies for the seventh year. “The 2012 list is out and we were named for the seventh consecutive year to the list (which means we have been on the list since the list began in 2006),” says Laura Nepveux, public relations manager. “Not only did the company make the 2012 list, we will be celebrating our 25th Anniversary in 2012.”

West Fort Bend Management District hires an executive director Upon being awarded an enrichment grant from the George Foundation, the West Fort Bend Management District hired an executive director. Rachel Steele, who is no stranger to Rachel Steele the area, has been named executive director for the 501 (C) 3. Over the past twelve years she has worked in a variety of capacities for Fort Bend County, Village of Pleak, City of Kendleton, Historic Richmond Association, as well as several residential and commercial land developers . Steele brings a host of community development and grant experience to the position. Asked about her goals for the district, Steele is focused on developing the West Fort Bend area as the southern gateway to Fort Bend County, increasing awareness of the District in the community and assisting Richmond and Rosenberg with economic development initiatives. Steele is currently working on several programming initiatives, enhancements to the District website and plans to soon announce the District’s first community open house scheduled for early November.

She added some of the perks offered to PHCP employees include casual dress, close early on Fridays, free car washes, monthly birthday lunches, paid day off on birthdays, surprise gift cards and cash incentives. Patrick Henry Creative Promotions, Inc. creates award-winning food and beverage programs, menus and training materials for national restaurant and hotel chains. Some of its clients include Ruby Tuesday, The Palm Restaurants, Buffalo Wild Wings Grill & Bar, El Chico Cafe, Cantina Laredo, Good Eats, Cool River, III Forks, Hilton Hotels Corporation, Interstate Hotels & Resorts, Columbia Sussex Corporation, McCormick & Schmick’s, Omni Hotels, Hard Rock

Café, The Cheesecake Factory, Loews Hotels, Hospitality USA, Wing’s N More, BJ’s Restaurants and TGI Friday’s. For additional information visit www.phcp. com.

The Patrick Henry Team

Missouri City adds new assistant chief Paige Day is the newly added assistant fire chief for Missouri City Fire & Rescue Service. She brings extensive leadership, government and emergency management experience to the department. In her new role, Day is in charge of operations and training, and is the direct supervisor for the Battalion Chiefs. She began her career as a firefighter and Emergency Medical Technician in 1998 with the Golder Ranch Fire District in Tucson, Arizona. Her exemplary performance led to numerous promotions: Paramedic in 2001, Lieutenant in 2003, Captain in 2005 and Community Service Director and Public Information Officer in 2006. In 2007, Day accepted a position with the federal government as a Hazard Mitigation Specialist and worked closely with an American Indian tribal nation in Arizona. Before joining Missouri City, Day served as Fire Battalion Chief with the fire department for Raytheon Company in Tucson; a position she had held since 2008. Day has a Master’s Degree in Fire Service Administration from Grand Canyon University and is currently

New Asst. Fire Chief Paige Day brings considerable knowledge and experience to the city. Photo courtesy of Missouri City Fire Dept.

pursuing her Ph.D. in education and leadership studies. She and her husband, Mark, have two sons and a daughter. Fire Chief Russell Sander introduced Paige to City Council Members at their Oct. 17 meeting. He said, “She fits well into our organization. She brings considerable knowledge and experience to the department that adds value and will help us reach our established goals as well as reach new goals to provide the best service for our residents.”

November 2011 • Fort Bend Business Journal

Advertising

SERVICE DIRECTORY

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

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

Banks Vista Bank - 281-325-5000 www.vistabank.com Fax: 281-325-5050. Fort Bend County only. 4690 Sweetwater Blvd., Sugar Land 77479 The State Bank of Texas - 281-494-6686 www.tsbot.com nbb@tsbot.com. Nicki Black, 13010 Murphy Road, Stafford, TX 77477, Fax: 281-494-6747, , Locally and independently owned - our prime interest is you! 12 MONTHS LISTING CALL 281-690-4204

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

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

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

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

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

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

Fort Bend Business Journal • November 2011

Gifts Thirty One Gifts - 281.780.0038 JSBerner94@aol.com Our stylish, affordable products are exclusive to Thirty-One. From our signature purses and totes to storage solutions that help organize your life, you’ll find something to fit every personality and situation. Each season, we develop new products built on the idea that our products must be functional AND fashionable (and, of course, make great gifts!).

Health & Beauty Mary Kay Consultant / Susi Berner 281.780.0038 www.marykay.com/sberner sberner@marykay.com Mary Kay® has been a trusted leader in beauty for nearly 50 years, creating innovative products that are available through Independent Beauty Consultants worldwide. Along with age-defying skincare, on-trend makeup, luxurious fragrances and pampering body care. Let me offer you personalized attention, and can even help you earn FREE products by hosting a party with your girlfriends! Call today to book a party with your friends, family and coworkers!

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

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

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

Jewelers The Gold Connection Jewelers 281-344-9900 • We Buy Gold www.goldconnection.net Full service jewelry store. Diamonds, Gold & Silver Jewelry and Watches. Repairs done on the premises.

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

Magazine

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

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

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

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

Open MRI

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

Optometrists

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

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

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

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

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

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

Real Estate / Residential Colliers International, formerly Curtice Commercial Real Estate 281-494-4769 kcurtice@curticecommercial.com. Kolbe M. Curtice, CCIM, CLS, 15999 City Walk Suite 250, Sugar Land Square located at U.S. Highway 59 and State Highway 6, Fax: 281-494-3227, Brokerage, Development, Investment & Tenant Representation, 25 yrs exp. in Fort Bend. Riverstone Development Co. 281-499-8700 www.riverstone.com tom@riverstone.com. Tom Wilcox, 4855 Riverstone Blvd, Missouri City, Texas 77459, Fax: 281-4998704, Luxury waterside living in Fort Bend from $200s to the many millions. Jeanne Gregory, CRS, GRI 281-344-8918 www.jeannegregory.com jeannegregory@earthlink.net. 14905 Southwest Freeway, Sugar Land, Texas 77478, Fax: 281-242-6754, Re/Max Southwest. Residential real estate sales & corporate relocation. Jennifer Weaver, ABR, CRS, GRI 281-207-5037 www.jenniferweaver.com RE/MAX Southwest, 14905 Southwest Freeway, Sugar Land, Texas 77478. Residential sales and corporate relocation since 1979.

Remodeling / Outdoor Living Living Improvements 281-499-7000 www.living-improvements.com AWARD WINNING - 2010 Houston’s BEST “Outdoor Living Space” Living Improvements’ commitment to excellence makes us the perfect fit for your building needs. We have over 200 years cumulative in-house experience in the remodeling and construction industry making us highly skilled, professional and detail oriented striving to exceed our customer’s expectations. We feature outdoor living spaces, custom homes, interior and exterior renovations. Our commitment to excellence is just one of the reasons we have over 4,000 satisfied customers. SERVING FORT BEND & SURROUNDING COUNTIES FOR OVER 35 YEARS. See more on page 58

12 MONTHS LISTING CALL 281-690-4204

November 2011 • Fort Bend Business Journal

SERVICE DIRECTORY

Custom design are our specialty. Front door parking. 206 Hwy 90A, Richmond, Texas 77406.

SERVICE DIRECTORY

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

Storage Facilities Summer Lakes Self Storage 281.239.7199 www.SummerLakesSelfStorage.com 102 Benton Road @ FM 762 in the Richmond/Rosenberg area. Check out our monthly specials along with our unique facility and monthly community events. Craft / Vendor / Garage Sale 2 day event - December 10 & 11th, 7:30 am 2:00 pm & 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm

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.

Windows / Sidings Aaron Schneider 832-878-7444 www.savemoresidingandwindows.com Save-More@Hotmail.com Business overview: Save-More Siding & Window Company is a premiere James Hardi Siding and Simonton Window firm. Our professionalism and attention to detail has set us apart from the rest. Call 832-878-7444 and deal direct with Aaron Schneider owner.

KOLBE CURTICE... continued from page 29

Typical commercial land contracts for new “ground up” construction projects will grant a prospective purchaser a “due diligence” or inspection period that generally will range between 45 and 90 days. Inspection periods for more complex developments can be longer. During the inspection period a purchaser will research the cost, the feasibility and the financing available for the intended project. I generally see the biggest delays during the design stages. That is primarily due the process requiring a substantial number of interactions between the architect and the purchaser. The architect will make design changes and forward those to the client for review and comment. The process will only move forward as fast as the client’s response time back to the architect. Completed plans are required in order to obtain reliable construction estimates from contractors. A reliable cost estimate will assist in discussions with lenders to determine the types of financing available for a project. Most ground up construction projects are funded through “construction” or “bridge” financing lines. Under this arrangement, the lender releases loan funds incrementally to the Purchaser over the course of the project to pay the contractor. The incremental payments are released to the purchaser when the lender’s inspector and/or the project architect certify that the portion of work for which a loan application was submitted, has been performed satisfactorily . Under a construction loan the borrower will typically make interest only payments to the lender on the amount of the loan that has been utilized. These loans are typically short term, generally one to two years to match the projected time frame for construction. At the completion of construction, the purchaser

will obtain “permanent” or long term financing. These loans are usually 5 to 10 year terms with payments based on longer amortization schedules (15 to 25 years). The Buyer will have the right to terminate the purchase contract without cause during the inspection period. Following the expiration of the inspection period, the Buyer risks forfeiture of the earnest money deposit (as well as other available remedies for the Seller) if he or she fails to move forward to close on the property. The property closing is generally scheduled 15 to 30 days following the expiration of the inspection period. The two most important pieces of advice that I can give clients that are considering new commercial construction projects is 1) to budget a sufficient amount of planning time for their project and 2) to hire professionals that have experience working in the municipality in which the property is located (and are familiar with the development codes and requirements for that area). Properly planning for a project will prevent costly delays after the trigger has been pulled and funds are at risk. Having knowledgeable professionals on your development team will do more than anything else to prevent those delays. At one time or another, all of us have used the old “time is money” axiom. You will never become more aware of that than during a commercial ground up construction project . Kolbe M. Curtice CCIM, CLS is a licensed Texas Real Estate Broker and is the Managing Director of Colliers International – Fort Bend, 15999 City Walk, Suite 250, Sugar Land, Texas, 77479. He can be reached at 281-494-4769 or kolbe.curtice@colliers.com.

BRIAN COVAULT... continued from page 41

In addition to coming to your office or home for your computer needs, you can also drop off your system, such as a laptop, at their convenient store front. For more information about Sugar Land PC visit www.sugarlandpc.com or contact President, Charles Swihart at 281 494-0894. Sugar Land PC is a mem-

ber of TCRN-Sugar Land and can be found on www.tcrn-sugarland.com in the Professional Services section under the Computer/Tech Services category. Brian Covault is a columnist for the Fort Bend Business Journal and TCRN Founder/CEO, Texas Community Referral Network. He can be reached at 281-342-8276. www.tcrn-sugarland.com. H

ALAN SANDERSEN... continued from page 13

To be listed call at 281-690-4204 58

The hobby rules are not designed to stamp out entrepreneurship and innovation, or the family farm for that matter. They are designed to keep a lid on things. So, if you are starting a new venture and you are wondering on how the hobby rules might impact you, educate yourself

Fort Bend Business Journal • November 2011

and plan ahead before the nasty audit surprise! Alan Sandersen is a columnist for the Fort Bend Business Journal and is a Partner with Sandersen Knox & Co, L.L.P., Certified Public Accountants. He can be reached at 281-2423232. www.sktx.com. H

Stadia Sports Grill Enterprise and Enbridge to develop crude oil pipeline from Cushing thru Fort Bend coming soon to 500 miles (800 kilometers) southward, nterprise Products Partners L.P. closely following existing pipeline corridors, Sugar Land (NYSE: EPD) (“Enterprise”) and to Enterprise’s ECHO crude oil storage

tadia Sports Grill will soon be added to the ever-growing list of tenants at Sugar Land Town Square. The sports-themed family restaurant will offer an extensive menu featuring a variety of appetizers, wings, burgers, sandwiches, soups and entrees, according to Planned Community Developers, Ltd. (PCD). “I realized the need for a place where you can go and watch your favorite team while enjoying great food, music, and an overall fun and family-friendly atmosphere,” said Stadia Sports Grill Owner Sammy Vela. “We are excited to bring that atmosphere to Sugar Land Town Square with our newest Stadia Grill location.” Set to open in November, Stadia is located at 2105 Lone Star Drive and will occupy 5,557 square feet of space. This will be the fifth Houston-area location of the restaurant. Charles Adams, vice president of retail for PCD, represented PCD in the transaction; James Homeyer of Keller Williams represented Stadia Sports Grill. For a complete list of Sugar Land Town Square restaurants and retailers, visit SugarLandTownSquare.com. More information about Stadia can be found at StadiaGrill.com.

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

Enbridge Inc.(NYSE/TSX:ENB) (“Enbridge”) has announced plans to design, construct and operate a new pipeline to transport crude oil from the oversupplied hub at Cushing, Oklahoma to the Texas Gulf Coast refining complex. Initially, the Wrangler Pipeline will have the capacity to transport up to 800,000 barrels per day (BPD) of crude oil and accommodate the constrained medium-tolight crude oil currently stranded at Cushing and priced at a substantial discount to the oil imports that account for most of the supply being used by Gulf Coast refiners. The pipeline will also have the capability to handle additional supplies of crude oil arriving at Cushing from other North American producers. In anticipation of future increases in crude oil volumes delivered to the Cushing area, the joint venture partners will design the pipeline to be easily expanded. The proposed 36-inch diameter pipeline will originate at the existing Enbridge Cushing Terminal and extend approximately

terminal in southeast Harris County, Texas, providing access to refineries in Texas City, Pasadena/Deer Park, Baytown and along the Houston Ship Channel. New storage tankage necessary for pipeline operations will be located at the ECHO site and included in the joint venture. The project will also include a new 85-mile (137-km) pipeline to the Beaumont/Port Arthur refining center. “We are extremely pleased to partner with Enbridge on this important project and believe that our complementary skills and shared strategic vision will help ensure success, and offer the most efficient and expedient solution for meeting the industry’s need for additional crude oil pipeline infrastructure,” said Michael A. Creel, president and chief executive officer of Enterprise’s general partner. “This pipeline will be able to transport all grades of crude oil in batched configuration to meet the diverse needs of shippers, allowing producers to maximize the value of their crude oil and provide a more reliable source of domestic supply for Gulf Coast refiners.

Fort Bend stimulus funding projects Houston District The Houston District plans, designs, builds, operates and maintains the state transportation system in the following counties: Brazoria, Fort Bend, Galveston, Harris,

Montgomery and Waller. Michael W. Alford, P.E., serves as district engineer. If you have questions or concerns about a state transportation issue in your area, please contact us.

SH 78

027902036

$622,398.21

2010-10

Resurface Roadway

Houston Fort Bend

US 90A

002706055

$1,740,866.10

2009-04

Resurface Roadway

Houston Fort Bend

FM 521

011103054

$1,178,514.42

2009-04

Resurface Roadway

Houston Fort Bend

SH 36

018801036

$1,901,212.63

2009-04

Repair Roadway

Houston Fort Bend

FM 359

054302047

$16,217,082.14

2010-02

Widen Roadway

Houston Fort Bend

091234126

$16,352,376.09

2010-03

Widen Roadway

Houston Fort Bend

091234148

$300,147.96

2009-09

Landscape

Houston Fort Bend

091234150

$3,616,426.89

2010-03

Install Traffic Management Technology

Houston Fort Bend

091234163

$1,043,179.62

2010-05

Widen And Rehabilitate Roadway

Houston Fort Bend

FM 1093

125802031

$1,453,262.34

2009-04

Resurface Roadway

Houston Fort Bend

FM 1464

141502040

$19,558,906.85

2010-02

Widen Roadway

Houston Fort Bend

FM 3155

322301009

$294,856.70

2009-04

Resurface Roadway

November 2011 • Fort Bend Business Journal

Special Feature

FOOD, DRINK, ENTERTAINMENT GUIDE

Kelley’s Country Cookin’ tradition comes to Fort Bend County

Serving a southern style of friendliness By Elsa Maxey

he 7th Kelley’s Country Cookin’ restaurant is operating in Meadows Place at 11555 West Airport featuring hearty portions of comfort food at a reasonable price. Located at one of the gateways into Fort Bend County, this is the place where breakfast is served all day, every day, starting at 6 a.m. Ever try the pancakes “as large as my face,” asks a waitress? You’ll also find all time favorites not only for breakfast, but for lunch and dinner. The entrees at the restaurant, serving that southern style of friendliness, include steaks, seafood, salads, chicken fried steaks, fiesta chicken, and much more to eat there or “to go.” There are lunch and dinner rushes, and that’s part of the attraction, not to mention the real purpose for going. On Thursday night, patrons come for the Texas dozen, the popular 13 shrimp deal. Out here in Fort Bend, Saturday and Sunday breakfasts also find sizeable numbers of people coming to the delicious, aroma filled restaurant. The coffee served? Why it’s the one that’s mountain grown! Donny and Loretta Kelley of the Kelley family, who own and operate two of the seven restaurants, maintain that the family remains committed to J.W. Kelley, Sr. Together with his wife, Betty, he founded the restaurant and established guiding principles for serving quality, country style food and friendly service in a great atmosphere. J.W. Kelley, Sr. passed away in 2009, but his wife remains actively involved with the family affairs. Loretta and her husband Donny, he’s a twin by the way, have been married for 28 years. She started working at the restaurant since “I was a kid, waiting tables back in 1984.” There’s a bit of history to the development of the seven restaurants. After founder J.W. Kelley, Sr. retired from the Houston Police Department in 1983 having completed 26 years of service, he began

Donny & Loretta Kelley

Kelley’s Country Cookin at its first location on Park Place at the Gulf Freeway inside Lang’s Pharmacy. There were nine employees serving a maximum of 50 people at what launched today’s seven locations. Less than 30 years later, the restaurants now employ over 600 people, 75 at the Meadows Place location, that altogether can accommodate approximately 1,400 in their combined locations. No fast food franchise here, boasts the family. Ms. Maureen, who’s still working with the family restaurant at 68 years of age, started when she was 16 when the first location was “Rocky’s Grill”. “There’s lots of loyalty,” said Loretta noting that 15 cooks, who make the hash browns from scratch and the tasty meals, have been with them since the beginning. “We owe our success to our loyal employees. Without them, we would be just another ‘cookie cutter restaurant.’ They make it special, they keep it real. They are family to us.” In Meadows Place, the building purchased for the restaurant took a year in the making as it underwent massive renovation

Fort Bend Business Journal • November 2011

and expansion to bring it to a style that has become the flagship location of all of its restaurants. Patrons have described it as something that looks almost like a ski resort. It has a banquet/meeting facility with a TV/ DVD set up that accommodates up to 100 people. Call and reserve the no-cost room intended for large group dining and/or meeting. The restaurant also does catering and corporate delivery. When I went to the restaurant with a friend, we were served enormous food portions, like the football sized baked potato found on the menu. I had the seafood platter… delicious and plentiful–two very large catfish fillets, eight jumbo butterfly fried shrimp, french fries and cole slaw. I almost ordered the golden fried onion rings, too, but I only have one stomach. There are chicken fried steaks, hamburgers, and much more. I’ve also had the chicken fried chicken steak for lunch and it comes with three generous sides – mine were mashed potatoes, green beans and fried okra. For an appetizer, I went for the fried pickles. This place really has some tasty food at a price that makes you feel you got more than you paid. It’s about $8 for lunch, $7 for seniors. If you have a friend on a diet coming along, Kelley’s has an alternative low carb menu. I sampled some of that too--an omlett with mushrooms and cheese… delicious… and it came with fresh tomatoes. Apple cobbler for dessert was my treat. And, get this, if you want to split your huge entrée, sides and all, there’s no extra plate fee. The wait staff…well mannered. You’ll see smiles from them and perhaps the arrival of a Styrofoam box for leftovers. Loretta says the family appreciates customer patronage and their loyal customers as they continue to return to a place that lives up to the Kelley family motto…Good Food, Excellent Service, Reasonable Price. I will be back. The food is excellent. Be prepared to split a meal with a friend or take home some leftovers to once again enjoy the Kelley family’s comfort food, a great meal deal.

KELLEY’S H UNGRY? We l c o m e t o

The Best In Country Cookin’ “Copied by Many, Equaled by None” Seven locations in the Greater Houston area

Breakfast Served All Day! Lunch Specials Dinner Specials Everyday! Senior Specials

Banquet Room Available for all of your Meetings or Holiday Parties!

Holiday Dinner Package

• Roasted Turkey (sliced) (Grade A 22-24 lb. raw weight) •Pan of Dressing (3-4 qts) • 2 qts. Giblet Gravy • 5 qts vegetables (your choice) • 2 dozen Fresh Baked FEEDS Dinner Rolls APPROXIMATELY •2 Pumpkin or Pecan Pies 15-20

Let us cater your special events! Corporate Delivery Available

17999

281-277-3367 11555 West Airport @59 Meadows Place

O OD S. KIRKW

BUSINESS HOURS Sunday - Thursday 6:00 am - 10:00 pm Friday & Saturday 6:00 am - 11:00 pm

CATERING CORPORATE DELIVERY W AIR ES PO T RT

w w w. ke lleysrestaurant.com November 2011 • Fort Bend Business Journal

SPECIAL RESTAURANT REVIEW By Elsa Maxey

Would you like a slice of history with that? Jovi Beiz

amed after the historic, iconic Char House, Sugar Land Town Square’s inviting Char House Bar & Grille, making its arrival this past February, is about new American cuisine complete with cocktails and good food, featuring a generous helping of Sugar Land history. Locally owned, it has a warm décor, rustic wood and a brick wall that give it rise to its namesake. Upscale and affordable, there’s a lunch menu starting at $6.49 and up. You can also go for dinner for a relaxing meal, and if you don’t want to miss the game, watch it there, even outdoors on the patio, always in the cool shade during daytime hours. The restaurant’s location is where the city radiates akin to both an uptown downtown feel. So, who’s central in all of this? Following his passion, the energetic and disciplined Executive Chef and General Manager Jovi Beiz, who started his training in Europe, has worked alongside celebrity chef Wolfgang Puck. Jovi recently joined the Char House and is enchanted with the history of this area. “This is my destiny,” he said, where he intends to enrich the restaurant community with his brand of avant-guard culinary skills fixing delights “all from scratch,” his old school approach.

Char House Bar & Grille, Sugar Land’s Sweet Restaurant Spot I went there on a mid-afternoon on a Wednesday and conveniently parked about 50 feet away on the street level. I breezed in through the welcoming entry of the etched windowed Char House… classy touch, hello greetings went to gentlemen friends at the bar, and I was seated where two lady friends waited. Drinks were served right away and a zesty seafood bisque loaded with crab was the first arrival at the table. The signature appetizer was the color of fall. The upscale spot with historic photos, quite a tribute to the area’s history, offers a menu of entrees that Jovi said is evolving, much in the same way as the community keeps getting better. We were served within 15 minutes after the order was placed. Appetizers are a must, and the steak salad with a house Shiraz dressing I sampled bumped up the flavor of what can be enjoyed as a dinner entrée. Have you had a hamburger made with Kobe beef? It comes from highly-prized meat with superior marbling, and here it’s served with french fries. Jovi, who eats it rare, said it’s part of the lunch menu, but I bet you can get it for dinner, too. Sandwiches are also offered, crispy chicken on a salad, and there’s that tender rib-eye steak rubbed with flavorful seasonings

Fort Bend Business Journal • November 2011

and cooked to perfection. It came with a buttered sauce, that’s what I had, and was accompanied by lightly seasoned garlic mashed potatoes and the freshest-ever broccoli. Paired with Jovi’s favorite wine, Uno Malbec, makes it an even better treat. The focus on quality is apparent and first experienced with the personable, attentive wait staff. Their graceful presentation at the table, those flowing hands, compliments knowing you’re out and about to be pampered. The staff truly seems to love what it does and that adds to the restaurant’s personality. There’s more. It’s what makes the Char House Bar & Grille special. There’s actual char that was brought from the old Imperial Sugar factory. It’s in the glass candle votive holders with the battery operated glowing candles, like the ones used at the Eiffle Tower restaurant these days. Jovi said they will be replaced with real fire burning candles, authenticating the historic relevance of this restaurant located some two and a half miles away from “the” Char House on U.S. 90A. You’ll find seating at the bar, and the dining area has tables for two and more, a booth, and a large table. Seating capacity is for 98 indoors, and 40 outdoors. Jackets and ties are fine to wear here all the way to the casual. Jovi’s

renovated menu, he said, will bring classic dishes blended with what today’s palate demands. It was not that busy when I arrived at this heart of Sugar Land location, but the activity level heightened and by 7 p.m. there was a glow from the warmth of people that had come to the Char House to make memories that will further add to the community’s history, as well as their personal part of history. Topping on the meal on that fine day were three outstanding desserts - the chocolate cake we all had to split, a nutty rice pudding with pistachio nuts also on top (and, yes, the three of us had it) and we also loved the crème brulee. There’s no denying that the food is good, and they are also open Fridays and Saturdays as a lounge from 11 p.m. to 2 a.m. The experience at this mostly restaurant and grill that is also part historic interest is one worth repeating. Can’t wait to go back! For anyone who enjoys dining with superb personal service, an ample wine and beverage selection, and delectable cuisine, this is the place for you. Reservations are recommended. Book your holiday events here, advises Jovi, adding that there are some openings still left at this time. Enough said. Go out and enjoy!

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

Aling’s Hakka Chinese Cuisine Welcome to Sugar Land’s first Hakka Chinese Restaurant! Using family recipes, Chefs Lin Motiwala and Gary Yan present this unique “Chindian” cuisine, a delicious fusion of both Chinese and Indian cookery (without the curry undertones). From savory steamed or pan fried Dumplings to traditional Indian-style Hakka dishes, as prepared in Bombay/Pune, like Chicken Lollipop, as well as American Chop Suey, each dish is prepared using the freshest ingredients to bring you a dining experience like no other. Lunch specials start at $6.95 for a 4 course meal. Open Tuesday - Sunday. Lunch: 11am-3pm (Tues-Fri). Dinner: 5:30pm-10pm (Tues-Thurs & Sun) and 11pm (Fri & Sat). Aling’s is located in the First Colony Commons shopping center at Hwy 59 and Williams Trace Blvd. between Home Depot and Office Depot. 15425 Southwest Freeway, Sugar Land. Call 281-242-0432. www.alingshakka.com. $$

Greek dining! Aristotle Grill also caters employee lunches, business meetings, and corporate gatherings. Their goal is to leave their guests impressed! Open 7 days, Sun-Thurs 11 am -9 pm, Fri-Sat 11 am -10 pm. 2109-B Highway 6 @ Highway 59 South, Sugar Land. 281-277-7787. $ WB

Aristotle Grill

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

The Greeks have landed in Sugar Land! Owner Hamid Panah and his staff have just opened on the corner of Hwy 6 and Hwy 59 providing the best Greek dishes in the area! Everything from appetizers to traditional Greek salads, to plates specials and traditional Gyro sandwiches, Chicken Shawarma & Kafte Kabobs, this is the place for a nice, relaxed atmosphere and elegant

Candelari’s Pizzeria Albert Candelari began making sausage over 50 years ago. As the years have passed the flavor remains the same, which is why Candelari’s is the “King of Sausages”! They take that delicious Italian sausage and put it in pizzas, pastas, and sandwiches. Enjoy appetizers, salads, pastas, sandwiches, pizzas and desserts in there dining room, large patio, or full bar with large screen TV’s. Happy hour is Monday - Thursday 3 to

7pm. This casual dining experience is available at two locations in Fort Bend. Call either location for take-out or delivery. 7425 Hwy 6 S (Just North of Sienna) 832-947-0440 / 6825 S Fry Rd (Fry & 99) 281-395-6746. www.candelaris.com. $ • FB Fernando’s Latin Cuisine We are pleased to announce the arrival of Fernando’s Latin Cuisine-An exotic culinary adventure! Started by, Fernando Echeverria, the same owner of Los Andes by the Compact Center in Houston-Another wonderful Latin American restaurant. Fernando’s Latin Cuisine is located in the same building where Ruth’s Chris used to be. Featured dishes include Empanadas appetizer, Fileton, (Filet mignon) and Asada Y Camarones, Casually called the surf and turf. 14135 Southwest Freeway, in Sugar Land. 281-494-9087. wwww. fernandosrestaurants.com. $$ • FB Gringo’s Mexican Kitchen Since 1993, we strive to provide the highest quality Mexican food at the lowest price possible. Gringo’s offers dine-in, take out and customized catering to fit your needs. Open Sun-Thurs: 11am – 9pm and Fri-Sat: 11am – 10pm. Join us for Happy Hour (Mon-Fri: 2pm – 6pm) with $2.99 Margaritas and $1 Draft Beers. Some favorites include the Pollo Marisco, Smokin’ BBQ Pork Quesadillas, Sizzling Fajitas and Silver Star Margaritas. Located at 12330 Southwest Freeway in Stafford (59 South and West Airport). 281-980-7482 (RITA) gringosmexicankitchen.com. $ • FB continued on page 64

November 2011 • Fort Bend Business Journal

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. $$ • FB Las Alamedas Restaurant & Cantina Relocated Las Alamedas Restaurant from I-10 and Voss to the beautiful “La Centerra” Town Square on Cinco Ranch Blvd and Grand Parkway. Las Alamedas will continue its 31 year tradition of “Mexican Food with Passion” and warm hospitality amid the art, rich warm colors, stone arches, mahogany and wrought iron reminiscent of fine dining in a Spanish Hacienda. The authentic aromas, spirits of traditional Mexican cuisine, warm ambiance and service will make you come back again and again. Open for lunch and dinner and offers the perfect setting for casual dining, romantic evenings, family dinners and parties. Las Alamedas also serves on Saturday and Sundays a great Brunch menu 11 to 3pm. Open Monday - Thursday 11am to 10pm Friday & Saturday 11am to 11pm and Sundays 11am to 9pm BAR 11am till closing. 23501 Cinco Ranch Blvd., Suite F-140, Katy, TX 77494. 281-3473030. www. LasAlamedas.com. $$ • FB Las Haciendas Mexican Bar & Grill Santos Escobar and his brother Ascension Escobar serve up dozens of heaping traditional gourmet Mexican plates. Lunch Specials run weekdays from 11am - 3pm. Great margaritas, fajitas and much more. Catering available as well as a party room for private parties. • 12821 Southwest Freeway. 281240-3060. $ • FB Lupitas Mexican Restaurant Jaime and Lupe Garcia have lived in Fort Bend for 36 years. Twenty-three of those years have been spent in the restaurant business. If you want authentic Mexican food made from only the freshest ingredients and at a reasonable price, go to Lupitas Mexican Restaurant formerly Pico

De Gallo Mexican Restaurant. The Garcias continually concentrate on customer satisfaction. That includes the quality and freshness of their food as well as the family atmosphere of their restaurant. Dine-In, Take-out, and Catering available. 3121 Highway 6, Sugar Land • Call 281265-6556. $ • WB Mantra Fine Indian Cuisine Discover India with exotic spices and aromatic flavors that will awaken your taste buds and lift you off your feet, we will make you feel like royalty. Mantra Fine Indian Cuisine offers Lunch Buffet and To-Go lunch options, that’s in your budget and leave you to come back for more. Mantra caters to all from spicy hot to mild flavors. We prepare our meals fresh and offer a wide selection of healthy choices. We have full menu and full bar and you can enjoy the evening out on our patio with your family or friends. Mantra also offers special catering promotions for parties and formal functions or any event any size, host in our restaurant or choosing of your choice. Hours of Operation: Monday through Thursday, Friday to Sunday, Lunch: 11a.m. to 2:30p.m. Lunch: 11a.m. to 2:30p.m. Dinner: 5:30pm to 10p.m. Dinner: 5:30pm to 11p.m.Come visit us at 15295 Southwest Freeway off of Williams Trace exit. For more information, contact us at 281-325-0071 or visit www.mantraofsugarland.com. $$ • FB Outback Steakhouse Inspired by Australia’s spirit of adventure, Outback Steakhouse has been an innovator in the culinary world by creating big, bold flavors using only the freshest ingredients. Voted #1 Best Steak in the 2009 Zagat Survey of National Full-Service Restaurant chains, Outback’s mission is to provide high quality fresh dishes at affordable prices. Explore Outback’s new menu with 15 meals under $15 including new choices, classic favorites and down under prices starting at $9.95. Our favorites include the Bloomin’ Onion®, Outback Special Sirloin with Grilled Shrimp on the Barbie, Honey Dijon Chicken with Sweet Potato Fries and much more! The local Proprietor is Anthony Antonidis. Open Mon.- Thur. 4-10 pm, Fri. 4-11 pm, Sat. 3-11 pm, Sun 11 am-9:30 pm. Located at 15253 Southwest Freeway, (Off Highway 59 and Williams Trace Exit) in Sugar Land, Texas. 281980-4329. $ FB Panda Garden Panda Garden Restaurant, the three times winner for Best Oriental Restaurant in Fort Bend County,

Fort Bend Business Journal • November 2011

located at 3563 Highway 6 in Kroger Center, provides a warm, casual environment to best service all diners. The goal of our restaurant is to offer 100% satisfactory to the customers with variety selection of popular Hunan Cuisine. “We offer fresh, made from scratch meals that is unforgettably delicious!” Manager Kenny adds. The restaurant offers accommodations for small group meetings and wonderful party tray for catering to the near by businesses and schools. Panda Garden is open 7 days a week on Mon. – Sat.: 11a.m. – 10 p.m. and Sun. 11a.m. – 9:30p.m. Delivery is available everyday with a min. of $15.00 purchase. A lunch special is offered daily as well as the full regular menu offerings. 3563 Hwy 6 @ Williams Trace, 281-265-0303. $ • WB Post Oak Grill Restaurant & Bar The Rios Family invites you to come and experience the same quality, ambiance and service that you have at the original Post Oak Gill. Join us for a wonderful culinary adventure featuring fine center-cut steaks, chops, fresh seafood, soups, sandwiches, salads, and outstanding wine selection. Open lunch & dinner - MondayThursday 11:00-9:00pm, Friday & Saturday 11:00-10:00pm. Happy Hour 3:00-6:00pm. 4524 Highway 6, Sugar Land • Call 281-4912901. www.postoakgrillsugarland.com $$ • FB Sandy McGee’s Restaurant & Catering The “BEST” soups, gourmet sandwiches and salads in TEXAS. Casual Dining in Historic Downtown Richmond. Sandy McGee’s has a sterling reputation for “FRESH”. Mon.-Fri. 10am-9pm and Sat.-Sun. 10am-3pm. 314 Morton St., Richmond. 281-344-9393. $ Tornado Burger Home of the famous Spicy Burger. Find out why Houston’s largest newspaper raves about their burgers! Read the review by the Houston Chronicle at: http://blogs.chron.com/cookstour/ archives/2007/09/burgerology.html. They make their burgers with fresh-ground chuck, and even their buns are handmade! The French fries are fresh Idaho potatoes cut right in front of you and fried to order! They compete with the multinationals with fresh food at low prices and very fast service. Their Philly Cheesesteaks are as good as Pat’s if not better! Open Mon. - Sat. 11am-10pm, Sun. 11am-9pm. Dine-In or Drive-Thru. 505 Murphy Rd (FM 1092) just south of Hwy 90 in Stafford, 281-403-FAST (3278). $

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You’ve spent hours on the phone together — and months planning a girl’s get-away. Now do something else together — schedule a mammogram. State-of-the-art BreaSt CanCer DiagnoStiCS: Digital Mammography Breast Ultrasound Breast MRI MRI Guided Biopsy Ultrasound Biopsy Stereotactic Biopsy A special thank you to the Fort Bend Junior Service League members who are the faces of our Women’s Health Campaign.

Reminding a friend to schedule a mammogram could save her life. According to The National Cancer Institute, the most effective ways to detect breast cancer early are getting a high-quality screening mammogram and having a clinical breast exam on a regular basis. You can rest assured that at the Breast Center at Methodist Sugar Land Hospital you and your friend will receive the high-quality mammogram you need. It is the only full-service center of its kind in Fort Bend County that women can rely on for dedicated breast radiology expertise, state-of-the-art technology and compassionate care.

Call 281-242-PINK (7465) to schedule a mammogram at Methodist Sugar Land Hospital.

LEADING MEDICINE® Spine BreastCenter Center

16655 Southwest Freeway Sugar Land, Texas 77479 281-242-PINK (7465) MethodistSugarLand.com